"Bound by Destiny"

Chapter 17: Boundaries of Friendship

As the sun set, painting the sky with hues of pink and gold, the Cloud Recesses were bathed in a warm, tranquil light. Wei Wuxian lay in bed, his energy slowly returning with each passing day. His injury had mostly healed, thanks to Lan Wangji's attentive care and the diligent work of the healers. Yet, even as his body mended, Wei Wuxian felt a strange tension lingering between them, something he couldn't quite understand but sensed deeply.

Lan Wangji had remained a constant presence by Wei Wuxian's side, often refusing to leave even when Wei Wuxian insisted he was fine. There was a gentleness in the way Lan Wangji looked after him - bringing him meals, helping him with his bandages, and reading to him during the long, restless hours of recovery. Wei Wuxian was grateful, but he couldn't shake the feeling that there was something more behind Lan Wangji's concern, something that made his chest tighten in ways he didn't yet have words for.

**A Tense Afternoon**

One afternoon, as Wei Wuxian was practicing his sword forms in the courtyard, Lan Wangji stood at a distance, observing him intently. Wei Wuxian's movements were still a bit stiff, his strength not fully returned, but his determination was clear in every swing and stance. Lan Wangji's gaze followed him, a mixture of pride and protectiveness etched into his usually calm features.

Suddenly, a group of Lan disciples approached, their expressions bright with curiosity. They had been watching Wei Wuxian's recovery with keen interest, impressed by his resilience despite his injury.

One of the disciples, Lan Yi, smiled as he approached Wei Wuxian. "Wei-xiong, it's good to see you up and practicing again!" he said warmly. "Your determination is admirable."

Wei Wuxian grinned, wiping the sweat from his brow. "Thanks! I'm almost back to full strength," he boasted, twirling his sword with a flourish. "Just watch, I'll be sparring with Lan Zhan again in no time!"

Lan Yi laughed, and a few of the other disciples nodded in agreement. "You're quite the fighter, Wei-xiong. Maybe you could teach us a few moves sometime!" another disciple suggested, his tone light-hearted.

Wei Wuxian chuckled, pleased by their enthusiasm. "Sure, I'd be happy to! But only if you're ready to handle my secret techniques," he teased, flashing a playful wink.

As the group laughed and chatted, Lan Wangji's eyes narrowed slightly. He had been standing quietly by, watching the interaction with a growing sense of unease. The way the disciples clustered around Wei Wuxian, their admiration clear, sparked a feeling in Lan Wangji that he couldn't quite name - a feeling that tightened in his chest and made his grip on his own sword tense.

Lan Wangji stepped forward, his presence immediately drawing the attention of the group. His expression was as serene as ever, but there was a subtle shift in his demeanor, a barely perceptible edge to his normally calm gaze.

"Wei Ying," Lan Wangji said, his voice low and controlled. "You should not overexert yourself. You are still recovering."

Wei Wuxian glanced over, slightly surprised by the sternness in Lan Wangji's tone. "I'm fine, Lan Zhan," he assured, though his smile faltered slightly at the intensity in Lan Wangji's eyes. "I was just showing them a few moves."

Lan Yi, sensing the tension, quickly stepped back, offering a polite bow to Lan Wangji. "Lan Wangji-xiong, we were only-"

"You should return to your studies," Lan Wangji cut in, his voice cool and authoritative. "There is much to learn and little time to waste."

The disciples exchanged brief, uneasy glances before nodding and dispersing, though a few cast lingering, curious looks at Wei Wuxian as they left. Wei Wuxian watched them go, his expression caught between confusion and mild irritation. Once they were out of earshot, he turned to Lan Wangji with a frown.