𝐀 𝐆𝐮𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐓𝐨 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭 | 𝐇𝐒𝐑 | 𝐉𝐢𝐚𝐨𝐪𝐢𝐮

5 ~ This feeling...

The endless hustle and bustle around Yaoqing had become its own signature of a lively fleet in Xianzhou. The endless starskiff flying around in a jetty, the wandering cloud knights guarding every corner of the streets from any marastruck. The pitter pattering of shoes as citizens walked back and forth in endless destinations. The sun was shining down on us as I found myself strolling around the city streets with Jiaoqiu, and a man, Moze, between us, with his hand on Jiaoqiu's shoulder. Apparently his duty with Feixiao was discharged a few days back, and went back to being the protective and mysterious person towards Jiaoqiu- unknowingly to us he would join in. I wouldn't say it bothered me, it was unexpected for him to suddenly crash in our stroll.

Jiaoqiu has learned a lot these past days, I didn't have to be there to guide him all the time around his house anymore, mostly hearing him count the numbers of steps to a specific location all while keeping his arms extended. In return, he taught me how to handle medicine in his artistry to help him continue his job. It was not the usual mundane cycle in our lives, sometimes we'd eat outside, enjoy the serene landscape of our environment, talk about the most random things we could come up with, laugh together, and in some moments create closure with each other. I am still his guide, but I have yet to ponder what else I am to him? Clearly I don't think I'm just a guide, but I can't suddenly jump into conclusions without proper proof. Watching him fan himself in a slow manner, his tail brushing the floor in subtle wags, a soft smile across his lips while his eyes remained shut, hiding away the beauty of his hues from the vision he had lost.

We found ourselves leisurely walking around the area of Yaoqing, passing by a few buildings and restaurants. I just wished Moze was walking on the other side of Jiaoqiu so we could walk together like we always did before, but alas he wouldn't budge. Not even Jiaoqiu himself could make him move out between us, he was cold and silent.

The growing tension between this unbearable silence was dreadful, Jiaoqiu seemed unbothered, at least that's what I think he felt right now. Every time I glance at him, I can see flowers and the baby pink aura around him. His medium and silky pink hair flowing with the air, the contour of his face, and the smile he wears around, it was enough to make my blood rush through my veins, my heart beating in haste. Never imagined I'd let him walk inside my mind freely.

Turning my head to look at the two as we walked, I mustered up my courage to speak up again, only to chicken out and return my eyes back to the view in front. God, I could feel my cheeks burning already. I couldn't ask Moze to move to the other side so I could walk beside Jiaoqiu, but that would make me look desperate and obvious, it's this deafening silence that kept testing my desires.

Arriving at our destination, just somewhere in Yaoqing that had a lot of visitors. Hanging flowers with different color assortments drifted off with the wind, the scent of nature surrounding our nostrils, and the supple waves of the small pond. Moze leaned on the metal railings, arms crossed, his body in an idle stance between us. I had my hands clasped together in front of me, watching the entrance of The Xianzhou fleet. Jiaoqiu, facing the same direction as I was, taking in the sounds and the scent.

Turning my head to gaze at his figure, I propped my hands on the railings and leaned forward, keeping my eyes locked to Jiaoqiu's face. Striking a conversation was harder than I thought, usually he's the one who initiates our conversations, while I set the atmosphere and curve the path of our topics. This time it's different, with Moze around we couldn't bring anything up without making the topic too awkward or oddly irrelevant. Obviously I'd want him to be part of our conversation- but it's my second time seeing this unfathomable man, I'm afraid he'd judge me and my interactions with Jiaoqiu.

"General Feixiao asked how you both are doing..." Moze turned his head to look at me, mine also turning and locking each other's eyes. "...Especially the sister." He looked away, his head slightly down with his eyes closed.