Beneath the Moonless Sky

An Unexpected Connection

Saturday arrived, and Lan Wangji followed his usual routine. After dropping Lan Xichen off at the house, he made his way to the flower shop, arriving just as it was about to close. He lingered outside for a moment, watching through the window as Wei Ying worked, carefully tending to the plants. Wei Ying's delicate movements, though unsteady, carried an unmistakable sense of care and affection for the flowers.

When the last customer left, Lan Wangji stepped inside. The familiar chime of the doorbell made Wei Ying look up, and a wide smile spread across his face when he saw Lan Wangji.

"Lan Zhan! You came," Wei Ying greeted him warmly, wiping his hands on his apron.

Lan Wangji nodded, returning the greeting with a soft smile. "I did. Are you ready to go to the library?"

Wei Ying's enthusiasm dimmed slightly as he fidgeted with the hem of his apron. "I... I don't want to waste your time, Lan Zhan. You've helped me a lot already..."

"You are not wasting my time," Lan Wangji interrupted gently. "I am here because I want to help you."

Wei Ying looked up at him, eyes wide with uncertainty but also a flicker of gratitude. After a moment, he nodded. "Okay. I'll get my things."

They left the shop together and walked in comfortable silence to the local library, a quiet sanctuary where they had spent the last few weeks studying. Wei Ying had made progress, though it was slow. He had started recognizing a few letters and could sometimes piece together short words, but writing was still a struggle. His hand trembled too much, and his confidence wavered often.

When they arrived at their usual spot in the library, Lan Wangji took out the book they had been working through. Wei Ying sat across from him, staring at the page with a mixture of concentration and frustration.

"Let's start where we left off," Lan Wangji said, opening the book to a familiar passage.

Wei Ying leaned in, his eyes scanning the letters, but it was clear he couldn't make sense of them. His face scrunched up in frustration, and after a few moments, he sighed heavily, dropping his head into his hands.

"I still can't do it," Wei Ying muttered, his voice thick with defeat. "I'm never going to learn..."

Lan Wangji reached across the table, his hand resting gently on Wei Ying's. "You will," he said firmly. "It takes time, but you will get there."

Wei Ying looked up at him, his eyes brimming with doubt. "How do you know?"

"Because I believe in you," Lan Wangji replied without hesitation. "And I will not give up on you."

Wei Ying's eyes softened at Lan Wangji's words, and for a moment, he was speechless. No one had ever believed in him the way Lan Wangji did. No one had ever been this patient, this kind.

Lan Wangji picked up the pencil and slid a piece of paper toward Wei Ying. "Let's try writing today," he suggested. "I'll guide your hand if you need it."

Wei Ying hesitated but nodded slowly. Lan Wangji moved around the table, sitting beside him. He took Wei Ying's hand in his own, steadying the trembling fingers as he placed the pencil in Wei Ying's grip.

"Start with the first letter of your name," Lan Wangji instructed gently.

With Lan Wangji's guidance, Wei Ying carefully traced the letter W on the page, his hand shaking slightly but supported by Lan Wangji's steady hold. It was slow, but they worked together, forming each letter with patience and care.

"W... e... i..." Wei Ying whispered as they formed the letters together.

When they finished writing his name, Wei Ying stared at the paper in disbelief. It wasn't perfect—far from it—but it was his name, written in his hand, with Lan Wangji's help.

"I did it," Wei Ying breathed, his voice filled with awe.

Lan Wangji smiled softly, nodding. "You did. You're making progress."

Wei Ying looked up at Lan Wangji, a new sense of hope in his eyes. For the first time in a long time, he felt like maybe—just maybe—he could learn. With Lan Wangji by his side, he wasn't alone in his struggles anymore.

"Thank you, Lan Zhan," Wei Ying said quietly, his voice filled with gratitude.

"You are welcome, Wei Ying," Lan Wangji replied, his heart warmed by the boy's quiet determination. "We will continue this together."

And so, their bond grew stronger with each passing day, as they navigated the difficult path of learning and trust, side by side.