Xingqiu's Diary

January 25th

After several days of meandering, we chanced upon a quaint, isolated cottage. While it may not embody perfection, I am most assured that we can metamorphose it into a snug home. The exterior of the building looked to be in fairly good condition, though the same could not have been said about the inside. We are still in possession of surplus funds obtained through benevolent acts for civilians, which we shall allocate towards mending any interior dilapidations. Primarily, it simply requires a thorough cleansing, as it is heavily coated in dust and adorned with cobwebs. At the very least, we shall at last secure a lasting residence. I briefly entertained the notion that the domicile might belong to another, yet dismissed it due to its current state of disrepair.

We made for the nearest village and once arrived, I courteously asked one of the villagers to direct us to a home improvement retailer, and they were so kind as to personally escort us to the most proximate one. I insisted on indemnifying them for their mellow gesture, however, they humbly denied, claiming it was what any noble person would do. What a virtuous fellow. My darling and I set foot in the shop, what we needed already in mind. We gathered tools and materials and recompensed for them at the register.

Upon our return to the house with the supplies, we promptly set about the task of restoring the dwelling. Our labors ranged over practically the entire day, yet upon completion, we beheld a pristine abode to cherish as our residence. I observed our dearth of rations and suggested to Chongyun that we embark on a sojourn to the village once more today. He agreed and we set forth into the familiar settlement again. Inquiring about navigation proved superfluous on this occasion, for we were irresistibly drawn towards a bakery, lured by its delectable aroma. There were many unique baked goods to choose from, and we purchased cream cheese-filled croissants.

Subsequently, we visited an eatery wherein a lady of notable familiarity was employed. She appeared to be of a similar age to Chongyun and myself, perhaps differing by a mere year, if at all. Upon our entrance, she greeted us warmly, promptly articulating dishes that tantalized my taste buds. I ordered a couple of grilled fish skewers to accompany our croissants.

As we exited the diner, I caught a glimpse of another familiar lady. Her long brunette hair was tied back into twin-tails and she was waving around flyers. She looked over in our direction and stopped us, a cheeky grin plastered on her face. I was handed a flyer containing...coupons for funeral wares. I cringed. I had not even that long ago saved my lover from a wicked fate. I did not want to think about dying right now. I hurriedly pulled Chongyun behind me back to our new home as dusk approached as my stomach twisted from the memory. We sat at the newly repaired table to dine on our pastries and fish, though I still felt uneasy.

Whilst we partook of our repast, reflections upon the journey of our relationship graced my mind. Though our official union spans but a mere month, the conviction resides within me that I yearn to share the entirety of my existence with this extraordinary gentleman. I can vividly envision our nuptials at this instant; Chongyun adorned in a lustrous, iridescent gown, his veil embellished with floral accents upon the headband... Alas, it appears we shall have no guests, yet a ceremony for just the two of us still resonates with delight.

Once we finished our meal, I stepped outside to the porch where I settled upon the swing, gently swaying in rhythmic harmony. I shut my eyes, embracing the refreshingly cool zephyrs and the enchanting symphony of the natural world. Chongyun cast a tentative glance from the threshold, prompting me to bestow upon him a smile. Flushed with modesty, he joined me, tenderly clasping my hand in his.

He tilted his head, his expression almost pleading, clearly expecting a smooch. We pressed our lips together, sharing a sweet kiss. My eyes were fixated on his, slightly lidded as our mouths meshed together. I ran my fingers through his soft locks, savoring the moment. His wet tongue caressed mine, and I inhaled his scent. He smelled of roses...such a lovely scent. We diverged, and in due course, I ascended to his lap, yearning for deeper intimacy. The heavens above were cloaked in pitch darkness, with stars gleaming like diamonds in the firmament. Oh, the way he regards me, those glittering blue eyes... Words scarcely suffice to articulate the profound love I harbor for this gentleman. His affectionate gaze invariably sends my heart fluttering. I deftly unfastened the top button of his blouse, a playful smile gracing my lips. He responded with an adorably awkward grin. I possess him entirely for myself, being the only one to see him like this.

I proceeded to unhitch the remaining buttons, our only light source the glimmering stars, pressing my lips to the soft skin on his chest as it was exposed. I unmounted his thighs and sat on the porch. I kissed down his torso, and my mouth made its way down to his stomach. I helped him out of the rest of his clothes, and I too stripped down to nothing. What happened next can be left to the imagination. After our passionate brush, I held him close in my arms, and I quietly whispered the question in my mind all day; if he would be my bride. Much to my delight, he accepted, even getting emotional. I caressed his beautiful body, attempting to soothe him. The wind suddenly picked up, making the chill unbearable. We retreated indoors, settling upon the bed we would share, tucking ourselves underneath the covers.

With this clean slate in our entwined lives, we will henceforth be liberated from the throes of despondency or fright. We shall be present for one another through thick and thin.