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The weather was unusually serene in Ghost City, the usual chaos replaced by a calm, almost tranquil atmosphere. In the heart of Paradise Manor, Hua Cheng and Xie Lian sat together..enjoying a rare quiet moment. Xie Lian was busy mending one of his robes, his hands moving deftly with the needle and thread. Hua Cheng, however had no intention of letting him focus on anything but him.
Without warning, Hua Cheng draped himself over Xie Lian from behind, his arms wrapping snugly around Xie Lian’s waist. “San Lang!” Xie Lian exclaimed and startled. He dropped the fabric he was holding and turned slightly to look at Hua Cheng who had buried his face in the crook of Xie Lian’s neck. “What are you doing? I’m trying to work here.”
“I missed you, Gege” Hua Cheng murmured, his voice muffled but full of affection. Xie Lian chuckled softly. “San Lang, you’ve been by my side all day. How can you miss me?”
“I always miss you, no matter how close we are.” Hua Cheng replied, tightening his hold. “Besides, you look like the perfect size for hugging. How can I resist?”
Xie Lian sighed, a smile tugging at his lips. “You’re impossible, San Lang.” Hua Cheng smirked and leaned closer. “Impossible to resist, you mean?”
Before Xie Lian could respond, the door burst open and in walked Shi Qingxuan, his usual bubbly energy lighting up the room. “Your highness!! I- oh!” He stopped mid-sentence, his eyes widening at the sight of Hua Cheng practically glued to Xie Lian.
He Xuan followed shortly behind, his expression as unreadable as ever. He took one look at the scene and sighed. “I told you we should have knocked.”
Shi Qingxuan grinned. “What are you two doing? Don’t tell me you’re this lovey-dovey all the time!” Xie Lian flushed, gently trying to pry Hua Cheng off him. “Wind Master, it’s not what it looks like-”
“Oh, it’s exactly what it looks like." Hua Cheng interrupted smoothly, not letting go. “I’m simply appreciating my Gege.” Shi Qingxuan giggled. “You two are adorable. Ming-xiong, why don’t you ever hug me like that?”
He Xuan raised an eyebrow. “You’re not exactly huggable when you’re bouncing around like a whirlwind.”
“Rude!” Shi Qingxuan pouted, but his attention quickly returned to Hua Cheng and Xie Lian. “So, your highness, do you enjoy being treated like a plushie?”
Xie Lian’s face turned red and he tried again to extricate himself from Hua Cheng’s grasp. “I… um… San Lang just likes to tease-"
“Gege loves it." Hua Cheng said confidently, planting a quick kiss on Xie Lian’s temple. “He just won’t admit it.”
Shi Qingxuan clapped his hands. “I knew it! You’re such a cute couple!” He Xuan rolled his eyes and crossed his arms. “Are we done here? I don’t think they appreciate the intrusion.”
“Fine, fine” Shi Qingxuan relented, waving his hand dramatically. “We’ll leave you lovebirds alone. But your highness..next time you visit, I want all the details!” With that, the pair left, Shi Qingxuan’s laughter echoing down the hall.
Xie Lian let out a long sigh of relief, leaning back against Hua Cheng. “San Lang, you really don’t make things easy for me.” Hua Cheng chuckled, finally loosening his hold but keeping Xie Lian close. “Why should I? Making you blush is my favorite thing.”
Xie Lian turned to face him, his expression softening. “You always teasing me.."
“That's my nature self, Gege.." Hua Cheng teased, leaning in for a kiss. Xie Lian closed the distance between them, their lips meeting in a gentle, lingering kiss. When they pulled apart, Hua Cheng rested his forehead against Xie Lian’s. For the rest of the evening, they stayed entwined, Hua Cheng’s arms never leaving Xie Lian, as if holding him was the only thing that truly mattered.
