𝙃𝙪𝙖𝙇𝙞𝙖𝙣 𝙊𝙣𝙚𝙨𝙝𝙤𝙩

𝒄𝒍𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒐 𝒎𝒆

Hua Cheng sat comfortably in the garden of Puqi Shrine, polishing E-Ming. The blade gleamed in the sunlight, sharp and menacing but his movements were slow and methodical, almost peaceful.

Xie Lian sat beside him, resting his chin on his hand as he watched Hua Cheng with a soft smile. He hadn't said much in the past few minutes, just observing quietly.

"Gege, you've been staring at me for a while.." Hua Cheng said without looking up, a teasing lilt in his tone. "Is there something on my face?"

Xie Lian blinked and sat up straight. "No! I was just... admiring you, San Lang."

Hua Cheng chuckled, finally meeting Xie Lian's gaze. "Admiring me? What an honor. Gege, are you feeling okay?"

Xie Lian huffed and crossed his arms. "I'm serious! You're very handsome, San Lang. Can't I admire you?"

Hua Cheng smirked and set E-Ming aside. "Of course, you can. In fact, I encourage it."

Xie Lian blushed but instead of retreating, he leaned closer, his eyes sparkling mischievously. "Then don't complain if I stare." Hua Cheng raised an eyebrow. "I wouldn't dream of it."

Satisfied, Xie Lian scooted even closer until their shoulders were touching. He sighed contentedly and tilted his head to rest against Hua Cheng's. Hua Cheng froze for a moment, surprised by the sudden intimacy but quickly relaxed, his lips curving into a fond smile.

"Gege, are you trying to cling to me?" Hua Cheng asked, his voice low and teasing. Xie Lian didn't move, his voice muffled as he replied, "And if I am?"

Hua Cheng laughed softly, wrapping an arm around Xie Lian's waist and pulling him closer. "Then I'll let you cling as much as you want. I'm not going anywhere."

They sat like that for a while, the peaceful silence of the garden enveloping them. Hua Cheng occasionally glanced at Xie Lian, his heart swelling at how content the other looked.

Eventually, Xie Lian shifted slightly, breaking the silence. "San Lang, do you ever get tired of me being like this?" Hua Cheng frowned, pulling back to look Xie Lian in the eyes. "Why would you ask that?"

Xie Lian hesitated, his gaze dropping. "I don't know... I feel like I'm being a bit too clingy today. I don't want to be a bother to you."

Hua Cheng cupped Xie Lian's face gently, lifting his chin so their eyes met. "Gege, listen to me. You could never be a bother. If anything, I wish you'd be clingier. It just means you feel safe with me, doesn't it?"

Xie Lian's eyes widened, his cheeks flushing. "I do feel safe with you, San Lang. You make me feel... cherished." Hua Cheng's expression softened and he leaned in, pressing a gentle kiss to Xie Lian's forehead. "You are cherished. Always."

Feeling bold, Xie Lian closed the small distance between them, brushing his lips against Hua Cheng's in a tender kiss. Hua Cheng responded immediately, his hand sliding to the back of Xie Lian's neck to deepen the kiss.

When they finally pulled apart, Xie Lian was breathless but smiling. "Maybe I should be clingy more often." Hua Cheng chuckled, resting his forehead against Xie Lian's. "Please do, Gege. I wouldn't have it any other way...."

They spent the rest of the afternoon tangled together, Xie Lian happily clinging to Hua Cheng and Hua Cheng holding him as if he was the most precious treasure in all the realms.