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The Ghost City was unrecognizable tonight. The usual dark and eerie streets were alive with color and laughter as lanterns of every shape and hue hung from every corner. Stalls lined the roads, selling ghostly snacks and trinkets while music filled the air, blending seamlessly with the chatter of spirits.
Xie Lian stood in the heart of it all, gazing around with wide-eyed wonder. “San Lang, this is… incredible. It’s like a whole different world here.”
Hua Cheng who stood just behind him, smiled softly. “Gege likes it?”
Xie Lian turned to him, his expression glowing with delight. “It’s amazing. Did you organize this?”
Hua Cheng chuckled, crossing his arms. “Ghost City is my domain. Of course, I did. Only the best for Gege.”
A soft blush crept onto Xie Lian’s cheeks, and he turned away slightly to hide it. “You spoil me too much, San Lang.”
Before Xie Lian could reply, a group of rowdy ghosts nearby erupted in cheers as a firework shot into the sky, scattering shimmering lights across the festival. Xie Lian smiled at the display as his eyes catching the reflections of the lights in the lanterns above.
“San Lang, can we release a lantern together?” Xie Lian asked, his voice tinged with excitement. Hua Cheng blinked momentarily surprised by the request but then his lips curved into a fond smile. “Of course. Anything for you, Gege.”
They strolled through the bustling streets until they found a vendor selling floating lanterns. Xie Lian chose one painted with delicate flowers while Hua Cheng silently paid for it, brushing off Xie Lian’s protests.
“San Lang, you don’t have to pay for everything” Xie Lian said with a soft laugh as they carried the lantern to a quiet part of the river.
Hua Cheng raised an eyebrow. “And let anyone else have the honor of doing it for you? Never.” Xie Lian sighed but couldn’t help the smile tugging at his lips. “Thank you.."
They reached the riverbank, where the glow of the festival lights reflected on the water. Hua Cheng knelt gracefully to light the lantern while Xie Lian watched.
“Make a wish, Gege" Hua Cheng said, handing him the lantern.
Xie Lian hesitated, his gaze softening as he looked at Hua Cheng. “I think… I already have everything I could wish for.”
Hua Cheng’s breath hitched slightly but he quickly masked it with a teasing smirk. “Flirting with me now, Gege? I didn’t know you had it in you.”
Xie Lian laughed, the sound light and musical. “I’m serious, San Lang. You’ve given me more than I could ever ask for.”
Hua Cheng stood, stepping closer to Xie Lian, his crimson eye locked onto him. “Then I’ll make a wish.”
“And what would that be?” Xie Lian asked, tilting his head curiously.
Hua Cheng leaned in, his voice dropping to a whisper. “That you’ll always stay by my side.”
Xie Lian’s breath caught as their faces were mere inches apart. The moment felt suspended in time, the laughter of the festival fading into the background.
“San Lang…” Xie Lian murmured, his voice barely audible.
Hua Cheng didn’t wait for a reply. He closed the gap, his lips brushing against Xie Lian’s in a kiss as gentle as the glow of the lanterns around them. Xie Lian’s eyes widened briefly before they fluttered shut and he leaned into the kiss, his heart swelling with warmth.
When they pulled apart, Hua Cheng’s gaze was soft but unwavering. “I mean it, Gege. You’re my everything.” Xie Lian felt his face heat, but he smiled, his hands reaching up to rest lightly on Hua Cheng’s chest. “And you’re mine, San Lang..."
They released the lantern together, watching as it floated up into the night sky, carrying with it their unspoken promises.
As they walked back to the lively festival, Hua Cheng slipped his hand into Xie Lian’s, holding it firmly but gently. Xie Lian didn’t pull away, his heart light as they wandered through the glowing streets, the rest of the world fading away in the warmth of their bond.
