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The afternoon air was sweet with the fragrance of wildflowers. A gentle stream meandered nearby, its surface glimmering with sunlight. Nature’s serenity stretched endlessly.
Xie Lian gazed out at the scene and his lips curving into a soft smile. His white robes shifted with the breeze, flowing like petals against the grass. He looked utterly at peace as though he himself were part of this quiet landscape.
While Xie Lian admired the world, another pair of eyes admired only him. Hua Cheng leaned lazily against a tree just a few steps behind with arms folded. His eyepatch gleamed faintly beneath the sunlight, his visible eye filled with warmth that could melt the coldest of winters. Hua Cheng didn’t bother to look at the flowers or the mountains. The only scenery worth admiring was already standing in front of him.
“Gege” Hua Cheng drawled, voice smooth and teasing. “If you keep staring at the view like that, I might get jealous.”
Xie Lian blinked, caught off guard. He turned his head slightly, an amused expression tugging at the corners of his mouth. “Jealous? Of what? The mountains?”
“Yep” Hua Cheng replied seriously..though his lips twitched with a smile. “They don’t deserve such a soft gaze. That’s mine.”
Xie Lian huffed a laugh and shaking his head. “San Lang, how can you say something so ridiculous with a straight face?”
“It’s not ridiculous.” Hua Cheng tilted his head as he stepping closer. “When you smile at them like that, it feels like you’ve forgotten me.”
Xie Lian’s ears turned slightly red. “I could never forget you. Stop teasing.”
Hua Cheng grinned in victory. He reached out...about to brush a stray strand of Xie Lian’s hair back when something else interrupted..the gentle flutter of wings.
A silver butterfly drifted down from the air. It hovered for a moment before perching gracefully on Xie Lian’s finger. “Oh…” Xie Lian’s eyes widened slightly, softening with delight. “How lovely.”
He raised his hand carefully, admiring the fragile creature. Its wings shimmered faintly like polished silver under the sunlight. His lips curved into a smile so pure...it was as though the butterfly had been created just to land there.
Behind him, Hua Cheng’s gaze softened even more. The sight of Xie Lian smiling over something so small..it was enough to make his heart ache. “Gege, it seems my little friend likes you” Hua Cheng said warmly.
Xie Lian chuckled. “Your butterflies are always beautiful, San Lang. I didn’t expect one to come so close to me.”
“Why wouldn’t it?” Hua Cheng’s tone was low yet playful. “They know their master’s heart. Of course they’d be drawn to you.”
Xie Lian blinked, the words sinking in. He coughed lightly...trying to cover up the way his cheeks grew warm. “You.. you really… still talk like this.”
“What? Truthfully?” Hua Cheng leaned closer, his voice dropping into a mock whisper. “Should I lie instead, Gege?”
Before Xie Lian could answer, another silver butterfly drifted down. And another. And another. Within moments, several had surrounded him, wings shimmering like falling petals of moonlight. “Huh?” Xie Lian blinked in confusion as one landed on his shoulder. Then another on his sleeve. Then more on the folds of his robe. “Ah! Wait- there’s too many!”
The butterflies swarmed him gently, covering his arms and shoulders even his hair. He looked utterly stunned, frozen in place as though afraid to move and disturb them. “San Lang!” Xie Lian cried and there also a laughter in his voice. “Why are there so many? What’s happening?”
Hua Cheng covered his mouth with his hand. His shoulders shaking as he tried..and failed to suppress his laughter. “Pfft… cute.”
“Don't laugh.. I can barely move..look at this!” He gestured helplessly. Even that slight motion made the butterflies cling tighter. The wings fluttering lightly as though they refused to let go.
Hua Cheng doubled over slightly..laughing openly now. His eye curved with mirth, the sound of his amusement ringing through the meadow. “Gege, you look…” He tried to catch his breath but the sight was too much. “You look like a walking butterfly bush..”
Xie Lian puffed in mild indignation. “San Lang!”
Hua Cheng smirked and finally walking over. His steps were unhurried, his presence steady. When he reached Xie Lian, he carefully extended a hand and brushing along his sleeve where a butterfly rested. Immediately, the insect fluttered up and away... followed by several others.
“They like you too much” Hua Cheng said softly. “I can’t blame them.”
Xie Lian sighed when finally able to move as the cloud of butterflies lifted gradually.. dispersing back into the breeze. He glanced up at Hua Cheng, smiling wryly. “So this was your doing?”
“Not exactly.” Hua Cheng chuckled. “They act on their own. But it seems they’ve inherited my bad habit.”
“…Bad habit?” Xie Lian echoed and tilting his head.
“Yea..” Hua Cheng’s voice dropped, tender and full of affection. “They can’t stay away from you either.”
Xie Lian froze, the words striking deeper than he expected. His lips parted slightly. He couldn't find anything to say. Hua Cheng leaned in just a little closer, his visible eye gleaming with warmth and mischief. “Gege, are you blushing?”
“I am not-” Xie Lian denied quickly. His ears betrayed him..glowing faintly red. Hua Cheng chuckled again, reaching up to gently flick one of those ears. “Adorable~”
Xie Lian sighed as his lips curved upward despite himself. He glanced at the butterflies still lingering nearby, their wings glimmering like tiny stars in the daylight. Then he looked back at Hua Cheng and meeting his gaze directly. “San Lang..” he said quietly. “Thank you.”
Hua Cheng tilted his head. “For what?”
“...For filling even quiet moments like this with...warmth.” His voice softened. “For never letting me feel alone.”
For once, Hua Cheng fell silent. His usual smirk faded and replaced by something tender. Slowly, he reached out and took Xie Lian’s hand. Their fingers intertwining with ease. “Even if all the mountains, rivers and skies disappeared, I’d still choose to stay by your side.”
Xie Lian’s heart swelled at the words...warmth blooming in his chest. He squeezed Hua Cheng’s hand gently, his smile shining brighter than the sunlight.
The meadow was quiet again, save for the faint flutter wings around them.
