Hanyu had just finished his bath and was drying his hair with a towel when Xubao suddenly entered his room. She stopped in her tracks, her eyes widening at the sight of Hanyu's impressive physique, his bulky body, and eight-pack abs. Her face turned red as she stammered, "Wow, Hanyu, I can't believe you look so much healthier after becoming a Titan."
Xubao quickly turned her face away, trying to hide her blush. As she moved to leave the room, her foot slipped. Before she could fall, Hanyu's reflexes kicked in, and he grabbed her by the waist, helping her regain her balance.
Xubao's embarrassment deepened, but when her eyes met Hanyu's, she saw a flicker of vulnerability in his gaze. "Do you still love me," Hanyu asked, his voice tinged with uncertainty, "even though I'm not human anymore?"
Xubao looked into his eyes, her embarrassment fading as she saw his sincerity. "Hanyu," she said softly, "it doesn't matter to me if you're a human or a Titan. I love you for who you are, not what you are. You've always been there for me, and that hasn't changed."
Hanyu's grip on her waist tightened slightly, his eyes searching hers. "I was worried," he admitted, "that you might see me differently now. That you wouldn't want to be with me."
Xubao shook her head, reaching up to touch his face. "I see you, Hanyu. The same Hanyu who's always protected me, who's always been kind and strong. Becoming a Titan hasn't changed the person you are inside."
Hanyu felt a wave of relief wash over him. He leaned in closer, his forehead resting against hers. "Thank you, Xubao. You don't know how much that means to me."
Xubao smiled, her blush returning but for a different reason. "I think I have an idea," she said softly.
Hanyu's heart swelled with gratitude and affection. He gently cupped her face with one hand, his thumb brushing lightly against her cheek. "I'm so lucky to have you, Xubao," he murmured. "You've always believed in me, even when I doubted myself."
Xubao's eyes sparkled with emotion. "We'll face whatever comes together, Hanyu. No matter what, we'll always have each other."
They stood there, wrapped in each other's presence, their hearts beating in sync. The bond between them, forged through years of friendship and now strengthened by their new realities, felt unbreakable.
Hanyu leaned down, his lips brushing hers in a tender kiss. Xubao responded, her arms wrapping around his neck as she stood on her tiptoes. The kiss was soft and full of promise, a testament to their shared future.
As they pulled away, Xubao rested her head against Hanyu's chest, feeling the steady beat of his heart. "I love you, Hanyu," she whispered.
"I love you too, Xubao," Hanyu replied, holding her close. "Together, we can face anything."
The next day, Xubao was walking towards her class with Su Han by her side. Su Han, always observant, noticed Xubao's slightly trembling legs and couldn't resist teasing her.
"Looks like Hanyu did a good job," Su Han said with a mischievous grin.
Xubao's cheeks turned a deep shade of red. "Su Han!" she exclaimed, giving her friend a playful shove. "It's not what you think!"
Su Han laughed, clearly enjoying Xubao's embarrassment. "Oh, come on! I'm just teasing. But seriously, you seem happier. Did something happen between you two?"
Xubao's blush deepened, but a small, happy smile played on her lips. "We talked a lot last night. I told him how I felt, and he... he feels the same way."
Su Han's eyes softened with genuine affection for her friend. "That's wonderful, Xubao. You two deserve to be happy."
Xubao nodded, her smile growing. "Thanks, Su Han. It feels like a huge weight has been lifted off my shoulders. And Hanyu... he's amazing. I can't believe how strong he's become, both physically and emotionally."
Su Han gave Xubao a supportive pat on the back. "I'm really happy for you both. Just remember, I'm here for you, no matter what."
As they continued walking, the bond between the two friends felt stronger than ever. They knew that whatever challenges lay ahead, they would face them together, supporting each other through thick and thin.