Hours slipped by as their journey led them to a small village nestled between rolling hills. The peaceful quiet they had enjoyed was quickly broken by the sound of a commotion up ahead. Shouts and voices echoed through the narrow streets, and a sense of unease settled in the air.
He Shun and Luan Xie exchanged cautious glances, instinctively moving closer to the shadows. They pressed against the buildings, their movements careful as they approached the source of the noise. The crowd ahead was thick and bustling, gathered around the village square.
"We need to get through," He Shun whispered, his voice low but firm.
Luan Xie nodded in agreement, scanning the scene. It was clear that this was the only path forward, but whatever had drawn the crowd's attention could be dangerous. Keeping to the edges, they moved quietly, trying not to draw attention to themselves.
As they slipped through the outskirts of the crowd, they remained vigilant, their senses on high alert. They couldn't afford to be seen, not here, not now.
The villagers were in an uproar, their voices growing louder as they yelled at someone in the center of the square. Luan Xie, curiosity piqued, threw a quick glance over his shoulder—and his heart nearly stopped.
Ye Rou.
He was storming from house to house, his presence commanding as he barked orders at the villagers, searching for something—or rather, someone. Luan Xie didn't need to guess. He knew immediately they were the ones Ye Rou was hunting.
Without thinking, Luan Xie grabbed He Shun by the arm and shoved him into a narrow alleyway between two worn-down buildings. His chest heaved, his breath shallow as he pressed He Shun against the wall, his hand instinctively covering He Shun's mouth to keep him from making any sound.
"Ye Rou's here," Luan Xie whispered, his eyes wide with panic. He could feel the adrenaline coursing through his veins, the fear he had kept buried now rising to the surface.
He Shun, eyes wide, nodded under Luan Xie's hand, understanding the gravity of the situation. They stayed perfectly still, hidden in the shadows as the commotion continued just feet away from them.
Luan Xie kept his body pressed close to He Shun's, both of them pressed tightly against the cold stone wall of the alley. His mind raced. Ye Rou was dangerously close, closer than he had ever imagined possible.
From their hiding spot, they could hear Ye Rou's voice, cold and authoritative, as he commanded the villagers. "Search every house. Don't leave a single stone unturned. They're here somewhere."
Luan Xie's pulse quickened. This wasn't just a search—it was a manhunt. Ye Rou was desperate, and that made him even more dangerous. He glanced down at He Shun, whose face was tense but composed. Even in the face of danger, He Shun trusted Luan Xie.
Luan Xie could feel the warmth of He Shun's body against his, the rhythmic rise and fall of his chest with each controlled breath. For a fleeting moment, the fear of being caught melted away, and all Luan Xie could think about was how much he wanted to keep He Shun safe. Even if it meant letting go of his own desires, his own feelings.
His hand, which had been covering He Shun's mouth, slid down to gently cup his cheek, thumb brushing softly against He Shun's skin. He Shun's eyes flickered with surprise, but he didn't move away. Instead, he leaned into the touch, his own hand reaching up to cover Luan Xie's.
In that moment, amid the chaos, there was a quiet understanding between them. They had found each other against all odds, in a world that seemed determined to tear them apart. Luan Xie's heart ached with the knowledge that he wasn't meant to stay. This life, this time, was not his.
But right now, in this alley, with He Shun pressed close, none of that mattered. Just for a moment, he allowed himself to revel in the warmth of He Shun's presence. His fingers gently trailed along He Shun's jaw, tracing the line of his face as if memorizing every detail.
"You'll be safe," Luan Xie whispered, his voice barely audible. "I'll make sure of it."
He Shun's gaze softened, and without saying a word, he leaned forward, his forehead resting against Luan Xie's. Their breaths mingled, warm and slow, as the world outside seemed to fade away. Despite the danger, despite the uncertainty, they had this moment.
And then, just as quickly as it had started, Luan Xie pulled away, reality crashing back in. The sound of footsteps grew louder, and the clamor of the search party moved closer. He couldn't afford to be distracted, not now.
"We need to move," Luan Xie murmured, though his hand lingered on He Shun's for just a second longer than necessary. "Come on."
Without another word, they slipped deeper into the alley, disappearing into the maze of narrow streets, doing everything they could to stay one step ahead of Ye Rou.
The narrow alleyways twisted and turned like a labyrinth, and Luan Xie led He Shun through them with the precision of someone who had always known how to survive. The voices of the villagers and Ye Rou's men grew distant, fading into the background as they moved further away.
But the tension lingered.
Luan Xie's hand remained wrapped around He Shun's wrist, pulling him along, making sure they didn't lose pace. He Shun hadn't said a word, but Luan Xie could feel his trust in every step they took together. The weight of that trust both comforted and burdened Luan Xie in equal measure.
Finally, they reached a quieter part of the village, hidden away from the main roads. There was a small garden, overgrown and untouched, the perfect place to catch their breath. Luan Xie slowed down, letting go of He Shun's wrist.
For a moment, the only sound between them was the quiet rustling of leaves in the gentle wind.
He Shun doubled over, catching his breath, and when he straightened, his eyes met Luan Xie's. "We can't keep running forever," He Shun whispered, his voice heavy with both exhaustion and worry.
"I know," Luan Xie said softly. He glanced around, his sharp eyes scanning their surroundings for any signs of danger. But all was still. "But we don't have another choice. Ye Rou won't stop until…"
Until what? Luan Xie didn't know anymore. Would Ye Rou ever stop? Would his obsession ever end?
He Shun stepped closer, his eyes searching Luan Xie's face. "You're thinking too much again." His voice was light, but there was a depth to it—a recognition that Luan Xie carried a burden far heavier than any he had ever let on.
Luan Xie let out a quiet breath, looking away, feeling He Shun's presence beside him like a tether to the present. He wanted to hold onto it. He wanted to stay here, but he knew that wasn't possible. He closed his eyes, trying to push away the guilt and the fear that gnawed at him.
But then, without warning, He Shun reached out, cupping Luan Xie's face in his hands, forcing Luan Xie to look at him. "Whatever happens, we're together in this. I'm not going to let you face it alone."
Luan Xie blinked, surprised by the sudden closeness. He could see the sincerity in He Shun's eyes, and for a brief moment, he let himself believe that they could make it through this. That maybe, just maybe, there was a future for them—however fragile it might be.
"Thank you," Luan Xie whispered, his voice barely audible, but heavy with meaning.
He Shun smiled softly, leaning in just enough that Luan Xie could feel the warmth of his breath. "You don't have to thank me," he said, his lips brushing against Luan Xie's in the gentlest of touches.
The kiss was fleeting, but it held a quiet promise. A promise that even in the face of danger, even with the uncertainty looming over them, they had each other. And that was enough, for now.
When they finally pulled apart, He Shun's hand lingered on Luan Xie's cheek, his thumb brushing against his skin. "We'll figure this out," He Shun said softly, his eyes filled with determination. "Together."
Luan Xie nodded, a small smile tugging at his lips despite the weight of the situation. He didn't know what the future held, but with He Shun by his side, he felt just a little braver.
For now, that was enough.
Luan Xie knew that until he found a way to return to his own world, his priority was keeping He Shun safe. The thought of losing him sent a shiver down his spine, and he couldn't allow that to happen.
He just needed to uncover the mystery of how Ye Rou had brought his sword into this world. Once he figured that out, locating a portal to return home would be much easier.
With every passing moment, the urgency grew, but he was determined not to let the weight of his task overshadow the time he had left with He Shun. Until then, he would fight to protect what they had.
The distant sounds of shouting and frantic movements echoed in their ears, creating a backdrop of tension that heightened their senses. Ye Rou was coming closer.
"Luan, what if he finds us?" He Shun whispered, his voice barely audible above the commotion. His eyes darted nervously, searching for any sign of Ye Rou.
"Stay quiet," Luan Xie urged, pressing a finger to his lips. He peered out of the alley, cautiously scanning the crowd. Ye Rou was searching each house, his expression a mix of determination and desperation. It made Luan Xie's heart race—not out of fear for himself, but for He Shun.
"I can't just sit here while he's out there looking for us," He Shun said, frustration creeping into his voice. "We need a plan."
"Let me think." Luan Xie felt the pressure building in his chest. Time was running out, and he needed to act quickly. They couldn't stay hidden forever, especially with Ye Rou so close.
As Luan Xie formulated a plan, he stole a glance at He Shun, taking in the way his brow furrowed in concentration. It struck him how much he cared for the man beside him. In that moment, amidst the chaos, he realized that his feelings for He Shun ran deeper than he had ever acknowledged.
"Whatever happens, I'll protect you," Luan Xie promised, his voice firm.
He Shun turned to him, eyes wide with surprise. "You mean that?"
"Of course I do. You're important to me." The sincerity in Luan Xie's tone seemed to calm He Shun, even if only a little.
Just then, the noise from the village square escalated. A villager shouted in alarm as Ye Rou barreled through the crowd, and the panic sent people scattering. Luan Xie instinctively tightened his grip on He Shun's arm, pulling him closer.
"Look," He Shun murmured, his gaze fixed on the edge of the alley. "We can slip out when he's distracted."
Luan Xie nodded, his mind racing. The moment Ye Rou turned his back, they would have to move quickly. "On my count. One… two…"
Before he could finish, a loud crash rang out, and Luan Xie's heart dropped. He could see Ye Rou pushing through the crowd, his anger palpable. "Luan Xie! He Shun! Show yourselves!"
Panic surged through Luan Xie as he exchanged a frantic glance with He Shun. "Now!"
They bolted out of the alley, hearts pounding, weaving through the chaos as they tried to evade Ye Rou's line of sight. Luan Xie could hear the shouts behind them, could feel the weight of Ye Rou's presence like a shadow looming ever closer.
"Where do we go?" He Shun gasped, his breath quickening as they ran.
"Just keep moving!" Luan Xie urged, determination coursing through him. They dashed past startled villagers, the world around them a blur.
They turned a corner, skidding to a halt when they spotted a small path leading into the forest. "This way!" Luan Xie grabbed He Shun's hand, pulling him toward the cover of the trees.
The moment they entered the woods, the noise of the village faded into the background. They slowed to catch their breath, leaning against a tree, hearts still racing.
"Did we lose him?" He Shun asked, glancing back nervously.
"For now," Luan Xie replied, his mind racing with thoughts. They were safe, but for how long?
He glanced at He Shun, who was still panting from the run, his cheeks flushed and his eyes wide with adrenaline. Luan Xie's heart swelled at the sight. "You did great back there."
He Shun smiled softly, the tension in his shoulders easing. "Thanks to you. I was terrified."
"We'll get through this together," Luan Xie said, stepping closer. "I promise."
He Shun's gaze met his, and for a moment, time seemed to stand still. The urgency of their situation faded into the background as they stood in the tranquility of the forest.
"A-Xie," He Shun whispered, taking a small step forward, closing the distance between them. "I—"
Before he could finish, Luan Xie gently cupped He Shun's face in his hands, drawing him closer. Their lips met in a soft, tentative kiss, a moment of intimacy amid the chaos surrounding them. It was tender, filled with unspoken words and feelings that had been building between them.
When they pulled apart, breathless, Luan Xie couldn't help but smile at He Shun. "I've wanted to do that for a long time."
"Me too," He Shun replied, his cheeks a shade of pink. "But we really should—"
"Right," Luan Xie interrupted, forcing himself to focus. "We need to find shelter, somewhere safe until we can figure out our next move."
He Shun nodded, still a bit dazed from their kiss. Luan Xie finally started to open up. "Lead the way."
They moved deeper into the forest, the trees providing a comforting cover. Luan Xie couldn't shake the feeling that they were still being hunted, but the warmth of He Shun's presence helped ease his fears.
As they walked, they stumbled upon a small clearing with a fallen log that provided a perfect place to rest. Luan Xie gestured for He Shun to sit down. "Let's take a moment."
He Shun sat on the log, still catching his breath. "What's our next move?"
Luan Xie sighed, running a hand through his hair. "We need to gather information. Find out how Ye Rou brought his sword into this world. If we can understand that, I can defeat him."
He Shun nodded, his expression serious. "And if Ye Rou finds us again?"
"We'll cross that bridge when we get to it," Luan Xie said, trying to sound more confident than he felt. "For now, let's focus on what we can control."
He looked over at He Shun, who was looking at him with a mix of admiration and concern. "Luan, I trust you. I believe we can do this."
The sincerity in He Shun's voice made Luan Xie's heart swell. He wanted to protect him, to keep him safe, but he also wanted to embrace this newfound connection between them.
"Thank you for believing in me," Luan Xie replied softly.
"Always," He Shun said, and there was a weight to those words that made Luan Xie's heart flutter.
They sat in the clearing, the sound of rustling leaves around them, as the sun began to dip lower in the sky. In that quiet moment, surrounded by nature, Luan Xie felt a sense of peace settle over him.
He knew they had a long road ahead, filled with challenges and uncertainties, but as long as they faced it together, he felt a flicker of hope. And maybe, just maybe, they could find a way to rewrite their fates.
"Can you steal something for me?" He Shun asked, a mischievous glint in his eyes.
Luan Xie looked at him, baffled by the request. As a member of royalty, he had never stolen anything in his life—he had always been the one giving orders, not carrying them out. The thought of stealing made his conscience twinge, but curiosity got the better of him. "What is it?" he asked, tilting his head.
"That person's car key," He Shun replied, nodding toward a nearby parked car. "Steal it, and then we'll take the car and drive back to the city."
Luan Xie blinked, processing the plan. "Steal a car? You do realize how risky that is, right? What if we get caught?"
He Shun shrugged, his confidence unwavering. "It's a chance we have to take. Besides, if we stay here, Ye Rou will find us. This way, we can put some distance between us and him. And think about it—we could find a way to locate the sword while we're in the city."
Luan Xie's heart raced at the thought of defying the odds. "You really think we can pull this off?"
He Shun grinned, his enthusiasm infectious. "I believe we can. Just think of it as a little adventure. Besides, if anyone can pull off a heist, it's you—you're charming enough to distract anyone while I do the dirty work."
Luan Xie couldn't help but chuckle at the image. "Alright, I'll distract him. But you better be quick about it."
"Deal!" He Shun said, his eyes sparkling with excitement.
They approached the car, which belonged to a burly man sitting at a nearby café, completely unaware of their plotting. Luan Xie took a deep breath, steadying his nerves as he moved closer to the man. "Excuse me, sir!" he called out, putting on his most charming smile.
The man looked up, surprised by the sudden attention. "What do you want?" he asked, eyeing Luan Xie suspiciously.
"Just wanted to ask if you could help me with something," Luan Xie said, stepping into the man's line of sight to create a distraction. "I seem to have lost my way, and I could use some directions."
As the man began to explain, He Shun quietly slipped behind him, his focus sharp. Luan Xie kept the conversation going, weaving his words with effortless charm, while He Shun's hand deftly moved toward the man's pocket.
With a quick flick of his wrist, He Shun snagged the key, his heart pounding with the thrill of the moment. He could see Luan Xie holding the man's attention, and it gave him the confidence to make a swift exit.
"Thank you so much! I really appreciate it," Luan Xie said, flashing another bright smile as He Shun returned to his side, a triumphant grin plastered across his face.
"Got it!" He Shun whispered, holding up the key like a trophy.
"Now, let's go before he realizes what just happened," Luan Xie urged, their adrenaline surging as they moved toward the car. They climbed inside, and as He Shun started the engine, Luan Xie couldn't help but laugh.
"Who would have thought I'd be stealing a car?" he said, glancing at He Shun, who was beaming with pride.
"Welcome to the adventure!" He Shun replied, excitement bubbling in his voice.
As they sped away from the village, Luan Xie felt a mix of exhilaration and fear, but most importantly, he felt alive beside He Shun. The thrill of their escapade made him realize how deeply he had come to cherish their time together, no matter the risks they faced.