The two still in each other's embrace, a comfortable warmth lingered in the quiet space around them. The graveyard, shrouded in its usual solitude, became a private haven, a place where the world outside seemed to fade away. The two of them share a moment of peace, feeling an unexpected, almost unspoken closeness that neither had planned but neither wanted to break.
Feng Yanqing's arms remained around him, and she softly asked, "Are you feeling any better now?" Her voice was gentle, carrying a genuine care that felt new and unfamiliar to Shen Yuan.
Shen Yuan paused, letting her question sink in. For once, he felt something other than anger or grief, a calm that's soothing and, in its own way, a little overwhelming. "Yes," he replied, almost hesitantly, his voice softer than usual. "I… feel better. Thanks to you."
Feng Yanqing looked at him, noticing the faint blush that creeped up his cheeks, and her usual playfulness lit up her eyes. She can't resist the opportunity. "Oh? Are you blushing, Shen Yuan? I didn't think the great, cold-hearted Shen Yuan could blush!"
Caught off-guard, Shen Yuan glanced away, embarrassed. "I'm not… blushing. It's just… the wind." He stumbled over his words, unused to this kind of teasing. Feng Yanqing's laugh is soft and musical, and she didn't let up, poking fun at him for his unexpected bashfulness.
"You really are blushing!" she laughed, nudging his shoulder gently. "Look at you, usually so calm and aloof, but here you are, flustered by a little closeness. Who knew the cold-hearted Shen Yuan had a soft side?"
Shen Yuan rolled his eyes, but his cheeks were still warm, and he couldn't quite suppress a small smile. The teasing is new to him, normally, people either feared or avoided him, but Feng Yanqing seemed to enjoy poking at the parts of him he tried to keep hidden.
Finally, she calmed down, though the smile never quite left her face. The laughter faded, replaced by a softer expression, as if she was glad to see a side of him few, if any, had witnessed. Shen Yuan felt a surge of courage as he looked at her, a need to express his gratitude for her kindness.
Slowly, he lifted a hand and pulled her close, their faces only inches apart, both of them now blushing. The intensity of the moment surprised them both, as if they'd been drawn together by an invisible thread, weaving their lives closer than either had anticipated.
Shen Yuan hesitated, his heart pounding as he considered closing the small gap between them, to show her what words couldn't express. He reached his arms out, gathering the courage to pull her into a deeper embrace. Just as he was about to close the distance—
"Ahh, sorry to interrupt, lovebirds!"
Both of them whipped around, startled by the unexpected voice. Standing a few steps away with a bemused grin was Bai Chen, watching them with an expression that's half-amusement, half-mockery. His eyebrows were raised, and his smirk showed he was thoroughly enjoying catching them in a vulnerable moment.
Shen Yuan quickly released Feng Yanqing, looking away as his face heats up even more. Feng Yanqing, though momentarily flustered, recovered faster and shot Bai Chen an exasperated glare.
"Shut up, and," she snaps, but there's a blush colouring her cheeks too. "Can't you mind your own business?"
Bai Chen laughed, undeterred. "Mind my own business? When there's a scene as entertaining as this? Not a chance!" He gave Shen Yuan a playful look, raising an eyebrow. "Who would have thought you had it in you, Shen Yuan? Going from ice-cold to warm and cuddly. I didn't see this coming at all!"
Shen Yuan scowled, his embarrassment too deep for words. He tried to brush it off with a huff, though his red cheeks betrayed him. "I don't need to explain myself to you," he muttered, trying to sound unfazed. But the effect was lost with the clear discomfort on his face.
Feng Yanqing let out a small laugh, joining in the lightheartedness of the moment, no longer as embarrassed. She rolls her eyes at Bai Chen but couldn't help smirking, amused by Shen Yuan's reaction. "You've had your fun, Bai Chen. Now, are you here for a reason, or just to tease us?"
Bai Chen shruged, still grinning. "I was just passing by, but this was much better than anything I had planned." He gestured toward Shen Yuan, giving him a knowing look. "But don't worry, Shen Yuan. Your secret's safe with me… mostly."
As Bai Chen sauntered off with a chuckle, Shen Yuan let out a sigh of frustration, though a small, reluctant smile started to form. Feng Yanqing glanced at him, her expression softening again, and she reached out, giving his hand a quick, reassuring squeeze. "Guess we'll have to be more careful next time, huh?"
A flicker of hope and warmth lit up Shen Yuan's gaze as he met her eyes. "Next time?" he asked quietly, a small but genuine smile finally breaking through his usual stoic expression.
Feng Yanqing blushed, but nodded before leaving. "Yes… next time."
Shen Yuan was dumbstruck by the twist of such an event that he needed a few more hours to process the whole thing, before leaving for his adobe.