The forest trail stretched ahead, dappled with sunlight filtering through the dense canopy above. Feng Rui walked a few steps ahead of Li Wei, his posture relaxed but his senses sharp, always scanning the surroundings for danger. Li Wei followed quietly, clutching the old book to his chest.
The silence between them had grown comfortable over the days, though Li Wei's mind was anything but calm. The memory of Feng Rui's words the night before still lingered in his thoughts.
"Maybe I've been waiting for someone brave enough to try."
Li Wei shook his head, trying to dispel the warmth those words stirred in him. "Stop overthinking," he muttered under his breath.
Feng Rui glanced over his shoulder with a smirk. "Talking to yourself now, scholar? That's a slippery slope."
Li Wei shot him a glare. "And you're one to talk about slippery slopes? You've been walking on them for days."
Feng Rui laughed, the sound echoing softly through the trees. "Touché. But at least I do it with style."
They continued walking until they reached a small clearing by a stream. Feng Rui dropped his bag and stretched, looking up at the sky. "Alright, break time. I'm starving, and I'm not moving another step until we eat something decent."
Li Wei hesitated, then set his own belongings down. He sat by the water's edge, watching as Feng Rui rummaged through his pack. The rogue produced a bundle of dried meat and a small pouch of rice.
"You can cook?" Li Wei asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Surviving isn't just about fighting, scholar," Feng Rui replied, grinning. "Stick with me, and you'll see I have many talents."
As Feng Rui prepared their meal, Li Wei found himself watching him closely. There was an ease to Feng Rui's movements, a natural confidence that belied the danger they constantly faced. Yet beneath that exterior, Li Wei sensed something deeper—something vulnerable.
"Feng Rui," Li Wei said suddenly, his voice hesitant.
Feng Rui looked up, his expression curious. "What is it?"
"Why do you always act like nothing bothers you?" Li Wei asked, his tone softer than usual. "You joke, you laugh, but… I feel like you're hiding something."
For a moment, Feng Rui didn't reply. He focused on stirring the rice, his jaw tightening slightly. Then he sighed, setting the spoon down.
"Because if I don't laugh, I'll remember all the things that I've lost," he said quietly. His voice lacked its usual playful edge, replaced by a raw honesty that caught Li Wei off guard.
Li Wei's chest tightened. "You don't have to carry it all alone," he said, his words almost a whisper. "You've protected me, fought for me… Maybe it's time someone stood by you."
Feng Rui's eyes softened, and for a moment, he looked at Li Wei as if seeing him in a new light. "You're not as fragile as you look, scholar," he said, his lips curving into a faint smile. "Maybe… just maybe, I can believe you."
Li Wei felt his cheeks warm, but he didn't look away. The weight of their unspoken bond hung between them, growing stronger with each shared moment.
As the meal finished cooking, the two men sat together by the stream, sharing food and quiet conversation. The tension of their journey faded for a while, replaced by a fragile sense of peace.
But in the distance, the faint sound of rustling leaves reminded them that their enemies were never far behind.