The training grounds were wrapped in the soft haze of early morning, the sun spilling golden light over the dew-dappled grass and the bamboo groves beyond. Shen Yu flexed his fingers around his wooden practice sword, letting out a long, determined breath. Today, he decided, he would prove himself. All the trips, stumbles, and failed attempts of the past would culminate in one perfect victory. He lifted the sword high and shouted, voice ringing across the courtyard, "Ling Wei! Prepare yourself! Today, I win!"
Ling Wei stood calmly, sword in hand, posture effortless as always. A faint curve tugged at the corner of his lips, betraying the faintest trace of amusement. "Another duel?" he asked, voice calm, almost teasing. "Do you ever plan to win?"
Shen Yu's chest puffed with pride. "Of course! This time, no mistakes. No tripping. No excuses. You won't even know what hit you!"
Xiao Rong leaned against the fence nearby, arms crossed, smirking. Yu Zhen's eyes followed the pair silently, lips curving into a subtle, knowing smile. "He really thinks he can land a hit," Xiao Rong whispered. Yu Zhen tilted his head, almost imperceptibly amused. "Don't underestimate enthusiasm," he murmured softly.
Shen Yu launched forward with a dramatic flourish, wooden sword swinging, only to trip on a small stone. The sword slipped from his hands and skidded across the grass. Arms flailing, he twisted in a chaotic spiral before he could hit the ground face-first.
Ling Wei moved with quiet precision, catching him by the arm and steadying him before Shen Yu could fall. Their eyes met for a fleeting moment, and Shen Yu's heart hammered wildly. "I… I meant to do that!" he stammered, cheeks burning.
"Of course," Ling Wei replied evenly, the faint lift at the corner of his lips betraying his amusement. Shen Yu scrambled back to his feet, gripping his sword tightly, determination blazing.
He lunged again, this time managing to tap Ling Wei's shoulder, a light touch, but enough to feel a surge of triumph. "Yes! I did it!" Shen Yu exclaimed, breathless, wobbling slightly.
Ling Wei's eyes flickered, a subtle acknowledgment. "Not bad," he murmured. The calmness in his voice only made Shen Yu's pulse quicken.
The duel continued, a chaotic mix of flailing attacks, near-misses, and accidental collisions. Every time Shen Yu stumbled, Ling Wei's hands were there—steadying, guiding, holding him just enough to prevent disaster. Each brush of fingers, each fleeting moment of contact, sent warmth racing through Shen Yu's chest. His mind spun, flustered and exhilarated all at once.
Shen Yu twirled again, swinging wildly, only to misstep on another stone. Ling Wei caught him effortlessly, holding him close for just a heartbeat longer than necessary. Shen Yu's ears heated, his stomach flipping. "I… I'm fine!" he muttered, though the racing of his heart said otherwise. Ling Wei's calm gaze held him in place, the faintest smile teasing in his eyes.
Below them, Xiao Rong and Yu Zhen leaned casually against the fence, exchanging quiet grins. "Look at him go," Xiao Rong murmured. "He's actually trying."
Yu Zhen's lips curved into a subtle smirk. "Yes, it's… entertaining." Their shoulders brushed as they watched, eyes glinting with amusement at every stumble and swing.
Shen Yu lunged once more, finally managing another light tap on Ling Wei's shoulder. Ling Wei's calm expression softened fractionally, a brief flicker of approval passing through his eyes. Shen Yu's chest swelled with pride, and though he was panting, flushed, and wobbling on tired legs, he felt victorious.
"Next time," Shen Yu panted, gripping the sword with renewed determination, "I'll be faster. Stronger. You won't escape me!"
Ling Wei shook his head slightly, serene as ever, yet the tiniest smile lingered. Shen Yu's heart leapt at it, and he tried to appear calm, though his knees wobbled.
The duel continued in a chaotic rhythm—Shen Yu swinging wildly, tripping occasionally, and lunging with exaggerated effort, while Ling Wei caught him, corrected him, guided him, and sometimes let him land a touch that was more than symbolic. Each misstep, each accidental collision, each fleeting glance tightened an invisible thread between them. Shen Yu's pulse raced, flustered and thrilled, and though he refused to admit it aloud, the closeness, the contact, and the subtle smiles made the morning feel alive in a way no training session ever had before.
Finally, Shen Yu lunged one last time, sword raised high, and tapped Ling Wei's shoulder once more. Ling Wei's eyes lingered on him, calm, composed, but undeniably aware of every heartbeat, every small movement. Shen Yu stepped back, knees wobbling, exhausted and flushed, but triumphant in a way that made every fall, trip, and stumble worthwhile.
Xiao Rong let out a quiet chuckle from the fence, nudging Yu Zhen. "You see that?" he whispered.
Yu Zhen's lips curved slightly. "Yes. It's… entertaining."
Xiao Rong smirked. "I think he's enjoying it more than he'd admit."
Yu Zhen's glance flicked back toward the duel, subtle and teasing. "Maybe. Or maybe he's just learning the rhythm of it."
The morning passed in the gentle rhythm of clashing wood and muted laughter. Shen Yu, flushed and breathless, tried to keep focus, while Ling Wei remained calm, precise, and subtly amused, steadying him every time he faltered. Every moment of contact, every glance, every accidental stumble, seemed to carry a weight neither wanted to admit but both felt.
By the time the sun climbed high enough to burn away the morning mist, Shen Yu collapsed onto the grass, laughing, panting, and utterly exhausted. Ling Wei lowered his sword, calm, composed, yet with the faintest smile lingering on his face. Across the courtyard, Xiao Rong and Yu Zhen exchanged quiet, private smiles, teasing glances that mirrored the unspoken tension of the duel they had just witnessed.
In that quiet aftermath, Shen Yu lay on the ground, flushed, heartsick, and strangely elated. Every misstep, every clumsy swing, every brief brush of hands had drawn him closer, tangled him in a web of teasing, challenge, and subtle affection. Ling Wei stood a few feet away, serene and composed, yet fully aware of every heartbeat and every breath. The duel had ended without a clear winner, but both knew the morning had left them changed—closer, more attuned, and aware of something that neither dared to name aloud.
And as the courtyard filled with the warm light of morning, the lingering laughter and quiet teasing of two others by the fence reminded Shen Yu that some victories didn't need a score—they were written in the smallest touches, the unspoken glances, and the shared chaos of a friendly duel.