Night settled softly over the Celestial Veil Sect, lanterns floating like tiny moons along the pathways. The cool breeze carried the faint scent of night-blooming flowers, and the distant murmur of a waterfall echoed like a lullaby. Training had drained the disciples, but Shen Yu remained awake—mind buzzing with every little thing Ling Wei had said earlier.
When he stepped out of his room, he was startled to find Xiao Rong already wandering the path with Yu Zhen, who looked like he was regretting every life choice that had led him to accompany the hyperactive boy.
"Oh? Shen Yu! You're awake too?" Xiao Rong lit up instantly.
"Uh… yeah," Shen Yu said, rubbing his neck. "Wanted some fresh air."
Yu Zhen sighed. "We would like silence. Not fresh air."
Xiao Rong elbowed him. "Come on, it's a nice night! Let's all walk together!"
Shen Yu didn't mind—though his eyes drifted to one place only.
Ling Wei stepped out from the shadows near the lotus pond, as if the moonlight itself created him. Calm, composed, hands folded behind his back. Even the wind treated him differently—softening around him like a respectful greeting.
Shen Yu's heart skipped. "S-Senior Brother Ling!"
Ling Wei looked at the three of them with mild surprise. "You're all still awake?"
"Night walk!" Xiao Rong announced cheerfully. "Join us!"
Ling Wei looked at Shen Yu for a brief moment—just one second—but it was enough for Shen Yu's thoughts to scatter entirely.
"…Very well," Ling Wei said.
And so the four of them walked together, feet tapping softly on the lantern-lit path. Xiao Rong talked endlessly about how he saw a squirrel doing a backflip. Yu Zhen's patience thinned with every step. Shen Yu listened in mild amusement—until he noticed Ling Wei quietly slipping to walk closer beside him.
When their sleeves brushed, Shen Yu almost tripped.
Xiao Rong, oblivious, suddenly brightened. "Hey! Yu Zhen! Let's go check if the spirit rabbits are awake!"
Yu Zhen shot him a cold look. "If they are, they will bite you."
"That's the adventure!" Xiao Rong said, dragging him away. "Let's goooo!"
Before Yu Zhen could protest further, Xiao Rong already pulled him down a branching path, their bickering fading into the distance.
Shen Yu stared after them, confused. "Why did they run so suddenly?"
Ling Wei answered without hesitation.
"Because they knew you wanted quiet."
Shen Yu's ears burned. "W–What?! I didn't say anything!"
"You didn't need to."
The silence that followed wasn't awkward; it was warm, charged, filled with something delicate. The lanterns flickered ahead like guiding lights as the two continued walking side by side.
The lotus pond shimmered below them, reflecting moonlight so gently that the water looked like melted silver. Ling Wei paused near the railing, leaning slightly as he looked out.
"Today," Ling Wei said, voice low, "you moved differently."
Shen Yu blinked. "Differently… good or bad?"
"Good."
Ling Wei turned to him. "You're becoming more aware of your balance."
Shen Yu felt a burst of pride. "Really?! I thought I almost launched myself into the lake again!"
Ling Wei's lips curved—soft enough that Shen Yu wasn't sure if it counted as a smile. "You're improving faster than you realize."
Shen Yu's heart thudded at the praise. "I—I'm only working hard because you're the one teaching me…"
Ling Wei stiffened faintly, and his gaze softened in a way Shen Yu had never seen before—gentle, careful, almost… protective.
Without noticing, Shen Yu stepped closer. And Ling Wei did not move away.
Their sleeves brushed again. Then their hands—just barely. Shen Yu drew a quiet breath, staring at Ling Wei's profile in the moonlight.
"Ling Wei…" he whispered.
Ling Wei turned fully toward him, eyes dark and steady.
The night fell silent around them.
Shen Yu felt gravity tug him forward—softly, helplessly. Ling Wei lowered his gaze, just slightly, eyes flickering to Shen Yu's lips.
Their breaths mingled.
Their foreheads brushed.
Slowly, cautiously, Ling Wei lifted a hand, fingers brushing Shen Yu's cheek—feather light, trembling with restraint.
Shen Yu's heart roared.
He leaned in.
Ling Wei leaned in.
The world narrowed to a single, fragile moment—
Their lips brushed—
"SHEN YU!! LING WEI!!"
Shen Yu jerked so violently he nearly fell into the pond. Ling Wei grabbed his arm instantly, pulling him close to stop him from tumbling into the water.
Shen Yu blinked up—
Xiao Rong stood five steps away, waving both arms wildly.
Yu Zhen stood behind him, looking like he'd witnessed a crime.
Xiao Rong gasped. "Were you two—"
Yu Zhen slapped his hand over Xiao Rong's mouth. "Do not finish that sentence."
Shen Yu covered his burning face. "XIAO RONG!!! WHY DO YOU APPEAR ONLY AT THE WORST MOMENTS?!"
Xiao Rong mumbled behind Yu Zhen's palm, "(Because I care?)"
"You don't!!" Shen Yu cried.
Yu Zhen sighed. "Let's leave before Ling Wei throws you into the lake."
Shen Yu peeked at Ling Wei.
Ling Wei's eyes were lowered, lashes casting shadows on his cheeks. The faintest hint of pink colored his ears. He spoke quietly, but with a weight that made Shen Yu's breath catch.
"Next time… no one will interrupt."
Shen Yu forgot how to breathe again.
Xiao Rong blinked. "Next time what?"
Yu Zhen dragged him away by the collar.
Shen Yu stood frozen, heart hammering, as Ling Wei turned and began walking back toward the sect buildings.
"Come," Ling Wei said softly. "It's late."
Shen Yu followed, cheeks scorching, hands trembling—yet smiling without realizing it.
Tonight, something had changed—something delicate yet undeniable.
And even the moon seemed to glow brighter for them.