When they entered the room, the dim light flickered softly across the walls. The faint scent of incense still lingered in the air, heavy and strange. Yuan Yu spread his quilt over the daybed, and as he began to change into his nightclothes, Han Liang turned his back without a word.
Yuan Yu noticed and smiled faintly, saying nothing. Once both had changed, he lay down on the daybed, settling into the quiet of the room. Han Liang remained where he was, watching him in silence.
"If you want, you can sleep in my bed," he said softly. "I won't be sleeping tonight."
Yuan Yu lifted his head, puzzled. "Why not?"
Han Liang walked to the window and looked down at the silent streets below. He stood there for a moment before speaking in a low voice.
"I won't sleep before you do. I need to keep watch."
Yuan Yu's cheeks warmed slightly, his heartbeat picking up unexpectedly.
"This town feels… strange," Han Liang continued. "During the day, everything seemed normal. But at night, the air changes. It feels like something unseen is moving through the streets."
Yuan Yu nodded faintly.
Han Liang turned back, offering a small, reassuring smile. "Don't worry. I'm used to sleepless nights."
Yuan Yu shifted slightly on the daybed. "Then… let's talk for a while. So you won't be alone."
The silence gave way to conversation. Han Liang spoke of his family—his many siblings, nephews, and cousins—and the life he had known growing up. His words carried images of valleys and plains, wide rivers, and the distant cries of eagles.
He spoke, too, of endless green fields and pomegranate orchards stretching as far as the eye could see. In his voice, those places felt alive.
Yuan Yu listened quietly, letting the images form in his mind.
With a faint smile, Han Liang added, "Someday, you should visit. My family makes the finest pomegranate wine—you should try it."
But Yuan Yu had already drifted into sleep and did not hear him.
Han Liang paused, watching him for a moment.
"I'll invite you again next time," he said softly.
He remained by the window for a while longer, scanning the quiet town like a hawk. Time passed slowly, yet nothing stirred.
At last, he closed the window and lay down.
His gaze lingered on Yuan Yu's peaceful face for a moment longer before his own eyes grew heavy. Eventually, he too fell asleep.
The next morning, Yuan Yu woke first. Moving carefully, he slipped out without disturbing Han Liang and asked the innkeeper to bring breakfast to their room.
"Please be quiet," he said softly. "My friend is still asleep."
A little later, the innkeeper returned with a tray. Yuan Yu carried it inside and placed it gently on the table before leaning closer.
"Wake up," he whispered.
Han Liang reacted instantly. Still half-asleep, his body moved on instinct. In one swift motion, he caught Yuan Yu's wrist and pulled him down before his mind had fully awakened.
Yuan Yu lost his balance and fell against him.
Their eyes met.
For a moment, neither of them moved.
Yuan Yu's cheeks warmed as he quickly pulled away. "Come on… let's eat," he murmured with a small, shy smile.
Han Liang's gaze lingered on him.
"I didn't grip you too hard, did I?" he asked. "It shouldn't bruise."
He released Yuan Yu's wrist slowly, his fingers brushing lightly before letting go.
"Your skin…" he added, his voice lower, "it's softer than I expected. Fragile, like a pomegranate."
Yuan Yu turned his head away, clearly embarrassed.
"It won't bruise," he said quietly. "And if it does, we'll put medicine on it."
Han Liang rose, washed his face, and sat at the table. The quiet of the morning felt lighter than the night before.
Over breakfast, Yuan Yu spoke with renewed energy.
"Let's explore more of the town today. Maybe even the outskirts."
Han Liang nodded once. "Alright."