Moonlit Hearts

Chapter 5: The Burden of Memories

As Wangji and Wei Ying parted ways that night, Wangji carried with him a profound certainty that their friendship was not a mistake. He was prepared to stand by Wei Ying through whatever challenges lay ahead, recognizing that Wei Ying's fervor and determination were qualities worth supporting. Over the months, Wei Ying had evolved since his time in Cloud Recesses, becoming less restrained but more resolute in defending his beliefs, even in the face of Odin's authority and the potential for retribution.

In the quiet moments that followed, Wangji couldn't help but question the weight of suffering borne by humans, who seemed to bear the brunt of consequences for a balance they had little control over. Odin's speeches were void of emotion, his answers often given merely to appease Wei Ying. Wangji remembered the anguish and pain in Wei Ying's voice and eyes as he accused Odin of not caring for them, a memory that caused him to clench his own fists in frustration.

Wangji replayed the entire argument over and over in his mind, trying to understand what had happened to Wei Ying in the past. Who was the elusive "she" he mentioned, and why did Wei Ying accuse Odin of preventing her return? While Wei Ying's family history remained a mystery, Wangji faintly recalled a mention of a sister. He had never asked Wei Ying about it, but now he couldn't help but wonder if she was the reason for Wei Ying's seclusion a few years back.

One evening, as Wangji gazed at the celestial realm from his window, the memory of Wei Ying's accusation came back to him. An uneasiness settled in his chest at the thought of Wei Ying enduring suffering alone while he remained in Cloud Recesses. The concern for his friend gnawed at him, and he decided it was time to take action.

Leaving behind the serene confines of Cloud Recesses, Wangji embarked on a journey to seek out Wei Ying. His determination was unwavering and he sped through the realms to reach the house faster.

Upon reaching Yunmeng and standing before Wei Ying's house, he was greeted by a chorus of laughter and the pitter-patter of small feet running around. The joyous sounds emanating from within painted a picture of a warm and lively household, a stark contrast to the heavy conversations they had shared in the divine palace. Wangji took a deep breath, his heart lighter knowing that Wei Ying was not alone. Just as he was about to knock, the door opened, revealing an out-of-breath Wei Ying.

"Lan Zhan!" he exclaimed, his eyes lighting up with recognition. "I knew I felt your presence!" Wei Ying beamed at Wangji, and Wangji felt his heart skip a beat at the warmth of that smile.

"Wei Ying," he said softly, confirming his identity.

"Come in, come in," Wei Ying invited eagerly, stepping aside to make room for Wangji to enter. "Is it late already? I'm sorry; I was playing hide and seek with A-Yuan, and I didn't see time pass," he explained with an apologetic smile.

As Wangji stepped into the welcoming embrace of Wei Ying's home, he couldn't help but feel a sense of belonging and relief. It was as if the weight of their recent disagreements had lifted, replaced by the comforting familiarity of their friendship.

"Hmm, it's okay, A-Yuan needs you," Wangji replied calmly, his gaze softening as he watched the interaction between Wei Ying and the young boy.

"Yes, of course! A-Yuan, come say hello!" Wei Ying called out with enthusiasm.

The little boy came running, his eyes bright with excitement. "Handsome gege, you are back!" he exclaimed, throwing himself over Wangji's leg to hold onto it.

"A-Yuan, I told you that wasn't polite!" Wei Ying gently scolded, though a fond smile played on his lips.

"Up! Up!" A-Yuan held his arms out to Wangji, his innocent eyes filled with a child's eagerness.