𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗻 𝗥𝗶𝗱𝗲𝘀 .ᐟ.ᐟ ᴅᴀɴ ʜᴇɴɢ

14 ☆ evening stroll

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 "I'LL BE BACK... Okay, I'll get some cardboard boxes..."

You find yourself gazing out the train window as you chat with your mother on the phone, your voice softly humming along to the music playing in the background. The sun cast a golden glow on the concrete platform, and the trains roared past you, a steady stream of passengers arriving and departing. You hummed absently, the rhythm of the trains a soothing backdrop to your conversation.

You had come to Xianzhou to buy some paint, as all the stores in your area didn't have what you needed. You were on a mission to complete your latest project and were determined to find the correct paint. As you talked, you watched out the window at the passing scenery. Xianzhou Loufu was a bustling metropolis, its skyscrapers and neon signs towering above the crowded streets. Somewhere in this pulsing city, you were sure, was the paint you needed.

"Alright, I think my break is over... I better get going now! Be sure to fix everything once you get home with those boxes. Safe dear, and don't talk to strangers!..." 

You slightly nod as this was all you could do, your mother had always been so protective even though you were already all grown up. She was away due to work but you could sense her worry and concern for your safety through her words. "Alright...I'll remember that," You replied to your mother, reassuring her that you would take care of yourself while she was away.

The afternoon sun shined down on the streets as you made your way to the paint store in Loufu. The streets were bustling with people, and the air was filled with the sounds of vendors shouting and children playing. The smell of fresh vegetables and street food drifted through the air, and you couldn't help but feel a sense of peace watching the world go by.

Finally entering the bright, colorful shop, you breathed in the heady smells of paint and the feeling of gratitude for being able to help out your mother washed over you. You quickly found the cardboard boxes and paint colors you needed and purchased them with a smile. Once you had completed your shopping in the bright and colorful paint store and paid for your purchase, you exited with the cardboard boxes firmly in your grip.

With each passing minute, the yellow leaves of the ginkgo trees lining the path continued to shed, slowly drifting downwards, creating a golden carpet below your feet. Never in your wildest imagination did you ever think there would be a place like this in Xianzhou, and it reminded you of the autumn leaves you'd seen while walking through your hometown.

You were so enraptured by the breathtaking autumnal scenery around you, that you didn't notice the figure walking towards you from the opposite direction. When they brushed past and their hand tapped you on the shoulder, it startled you out of your trance. You blinked, confused at what you saw, but it took only a moment's glance to realize who it was— none other than your friend Dan Heng.

In that moment, all your words seem to escape you as your mind goes blank. You stare at Dan Heng, unsure of what to say. Your heart starts beating faster as heat spreads over your face. But suddenly, your composure returns. With a confident, determined smile, you address Dan Heng. "Dan Heng!? What are you doing here on the weekend?"

As Dan Heng hummed and adjusted the bag in his hand, you couldn't help but notice how handsome he looked in the autumn sunlight, the crisp white shirt accentuating his olive skin and contrasting against the deep livid blue in his eyes, "I had to take care of something in school, I just left now. But what are you doing here?"

You held up the bag of paint and flashed a cheeky smile, "Buying things that aren't near my home, I'm glad we bumped into each other again, I was about to go on the train by myself and thought it'd be a bit boring staring at the window again."

Your breath hitched at Dan Heng's reaction to your comment, the heat of the moment making everything seem brighter and clearer. The light breeze caused by his movements felt like a tantalizing caress as he leaned closer towards you, his lips parting slightly in a smile that sent a thrill through you, "Let me carry the paint for you," He mumbled with a smile, "Wouldn't want you to get cold... and lonely..." At his offer to take the paint bag from you, your heart soared, and as he took it, the heat of his body radiated against you, stirring in you a warm, comfortable feeling that made you long for him just a little bit more.

The two of you continued walking, the rhythm of your footsteps in sync with each other. The silence of the moment was broken by the soft rustle of the leaves of the ginkgo trees that still lined the walkway, and for a few fleeting moments, you thought maybe this silence would never end. But your thoughts were immediately broken when Dan Heng spoke up, his voice a soothing melody that caressed your ears, "I'm glad we bumped into each other again. It's not quite as boring walking with you," He mumbled with a smile, causing your heart to skip a beat.

"Weren't you going the other direction?" You asked looking at the falling ginkgo leaves, it's been a while since you've walked with someone through Xianzhou's streets.

Your cheek was set on fire as Dan Heng fiddled with his bangs, causing your thoughts to spiral into a frenzy that only served to confuse you further. Had he not heard your question? Or was he avoiding something? His voice, a delicate melody as usual, took on a slight edge of embarrassment as he asked you, "Oh? Did you want me to go the other way?"

In that moment, your whole being couldn't help but feel charmed by this shy and reserved side of the man you knew. You found it absolutely charming, and your cheeks were warmed by the faintest of blushes. To cover it up, you decided to put on a nonchalant air as you answered, "Well, I actually wouldn't mind the company." Your own smile then slowly broadened as you continued walking with him, your heart feeling light as a feather in the heat of the moment.

The sidewalk stretched out endlessly before the two of you. As the music of each other's footsteps mixed to create a soothing melody, a light breeze carried in its wake, bringing with it a warmth as comforting as a parent's embrace. The events of the evening had left you feeling flushed and your heart racing, and you couldn't help but wonder what might come next. As you continued to walk along, your thoughts couldn't help but drift to the man by your side. He was charming, handsome, and... your cheeks flushed as the memories came rushing back again.

With a smile, you paused in your stride and turned to face him, a small smile parting your lips. "You know, I just realized I haven't asked about the story you've been writing. How's it going?"

Dan Heng hummed thoughtfully, turning towards you as if to ponder his next words. A look of mild apprehension crept across his face as if he were unsure whether it would be okay to share this with you. "About that..." A brief, uneasy moment passed where his hesitation was evident before he continued, "Would it be fine if it were based on a true story?" He looked at you with a hopeful gaze.

The question caught you off guard for a moment making you stop walking but you quickly composed yourself, your cheeks flushed with curiosity. "A true story? Whose story?"

The raven stared at you for a brief second before a soft smile lifted his lips, taking steps ahead of you and passing you, "That's a secret..." He chuckles a little as he continues to walk.

You stood there,  curiosity filling you up like an overflowing jar, who was he talking about? You turned to see the figure already walking away, "Huh?... Dan heng wait up! Tell me who is it?" You rushed up to him like a small duck following its mother.

"Nope..."

"Please! I won't tell anyone!"

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wahhh i really need to start updating fasst lmao

ALSO YESTERDAY WAS MY BIRTHDAY if you didn't know

out off-topic: good luck with getting wriothesley!