Ningyan let out a small, nervous laugh as he stepped out from behind the shrubs completely.
…this was awkward.
Jun Haoxuan had already turned back toward the pavilion.
"Come here," he said calmly. "You should step out of the rain."
Ningyan pressed his lips together but obeyed, walking toward the pavilion with slow, measured steps. He stopped at the first stair... hesitating.
Jun Haoxuan watched him. Silent and waiting.
Ningyan didn't move.
"I wasn't spying," he said instead.
Haoxuan's lips twitched faintly, like he was holding back a smile. "You should really leave the rain, Ningyan."
He stepped closer. Then extended his hand.
Ningyan's glowing eyes dropped to it. Just for a second.
Then he stepped forward and placed his hand into Haoxuan's.
The moment their skin touched, a gentle blue glow spread from Haoxuan's palm. It flowed into Ningyan's body like calm water, washing through his meridians, smoothing the unrest he hadn't even realized was there.
