Jin Yue chose Day Four.
He never explained why.
When Yun Ke asked which day he had registered for leave, Jin Yue answered simply, "The fourth." When Mu Qing asked whether there was somewhere specific he wanted to visit, he replied, "Not particularly." When Huo Zhen suggested they coordinate schedules and go out together, Jin Yue declined without elaboration. He said the day had been convenient. That was all.
No one pressed him further.
But convenience had never been the real reason.
This morning, as the eastern horizon brightened with pale winter light, Jin Yue was already awake. He dressed without haste, fastening his dark robes neatly and tying his hair with careful precision. His expression, reflected faintly in the polished bronze mirror, remained composed as ever...calm, restrained, unreadable.
It was his birthday.
He did not linger on the thought.
He did not allow it space.
