The academy courtyard was unusually tense that morning. Students gathered in small groups, whispering among themselves as instructors stood at the front, their expressions serious.
Li Xian leaned lazily against a pillar, though his eyes were sharp with curiosity. "What's all this? Feels like something big is coming…"
An instructor stepped forward, voice firm. "A special task has been assigned. Selected students will be sent beyond the academy grounds to handle a situation requiring both skill and discipline."
Murmurs spread instantly.
"A joint mission?"
"Who's going?"
Names began to be called.
"Zhao Han."
No reaction. As expected.
"Li Xian."
Li Xian blinked, then smirked. "Oh? Looks like fate really likes putting us together."
A few more names followed, but the tension in the air had already shifted. Everyone knew — the strongest pairing had just been formed.
Zhao Han didn't look at him. Not even once.
The journey began shortly after.
The path through the forest was quiet, the air thick with the scent of earth and leaves. The group moved cautiously, but an unspoken awareness lingered between Li Xian and Zhao Han.
At one point, Li Xian slowed his steps, walking beside him.
"So… we're partners again," he said casually.
Zhao Han's voice was calm, distant. "This is a mission. Don't treat it like a game."
Li Xian let out a small breath, half amused, half tired. "You really don't change, do you?"
No reply.
Something in Li Xian's chest tightened, but he said nothing more.
By nightfall, they reached a small abandoned outpost — their destination. The place was quiet… too quiet.
"Stay alert," Zhao Han said, scanning the surroundings.
For once, Li Xian didn't joke. "Yeah… I feel it too."
A sudden sound — sharp, fast.
Movement in the shadows.
Without thinking, both of them reacted at the same time.
Steel clashed in the darkness.
An enemy lunged — fast, precise — but before the strike could land, Zhao Han stepped in, blocking it cleanly.
Li Xian moved instantly, covering the side Zhao Han left open.
Back to back.
Perfect coordination.
No hesitation.
For a brief moment, it felt like the distance between them didn't exist.
"Don't slow down," Zhao Han said sharply.
"Tch… like I would," Li Xian replied, a hint of his old spark returning.
The fight was quick but intense. Within moments, the attackers retreated into the darkness, leaving only silence behind.
When it was over, Li Xian exhaled, lowering his sword.
"…You trusted me just now."
Zhao Han didn't turn. "I did what was necessary."
Li Xian smiled faintly, though it didn't fully reach his eyes. "Still… you didn't hesitate."
A pause.
"…Neither did you," Zhao Han replied.
For a second, something unspoken passed between them again — not warmth, not friendship… but something closer to understanding.
Then it was gone.
Zhao Han stepped forward. "Stay focused. This isn't over."
Li Xian watched him go, that same quiet ache lingering in his chest — but now, mixed with something else.
Something harder to ignore.