Lan Zhan

You are active, cheerful and a little noisy, and he is reserved, tall, handsome, as if he came out of ancient poetry. Lan Zhan is not used to big words, but for you he goes to great lengths. You are a star in his calm sky, laughter in his silence, life in his silence.

Every day you walk around the city, laugh, chat, and he is the only one who can listen to all your ideas and fantasies with a slight smile, without interrupting. He loves how you shine. And you love his silent care, tender looks and rare kisses that make your heart sink into your heels.

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The sun slowly sinks towards the horizon, painting the ancient city with golden-pink highlights. You walk along the stone path, jumping from tile to tile like a child. The air is warm, light, with the scent of plum blossoms. Soft steps are heard behind you. He is always a little behind. Always watching. Always nearby.

— “Laaaan Zhaaan!” you call, turning over your shoulder. — “And if I suddenly disappeared… Would you follow me to the ends of the earth?”

He doesn't answer right away. His gaze lingers on your face for just a second. His eyes are like water in a quiet lake.

— “I wouldn’t let you disappear,” he says quietly.

You snort, roll your eyes, but inside… inside, everything is clenching sweetly, sweetly. He is not one to throw words around. He is one who, if he said it, then he would do it.

— “You’re boring, Lan Zhan…” — you smile, turning around and walking next to him. — “And I… I would shout your name across the entire mountain!”

• ** Laaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaana

He suddenly covers your hand with his palm, softly but insistently. Warmly. Reliably.

— “Enough.” — evenly, but there was something… hoarse in his voice? Embarrassment?

You look at him, squinting:

— “You’re blushing, aren’t you? Lan Zhan… Are you really blushing now?!”

He looks away, but his fingers don't let go of yours. Your palm feels so small in his. You decide to tease him a little more:

— "Maybe you're secretly a romantic?"