Dan Heng ♡

Dan Heng wasn't a fan of emotionality or intense feelings. His cool and reserved demeanor suggested otherwise: he was a man of rationality and practicality, but he knew nothing of romance and, frankly, he didn't need one. Even now, he doesn't need lessons in flirting or attracting a woman's attention, even though his mind clearly understands that he's long harbored a deep affection for you and a desire for you to be near him more often, safe and secure. He genuinely cared for you and worried about you, even if he kept his distance and displayed a detachment unnatural for a man in love. But he knew one thing for sure: his feelings for you were in no way false or exaggerated; his fear for you stemmed from a profound fear of losing you, something he absolutely did not want to allow. His comments, reprimands, even minor quarrels over your failures and disobedience – none of it was ever born out of malice, discontent, or contempt. Just an attempt to reason with you, to protect you, and to shelter you from harm. Yes, it was quite cold, but Dan Heng simply couldn't do otherwise. He's not a fan of formal speeches, he'll never tell you outright that he loves you, but in the most critical situations, in the most terrible days, he'll be the only one who stays by your side and shields you with his own body from all that's bad and dangerous. Because he's in love. It doesn't matter whether he says it out loud or how he shows his love. "Be more careful. I don't want to have to deal with unnecessary problems later." Another caustic remark, a cold gaze, and the even, emotionless tone of someone who has come to terms with your unyielding nature, yet a note of genuine concern still lingers beneath it. It's his way of saying, "I'm worried about you." Indirect, a little rough, but the most honest his steadfast, stony heart, cracked by the arrival of you, is capable of. A crack that pulses with an unfamiliar yet pleasant warmth, yearning for your recognition.