The moon had climbed high into the velvet sky, cloaking the inn in a quiet chill. Candles had burned low, and the air was thick with unease. No one spoke much after Xie Lian locked himself away. The others had returned to their rooms, unsure of what else to say, unsure if he'd ever open the door again.
But Saanvi could not sleep. Neither could Vihaan.
She stood outside Xie Lian's door, arms folded tightly, her back against the wall. Beside her, Vihaan stood with his hands in his pockets, eyes downcast, as though listening to every heartbeat inside that room.
The hallway was silent.
Until suddenly, a sob broke the stillness.
Saanvi's head snapped toward the door.
"Did you hear that?" she whispered.
Vihaan nodded slowly. "He's crying."
She stepped closer, placing a hand gently on the wooden frame. Her voice, when she spoke, was not loud—but strong, steady.
"Xie Lian… I know you're in pain."
No response.
Vihaan stepped up beside her. "And we're not here to force you out. But… please don't suffer alone."
Inside, Xie Lian had curled himself on the small bed in the corner, the blanket over his head, trying to disappear into the silence. But when he heard their voices—hers especially—something broke.
More sobs escaped.
Saanvi placed her forehead lightly against the door. "Xie Lian, please. I won't ask you to pretend everything's okay. I just want you to let someone in."
She paused, her voice trembling with something deep and old. "If you really love him… then don't back off. Don't give up just because you feel like he didn't choose you. Love isn't about being chosen like an object. Love… is about standing your ground even when it hurts. It's about showing them—showing yourself—that your love is real."
Another pause.
"I've seen people walk away from love because they were too scared of rejection. But the bravest thing you can do right now isn't to hide. It's to open that door and let yourself feel. Let yourself fight."
A click echoed through the hallway.
The door creaked open.
And in the next second, Xie Lian flew into her arms.
He collapsed into Saanvi, sobbing like a child who had held it all in for far too long. She caught him, holding him tightly against her chest.
"I'm here," she whispered. "I'm not going anywhere."
Vihaan stepped closer, laying a hand gently on Xie Lian's back. The younger boy turned and hugged him too, burying his face in Vihaan's shoulder now, as if searching for something solid to cling to.
"I don't know what to do…" Xie Lian choked out. "It hurts. It hurts so much…"
"We know," Vihaan said softly, his voice cracking a little too. "But you don't have to carry it alone anymore."
They stood there for what felt like an eternity. The hallway bathed in silver light. One soul finally allowed to break. Two others there to help him hold the pieces.
Tonight, the door had opened—not just to a room, but to a heart too long locked away.
Scene 2: Resolve in the Night
The three of them sat on the edge of Xie Lian's bed, the soft moonlight bathing the room in a calm glow. A small lamp flickered nearby, casting warm halos on the wall.
Xie Lian wiped his eyes slowly, the trembling in his hands finally settling. He glanced at both of them—two anchors in a storm he hadn't seen coming.
"I was going to give up," he admitted. "I thought maybe… maybe I had lost him already."
Saanvi remained quiet, watching him with kind eyes.
"But I realized," Xie Lian continued, his voice firmer now, "if I really love him… then I can't back off just because it hurts. I have to fight for him. Not to force him… but to remind him who's always stood by his side."
Vihaan's lips curved upward.
"I don't care how broken I feel right now," Xie Lian said, straightening his back. "I won't run from this. Not again."
Saanvi reached out and ruffled his hair gently, her eyes shining. "That's my boy."
Vihaan chuckled. "Now that's the Xie Lian we know."
"I know it won't be easy," Xie Lian added, "but I'll find a way. Even if Wei Zhan never loves me the same way I love him… I want him to know I never gave up on him."
Saanvi nodded slowly, her voice soft with pride. "Then we'll stand with you. Always."
Vihaan stood up and stretched. "Come on. You've exhausted yourself. Let's get you to bed properly."
They helped Xie Lian under the covers, tucking the blanket around him like a sibling might. Saanvi placed a protective charm under his pillow.
Xie Lian looked up at them, eyes half-lidded with exhaustion. "You'll still be here in the morning, right?"
Saanvi smiled. "Always."
Vihaan winked. "Even if you snore."
A small laugh escaped Xie Lian, and with that, he closed his eyes.
Outside the window, the stars gleamed bright—silent witnesses to a bond not yet broken.
And as the night stretched on, the storm within Xie Lian finally began to quiet, one heartbeat at a time.
---
Scene 3: The Morning After
The first light of dawn streamed through the window panes like soft fingers of warmth brushing over the old wooden floors. Birds chirped gently in the trees outside. The entire inn was still in a sleepy hush… until a sudden voice rang out.
"—What do you mean I passed out?!"
Everyone rushed into the room where Wei Zhan had just woken up, bolting upright in bed like someone being chased by fate itself.
Tianlan was the first to reach the door, pushing it open. "You're awake!"
Devran, Riku, Vihaan, Saanvi, and even Xie Lian crowded around the doorframe.
Wei Zhan squinted at them groggily. "Okay… why do all of you look like you want to kick me?"
Devran crossed his arms. "We should, honestly."
Riku added with mock offense, "You owe us an explanation and an apology."
Wei Zhan blinked, voice rising in disbelief. "Wait, what did I do?"
Tianlan stepped forward, crossing his arms. "Do you really not remember what you said?"
Wei Zhan scratched his head. "Was it something bad? I mean, probably. I say a lot of reckless things."
Just as Tianlan opened his mouth to speak—
"Here."
Everyone turned. Xie Lian had walked up quietly and now stood beside the bed, holding a cup of warm water.
"Drink it. You were unconscious for hours."
Wei Zhan stared at him, stunned.
"…Did the sun rise on the wrong side of the world?" he muttered, taking the cup and inspecting it like it might be poisoned. "Why are you caring about me all of a sudden? You're usually one sarcastic glare away from smiting me."
Xie Lian didn't answer. He just arched a brow and turned his gaze away, though the edge of a smile played at his lips.
Saanvi and Vihaan shared a knowing look. Saanvi's smile was small but filled with quiet pride.
"He's turning over a new leaf," Vihaan said lightly.
"I think he's finally realized some people are worth the effort," Saanvi added.
Wei Zhan blinked at the three of them, suspicious. "Okay, who are you people and what have you done with my friends?"
Everyone chuckled, the tension breaking at last.
Riku leaned against the wall. "So, do you remember anything you said before passing out?"
Wei Zhan frowned, thinking hard. "…I remember Tianlan's face. And then… nothing."
Tianlan flushed slightly.
Xie Lian's smile faded, just a bit. "You said his name… and only his name."
Wei Zhan's brows drew together in confusion. "Did I?"
Devran stepped forward. "We were worried. You weren't breathing properly. We thought—"
"No need for dramatics," Wei Zhan interrupted quickly. "I'm fine now."
But then his gaze lingered on Xie Lian, who hadn't moved. A flicker of guilt crossed his face.
"…Did it hurt you?" he asked quietly.
Xie Lian looked at him directly. "Yes. But I'm not running away."
Wei Zhan blinked again.
"I've decided I'm going to fight for you," Xie Lian said, his voice soft but steady. "So you better be ready."
Silence.
Then Riku whooped. "Well damn, we've got a romantic showdown brewing!"
Tianlan smirked, stepping back. "This is going to be entertaining."
Vihaan just shook his head with a soft smile. "Let's just hope no one dies from emotional whiplash."
Saanvi added playfully, "At least not until breakfast."
Everyone laughed, and for the first time in days, the air around them was light.
Wei Zhan looked down at the water in his hands, then back up at Xie Lian.
He didn't say anything more—but for once, he didn't push him away either.
And Xie Lian took that as a good sign.
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