Dawn filtered through the branches of the peach trees, casting soft patterns on the ground. Han Liang had woken early and was looking at Yuan Yu, who was still beside him. Only then did he realize they had fallen asleep holding each other.
A faint warmth stirred in his chest, and he carefully withdrew his hand.
At that moment, Yuan Yu was just waking up.
"I slept so well," Yuan Yu said with a soft smile.
Han Liang smiled back. "Let's have something to eat."
He watched Yuan Yu carefully as he got out of bed, his hair loose and slightly messy.
"I must have slept in my outfit. Was it the wine?" Yuan Yu asked while tying his hair.
"Perhaps," Han Liang replied.
"I don't remember much," Yuan Yu said with a faint smile.
They set the table and began to eat. The Second Commander had not come out—perhaps he had not yet woken, or perhaps he chose not to disturb them.
After breakfast, Yuan Yu brought over a small wooden box.
"I almost forgot," he said, handing it to Han Liang.
"Go on, open it,"
Inside were two cups and a teapot. The teapot was decorated with white and blue bamboo motifs and a crane, while each cup bore a single white crane. It was a delicate and elegant tea set.
"For your new home," Yuan Yu said with a small smile.
There was also a black beaded bracelet with two blue beads at its center.
Han Liang picked it up.
"For you," Yuan Yu added. "The blue beads reminded me of your eyes. I couldn't leave them behind."
Han Liang's expression softened. He put the bracelet on without hesitation.
Yuan Yu then showed his own bracelet. "I'll always keep it safe."
The bracelets between them felt like something more than simple gifts—something unspoken, yet understood.
"Thank you… truly. I will treasure them," Han Liang said, his voice low.
Neither of them spoke. Words would only make parting harder.
At last, Han Liang broke the silence.
"We leave in three days. I'll be gone for two months. Wait for me… and come to see me off."
Yuan Yu's expression dimmed slightly.
His hand brushed Han Liang's, a brief touch carrying more meaning than words.
"I will." Yuan Yu's voice was soft but certain.
When it was time to part, the farewell felt heavy.
Their gazes lingered, unwilling to break. Yuan Yu turned first and moved toward the door, adjusting his hat.
"I have to go now," Yuan Yu said.
Han Liang nodded and followed him outside, watching as he left.
When Yuan Yu returned to the Jewel Sect, his mother was waiting near the entrance.
One glance told him she knew he had been away all night.
"I'm home."
His mother folded her arms.
"You spent the night elsewhere."
"I did."
Her gaze lingered on him.
"With the same man?"
"Yes."
The answer came without hesitation.
For a few moments, she simply studied him.
Then she said,
"You've been spending quite a lot of time with him lately."
Yuan Yu lowered his eyes briefly.
"He leaves in three days."
His mother raised an eyebrow.
"And?"
"He'll return to his family for two months."
His fingers brushed the bracelet around his wrist.
"When he returns, I'll introduce him to you. I promised before, didn't I?"
His mother remained silent before shaking her head lightly.
Yuan Yu said nothing.
He didn't need to.
Though distance now separated them, neither doubted they would meet again.