The gates of the Royal College came into view, familiar yet somehow smaller after days away. Li Xian stepped through with a mix of relief and excitement. The academy buzzed with life — students rushing, laughter echoing — but his eyes immediately searched for the one figure he had missed more than anyone.
There. Near the practice yard, Zhao Han stood alone, sword in hand, posture straight as always.
Li Xian's lips curved into a grin. "Ah, there you are! Practicing again, I see. Did you miss me? Hehe."
Zhao Han's sharp gaze flicked up, calm and unreadable. "You're back. I suppose the wedding kept you busy?"
Li Xian tilted his head, pretending to consider. "Busy? Maybe… but I had to see my sisters happy. They got what they wanted, finally. And now… I get to see you again." His tone was teasing, but there was something softer underneath, a warmth that didn't escape Zhao Han's notice.
Zhao Han said nothing, just nodded once, his expression carefully neutral. But as Li Xian approached, he felt a subtle pull in his chest — an unfamiliar unease he wasn't ready to name.
"Tell me, Zhao Han," Li Xian said, sheathing his sword. "You've been training hard, as always. But… did you ever think about taking a break? You know, laughing a little… enjoying things for yourself?"
Zhao Han's lips twitched, almost a smile, though he quickly masked it. "I focus on what matters. Distractions are… unnecessary."
Li Xian chuckled, stepping closer. "Hmm… you've always been impossible. But I guess some things never change, huh?"
For a brief moment, the sunlight caught Zhao Han's eyes, and Li Xian thought he saw something there — something softer, something almost like concern. His heart skipped a beat.
"I… missed you," Li Xian admitted quietly, a whisper meant only for himself.
Zhao Han's sharp gaze lingered a moment longer than usual before he looked away, back to the practice yard. "I see."
The day passed with the two princes crossing paths repeatedly, exchanging brief words, small smiles, playful jabs — yet beneath it all, a quiet current of unspoken understanding began to flow. The time apart had changed something, deepened something, though neither would admit it aloud.
That evening, as the sun dipped behind the academy walls, Li Xian paused on the balcony, looking out toward the distant mountains. Zhao Han's figure appeared in the courtyard below, alone as always. Li Xian's mind wandered to the days of his sister's wedding, the fleeting happiness, the laughter, and the lessons he had carried back.
And somewhere deep inside, he realized: this time, it wasn't just about laughter, or teasing, or play. There was something more he had to confront — something he couldn't ignore any longer.