I think you secretly like it
———
As they continued down the path, the city lights fading behind them, Shen Qingqiu found himself relaxing into the moment.
The tension from the encounter with Mo Beijun and ShangQinghua began to dissipate, replaced by the quiet comfort of Binghe's presence.
The world seemed to shrink down to just the two of them, their footsteps the only sound against the cool night air.
"Do you always have to make things so dramatic?"
Shen Qingqiu said,
a teasing edge to his voice.
"You know, it's hard to have a peaceful evening with you around. First the date invitation, then the interruption by those two—what's next, a surprise fireworks show?"
Binghe smirked, clearly amused by Shen Qingqiu's grumbling.
"Oh, don't tempt me. I might just arrange one if you keep calling it a 'date.' I'll make sure it's the most dramatic fireworks display you've ever seen."
Shen Qingqiu rolled his eyes, though there was a warmth in his expression that he didn't bother hiding. "You're impossible."
Binghe's eyes sparkled with mischief as he slowed his pace, catching up to Shen Qingqiu. "I think you secretly like it."
Shen Qingqiu raised an eyebrow, crossing his arms as he walked beside him. "And what makes you think that?"
"Because," Binghe said, his voice low,
"you're still walking with me, aren't you?"
For a split second, the words hung in the air, and Shen Qingqiu's heart skipped a beat. He could feel the heat creeping into his cheeks, but he quickly masked it with a huff.
"I'm not walking with you because I like it," he said with exaggerated nonchalance.
"I'm just trying to make sure you don't get yourself into trouble. Someone has to."
Binghe's grin widened, clearly enjoying the reaction he was getting.
"Ah, so now I'm the troublemaker. Well, if you insist, I'll make sure to cause more trouble so you can have an excuse to stay by my side."
Shen Qingqiu groaned inwardly. It was impossible to have a normal conversation with Binghe without him turning it into something more complicated.
But, despite himself, Shen Qingqiu found a small smile tugging at his lips.
He couldn't deny that Binghe's presence—irritating as it could be—was oddly comforting.
Just then, as they turned another corner, Binghe suddenly stopped, and Shen Qingqiu almost collided with him again.
"What now?"
Shen Qingqiu sighed,
rubbing the back of his neck.
"Look,"
Binghe said, his voice unusually serious.
He pointed to a small lantern-lit bridge ahead, its reflection shimmering in the river below. It was picturesque, the night sky above them clear and sparkling, the sounds of the city far away.
"I thought this place would be perfect for a moment of quiet."
Shen Qingqiu blinked. He hadn't expected this shift, but as he followed Binghe's gaze, something inside him softened.
"It's beautiful,"
he said quietly, genuinely moved by the view.
"I thought you might like it,"
Binghe said, a small smile on his lips.
Then, as if to change the subject, he added,
"You know, I almost never bring anyone here. It's a secret spot of mine."
Shen Qingqiu arched an eyebrow. "A secret spot? Are you trying to impress me with your hidden treasure troves now?"
Binghe's smile turned mischievous. "Maybe. But more importantly, I brought you here because I wanted you to know that I'm serious. About us."
The words hung in the air, weighty and charged, and for a moment, Shen Qingqiu wasn't sure how to respond. His heart was doing its usual unpredictable dance in his chest, threatening to betray him in front of Binghe.
"You're serious?" Shen Qingqiu finally said, his voice laced with disbelief. "Binghe, you're... impossible. You can't be serious all the time."
Binghe chuckled softly. "Well, maybe not all the time. But when it matters, yes. I want to be more than just your... annoyance.
I want to be someone you can rely on. I know I've messed up a lot, but I'm willing to try. If you'll let me."
Shen Qingqiu felt a lump form in his throat, an unfamiliar warmth blooming in his chest. He didn't know what to say—he hadn't expected this conversation to take such a turn.
For so long, he'd kept his distance, afraid of what this attachment to Binghe might mean. But now, standing here, hearing those words, it felt like something inside him was finally giving way.
"Binghe…" Shen Qingqiu started, but he trailed off, unsure of how to express what he was feeling. Instead, he just looked at Binghe, hoping his silence would convey what words couldn't.
Binghe seemed to understand, his expression softening. He reached out, placing his hand gently on Shen Qingqiu's arm.
"It's okay," he said quietly. "You don't have to say anything right now. Just... know that I'm here. I'm not going anywhere. You're not alone in this."
Shen Qingqiu closed his eyes, the moment overwhelming him.
He'd always prided himself on keeping a cool exterior, on never letting his emotions show. But in Binghe's presence, it was harder to keep up that façade.
Taking a deep breath, he nodded.
"Alright. I don't know where this is going, Binghe, but for now… let's just enjoy the night."
He spoke while fiddling his thumbs.
Binghe's smile was warm and genuine as he squeezed Shen Qingqiu's arm lightly.
"I can do that."
They stood there for a moment, simply taking in the peaceful surroundings, the quiet between them comfortable in its own way.
The air was cool, the stars bright, and for once, it felt like Shen Qingqiu was exactly where he needed to be.