Shen Yue sat under a large tree outside the cave. Her legs were tucked close to her chest, and her white hair fell messily around her shoulders. She kept her eyes on the ground, biting her lip to stop the tears.
She didn't know why her heart hurt so much.
She had told herself Lin Xian was just like a big brother. Someone kind. Someone warm. Someone who looked at her like she mattered.
But now… she had seen him with Li Yueru. And her heart felt like it had cracked.
Footsteps approached. She didn't look up.
"Yue'er," Lin Xian's gentle voice said.
She stayed silent.
Lin Xian sat beside her, keeping a bit of distance so she wouldn't feel uncomfortable. His face was still pale, but he smiled.
"I didn't want you to see that and get hurt."
"You don't have to explain," she said, still looking away. "I'm just a childish girl. I shouldn't have expected anything."
Lin Xian's smile faded. "That's not true."
Shen Yue finally looked at him. "Then why does it hurt so much when you're with her?"
Lin Xian was quiet for a moment, then spoke honestly. "Because you care. And it's okay to care. You're not childish, Shen Yue. You're just human. You want someone to treat you like you matter. Like you're important."
He reached out gently, brushing her hair behind her ear. "And you are important. To me."
Shen Yue blinked, her red eyes tearing up again. "But I'm not special like Li Yueru. She's calm, beautiful, and strong."
Lin Xian chuckled softly. "And you're kind, clever, and full of life. You make people smile without even trying. That's your strength, Yue'er."
Her cheeks turned red. "Really?"
Lin Xian nodded. "Really. And no matter what happens, you'll always be my little sister. The one I'll protect with my life."
Shen Yue sniffled. "Even if I get angry or cry a lot?"
"Especially then," he grinned.
Shen Yue laughed a little and leaned into his shoulder. "Thank you, Brother Lin."
---
Inside the cave, Li Yueru watched from afar and smiled softly. She wasn't jealous. Instead, her heart felt warm.
Maybe… just maybe… fate had brought them to this point for a reason.
But she also knew: the feelings she had for Lin Xian were no longer simple.
---
The next few days passed quietly. Shen Yue returned to her cheerful self, and Lin Xian's health slowly improved thanks to the care of both girls. The cave started to feel like a real home.
They cooked together. Practiced simple techniques. Told stories late into the night.
It felt like a small family.
But time was running out.
The secret realm would open soon. And with it… the fake peace they had built here would be tested.
---
On the morning before they were to leave, Shen Yue placed a flower crown on Lin Xian's head and giggled. "You look like a gentle immortal."
Lin Xian rolled his eyes. "Do gentle immortals cook soup and clean caves?"
"You do!" she said proudly.
Li Yueru came over with a light smile. "It's almost time. We'll have to leave soon to meet the others."
Lin Xian nodded. "I know."
He looked at both girls.
"You two changed my life in this one month," he said seriously. "I don't know what fate has planned… but I'll walk beside you, no matter what."
Shen Yue and Li Yueru looked at each other.
Then, both nodded.
"Then let's go," Li Yueru said softly.
"Together," Shen Yue added, holding Lin Xian's hand.
---
[Villain Points: +1000]
[Temporary Affection Status: Shen Yue - Trusting | Li Yueru - Conflicted]
[New Objective: Survive the Secret Realm… and Turn Destiny Upside Down]