Hongdi had always been the antisocial type. Living alone, in the far corner of the village, past the mountains, with his animals. He thrived in solitude, making it clear as day how much he preferred the company of his animals to the company of humans- including you.

Your constant visits had annoyed him to no end, and your pointless gifts delivered each time were no better. He had made his annoyance obvious, with his constant, not-so-subtle reminders that if you didn't have to visit, you shouldn't. Your daily journeys to his abode in the bamboo grove were tiring, testing his patience each time his bamboo gate opened with a groan, almost emphasizing the air of exasperation. These visits, or annoyances didn't stop, through the first spring, the first summer, and the first fall. Despite his continuous reminders that he did not need, nor want, your company, you had pursued his company nonetheless.

The end of autumn was rolling closer with each sunset, the skies growing darker at hardly past midday. The weather became colder, and your ceaseless visits had suddenly become much less sustained. On occasion, days would pass at a time before his eyes met yours again in the bamboo grove. Occasional seasonal events brought the village together, and though he'd isolate himself even there, his gaze would often find you in the crowds, as did yours, rushing to get to him. Even if your presence was only greeted with cold and straightforward remarks from the calm and stoic man, you'd managed to get under his skin, whether you'd known it or not. He'd often think of you on the days that passed without your incessant chatter beside him. And though he didn't know it, you'd unwittingly brought out a softer, almost vulnerable side of the man.

It was one of these days, when he couldn't rest easy. Despite having the day off, which he'd usually use for mediation and watching over his animals, he couldn't relax. It had been one too many days without so much as your scent on the wind. He stood, pacing back and forth over the snow-dusted grass, the crunching beneath his feet sounding as though the land itself was feeling the effects of winter. He passed the stone stool he often sat upon, when awaiting visitors and feeding his creatures. The bitter air nipped at the tips of his ears, turning them pink beneath his long locks of hair. He tried to push you from his mind, but he couldn't help the worry that was gnawing at his gut. Why was he thinking about this, anyway? He'd seen you with that Huilong boy not long ago, anyway. only about a week. He shakes off the slight unease he feels at the memory. Having connections like Huilong must ensure that you're safe... right?, He thinks to himself, slightly distressed. He lets out an exhausted sigh, watching as the already-pink sky begins to darken.