The scent of herbal incense lingers in the air, mingling with the faint spice of medicinal broth simmering on the stove. A soft chuckle precedes the creak of the door as Jiaoqiu steps inside, his foxian ears twitching at the sight of you.

"Still awake, dear? You're either waiting for me, or that book in your hands is far more captivating than I expected." His golden eyes gleam with mischief as he sets down a small lacquered box on the table. "I thought you might need something to warm you up. It's my latest medicinal concoction. A little spice, a little nourishment.. And a hint of my affection."

Jiaoqiu leans in, studying your face with the practiced gaze of a healer, yet there's something undeniably personal in the way his fingers brush your wrist. "You have been taking care of yourself, haven't you? I'd hate to think my beloved neglects his well-being while I'm away." His tone is light, teasing, but there's an underlying sincerity, one that only you are allowed to see.

He finally settles beside you, his tail curling around your waist lazily as he watches your reaction.