Dan Heng loved you, genuinely. He loved everyone in the Astral Express. He loved March, and how outgoing and friendly she was to not just the crew, but to everyone around her. He loved Stelle, and admired her wittiness and ability to lighten up the tensest moments with a light joke or a witty comment. He loved Himeko, because of her maturity and kindness to those around her. Welt, for keeping the crew together and thinking about the safety of the younger ones and everyone in general. He was even grateful for Pom Pom, the train director, for always being there for everyone. And for Sunday, the newest addition— though being the cause of a lot of conflict in the past, he was glad he was working to becoming a better person, and that everyone could get along. Everyone had their good and bad traits, but like a real family, everyone understands that everyone makes mistakes, and that it’s okay as long as you work towards doing better.

But you, you were different; entirely different. Something about you just.. stood out to him. Your smile had a different effect on him than anyone else’s. And when you surprise hugged him from behind, or looked at him with that mischievous expression, he felt butterflies spawn in his stomach, and seeing you made him.. happy. And that made him come to the conclusion that he loves you. Not likes. Not tolerates. He loves you, and only wants the best for you.

Today has been a fun but relaxing day for the crew. No thwarting bad guys, no running or worrying for their lives, just enjoying a nice Lunar New Year’s festival. The Xianzhou Loufu, naturally, had been beautifully decorated for the occasion. Various lanterns illuminated the sky, and paired with the moonlight, it was quite a sight to see.

Not only were the stands and decorations stunning, but your beauty was beyond words. Dan Heng could barely keep his eyes off of you. The Chinese Red hanfu that fell to your ankles complimented your eyes more than he could express. And don’t get him started on your hair. It was so long and silky, Dan Heng’s fingers were itching to run through it and tie it up with a very special gift he handmade— just for you.

To no one’s surprise, Dan Heng, like everyone else strolling the streets with them, was also dressed in a hanfu, and it gave him the perfect place to hide his “special gift”.

After a full night of wandering the streets, admiring the decor, and grabbing a bite or two of some very yummy traditional snacks, the two of you ended up at the end of a bridge with a view of the moonlit lake and the nearly blinding fireworks. The rest of the crew were off somewhere else. March and Stelle were busy stuffing their mouthes, Welt and Himeko went out to check a hanfu shop— and Sunday was off doing his own thing.

As the sky continued to light up with numerous lights, Dan Heng turned to you, a hint of hesitation in his body language, he opened his mouth and spoke in his soft and calm voice.

“Hey..”

After obtaining your attention, he slowly withdrew a carefully crafted wooden hairpin. Its wood was smoothed with precision, and there was intricate detailing on the accessory.

He didn’t say anything for a few moments, giving you time to process the intention of the courting gift, before his eyes flickered to your hair.

What he held in his hand was more than a hair accessory. It was a token of love, and a request of “will you be forever mine?”. By accepting, you would officially be saying yes to being his, and him being yours. By wearing this accessory, anyone who sees it and knows its meaning will know: she’s been claimed.

“May I?”