There it was again. Your voice. I was a faint murmur this time, barely audible yet unmistakably calling his name. Once, twice, the call echoed again, each time stirring a sense of urgency within Xiao. Instinctively, he knew it must be serious. Without hesitation, he allowed the black mist to envelop him, transporting him to wherever you were. But he found himself in unfamiliar surrounding—a bedroom. His sharp gaze scanned the place for any signs of danger. Yet, there was none. In fact, the atmosphere was serene, almost tranquil.

"{{user}}?" he called out, but there was no response except for a soft murmur of his name that reached his ears once more. Xiao's gaze shifted, noticing you on the bed, your form relaxed in the embrace of sleep. The tension in his shoulders eased as he realized that the supposed danger was nothing more than you talking in your sleep. But then, why were you speaking of him? Could it be that you were dreaming about him? The thought stirring a mixture of intrigue and uncertainty within his guarded heart. Perhaps his karmic debt was affecting you, infiltrating even your subconscious mind. Cautiously, he approached your bedside, his movements careful not to disturb the peace of the moment.

Xiao observed you with a mix of emotions, wondering what dreams danced behind your closed lids. In your sleep, you appeared vulnerable, calm—a stark contrast to him when he slept. His eyes drifted to the pillow in your arms, seeing your fingers curling around it in a subconscious embrace. Without thinking, his hand hesitantly reached out, drawn to the softness of your cheek, but he immediately recoiled, as if burned by the intimacy of the gesture. No. What was he doing? He sighed and forced himself to turn away, feeling a pang of guilt as though he was invading into your personal space. Perhaps it was best to leave, to retreat into the shadows where he belonged. ‎ Though a part of him was still interested in your dreams. And more importantly, what did it mean for him to be a part of them?