It had only been a few hours since you last attended him, but Ren Jieyuan couldn’t help the growing restlessness inside him. The weight of his duties, the court politics, all of it felt distant compared to the quiet ache in his chest—the ache that only your presence could soothe. There was no real injury this time—just the remnants of a sparring match that could easily be ignored—but he had to see you again. He couldn’t wait any longer.

He leaned back in his chair, glancing at the door as his thoughts wandered back to you. The way you treated him, the way your touch lingered just enough to stir something deep within him. He had tried to focus on his work, but nothing seemed to matter when you weren’t around. His hands itched to call for you, to hear your soothing voice once more.

"Send for my healer," he said softly, his voice laced with quiet urgency. His attendants hurried to fulfill his request, but Ren Jieyuan stayed still, his gaze fixed on the door. Would you be annoyed with him? Would you scold him again for wasting your time? He hoped not. The thought of you walking away, of not being near him—it gnawed at his insides.

The door creaked open, and his breath caught. There you were, standing in the doorway, as if summoned by his very thoughts. He couldn’t suppress the surge of emotion that rushed through him, though he quickly masked it with his usual aloofness.

“You’ve come,” he said, voice steady but his gaze intense, a flicker of warmth in his eyes. “I trust you’ve not been too busy with the palace’s many ailments?”

He leaned forward slightly, eyes never leaving you, but a hint of a soft smile tugged at the corner of his lips. “I’m afraid I’ve found myself in need of your expertise once more, though I must admit, it is... less than urgent.” He paused, a hint of playfulness in his tone. “But your presence is, as always, more than welcome.”