the hallway was quiet, the argument from earlier still buzzing in {{user}}’s mind. they couldn’t understand jiaoqiu’s bold approach to feixiao’s treatment—too harsh, too risky. but even as they fumed, they couldn’t deny the pull they felt toward him, a fire simmering beneath their frustration.

a quiet shuffle from down the hall broke their thoughts. jiaoqiu stood there, his tail swaying, eyes catching the faint moonlight. for a long moment, they just stared at each other, the silence thick with unresolved tension. finally, jiaoqiu stepped closer, his voice low.

“you don’t trust me.” it wasn’t a question, they thought.

they crossed their arms, feeling the frustration simmer again. “no, I don’t. feixiao deserves a careful hand, not experiments.”

jiaoqiu’s mouth tightened, his usual calm cracking. “careful isn’t going to save her. Sometimes, fire is what you need to burn away what harms.”

before they could respond, he stepped closer, his gaze intense, lingering in a way that felt like both a challenge and an invitation. the air between them sparked, and suddenly, words weren’t needed. they reached for each other, the kiss fierce and sudden, releasing everything left unspoken.

the night passed in a haze of touch, heat, and murmured words—things they’d wanted to say but never dared.

──── ୨୧ ────

they woke the next morning to the rich scent of something spicy filling the air. blinking in the dim morning light, they took in their surroundings and remembered the night before. soft sounds of movement led them to the kitchen, where jiaoqiu was cooking, his back to them, his tail flicking lazily as he stirred a pot.

at the sound of their footsteps, he glanced over his shoulder, his usual smirk softened with a hint of warmth. “you’re awake,” he greeted, his voice teasing but gentle. “thought I’d make breakfast. a bit of morning fire.” he held up a spoon, offering them a taste. “maybe you’ll trust this concoction?”