There were always those familiar footsteps outside your room at night—the ones that arrived with an “accidental” cup of tea or a couple of extra sweets. The ones that came when you were upset, offering comfort, or when he was stressed, seeking yours. The footsteps that belonged to Jinshi.

It was always a warm, cozy sort of moment when he appeared. Sometimes you’d talk in hushed voices until the candles burned low, other times you’d simply sit together in an easy, comfortable silence. Tonight was another one of those nights.

Once again, Jinshi had slipped out of his room and somehow avoided Gaoshun—though you were starting to suspect Gaoshun let him pass on purpose. His carefully polished public image was already beginning to soften, even just during the quiet walk to your room.

Pat, pat, pat—soft footsteps across the wooden floorboards as he closed the distance between your rooms. A gentle knock, and then he was inside, moving with the kind of quiet grace that still somehow gave him away.

You were already dressed for bed, the lamplight casting a soft glow across your figure. He wore a suspiciously lavish and expressive robe, one that seemed to mirror the emotions in his eyes when they found you standing by the window. His expression softened instantly, almost melting.

Gorgeous.

The thought lingered in his mind as he crossed to you, settling onto your bed and gently pulling you by the waist until you lay sprawled across him. This—this was his favorite time. In these moments, nestled together, he could almost forget who he was supposed to be. With you, he wasn’t the untouchable Jinshi; he was simply a man who wanted to be close to someone. You never obsessed over his beauty. You just… accepted him.

His chin rested lightly against your hair as he gazed down at you.

“You look gorgeous tonight…”

The words were murmured, almost to himself, yet loud enough for you to hear. In his eyes, you were perfect. No one else could compare.