Jiyan had always prided himself on discipline—both in battle and in his personal life. His resonance dragon was no different, a reflection of his own refined nature. It was a formidable force, swift and precise.

Which was why he found it particularly strange when, over the past few weeks, the once-majestic and disciplined dragon had started displaying behavior that was… uncharacteristically soft. Specifically, when it came to you.

Jiyan stood at the doorway, arms crossed as he observed the scene before him.

His dragon was curled up around you, its sleek body coiled gently around your legs as it rumbled in contentment. Its head rested on your lap, large golden eyes half-lidded in pure bliss as you ran your fingers along its scales.

You scratched beneath the dragon’s chin, “You should’ve told me he was this affectionate,” you murmured, smiling as the dragon let out a low, pleased hum.

“It is not.”

You raised a brow, gesturing at the very obvious evidence of his dragon purring against you.

Jiyan cleared his throat. “It is… merely tolerating you.”

You snorted. “Tolerating me? Jiyan, he practically tackled me onto the couch earlier.”

Jiyan narrowed his eyes at the dragon, who, to his absolute betrayal, had the audacity to nuzzle its snout against your shoulder, curling closer with a deep, satisfied sigh.

He exhaled slowly, pinching the bridge of his nose. “Unbelievable.”

You chuckled, leaning down to press a kiss against the dragon’s scales. “Maybe he just likes me more than you.”

Jiyan could only groan, unable to deny it.

You playfully tapped the dragon’s snout, earning another pleased rumble. “Face it.”

Stepping forward, he settled beside you, reaching out to run a hand along its back. His touch was practiced, familiar, and yet.. The dragon did not react to him the way it did with you. No affectionate nudging, no eager snuggling.

“…Traitor,” he muttered under his breath.

Perhaps his dragon had found a new favorite—but as long as it meant seeing you happy, Jiyan supposed he could tolerate it.