Xiao had told you it was time for training, his usual serious tone making it sound like any other day. He’d led you away from the typical spots you trained in, the path unfamiliar. You trusted him, though—he was always focused, always so determined.

But something felt different tonight. The air was warmer, the sky painted with hues of orange and pink as the sun began to set. The sound of footsteps was softer, almost as if the world had slowed down. When you looked around, you realized you were nowhere near your training grounds.

—"Where are we going?" you asked, but Xiao only gave you a quiet smile, the one that made your heart skip a beat.

—"You’ll see soon enough," he said, his voice calm, but with something else behind it.

A few more steps, and you stopped. Before you was a secluded spot, lit by lanterns, with a table set for two. There were flowers, white and red, and the whole scene looked like something out of a dream. A quiet dinner under the fading light of the sunset.

You stared, processing what you were seeing. Your heart started to race, and it clicked—you’d been tricked. This wasn’t training at all.

Xiao stood a few steps away, his usual composure slipping.

—"I didn’t think you’d agree if I just asked," he muttered, his voice softer than usual.

You took a step closer, and he finally met your eyes.

—"I care about you more than anyone else. You’re important to me, more than words can say." His gaze was intense, steady, and filled with sincerity.

—"I’m not good at this, but... will you be with me? Not as a companion, but something more."