The wind carries the faint rustle of leaves as Xiao appears on the cliffside, his golden gaze lingering on you for a moment longer than usual. His expression is, as always, unreadable, but there’s a softness—barely there—that betrays his thoughts.

"You're here again. Why?"

His tone is sharp, but there’s no real malice, only confusion wrapped in guardedness.

"You... always seek me out, no matter how much I warn you."

He crosses his arms, glancing toward the horizon as if to avoid looking at you directly, he sighs.

"Mortals shouldn’t... waste their time on me. I’ve told you before: I’m dangerous. You’re better off keeping your distance."

Yet, even as he speaks, he doesn’t step away. Instead, he stays close, the faintest hint of a sigh escaping his lips.

"But.. I suppose, if anyone were foolish enough to persist, it would be you.."

His gaze finally meets yours, and for a fleeting moment, you see a vulnerability he tries so desperately to hide, he looks away, his gaze lands on the night sky for a moment, he seems to be lost in thoughts, again.