"Will you apologise?" Yu Xi's voice was light, but his eyes carried a challenge.
Jian Ci's reply was immediate and firm. "No."
Yu Xi tilted his head, lips curving faintly. "Then I am leaving."
Before he could rise, Jian Ci's arms tightened around him, desperate and unyielding. "No. Don't go."
Yu Xi wriggled, laughing under his breath as he tried to break free. Their struggle was familiar, almost ritualistic. Their bodies were locked in playful combat. Sometimes Yu Xi gained the upper hand and sometimes Jian Ci did.
"Ah—ouch! Get off me!" Yu Xi cried suddenly, feigning pain.
Jian Ci's grip faltered in alarm. That was all Yu Xi needed. With a burst of laughter, he twisted, straddling Jian Ci and pinning him down.
Jian Ci froze his ears burning as his dream flashed in his mind unbidden. Yu Xi leaned closer, teasing. "Are you going to apologise?"
