17 In Quiet Hands
Wang San limped back toward the Wei Clan's guest quarters, trying to hide the stiffness in his movements. Wei Liang had been called away by the elders, and Wei Xie was nowhere in sight.
"Stop walking like you're fine," Yun Zhan's voice came from behind.
Wang San turned, half-smiling. "I am fine. It's just my… heroic posture."
Yun Zhan gave him a flat stare. "Sit."
Before Wang San could protest, Yun Zhan was already untying the medicine pouch at his belt. They sat on the veranda, the late afternoon sun slanting in golden lines across the wooden floor.
"This is unnecessary," Wang San muttered, but his wince betrayed him when Yun Zhan lifted the edge of his robe to inspect the bruises.HE was staring him and thinking how handsome is he
"You talk too much," Yun Zhan said, applying a cool salve with careful precision.
"It's called conversation. You should try it sometime," Wang San teased, watching Yun Zhan's expression. "If I didn't know better, I'd think you actually cared."
Yun Zhan didn't look up. "…You do know better."
"Hmm," Wang San said, lips curling into a grin. "Then I'll take that as a yes."
From across the courtyard, Wei Xie appeared, stopping short when he saw them. His brows rose slightly, but he said nothing — just turned and walked away with the faintest smile.
Inside, Wang Xiao, sitting by the window, sipped her tea and listened. She didn't need to see them to know the bond forming there. A bond she suspected would matter when the storms came.