Ningyan narrowed his eyes into a glare. "Hmm." He huffed, blowing a stray strand of soft white hair away from his forehead.
Rong Yue watched the subtle defiance with quiet, dark amusement. Then, he raised one hand, his fingertip lightly brushing against Ningyan's cheek.
Ningyan stilled.
Rong Yue held his violet gaze, his thumb slowly tracing the line of his jaw before drifting toward his lower lip. He pressed against the soft curve lightly, his touch warm against the winter chill.
Ningyan's eyes narrowed further, but he refused to back away or look down.
Rong Yue's smile deepened into something low and satisfied. Just as casually as he had approached, he withdrew his hand. "Shall we?"
Without waiting for an answer, he turned and began walking toward the grand carriage.
Ningyan remained standing in the courtyard for a long moment, his fingers twitching at his side as an unwelcome warmth bloomed across his cheeks.
