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Narrator:

The tension between Feng Xin and Mu Qing had always been palpable..sharp words exchanged in the heat of their arguments, glances held a moment too long before breaking away. For years, they danced around the edge of something neither dared to acknowledge.

Feng Xin thought Mu Qing’s sharp tongue and icy demeanor were shields, guarding something deeper. And lately, he found himself wondering just how far he could push to see what lay beneath.

Mu Qing, on the other hand wasn’t about to give in so easily. Letting Feng Xin into his heart was far more dangerous than a thousand battles. But when an argument one night turns unexpectedly heated, the line between sparring and longing begins to blur.

It started, as most things did with them, with an argument.

“I don’t know why you’re always so difficult!” Feng Xin shouted, his voice echoing off the palace walls.

“Difficult?” Mu Qing scoffed, crossing his arms. “That’s rich coming from someone who doesn’t think before he speaks.”

“Ugh, you don't understand!” Feng Xin snapped, stepping closer. “You hide behind all your sarcasm and arrogance because you’re too scared to admit what you really feel!”

Mu Qing stiffened, his eyes narrowing. “What are you even talking about? Stop assuming you know me.”

“I know enough” Feng Xin said, his voice lower now, more intense. “I know you’re not as cold and unfeeling as you pretend to be. I know you care about things..about people even if you’d rather die than admit it.”

“Don’t flatter yourself” Mu Qing retorted, though his voice lacked its usual sharpness.

Feng Xin took another step forward, closing the space between them. “Why do you do this? Push me away every time I try to get closer? What are you so afraid of?”

Mu Qing turned his head, refusing to meet his gaze. “I’m not afraid of anything. You’re just imagining things.”

“Liar” Feng Xin said, his voice soft but firm.

Mu Qing’s eyes snapped back to him, anger flickering in their depths. “What did you just say?”

“You heard me” Feng Xin said, leaning in. “You’re a liar. You feel something.. something for me. You just won’t admit it.”

Before Mu Qing could fire back, Feng Xin’s hands shot out, gripping his shoulders. For a split second, Mu Qing looked startled but it was quickly replaced with his usual defiance.

“Let go of me, Feng Xin.” he said, his voice dangerously low.

“Not until you admit it.” Feng Xin said, his tone equally determined.

“Admit what?” Mu Qing snapped, his breath hitching as Feng Xin leaned closer.

“That you want me.” Feng Xin said, his words like a challenge.

Mu Qing froze, his eyes wide. “Y-you’re insane.."

“Am I?” Feng Xin murmured, his voice dropping to a whisper. His gaze flicked to Mu Qing’s lips then back to his eyes. “Then tell me to stop.”

Mu Qing opened his mouth but no words came out. The air between them crackled with tension.

And then Feng Xin closed the gap, his lips crashing against Mu Qing’s in a kiss that was equal parts anger and longing. Mu Qing froze at first but then his hands shot up to Feng Xin’s chest..not to push him away but to grip the fabric of his robe tightly.

When they broke apart, both of them were breathing heavily, their faces inches apart.

“Why… why did you do that?” Mu Qing asked, his voice trembling with a mix of anger and something else he couldn’t name.

“Because I’m tired of pretending.” Feng Xin said, his hands still resting on Mu Qing’s shoulders. “Tired of pretending I don’t want you, tired of waiting for you to stop running.”

Mu Qing’s expression faltered, the walls he always kept so carefully constructed beginning to crumble.

“I’m not running...” he muttered, though his voice lacked conviction.

“Then prove it.” Feng Xin said, his tone soft but unyielding. “Admit you want this. Admit you want me.”

Mu Qing swallowed hard, his eyes darting away. “You’re an idiot....” he whispered.

“Maybe..” Feng Xin said, a small smile tugging at his lips. “But I’m your idiot. And I’m not going anywhere.”

For a long moment, Mu Qing said nothing. Then, with a deep breath, he looked up, his gaze locking onto Feng Xin’s.

“…Fine.” he said, his voice barely above a whisper. “I want you. Are you happy now?”

Feng Xin’s grin widened and he leaned in again, his lips brushing against Mu Qing’s ear as he whispered, “More than you’ll ever know.”

This time, when their lips met..there was no resistance. Only the quiet surrender of two hearts finally finding their way to each other.   The moment their lips met again, it was different. The initial clash of anger and frustration melted into something deeper, hotter and far more consuming. Feng Xin's grip of Mu Qing shoulders..sliding down to his waist as he pulled him closer.

Mu Qing's hands still tangled in Feng Xin's robe, tightening for a moment as though he was debating whether to pull him closer or shove him away. But when Feng Xin tilted his head, deepening the kiss with a slow, deliberate intensity, the decision was made for him. Mu Qing's hands relaxed, sliding up to clutch at Feng Xin's broad shoulders instead.

"Still going to call me an idiot?" Feng Xin murmured against his lips, his voice low and teasing. Mu Qing pulled back just enough to glare at him, thought his face was flushed and his breath uneven. "Yes and always."

Feng Xin chuckled, a deep and warm sound that sent a shiver down Mu Qing's spine. "Yeah? Well..you're not exactly easy to deal with yourself, you know."

"Then stop dealing with me." Mu Qing shot back, his tone sharp but lacking the usual venom. Feng Xin smirked..leaning in to press another kiss of the corner or Mu Qing mouth. "Not a chance."

Mu Qing's retort was cut off as Feng Xin's lips trailed down to his jawline then to the sensitive spot just below his ear. Mu Qing sucked in a sharp breath, his hands tightening their grip on Feng Xin's shoulder.

"Feng Xin.." he began, his voice a mix of warning and something softer, something needier. "Hm?" Feng Xin hummed against his skin, the vibration sending a jolt through Mu Qing.

"We... this..." Mu Qing trailed off, his thoughts scattering as Feng Xin's hands slid up his back, warm and steady. "This what?" Feng Xin  whispered, pulling back just enough to meet Mu Qing's gaze. His dark eyes were smoldering, filled with an intensity that made Mu Qing's heart race. "Say it, Mu Qing. What's on your mind?."

"You're infuriating..." Mu Qing muttered, though there was no real heat behind his words. "Uh huh.." Feng Xin replied, leaning in to brush his nose against Mu Qing's. "Funny how that works, isn't it?" Mu Qing groaned softly, half in frustration..half in surrender. "Bastard.."

"You're beautiful when you're annoyed.." Feng Xin countered, his voice teasing but laced with sincerity. That earned him a glare but before Mu Qing could fire back, Feng Xin captured his lips again silencing him with another deep and lingering kiss. This time, Mu Qing didn't hesitate. He kissed back with equal fervor, his fingers sliding into Feng Xin's hair as he pressed closer, their bodies fitting together as though they were always meant to.

The heat between them grew, the air around them thick with unspoken words and long-buried desires finally unearthed. Feng Xin's hands roamed, tracing the curve of Mu Qing's spine while Mu Qing grip in his hair tightened..pulling him closer still. When they finally broke apart, both were breathless..their foreheads resting together as they tried to catch their breath.

"Still want me to admit things, idiot?.." Mu Qing asked, his voice soft but edged with the smallest hint of a challenge. Feng Xin grinned..his thumb brushing against Mu Qing's flushed face cheek. "Nah.. You've said enough for now. But don't think I won't make you say it again.."

Mu Qing rolled his eyes but there was a softness in his expression that Feng Xin had never seen before. "Annoying.."

"You love it tho.." Feng Xin replied, leaning in to steal another kiss. This time, Mu Qing didn't agree. Mu Qing felt himself being guided backward until his back hit the wall. Feng Xin’s hands braced on either side of him, effectively caging him in. The movement sent a sharp thrill through Mu Qing’s chest, though he wouldn’t dare admit it.

“You’re really pushing your luck..” Mu Qing said, his voice quieter now, trembling with a mix of annoyance and something far more dangerous.

Feng Xin leaned in, his lips brushing against Mu Qing’s jaw. “You didn't even stop me anyway..” he murmured, his voice low and velvety.

Mu Qing opened his mouth to retort but whatever sharp comment he had was swallowed by a gasp as Feng Xin’s lips found the sensitive spot on his neck. His head tipped back against the wall without him realizing it, giving Feng Xin more access.

“You’re so damn stubborn.” Feng Xin muttered between kisses, his hands resting on Mu Qing’s hips, squeezing slightly. “Always acting like you don’t care, like you’re above it all.”

Mu Qing’s hands, which had been braced against the wall, slid forward to clutch the fabric of Feng Xin’s robe again. “Maybe because I don’t have the luxury of-ah!” He cut himself off with a sharp intake of breath when Feng Xin bite at his neck, followed by a soothing kiss.

“No more excuses.” Feng Xin said, his tone firm but not unkind. He pulled back just enough to meet Mu Qing’s gaze. “You care. I know you do. So stop pretending.”

Mu Qing glared at him, though it lacked its usual venom. “And if I don’t? What then?”

Feng Xin’s expression softened, though his hands remained firm on Mu Qing’s hips. “Then I’ll keep chasing you” he said, his voice honest and unwavering. “Because I know the truth even if you won’t say it.”

Mu Qing’s breath hitched, his heart pounding in his chest. He wanted to argue, to deny it, but the look in Feng Xin’s eyes..steady, warm and full of something..

“Asshole...” Mu Qing muttered, his voice barely above a whisper.

Feng Xin smiled, the corners of his mouth quirking up in that familiar way that always annoyed Mu Qing..except now, it felt disarmingly charming. Feng Xin leaned in again, capturing his lips in another searing kiss. This one was slower, more deliberate as though Feng Xin was trying to coax the truth out of him without words.

And maybe it was working.

Mu Qing’s hands slid up to Feng Xin’s shoulders, pulling him closer, their bodies pressing together in a way that felt both unfamiliar and natural. The heat between them was undeniable, their breaths mingling as the kiss deepened.

When they parted again, Mu Qing’s face was flushed, his lips slightly swollen. He stared at Feng Xin, his chest heaving and for a moment, neither of them spoke.

Finally, Mu Qing broke the silence. “You’re lucky I don’t hate you.."

Feng Xin chuckled, his thumb brushing against Mu Qing’s jaw. “I’ll take that as a start..." Feng Xin now slip his hand inside Mu Qing's clothes, feeling the warm smooth skin and sucked his neck passionately..and his free hand lift one of Mu Qing's thighs up, near his own hip..

(Some time later)

The room was now silent, save for the sound of their breathing. Mu Qing rested his forehead against Feng Xin’s, feeling tired. His fingers gently tracing the line of his jaw as though committing the moment to memory. He had fought it for so long..his feelings, his desires but now that it was out in the open, he couldn't bring himself to regret it.

Feng Xin was still grinning, his expression a mixture of triumph and contentment. "See? I told you it wasn't so hard" he said softly.

"Shut up.."

"Oh I won't.." Feng Xin teased, his tone playful but sincere. "You look like a mess now.."

Mu Qing rolled his eyes, panting softly. "Ngh.. You tiring me.."

Feng Xin’s expression softened and he cupped Mu Qing’s face gently, his thumb tracing the curve of his cheek. "Sorry.. You're too much for me.. But you're enjoying it..right?.."

For the first time, Mu Qing didn’t push him away. He let the words sink in and for the first time, he allowed himself to truly admit something he’d spent so long running from..he wasn’t afraid anymore. Not of the connection between them, not of what it could mean. "Tch... just.. don't leave me.."

“I’m not going anywhere.." Feng Xin murmured, pressing his forehead against Mu Qing’s, his voice steady. "I love you."

Mu Qing didn’t reply at first. He simply closed his eyes, letting the warmth of Feng Xin’s presence wash over him. Maybe he wasn’t ready to fully embrace it yet but he could no longer deny the undeniable pull between them.

"You.." Mu Qing said finally, his voice barely above a whisper. "I.. love.. you too.."

Feng Xin smiled softly, pulling him into an embrace that felt like home..secure and unwavering. No more words were needed. For the first time, they both knew the truth. And the truth was simple, they had found something in each other neither of them had expected.  And in that moment, with Mu Qing’s heart beating in sync with his own, Feng Xin knew they had already won.