Narrator:

It was a quiet morning in the Heavenly Capital. The sun was shining through the trees, casting warm beams over the training ground. Mu Qing sat at a table, his eyes narrowed as he read a stack of documents, his usual focus evident. But the peaceful silence was abruptly broken when he winced, pressing his fingers to his temple.

"Ugh..." Mu Qing muttered under his breath, his face contorting in discomfort. His vision swam for a moment and he felt a tight pressure building in his head. He had been dealing with a dull ache for the past hour, but now it was intensifying.

Feng Xin, who was sitting nearby noticed the subtle change in Mu Qing’s expression. He cocked an eyebrow. "What’s wrong with you now?"

Mu Qing shook his head, brushing it off. "It’s nothing. Just a headache."

Feng Xin didn’t buy it. He had known Mu Qing for too long to believe that something as trivial as a headache would make him look so… uncharacteristically pained.

"Are you sure?" Feng Xin pressed, his voice skeptical. "You don’t look fine to me."

Mu Qing roll his eyes and trying to look casual but the pain was clearly getting worse. "It’s just a little headache. Nothing to worry about."

But the more he spoke, the more his words slurred and he had to clutch the table for balance. Feng Xin stood up in a flash, his eyes narrowing in concern. "Alright, that’s it. You’re not fooling anyone. Let’s go, Mu Qing."

Mu Qing frowned, trying to wave him off. "I’m fine, really. I don’t need your help."

But Feng Xin was already at his side, his hand gently but firmly gripping Mu Qing’s arm. "Nope, you’re coming with me. I’m not going to let you sit here and suffer just to be stubborn."

"I’m not stubborn..." Mu Qing muttered, his voice a little shaky. "I just don’t need anyone hovering over me."

Feng Xin, undeterred helped Mu Qing stand, guiding him away from the table. "You’re going to end up passing out if you keep acting like this."

Mu Qing huffed but couldn’t deny that his head was pounding now, the pain like an incessant drumbeat. "I’m not passing out. I just need some quiet."

Feng Xin, not missing a beat helped Mu Qing toward the quarters they shared, his grip gentle but insistent. "Fine, quiet. But you're lying down. That’s an order."

Mu Qing scowled but didn’t argue further. He followed Feng Xin to the bed, sitting down with a sigh. "I told you, I don’t need this.." he muttered, rubbing his forehead.

"Sure, sure.." Feng Xin said, setting down a bowl of water and a clean cloth. "But you’re getting this whether you like it or not."

Mu Qing gave him a sideways glance. "I don’t need your pity, Feng Xin."

"It’s not pity" Feng Xin replied, his voice softer now. "I just… want to make sure you’re okay."

Mu Qing looked away, embarrassed by the sudden softness in Feng Xin’s tone. "I can take care of myself."

Feng Xin wasn’t deterred. He dampened the cloth with cool water and gently placed it on Mu Qing’s forehead. "Yeah, I know. But for once, let me take care of you."

Mu Qing closed his eyes, the cool cloth feeling surprisingly good against his hot skin. He grumbled under his breath but deep down, a strange warmth spread through him. "You’re not going to stop, are you?"

"Nope.." Feng Xin replied cheerfully, settling beside him. "I’m staying right here until you feel better."

Mu Qing let out a long, exasperated sigh, his head resting back against the pillow. Feng Xin reached over, brushing a strand of hair out of Mu Qing’s face. "You're always stubborn."

Mu Qing blinked at him in surprise. "What?"

"You heard me" Feng Xin said with a grin, his hand lingering just a little longer than necessary on Mu Qing’s face. "You’re way too stubborn to admit your recent condition...and admit that you like when someone taking care of you."

Mu Qing’s cheeks flushed slightly and he turned his head away, his voice a little quieter. "I don't like it tho."

"Uh-huh.." Feng Xin said skeptically, clearly enjoying teasing Mu Qing. "Sure, you're not."

There was a brief silence before Mu Qing spoke again, his tone softer than before. "....Thanks I guess.."

Feng Xin smiled, settling back into his chair. "You don’t have to thank me. You’re my friend, Mu Qing. I’ll always be here when you need help."

Mu Qing opened his eyes slowly, studying Feng Xin’s face. Despite the stubbornness that still lingered in his chest, there was an undeniable warmth that swelled inside him. He had never been the type to lean on others but something about Feng Xin’s care..his unwavering presence made it feel okay, even comforting.

"I guess... you’re not as annoying as I thought.." Mu Qing said, a teasing smile playing on his lips. Feng Xin chuckled. "Well, I’ve got plenty more where that came from."

Mu Qing smirked faintly. "I don’t need to be smothered, Feng Xin."

"I’ll take my chances.." Feng Xin said with a grin, his hand still resting on Mu Qing’s forehead. "Get some rest. I’ll be right here if you need anything."

Mu Qing closed his eyes again, feeling the comfort of the cool cloth and the steady presence of Feng Xin by his side. Maybe he didn’t need to be so stubborn all the time. Maybe, just this once..he could let someone take care of him. Feng Xin simply gave Mu Qing’s shoulder a reassuring squeeze, a quiet promise that he’d always be there when it mattered.

And for once, Mu Qing let himself relax into it and allowing the headache to fade, replaced by the warmth of something even more comforting than rest..the knowledge that someone cared.