Chapter 5: Ye Xin Xia's Affection
Withdrawing his hand, Han Sen held Ye Xin Xia's small hand, which had been clutching his sleeve, in his palm. A slight, gentle smile played across his lips as he teased softly, "Hehe… Little Xin Xia, since you've missed me, how about a few hugs and a high lift?"
Unexpectedly, Ye Xin Xia didn't shy away. Her eyes widened slightly, and then she lifted her gaze to meet his. The momentary courage she showed caused her heart to flutter.
Slowly, she closed her eyes, clear and serene as a spring, while her lightly trembling eyelashes and restless fingers betrayed the turmoil inside her.
Looking at her, Han Sen's chest warmed. She was being so open with her feelings — he couldn't resist a gentle embrace.
The girl leaned slightly into him, and for a brief moment, the world seemed to shrink to the space they shared. Han Sen's embrace was careful and soft, giving her comfort without overwhelming her.
Her body relaxed, and her head rested lightly on his shoulder. Her delicate frame shivered slightly, her cheeks flushed, and an innocent joy shone in her eyes. Xin Xia felt as though her heart might leap from her chest, content in this closeness with Han Sen.
Unconsciously, she wished time could stop at this moment, allowing her to stay forever in his safe embrace. The warmth, the faint scent lingering from his clothes, the gentle strength of his arms — all stirred emotions she hadn't fully understood until now.
Han Sen's voice broke the silence, low and tender: "Do you like this?"
A warm breath brushed against her ear, and Ye Xin Xia's body stiffened slightly at the unusual sensation.
"I… I like it!" she whispered softly, barely audible.
"I like it too," Han Sen replied, his eyes filled with quiet affection. The girl in his arms was worth protecting, worth cherishing for a lifetime.
After a moment, Han Sen gently released her and moved to push her wheelchair forward. Though she felt a tiny pang of regret at losing his closeness, it was quickly replaced with joy.
The path before them stretched ahead — long, but promising. A path they would walk together, step by step, building their bond.
"Let's go. Time to head home."
"Mm… home," Ye Xin Xia murmured, her voice soft, carrying a warmth that made Han Sen's chest tighten slightly.
The autumn breeze brushed her hair, carrying their laughter and stirring emotions between them. Their shadows intertwined with the fading sunlight, stretching long across the ground as they moved forward.
On the way home, their conversation drifted like leaves on the wind.
"Han Sen… what element did you awaken?" Xin Xia asked, curiosity and excitement lacing her voice.
Han Sen's lips curved faintly, but he didn't reveal the truth. Instead, he smiled lightly, "Oh… it's nothing special, just basic Thunder practice."
Xin Xia tilted her head slightly, sensing the playful tone, yet she still felt proud of him. "Really? Thunder… wow… that sounds amazing!"
Han Sen only chuckled softly, keeping the Magic Simulator and the small sparks of controlled Thunder hidden. He wanted to grow stronger quietly, without anyone knowing, and let the moment of real power arrive at the perfect time.
Hearing the certainty in his tone, Ye Xin Xia's heart swelled. She had always admired Han Sen — for his bravery, his thoughtfulness, and now, his mysterious quiet strength. She wanted to awaken her own magic quickly, to be able to support him, to stand beside him when the time came.
The day ended quietly. After dropping Xin Xia off at her home, they shared a brief, sweet hug. Ye Xin Xia watched Han Sen's figure recede into the distance, lost in thought for a long time.
"Snap out of it!" called Mo Qing from behind, teasing. "He's gone… don't turn into a 'waiting-for-him statue'!"
"Auntie!" she called back softly, blushing, but her smile betrayed her happiness.
Han Sen, meanwhile, returned to his dormitory. On the surface, he appeared ordinary. But inside, the Thunder Element hummed faintly, a secret storm quietly strengthening, waiting for the moment it would no longer be hidden.
"Slow and steady," Han Sen whispered to himself. "No one needs to know yet."
Outside, the campus remained lively with students laughing and moving about, completely unaware of the quiet mage whose control over Thunder was growing with every meditation, every silent practice. The storm in his veins was building, unseen, unstoppable — and Han Sen smiled, content to let it remain his secret for now.