Haoyu sat beneath the wooden shade in Bǎihé's courtyard, a delicate cup of tea in his hand, untouched and cooling in the soft morning breeze. His gaze flickered restlessly toward the doors of her quarters, his posture composed yet laced with unease.
Across from him stood Hépíng, arms folded, her eyes silently trained on him. Haoyu shifted, uncomfortable under her piercing stare.
Then—movement.
Both turned at once as Bǎihé emerged into the courtyard, limping slightly, supported by Yí Chén. A small flurry of maids clustered behind her, worry written across their faces like a pale mist.
"Bǎihé! Are you alright?!" Hépíng gasped, running to her side.
Haoyu rose immediately, eyes widening in alarm. "What happened?!"
"I'm fine," Bǎihé said quickly, though her limp and the stiffness in her expression betrayed her discomfort. "It's only a sprained ankle. Please, don't fuss."
But Hépíng's gaze had already locked on Yíchén.
"How could you let this happen?" she snapped.
Bǎihé rolled her eyes, clearly annoyed. "Stop it. It's not his fault."
"Still..." Hépíng muttered under her breath, casting Yíchén a sharp glance.
"I said that's enough," Bǎihé cut in, her voice low but firm. "Hépíng, take me to my room. I need to lie down."
Hépíng moved swiftly, guiding Bǎihé with a gentle yet possessive grip, smoothly taking her weight from Yíchén. He stepped back with a slight bow, eyes lowered.
"Bǎihé, please... let me help," Haoyu said softly, stepping forward.
But she didn't turn.
Instead, she looked past him toward the maids and said, "Escort Wángzǐ Feng to his room. I believe he'll be leaving soon."
The air between them fell still.
Haoyu hesitated, then spoke gently. "I'll be at the Hòu mansion. Come see me... if you can."
No reply. Bǎihé continued forward, every slow, limping step a quiet declaration of distance.
"...Or I'll visit again," he added, watching her vanish down the corridor. "Take care of your ankle."
Still—only silence followed.
Haoyu stood motionless under the shade, the faint breeze tugging at his sleeves.
Yíchén lingered, his eyes drifting down to the hand she had leaned on. He flexed his fingers once, lost in thought, then turned and followed Haoyu as they left the courtyard—petals and tension trailing behind them in the soft stillness of the day.