After some time—
Li Xuan returned from the water.
In his hand were four fish.
Fresh.
Still dripping faintly.
He walked back to the bonfire and sat down.
Without a word, he began preparing them.
Using a few thin sticks, he set the fish over the fire.
The flames flickered as the fish slowly began to grill.
Ling Yue sat quietly nearby.
Watching.
This time—
Her posture was more relaxed.
Less guarded.
She didn't speak.
But her gaze followed his movements.
Li Xuan worked calmly.
Unhurried.
After a moment, he reached into his ring and took out a small bottle.
He sprinkled some spices over the fish.
A rich aroma rose instantly.
Warm.
Inviting.
The scent slowly filled the cave.
Ling Yue caught it.
Her eyes flickered faintly.
Soon—
Li Xuan removed the fish from the fire.
He held two out toward her.
"For you."
Ling Yue looked at him briefly.
Then accepted them.
"…Thank you."
Li Xuan took the remaining two.
The fire crackled softly between them.
Ling Yue held the fish for a moment.
The warmth spread through her fingers.
The aroma lingered.
She took a small bite.
Slowly.
Her expression paused.
"…It's good."
Her voice was softer than before.
Not cold.
Just honest.
She took another bite.
Then another.
Her pace quickened slightly.
The restraint she once held began to fade.
For the first time—
A faint trace of joy appeared on her face.
Across from her, Li Xuan ate quietly.
But his gaze shifted toward her.
(…She seems to like it.)
A faint, unfamiliar satisfaction stirred within him.
Ling Yue finished one fish.
Without realizing it—
She reached for the second.
Her attention remained completely on the food.
No caution.
No distraction.
Just quiet enjoyment.
The tension that once surrounded her had faded.
For this brief moment—
She simply ate.
Across from her, Li Xuan watched.
Silently.
The softness in her expression—
The ease in her movements—
It was different.
For a brief moment—
He didn't look away.
Then—
He lowered his gaze and continued eating.
Time passed quietly.
Ling Yue finished the second fish.
Only then did her movements slow.
Li Xuan noticed.
Without a word—
He extended his hand.
Offering his own fish.
Ling Yue paused.
Her eyes shifted to him—
Then to the fish in his hand.
She took it.
Almost without thinking.
"…Thank you."
Her voice was gentle.
Li Xuan gave a faint smile.
"No need."
She began eating again.
Calmly.
Naturally.
Li Xuan watched her.
There was something different now.
A quiet peace rested on her face—
Something that hadn't been there before.
The fire burned steadily.
Time passed.
Soon—
Both of them finished eating.
Ling Yue exhaled lightly.
"…Tasty."
Then—
Her gaze shifted to Li Xuan.
And paused.
A realization appeared in her eyes.
(…That was his.)
Her expression changed.
A faint trace of embarrassment surfaced.
"…I… ate yours too."
She lowered her gaze slightly.
"…Sorry."
Li Xuan looked at her.
His expression unchanged.
"It's fine. One fish is enough for me."
His tone was calm.
As if it truly didn't matter.
Ling Yue remained silent.
But the faint warmth in her expression did not fade.
The cave returned to quiet.
The fire burned steadily.
Everything felt… normal.
For a while, neither of them spoke.
Then—
Li Xuan broke the silence.
"There's something I want to ask."
Ling Yue looked at him.
"…Go ahead."
"You seem… quite powerful."
His gaze remained steady.
"Who are you?"
The question lingered in the air.
Ling Yue didn't answer.
Her expression shifted slightly.
The warmth from before faded just a little.
Her eyes lowered.
The fire crackled softly.
Silence stretched between them.
Li Xuan didn't press further.
He simply looked away.
As if it didn't matter.
But the atmosphere had changed.
Subtly.
Not distant.
Not hostile.
But no longer as simple as before.
Outside, the night remained still.
Inside the cave—
Two figures sat across from each other.
Each carrying their own secrets.
Unspoken.
Unrevealed.