The long - awaited engagement.

The engagement day arrived faster than Yang Shan had ever anticipated. He stood in front of the large mirror in his room, staring at the attire he was wearing. The intricate embroidery along the edges was beautiful, but all he could feel was the weight of it on his chest. His hands trembled slightly as he adjusted the collar, trying to catch his breath.

The door creaked open behind him.

"Yang, it's time."

His mother's voice was soft but insistent. She stood in the doorway, her eyes filled with hope and expectation. Yang swallowed hard, unable to look her in the eye. He knew she was excited about the engagement—after all, Gu Lang was an excellent match. But how could he explain the turmoil in his heart? He wasn't ready. He had never been ready.

"Do I really have to do this?" Yang asked quietly, his voice barely a whisper.

His mother stepped inside, resting a gentle hand on his shoulder. "I know it's sudden, but Gu Lang is a good man. He'll take care of you, and in time, you'll see that this is the right decision."

Yang bit his lip, forcing back the emotions that threatened to spill over. He didn't want to disappoint his mother, but the fear of being trapped in something he wasn't ready for gnawed at him. How could he make her understand?

Before he could speak again, a knock echoed from downstairs. The guests had already started to arrive.

"You should head down," his mother urged with a smile, as if sensing his hesitation. "I'll be right behind you."

Yang nodded, though his feet felt like they were stuck in place. He lingered for a few more moments before finally mustering the courage to leave the room.

The living room had been transformed for the occasion. Red and gold decorations adorned the walls, and there were flowers everywhere. The murmuring of guests filled the air, their voices blending into a hum that only added to Yang's unease. He spotted Gu Lang standing near the center of the room, looking as calm and collected as ever. Gu Lang wore a dark blue fitted suit, his tall figure drawing attention from everyone around him.

Their eyes met, and Yang felt his stomach flip. Gu Lang gave him a small smile, but it didn't reach his eyes. Even though Gu Lang had always been kind and understanding, Yang knew that deep down, Gu Lang sensed his hesitation. It was impossible to hide.

Yang walked over, feeling the gazes of everyone in the room shift toward them. He took his place beside Gu Lang, his hands clenched into fists at his sides. The officiant began to speak, but the words felt distant, as if they were coming from somewhere far away.

He barely registered the exchange of vows, the promise of commitment that he was making in front of their families. His heart raced, and his mind screamed at him to run, but he was rooted in place. This was happening whether he wanted it or not.

When it came time to exchange the rings, Gu Lang turned to him with a tenderness that only made Yang feel worse. Gu Lang slipped the ring onto Yang's finger slowly, carefully, as though he were afraid Yang might bolt.

As Yang stared at the ring, his vision blurred for a moment. It was beautiful, no doubt, but all he could think about was how heavy it felt. The symbolism weighed on him like chains. When it was his turn, his fingers trembled as he picked up the ring for Gu Lang. He hesitated, and Gu Lang's hand gently wrapped around his, steadying him.

"It's okay," Gu Lang whispered, low enough that only Yang could hear. "I won't force you into anything."

The words, though meant to reassure, only deepened the ache in Yang's chest. Why was Gu Lang being so patient when Yang couldn't give him anything in return? His chest tightened, but he managed to slide the ring onto Gu Lang's finger.

The room erupted in applause as the engagement was officially sealed. Yang could see his mother beaming from the sidelines, her happiness apparent in every smile she gave. Everyone seemed so content, so pleased with the arrangement—everyone except Yang.

As the evening wore on, Yang found himself standing off to the side, sipping a glass of water while the guests mingled. He glanced over at Gu Lang, who was engaged in conversation with some family friends. Gu Lang caught his eye and, after excusing himself, walked over.

"How are you holding up?" Gu Lang asked, his voice gentle.

Yang looked away, unable to meet his gaze. "I don't know," he admitted. "I'm just… overwhelmed."

Gu Lang nodded, his expression thoughtful. "I know this is a lot for you. You don't have to force yourself to pretend everything's okay."

Yang's throat tightened. "I don't want to hurt you, Gu Lang. You've been nothing but kind, and I—"

"You don't have to explain," Gu Lang interrupted softly. "I know you're not ready. We'll take this one step at a time. Just because we're engaged doesn't mean you have to give up your space or your feelings. I'm not expecting anything from you right now."

Yang blinked in surprise. He hadn't expected such understanding. In truth, a part of him had feared that Gu Lang would try to rush things now that they were officially engaged. But seeing the sincerity in Gu Lang's eyes, Yang felt a flicker of relief.

"I'll try," Yang said after a long pause. "But I can't promise I'll be able to… feel the same way as you do."

Gu Lang's smile returned, small but warm. "That's okay. All I ask is that you give us a chance, and we'll figure the rest out together."

Yang nodded, feeling some of the tension leave his shoulders. Maybe he wasn't ready for this, but with Gu Lang's patience, perhaps—just perhaps—he could find his way.