24: No More Running

Why do i feel this way..

What did you stir inside of me?

———

As the evening continued, Shen Qingqiu couldn't help but feel the weight of his own thoughts slowly melt away.

The food was exquisite, the ambiance serene,

and Binghe—despite his usual antics—seemed unusually thoughtful tonight.

His teasing had softened, replaced by moments of quiet conversation that made Shen Qingqiu feel... understood.

It was strange, but in a way, it was like they were finally reconnecting in a way that felt right.

"So,"

Binghe began,

swirling his wine thoughtfully.

"Tell me, what's the real reason you've been avoiding me all this time? It can't just be because of our usual… complications."

Shen Qingqiu stiffened for a moment, but then, sensing no malice in Binghe's voice, he sighed and set down his glass.

"It's complicated, Binghe,"

he said softly,

staring at the table,

unwilling to meet his eyes.

"You… you have a way of stirring things in me that I don't know how to deal with."

Binghe's gaze softened as he leaned forward.

"That's because you're stubborn, Shizun.

You don't like feeling vulnerable.

You don't like needing anyone.

But you're wrong if you think you're alone in this.

I know what it's like to be confused by emotions you can't control."

Shen Qingqiu looked up,

surprised by the sincerity in Binghe's tone.

For a moment, their eyes locked, the unspoken weight between them becoming tangible.

It was strange—he had always viewed Binghe as a whirlwind, an unpredictable storm that never quite let him breathe.

But tonight…

tonight, there was something different.

"I'm not… used to being this open,"

Shen Qingqiu confessed.

"I've spent so long building walls around myself that I'm not sure how to let them down anymore."

Binghe's smile was soft, and for a moment, it didn't carry any of his usual teasing or playfulness.

"You don't have to, you know. Not all at once. But you're here now. And that's enough for me."

Shen Qingqiu felt his heart skip a beat at

the unexpected tenderness in Binghe's words.

He opened his mouth to respond,

but no words came out.

Instead, he found himself looking down at the table, embarrassed by how much those simple words had affected him.

Binghe, sensing his discomfort, leaned back in his chair with a grin.

"I'll take it as a victory.

You didn't run."

Shen Qingqiu shot him a look, but it wasn't as biting as it usually was.

"You're insufferable," he muttered,

though the faintest hint of a smile tugged at his lips.

"Only when it suits me," Binghe replied with a wink. He sat up straighter and raised his glass, his eyes sparkling with mischief.

"To new beginnings, then. A new start for both of us. No running, no walls. Just... this."

Shen Qingqiu hesitated for only a moment before raising his own glass.

"To new beginnings."

They clinked their glasses together, and as the night wore on, Shen Qingqiu realized that, for the first time in a long while, he felt a sense of peace.

Not the kind that came from control or distance, but the kind that came from simply being present, being honest, and—most surprisingly—being with Binghe.

After dinner, they stepped out into the cool night air. The city lights stretched out before them like a sea of stars.

The wind ruffled Shen Qingqiu's hair, and he felt more alive than he had in years.

"Where to next?"

Shen Qingqiu asked, his voice light.

Binghe's grin returned.

"I thought you'd never ask. Let's take a walk—just the two of us. I've got a few more surprises for you tonight."

"Surprises?" Shen Qingqiu raised an eyebrow. "I'm not sure I trust you with surprises anymore."

"Oh, come on," Binghe teased. "I promise, no tricks. Just… a chance to enjoy the night. A chance to enjoy us."

Shen Qingqiu sighed, though his lips quirked upward despite himself.

"Fine. But if this ends with you kidnapping me and dragging me off to some otherworldly realm, I'm going to be seriously upset."

Binghe laughed,

the sound genuine and warm.

"I'll make sure that doesn't happen.

For now, just let me lead the way."

They walked through the quiet streets,

their steps slow and comfortable.

For the first time in a long time,

Shen Qingqiu felt no rush, no need to escape.

Maybe it was the night, maybe it was Binghe, or maybe it was both—

but something had shifted. Something inside him was finally starting to accept what he'd been so afraid of for so long.

When they reached the top of a hill overlooking the city, Binghe stopped and turned to him, his gaze softening as he took in the sight of the skyline bathed in moonlight.

"I thought you might like it here,"

Binghe said quietly.

"It's peaceful, but it's also beautiful,

in its own way."

Shen Qingqiu gazed out at the view,

feeling a sense of contentment he hadn't expected.

"It is beautiful,"

he agreed.

There was a long silence,

but it wasn't uncomfortable.

Shen Qingqiu found himself looking at Binghe—not in the way he usually did,

full of suspicion or frustration,

but in a way that felt more like…

understanding.

"Shizun,"

Binghe said,

his voice low.

"Do you think we can really start over?

Can we—can I—be someone you can trust?"

Shen Qingqiu's heart thudded in his chest at the question, and for a moment,

he was unsure how to answer.

The words were heavier than he expected,

laden with meaning.

"I don't know,"

he said honestly,

his voice barely above a whisper.

"But maybe…

maybe I can learn to trust you again."

Binghe's eyes softened, and for a brief moment, he looked almost vulnerable—a rare thing for the usually brash young man.

"That's all I'm asking for, Shizun.

One step at a time."

Shen Qingqiu met his gaze, and though he wasn't sure where this path would lead, for the first time in a long while, he wasn't afraid to walk down it.

With a soft exhale,

Shen Qingqiu nodded.

"Okay. One step at a time."

Binghe smiled,

the playful edge returning to his features.

"Good. Now, no more running.

It's just us, alright?"

"Alright,"

Shen Qingqiu agreed,

a small smile tugging at his lips.

And for the first time in a long while,

he truly felt like he was exactly where he needed to be.