The soft hum of cicadas filled the evening air as the last golden streaks of sunlight faded behind the mountains. The countryside surrounding Yun Lan's home bathed in moonlight, still and peaceful. Inside the cozy little house, Yun Lan stirred a pot of soup, her thoughts adrift.
Leon had been quieter than usual. The coldness in his eyes hadn't left her since the day she returned from the doctor's appointment. She knew he sensed something was wrong—but how could she tell him? How could she look into those sharp, obsidian eyes and confess that her life was slipping away, drop by poisoned drop?
The door creaked open behind her. She turned quickly, only to see her grandmother entering.
"Child, he's hurting," her grandmother said gently, placing a hand on Yun Lan's shoulder. "He doesn't understand why you're pulling away. Maybe it's time—"
"No," Yun Lan interrupted, her voice soft but firm. "Not yet. Not now."
The elderly woman sighed. "You think hiding it will protect him, but pain shared is pain halved."
Yun Lan only shook her head, eyes glistening.
Later that evening, Leon stood outside on the porch, arms crossed, gazing at the stars. He had spent most of the day pretending not to care—pretending her distance didn't bother him. But it did. It ate at him.
Yun Lan stepped outside quietly, her footsteps almost weightless. She carried a small cloth bundle in her hands.
"What's that?" Leon asked without turning.
"Something for you," she said softly. "I thought... maybe we could have a little evening together."
He finally looked at her, his brows raised slightly. "Now you want to be with me?"
Yun Lan flinched at the bitterness in his voice. She didn't blame him.
"I'm sorry, Leon. I know I've been distant. But... tonight, just let me make up for it. Please?"
Leon's gaze lingered on her for a moment longer, then he exhaled sharply and nodded. "Alright."
She smiled faintly and took his hand. Together, they walked to the back garden where she had set up a simple picnic beneath the stars. A soft blanket, a small lantern, and the soft chirping of crickets accompanied them.
Leon sat down beside her. Yun Lan poured him some warm herbal tea. He drank in silence.
"Do you remember the night we first met?" she asked gently.
"How could I forget?" he murmured. "You dragged me out of a battlefield like a madwoman."
She laughed softly. "You were heavier than you looked."
"And you were braver than anyone I'd ever met. Still are."
His voice softened as he said the last words, and Yun Lan's heart ached.
He lay back, resting on one elbow as he gazed at the stars. She leaned over him, pointing to a bright cluster in the sky.
"That one there—see it? It's the Fox constellation."
Leon followed her finger. "The one that looks like it's leaping?"
She nodded. "They say it represents loyalty. A fox that only loves once."
Leon turned his head to look at her. "Are you the fox, Yun Lan?"
She hesitated, her chest tightening. "Maybe. Maybe I'm just someone who loves too much, even when I know it'll hurt."
Leon sat up then, his hand reaching out to cup her cheek. "Then tell me why you've been pushing me away. What are you hiding, Yun Lan?"
She blinked away tears, placing her hand over his. "Leon... just for tonight, can we not talk about the things that hurt? Just for one night, let's be two people in love under the stars."
His jaw tightened, but he nodded. "One night."
She leaned in then, her lips brushing his. It was a soft kiss, hesitant at first, but then it deepened. Her fingers slid through his hair, his arms wrapping around her waist as he pulled her close.
Their kiss carried them to the blanket where they lay side by side, limbs entwined. Leon kissed her forehead, her cheek, the corner of her lips.
"I don't know what I'd do without you," he whispered against her skin.
Yun Lan clung to him tighter, burying her face in his neck. "You'll never have to find out."
But she lied.
Hours passed as they lay talking softly, sharing old memories and stolen laughter. Leon looked at her often, trying to memorize every smile, every glance. Something in him still whispered that he was losing her, but she gave him no proof.
Eventually, they fell asleep in each other's arms under the stars.
The next morning, Yun Lan woke early, her body aching faintly. She sat up slowly, careful not to disturb Leon. His expression was peaceful, mouth slightly parted, his arm draped protectively around her waist.
She touched his hair gently, heart aching.
She wanted to live.
She wanted to stay in this quiet peace with him forever. But she had already stolen too many moments. Her time was running out.
Silently, she stood and walked back into the house.
Inside, her grandmother sat grinding herbs into a paste.
"He'll find out one day," her grandmother said without looking up. "Whether you tell him or not."
"Let me have a little longer," Yun Lan whispered. "Let me love him a little more, before the end comes."
Her grandmother looked up, eyes sad. "He deserves to prepare."
"And I deserve to live in peace, for once," Yun Lan said, tears falling silently down her cheeks.
When Leon woke and found her missing again, he walked inside, heart uneasy. But when he entered the kitchen and saw her laughing gently with her grandmother, some of the darkness in his heart melted.
He stepped behind her, wrapping his arms around her waist.
"I thought you'd vanished again."
"I was right here," she said, turning in his arms.
And for now, that was enough.
But the stars would remember the truth, even if he didn't know it yet.
If you like my book don't forget to add to library and send me power stone to keep my motivation.