After finishing his meal, Syaoran quietly made his way to Fang's room. He knocked once. The door creaked open.
He frowned. "Why does she leave her door unlocked while sleeping…"
Stepping in, he walked toward her bed and saw her curled up under the covers, fast asleep. The moonlight filtered through the window, casting a soft glow on her face.
Syaoran sat down beside her and gently adjusted the blanket over her shoulder. His gaze lingered on her as he carefully brushed a few strands of hair away from her face.
"You could've just visited me yourself and handed me the meat," he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper. "Why bother sending Taio?"
Unbeknownst to him, Fang had stirred at the sound of the door and was now quietly awake, keeping her eyes closed as she listened.
Syaoran sighed. "Fang… when I left you, I was miserable. I couldn't focus on my duties. Every time I closed my eyes, I dreamed of you. And some nights… I just didn't sleep at all. I kept thinking—how will you manage without me? Would you hate me for leaving without a word?"
He chuckled softly, eyes still fixed on her. "But you… you were only mad for one day. Then you talked to me like nothing happened."
Fang had to bite her lip to keep from laughing. She could hear the vulnerability in his voice, and it touched her heart.
Then, softly, Syaoran said it.
"…Fang, I love you."
He gently patted her head and continued, "But do you love me too? Or… am I just family to you?"
Fang's heart skipped a beat.
Her eyes flew open and she whispered with a grin, "Syaoran… you're such a coward."
He blinked and leaned back. "Huh—?"
Fang turned to him with a teasing smile. "You confess to a sleeping girl?"
"AHH!" Syaoran yelped and jumped to his feet, clearly startled. Fang sat up, laughing as he clutched his chest dramatically.
"Fang! You scared me to death!"
She got off the bed and offered him a hand. He took it, grumbling, as she continued to giggle.
"So?" she asked mischievously. "What did you say just now, hmm? Say it again, Syaoran~"
He looked away, flustered. "I… What are you talking about? I didn't say anything."
"Oh?" Fang smirked, stepping closer.
He backed up until his back hit the wall. Before he could slip away, she placed both hands on either side of him, blocking his escape.
"You barged into a girl's room in the middle of the night," she whispered, eyes narrowing playfully. "And now you're confessing your love too? How bold, Your Majesty~"
"I-I didn't barge in!" he stammered, voice cracking. "I knocked! The door was already open—I swear I didn't mean to!"
Fang chuckled, dropping her arms and walking away. "Alright, alright. You're off the hook."
Syaoran exhaled in relief—only to suddenly grab her wrist and pull her back to him.
With her just inches away, he looked into her eyes and said earnestly, "Then give me an answer, Fang. I've told you how I feel. Do you… love me too?"
Fang's breath caught. Her cheeks flushed.
"Syaoran… what are you doing? If someone sees us like this, they'll start rumors."
"I don't care," he replied firmly. "Let them talk. I only want the truth from you."
He took a deep breath, his voice gentle but unwavering.
"I love you, Fang. And I'll say it as many times as you need. But I need to know… do you feel the same?"