Morning in the palace began like any other — until Haoran made the terrible mistake of trying to hold Xiaoxi's hand in the garden.
He barely brushed her fingers before—
Xiangyun (appearing out of nowhere): "Ahem."
Both jumped like guilty children.
Xiaoxi (pouting): "Brother! You walk quieter than a cat!"
Xiangyun (folding arms): "And you flirt louder than a festival drum."
Haoran coughed awkwardly.
Haoran: "We were… just appreciating the flowers."
Xiangyun: "Oh really? Then why were you appreciating them while holding her hand?"
Xiaoxi turned red, tugging Haoran away while muttering, "My love life is under surveillance." 🤦🏻♀️
---
Later that day, Haoran found Xiaoxi near the lotus pond. He leaned closer, whispering something that made her giggle—until a voice boomed from above.
Xiangyun (standing on the balcony): "The pond is not for secret meetings!"
Haoran nearly fell into the water. Xiaoxi shouted up, "Brother, go watch the clouds or something!"
Xiangyun smirked. "I am. The two of you just happen to be under them." 😏
---
That evening, peace finally seemed to return. The moonlight shimmered on the balcony where Xiangyun stood, watching the stars. Lianhua quietly approached, carrying tea.
Lianhua (softly): "You seem troubled, Your Highness."
Xiangyun (smiling faintly): "Troubled? More like… exhausted. My sister is a storm, and her prince seems to enjoy the thunder."
Lianhua laughed softly, setting the cup down beside him. Their hands brushed briefly — and both froze.
The air between them shifted, delicate and warm.
Lianhua (teasing): "You protect her so fiercely… yet you're the one who looks like he needs protection."
Xiangyun (chuckling): "From your smile, maybe."
Her cheeks turned pink. For a moment, the balcony was silent — just two hearts quietly beginning to understand each other.
---
Meanwhile, inside the garden, Xiaoxi whispered to Haoran with a mischievous grin:
Xiaoxi: "Frog Prince, I think my brother's falling for someone."
Haoran (smirking): "Good. Maybe he'll stop chasing us every five minutes."
---