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[daozhangs]

WELCOME TO YOUR PRIVATE CHANNEL, XIAO.XINGCHEN. FOR SECURE COMMUNICATION, USE 018.07.154.55 *** XIAO.XINGCHEN has joined 018.07.154.55 <XIAO.XINGCHEN> You have reached Xiao Xingchen. <XIAO.XINGCHEN> I am often away from my laptop, but I will do my best to answer as soon as I'm able.

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[daozhangs]

( meanwhile, an unprompted hug is perhaps the last thing which xingchen expected upon departing from his room this morning. in fact, he hears runyu's movement nearby and by reflex prepares to navigate out of his way, assuming he's crossed into his friend's intended path by mistake.

instead, arms wrap around him and draw him into an embrace - and there's a moment where xingchen stills, brow knitting faintly, arms lifting halfway to hover in mild bemusement in the nebulous stage before proper reciprocation. but runyu (for he still thinks that this is runyu, of course, why wouldn't he?) has started to speak, soft kind words of gratitude and conciliation, and it gives xingchen just enough time to gather his bearings: first a quiet exhaled grin, then his arms lift to return the embrace more properly now. )

There's no need for that, ( he offers, a half-hearted and vaguely flustered deflection with far too much warmth to carry any weight. after a couple of moments, he draws back just enough unwrap one arm from around his companion and set a light hand on the man's upper arm instead. ) Is everything alright? You're... in especially good spirits today, ( he can't help but ask, the latter bit taking on a note of humor (he knows how contradictory it is, 'is everything alright? you're unusually happy'). )

[fishfairy]

[ A light laugh escapes Li’s lips at Xingchen’s astute inquiry, recognizing the tentative probing behind his greeting without further acknowledging it. Not yet. He understands all too well that speaking as Runyu can be perceived as a lie if he allows himself to continue in this guise too long, but in Li’s mind, there are some details in life that are as important as the standards behind righteous propriety. Neither Li nor Runyu were strangers to these details in spite of the lack of attention from his caretakers. They would not learn of such nuances from the Empress’ beatings nor would their father notice them long enough to even reference examples to be found in the heavenly library. That being said, both had gleaned enough from observation of the lower realms and spending time with their brother, details that had existed since before Jinmi appeared in their lives. ]

Does there need to be a reason for it? ( Li inquires in turn as he releases their friend. ) Sometimes one realizes that the sun is brighter even if he has viewed the sight for a long while. Sometimes … it takes time to recall the beauty that has always been there before them.

[ Or to speak of what matters most.

Li allows a pause there. Truthfully, observation can only carry him so far. He can’t help but worry that his comparison of nature is too vague. And despite Xingchen’s warm reception, he doesn’t wish to tread far so soon. He is not the only one who should be allowed to speak their mind with this opportunity.

Runyu rests against the door, fingers smoothing over the carved symbol and subconsciously keeping his heartbeat even. Steadying this moment of calm, not breaking into it but trying to find a balance he himself can follow through it. ]