The night air on the mountain was freezing, wrapping around the small guesthouse like a thick, damp blanket. Inside, the warmth of the heater offered a sharp contrast to the drizzle outside.
Jiang Chu sat by the small wooden window, watching the raindrops streak down the glass. His thoughts drifted back to the sunrise earlier that morning, and the casual warmth in Du Jinchen’s eyes when he handed over the hand warmer. A faint flush crept onto his cheeks, though the room was quiet and empty.
A light knock on the door broke his reverie.
Jiang Chu got up and opened it to find Du Jinchen standing outside, holding a steaming mug of ginger tea. The dim hallway light cast soft shadows across Du Jinchen’s sharp features, and his dark eyes looked down with a gentle, checking gaze.
“How are you feeling?” Du Jinchen asked, his deep voice carrying a hint of genuine concern. “Your face is still a bit pale from the wind earlier.”
Jiang Chu stepped aside to let him in, taking the warm mug with both hands. The heat seeped into his chilled fingers, chasing away the residual cold. “I am much better. Thank you, Jinchen.”
Du Jinchen walked in, casting a glance at the neatly organized room before leaning casually against the edge of the desk. “Don’t push yourself too hard. Mountain weather is unpredictable, and your constitution isn’t built for freezing temperatures like that.”
Jiang Chu lowered his gaze, gently blowing across the surface of the tea. “I wanted to see it, though. I didn’t want to miss it.”
Du Jinchen watched the soft curve of Jiang Chu’s lashes and the delicate slope of his neck. A subtle fondness flickered in his dark eyes, though he kept his tone light and teasing. “Well, next time you want to see a sunrise, just let me know. I will make sure you are wrapped up like a dumpling before we take a single step outside.”
A soft, genuine smile bloomed on Jiang Chu’s face at the comparison, the last traces of his earlier fatigue melting away.
“Alright,” Jiang Chu whispered, looking up with bright, clear eyes. “It’s a promise.”