They sat together comfortably in silence for a moment, the flickering fire casting shadows across their faces.
The soft chirping of crickets and the gentle rustle of leaves added to the serene atmosphere.
Finally, Han Qingyu broke the silence. "Why do you always tease me so much?"
Shen Yuan leaned back, a contemplative expression crossing his face. "Maybe because I enjoy seeing the… real you," he said with a soft chuckle. "You're always running away from your true self with others. Trying to maintain a false aloof façade, it's nice to see you let your guard down once in a while."
Han Qingyu's silver eyes widened, her cheeks warming slightly as she processed what Shen Yuan had said.
She looked down at the tea in her hands, her fingers tightening around the delicate cup. "The real me, huh? And what makes you so sure this isn't just another facade?" she asked softly, her voice laced with a mixture of curiosity and uncertainty.