The academy gates welcomed them back, but something felt different.
At least… to Zhao Han.
Li Xian walked beside the group, posture straight, expression calm — too calm.
No laughter.
No teasing.
No careless remarks.
Just silence.
"…We're back," Li Xian said lightly, though his voice felt practiced, like something rehearsed.
Zhao Han glanced at him briefly.
Forced.
That was the only word that came to mind.
The days that followed only made it clearer.
Li Xian still smiled.
Still spoke with others.
Still acted like himself.
But it wasn't real.
It was as if he was trying to be the person he used to be.
And failing.
During training, he no longer provoked Zhao Han.
No playful challenges.
No teasing remarks.
Just distance.
Zhao Han found it… irritating.
"…You're quiet," Zhao Han said one afternoon, his tone flat but direct.
Li Xian blinked, as if slightly surprised. Then he smiled — that same careful smile.
"Am I? Maybe I'm just tired."
A lie.
Zhao Han knew it instantly.
But he didn't press further.
"…Then don't hold everyone back," he replied coldly.
Li Xian let out a soft breath. "Don't worry. I won't."
That night, Li Xian stood alone on the balcony, the cool wind brushing against his face.
His thoughts were restless.
That mark.
That symbol.
The way the attacker moved…
Everything pointed to something he didn't want to believe.
His hands tightened slightly against the railing.
If it's true… then what does that make me?
He closed his eyes, exhaling slowly.
"…I need to go," he murmured.
A few days later, word spread quietly —
Li Xian would be leaving the academy for a short visit.
Again.
When Zhao Han heard it, he didn't react.
Not outwardly.
But something in his chest tightened — just slightly.
"…When?" he asked, his voice calm as ever.
Li Xian glanced at him, a faint softness passing through his eyes before it disappeared.
"Soon. I'm going to visit my sister."
A pause lingered between them.
Li Xian hesitated — just for a second — before speaking again.
"…Zhao Han."
Zhao Han looked at him.
"Stay safe."
The words were simple. Quiet.
But they didn't sound casual.
Zhao Han's brows furrowed slightly, caught off guard by something he couldn't quite understand.
"…I don't need your concern," he replied, voice steady.
Li Xian gave a faint smile — not playful, not teasing. Just… soft.
"Yeah. I know."
Another silence.
"I'll be back before you miss me," Li Xian added, trying — just slightly — to sound like his old self.
Zhao Han didn't respond immediately.
"…That won't be necessary," he said at last.
This time—
Li Xian didn't laugh.
"…Yeah," he said quietly.
That night felt heavier than the rest.
And neither of them slept as easily as before...