Chapter Text
"So,” March began, her voice laced with mock seriousness as she tossed a handful of photos onto the table between them. “Are you gonna tell me what you and Dan Heng were doing in these pictures?”
Caelus blinked, looking down at the photos, his expression shifting from mild confusion to absolute blankness. One by one, he picked up each picture, studying them as though he’d never seen them before. He looks back to March, brows furrowed. “I… don’t know what you mean?”
March sighed, crossing her arms as she leaned over the table. “Oh, don’t act like you’re clueless. I’ve seen all of it!
The little smiles, the touching, the lingering looks!” She emphasized her words, pointing to a particularly damning photo of Dan Heng’s soft smile as he leaned close to Caelus. “You two are obviously dating"
Caelus’ choked, his eyes went wide, and he nearly dropped the photos “Dating? March, we’re not dating!”
March just smirked “Oh, really? And what do you call… this?” She tapped on a photo of them standing close together, Dan Heng’s hand on Caelus’s shoulder while Caelus leaned into him with a grin
Caelus glanced at the picture, his cheeks turning the faintest shade of pink. “I mean, Dan Heng’s just a… a naturally supportive person..”
March stifled a laugh. “Supportive? Caelus, he looks at you like you’re his world, and you’re telling me that’s just friends? I think you’re hiding it. Which, by the way, is totally rude of you, considering I’m your guys best friend!" She gave him her best indignant look, hoping it’d crack his defenses
But instead of admitting to anything, Caelus just looked down, scratching the back of his neck. “March, seriously. We’re not together. Dan Heng doesn’t… he wouldn’t—look, it’s not like that.” His voice softened at the end, almost hesitant.
March narrowed her eyes. “Not like that? So what—you’re telling me you guys just make puppy eyes at each other for fun?”
Caelus glanced away, the flush on his face deepening. “Dan Heng isn’t like that. I mean, he's not the type to even be interested in dating! And even if I do…” He trailed off, and March’s heart skipped a beat.
“What was that?” she asked, feigning innocence
Caelus sighed, shoulders slumping. “I might… have a bit of a crush on him. But that’s all it is—a crush.” He gave her a sheepish smile, as though it were the most casual confession in the world
March’s mouth fell open. She didn’t know whether to laugh, scream, or shake him. “Caelus. Have you not noticed the way he looks at you?! He's practically smitten!"
Caelus shrugged, his expression resigned. “You're over exaggerating this. He'd never look and like someone like m–”
March held up a hand. “Oh, don’t you dare finish that sentence! I can’t believe this,” she muttered, rubbing her temples. “You two are hopeless. Absolutely hopeless”
March could hardly believe what she was hearing. All this time, she’d been so sure they were keeping their relationship secret, too shy to admit it to the group—and now Caelus was telling her they weren’t even dating?
She crossed her arms, leveling him with a look. “Hopeless. Utterly hopeless,” she repeated, muttering to herself. Then she leaned closer, her expression determined. “Listen, Caelus, have you seriously never noticed how Dan Heng acts around you? Like, really looked?”
Caelus blinked, like she’d suggested the most absurd thing in the world. “I mean… he’s Dan Heng. He’s like that with everyone, right? Kind of… you know, polite”
March slapped her forehead. “No, Caelus. He’s polite with everyone else! With you, he’s… different..”
He looked at her, brows drawn in genuine confusion “Different… how?”
March groaned, picking up one of the photos and tapping on Dan Heng’s face. “Look at him. Do you see that? That smile? I can count on one hand how many times I’ve seen him smile like that, and it’s always because of you.”
Caelus frowned, glancing between the photo and March, his face tinged with a hint of hope but mostly doubt. “He’s… always been nice to me. That’s just how he is"
“Nice? Dan Heng’s the guy who is cold to strangers even sends glares at times, but he gives you the softest smiles, Caelus!” March practically threw her hands up in frustration. “You’re telling me you’ve been pining after him all this time, convinced he’d never feel the same? You’re both driving me insane!”
Caelus flushed, his gaze dropping to the table as he toyed with the edges of the photos. “It’s not that I haven’t thought about it,” he admitted quietly. “But he’s… he’s so serious, and I didn’t want to mess up what we have. And besides, Dan Heng would never go for someone like me.”
March stared at him, exasperation melting into sympathy. “You know what, Caelus?” she said softly “I don’t think you realize just how much he does like you. You’re the only one he lets close. He listens to you, goes out of his way to be near you. He’s practically in orbit around you!”
Caelus swallowed, a slight furrow in his brow as he glanced away. “March… please. Just… stop..” His voice was barely above a whisper, and he looked down, something unreadable flickering across his face. “I can’t… I can’t think about this, alright?”
March felt a pang of guilt, seeing how uncomfortable he looked. She hadn’t meant to push him, but, seeing at how it's so obvious that the two are fond of eachother with them being oblivious to it. Is just so idiotic!
Caelus sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. “I just… I don’t think he sees me like that, okay? It’s not worth…” He trailed off, shaking his head. “Anyway, I should go”
Without meeting her eyes, Caelus turned and headed for the door, leaving the pictures scattered across the table
As the door clicked shut behind Caelus, March let out a long, frustrated sigh, running a hand through her hair as she looked at the scattered photos he’d left behind. She’d tried to make it easy, just give him a gentle nudge to see what was already so painfully obvious, but clearly, that wasn’t going to work.
She crossed her arms, pacing the room as her thoughts churned. "Unbelievable," she muttered to herself. How can two people be so head-over-heels and yet so… blind about it?
Anyone with eyes could see it: the way Dan Heng’s normally guarded expressions softened whenever Caelus was around, the way Caelus lit up like a spotlight had been turned on him whenever Dan Heng even looked in his direction. They practically gravitated to each other, and yet they somehow believed they were fooling everyone else
Her eyes drifted back to the photos, her gaze landing on that soft smile of Dan Heng’s as he leaned close to Caelus.
Does he even realize he only smiles like that to him? She thought back to the countless times she’d seen them together: in the dining car, sharing quiet conversations; on the platform, Dan Heng laughing at some horrible joke Caelus made, whilst he clearly tries not to laugh himself; even just in the middle of missions, where they fought like they’d been partners forever
“Alright,” she said to herself, a new determination setting in as she straightened up. “If they’re not going to admit their feelings on their own, then I’ll just have to… give them a little push. Or, you know, a shove if it comes to that!”
A grin crept onto her face as a plan started to take shape. She could nudge them closer, get them in situations where they couldn’t ignore the obvious tension between them anymore. Maybe they’d even start questioning things on their own
Yes, that was it. She’d play Cupid, guide them right into the realization they were too stubborn to reach on their own. Because if Caelus wouldn’t believe her—and Dan Heng seems too reserved to admit it—she’d just have to make them see it for themselves
March grabbed her notebook, flipping to a fresh page. “Operation DanCae,” she whispered to herself, scribbling out a list of ideas that had been percolating in her head for days now. Little moments she could orchestrate, opportunities she could craft to pull these two out of their obliviousness
“Oh, this is going to be fun,” she said, practically giddy with excitement. Caelus and Dan Heng might not be ready to face their feelings, but that was about to change. And March was ready to make sure of it
—01
March knew she couldn’t pull off her plan alone. For something as important as this, she needed a partner in crime—a calm, collected accomplice who could help orchestrate just the right amount of chaos. So, naturally, she went straight to Himeko.
Himeko raised an eyebrow when March showed her the notebook, its page boldly titled 'Operation DanCae - Plan 01' March explained her idea with all the enthusiasm of a mastermind revealing her master plan, leaning close as she outlined every detail of her scheme
“So, all we need is a little ‘oops’ moment. Something that’ll force them close together without looking, you know, too planned.” March’s eyes gleamed with mischief “A classic ‘trip and fall’ should do the trick!”
Himeko chuckled, her usual graceful composure slightly amused. “And you’re sure they won’t see right through it?”
“Oh, come on, it’s Caelus and Dan Heng we’re talking about here,” March said with a smirk. “They’re both so oblivious, they won’t suspect a thing!”
A few hours later, March and Himeko positioned themselves in the corridor just near the parlor car door, the perfect area for a spontaneous collision. March made sure everything was just right, even subtly nudging a rug to create the ideal tripping hazard. Now all she had to do was wait for her targets to show up
When Caelus and Dan Heng finally rounded the corner, deep in conversation about their latest mission, March exchanged a quick nod with Himeko.
“Ready?” March whispered, trying not to laugh
Himeko gave the faintest of smiles and nodded
As the two unsuspecting men walked past, Himeko casually stretched out her foot, lightly tapping Caelus’s ankle just enough to set him off balance
“Whoa—!” Caelus yelped, stumbling forward
Dan Heng’s reflexes kicked in instantly. He reached out to steady Caelus, grabbing his arm just in time to stop him from face-planting onto the floor. But with the momentum of the trip, they ended up closer than March had anticipated—practically chest-to-chest, with Caelus bracing himself against Dan Heng’s shoulder and Dan Heng’s arm wrapped around Caelus’s waist.
For a moment, they just stared at each other, wide-eyed. Caelus blinked, his cheeks dusted pink as he looked up at Dan Heng. Dan Heng, for his part, seemed frozen, his usual composed demeanor cracked by the sudden proximity
March held her breath, barely able to contain her excitement. This is perfect!
But then, as if breaking from a trance, Dan Heng cleared his throat and quickly stepped back, releasing Caelus as he looked away, clearly flustered. “Are you… alright?”
Caelus chuckled nervously, scratching the back of his neck. “Yeah, yeah, thanks for catching me. That was close"
Himeko arched an eyebrow, clearly amused by the awkward exchange. “You two should be more careful” she said lightly, her tone just bordering on teasing
“Uh, yeah… we will,” Caelus muttered, still looking flustered as he shuffled his feet
Dan Heng nodded, still avoiding eye contact. “Let’s… let’s go get lunch, then”
March watched as they walked off, both of them a little too stiff, a little too red in the face. Once they were out of earshot, she couldn’t hold back her laughter any longer.
Himeko chuckled along with her. “Well, that certainly worked. Though I wonder how many more ‘accidents’ they’ll need to finally get the hint.”
March grinned, her confidence only growing. “As many as it takes. But with a few more plans like this, they’re bound to crack”
— 02
March’s next plan was simple yet effective, she figured she could get them into another close encounter under the guise of helping her with her 'photography project'
She recruited them one afternoon, popping up beside them as they were relaxing in the parlor car. “Hey, you two! I need some help with a photography project for my socials, and you’re the perfect models!”
Dan Heng raised an eyebrow, skeptical. “March, you have hundreds of photos. Do you really need more?”
“Obviously! Besides, I want to try something new.” She held up her camera and gave them her best pleading look. “Please? It’ll be quick, I promise!”
Caelus shrugged, looking at Dan Heng with a smirk. “C’mon, Dan Heng, don’t be shy. What’s the harm in helping out?”
Dan Heng looked like he wanted to say no, but with Caelus’s nudging and March’s puppy-dog eyes, he finally sighed “Fine. But no… strange poses, alright?”
March grinned. “Of course! Just… stand here.” She led them to a spot near a window where the sunlight filtered in perfectly. She adjusted her camera settings, angling for that perfect shot as she directed Dan Heng and Caelus around with an expert eye. She wasn’t about to let this opportunity slip away—
“Alright, now turn just a bit more toward each other,” she said, her tone overly casual as she peeked over her camera. “And Caelus, go ahead and… rest your hand on Dan Heng’s shoulder. Like you’re just sharing a moment or something.”
Caelus gave her an amused look. “A moment, huh?” He lifted his hand, tentatively placing it on Dan Heng’s shoulder, his fingers brushing the fabric with a bit of hesitation. He glanced at Dan Heng, a playful glint in his eye. “Is this what you had in mind?”
Dan Heng, who was doing his best to look unaffected, swallowed hard, his expression softening ever so slightly as he looked at Caelus. “March… are you sure this is part of the project?”
March, biting back a grin, waved her hand. “One hundred percent! Trust me. Now, lean in just a little closer, Dan Heng… Yes, perfect!”
As Dan Heng leaned in, Caelus did the same, until they were almost nose-to-nose, just a few inches separating them. March snapped a couple more photos, trying not to giggle at the way Dan Heng’s ears turned slightly pink and how Caelus’s grin softened. There was a tension between them she knew they were oblivious to—or at least trying very hard to ignore.
“Okay, now we’re going for something a little more… candid,” March continued, snapping her fingers as an idea struck her. “Caelus, look off to the side like you’re daydreaming. Dan Heng, how about you just… look at him?”
They both paused, shooting her a confused look
March sighed in mock frustration, lowering the camera. “Just trust me. Caelus, look over there,” she pointed vaguely toward the window, “like you’re lost in thought. And Dan Heng, just look at Caelus… like, you know, like you’re seeing something special.”
Dan Heng shot her a skeptical glance, but he complied, his gaze settling on Caelus’s profile. March couldn’t help but notice the gentleness in his expression—whether he was aware of it or not, he looked at Caelus with a softness that was unmistakable
“Perfect.." she whispered, snapping a few more shots. “Alright, now Caelus, look back at him.”
Caelus turned, and for a moment, his eyes met Dan Heng’s, Both of them froze with flush cheeks, a quiet sort of warmth sparking between them. They lingered in that gaze, caught up in an unspoken exchange. March’s heart nearly leaped as she snapped another photo, watching as they seemed to forget about her entirely
After a beat, she cleared her throat, pulling them out of their trance. “Amazing, you two! But we’re not done yet!”
Dan Heng looked ready to protest, but March held up a finger, already prepared for his reluctance. “Come on, Dan Heng, it’s just a couple more shots. I’ll even let you pick the next pose. How’s that?”
He sighed, relenting. “Fine. But nothing… overly dramatic.”
March clapped her hands. “Deal! How about something fun, then? Like… a casual back-to-back pose. You know, like you’re partners in crime or something!”
Caelus’s grin widened as he shifted, leaning back against Dan Heng, who still looked mildly skeptical but complied nonetheless. March noticed the slight smirk he tried to hide as he felt Caelus’s shoulder press against his.
She snapped a few shots, adjusting her angle, catching the playful energy between them as they relaxed into the pose. “Now cross your arms, and give me a look that says, ‘We’re unstoppable!’”
Caelus immediately struck a confident expression, but Dan Heng hesitated, his usual stoic demeanor breaking into a barely-contained smile.
March giggled. “Dan Heng, come on, loosen up a little! Look at Caelus—follow his lead”
With a sigh that sounded more amused than annoyed, Dan Heng finally relaxed, his lips curving into a faint smirk that matched Caelus’s. The two looked perfectly in sync, and March couldn’t help but feel a burst of triumph as she captured the moment
But she wasn’t done yet. “Alright, last one!” She leaned forward, excitement lighting her eyes. “For this one, I want it to be… soft. Caelus, turn a bit toward Dan Heng. And Dan Heng, just… put a hand on Caelus’s shoulder. Maybe even look at him like you’re whispering something important, you know?”
Dan Heng rolled his eyes, but he did as she said, his hand finding its way to Caelus’s shoulder, his fingers lightly brushing over Caelus’s shirt. Caelus looked up at him, his usual grin softening as he met Dan Heng’s gaze with an unexpected sincerity.
For a moment, neither of them moved. March held her breath, knowing she was witnessing something genuine between them—something that went beyond friendship, even if they didn’t see it yet.
Click
She lowered the camera slowly, trying not to grin as they both pulled away, clearing their throats and fidgeting awkwardly.
“Great job, you two!” she chirped, fighting back a smirk. “These are going to look amazing on my wall. And who knows? Maybe they’ll give people… ideas.”
Caelus chuckled, rubbing the back of his neck. “Well, as long as you don’t start a fan club about us or something”
March laughed, hiding her satisfaction behind a playful grin “Oh, no promises there”
Dan Heng gives March a glare
"Just kidding~" She laughs at Dan Heng's reaction
—03
As Caelus and Dan Heng stepped back onto the Express, March immediately picked up on the chilly tension between them. Their usual easy camaraderie had been replaced by sharp glances and clipped words—something had definitely gone wrong during their trip to Belobog. March waited by the couch, arms crossed, watching them carefully as they walked past her, barely acknowledging her presence.
The silence lingered for only a few steps before Dan Heng’s voice cut through, low and irritated
“Caelus… if we hadn’t accepted that commission, none of this would’ve happened” he muttered, glancing over his shoulder at Caelus, his tone tight with frustration
Caelus glared back, hands stuffed into his pockets. “Well, maybe you should’ve stopped me then”
Dan Heng turned fully to face him, brows knitted in frustration. “I did try to stop you. But you’re too stubborn to listen”
Caelus scoffed, looking away. “Maybe if you had been a little more supportive instead of just criticizing, we wouldn’t be in this mess”
March’s eyebrows shot up. She hadn’t seen them this openly tense before. She figured they had their little disagreements, sure, but it was usually resolved quickly—never anything that made the air feel this thick. She glanced between the two, debating whether to step in.
“Excuse me!” she finally broke in, stepping between them and putting her hands on her hips. “Care to tell me what’s going on here?”
They both hesitated, looking anywhere but at each other. Finally, Caelus grumbled, “Dan Heng thinks this whole mess is my fault because I agreed to help that guy. But how was I supposed to know he’d trick us?”
Dan Heng let out a sharp sigh. “It’s not about whether you knew, Caelus. It’s the fact that you agreed without thinking it through. You always say yes, even when it’s dangerous, and it nearly got us into serious trouble this time”
“So, You think I’m just some reckless fool?” Caelus shot back, fists clenching at his sides “I’m trying to help people, Dan Heng! Maybe if you had more faith in me, we wouldn’t end up like this.”
“Help people? Or just help yourself to the thrill of being the hero?” Dan Heng’s voice rose, his face a mask of anger and concern. “You didn’t even consider how it would affect me. It’s always about what you want.”
March watched Caelus’s face fall slightly, and she could tell Dan Heng’s words had hit a nerve. She took a step back, crossing her arms as she assessed the situation. Caelus’s hurt expression mingled with a glint of stubborn defiance, while Dan Heng’s face softened slightly, a flicker of guilt in his eyes
“Alright, alright, enough!” March said, holding up a hand. “Both of you are getting nowhere with this. Dan Heng, I get it, you’re worried about him, but you don’t have to act like he’s the only one at fault here. And Caelus—could you at least try to understand where he’s coming from?”
Caelus exhaled slowly, shifting his weight as he glanced away, his shoulders slumping. “Fine. Maybe I should’ve thought it over more… But Dan Heng, you could’ve tried to talk to me without making me feel like I’m the problem.”
“I'm not trying to make you feel that way. But, How can I talk when you refuse to see the consequences of your actions?” Dan Heng countered, frustration bubbling just beneath the surface. “If I had said no and you got hurt, you’d blame me for that too.”
“Maybe I wouldn’t have to if you didn’t constantly second-guess me!” Caelus snapped, his voice wavering. “Do you think I want to put you at risk? I want to do what’s right! But you make it impossible when you treat me like a child!”
March held her breath as the tension escalated, the air crackling between them. She could sense the deep-seated worries and fears fueling their fight, but they were too caught up in their emotions to see it
“Caelus!” Dan Heng pressed, voice rising again. “You have to realize that this isn’t just about you. We’re a team, and you need to start thinking about us as a unit instead of going off on your own!”
“Us? Is that what you call it?” Caelus snapped, his voice growing sharper. “You don’t act like it. You keep your distance, like you’re afraid I’ll drag you into my mess. But guess what? You’re already in it, and if you cared at all, you’d be more supportive!”
“Of course I care!” Dan Heng shot back, the hurt in his voice unmistakable. “But you don’t see how reckless you are! What if I hadn’t been there this time? What if you got seriously hurt because you didn’t listen? It’s exhausting watching you put yourself in danger like this.”
“Exhausting?” Caelus scoffed, stepping closer, his frustration boiling over. “You think it’s exhausting for you? Try being the one who’s always the last to know what’s happening, the one who’s treated like a child! I can handle myself, Dan Heng! You need to trust me to make my own decisions!”
“Trust is earned, Caelus.” Dan Heng shot back, his voice cracking slightly “You keep putting us in danger, and then expect me to stand by and pretend it’s okay? What do you want me to do, cheer you on as you recklessly throw yourself into danger?”
“Maybe I want you to support me instead of acting like I’m some burden!” Caelus yelled, fists balled tightly at his sides “You’re supposed to be my friend!”
“And that’s exactly why I’m frustrated!” Dan Heng retorted, taking a step forward, voice thick with emotion. “Because I care about you, but you make it impossible for me to be there for you!”
March watched as their voices rose, each word cutting deeper into the other, the tension rising to a breaking point. “Why do you have to make this so hard?” Dan Heng shot back, frustration giving way to a deeper hurt. “I care about you, but every time I try to help, you push me away! What am I supposed to do?”
“Maybe I don’t need your help! Maybe I just need you to trust me!” Caelus’s voice wavered, a mix of anger and vulnerability shining through
March watched, feeling her heart sink as the fight reached a boiling point. She took a step forward, her voice firm. “Okay, enough of this! You two are both being stubborn! Can’t you see how much you mean to each other? Stop tearing each other down!”
They both paused, the weight of her words hanging in the air, but Dan Heng shook his head. “March, this is—”
“No!” she interrupted, shaking her head vehemently. “This is exactly what I’m talking about! You’re both scared, but you’re letting it turn into anger instead of realizing that you need to communicate!”
Caelus looked down, shoulders slumping as he sighed. “I… I didn’t mean to push you away, Dan Heng.”
Dan Heng’s expression shifted, a flicker of understanding crossing his face. “I just didn’t want you to get hurt, Caelus. I didn’t know how else to make you see that.”
Caelus gave him a small smile, shrugging. “And I didn’t mean to brush you off. I just wanted to help… but maybe I’ll think things through a bit more next time.”
Caelus looked up, meeting Dan Heng’s gaze for the first time since they’d started arguing. There was a flicker of understanding in his eyes, and his stance relaxed slightly.
They exchanged a look that felt like a silent truce, and March nearly cheered out loud.
March grinned, satisfied to see the wall between them start to crumble. “See? Progress! Now let’s go grab some snacks and talk it out. No fighting allowed!”
"But, we just got back" Caelus pouts, staring at March like an abandoned puppy
"Ah-ah! Come on!" She chuckles, Pulling Caelus' arm together with Dan Heng and forces them to go with her back to Belebog.
— 04
March sat cross-legged on her bed, surrounding herself with sticky notes, doodles, and a bunch of novels scattered; supposedly romance. She was deep in thought, mumbling to herself as she writes on the sticky notes. Shifting through her ideas of a 'date', completely engrosed in her plotting.
“Maybe… a café date?” she murmured, jotting it down. She glanced at one of her open romance novels for inspiration, nodding thoughtfully as more ideas took shape.
But her trance was abruptly broken by the creak of her door opening. “March?” Welt’s voice called out, his silhouette leaning against the doorway as he watched her with concern.
“Mr. Yang?!” March squeaked, scrambling off her bed as she awkwardly made her way over to him. “D-did you need anything?” She forced a nervous chuckle, trying to hide the clutter of plans behind her.
Welt coughed, adjusting his glasses as he looked at her. “I knocked, but you didn’t answer,” he said, raising an eyebrow. “Thought I should check in to make sure you were… alright.” He cast a curious glance over her shoulder at the chaotic array of sticky notes and novels on her bed.
"If... you don't mind me asking, what exactly were you doing?” Welt asked, his gaze shifting from the sticky-note-strewn bed back to March’s slightly guilty expression.
“Ah! Well…” March stammered, looking away, desperately avoiding eye contact. The last person she wanted knowing about her matchmaking scheme was Mr. Yang. Darn it, she silently cursed herself.
Welt raised an eyebrow, noticing her flustered look. With a small, amused smile, he reached over and flicked her forehead lightly, making her yelp and rub the spot with a pout. “Hey! What was that for?”
He chuckled, crossing his arms “Come on, seriously. What’s all this? Are you planning some kind of heist?”
March groaned, caught but still reluctant to spill the details. “It’s not… that!” She huffed, trying to think of the best way to explain. "It’s more of a… project,” she mumbled,
“A project?” Welt echoed, leaning forward, intrigued. “And what exactly does this project entail? Or should I say, who does it entail?” He caught sight of the words 'café date' on one of the notes, and it didn’t take him long to piece things together.
March sighed, finally giving in. “Fine! I’m trying to… give Dan Heng and Caelus a little nudge. You know, to help them realize they’re totally into each other but are both too oblivious to make a move,” she admitted, her voice a mix of frustration and excitement.
Welt raised his eyebrows in surprise but couldn’t hide his smirk. “So, the novels, the sticky notes—this is all for your… matchmaking project?”
“Yes! They’re both hopeless! I’m pretty sure they’d still be tiptoeing around each other in two years if I don't do anything about it!” March threw her hands up, exasperated.
Welt chuckled, clearly amused. “And you were planning to do this all on your own? I'm very impressed.”
“Well, yeah,” March shrugged. “Unless… you’re interested in helping?”
Welt considered it, nodding thoughtfully. “Well, it sounds like It's about time they should finally get it in their heads” he said with a faint smile. “What’s the plan so far?”
March beamed, launching into her ideas. “Okay, so, first we have to make sure they spend time together without it being obvious. Like maybe a mission—ooh! We could send them on a little errand list, make them go to places that feel a little… date-like!”
Welt smirked, intrigued by her enthusiasm. “And do you plan to tell them it’s a mission for the Express?”
“Exactly! With a whole list of things they need to check off,” she said, excitement rekindling. “Think about it—a little errand, a few… strategically chosen stops, maybe even a cozy café, or a walk around the market…”
Welt shook his head, thoroughly entertained. “Alright, March. Consider me officially recruited for this mission. But if they find out…”
“We’ll be long gone by then!” March grinned, her eyes sparkling. She was already imagining Caelus and Dan Heng’s reactions.
"Hm… I approve of this plan," Welt said thoughtfully, a small smile playing at the corners of his mouth. "But I’d like to make a few adjustments. Are you alright with that?"
March tilted her head, both curious and a bit wary. "Adjustments? Like what?"
Welt gave her a look, gesturing for a sticky note and pen. She quickly handed them over from the pile on her bed, watching him intently.
"Well… I was thinking…"
Dan Heng glanced up from his book, catching March’s expression as she fumed, practically vibrating with frustration. Caelus was right beside her, leaning forward with an amused grin as he listened to her rant
“So that’s what happened,” March scoffed, her voice thick with irritation as she crossed her arms.
“The nerve of that guy! Can you believe it?” she huffed, cheeks flushed from her anger. It almost looked like steam was about to shoot out of her ears
Caelus snickered, leaning back against the couch as he nudged her. “Come on, March, it couldn’t have been that bad. I mean, maybe he didn’t mean it that way?”
March narrowed her eyes at him, clearly unconvinced. “Oh, trust me, Caelus, he *definitely* meant it that way. Who just assumes I’d be okay with someone saying that?”
Dan Heng raised an eyebrow, mildly curious now despite himself. “What exactly did he say?”
March turned to Dan Heng with a huff, gesturing wildly. “Well, this guy I ran into earlier had the audacity to tell me that my ‘sense of style was… bold.’” She emphasized the last word as if it were an insult of the highest degree “Like, is that a compliment or an insult? You can't just say that to someone you don’t know!”
Caelus grinned, trying to hide his laugh. “I don’t know, March. Bold might’ve just been his attempt at a compliment?”
March rolled her eyes, sighing dramatically. “Well, it sure didn’t sound like one! I mean, bold? Does he know how hard it is to put together a perfect outfit?” She threw her hands up, and Dan Heng shook his head, biting back a small smile.
“Next time, just tell him his comment was… uninspired,” Dan Heng said, giving her a smirk over his book
Caelus chuckles, nudging Dan Heng’s shoulder “Nice one, Heng!"
March crossed her arms, her mock offense fading into a grin. “See, even you get it, Dan Heng! Thank you” She flopped back onto the couch, still huffing a little, “And here I thought nobody appreciated the artistry of a good outfit around here”
“Don’t worry, March,” Caelus teased. “At least you know your fashion sense has Dan Heng’s stamp of approval”
Dan Heng just shook his head, turning back to his book with a faint smirk. "Just try not to make bold your entire personality"
March laughed, giving Dan Heng a playful swat on the shoulder. "You’re lucky you’re on my good side, Dan Heng."
Just then, a voice interrupted. “March, Dan Heng, Caelus—a word?” Welt’s calm but firm tone came from the hallway as he stepped out of the dormitories, catching their attention. They exchanged a quick glance before standing and making their way over to him
“Yes, Mr. Yang?” March asked, tilting her head
Welt handed them a folded piece of paper, which Dan Heng accepted with a quick nod.
“If it’s no trouble, could you three pick up the items on this list?” Welt asked
Dan Heng unfolded the paper and read aloud, his brow lifting slightly. “Construction paper… stamps… boba tea?” He looked up, casting a puzzled glance at Welt
“Don’t question it,” Welt replied, a small smile tugging at the corner of his mouth
With a shrug, Dan Heng looked to March and Caelus. “Alright. Let’s get going.”
March grinned, already heading toward the door with Caelus following close behind, his excitement evident. Dan Heng shook his head in mild amusement and joined them, folding the list and slipping it into his pocket as they stepped off the Astral Express
They strolled through the bustling streets of Xianzhou, their bags were already starting to fill with the odd assortment of items on Welt’s list. They’d managed to pick up the boba tea, which March insisted on sampling immediately, as well as an assortment of tea packets—"for variety" March had claimed. Somewhere along the way, a few things found their way into the mix that definitely weren’t on the list
March, grinning, had insisted on grabbing a sheet of stickers covered in sparkly stars. “These are essential,” she’d argued, waving them in Dan Heng’s direction.
Not to be outdone, Caelus had grabbed a small figurine, admiring it with childlike enthusiasm. “What?” he’d said defensively. “Welt didn’t say we couldn’t get extras.”
Dan Heng gave an amused sigh, clutching the list in his hand. At least, he thought he had it in his hand. When he glanced down, he realized the paper had somehow ended up with Caelus, who was now holding it with a sense of purpose.
"Let's get construction paper next!" Caelus announced, marching ahead with an enthusiasm
Dan Heng raised an eyebrow "When did you…?”
Caelus caught his stare and offered a mischievous grin. “What? Can’t a guy help out?”
Shaking his head, Dan Heng just chuckled. He glanced at March, who smirked knowingly. She leaned in, whispering, “Adorable, isn’t he?
Dan Heng’s face flushed slightly, but he ignored her comment, glancing down the street. “Alright, then. Lead the way, Caelus”
Caelus shot them both a grin before heading down the street, leading the way like he’d known all along where to find construction paper in Xianzhou’s maze-like markets. Dan Heng watched him, and despite himself, he found his gaze lingering, a soft smile tugging at his lips.
March noticed, of course. She leaned close to Dan Heng, barely containing her smirk. “You’re staring,” she whispered, her tone dripping with mock innocence.
Dan Heng’s eyes widened, snapping back to attention. “I was just…making sure he doesn’t get us lost.”
March stifled a giggle, “Oh, sure. Just ‘making sure’”
Meanwhile, Caelus, oblivious to their exchange, was already several steps ahead, cheerfully examining storefronts until he stopped at a small shop stocked with colorful crafting supplies. He turned around, holding up 2 packs of bright construction paper and another pack that's only set to one color
“This one good?” he called, beaming as he held it up for them to see.
Dan Heng nodded, a fond smile escaping before he could stop it. “It’s… Good.”
March couldn’t resist elbowing him. “I mean, look at him. Practically a professional at running errands. Maybe you two should do this more often, hmm?” She whispered with another giggle
Dan Heng shot her a warning look, but his blush betrayed him. Turning back to Caelus, he cleared his throat. “We should head to the checkout.”
“Oh, come on,” March said, her eyes twinkling with mischief as she nudged Dan Heng closer to where Caelus waited. “Go on, Dan Heng. Help him carry it!”
Caelus looked back at them, tilting his head in confusion. “You two alright?”
“Yep!” March chirped. She gave Dan Heng a light push toward Caelus. “Just helping you out. Right, Dan Heng?”
Dan Heng sighed, resigning himself to his fate as he took the pack of construction paper from Caelus, their fingers brushing briefly. He could practically feel March’s smirk from behind him, but at this point, there was no escaping it. Caelus looked down at their hands with a slight smile, and Dan Heng felt his heart skip a beat.
“Alright,” Dan Heng muttered, finally regaining his composure. “What’s next on the list?”
March leaned in over his shoulder to read the remaining items “Just a couple more things! But can we relax in a café first? I’m tired from all this walking!” March declared, stretching her arms dramatically.
“Fine,” Dan Heng agreed with a reluctant sigh, already envisioning the soothing atmosphere of a cozy café. He could already picture himself tucked away with a book and a warm drink, while March would undoubtedly chat away with Caelus, who always seemed to be ready with a story or a joke
March clapped her hands together in delight. “Great! I know just the place!” She began leading the way through the streets of Xianzhou, weaving through vendors and other shoppers
As they walked, Caelus fell into step beside Dan Heng, the two of them matching each other’s pace effortlessly.
Dan Heng found himself focusing more on Caelus than the vibrant surroundings. Every now and then, he’d glance over at him, catching the way Caelus’s eyes sparkled with enthusiasm as he chatted about the different cafes they could try.
“What’s your favorite kind of tea?” Caelus asked, genuinely curious as they approached a charming little cafe adorned with colorful lanterns and intricate woodwork.
Dan Heng paused, taken aback by the question. “Um… I like jasmine,” he admitted, his voice a bit quieter than he intended
Caelus’s smile widened. “Jasmine is great! It’s refreshing. You should try some milk with it sometime.”
“I will,” Dan Heng said, heart racing a little. The fact that Caelus was so effortlessly drawing him into conversation made him feel warm inside
March, noticing the shared moment, couldn’t help but grin. “You two are so cute, honestly. You should just admit you like each other already!”
Dan Heng shot her an exasperated look while Caelus blinked, his cheeks dusted with pink. “What? We’re just friends!” Caelus protested, but his voice lacked conviction
“Right, just friends,” March echoed, raising an eyebrow “With all this flirting? Oh, Please”
“Flirting?” Dan Heng echoed incredulously, a mix of embarrassment and confusion bubbling up inside him
March just laughed, pushing open the door to the cafe and ushering them inside. “Order whatever you want. I’m buying!”
Once seated at a cozy table, March quickly perused the menu, practically bouncing in her seat. Dan Heng tried to focus on the options but found his gaze drifting toward Caelus, who was studying the menu with a look of intense concentration.
“thought of what you' want?” Caelus asked, glancing up at Dan Heng, his eyes bright.
Dan Heng opened his mouth to respond, but before he could, March chimed in. “He obviously wants Jasmine Tea, and if you’re not careful, he’ll ramble on about it for ages”
Dan Heng felt his face heat up again “I don’t—”
“Oh, please do!” Caelus grinned, leaning forward, genuinely interested. “I want to know why you like it!”
March smirked, clearly enjoying the banter “See? You’re both so into each other”
Dan Heng shook his head, trying to hide his flustered expression. “Maybe you should just order for us, March.”
“Alright!” she exclaimed, getting to her feet and striding toward the counter, throwing Dan Heng a quick wink. He rolled his eyes in response
As March bounced away to place their order, Caelus turned his attention back to Dan Heng, his enthusiasm still bubbling. “You know,” he started, “I was really hoping to get Nahida on the recent rerun banner, but I ended up with a constellation for a character I don’t even use!”
Dan Heng nodded, genuinely interested as Caelus continued. “I had this whole plan—saved up all my primogems for the 50/50, and then, bam! I got stuck with a dupe instead. It’s so frustrating!”
He leaned forward, eyes sparkling with passion as he animatedly recounted his gacha pulls. “You wouldn’t believe the odds I was up against! It’s like the universe was just messing with me.”
Dan Heng found himself hanging on Caelus’s every word, the way he described the excitement and the heartbreak of the game made it hard not to smile. “That sounds really rough. But at least you still got a character, right?”
Caelus rolled his eyes, but the grin didn’t leave his face. “Sure, but it wasn’t the one I wanted! You know how it is—each character has their own style, their own vibe. Nahida was going to fit perfectly in my team!”
Dan Heng chuckled, shaking his head. “I can’t say I understand the intricacies of gacha games, but it sounds like you’re really invested.”
“I am!” Caelus replied, his voice rising with enthusiasm. “It’s not just about collecting, it’s about the strategy, the team dynamics. It’s like chess, but with cute characters! And the lore—don’t even get me started.”
Just then, March came back with their drinks, setting a steaming cup of jasmine tea in front of Dan Heng and a colorful fruit tea in front of Caelus. “Here you are!”
“Thanks!” Caelus replied with a grin
“I’ll be right back; I’m just heading to the bathroom!”
“Thanks, March,” Dan Heng said, feeling the warmth of his tea seep into his hands. He looked up just in time to see her wink and walk away, leaving him alone with Caelus once more.
“So,” Caelus said, taking a sip of his drink, “where was I? Oh right! So, after I lost that 50/50, I decided to do a full reset and just start fresh. It’s kind of like a clean slate, you know? But then I ended up pulling three more characters that I already had.”
Dan Heng found himself chuckling again, amused by Caelus's dramatic recounting of what was, to him, just a game. “It sounds like you have a knack for finding trouble in those games.”
Caelus laughed, shrugging. “I guess I do! But it’s the thrill of the chase that keeps me coming back. Every new update feels like a new adventure! You ever play anything like that?”
“Not really” Dan Heng admitted. “I tend to stick with books. They’re much easier to manage.”
Caelus’s eyes lit up with curiosity. “What kind of books do you read? You’ve got to tell me about them!”
As they continued to talk, the world around them faded into the background. For Dan Heng, the atmosphere of the cafe and the hum of chatter became a distant echo as he found himself lost in conversation with Caelus
“Honestly,” Caelus said, leaning in closer, “I could talk about this stuff all day. There’s just so much to it! I love exploring new worlds, even if it’s just in a game”
“I get that,” Dan Heng replied, unable to suppress his smile. “It’s like finding a new story to lose yourself in”
“Exactly!” Caelus beamed, the excitement in his voice infectious
Dan Heng nodded, his heart warming at Caelus's enthusiasm
Suddenly, Dan Heng's phone buzzed in his pocket. He pulled it out to find a text from March
“Wait, didn’t she say she was going to the bathroom?” Caelus asked, leaning his head against Dan Heng’s shoulder to peek at the screen.
Himeko called and needs me! I’m leaving the errands up to you guys. Don’t worry, I already took the bags so I can drop them off at the Express! Have fun!
Dan Heng and Caelus exchanged glances, both letting out a resigned sigh
"Looks like it’s just us now” Caelus said, straightening up, "We should finish our drinks and get moving?"
"Yeah, let’s not keep Welt waiting,” Dan Heng agreed, taking a sip of his jasmine tea “We still need to grab a few more things”
Caelus nodded, chugging down his fruit tea “And I really want to check out that store with the cool supplies!” He finished his drink in record time, setting the cup down on the table with a loud slam; following with an 'oops, sorry' making Dan Heng chuckle
“Alright, let’s go,” Dan Heng said, rising from his seat as he glances at Caelus with a nod
As they stepped outside, the buzz of the market greeted them once again “So, what’s next on our list?” Caelus asked, pulling out the crumpled paper
Dan Heng looked at the crumpled paper with a sigh and took it from Caelus` hands, checking the list for a moment before folding it neatly “We still need baked beans, Fruits.. and a couple more things"
“Then let's make it quick!” Caelus replied, his energy infectious as they walked side by side through the crowded streets
With each step, Dan Heng found himself getting caught up in Caelus’ enthusiasm “And after this, we could treat ourselves to something else!” Caelus suggested, a playful glint in his eye
“Like what?” Dan Heng asked, amused
“I don’t know.. Maybe.. Food? O o! Awesome desserts we never tried yet!” Caelus’s face lit up with excitement
Dan Heng chuckled, feeling his heart lift at Caelus’s carefree spirit “Alright, let’s finish the errands first"
A few hours later, Dan Heng and Caelus returned to the Astral Express, bags in tow and finally done with Welt’s list. As they stepped inside, March was there to greet them, her eyes gleaming with mischief
“Oh, look who’s back!” she said, zeroing in on Caelus as Dan Heng wandered off to deliver the items to Welt. March wasted no time, leaning in with a sly grin. “Sooo… how was the date?” she teased, drawing out the last word with a wink
Caelus’s face immediately went red “It wasn’t a—March!” He tried to keep his cool, but March’s smirk told him he wasn’t getting out of this easily
“Right, right,” she said, clearly amused. “Just two friends running errands together. Alone. For hours. Uh-huh..” She gave him a gentle nudge, her grin widening “I bet you didn’t even notice the time go by, did you?”
Caelus sputtered, trying to defend himself “We were just… talking! And Dan Heng kept track of the time, okay?” His voice sounded a bit too defensive, ad March just raised an eyebrow, clearly not buying it.
“Sure thing, just talking” she said with a knowing glint in her eye "You know, you’re pretty cute when you’re flustered”
Before Caelus could attempt another half-hearted protest, Dan Heng returned, having finished his report to Welt. He glanced between March and Caelus, immediately noticing Caelus’s flustered expression
“What did I miss?” Dan Heng asked, sounding only slightly wary
“Oh, nothing,” March said innocently, but there was a barely-contained laugh in her voice. “Caelus was just telling me about how much fun he had.”
Caelus groaned, rubbing the back of his neck, but Dan Heng seemed unfazed.
“Speaking of, March,” he said, “Caelus and I are heading out again. Just a quick trip.”
March’s eyes widened with excitement, though she did her best to hide it. Inside, her thoughts were practically screaming: 'Yes! Let’s go, Cupid duty is working!'
Outwardly, she just gave them a cool thumbs-up. “Alright, don’t let me stop you lovebirds,” she said, waving them off with a smirk.
Caelus shot her a look, his cheeks still tinged pink, while Dan Heng merely rolled his eyes and turned to Caelus. “Let's go?”
Caelus nodded, still blushing slightly, and March could barely contain her delight. 'Operation DanCae was officially underway' She snickered to herself
They strolled side-by-side through the busy streets of Xianzhou, the sounds of bustling marketplaces and passing conversations fading into the background as they focused on each other, lost in their own little world.
“So there I was, right? Just standing there, when bam!” Caelus laughed, his animated gestures bringing his story to life. “Then a full-on shouting match breaks out! She just yells at the guy like it’s nobody’s business—honestly, I admired her for it. Stood her ground, didn’t back down. And honestly, the guy totally deserved it!”
Dan Heng chuckled, captivated by Caelus’s enthusiasm “Sounds like quite the scene. What happened after?”
Caelus turned, leaning his back against the bridge railing, still caught up in the story. Dan Heng, meanwhile, rested his forearms on the rail and gazed out over the city, a faint smile on his lips. He listened, but found himself focusing less on Caelus’s words and more on Caelus himself—the way his golden eyes sparkled when he spoke, the way his laughter was unrestrained, uninhibited, beautiful..
Without thinking, Dan Heng reached out, fingers brushing against Caelus’s hair as he ruffled it gently
Caelus froze mid-sentence, his cheeks instantly tinged pink “...Heng?”
Dan Heng snapped back, realizing what he’d done. He pulled his hand back awkwardly, a nervous chuckle escaping him “Ah... sorry. I just—your hair...”
Caelus laughed, though his blush deepened. “Is it that soft?” he asked, giving his hair a quick pat, his gaze drifting back to Dan Heng. Their eyes met, and suddenly the air around them grew still. Both of them looked away quickly, but the shared moment lingered, leaving both their hearts racing
After a long, silent pause, Dan Heng took a deep breath, gathering his courage. He turned to face Caelus, straightening as he took a small step closer. “Caelus… there’s something I’ve been wanting to say”
Caelus raised an eyebrow, “Yeah?”
Dan Heng hesitated, then moved even closer, his heart pounding as he wrapped his arms around Caelus in a gentle embrace, pressing his forehead against Caelus’s shoulder. Caelus stiffened in surprise, his own heartbeat thundering as he felt Dan Heng’s breath warm against his neck
“...Dan Heng?” Caelus’s voice was soft, almost a whisper
Dan Heng lifted his head, his lips inches from Caelus’. For a moment, he held back, heart hammering, nerves twisting in his chest—but then, without a word, he closed the distance, his lips meeting Caelus’ in a soft, hesitant kiss
Caelus’s face flushed a deep red, caught off-guard, but within moments he melted into it, his own lips moving gently against Dan Heng’s
They parted slowly, Dan Heng pausing just long enough to brush a gentle kiss against Caelus’s forehead before meeting his gaze, eyes bright and earnest
“I love you,” Dan Heng murmured, his voice trembling with emotion “Ever since you joined the Express... I had my eyes on you..”
Caelus blinked, staring at him in awe. Slowly, he lifted his hands, cupping Dan Heng’s face, a soft smile spreading across his lips “I love you too... I always have..”
"That's good" Dan Heng let out a soft laugh, a warm, relieved smile lighting up his face as he kissed Caelus again, this time with more confidence, savoring the feeling
They stayed there, wrapped in each other’s arms on the quiet bridge, the world around them fading away as they lost themselves in the closeness. Dan Heng’s thumb brushed over Caelus’s cheek, tracing the soft skin, Their kiss was slow and lingering, filled with everything they’d never said aloud until now
Caelus’s hands slid to Dan Heng’s shoulders, then around his neck, pulling him closer, deepening the kiss with a shy but eager intensity. Dan Heng’s fingers gripping the cloth around Caelus` waist, he lets out a small sigh, his heart racing as he felt Caelus’s warm breath between them. They both melted into the moment, the touch of their lips soft but electrifying, the kind that made everything else disappear
As they broke apart for a moment, their eyes met, filled with emotions that needed no words. Dan Heng’s gaze softened, his lips curving into a small smile as his hand gently caressed the back of Caelus’s neck. Then, as if drawn back like magnets, their lips found each other again, this time with a tenderness that left them both breathless. Their kisses grew slower, savoring each touch, each second, as if they had all the time in the world
And as they finally pulled away, foreheads touching, they shared a quiet, blissful moment, knowing that this was only the beginning
"Mr. Yang! Miss Himeko! I finally did it!! They're finally dating!!" March’s voice pierced the air as she practically danced across the train car, earning a look of alarm from Pom-Pom, who shushed her emphatically
“Calm down, March,” Pom-Pom said with a wave of their tiny conductor’s baton
March ignored the request entirely, squealing as she bounded over to Himeko and Welt “Look!” she exclaimed, holding her camera triumphantly, a devious sparkle in her eye
She pointed to the screen, where a snapshot captured Caelus and Dan Heng, standing on the bridge, locked in a tender kiss. Himeko gasped softly, pressing her hand to her chest as a smile broke across her face
“Oh! What a sight,” she cooed, admiration glimmering in her eyes as she looked at the photo
Welt, however, cleared his throat, looking slightly more flustered “March,” he began with a faint cough, “I don’t think you should capture such… personal interactions without their permission” But despite his words, he couldn’t entirely hide the fond look in his eyes
“Come on, Mr. Yang, just once! This is proof that my plan worked!” March beamed “They were so clueless, both of them, and now—thanks to all your help, of course—they’ve finally stopped pining!”
As March continued her spirited celebration, The doors to the Express slid open as Caelus and Dan Heng stepped inside, moving with a casual ease as if they hadn’t just shared the most intimate moment of their lives. Their fingers brushed briefly, but they didn’t hold hands, opting to keep things subtle—at least for now. Caelus and Dan Heng looks bemused as they caught sight of March’s excitement
March, Himeko, and Welt quickly composed themselves, but not without sharing a look. Himeko smirked, and Welt let out a resigned sigh. Pom-Pom just glanced between them, perplexed but curious
The two men exchanged a puzzled look “Uh… what’s going on?” Caelus asked, tilting his head slightly
“Oh, nothing,” March chimed, hiding a mischievous smile as she lowered her camera “Just a little... celebratory moment, right, Miss Himeko?”
“Indeed,” Himeko replied with a smile, glancing between Caelus and Dan Heng. Her gaze lingered a moment longer than necessary, filled with a knowing warmth that neither could quite interpret
“Alright…” Dan Heng replied slowly, sensing there was more to the looks than met the eye. But he shrugged it off, gesturing to Caelus “We’ll be in the archives if you need us.”
As they turned to leave, March stifled a delighted squeal. Himeko chuckled under her breath, and even Welt had a small smile as he shook his head in exasperation
After Caelus and Dan Heng disappeared into the passenger cabin, March leaned in closer to her two companions, sighing dramatically “Ugh! Now, when is it gonna be my turn?”
Himeko chuckled, patting her shoulder. “Patience, March. Besides, love has a way of showing up when you least expect it.”
Welt raised an eyebrow “Or when you least want it,” he added, with a wry smile, earning a giggle from Himeko and an eye-roll from March
“Easy for you two to say!” March huffed, folding her arms. But the exasperation quickly faded as she glanced at the door leading to the passenger cabin with a fond smile, feeling a rush of pride. All her little nudges, her innocent matchmaking efforts—it had finally paid off
Meanwhile, in the archives, Caelus and Dan Heng settled onto Dan Heng's mattress. Caelus flipped open a book he’d borrowed, but he couldn’t quite focus. Instead, he found his gaze wandering to Dan Heng, who was perusing a volume on stellar navigation with his usual focus, lips slightly parted as he read
Caelus watched him, a soft smile spreading across his face. Just seeing Dan Heng so at ease, so unguarded, filled him with a warmth he couldn’t quite explain. He couldn’t help himself—he reached out, gently touching Dan Heng’s cheek, causing him to glance down, startled
“Sorry,” Caelus murmured, his cheeks a little pink. “Just… wanted to make sure you were real”
Dan Heng’s face softened, and without hesitation, he intertwined their fingers, his thumb brushing softly over Caelus’s knuckles. They shared a quiet smile, feeling more at peace than either of them had in ages
Just outside, March peeked around the corner, unable to resist watching the moment unfold. Himeko noticed her and gave her a small, approving nod, while Welt simply sighed again, resigned to the young ones’ antics
March’s heart swelled as she saw Dan Heng and Caelus exchange a quiet laugh together, their eyes shining. She whispered to herself, “Let’s go, Cupid! Mission complete!”
She tiptoed away from the door, leaving the two to their own little world, happy and finally at peace together.
.Mission complete.