Haku listened to what Shi Xiu said, and two blushes unconsciously bloomed on his fair, snow-white cheeks.
Haku lowered his head slightly, his long eyelashes fluttering gently. His voice had grown a little unsteady, like wind chimes swaying in the breeze.
"Sir, you... you can't keep saying things like that about me. I... I'll get embarrassed."
After saying this, Haku couldn't help lowering his head a little further, as if trying to hide the shyness deep inside him.
Before he met Shi Xiu, Haku's world had always been shrouded in endless darkness, with not a glimmer of light able to pierce the heavy gloom.
But ever since meeting Shi Xiu, he had been like a dazzling beam of light, suddenly entering Haku's pitch-black world. He had not only dispelled the darkness around him, but also brought him unprecedented light and warmth.
Faced with such a precious and beautiful feeling, Haku secretly made up his mind.
No matter what hardships and dangers lay ahead, she would do everything in her power to protect this hard-won warmth—and, more than anything, protect Shi Xiu.
Even if it cost him his life, he would never hesitate or back down!
Seeing Haku's bashful, adorable expression, Shi Xiu felt his heart melting.
Shi Xiu's lips curved into a gentle smile. He slowly raised a hand and patted Haku's slender shoulder, soothing him softly. "All right, don't be embarrassed. Let's go."
The two of them continued walking side by side, and passersby on the street couldn't help turning their gazes toward them.
After all, Haku was dressed in women's clothing. His face was delicate and lovely, as tender as a flower just blooming in spring, and his temperament was as gentle and tranquil as a softly flowing stream.
The two of them naturally drew plenty of attention as they walked along the bustling street.
Shi Xiu, however, seemed perfectly at ease, calm and unruffled. He appeared not to care at all about the curious or admiring looks from those around them.
Every now and then, Haku glanced at the many people looking his way from the corners of his eyes, and a ripple of nervousness stirred in his heart.
His hands unconsciously clenched the hem of his clothes, and his steps grew a little stiff.
After they had walked a little farther, Shi Xiu suddenly stopped without warning.
Shi Xiu turned to Haku with a smile and asked softly, "Haku, is there anything you'd like to eat?"
Haku froze for a moment, then quickly shook his head and replied gently, "No, thank you, sir. I'm not hungry yet."
Shi Xiu reached out and rubbed his stomach, narrowing his eyes with an amused smile. "Oh, but I'm starving! Why don't you come have something to eat with me?"
Haku gazed into Shi Xiu's eyes, where a hint of anticipation shone. After hesitating for a moment, he finally nodded and answered, "Then... all right, sir. What would you like to eat?"
Seeing that Haku had agreed, Shi Xiu replied with a smile, "Haha, I happen to know a really good dessert shop nearby! How about I take you there to try some?"
As he spoke, Shi Xiu smiled and gently took Haku's hand. The two of them walked toward the dessert shop not far away.
When they stepped inside, a faint, intoxicating milky fragrance swept over them like a warm spring breeze, brushing softly against their faces and filling their noses.
The shop's decor was especially cozy, and the walls were covered with colorful pictures of all kinds of desserts.
The exquisite designs seemed almost magical. Just one look was enough to make anyone want to try them right away.
Haku gazed around curiously, his eyes full of wonder at these new things.
But when Haku saw the dazzling array of cakes in the display case, he couldn't help feeling a little overwhelmed.
Even so, his gaze was instinctively drawn to a uniquely shaped strawberry cake, and he couldn't look away.
Shi Xiu had been paying close attention to Haku and naturally noticed. His lips curved into a fond smile.
Without hesitation, he ordered several of the shop's highly praised signature desserts, and made sure to choose a strawberry cake as well.
Then, hand in hand, the two of them found a seat by the window and sat down.
Before long, the smiling server carefully brought out the desserts they had prepared, one by one.
Haku's eyes widened as he stared at the exquisite dessert before him, which looked like a work of art. For a moment, he had no idea where to begin.
After all, he had never had the chance to try food like this before, so it was only natural that he felt a little nervous and awkward.
Seeing Haku like this, Shi Xiu couldn't help laughing. He picked up a spoonful of dessert and put it in his mouth. "Come on, give it a try. It's delicious."
After hesitating for a moment, Haku picked up the strawberry cake, scooped up a spoonful, and opened his mouth slightly to eat it.
In that moment, it was as if Haku's taste buds had discovered an entirely new world.
The sweet, light cream and fresh strawberries made him close his eyes and savor the flavor.
Shi Xiu smiled as he watched Haku enjoying his cake, his gaze full of affection and tenderness.
Haku ate with relish, a little cream still clinging to the corner of his mouth. His adorable appearance made Shi Xiu chuckle.
"If you like it, have some more. Sweets can put you in a good mood. Just don't eat too much, or you'll get cavities!"
Haku nodded, then scooped up another spoonful of cake and slowly savored it.
But just as Haku was immersed in the pleasure of eating, he happened to catch sight of a couple sitting not far away.
The young man carefully scooped up a spoonful of cake and fed it to the girl across from him, who opened her mouth to accept the sweet offering with a blissful smile.
The two took turns feeding each other, chatting and laughing. The atmosphere between them was wonderfully warm.
At the sight, Haku stopped moving. He lowered his eyes uncertainly and stared blankly at the strawberry cake in front of him, from which he had eaten only two bites.
His thoughts grew tangled as he seemed to struggle with a difficult decision.
Shi Xiu had been keeping an eye on Haku and quickly noticed something was wrong. He asked with concern, "What's the matter, Haku? Is something wrong?"
At Shi Xiu's question, Haku snapped back to his senses and hurriedly shook his head.
Then, as if he had made up his mind, he took a deep breath and slowly raised his head. His watery eyes fixed on Shi Xiu as he shakily lifted the spoon in his hand and held out a heaping spoonful of cake. Stammering, he said, "S-Sir, would you... would you like to try some of m-mine?"
As he spoke, Haku's cheeks flushed, as tempting as ripe apples.
Shi Xiu was momentarily taken aback. His gaze fell on Haku's nervous face and trembling arm.
Then Shi Xiu's eyes drifted, almost unconsciously, to the couple sitting nearby.
That single glance was enough for Shi Xiu to understand what was going on.
For some reason, Haku seemed even more adorable to Shi Xiu just then.
At the same time, Shi Xiu couldn't help thinking regretfully, If only such an interesting person as Haku were a girl!
With that thought, a smile crept onto Shi Xiu's lips. He asked softly, "Haku, are you trying to imitate those two?" As he spoke, he raised a hand and gently pointed toward the couple beside them.
Haku looked a little confused by Shi Xiu's sudden question and asked, "What's wrong? Is there something wrong with what I'm doing?"
Seeing this, Shi Xiu couldn't help laughing. He beckoned gently to Haku, as if asking him to come closer.
Though full of doubt, Haku did as he was asked. He stood up and leaned forward a little.
Just then, Shi Xiu leaned close to Haku's ear and chuckled under his breath. "You know those two are a couple, right?"
Haku's body jolted at Shi Xiu's words, and his already pink cheeks instantly turned bright red.
He was so embarrassed and flustered that he hurriedly sat back down.
Then, with his head lowered, he silently picked up the cake on the table and began eating it in big bites. He didn't dare look Shi Xiu in the eye again.
Shi Xiu watched Haku's embarrassed expression with a smile, finding it very amusing.
PS: Honestly, I really wish Haku were a girl. What do you readers think? Hongchen would love to hear your thoughts. Hehe.