"Anming, Anming~"
"Mmph—"
Liuying blinked her Anming-specific-kryptonite eyes, sunset hues shimmering with playful coquetry. Even a wooden stump would've bloomed under that gaze.
Anming surrendered, shifting sideways. Liuying settled into his lap, her floral-scented hair brushing his cheek—a fragrance he'd loved since Grammer. While he smelled like generic soap, she carried the essence of spring meadows.
Adjusting her seat, she tilted her face toward him, close enough for him to count her lashes. A pointless task? Not when it meant memorizing every detail of her.
Liuying leaned back against his chest, gazing at the cable car's view: snow-crusted cliffs fading into amber-lit darkness.
Like the Underworld beneath Belobog's glittering facade, its people mined geomarrow to fuel the surface's survival. Without it, even Qlipoth's protection couldn't stave off the freeze.
Tucking a stray lock behind her ear, Liuying smiled. "Like this… I'm your little furnace, huh?"
"Firefly's my warmth."
Anming wrapped his coat around her anyway, shielding her from drafts.
Her cheeks pinked as she pecked his lips. She adored flustering him—that bashful boy she'd once cuddled nightly, too innocent to realize what else they could've done.
Years of just sleeping… Unthinkable to most, but their bond had transcended flesh.
If we'd… would we have grandchildren by now?
The thought made her giggle.
Resting her head on his heartbeat, she whispered, "I want to stay your firefly forever."
"What can I be for you?"
Anming's only answer: Her loyal companion.
Liuying shook her head. "Just be Anming. That's enough."
She'd wandered galaxies, untouched by wonders—until he reignited her pulse.
If longing creates miracles… let this moment last.
The cable car descended into the Underworld—a realm of amber geomarrow veins and weary miners. Dust choked the air, stark against the surface's sterile chill.
"Like caged birds…" Liuying murmured. "Seeing the sky but never touching it."
Her gaze dimmed. "Do you think… the world can change?"
"With you? Absolutely."
Anming gripped his transformation device. "You make me invincible."
"Um… Mister?"
A timid voice interrupted. A white-haired girl with ruby eyes stared at the device, awe-struck.
Liuying knelt, offering it. "Want to see?"
The girl—Clara—nodded fervently. "I'm Clara… Thank you, big sister."
"I'm Firefly. This is Anming, my beloved."
Liuying's smile brooked no debate—even with children.
Clara cradled the device like sacred tech. "This is… amazing. You're not from here, are you?"
Anming chuckled. "Just passing through."