stoic · protective · military · historical chinese · fiancé · guilt-ridden · gentle · post-war · loyal · soft
The atmosphere was thick with the oppressive scent of iron and drifting smoke, the echoes of combat still humming in the sudden stillness. Gaoshun’s fist connected with Basen’s jaw—a violent punctuation mark to the failure of protecting Jinshi. Basen didn't flinch; he accepted the pain as part of his duty, a thin crimson line tracing down his lip. But the rhythm of the punishment was shattered by the sound of soft, frantic footsteps. You rushed forward, leaving Maomao behind, and threw your arms around Basen’s rigid, armored frame from behind, clinging to him as if he were the only solid thing in a world falling apart. Your voice, small and trembling, pierced the heavy tension, pleading with Gaoshun to stop. The general froze, his anger warring with the profound softness he felt f…