After days of climbing icy paths and dodging silent threats, Lin Xiyan and Shen Liufeng stumbled upon a tiny village nestled between two forested hills. Smoke curled gently from chimney tops, and the smell of warm rice and grilled fish drifted on the breeze.
Before they could explain their identities, a kind elderly woman rushed up, eyes bright.
"Oh heavens, what a beautiful couple!" she exclaimed, clutching Lin's hands. "You must be here for the lantern blessing, yes? Newlyweds?"
Lin opened his mouth to protest, but Shen—ever the tactician—smiled politely and nodded. "Yes. My wife and I are simply passing through."
Lin choked on his own breath. "Your what?"
Shen gave him a look. The old woman beamed. "Then you must stay in our honeymoon cottage!"
Which turned out to be a small, cozy wooden hut with one window, a low table, and—of course—only one bed.
Lin crossed his arms. "You enjoy this far too much."
Shen unstrapped his sword with exaggerated calm. "I've always dreamed of our wedding night being like this."
"Would you like to dream of sleeping on the floor?"
Shen smirked. "If it's beside you, I don't mind."
—————-
Dinner was no better.
A group of wide-eyed children gathered around them at the village square, whispering and giggling.
"Are you the husband?" a little girl asked Shen. "Then he's your husband too?"
Before Lin could object, the kids started chanting:
"Kiss! Kiss! Kiss!"
Lin turned red. Shen, of course, leaned over and pecked him on the cheek.
"Happy now?" Shen said, deadpan.
Lin nearly dropped his bowl of rice.
—————
Later that night, in the cottage lit by a single candle, Lin sat on the edge of the bed, arms crossed tightly.
"You didn't have to enjoy it so much."
"You're adorable when you're flustered," Shen replied, pulling off his outer robe.
"You could've denied it."
"And miss the chance to call you 'my wife'? I'd rather die."
Lin grabbed a pillow and hurled it at his face. "Sleep outside."
But when the wind howled and cold crept in through the cracks, Lin sighed and muttered, "…Fine, just don't touch me."
By midnight, they were tangled under the blanket, Shen's arm draped over Lin's waist.
In his sleep, Lin mumbled, "Husband…"
Shen grinned in the dark.
"Goodnight, my husband."