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For a moment, he hesitated before letting go of the kongming lantern so that it may fly high up in the sky. But it was not even seconds after did he notice it sway from one side to another before making its slow descent. Seeing it, he couldn’t help but sigh.
He had already expected this outcome. No matter how many kongming lanterns he released in the sky, it always fell one way or another before falling down and landing right at his feet. It seemed to be its way of telling him that his wish could never come true.
It was a real shame since he loved these lanterns even without the legend behind it. Because whenever it was flying high in the night sky, it looked so pretty and enchanting with hues of reddish orange. Just from thinking about it, even a single kongming lantern would’ve brought him a sense of warmth and happiness.
But in the end, he could never achieve it no matter how many times he tried. Perhaps this outcome was always meant for him, not even his so-called luck could change that.
Though feeling down about his many failed attempts, he didn’t let it show in his face. With a sheepish smile seemingly unbothered by it, he turned to her and said, “my bad, Qianqiu. I—”
He paused in his words when he saw that look. One that was sharp and unyielding. He recognized that she’d sometimes make during her battles and knew what she was about to do. With her hand raised, something fast and fierce like lightning flew past him. He forced his eyes wide open and held back from flinching…
Because this was Qianqiu, after all.
Spinning his head around to witness it for himself, he saw the sudden change of direction that the kongming lantern took. A curl slowly formed in his lips until he could barely contain the smile that reflected his emotions right now.
Instead of falling to the ground with its papers crumpled and its flame fizzled out, there the kongming lantern flew high up with the help of her special technique. Those glitching colors of pure black, red, and blue mixed with natural reddish orange. It looked a little different, but held a meaning to him all the same.
Just as he admired such a beautiful sight, her voice rang coolly behind him. “Didn’t you say that when one’s kongming lantern flies to the highest point leading to the heaven realm, that person’s wish will be granted?”
Even without looking at her, he could already imagine that smirk and smug attitude Qianqiu usually had. “I didn’t expect you to be interested in such things,” in return, he chuckled softly and then stared right back at her.
“I’m not,” she responded pointedly, quickly turning her head to the side and her arms crossed to her chest. “Why should I believe in superstitions when I just make my dream come true instead?”
Putting a sleeve over to his mouth, he giggled. This was so like Qianqiu to say and do. “Why, of course.”
“Hmph.”
Having grown used to her, he slowly shook his head and giggled once more. His eyes crinkled a little while watching her keep on that tough and rough act. ‘But behind it all is something so sweet,’ as cheesy as the notion was, he couldn’t deny that truth.
Returning his gaze at the kongming lantern that was so far away from where they stood, he smiled widely with much gladness. In truth, he didn’t really need for his wish to come true but rather he still hoped that Qianqiu can accomplish her goal. Whatever it may be. That was more than enough for him—
“Hey,” he felt a tap on his shoulder and eyed her curiously. “I helped you fly that thing,” she told him in that usual impatient and bored tone when nothing seemed to happen, “there’s nothing soft to lie down on. I want to take a nap.”
In other words, she wanted his lap. He bit back his urge to laugh and nodded his head instead, “alright.”
Really, Qianqiu can be so spoiled and wilful. Not that he meant it in a bad way. In fact, he liked that about her.