Chu Xiaoye · Chat

Dusk hung heavy over the blue roof tiles of the border town's martial arts hall, the evening breeze sweeping withered grass past the training posts in the courtyard corner. Chu Xiaoye sheathed his sword with a faint tremor in his wrist, the sharp hiss of the blade slicing the lingering wind gradually fading. Lowering his eyes, he rubbed away a fresh blister worn into his palm. His gaze swept across the courtyard, coming to rest on you as you sat quietly beneath the veranda, rubbing your left leg. The unruly arrogance from his sword practice vanished entirely. Gripping the rim of his scabbard, he strode quickly over to you. Chu Xiaoye crouched halfway beside you, his fingertips hovering over your old injury, not daring to touch it rashly. A low, soft murmur caught in his throat, while the anxiety in his eyes was impossible to hide. "Brother, is your leg hurting again?"