Liyu's POV
When I saw him lying there, pale and motionless, something inside me twisted. I stepped quietly to his side, heart still beating too fast.
> "Why did you come in front of me?" I asked, voice trembling. "Why did you take the hit?"
Han Rui's eyes remained half-closed, his breath shallow.
> "They came for me," he murmured. "I was the target. How could I… let them hurt you instead?"
I didn't know what to say to that. I just stood there, motionless, watching the soft rise and fall of his chest beneath the bandages.
A knock echoed at the door.
> "Who is it?" I called.
> "It's me—Zijun," came the muffled reply.
He entered quickly, eyes brushing over Han Rui before turning to me.
> "Miss Liyu… I need to investigate the attack," he said. "Can I ask you to stay here? Please, take care of Master."
I hesitated. My duty tugged at me.
> "But… I need to return. My master must be waiting."
Zijun's tone grew quiet, serious.
> "He got hurt because of you, Miss Liyu. Just for a little while… please."
Guilt prickled under my skin. I nodded slowly.
> "All right."
Zijun gave a short bow and left.
A few minutes passed in silence.
Then Han Rui stirred, eyes fluttering open again.
> "I'm… thirsty," he whispered.
I quickly poured a glass of water and brought it to him.
> "Here."
He looked up with that infuriating glint in his eyes.
> "Don't you think… you should help me sit up first?"
> "Oh! Sorry— I forgot."
I slipped an arm behind him and gently helped him sit. He took the water, sipping slowly, then looked toward the door.
> "Where's Zijun? You should head back. We can talk later."
I shook my head.
> "He's busy. And I'm here to take care of you. After all… you got injured because of me."
He didn't respond right away. Just stared at the cup in his hands.
I reached out to help him lying down again—but before I could step back, he caught my wrist.
In one swift motion, he pulled me toward him.
My hands landed on his chest as I stumbled into him, startled.
> "If you hugged me like this more often," he said softly, voice teasing, "maybe I'd heal faster."
> "Have you gone mad?!" I gasped, struggling. "What are you doing? Let go!"
But he held me tightly, arms firm despite the pain I knew he must be in.
And yet—despite the panic in my voice—I couldn't deny it. For a brief second, it felt… good. Safe. Too safe.
I shut my eyes.
But instead of his face—I saw my master's.
Guilt surged up like fire.
I pushed away from him, breathless.
> "Stop it! I'm only here because you got hurt protecting me. Don't twist it with your shamelessness."
The look in his eyes changed instantly.
The spark vanished. He turned his face toward the wall, voice suddenly cold.
> "Then get out."
I blinked.
> "What…?"
> "I said get out of my room," he repeated quietly. "And if you want… go back home. We'll talk about your shop later."
The words hit harder than I expected.
I stood there, stunned, staring at him.
Then, without a word, I turned and walked out, the door clicking shut behind me.
I leaned against the wall outside, arms crossed tightly over my chest.
I didn't know why…
…but it hurt.
And somehow, I felt guiltier than before.
Here is your scene rewritten smoothly in cinematic style with emotional texture, natural pacing, and subtle romantic tension:
– Morning
Sunlight had just started slipping through the corridor windows, casting soft golden lines across the floor. I was curled up beside the door to Han Rui's room, my head resting against the wall. Sleep had taken me somewhere between guilt and worry.
A soft voice nudged me awake.
> "Miss… this isn't your room. You should rest somewhere more comfortable."
I blinked, eyes adjusting to the light. A young maid stood before me, her expression gentle.
> "Ah… I'm sorry." I rubbed my neck, stiff from the angle. "I'll go now."
She gave a small nod and left.
I headed to my room. It was quiet, calm. On the table, fresh clothes were folded neatly—a set clearly meant for changing. I took a breath and gathered them in my arms, about to step toward the bath when another knock came at the door.
Another maid entered quietly.
> "Miss Liyu… the young master wishes to bathe," she said with a nervous bow. "But he… requests your assistance."
I froze for a heartbeat.
> "Me?" I asked, startled.
The maid looked down.
> "Yes. He insisted."
My fingers tightened slightly around the clothes. I hesitated—then nodded once.
> "Fine. I'll go."
When I entered the bathing chamber, steam already filled the space. Han Rui stood beside the large carved tub, steam rising from the water, curling around the edges of his robe. His back was turned to me at first—but at the sound of the door, he glanced over his shoulder.
His lips curved slightly.
> "Good. You came."
I swallowed and walked toward him.
> "The maid said you needed help."
He nodded, completely unbothered.
> "Help me take these off."
I blinked.
> "Your clothes?" My voice cracked slightly.
He looked directly into my eyes.
> "I'm injured, remember?"
My hands hesitated at the edge of his robe. I reached out slowly, undoing the knot of his sash. As the fabric loosened, I gently pulled it aside—only to pause mid-motion, caught off-guard.
My breath hitched.
Underneath, his body was marked with fresh white bandages, but above them—
His torso was lean, sculpted, the smooth lines of his abdomen sharply defined. He wasn't just strong—he was beautiful.
I froze.
> "Something wrong?" he asked, eyes watching me with a hint of amusement.
I quickly looked away, flustered.
> "N-No… I just… didn't expect…"
He chuckled faintly, voice low.
> "What? That I'd be this handsome?"
I glared at him, cheeks burning.
> "Don't flatter yourself. I've seen better."
> "Liar."
I helped him step closer to the tub, careful not to let my fingers linger. He sank into the water slowly, hissing a little from the sting of heat against his wounds.
I stood up quickly, turning my back to him.
> "If you need anything else, call the maid."
> "No need," he said behind me, voice quieter now. "You already did enough."
But I didn't leave.
I lingered for a second too long… then walked out.
And for some reason… my heart was racing.