The door clicked softly, and after a long moment of tidying inside, Milton finally stepped out, moving slowly.
He wore a soft, light gray casual outfit, carefully buttoning the collar all the way up to hide the subtle red marks along his collarbone and neck. His silver hair fell freely down his back. Though he tried to maintain the usual composed, general-like demeanor, the lingering moisture in his violet eyes and the slight stiffness in his movements betrayed his lingering embarrassment.
Gu Qing had already set the steaming breakfast on the table. Hearing movement, he turned with a warm, confident smile. He strode over quickly, pulling out a chair for Milton, his gaze teasingly sweeping over him: “Sit, my dear. Want a cushion? Last night was… lively. Sitting might be a bit—”
“Gu Qing!!”
Milton’s carefully maintained composure shattered instantly. His face flushed red, almost glaring at Gu Qing like an offended cat, ears hot enough to burn.
Gu Qing blinked innocently, voice full of sincerity: “I’m just concerned about your well-being.”
“You don’t have to be… so specific about it!” Milton buried his face slightly, biting his words out, “Just shut up and eat.”
Just as the tension threatened to explode, a familiar silver light popped into the air, hovering and spinning with a cheerful chirp:
“Waaa—Milton! Congratulations on your marriage!!”
Milton froze mid-reach for his fork, the color draining from his face.
“T-Teeny, when… when did you get out?” he stammered, trying to sound calm, but the slight quiver in his voice and the burning tips of his ears gave him away completely.
The little silver figure rolled lazily in the air, innocence written all over its expression. “Huh? I went to bed early last night~ I didn’t see anything~”
It then floated toward Gu Qing, glimmering, as if saying: “Don’t worry, I won’t spill a thing.”
With a soft “pop,” the tiny silver light dove into Milton’s arms like a glowing little pillow, snuggling at his neck with a coquettish squeak: “Milton~ good morning~ it’s been ages since you hugged me! Hug me~”
Milton froze for a moment, then gradually felt his stiff back relax under the warmth and softness cradled in his arms. He lowered his lashes, watching the little bundle bouncing happily, and let out a quiet sigh of relief.
Fortunately, this little one remained innocent and oblivious to last night’s chaos. He silently thanked his stars that this child was still so carefree.
His expression softened completely, fingers brushing the silver glow gently. “Good morning, little one. Did you sleep well last night?”
“Yesss! Slept suuuuper—well!” the glowing figure twinkled, exaggerating each syllable.
Gu Qing chuckled quietly at the scene. Of course he knew the little one had already let the truth slip in its playful way. But Milton remained gentle and unaware, playing the perfect oblivious role.
After breakfast, Gu Qing cleared the plates and returned to the table. His gaze lingered on Milton’s hair, silver-white and shimmering in the morning light.
After a moment of silence, he reached out carefully and held a strand of the cool hair. His voice was soft, carrying a solemn resonance:
“…May I comb your hair?”
Milton blinked, violet eyes curious and slightly puzzled. In their species, combing hair was an ordinary morning task, yet in Gu Qing’s expression, Milton sensed a solemn, almost ceremonial intention.
Feeling Gu Qing’s deep, gentle gaze, Milton’s heart fluttered. He flushed and nodded slowly, giving quiet consent.
Gu Qing sat behind him, taking a simple wooden comb from the table. Milton’s silver hair cascaded into his wide palms like a waterfall of moonlight. His movements were delicate; each stroke from roots to tips carried an unspoken promise.
He spoke softly, almost like reciting an ancient vow:
“In my homeland, this is one of the most important marriage rituals, called the ‘Three Combs.’ Each comb represents a vow.” He paused, eyes locked on Milton’s with depth and affection. “This… is also my first time performing it for someone else.”
Milton’s ears tinged pink, remaining still as the comb glided through his hair. Each brush of the wooden teeth felt more intimate than any embrace, quietly touching the tips of his heart.
Gu Qing murmured the vows:
“One comb to the end, may your life be free of worries and full of peace.”
“Two combs until hair turns gray together, may our years remain evergreen, never parting in old age.”
“Three combs binding our souls, may this love never fade.”
As the last comb passed, Gu Qing carefully gathered Milton’s hair. His heart raced at the weight behind the ritual—it wasn’t just hair being combed, but a promise that Milton’s life was being tenderly and safely held in Gu Qing’s hands.
Suddenly, Milton turned, trembling fingers taking the comb. “I… I want to help you too.” His voice was soft, eyes unusually serious.
Gu Qing paused, then his expression softened like flowing water. Without a word, he loosened his own bound hair. Milton imitated him, brushing gently, each stroke filled with careful devotion.
The little silver light spun quietly in the air before curling up like a tiny bubble, silently clapping in admiration: “Milton and Gu Qing… so touching…”
Milton’s gaze was warm and earnest as he touched the tied hair. “Gu Qing… you said combing is a couple’s ritual. What does it mean?”
Gu Qing held Milton’s hand, warmth passing through his fingers:
“It’s an old custom. Couples comb each other’s hair not just as intimacy, but as a blessing. Every strand carries one’s heart. It’s called, ‘Combing hair as husband and wife, love without doubt.’ No matter what storms come, we walk together.”
Milton listened, heart swelling with warmth. He put down the comb, holding Gu Qing’s hand firmly. “I want… to be the one to comb your hair, to walk through life with you.”
Gu Qing smiled deeper, leaning close, fingers brushing Milton’s palm, feeling the rhythm of their hearts sync.
“Then it’s agreed,” he whispered, the weight of his promise in his voice. “Through every storm, we walk together.”
Milton’s eyes glimmered with quiet tears as he rested his forehead against Gu Qing’s shoulder. “Thank you, for letting me see your world… and something so beautiful.”
They smiled at each other, lost in the tenderness of the moment. Morning light fell around them, and the world seemed to shrink until only the two of them remained.
One lock of hair, bound not just in softness, but in the promise of a lifetime together.