Hot drips fall to chilled skin and he gasps in surprise. Does he dare believe they're tears? Actual tears?

And maybe he doesn't understand all that he's agreed to. He will, eventually.

Xingchen can't help but reach up to wipe at those wet cheeks. Eat...? How can he possibly eat anything? His stomach rolls angrily at him.

But he does feel painfully weak. Still. This isn't about him. He doesn't matter. He remembers then that Xue Yang had collapsed and that has his brow furrow as he slowly shakes his head.

"You fell rather hard. I can carry you, if you direct me where to go." He forces himself up, then gently encourages Xue Yang to stand before turning his back in obvious indication for the other to hop on.