"You're getting sleepy, aren't you?" Huo Linghun asked.

"No I'm not," Xiao Xin replied sleepily. He was sitting in front of him on the horse, leaning back against him with his head resting on his shoulder.

"Yes you are."

"But if we stop now we won't make it in time."

They were on their way to the Riverside firework show. It only happened once a year and it was a rather far journey from their bamboo clearing. It was happening that very night, and darkness was already spreading through the sky.

They arrived at the outskirts of Riverside just as the stars were starting to show themselves. After tying the horse they made their way toward the large river, choosing a spot at the back of the crowd. There they sat together and waited for the show to start.

"It's okay if you fall asleep," Huo Linghun said, pulling Xiao Xin closer.

Xiao Xin, who had been slowly drifting off, perked back up at his words. "I don't want to miss it," he said. He knew how much Huo Linghun wanted to share this with him.

A short time later, from across the river, a firework shot into the air, exploding in the sky with a brilliant spray of white sparks. More and more followed, lighting the night in all kinds of colors.

"I've seen this show before," Huo Linghun said. "But it's much more special to get to share it with you." He turned to smile at Xiao Xin and gave a soft laugh; "Even if you are asleep." He pulled the sleeping Xiao Xin into his arms and kissed his forehead. He found that the firework show was even more beautiful when he got to watch it lighting up the peacefully sleeping face of his beloved.