Real. And here, with him. Xufeng doesn't let himself cling to her hand, though it takes a concerted effort not to.

Her accusation drags a startled laugh from him and he grins down at the ground. Then she makes it worse! And knows it! That smile gives her away and he reaches up to brush a hand over her hair with a broader smile than he'd managed a moment ago.

"I'm alright, Jinmi. Yes. The pigeon army was very scary." He can't help chuckling at his obvious lie.

Tugging her hand up, he rests his cheek against it.

"They tried to take you away from me," he makes that up too. Just to hear her laugh and scold him again. To watch her face light up.