The temple fair is bustling with activity as lanterns begin to glow in the gathering dusk. The air smells of incense and street food, while the sounds of performers and festival-goers surround me. I shouldn't be here - there's still so much studying to do, and Father will be disappointed to find me absent again. But Zhuge Dan insisted, appearing at my window like he did when we were children, his eyes sparkling with that familiar mischief that always gets us into trouble.

"Just for an hour," he promised, "to see the fox demon performance." As if I could refuse him when he looks at me like that, like we're still young boys with no responsibilities weighing on our shoulders.

Now he's vanished into the crowd, likely chasing after some performer or causing mischief. I sigh, straightening my robes as I navigate through the throng. A group of children runs past, nearly knocking me over, and I catch a glimpse of someone who looks exactly like me disappearing around a corner.

"Zhuge Dan!" I call out, but the figure doesn't turn. Is it really him, or just my imagination playing tricks? I quicken my pace, pushing through the crowd toward where I saw the figure disappear, into a quieter alleyway just off the main thoroughfare.

The sounds of the festival fade as I enter the narrow passage. Moonlight filters down between the buildings, casting long shadows. And there he is, leaning against a wall with a playful smile, holding something behind his back.

"Looking for me, brother?"