I want to see the splendor of people's souls.

For me this is the most impactful moment of the episode. We finally get to see MaoMao admit that she doesn’t understand feelings as well as others. For all she loves those who raised her, it was undoubtedly a terrible environment for a child that did bring on lasting damage. She learned not to express herself and that no one would care if she had certain emotions so she taught herself to suppress them out of protection.

Cut to her time with Jinshi and we see how things are being reversed, albeit slowly. He’s the first person in so long who cares about how MaoMao feels. He wants her to trust him, to know him, to share things with him. It’s a new thing for her, someone who shows this much interest in her thoughts and expressions. Who intentionally gives her things she wants just for her enjoyment. Who thrills at her little outbursts of joy.

Right now, she’s not able to put words or emotion to what that is but we as the viewers know, it’s love. He cares about her and so is being intentional towards showing her how much he does. And her reciprocation, while imperfect, is telling him that she sees him for the person he is, not for whatever status he’s hiding. Jinshi is the more true version of him she’s come to know and appreciate and in admitting that to him she’s finally given him a glimpse of the emotions she’s tried hard to suppress. As she says:

armin: (⸝⸝๑ ̫ ๑⸝⸝⸝)

What this official art conveys to me:

Mo letting down his guard completely and relying on He Tian (undressed, leaning on him)

Mo trusting He Tian utterly (closed eyes, his bare, wounded throat displayed for He Tian to explore)

Mo’s wounds slowing healing and turning to scars, hopefully someday fading (he’s starting to be more sociable and self-confident)

He Tian protecting Mo (posture and the epee)

He Tian savoring his final moments with Mo while respecting his boundaries (closed eyes, chaste kiss)

First of all, Mo initiated it. That alone is so incredibly meaningful. He always holds back and has trouble showing his feelings, it takes an extreme situation that threatens He Tian's life to make him show how much he loves He Tian. They faced such a situation but right now they are in the safety of Mo's home. His mother is there. He had time to process everything and finally takes the courage and understands and accepts his own need to show He Tian his feelings.

He Tian is often very forceful or playful about physical touch, but he learned to hold back more and respect Mo's boundaries. He saw what Mo was doing and let him take the lead. That was so beautiful! It showed his own growth. He Tian doesn't like giving up control. But he waited. He waited for Mo to come closer. He waited for Mo to take his hand. He waited for Mo to kiss him. He waited so patiently, all the while looking at Mo so gently. Like he would have been content just seeing that Mo cares for him, to just hold his hand.

We rarely see Mo initiating physical touch with He Tian. This is the first time we see him go this far. I have noticed this in previous chapters - despite being loud, rather aggressive and constantly pushing He Tian away, Mo is very gentle. Whenever He Tian was hurt, Mo touched him very carefully. It might be in part due to his hesitation and nervousness but he is very slow and tender when it comes to express his love. He reached for He Tian's hand and let their fingers intertwine, step by step. They looked at each other for quite some time before taking the next step. Mo finally reached out to put his hand in the nape of He Tian's neck and you can see his fingers trembling. They both held each other so carefully because there is so much that goes into this kiss and their touch. This is months-worth of longing, of pain, of understanding, of love, of fear and of final acceptance and finding a safe place.

I love them so much….