It's more than just a bond and they both know that. Even if they weren't sharing feelings, the connection would still upset Nie Mingjue and Lan Wangji on principle. So Lan Xichen takes one more moment to consider his actions before stepping into the circle to join Jin Guangyao, eyes steadily on his and hands reaching out to take his hand. He shifts his other to support the offered arm, not hesitating at all with the shift of position and remaining poised as if he doesn't even notice the missing hand.

"You are as beautiful as always," he says. It's an innocent observation, but one he wouldn't actually say out loud. "I give you my promise before the heavens that I will do what I can to help you achieve happiness. And if I cannot do that, I will at least follow where you lead me."