The tone says it all. Xingchen feels his heart sink, his eyes slip close before he forces them open with determination.

"Whether it does or does not, it does not change who my soulmate is. I am here, Zichen. As are you. I would very much like to remain in your company, if that does not upset you."

Above all else, he does not want to hurt this man if he can avoid it. His own wants matter far less.