I will go forth

One of the things that Ayato feels burdened with about the Yashiro Company is its past.

It’s long forgotten for how long ago it was, but it will remain haunting to those who are aware of it and will never be at peace with the information they’re burdened with. 

Those include his great-grandfather, grandfather, father, perhaps the current CEOs of the two other businesses that are a part of the tri-business, and unfortunately Ayato himself.

He was shocked when his father told him back then that the Yashiro Company was involved with the fall of the Kaedehara Company, a well-known company in the past that was respected by everyone until an incident occurred. 

The Shogun Company, now called Tenryou Company, is the biggest business known in Inazuma back then, so when they accused the Kaedehara Company for fraud, everything went down for the Kaedehara family.

The CEO of the Tenryou Company caught Kaedehara Yoshinori, the CEO of Kaedehara Company back then, tampering with important documents red-handed, and despite the protests and excuses, Yoshinori was faced with the court trial and the dire consequences.

Not only did the Kaedehara Company face bankruptcy, they also faced backlash by the media for doing such a thing, leading Yoshinori and the Kaedehara family to go into hiding for good until they’ve been long forgotten many years later. 

However, there was one thing everyone didn’t know about.

There were two more businesses that were involved in the incident. One is the Hiiragi Company – who was actually the one behind the fraud but managed to frame Yoshinori for it – and the Yashiro Company – who was the reason why Yoshinori was involved with the scene in the first place. 

Ayato’s great grandfather didn’t mean to let this happen. All he wanted was for Yoshinori to obtain the tampered documents while he was distracting the CEO of Shogun Company, only for the CEO to catch Yoshinori at a bad time and ruin the Kaedehara business for good. 

As much as Ayato felt saddened from the tragedy of the Kaedehara family, he couldn’t help but resent it so much. After all–

It was the main reason why he ended up marrying the person he doesn’t love.

Ayato found out one night, he went back home from your dormitory to see Hiiragi’s current CEO, Hiiragi Shinsuke, having a quiet conversation with his parents as they failed to notice Ayato hiding nearby listening to it. 

In all honesty, Ayato never liked the Hiiragi Company’s CEO. There was always something about him that made the young man feel… uneasy. 

At this moment, the uneasiness grew ten times more. 

“...Mr. Hiiragi, what’s the meaning of this?” Ayato’s father asks, a frown is evident on his face. 

The man across the table smiles in response, as if he didn’t ask the most absurd thing. 

“I’m offering you a chance, Mr. Kamisato.” Shinsuke Hiiragi explains. “You can let your son marry my daughter and I’ll destroy all evidences regarding your… grandfather being involved with the infamous Kaedehara incident as well as the evidence that your father’s involved with the car accident that the heir of one of Tenryou Company’s branches, Kujou Kamaji, died in.” 

Ayato’s eyes widen, his breath hitches. 

“But… Mr. Hiiragi,” Ayato’s father hesitates for a moment, “I would have agreed on this arrangement had it not been the fact that my son is with another. I simply cannot accept that I have to force my son to leave the person he loves–!”

“If you refuse my offer, then I have no choice but to release all the evidence, Mr. Kamisato.” Shinsuke interrupts in a taunting manner. “Would you rather see your ancestors’ entire work into ruins and let your family face backlash from the media, or would you rather let your company continue its successful years without any worries and burdens?” 

The young man watches as his parents look at each other in deep thought. It’s obvious they didn’t want to sacrifice their son, but neither did they want to face cruel consequences that their children will face. 

However, it’s also obvious which option is the best. 

Which is why Ayato walks away from the dining area without listening to another word from the three, his heart heavy and aching on the thought of what happens next. 

He couldn’t sleep that night. 

He couldn’t stop thinking about every single possible way he could do to prevent this, and all of them led to one thing. 

Even if Ayato did find a way to reject Shinsuke without the dire consequences, what if the cruel CEO decided to hurt you to make him say yes to the marriage?

Ayato couldn’t let that happen. 

If breaking up with you and marrying someone he doesn’t love is the only way to protect both you and his family from harm, then so be it. 

Knowing you, you’d definitely try to find a way to do something about Shinsuke, and Ayato certainly cannot let you do it – not when Shinsuke is perhaps one of the most dangerous person who won’t hesitate to kill you.

There's no doubt that the Hiiragi family was also the one behind the death of Kujou Kamaji. 

If there’s one thing that’s strange about the car accident, it was the fact that the cause of it was Kamaji being seen falling unconscious while driving before hitting another car and causing an explosion, leading the Tenryou Company and the police to investigate what made the passing heir to do such a thing, only to find nothing that could help them.

It’s obvious that Shinsuke would be the first person who’d be out for Kamaji’s head given that he’s the one marrying his daughter, something the CEO disapproves due to how Shinsuke isn’t fond of the Kujou family. 

However, what most people didn’t know about the infamous accident was how Ayato’s grandfather is the last person Kamaji talked to before his death. 

His grandfather was seen by the CCTVs of the Yashiro building talking to Kamaji and led the younger man to run away to his car before the accident occurred, leading the old man to delete the CCTV tapes in fear of people thinking that he was possibly behind the accident. This soon became one of the Kamisato family’s biggest secrets as it was a risk to the business’s reputation. 

Knowing this fact, Shinsuke probably got his hands on the tapes and will use it as one of the pieces of evidence that the Kamisato family was involved with the death of Kamaji despite it being far from the truth. 

It didn’t matter to Shinsuke it seems, not when the CEO can forge all of the evidence with the help of whoever has the Hiiragi’s family’s back and make it look as if the Kamisato family was behind all of it.

Knowing this, the heir knows Shinsuke won’t hesitate to go after you if he could get away from the two incidents. 

Ayato’s heart felt heavy from the thought of what he’s going to do. 

Just thinking about not being able to wake up beside you everyday makes him feel hopeless. Just thinking about not being able to be there for you when you cry or be upset over something makes him feel as if he’s separated from you by a wall made of bedrocks. Just thinking about you looking at him as if he’s the worst person to live on Earth makes him feel suffocated. 

Just thinking about not being with you is enough for him to feel like he’s nothing. 

The only way to keep you safe is by making you avoid him, so he has no choice but to… but to…

“No, I can’t hesitate right now.” He whispered to himself, putting his hands on the sides of his head in frustration. I have to do this for my family… For Ayaka. He thought to himself, closing his eyes shut with a shaky sigh.

Even if he has to make himself become someone you despise with all your heart, even if he has to force himself to lose the future he dreamt of that has you, even when his body feels like it's on fire as his heart weighs as much as the burdens on his shoulders at the thought of not being able to be the person you’ll spend with for the rest of your lives, even when he doesn’t to go back to his bland life before he met you, he knows he has no choice. 

As the future heir of the Yashiro Company, he must choose the best choice for everyone. 

By the end of the night, Ayato had made up his mind.

In order to make the breakup look sincere to you, he must avoid you for weeks. 

He remembers watching romance movies to learn and understand how he can possibly win your heart, but he also learned how he can possibly break your heart. 

Now that he thinks about it, this can be a practice for the both of you to live without the other.

He goes back to riding his family’s car towards the university instead of walking with you there, trying to focus on anything that won’t make him regret and run off to where you are (he doesn’t notice the way Ayaka looks at him in concern at the sight of her brother clenching his hands as if he’s holding himself back from something).

He goes back to being holed up in his bedroom studying instead of running off to Komore Cafe to study with you, trying to be busy to stop himself from thinking about you and wonder how you are (he doesn’t notice how his desperate attempts never work. Not until he finds himself staring at the wallpaper of his phone that has you in it). 

He goes back to spending time with the Student Council for the rest of the day instead of spending time with you in the university, trying to distance himself from you in order to get used to what the rest of his life will be (he doesn’t notice how Student Council officers, particularly the president and the vice president, wonder what made him look as if he’s been through hell with those now dull eyes of his). 

He goes back to being his old self before he met you.

All of this with an excuse of simply “forgetting” about your plans and being too busy to be able to be with you (when he’s always ready to drop everything for you).

The amount of time he had isn’t enough to prepare him for this moment.

By the time he deems it’s time to tell you, you both agreed to meet up with each other in the cafe after not seeing you for the past weeks. It felt like he hadn't seen you for years if he had to be honest. 

His mind instantly went numb when he entered the doors of the cafe that his best friend owns, his heart weighing him down from what’s about to happen. 

“Ayato! You came!” You spoke up excitedly when you spotted your lover, standing up from your seat and rushing towards him for a hug.

He finds himself spreading his arms wide, knowing that this will be the last time he’ll ever hug you like this. 

He closes his eyes shut the moment he feels your arms wrapped around him, shoulders relaxed from your familiar scent and warmth that you have whenever you hug him, clinging into you closer to him as he cherishes the hug. 

Ayato had to stop himself from hugging you again the moment you let go of him. 

“Come, I already asked Thoma to order the usual. I need your help with a certain topic that I think you might know about.” You explained, holding your lover’s hand as you drag him towards the table you always go to. 

He’ll just indulge himself first before letting go. 

Just once, and he’ll do it. 

…

He can’t do it.

Why can’t he say it? 

Ayato was silent the whole time for the past hour, something he thinks you don’t notice since you’re too distracted by your homework that he helped you with. He couldn’t find the words to end the relationship he loved and devoted himself to for the past years, not when he feels so content from just being here with you. 

It was only until you’re almost done answering your last homework when he finally spoke up.

“I cannot do this anymore, ( Name ).” He said suddenly, looking up at you from his drink after staring for a concerning amount of time. “Let’s… break up.” 

This is it.

He sees the way you stopped moving your pen from his words, and it felt as though the world had gone quiet from how silent the both of you are. 

“...You’re kidding… right?” You asked, looking up from your homework to look at your boyfriend with wide eyes. “Surely.. You’re just doing this to make me pay attention to you, right?” You let out a light chuckle, hoping to the gods above that your assumption is correct. 

He couldn’t say it. Not when his mind is flooded with dread, heartache, and misery.

Regardless, it was enough for you to stop chuckling, your nervous smile slowly disappearing from your face. “...You’re not kidding?” 

Ayato nodded with an apologetic look on his face, trying to hold himself back from taking everything back and lying that all of this is a prank. “You know me well lo– ( Name ). I apologize for the sudden… proposal.” 

No. This isn’t a proposal. This is him breaking off the one thing that made him feel complete and he can’t do anything to stop himself for the sake of his family. You drop your pen slowly. “What… Wait, I don’t understand. What went wrong?” 

He lets out a shaky breath, something you mistaken as a soft sigh, and he stares back at your upset eyes. “Nothing went wrong ( Name ). It’s not you.”

It’s me. I’m the one who’s wrong. I need to do this to keep you and everyone safe. He thought to himself.

“Then what is it?” You asked in a hurt tone. 

The man pauses for a moment. The next thing he’ll say will forever be engraved in his mind, knowing that it’s the biggest lie he had ever told in his entire life. 

He inhales deeply and responds to your question. “Unfortunately I’ve… fallen out of love with you.” 

Ayato feels as if his heart went on a flatline from those words, he couldn’t breathe properly as he has the urge to curl up in misery that he had to lose you this way. He just needs to get away from you for good, tell his parents that he has broken up with you, and pray that Shinsuke won’t go after you. 

He had never expected for this to end either.

“How long, Ayato–”

“I truly apologize, ( Name ).” Ayato said as he started to pack his items on the table, trying to look as unfazed as possible. “I.. I know this might be too cruel of me to say this but.. I’d like you to stop hanging out with me anymore.” He adds. 

You stayed silent, something that made him want to kneel down in front of you and reassure you that everything will turn out okay for you in the end, knowing fully well that this will be a rough time for you and him.

He can’t answer your question. Not when all of this isn’t even true in the first place.

“It was nice knowing you, ( Name ).” 

He hopes that this will be the last time he’ll see you, for he isn’t sure if he’ll be able to hold himself back from being in your arms the next time you and him meet again.

As he continues to walk away from the cafe, he sends a text to his driver that he’s ready to go, not noticing how you’re walking towards him until he hears you.

“Ayato, please! Just tell me what went wrong!” You exclaimed loudly as you followed your now ex boyfriend down the streets, ignoring how some people passing by looked at your direction strangely. 

“Don’t bother following me, ( Name ).” Ayato spoke, glancing at your direction with a warning look on his face as he continued to walk. For the sake of you, please don’t come after me. He thought.

He stops his tracks when you feel him tugging his clothes, not wanting to drag you and accidentally hurt you from walking with you holding onto him. 

“Please Ayato, I deserve to know what made you no longer love me!” You begged in a desperate tone.

He sighs in defeat, his shoulders slumps. 

Ayato turns around in your direction, a dull look plastered on his face. “Is it really necessary to have a reason why? I suddenly just don’t. Don’t make this harder for yourself than it is for me.” He lied. He still loves you, there’s nothing that will make him feel otherwise.

“Of course it’s necessary! You can’t just not love me anymore–”

“And yet here we are.” 

Words die instantly in your throat and you stare at him in bewilderment, your hand still holds onto his clothing. He wants to punch himself for making you hurt. 

“...Do you really not love me anymore?” 

He stares at your eyes, thinking of what to say before letting out a breath that he didn’t know he was holding. 

“Would you believe me if I said yes?” 

Your breath hitches. 

Your long silence was enough for Ayato to completely turn around and continue walking towards the bus stop, leaving you standing there dumbfounded and in disbelief. If only you knew how much he wanted to run to you and make it up to you, how desperate he is to find a way to not let the situation end like this, 

He couldn’t. 

For someone who doesn’t regret his choices, this is perhaps Ayato’s first time regretting a decision. 

What can he do about it? Nothing. Absolutely nothing. 

.

.

.

By the time he comes home, he looks at his parents with a sad smile on his face.

“Mother, father,” He called them, slowly dropping his bag from his shoulder. “I have.. News for you.” 

From the way he looks, his parents immediately became concerned for what he has to say. “...What is it, Ayato?” His father asks. The three didn’t notice how a certain person was somewhere nearby listening to the conversation in curiosity and confusion.

“I know about… Mr. Hiiragi’s offer and the consequences. So I decided to break up with ( Name ).” Ayato explains, unfazed by the sounds of his mother letting out a shocked gasp as his father stares at him in disbelief.

“Ayato you what…?” 

“It’s alright. I know this is for the best of our family.” Ayato reassures them, walking towards the hallway nearby. “You may call Mr. Hiiragi about the news and I’ll listen to what he has in mind about the arranged marriage. I’ll be in my room for the rest of the day, I don’t think I have the appetite to ea–”

Suddenly, he felt warm arms wrapped around him.

“Ayato…” Ayato realizes his mother is the one who’s hugging him in such a vulnerable matter. “I’m so sorry you had to go through this.. I wish there’s a way for you to not push ( Name ) away, you deserve to be with them so much and I can’t believe you had to do this for us–!” 

“Mother, please.. Don’t cry..” The heir spoke softly, trying not to show his devastation. “I’ll be fine. ( Name ) will be fine too.” 

“We.. have to make up a lie that we disapprove of ( Name ) due to the fact that they’re not like us.” Ayato’s father spoke. “It will give those who know about it all the more believable reasons why you’ve broken up with them.” 

Hearing that made Ayato’s heart sink even further. “...I understand.” 

It took a long while before Ayato is finally allowed to go to his room after a long conversation between him and his parents, who both never fail to remind him that they’re sorry for him to experience this. 

As soon as he closed the door shut behind him, Ayato finally broke his facade. The rest of the day was filled with him being devastated at losing the only person he loves, his heart aching nonstop from the heartbreak he endured after breaking things off with you. 

“I’m sorry ( Name ), I’m so sorry my love.” He whispered, not noticing how his bedroom door was opened slightly by a certain person he holds dear, whose heart breaks at the sight of her dear brother being miserable for the first time all because of a sacrifice.

That day was the day Ayato died, all that was left was what remained: the heir of Yashiro Company.

And the day after his death was just as painful as yesterday. 

Even when he broke your heart and left, you still come up to him to try and ask him why on Earth he broke up with you, only for him to push you away and avoid you despite wanting nothing more than to tell you. It hurts to try and get used to ignoring you instead of letting you come to his arms every time you come up to him. 

It’s for the best. He’d rather tell you years later than tell you when you’re in potential danger now. 

It’s ironic how he’s experiencing miscommunication when it’s his least favorite thing in romance movies. 

By the time you stopped, he could only hope that you understood that some things can’t be out in the open. 

Until he finds out that you’re now avoiding everyone.

It’s a habit of his to check a certain street that his car passes by to see you, so when he couldn’t see a sight of you for the next few days, he was confused (and worried). Not to mention how whenever he spots your friend group, you were never there with them at all. 

When he discovered that you’ve stopped hanging out with your friends for “projects” from Thoma, he felt even more worried. 

Why are you going through your heartbreak alone? 

Ayato couldn’t sleep well after finding that out – scratch that, he wasn’t able to sleep well at all ever since he found out about the damn arranged marriage. All he could think about is your well-being and whatever on Earth you’re doing. 

He wonders how you’re going through your heartbreak, if you’re not beating yourself up thinking that it’s your fault he left, if you’re blaming yourself for the breakup, and so many more thoughts that just breaks his heart further.

It frustrated him to no end that he can’t do anything about it, not when he has to avoid you in the first place. The only thing he could do at this moment is to just hope you’re not pushing yourself too far.

Sometimes, his mind trails off to what could’ve been if you and him weren’t together. 

If he hadn’t fallen in love with you, then you would’ve been happier without any worries besides your assignments instead of suffering from his mistake alone. If he hadn’t fallen in love with you, his life would’ve still been as bland and busy as ever and accept the arranged marriage without regrets. If he hadn’t fallen in love with you, then he wouldn’t have experienced what it’s like to love and to be the so-called mischievous and playful Ayato that you grew to love. 

He knew he didn’t deserve someone like you, who’s better off with someone who doesn’t have a secretive family past, someone who doesn’t have the chance of getting forced to an arranged marriage, someone who would never break your heart even if the circumstances are dire.

You’re better off with someone like Thoma. 

Ayato doesn’t want to admit it, but he’s quite envious of his best friend. Not only does Thoma know you since you were kids, but he has always been one of the first people you’d go to for advice and comfort should Ayato be unavailable to do that for you. Unlike him, Thoma’s never as busy as he is and, if he dare say, knows your interests more than Ayato does. 

Unlike him, Thoma would never give up on your relationship. 

Which is why if there’s a possibility that you’ll move on and fall in love with someone else, then he wouldn’t mind if the person is Thoma, who would surely treat you well. 

“Kamisato.” One of Ayato’s security guards knocks at his bedroom door, causing the man to wake up from his thoughts. 

Ah right, he has things to tend to.

“You may come in.” Ayato spoke up, turning around to see the door opening. “I’d like you to do a favor for me while I’m off tending to my studies.” 

“What would you like me to do, sir?” 

“You’re aware of the dormitory of my university, yes?” 

“Yes, sir.” 

“Then… Could you visit there and pick my items in my… friend’s dorm, perhaps?” 

Before the security guard could reply, someone else suddenly knocks on the door, causing Ayato to look at his door in confusion. 

“Brother,” Ayaka’s voice is heard from the other side of the door, “may I come in?” 

His shoulders relaxed knowing that it’s simply his dear sibling. “You may, what brings you here?” 

Ayaka shyly opens the door, smiling apologetically. “I uh… I couldn’t help but overhear your conversation and… I’d like to pick your items from your friend’s dorm if that’s alright.”

His eyes widened in surprise. “Are… Are you sure, Ayaka? What made you want to come visit the dormitory?” 

“I’m actually planning on visiting there for my friend, Yoimiya. I wouldn’t mind picking the items up for you while I’m at it.” She explains. “Is it alright, brother?”

Ayato thinks about it for a while. Is it really a good choice to let Ayaka come visit your dorm? 

As though the younger woman could read his mind, she instantly adds, “If I may be blunt.. I think ( Name ) wouldn’t mind seeing a familiar face by their door. I’m sure they wouldn’t mind seeing me.”

“How did you know it’s ( Name ) you’re going to?” 

“...Their dorm is the only dorm you visit, is it not..?” 

“...” 

Ayato couldn’t help but smile. “Alright, fine, I see no harm in letting you visit ( Name ) for my items. Thank you for offering, Ayaka.”

The woman nods in acknowledgement with a smile before she looks at the security guard and gestures to him to be dismissed, who didn’t hesitate to leave the room seeing how he’s no longer needed. 

“I shall leave as well, thank you for letting me do this, brother.” 

.

.

.

By the time Ayaka comes home, it’s already dinner, and Ayato instantly notices the relieved look on Ayaka’s face.

He couldn’t help but be curious if something good had happened between his sister and ex lover. 

“...How are they…?” Ayato asks.

The woman stays silent for a moment, looking down at the box that contains Ayato’s items and gifts he gifted for you in deep thought. 

She then smiles gently. “They’re better than before to be honest.” 

Those words were enough to make him feel relaxed. 

“That’s good.. Let me pick that up for you, I’ll take it to my room while you go to the dining room and eat.” 

Ayaka nods in response, lending her sibling the box. “I will wait for you there then.”

As Ayato starts walking towards his room, he looks down at the box to see the items that were once in your dormitory that he loves to visit. 

Ah, so many memories. It’s as if the man is going down the memory lane.

He could recall every single joyful moments the items – especially the gifts he gotten for you – brought, like the time when he won a game booth during a school event and got you the prize you wanted, the time when you both made bracelets to match one another, the time when he made an exceptional origami that he gifted to you, the time when you both celebrated your one-year relationship anniversary in Komore’s Cafe, and surprisingly, the time when you both confessed your feelings to one another. 

Unfortunately, just like how he deals with the memories he has with you, he has no idea what to do with his items. He couldn’t throw it all away, nor can he just simply ignore it. 

Perhaps.. It wouldn’t hurt to display these in his room, where he’s the only one who would stare at it as he remembers the value it holds in his closed heart alone until the day comes when time finally follows his memories and precious things. 

Just thinking about the memories made Ayato realize that even when he has a future spouse to marry, he will never be able to experience the things in a way he did with you, and will never feel whole again.

It didn’t take long before Ayato eventually met his future spouse. 

Shinsuke was more than ecstatic when he heard news that Ayato’s now single and accepted his offer of the arranged marriage, causing the CEO to instantly come to visit the Kamisato Estate a few days later to discuss certain things about his daughter, Hiiragi Chisato. 

The first thing Ayato needs to do is to win his daughter’s heart, then when Chisato wishes so, the CEO will start the wedding arrangements immediately, all the while Ayato wonders what the woman he’s going to marry is like. 

Ayato imagined Chisato to be some cruel and vicious woman who probably saw him in those parties and suggested the marriage to her father, and he felt even more miserable from just thinking about the fact that he’d possibly marry a terrible person and have Shinsuke, a potential murderer and a cruel man overall, as his father-in-law. 

But his thoughts instantly changed when he saw her by the balcony. 

Shinsuke emphasized the fact that Ayato must attend the upcoming party that both Hiiragi family and Kamisato family would be attending, wanting the man to come up to his daughter and get to know one another, so the blue-haired man had no choice but to attend the party despite being someone who prefers to not be in public’s eye. 

Hiiragi Chisato was a lonely soul, if he had to put it. She didn’t look like someone who’d plan evil doings nor someone who’d be the daughter of some cruel man. She just looks like a woman who longs for something in her life. 

He knows not to judge a book by its cover, but sometimes, a cover has to be interesting enough to make a person be curious and look at what's inside. 

So he finds himself heading over to her, already knowing what to say in his head.

“And what brings such a lovely lady such as you being so lonely for an exquisite party, if I may ask?” Ayato spoke smoothly, watching as the woman looked at him in surprise.

Chisato couldn’t bring herself to look him in the eyes, her words stumbling. “I-I uhm.. I just feel a bit overwhelmed from so many people attending here. I thought it would be best if I took a breath of fresh air.” She explains, her fingers fidgeting.

A fake small chuckle comes out from his mouth, though his shoulders slightly untenses from how nice the woman seems to be.  “That I can understand. Not to mention how I have to make some small talk with half of the attendees, which bore me a lot.” He comments, leaning against the railway and looks at the view in front of the two lonely souls. “Your name is Hiiragi Chisato, correct?” 

She lets out a small squeak. “You… You know my name?” 

“I know everyone’s names at the party.” He spoke. “My name is Kamisato Ayato, I am delighted to make an acquaintance, Miss Hiiragi.” 

“O-Oh you don’t have to.. Call me that!” She said immediately. “You can just call me Chisato, Mr. Kamisato.” 

Ayato pauses for a moment from her words, taken back from how she’s so casual around him. 

A small smile appears on his face. “If that’s the case, then you may call me Ayato, Chisato.” 

That night, the both of them talked about a few things about themselves, be it what they do in their free time, their favorite food, favorite events that are held every year, and so on and so forth. If it weren’t for the marriage, the blue-haired man would’ve been happy that he made friends with someone who’ll surely be willing to be a good help to the Yashiro business in the future.

Eventually, the two of them started talking about the arranged marriage.

When Ayato brought it up when the opportunity arose, he was surprised to see how the look on Chisato’s face was anything but excitement.

If their genuine conversation earlier wasn’t enough to convince Ayato that she didn’t want this marriage either, then it’s the way she looks right now that does the trick.

“...I’m not sure what to feel about this marriage,” Chisato spoke honestly with an apologetic smile. “I was.. surprised when my father brought up that he’ll set me up with you, especially when I’m still moving on from my lover’s.. death.” 

Ah, so she doesn’t know that he had broken up with his lover.

The man tries to prevent himself from asking Chisato if she could change her father’s mind about the marriage, knowing that it will only be a helpless move given that the woman would have definitely asked from the start. 

“My condolences, may he rest in peace.” Ayato said with a sad frown. “If it makes you feel better, the marriage is a shock for me as well, and I’m not sure how this will go for us.” 

The woman feels relieved from hearing those words. “I’m glad we’re on the same page then.”

It took a minute before Chisato spoke up again. “Even though we don’t have feelings for each other, I’d like to put in some effort in this marriage at least. We will be spending time together for the rest of our lives as soon as we graduate, after all.” 

Ayato feels his heart sink, now remembering that fact. 

“...I understand. I shall try to do the… same.” was the only thing he could muster, knowing that he’s still not ready to even accept this cruel fate of his.

That was the last time he saw the woman, and there’s no guarantee that the Hiiragi won’t be at the next party that the Kamisato family will also be attending. 

What can he do about it? Nothing. Absolutely nothing. 

As days grew by, Ayato felt more restless to the point where he didn't want to go home early and study. All he wants to do is something that could make him forget. Forget about the ridiculous marriage, forget about the heartbreak, and forget about you.

Although he looks like he hasn’t been through hell at all on the outside, the inside is like an ocean during a stormy night. Only time could tell how long it’ll take before he snaps. 

Even when he hasn’t seen you for weeks, you’re still haunting him. Even when he closes his eyes and sleeps, you’re still there in his dreams – the one where he wants to be forever because it’s the only place where he has you in his arms with no worries.

Out of hopes of keeping his thoughts at bay, Ayato volunteers to stay on campus after classes to help with some more Student Council activities. 

Thanks to this, it was the reason why he saw you again. 

He was on his way out of the university an hour after he finished his extended activities when he noticed your familiar figure nearby. Seeing how you didn’t notice him, he decided to try and go to another direction to hide himself away from you, only for you to notice him and be surprised. 

Thankfully, he instantly looked away when your eyes landed on him, causing him to act like he didn’t notice you and went in another direction to go away from you. 

His heart sank when he heard you letting out a sob as soon as he was out of your view. 

Just hearing such a sound would’ve made him run up to you and comfort you to the end of time, but now that he has no right to do such then there’s nothing he can do than to be out of your way and out of your life. 

The next day after the incident, Ayato quickly backed out from his extended stay in the campus for the Student Council much to his comrades’ confusion. 

He decides to go back to being occupied with both of his duties as the heir and studying hard. Although it doesn’t exactly help shoving his thoughts away, it’s better than bothering you. 

Sooner or later, the reminder of his marriage eventually comes. 

It started when Ayato encountered Chisato once more at the university, specifically the place where all the buildings connect to one another, and the man dreaded the thought that people will start being curious about their relationship and spread rumors about it, which could lead to you hearing them all and be even more heartbroken. 

What can he do about it? Nothing. Absolutely nothing. 

When Chisato said she’d put effort in the marriage, Ayato didn’t think she meant she’s going to start now when they haven’t even been officially engaged yet.

Not a week even passed when the young man received letters from the woman. Each note was nothing but wishes that his day would go well, something that made him couldn’t help but scoff. 

His day will never go well when he has just left the only love of his life. 

Just when Ayato thought the letters were the only thing he’ll get from Chisato, the woman had also started to occasionally give him foods that she accidentally cooked too much, something that made his smile even more strained around her. 

There’s no food that could make him feel happier than the ones you make for him. 

Eventually, Chisato squeezed into his dull life no matter how much he didn’t want to.

She became his partner in events that both of their families are invited to, not noticing how much he wanted to tell that he’s not dating her to people who went into conclusion that they’re both dating. 

She then became his new studymate and visits his estate every now and then, not noticing how he prefers to do things alone ever since the breakup. 

She became a part of his friend group, not noticing how his friends are hiding something that she doesn’t know about Ayato. 

Not to mention how she’s also the person he walks with towards the university, not noticing how he sometimes stares at a certain street and locations that reminded him all too well of someone who’s special to him. 

At this point, Chisato truly became a part of Ayato’s life.

What can he do about it? Nothing. Absolutely nothing. 

But, if he had to be honest, he appreciates Chisato’s efforts. He always reassures himself that at least the woman isn’t so cruel than he thought she would be. He feels bad that he couldn’t tell her about you, not when he knows she’ll try to convince her father once again and possibly make Shinsuke believe that Ayato put her up to it—

“Ayato? Are you alright?” His thoughts were instantly cut off by the sound of his best friend’s voice calling him, causing the blue-haired man to wake up from reality and look at Thoma in confusion. 

The blonde-haired man frowns at the sight of his friend spacing out. “Is something… wrong?”

Ayato hesitates for a moment before a stiff smile slowly forms on his face. 

“Everything’s alright. Thank you for your concern, Thoma.”

If anything, Ayato is glad that no one batted an eye at the fact that he and Chisato started hanging out with one another, thinking that they’re both close friends thanks to their families. So that has to mean something, right?

Apparently not. Not when he could feel the intense glares of two certain women who are considered one of your best friends ever since he entered the cafeteria with Chisato.

Now that he thinks about it… How would things turn out when he and Chisato started dating?

He found that one out very quickly. 

It was during another typical visit from Shinsuke when he told Ayato the one thing he dreaded to hear. 

“I heard from my dearest daughter of mine that there will be an upcoming school festival for your university by the end of spring.” Shinsuke said, stirring the cup of tea that one of the servants provided. “It’s been a long time since I’ve experienced one in my school… How long was that?” 

Ayato couldn’t help but have a bad feeling down his stomach. Usually, Shinsuke is a man who goes straight to the point, so seeing him talking about… things that he should be talking with an old friend about, is getting on his nerves. 

“If you’d like to experience it again, the festival is open to everyone outside the school as long as they know a student there.”

Shinsuke smiles. “That’s good, but a CEO like me is too busy to do such indulgence. I’m quite afraid that my dearest daughter will be alone throughout the festival…” 

Ah there it is. 

“If you could, Kamisato Ayato, would you accompany Chisato the whole time and perhaps make it official?” 

Ayato’s strained smile almost falters. 

The silence fell upon the room. All that was heard are hushed footsteps from those who reside in the estate as well as noises from the beautiful yard that’s just outside of the lounge both Ayato and Shinsuke are in. 

It took a few seconds for Ayato to finally speak up. “...I’d be delighted, Mr. Hiiragi.”

“Thank you, Kamisato.” The elder man then stands up. “I shall take my leave knowing that my daughter will be in good hands for such an occasion. I will come back soon to discuss certain matters with you regarding your relationship, specifically how long the both of you will keep your relationship a secret.”

Ayato stands up as well. “Very well, Mr. Hiiragi. Would you like me to accompany you to the exit..?”

Shinsuke shrugs him off with a laugh. “Oh don’t worry about me, thank you for your kind hospitality, Mr. Kamisato.” 

Just after the CEO slides the door open, he stops for a moment. “Or should I call you son-in-law now? I can imagine you and my daughter getting married already, haha!” 

The younger man tries not to clench his fists.

“...I’m fine with any… Mr. Hiiragi.” 

Just to get this over with, Ayato decides to ask Chisato out on the day before the festival in Komore Cafe.

In a way, it’s like he’s reliving the time when he asked you out on a date in Komore Cafe. Though, that didn’t make things better for him – if anything, he feels like this is so… wrong. He doesn’t want to see Chisato as a replacement of you nor does he want to replace the memories he cherished with the ones that have Chisato in it. 

Chisato was, at the very least, delighted and enthusiastic when Ayato asked her out, giving the man a sign that she now has feelings for him much to his dismay. 

What can he do about it? Nothing. Absolutely nothing. 

He could feel Thoma’s eyes on his back, causing him to feel even more guilty that he’s doing it here. 

If only Thoma could understand once he finds out.

DAY 1 - START OF FESTIVAL

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.

.

DAY 5 - END OF FESTIVAL

The festival was all but a blur. 

The whole time, Chisato was taking Ayato all over the festival, wanting to try a lot of things to which he had to oblige. Although he wasn’t looking forward to this occasion, it didn’t mean Ayato wasn’t enjoying the festival. Fortunately, Chisato is a pleasant company to be with, and he knows he has to make efforts in this marriage as it is fair to the woman who also didn’t want it. 

However… If he had to be honest, the only thing that made the festival a bit better is the fact that he hasn’t seen you for the past week, and he wonders whether or not you’re having fun now that you’re back to spending time with your friends (an information that he found out from Thoma himself).

He finds out that question when he hears a familiar laugh that he hasn’t heard for so long. 

While Chisato was busy talking to one of her friends who found her, Ayato instantly turns around to look for the source of the voice. Just once, he wants to see you again to see if you’re alright than before.

To his relief, you are having fun.

You’re a few steps away from where he is, it’s enough for you to not realize that he’s in the same area as you, laughing along with Ei and Miko, who are enjoying the festival just as you are. 

Ayato smiles genuinely at the sight, relieved that you look better than the last time he saw you.

It’s at that moment when Ayato realizes that even when he’s suffering from Shinsuke taking advantage of him, he knows that you’re somewhere out there safe and now happy, then that’s enough for him to go on with his dull life that he didn’t wish to come back to. 

4 YEARS LATER, SPRING .

As Thoma left Ayato’s office after their agreement about inviting you to the wedding, Ayato couldn’t help but feel nervous. 

Surely if he’s careful enough, then Shinsuke won’t find out about you being his ex and will simply think you’re just an old friend of Ayato’s in college just like his other friends. He just needs to make sure that he’s alone with you when he tells you the truth, but won’t risk telling you about Shinsuke given that you’d probably be anxious for the rest of your life. 

Suddenly he remembers something. 

Ah right… Tomorrow’s the day. 

He supposes it won’t hurt to come visit tomorrow, it’s the least he can do as a member of the Kamisato family. 

.

.

.

After Ayato places the flowers on top of Kamaji’s grave, he starts to pay respect as the Kujou family stands idly by in silence. Although the supposedly heir isn’t considered as a close friend of Ayato’s, Kamaji is still a friend who didn’t deserve such cruel fate. 

It’s truly unfortunate that this day was the day when he lost two of his friends.

As soon as Ayato says his condolences and farewell to the Kujou family, he heads towards two certain graves that’s quite a bit far away from where Kamaji’s is.

Another thing that the public doesn’t know about Kamaji’s car accident was the people who were in the scene.

There were three deaths who were involved from the accident. The first was of course Kamaji, but no one knew who the two other people that died from the accident besides the Kamisato family once again. 

The two innocent people who were hit by Kamaji were associated with the Kamisato family, Tomo and the last member of the Kaedehara family, Kaedehara Kazuha. 

Kazuha was a dear friend of the Kamisato siblings who died too soon. 

They weren’t close as far as Ayato was aware of, but that didn’t mean his death made the heir’s grief go away so easily. Kazuha was kind, and a close friend of Ayaka’s due to how they’re batchmates in their school. 

So when the two Kamisato siblings heard from their father that the two unknown innocent people who died was one of the people they’re friends with, they were distraught. 

He sometimes wonders if Kazuha would’ve been great friends with you. 

MONTHS LATER, AUTUMN.

The day after the joint bachelor party, Ayato received a surprise visit from a familiar guest of his in his hotel suite. 

“...( Name ).” He spoke in disbelief, watching as your face fell at the sight of your ex. 

“...Ka…Kamisato..” You replied. “I apologize, am I.. bothering you and Chisato right now?” 

Ayato blinks a few times before he immediately shakes his head. “No, don’t worry. Unfortunately, Chisato is not here at the moment since she’s currently going out with her friends right now.” 

“Oh…” You spoke softly, looking away from his gaze. You honestly hoped you’d see Chisato, that way you’d get along with her more and become friends. “...I uh.. I just came to visit because I forgot to give you two a wedding gift.” 

Ayato looks down at the box you’re holding and he manages to read the brand. Ah, champagne flutes..?

You then add, “And… I want to talk to you about what you told me before.”

The blue-haired man’s eyes lit up, opening the door wide for you to come in. “Of course, please come in.” 

The both of you stayed silent as you entered their hotel suite, unsure what to say to one another. 

“You can put the gift there on the table and sit down by the sofa. I can fetch us some drinks since I’m sure it must be exhausting for you to come all this way here.” Ayato spoke up, heading towards the kitchen without letting you protest that he didn’t have to do it. 

By the time he comes back, he places a glass of water in front of you before sitting somewhere nearby. He would be lying if he said he’s not nervous about this situation. 

You slowly took a sip of the drink, avoiding eye contact with Ayato. 

It’s only a matter of time before the both of you have to talk about it. 

Ayato decides to be the first one to speak about it. “I… I really do apologize for everything, ( Name ).”

You sighed. “...I know. I think you and I are thinking the same thing, we want to get this settled with, don’t we?” 

“Correct.” He responds. 

You nodded slowly. “I do wish you told me this before when you had the chance. I would’ve understood more as to why you did it and maybe this wouldn’t have been so painful for me.” You put the glass down on the table, still refusing to keep eye contact with him. “However, I suppose you have your own reasons for why you didn’t tell me.” 

Ayato nodded sadly. “I did.”

You took a deep breath, staying silent for a couple of minutes. “I’ve thought about it at night ever since you told me.” You confessed. “I didn’t know what to feel. Should I be mad? Upset? Sad? Distraught? I didn’t even know if I wanted to pity you or not.”  

You then look at where Ayato is. “I still can’t forgive you for what you’ve done to me of course, and.. Honestly almost three days isn’t enough for me to process this whole thing you and I have — and I doubt I’d be able to make up my mind by the end of the trip — so I think it’s best for you and I to go our separate ways for now.”

The blue-haired man nods slowly, smiling sadly. “I understand. I know it’s too much for me to ask if we could be friends again after so long so I’ll respect your wishes.”

You look at him with a grateful look. “Thank you, Kamisato.” 

“Anything for you, ( Last Name ).” 

You then decided to take your leave. “It was nice talking to you. Congratulations on your wedding again.” 

Ayato slowly follows you as you head towards the exit of his suite, wanting to escort you out. “It’s no problem, ( Last Name ). Thank you for the gift as well.” 

“Goodbye, Kamisato.” 

“Goodbye, ( Last Name ).” 

And just like that, the door closes shut behind you as you start to walk away from the room. 

Ayato lets out the breath he didn’t know he was holding as soon as you’re gone, and for the first time, he feels as if a weight on his shoulder has disappeared.

Although he isn't considered your friend, he knows it's enough for him knowing that the both of you have settled the one thing that's eating you both alive.

When he decides to return to the living area and picks up your glass, he couldn’t help but notice the gift-card you wrote on top of the gift you gave him.

“Congrats on your wedding, Mr. Kamisato and Ms. Hiiragi! 

– Sincerely, ( Name ) ( Last Name ) and Diluc Ragnvindr” 

The last two words made Ayato raise an eyebrow in confusion at the sight of another name besides yours. 

Since when did someone like Diluc Ragnvindr himself be allowed to share a gift with someone he doesn’t know well? 

Unless…?

“No.. He doesn’t see them like that.” He mumbled to himself, walking away from the box to wash the glass as he tried to push his thoughts away. 

He could only hope you don’t see Diluc that way either, if you found out about his true self, then only Celestia can tell how you would react. 

DAN’S NOTES !

To simply put, Kazuha was long dead before meeting you. His death as well as him being a part of your life as a mysterious friend whose motive is to push you to move on are honestly one of the plans I’m going for before I begin to write the prologue of evermore. 

The reason why he’s with you and wants to help you is because he knows how much Ayato is so fond of you based on countless times when the blue-haired man talked to Kazuha about you as well as how Kazuha feels like he owes Ayato a lot. So the least he can do is to be there for you when you’re alone. 

Of course, by the time you start to no longer be alone, Kazuha starts to fade away, and he knows that as soon as you come back to your friends once again, he can finally go to the afterlife knowing that you’ll be okay.

His stone cold persona had never changed when you befriend him, even after spending chilling evenings and sweaty summer afternoons sparing with him, you were still unable to break the shield of companionship between you and him. It wasn’t until a couple of centuries later when you shattered the barrier and become close friends with the ruthless god.

"Are you really leaving Morax?" The chilling evening that accompanied the night sky had made you shiver even after taking a few sips of osmanthus wine you felt cold, your eyes shifted to the taller figure that was sitting a few feet away from you, his longing gaze that was once situated on the clear moon now met yours.

“I’ll be back before you know it.” He voiced with a light huskiness, a bit amused watching as your face creased in concern. “Let me join in as well.” It must have been the wine talking, but the regret of your words were starting to kick in. Morax let out a chuckle before downing the last bit of the wine still left in his cup. “It is my duty to fulfill not yours, do not brood over small concerns.” You wanted to deny his words but kept silent, he was right.

“When I become an archon I can create a nation full of those gaze lilies you were talking about.” In attempt to lighten the mood he brought in his unusual humor.

“They’re called glaze lilies!” laughter spilled from your lips and you saw a faint smile on Morax’s face, with your elbows on the table, you placed your face on your palms leaning in closer to him. “You seem pretty confident that you’ll become an archon.” You tone was sly and teasing almost challenging him.

“Of course I am, after all I am Morax, the most feared prime adepti.” His tone was teasing and laced with arrogance. “Citizens will call me Lord Morax and you Lady y/n.” You laughed at his cockiness, his amber eyes looking at yours once more his voice was softer this time. “And I promise, that once I become one of the seven, there will be a field filled of glaze lilies in Liyue, made just for you.”

You fingers moved on their own to brush off the few strands of hair that was blocking his eyes and pulled it behind his ear, your touch was so light that he almost didn’t feel it. “Then, will we be able to lay in a field full of glaze lilies together?” your words were whispered among the cool breeze but he could hear them clearly as if it were whispered right by his ear.

He didn’t say anything for a while, but instead brought his pale cold hands to your warms ones, creating a sense of comfort to him, he placed a feathery kiss to the back of your knuckles when you gave him your kind smile.

He felt a bit.. strange, he was sure that this was not how friends should be acting to one another, but he wasn’t sure why the steady thumping of his heart had sped up at the thought of your words. Clearing his throat he spoke again.

“Before I leave,” he paused locking his soft gaze on you, one you had grown to love over the last centuries spent together, “will you fulfill my last wish tonight by singing me the captivating tune I heard when we had first met?”

And so, the last words to your best companion were the soft tunes of a special song sang only for him.

When morning came you basked in the refreshing scent of mint that was sitting near your pond outside surrounded by the light mist in the air from when it rained last night.

You didn’t realize how incredibly lonely you would become now that Morax was gone, but you kept busy aiding around the villiage and occasionally taking short strolls around the vast city in hopes of keeping your mind off him and the war that was currently happening.

How long did wars last anyway? You decided that it lasted too long when days started turning into weeks and weeks turned into months. And still no sign of Morax.

Time was ticking slowly for you and you wished for nothing more then to go back in time and ask him to stay or at least leave with him, but there was nothing left you could do except reminisce your memories of him. The strained feeling of guilt and regret was sinking lower and lower every day he didn’t show up. The pang of fear weighed heavily on your shoulders and you felt yourself become more and more engulfed in the thought that maybe.. he really had died in the war.

There was a pile of unsent letters on your desk that you’d stopped sending upon realizing that the first one you sent was years ago. You also stopped keeping track of how long he had been gone for.

It took you a while before you started going on your long walks again in the city, but the feelings of guilt and fear were still clouded in your mind. The pieces that were left behind by him now felt like it no longer belonged here with you, or here in his homeland.

On a early morning you had walked into the city on one of your long strolls when a name you haven’t heard of for years had left the lips of a street vendor.

“Hey, have you heard that one of the seven had made his own nation.” The stall worker was busy giving back mora to the costumer when they replied back.

“Oh yeah, the one led by Lord Morax and Lady Guizhong? What was it called again?”

“Liyue.” The words left your lips like and automatic response and you felt your heart beat quicken at every word that left the vendors mouth. He was alive! Your steps quickened with every stride you took getting closer and closer to the stall worker asking directions to Liyue.

The walk to Liyue was excruciatingly slow but your mind was finally set at ease at the thought of seeing your best companion after so many years. The sun was beginning to set when you finally stepped foot in Liyue, you had no time to admire the beautiful landscapes due to the sharp blade of a polearm inches away from your neck.

“Who are you and what are you doing here?” You had stopped in your tracks and the boy’s eyes narrowed at you. Your eyes darted to the demonic mask sitting on his waist, the familiar weight of fear had stopped you from moving.

“My name is y/n and i’m from-” For a moment you saw his eyebrows furrow in confusion before going back to his reserved face.

“I didn’t ask you where you’re from, what are you doing here in Liyue?” He pointed his polearm closer to your neck.

“Please..” The closer the sharp metal came to your neck the more quieter you became.

“I.. just want to see Morax.” Your throat felt dry the and itchy. The green haired boy finally removed his polearm from your face his eyes still narrowed at you with suspicion.

“What is your association with Rex Lapis?” He goes by Rex Lapis now? You pushed your thoughts away quickly answering.

“I’m a close friend.” You did not feel any better even after he pulled his polearm away from you, you saw his eyebrows crease further with confusion and he didn’t say anything for a while until you broke him away from his thoughts.

“Can you help me reach him please?” You were deathly afraid of the stranger but you were equally as desperate to finally see your best friend.

“Rex Lapis is in Qingce village currently celebrating his newly shared nation with Lady Guizhong, I’d advise you visit him another day.”

“Please..” you begged, “I just need to see him once more.” Your words were quiet but the boy was even quieter, before he finally spoke up.

“I will escort you to him myself.” Maybe it was pity that made Xiao decide to help or maybe it was because your name had sounded oddly familiar to him but, his words were short and blunt when he stuck his hand out to you. You looked at him questionably and with slight hesitance moved your hand closer to his but stopped when they were about to touch.

“Who are you?” There was no malice in your tone but there was slight confusion and unease to it.

“Adeptus Xiao.” His voice was gruff but had a nice touch of softness to it. “I serve under Rex Lapis, and keep Liyue safe from any danger.”

“Nice to meet you adeptus-” before you could even finish your sentence he grasped your hand and in the blink of an eye you were now standing in what you assumed was Qingce village, by now the sun was now at its peak with orange and pink clouds painting the sky. You turned around to thank the adeptus but he was gone before you could open your mouth you let out a small “thank you.” anyway hoping that he could still hear it.

You crossed the wooden bridge to the large open field of gardens that was filled with beautifully vibrant orange and yellow flowers. You came to a stop when you had spotted an unfamiliar figure, she was sitting on her knees holding a basket full of what you assumed were flowers.

The blue flower that was hidden amongst the orange flowers had caught your attention, the petals had looked as if it was not sprouted, as if it were closed, shielding whatever it was hiding inside.

You continued to wander in the field— that is until you heard the familiar melody of a song, the special one you sang the night before he left, leave her lips.

Then you saw him, his features had become more handsome than the last time you saw him and he was much taller than you remembered. He took slow steps to the girl who you figure out is Guizhong. He came to a stop right before her and she had stood up picking out the blue flower which had not changed from earlier even after singing to it, a small frown forming on her face.

“It didn’t work Morax. The glaze lily did not sprout.” The frown on her face only seemed to deepen when he grinned. “I was sure it would have worked perfectly fine, perhaps you should try again my dear.”

You felt your heart tighten at his words, it felt like you’d been stabbed and he was twisting the sword in your wound to add on to the pain.

She was singing your song, to a flower that you came up with, for the same guy you had fallen for.

“I feel as if the ‘gold’ we are supposedly searching for is not here and you are poking fun at me.” Guizhong’s voice was light hearted but she still held her frown.

He picked up the glaze lily from her hand and set it in her long silky hair cupping her face with the gentle touch of his hand, fond smile forming on his lips, his golden eyes were filled with adoration for the girl standing before him.

“Do not fret, for I have already found it. You are the gold I treasure in my heart, Guizhong.” you watched as the girl only smiled placing a white flower from her basket behind his ear, then a sweet kiss at the corner of his lip. Her lips must have been addicting because he dipped his head down for another chaste kiss.

How much you wished he had said your name and kissed your lips instead.

Morax wrapped his arms around her figure his grip tightening when she moved her gaze to look up at him. “Let’s go pick out more glaze lilies.” he had placed a kiss on her temple, the tight grip was loosened and he had let her roam off in another area, you took that as a sign to leave as well, but—

“Y/n.” his golden orbs flickered your way, he could feel your familiar presence from miles away.

Hearing his voice call your name again made your heart feel even more heavier then before, it was like someone was hammering nails onto your heart. His tone was much more mellow now and you gave him a small smile in response.

“Pleasure to see you again Morax.” and he nodded in agreement. It was quiet for a moment before you spoke again, “you have created a beautiful nation.” he smiled at you in return, “I was lucky enough to have some help.” it was your turn to nod at him, then it was quiet again, until you felt the salty drops of tears hit the dirt floor, the silent cries from your lips had broken the tension.

You didn’t know if you were crying from happiness, frustration, or sadness, so many emotions were coursing through your body that it was overwhelming, but nothing could top the over powering feeling of disappointment you’d felt at the moment. You wanted to yell and shout out all your pent up anger that had been bottled up for the past years at him, but your words were low and faint and came out hoarse.

“I thought you died in war Morax.” another tight wrenching squeeze from your heart had you catching for a breath, the tears streaming like a waterfall down your face, it was getting harder and harder for you to breathe, “why didn’t you come back?” you could see the way he had shifted with discomfort from your question.

“I have..” he paused finding the right words to say, “moved on, dear old friend.” his tone was so light and gentle that you almost believed that he wasn’t the Morax you’ve known at all.

His words made you angry, all the years that you spent in guilt waiting for him to return were dismissed by him because he “moved on.” bullshit.

“So you decided to leave the memories of me and the village behind?” he had felt the anger in your tone but was still as calm as ever.

“Perhaps you should refrain from bringing up the past. I am not who I once was before, it brings me shame reminiscing my earlier days.” His gaze had not changed since you first made eye contact with him, his familiar stare that you once found comfort in had now sent a chill down your spine.

“So you were ashamed of me as well?” the hurt in your voice was evident, the sword of betrayal that he pierced into your heart had struck deeper when he had not uttered a word.

You had never felt so vulnerable in the presence of Morax, it felt as if the two of you were strangers now and it was almost like you had not spent centuries together prior to the war.

“Did the memories that we shared not matter to you?”

The silence was deafening, but you were still waiting for him to say something, anything would have been better than the unbearable quietness surrounding the air. You took his stillness as a yes, you bit your lip as the tears continued to stream down your face, you felt sick.

“Did you even think about coming back after the war?” you locked eyes with his golden orbs and it was clear that you no longer held any significance toward him, and were not worthy enough to be considered a friend.

“But the glaze lilies..” your voice was hushed, but they reached Morax clearly. “The glaze lilies were merely a coincidence.” he shut your hopes down just as quickly as he built them.

“There are no coincidences in a world that you’ve created Morax.” your words must have moved him because you saw him shift, a small grunt falling from his lips, however he said nothing to dismiss your idea.

“You should leave y/n, and start out a new life here in Liyue.” He was still inviting you to stay as if he didn’t just shatter your heart moments ago.

“Oh.” you had felt so dejected at his words and the realization had sunk deep in your body, you wanted to crumble hearing the words leave his mouth. you felt foolish for thinking that the almighty Morax had actually regarded you as a friend. “Then I too, shall move on. Goodbye Morax.”

He felt the sway of the wind get stronger and watched as your hair flowed against the soft breeze in the air, your tear streaked face had now been a permanent memory for him. Morax was still quiet when you left, he showed no sign of worry or regret and you were beginning to think that your friendship with him was no more than a token of entertainment.

At least he had still carried the memory of you, the glaze lilies were a clear confirmation of it.

Taking his words to heart you had found yourself staying in Liyue, you were much too curious of the vast landscapes to leave, you set yourself in a home outside of Liyue harbor and had turned friends with the mysterious yaksha.

It has been decades or perhaps centuries later since he had last seen you. He was now referred to as Zhongli, a mortal living amongst the crowd of Liyue citizens. Guizhong was now just a memory of the god and over the years he had built time to relish in his thoughts and regrets. He finally wanted to apologize and sought out to find you in hopes that you would forgive him for his foolishness.

Maybe it was a stoke of luck or perhaps it was a twist of fate, but he saw you in Qinqce village in the gardens standing in front of a glaze lily that has yet to be sprouted, although he was quiet a few feet away from you he could still hear the sweet tune of your melody that was whispered in the drift of air clear as day.

You were singing to the glaze lily, and it had blossomed in a result of your voice, and your song. It was the first he had witnessed the flower unfold and it was quite miraculous, the plant only seemed to listen to you. Even after many attempts Guizhong was never fortunate enough to make the blue lily uncoil.

Morax felt delighted at the scene and opened his mouth to leave a pleasant remark taking a few more strides your way, but ultimately his words and body came to a sudden halt watching as another figure, another guy, walk closer your way, behind you. His first instinct was to summon his polearm, but when the guy wrapped his arms around your waist from behind and rested his head in the crook your neck he saw your gentle smile.

Perhaps you two were friends? Morax continued to listen as the young male spoke.

“You have a special gift, darling. You are the only person who is exceptional enough to make a flower spring by singing to it.” You lightly laughed turning your body to face the man’s, hitting his chest with the light thud of your head, he smiled as the gentle wind of the cool evening blew your hair out of your face.

“It is just a mere coincidence.” You words were light and a bit doleful. The guy unraveled from the embrace and plucked out the flower from the ground wrapping it behind you ear.

“There is no such thing as a coincidence in the land of geo.” your smile seemed to brighten at his words, the guy brought his hand down to your fingers his lips pressing a gentle kiss on your knuckles.

Zhongli wanted to sneer at the irony, this scene was too familiar, the bitterness in his heart was oddly new and he was moments away from calling your name until you spoke again the words were soft and slow on your tongue and your eyes were filled with much yearning for the man standing in front of you.

“Can we lay in a field full of glaze lilies, together?”

smiling lightly—one that looked almost apologetic, you look down briefly. “i know…you hate seeing the blood of others on you. so let me do my job just this once, okay?”

of course, there were many things alatus hated in this world. he hated how you were always right. he also hated how you made him feel. hated how he became selfish at the thought of being with you.

you were a mortal and he an adeptus who still could not fend for himself. while you were free, alatus would be forever chained to his master. he’d told you many times to leave him be, that he was dangerous, that you’ll get yourself killed by him, but you merely smiled at his claims.

“stop looking so worried,” you giggled. “your master won’t come and barge in here. what do you know? maybe he’ll make me fight you and think you’re unfit for the job because you’ll lose to me!”

alatus scoffed—visibly frowning—and crossed his arms as he gave you a look of detest. “you mortals and your imagination.” 

“and this mortal,” you gestured to yourself, “is taking care of an injured adeptus.”

you leaned towards him, gently placing a hand on his cheek as you look up at him. “alatus,” you whispered.

he leaned into your touch, humming. your skin was warm and palm lightly calloused from the everyday work you did but he loved the way you held him. you let out a small laugh, thumb brushing over the healed wound on his cheek as he cracked an eye open to gaze at you tenderly.

“i went to town today and zhao told me there would be a war. do you think it’s true?” you mumbled, already knowing you would be separated from him.

“your god will protect you,” was all alatus could say to you.

war meant death, countless and thousands who would perish at the hands of whoever was responsible. and though alatus protected you from the shadows, he would not be able to be by your side once a war would brew. someone like him who bathed in death was for the battlefield—to kill, to destroy. war meant separation and alatus feared the day your hands wouldn’t be as warm as you held him now.

“hah…i suppose,” you said, your shoulders dropping. “at least i can spend today with you.”

“you talk as if our time is limited,” he scowled. “it’s not, at least for now. i’ll…still come by.”

the lies he told were piling up and he knew they would soon spill out. still, if the lies meant your happiness, alatus would tell a thousand just for the smile on your face to stay. he knew it was wrong—lying directly to your face as you believed him—but he couldn’t dare to see the look of anguish ever again.

with a content hum, you pulled him into your arms and basked in the setting sun. 

–

alatus will never tell you how he felt whenever he was with you. how his stomach would make him uneasy and transform him into a small shy cat, afraid that he’d hurt you in any way should you come close to him. how his day immediately brightens up when he sees you standing by a tree, a stern expression on your face.

"you have blood all over you again," you'd say with a sigh.

and even if you hid the fact that you were terrified of the things he did, you took him into your arms and ran your fingers in his hair. the sweet nothings you whispered when he’d nap on your lap even for a few minutes, leaning down to kiss his forehead made his heart swell.

and he’s glad that he didn’t abandon you the day he saw you.

instead, he listened to the way his name falls from your lips. he chose to lie in your arms and listen to the faint sound of your beating heart. alatus has looked into your eyes as he caresses your face in the moonlight, humming as you whispered about your day to him. 

you were all alatus had in this godforsaken world. he who is the devil would lay at your feet and repent for his actions. if alatus could never forgive himself, you would take his face by your hands and kiss his eyes for they were the reason he saw himself in such a bad light.

the only thing alatus wanted was to be by your side. forever.

he would hold your hand and watch the way your eyes would sparkle at the sight of the sun setting everyday if he wanted. carry you on his back if you ever felt tired from walking whenever you’d set out on a new journey with him. he would eat the food you prepared for him, biting back a soft smile as you complained that his master would treat him so cruelly to not let him eat.

he adored you wholeheartedly.

but you were mortal, ever so fragile.

there would be times alatus would not be able to be by your side and the thought frightened him more times than you’d think.

how could he live a life without you?

he was selfish but he knew you’d still risk it all for him. it was only natural for him to do the same. you were mortal and you’d vanish soon enough but alatus would do anything to keep you alive.

–

“it’s a new dish i’ve been trying out. the ingredients are kind of expensive, so don’t expect me to make it every time!” you reminded as you set the two plates down on the table. 

“your fingers are all…” alatus muttered as he picked up the spoon, eyeing your bandaged fingers—blood still seeping through.

you held them to your chest, offering him a laugh. “it’s nothing, i swear! don’t freak out if you find blood in your food—i’m kidding, i swear.”

he almost looked offended at your statement, looking down at the plate and nudging it with the spoon. it was times like this that alatus did enjoy your presence and warmth. just the two of you basking in the moonlight. the food quickly melted into his mouth and he closed his eyes.

“well?” you peered at him, nudging his shoulder with yours.

alatus turned to you, paused and reached his hand out to bring your forehead closer to his lips. he resumed eating after.

there was nothing he could say but he knew that you already knew the answer to your question.

you leaned onto him, your head on his shoulders as you looked up at the night sky. “hm. let’s name it…almond tofu? it’s made from that, or maybe we should call it tofu almond.” 

“it sounds like something a child would call,” he commented.

“alatus!” you gasped. “take that back!”

“i never said it wasn’t delicious.”

“i suppose you’re right… i hate you and your remarks.”

alatus chuckles lightly, nodding. he takes you in his arms and breathes you in—like a bee needing flowers to survive. you were the light that shone brightly beside the devil, his savior and sanctuary. 

-

fight for me and get me a seat as an archon, his master had demanded all so suddenly.

as he had always been in, alatus was back on the battlefield. his polearm would slash and destroy anything that came his way should they disobey his master, his god. the blood of the innocent on his hands as he slaughtered each and every one.

alatus would never forget the terrified looks on their face, begging him to spare their child.

he hated every second of it. he could not stop even if he wanted to, the strings on his body were being controlled by his god. his god who desperately wanted the seat as one of the seven—greedy and merciless, he spared no one.

red and black was all alatus could see—he had forgotten the colorful skies, the greenery of nature, and the color of the love you gave him.

his soul was tainted and dirty, no repenting could ever make you forgive him now. should alatus crawl to your feet and beg for forgiveness, he knew you would stare at him in disgust and punish him for what he had done.

home was no longer with you, no longer in your arms that would wrap around him and have you whispering soft nothings. alatus was leaving battlefield after battlefield and soon, it had grown into his home.

days felt like years and he wished to head back to you each time he would rest—but he was bound by contracts and his weakness, you. 

-

 “…isn’t that him? he’s disgusting. i can’t believe he’s one of us.”

“it’s like he doesn’t have a mind of his own! what are you—don’t leave me!”

“…master, alatus has caused a great casualty. your soldiers are dying at his hands as well.”

“…master, alatus has killed general zho… we must kill him, it’s the only way—"

“you dare disobey me? alatus is my greatest soldier.”

“alatus, you must kill everyone who opposes me.”

“no god will save you, you damned devil!”

and soon, alatus had begun to kill gods. gods who waged war with him and his master, gods who wanted to flee and save their people, gods who did not care about the seating of celestia.

do you actually think you’re not a monster?

do you know what’s worse than a demon like you? a liar.

you killed people.

no one would forgive you.

what would [name] think?

what would [name] think?

whaT WOULD [NAME] THINK?

it’s in the most gruesome battle that he awakens at your name.

“the name xiao is that of a spirit who encountered great suffering and hardship. he endured much suffering, as you have. use this name from now on.” morax stood in front of alatus—no, xiao.

his master was now dead.

he had won the battle—but at what cost? 

xiao fell on his knees. his world had crumbled.

death was inevitable, it really was. but he had told himself he would go to great lengths to stop death from clinging to him—stop clinging to anyone he loved. he had never loved anyone as much as you before, you were the only one he knew how to love.

so, tell him, why did death cling to him?

a minute earlier. ten minutes earlier. no, an hour earlier. god, maybe a week earlier. you, who he swore to protect with all his heart, clung to him desperately, sobs escaping your lips as you trembled in his arms.

“alatus…it hurts! it hurts!”

xiao bit back the tears, his head buried on your neck as you cried on his chest. “it’ll be okay, you’ll be okay, i promise,” he soothed, lips shaking as he held you tighter.

“i don’t want to die, alatus, i don’t want to!” your voice was weak, full of fear and heavy breaths. xiao wishes he could hear your voice from before, joyous and teasing.

like everyone he had killed, your blood was on his hands. on his arms. on his clothes. on his face. your blood was everywhere on him. it seeped into him and he could feel every bit of it. xiao wanted to vomit, you were everything he had and you were dying before him.

red—it was all he could see.

the blood that seeped through your clothes, from your arms to your middle to your legs. the wounds on your face must have hurt—he wishes he was there earlier. he would have kept you safe. he should have kept you safe.

your cries were even worse. it was the only thing he could hear as he held on to you, tears already down his face as he hung his mouth open—unable to accept the fact that you laid before him with blood. your cries were painful and it hurt him. hurt him till his bones and hurt him in his heart.

sobs wracked your body and you could feel the pain. how painful your wounds were. 

“it hurts!” you cried, “it hurts so bad!”

xiao ran his fingers through your hair, attempting to soothe your cries. his hand reaching out to cup your face as you looked up at him with tear-stricken eyes. you cherished life and you cherished being with him.

losing life meant losing him. 

“you won’t die,” he repeated over and over again.

please…

 xiao wished it was enough to comfort you but really, it was for him. for him to stop falling apart and hurry and take you to the adepti.

“alatus,” you choked out, “please i want to live, i want-i want to be with you…please save me.”

a new name, he wanted to tell you. he lived under a new god now. the cruel master that you hated was now dead and he was saved. the war you had told him about was now over.

you can be together as usual now. he had so many things to say but his body trembled and you simply cried into his shoulder, begging him and any god that you wanted to live and to be saved.

the pain was unmeasurable and both of you knew that you were unsavable. still, you begged him to save you. you were being selfish, so selfish. but you wanted to be with him, feel his smile against your shoulder, have him bury his face into your neck in embarrassment.

“you’ll live. you’ll live. i’ll-i’ll take you to-to morax,” he spluttered, already making up his mind that he should at least try anything to save you. but you hissed in pain when he lifted you up and xiao knew.

there was nothing he could do.

alatus, what do you think of my dish?

alatus, do you think we can gather some qingxin?

alatus, kiss me?

 alatus, welcome home!

 alatus.

alatus.

alatus, do you want me to die?

alatus, why are you so useless?

alatus, you killed me.

(i didn’t…!)

“alatus, i love you, i love you, i love you,” you whispered against his skin. briefly, you wanted to see him smile at you but you were already being too selfish; so, you buried your face into the crook of his neck and closed your eyes at the warmth he brought you. “even-even until death, i will-will love you.”

“you’ll be okay,” xiao whispered, hand by your head as tears rolled down his cheeks. he was weak—he’d always been weak. “it’s okay, i love you too… so, please… it’ll be okay, it won’t hurt anymore. i love you, i love you."

xiao could only wish you managed to hear it.

before liyue and its people, there was you who he swore to protect.

before xiao, there was alatus who wished that you could have stayed with him as xiao.

notes the 2.7 archon quest absolutely wrecked me, i felt so sad seeing xiao wanting to sacrifice himself so i wrote this to help <3 hope u like it because i know i did

gen taglist @ljinghe @yaefics @imtoodumbforaname @wccycc @sugxqts @cottonfluffs // join the taglist here

He’s heard of your name before thanks to his mother, who once mentioned how she knew a person who also studies in the same school as him and frequently visits her shop at lunch as well as how their mother is a close friend of hers. He didn’t think much of it since you’re not his classmate.

When he met you however, he fell for you hard. 

He met you one day when he was on his way towards the school gate, only to be blocked by his bullies once again. 

However, for the first time since he came here, someone stood up for Thoma. 

“Hey! Leave him alone, you trolls!” His eyes widened when he saw someone standing in front of him with their back facing him as though they were on defense. What are they doing? He thought in confusion. 

One of the bullies didn’t seem to feel threatened by you. “Or what? You don’t even have the guts to– OW!” 

He gasps when he sees you grabbing a small pebble from the ground nearby and doesn't hesitate to throw it at one of the bullies, causing the bully to let out a yelp when the pebble manages to hit them by the head. 

“What the hell?! Are you trying to kill us?” 

“Killing’s a strong word,” You said with a huff before grabbing another pebble. “But I will do it again if I see you bullying him next time!” 

“Are you alright?” You ask, turning around to see the blonde-haired man as the bullies ran off in embarrassment and in fear. 

Wow. 

He could feel his breath hitch when he saw you, staring at you in awe. “I-I’m alright,” He immediately replied in embarrassment, looking away from you when he realized he'd been staring. “Thank you for uh.. For uh…” 

You paid no mind to how he didn’t finish his sentence, letting out a small laugh. “It’s no problem! You’re…. Thoma right?”  

The child was even more surprised, not expecting you to know his name. “U-Uhm, yea! How do you know my name?” 

“Your mom. Your family owns Komore Cafe, right?” You asked, eyes brightening.

He nodded, eyes brightening from you mentioning his mother’s cafe. “Oh uh.. Yeah! Are you a regular customer there?” 

You nodded eagerly. “Yes, I’m obsessed with your drinks! Are you on your way there?” 

“Yeah, actually. I just finished cleaning my classroom so–”

“Great, mind if we go there together?” 

Thoma almost chokes on his words, his heart instantly races from your request. “Sorry, what did you say?” He asks, unsure if he heard you right.

“Is it okay if you and I walk there together?” You repeated. “I-It’s fine if you don’t want to! I was thinking it’d be great if we go to the same bus together, at least I have a buddy to come with since I was used to going to your cafe with one of my friends.” 

Usually, Thoma preferred to walk towards the cafe on his own, but he found himself agreeing to your request, excusing it as a way for him to pay you back for saving him. “Sure, I don’t mind! I’m sure my mom would be delighted to hear that I got to see one of her regular customers and had someone who defended me from those bullies.” 

You smile widely, immediately standing beside him. “Alright then, lead the way, Thoma!”

At that moment, Thoma finally found something, or someone rather, to think about in his own little world.

From then on, you and Thoma started going to the Komore Cafe together whenever you can. 

Your conversations were surprisingly not that awkward despite Thoma being so flustered from his feelings towards you at first. He supposes it’s because of how you weren’t bothered with his flusteredness, which he’s glad of. For someone who’s supposedly great at socializing with anyone, he sure wouldn’t seem like one if people knew how he acted around you at first. 

Not to mention the bus rides – oh the bus rides – his moments with you are always precious there. Besides the games you two played while waiting for the bus to stop by the cafe along with the conversations you had, there was especially one time when you fell asleep on his shoulder from exhaustion in your p.e. class. He wasn’t sure how long he was able to hold in the urge to scream until he was finally in his room alone. 

When it comes to visiting Komore Cafe, you always go to one certain seat you’d sit in. Much to his delight, you’d also invite him to sit and chat with you about anything that comes to your mind. It’s those moments when he wished it could last forever. 

In a blink of an eye, a few years had passed and the two of you became best friends in high school. 

By the time Thoma was in high school, he started to help out more in the cafe as people eventually got used to the foreigner. To your delight, he even became more sociable with others! You felt like a proud mother whenever you’d see your schoolmates interacting with him happily.  

You also order the same thing everyday to the point where Thoma can make your order in auto-pilot. If you feel like it, you’d even sometimes order other things, which is none other than his favorite order. If only you knew how it sets his heart ablaze the moment you told him you’d like to try it. 

Sometimes, you’d even try to help in serving drinks in the cafe, to which Thoma insists you don’t need to do that until his mother told him you’ve helped her handle the cafe often whenever he’s busy with school activities that made him stay. Ah, it made him have all the more reasons to love you than he should. 

By the time you and Thoma became second-year students, everything changed. 

As much as Thoma didn’t want to admit, he was so sure Ayato was catching on to his secretive feelings. It honestly felt like the man could read him like an open book.  

No amount of words could tell how shocked Thoma was when he encountered Ayato in the cafe, the blonde-haired man was staring at his dear friend like a deer caught in headlights as you stood beside him in confusion from why he stopped his tracks. 

He thought this was it, this is when Ayato will tease me 24/7!

However, the dreadful moment Thoma has been waiting for did not come. Even when he introduced you to Ayato, even when he left you two off to chat so he could prepare his and your drinks, and even when you left early to do your homework in your home. It honestly made Thoma feel nervous the entire day. Just what is on Ayato’s mind? He wonders to himself as he continues to serve his customers in the cafe, eyeing towards the blue-haired man’s direction suspiciously. 

It wasn’t until Thoma took a break and sat across to his best friend, who continued to drink his boba silently. 

“...That person…” Ayato spoke up, staring at where you left.

The blonde-haired man chuckles nervously, dreading the teases. “You mean ( Name )? What about them?” 

He finally looks at Thoma with an expression he had never seen before. “I… I’d like to get to know them more.” 

Oh. 

Oh. 

Thoma felt like time froze when he realized what was going on. 

As someone who was in love for so long, Thoma knew what love looks like. 

And it was all over Ayato's face.

At first, the blonde haired man thought nothing of it, telling himself that maybe he was just overthinking things. He’s sure Ayato is just interested in getting to know someone as interesting as you since he never heard of you around the school, in a way that one would become interested to have the other as their friend.

Then the blue-haired man started asking about you a lot whenever the two of them are in class. Be it your favorite hobbies, favorite subject, what club you’re in, and so on and so forth to the point where Thoma couldn’t deny the fact that Ayato is absolutely whipped for you. 

He wasn’t sure if the same goes to you. 

Unlike Thoma, Ayato doesn’t need to use the public bus since he has a driver who can come and pick him up to take him home. So when you and Thoma encountered the blue haired man by the school gate despite the fact that he should’ve been home an hour ago, it was safe to say the blonde-haired man was surprised. 

“Oh, are you two on your way to the cafe?” Ayato asks with a smile on his face.

“Yep, are you going there too?” You responded, not noticing the hesitant look on Thoma’s face. 

The blue-haired man nodded in response. “Yes, actually–”

“Great! Why not come with us? Me and Thoma are on our way to the bus stop.” You invited with a smile, your offer got both Thoma and Ayato look at you in surprise. Did you really  just invite Kamisato Ayato to go ride a public bus?

However, before Thoma could tell you that Ayato has to do something else, the blue-haired man chuckles in amusement and beats him to it. “I suppose it won’t hurt to try. You may lead the way.” 

As you eagerly agreed and walked towards the school gate with Ayato following, Thoma stood there, wondering what on earth just happened.

Ayato, who never takes detours and always urgently go to the car that’ll take him home just to study and deal matters with his family’s business, not to mention he only goes to places with said car, and only visits the cafe when he actually had time, accepted to go with you despite knowing that he has an exam to study tomorrow with Thoma – who he clearly remembers how Ayato wasn’t planning on going to the cafe to study with him this week – and even agreed with going there by bus?

The blonde-haired looks down at his bag, the bag that holds a note that he was planning to put inside your locker, for you to know the time and place for him to confess his undying feelings for you. 

Thoma gulps a lump in his throat and slowly starts catching up with you and Ayato, forming a stiff smile on his face. Perhaps it’s for the best if I keep this to myself, he thought to himself. If no one knows, it didn’t happen. 

“What took you so long, Thoma?” You ask with a worried look on your face once you see your best friend standing behind you as the three of you now wait for the bus to arrive. “Did you forget something again in the classroom?” 

He lets out a small laugh in response, ignoring the way Ayato looks at you with different eyes. “Yeah, sorry about that.” 

“It’s alright, you made me worry for a second.” You comment, your worries fade away. “Me and Ayato were talking about drinks that he should try in your cafe – I can’t believe he’s missing out your favorite one!” 

The blue-haired man chuckles in response. “With how you explained it so enthusiastically, who am I to say no and not try it out?” 

Suddenly, it all felt like Thoma is watching a romance movie, his eyes darting between you and then at Ayato as his stiff smile threatens to fall apart when he sees the way you start to become shy with his best friend.

He supposes he should be grateful for not putting the note in your locker and not getting rejected. 

For the rest of the school year, it was clear to Thoma that you could never be with someone like him, not when you have someone like Ayato, who Thoma knows would be the better option. Ayato’s rich, powerful, dedicated, and could make you gush than anyone you ever fallen for – unlike Thoma, who’s just… himself. 

So he stands by and watches you and Ayato become together, as though he’s just a background character in a romance movie with you two being the main characters. 

Thoma even helped Ayato out in many ways he can to make him have progress with being connected with you more. Whether it’d be him backing out from your table with an excuse of working  so it would just be you and Ayato, him lying that he doesn’t know a certain topic that he obviously knows just so Ayato could help you study himself during study sessions, and even help his best friend plan his promposal to you– all those moments in which Thoma tells himself that this is his way of repaying Ayato for being his dearest friend since childhood. 

It hurts when you and Ayato officially become a couple. 

It hurts to go to his bed, no longer giggling or flustered from his shared moments with you as he stares at the ceiling with an empty look on his face. It hurts to work in his beloved cafe, trying to ignore how you and Ayato love each other as some of his customers would gush about how you two look like the perfect couple. It hurts to walk around the school campus as he hears whispers and hushed voices in both envy and admiration about how you and Ayato are such high school sweethearts.

He was glad that he never told anyone about his closed feelings towards you, the pity people would give could make the feeling worse than now. If no one knows, then nothing happened.

As years go by, so did the pain. 

Although Thoma had long accepted the fact that he’ll never get to be with you by the end of senior year, the pain didn’t go away that fast. How could one give up their feelings that they’ve felt for so many years just like that?

He couldn’t, and he hated himself for that. 

He watched as your relationship with Ayato grew throughout high school and college – it was evident that the two of you would never break up at all from how much the both of you love each other, and he envied it. Yet he didn’t do anything with his envy and heartbreak, he only continued to pursue in supporting your relationship. As long as you’re happy, that’s all that matters to Thoma. 

When it comes to you and Ayato fighting, you’d often come to Thoma for advice. He could’ve declined it, but he didn’t. He listened to you and comforted you in every way he could. He knows Ayato just as much as he knows you, so it wasn’t difficult to reassure you that yes, everything will be okay in the end. 

So when he watched Ayato leaving you one day with you sitting on your favorite spot of the cafe dumbfounded, he knew everything was not okay. 

When he saw you following Ayato and left your things, he felt worried. Did something bad happen between you and Ayato that made him leave?

Thoma continued to wait for what felt like an hour, when in reality it was only a few minutes before he saw you coming back. 

His heart broke at the sight of the empty look on your face.

From spending so much time with you, Thoma knew you were holding your tears in. You’re someone who never wanted to cry in public, and you’d probably even won’t tell anybody about it in fear of being a burden to them. 

But you’re never a burden to him.

He decided to slowly come up to you, watching you pack your stuff in a quick manner, as though you wanted to get out as soon as you can. Suddenly, you accidentally made one of your books fall, and he noticed how you flinched from the loud sound. 

The blonde-haired man quickly looked around, and to his relief, none of the customers were bothered by the sudden sound. 

Before you could try to get it, Thoma beat you to it and grabbed it for you.  

“Here you go, ( Name ).” The blonde-haired man said with a sweet smile.

“...Thanks, Thoma.” You spoke in a soft tone, and it hurts Thoma to hear how devastated it sounded. What on earth did Ayato do to you?

Just when he was about to ask if you needed anything, you shut your bag when you shoved the book inside and turned around towards the exit. “See you next time, Thoma.” 

Understanding that you needed space, he nodded slowly. “See.. you next time, ( Name ).” He said, watching you walk towards the door and leave the cafe.

As soon as you left and disappeared from his view, Thoma’s smile dropped. 

If only he knew at that moment how this would be the last time he’d see you. 

It didn’t take long before he quickly noticed how you and Ayato no longer meet each other the next day. It’s sometimes like this if your fights with Ayato were serious and led you to avoid the man, but this was different. 

It was as though the two of you had finally broken up. 

His concern further increases when he sees how you started to avoid people – specifically those who are also close friends with Ayato – as well as how you’re now found alone in school or with Ei and Miko if they aren’t busy from tasks as the student council officers. Although you still looked okay to others, Thoma knew you weren’t.

Despite the fact that you never talked to him since the incident, he didn’t come up to you either, thinking that it’s best that you need some space. The moment you call him, you can guarantee that he’ll instantly try to do everything he can to get to where you are. 

As for Ayato, he acts as if you never existed, acting the same as always. Whenever Thoma tries to bring you up in his conversations, the blue-haired man instantly changes topic with an unexplainable look on his face. He isn’t sure if Ayato’s truly alright, but the blue-haired man has always lied that he’s okay whenever the blonde-haired man asks.

For the first time since elementary school, Thoma felt helpless.

He felt sick to his stomach whenever you and Ayato’s mutual friends expressed their concerns about the two of you since none of you had any longer met up with them in the cafeteria. He’s just as concerned as they are, but he couldn’t do anything about it. 

It wasn’t until a few weeks had passed since his interaction with you in the cafe when Ei and Miko – the two people Thoma’s not the closest to – came up to him while he was on cleaning duty in class when he finally got the chance to talk to you. 

“They’re not doing good..” Ei spoke softly, frowning at the thought of you. “Miko and I did everything we could to comfort them for the past weeks, but ( Name ) wants to talk to you.” 

His eyes widened. 

The pink-haired woman then added, “I know you haven’t talked to them for the past few weeks – but we can tell that they need you now. They kept asking us how you were and if you’re still safe from being bullied whenever we visited them.” 

Thoma couldn’t help but feel touched. Even when you’re at your lowest, you still wonder about his well-being. 

Ei gestures to the man to come with them towards your dorm. “I’ll ask someone to handle the classroom. We need you to go to them now.” 

The student council president didn’t have to say it to him twice.

Thoma did everything he could to come to where you are as fast as his feet can take him, the only thing that runs in his mind is regret that he didn’t come to you sooner and ask if you’re alright. You must’ve thought he was avoiding you too. 

How could I be so stupid? He thought to himself, running faster when he’s closer to your dorm. 

By the time he arrived, it felt like he wasn’t in your dorm at all.

There was no liveliness that helped him feel welcomed, no music that you often listen to playing in the speaker, nor is there any furniture that isn’t dusty from being used.

He slowly took quiet steps towards your bedroom, taking note of how some pictures that had you and Ayato were missing as well as a few items that belonged to Ayato’s. 

He tried not to crumble when he saw you in your bedroom, staring at the window with eyes that no longer sparks life. It’s almost like Thoma’s just staring at an empty shell of what you used to be. 

When you noticed someone’s presence, you slowly turned away from the window to look at Thoma’s direction, only to lightly gasp when you found out who it was. He didn’t fail to notice how your eyes were swollen.

“...Hey ( Name ),” He spoke softly with a sad smile. “How have you been?” 

The both of you fell silent, and you continued to stare at him in shock.

A few seconds was all you needed before you felt your tears forming again, your shoulders began to shake. 

“He… He said he doesn’t love me anymore…” You sobbed, lifting your hands up to cover your face from your best friend, whose heart shattered at the sight of you. “He broke up with me and left me! A-And he keeps on ignoring me whenever I try to talk to him and I… I thought you didn’t want to hang out with me anymore and I don’t know how to face everyone else when Ayato and I are–” 

You gasped once more when you felt his arms wrapped around you into a comforting hug. “I would never want to stop hanging out with you, ( Name ). You won’t lose me.” He said in a reassuring tone, rubbing your back. “It must’ve been rough for you to go through so much, I’m sorry for not coming up to you sooner.” 

You slowly hug him back and close your eyes, sniffing as tears continue to come out. “I missed you, Thoma. I want to go to the cafe everyday like before but.. But I’m scared that I… I might see him again and breakdown and look like a fool in your cafe and–” 

“Hey, hey, it’s alright, don’t worry,” He spoke softly, “I can visit here everyday with your favorites. I’ll make sure you won’t see him if that’s what you want. Plus, the cafe’s trying out delivery now and I can just deliver it to you.” 

He feels your shoulders relaxing in response. “...Thank you, Thoma.” You whispered, still hugging him with no intentions of letting go just yet. 

“Anything for you, ( Name ).” He mumbles, closing his eyes. At this moment, all of his loyalty towards Ayato was forgotten, the only thing he prioritizes the most right now is to make sure you’re happy. 

“Anything for you.” 

It was a long journey, Thoma admits. He couldn’t blame you for having a hard time moving on since you were with Ayato for so many years and because you still don’t know the proper explanation as to why he broke up with you in the first place. 

Nevertheless, he was proud that you can face Ayato without crying anymore, and fully supported your decision in avoiding Ayato instead of continuing to try and talk to him. 

When Thoma saw Ayato entering the cafe, he was ecstatic – only for his face to drop when he saw a woman hugging his arm with a loving smile. 

It wasn’t until he overhears the conversation when Ayato asks the woman out on a date when he felt upset – rightfully so. How could he move on so fast and even find love with someone else? He was disappointed, really. 

Fortunately, you didn’t go back to square one when Ayato announced his official relationship with Chisato. However, that didn’t mean you weren’t hurt from the news. 

Thoma, alongside your dear friends who immediately visited you after finding out what happened, made sure to always be there by your side when you needed it. He respects everyone with how dedicated they are in cheering you up – especially Ei and Miko, who was by your side from the very beginning. 

He watched the way the two women insulted Ayato for breaking your heart whilst soothing you with words, bringing you light novels that Miko got her hands on from her family’s business as well as foods that Ei bought on her way to your place, and so much more.

Thoma was relieved that there’s people out there who are by your side just as much as he is with you.

He still continued to hang out with Ayato of course– however, it felt as though the tension between them was a bit stiff since the incident.

Thoma was glad Ayato’s current girlfriend, Hiiragi Chisato, wasn’t someone that’s malicious and greedy. Not when she was kind, considerate, and hardworking just as much as Ayato. She’s definitely someone Ayato’s parents would be glad to have as their daughter-in-law with how successful and wealthy her family is, unlike you – who unfortunately got disapproved by Ayato’s parents as soon as they found out that you weren’t particularly as wealthy as they are and don’t have a successful family business when Ayato told them after your first visit. 

Though, it’s safe to say that he felt bad whenever he and the others – Yoimiya, Itto, Sara, Kokomi, Gorou, and even Ayaka –  avoid the topic whenever Chisato mentions you. It’s clear that they didn’t want her to know about you, knowing that she would want to try and meet you unaware about your past relationship with Ayato. She’s in a completely different department in the university, so it’s no surprise that she doesn’t know you are Ayato’s past lover.

Even when you’re trying to move on, you still miss and love Ayato. Thoma could understand, since he has been through it when he found out that you love Ayato back, so he always reassures you that you shouldn’t stress that you’re taking too long to move on. 

It wasn’t until something happened in the after-finals party.

Thoma didn’t know what happened, but he did see you following Ayato outside and walked back in an hour later with an angry look on your face. 

“Are you alright, ( Name )?” Thoma asks as you stand beside him by the kitchen with your eyes narrowed.

“I’m done with him.” You mumbled, glaring at where Thoma assumes Ayato is in. “I’m sick and tired of him.”

The blonde-haired was surprised, but then he grabs an alcoholic bottle before pouring it on a new cup, handing it over to you as an offer. “Care to drink with me and tell me about it then?” 

Without hesitation, you grabbed the cup he poured and took a quick sip, unbothered by the burning sensation in your throat. “Gladly.” 

Just as you said so, you stopped crying for Ayato ever since that night. 

No one besides Thoma knew what happened between you and your ex in the party, but none dared to question it – even Miko herself. Nevertheless, what matters is that you’re moving on from Ayato, and they’re proud of you for that. 

However, there was still one thing Thoma wondered.

His best friend’s side. 

It just didn’t make sense, if he had to be honest. Why would Ayato, who’s always dedicated and committed to you and your relationship, suddenly fall out of love? 

Ayaka wondered the same thing when Thoma reached out to her about Ayato, saying how her brother went home one night acting strange and out of his mind, only for him to reassure her that he’s alright and acted normal the next day, pretending that nothing happened. 

Now that he thinks about it, how long has his dear friend continued to be like this?

Ever since you and Ayato separated, the blue-haired man grew busier, more silent, and more distant from everyone. It concerned Thoma, but what can he do when the blue-haired man always reassures him that he’s alright?

The same could go for everyone else – the ones who are friends with both you and Ayato – they’re deeply worried for Ayato just as much as they’re worried for you back when they didn’t know what was going on. 

By the time Ayato started dating Chisato, Thoma didn’t bother asking anymore, thinking that he definitely fell out of love with you since he fell in love with someone so quickly.

You started to visit the cafe as soon as your last year of college began, with you ordering new things while playing with Taroumaru, who’s now grown up into a strong puppy who now entertains customers as they await for someone to serve their orders, and enjoyed your time in the place despite it being the place where your heart got broken by Ayato.

Sometimes you’d go alone, and Thoma would keep you company whenever the cafe was quiet, either by studying with you or just chatting with you – just like good times. Sometimes you’d go with someone else, be it a groupmate for a project, your friend, or even your pet so that they can play with Taroumaru. He adored that you still go to your favorite spot.

Then time flew by, with everyone getting jobs after graduating, with Ayato finally getting assigned as the CEO of his family’s business, with the cafe growing famous in Inazuma thanks to social media, 

And with him still in love with you.

He honestly forgot about his feelings when he was by your side comforting you from your heartbreak. He only remembered as soon as Ayaka asked him if he had fallen in love with someone after gushing about the person she had a crush on one day while they were preparing for Ayato’s birthday.

Yes, he’s still in love, but he wouldn’t tell Ayaka that. 

If no one knows, it didn't happen. 

As for you, you found a job. Apparently someone reached out to you about a job that’s under the business that Ei’s family works in, so you’re ecstatic that you’re going to see Ei – who’s more than happy that you’re going to work for her. Thoma was glad that you found a good job that you love, so he was happy for you. 

However, there was something about the job that conflicted you.

“Though… I’m sad,” You said with a sigh, your wide smile turned into a sad one as you looked down at your drink that Thoma prepared for you. “I… I’ll have to go to Liyue in two weeks later to start my job.” 

The blonde-haired man froze, eyes slightly widening. Liyue was far from Inazuma, and it’s obvious that you’re trying to say that you’ll have to stay in the prosperous country for your job. 

“...Oh,” He spoke. “...Did you accept the job?” 

You shrugged. “I’m still thinking. I don’t want to leave this place – let alone leave you and the others. But then again, everything reminded me of him, and this job is my shot in–”

“Then do it.”

You stumbled on your words, looking up at the blonde-haired man in shock. “Wh-What?”

Thoma shoots you an encouraging look. “You should go for it if you want it. Don’t worry about me and the others, we can still be in touch even when you’re away.” 

You blinked a few times. “Should I..?” 

He nodded eagerly. “Follow what your heart wants. You still have Ei and Miko in there, and I’m sure you’d make friends with people who are just as good as everyone here.” He then places his hand on yours in a reassuring grip, something that became a habit of his as a way to comfort you back then. “You’ll never lose me. Call me whenever you’re free to chat, alright? We’re best friends, after all.”

You put your other hand on top of his as well, your smile no longer sad. “..Yeah, you’re right… Thanks, Thoma.”

A few days after that, you finally decided to accept the job, much to Thoma’s delight. He knew you needed to go away and get a fresh start, and your job is worth accepting for. 

He soon helped you pack your things, whilst playing games and watching movies together afterwards. Those nights are when Thoma dreams that it’s just him helping you move into his place, causing him to sleep with a happy heart at the thought. 

The day before you left, everyone decided to hang out in the cafe for your farewell party, giving you gifts to bring with you as well as speeches – with Itto beatboxing for you causing you to laugh – even Ayaka came by and gave you a gift, wishing you well and happy future. 

It’s safe to say that the party was the reason why your worries about leaving your friends ended, you couldn’t help but tear up with how much everyone was proud and happy for your new job.

Thoma was happy that he’s the one who’ll take you to the airport, wanting to be the last person to give you a farewell before you officially leave the country and live in Liyue. 

“I guess this is it.” You said as you stood by the terminal gate that’ll take you to your plane. “I’ll miss you and your cafe, Thoma. Please tell your mom that I’ll miss her too.” 

Thoma nodded. “Of course. You better call me when you arrive at your apartment!”

“Only if you include Taroumaru in your video call!” You teased, the both of you laughing. 

You then pulled him in for a hug. “I honestly don’t know if I’ll be able to chat with you often since Miko and Ei told me working under the Tenryou business will make me a busy person, but I’ll make sure to chat whenever I can.”

“It’s fine, ( Name ).” He reassures you, hugging you back with a soft sigh. “I’ll miss you as well.” 

 “I hope you’ll find someone that will make you happy, Thoma.” You spoke softly. 

“Why would I when I found you?” The blonde-haired man wanted to punch himself for spilling those words from his mouth, until you giggled in response.

“That’s not what I meant Thoma,” You clarified, thinking that he didn’t understand your words. “I meant I hope you’ll be able to find someone who you’ll fall in love with and date. I’m sure you’ll make them as happy as how you made me happy.” 

He stays silent, watching you let go of him and take your luggage from him. “I gotta go now, see you next time, Thoma.” 

Thoma then waves, still frozen from what you said.

There’s no one who I love but you.

– 

“So, they left huh?” Ayato asks, sipping his boba as Thoma sits across from his best friend with a shocked look on his face. 

The blonde-haired man was entering the cafe from the airport when he immediately spotted his best friend inside the establishment for the first time since his visit with Chisato. 

The blonde-haired gulps the lump in his throat, smiling stiffly. “Yeah…” 

Ayato smiles at that response, and he looks as if he’s relieved. “I’m glad… They deserve to go there, that job will make them happier than I can.” 

Thoma then realized what Ayato was doing. He’s finally opening up to the blonde-haired man about you. 

“I do apologize for… being distant.” He spoke. “I know you must be disappointed in me for what I did with ( Name ). I’m disappointed in myself as well.” 

The blonde-haired man frowns, not speaking up as he listens to what the man has to say intently. 

“I never told… anyone about this, so you’re the first one.” Ayato confesses. “Yes, I had to push them away. I know they would fight for our relationship, and I love them for that, but I cannot let them do it.”

“Did you… really fall out of love with them?” Thoma wonders, his heart ponders in suspension. 

The man pauses, and smiles in sadness. “I did not.” 

He gasps in response. “Then.. Then why? Why did you do it?” 

The two of them fell silent for at least a minute until Ayato gave in.

“...The thing I have between me and Chisato,”

He hesitates for a moment. “What we have is simply an arranged marriage.” 

Thoma’s heart dropped. 

Ayato looks out at one of the windows with a longing gaze. “I.. I couldn’t afford to let my sister go in an arranged marriage, I knew it would happen to her. So I decided to take one for her when Chisato’s father offered my parents an arranged marriage.” He explains. “I knew that ( Name ) would be disappointed in me and would try to make me stop it, so I.. I did what I had to do.” 

He then looks back at Thoma. “It’s better this way, don’t you think?” 

“Even if they hate you now?” Thoma asks. 

Ayato nodded. “..I don’t mind. I just want them to be happier now, and that is enough for me. We both know I don’t deserve their love,” He then chuckles to himself, as if disappointed. “I even pushed their relationship with me aside for the sake of my family.” 

Thoma didn’t reply to that, mentally agreeing that Ayato’s right. “What about Chisato?”

The blue-haired man sighs. “She’s aware of this being an arranged marriage. But she isn’t aware that I still long for someone else.” He inhales sharply. “Her father forced me to make sure to charm her before proposing to her so that she’d be more than willing to be in this arranged marriage, so I can’t do anything about it with the fact that she’s in love with me.”

Ayato then notices the familiar sight of his driver coming out from the car outside the cafe, gesturing Ayato to the time. 

“.. I’ll apologize to ( Name ) someday. Then maybe we can be friends again – even if that will take years or even if they potentially won’t allow us to.” He then stands up, grabbing his cloak and his drink. “Thank you for taking care of ( Name ), Thoma. Never speak of this conversation with anyone, alright?”

If no one knows, it didn’t happen. 

As Ayato leaves the cafe after giving both Thoma and his mother farewell, Thoma finds himself sitting in your favorite spot, only this time, he was alone.

–

You couldn’t help but feel amazed by Liyue’s airport as you head over towards the exit, looking around the place as if you’re in a whole new world–

You suddenly bumped into someone, muttering out an apology in embarrassment. Great, first day and you aren’t paying attention to your surroundings!

You paused when you realized the stranger, who also muttered an apology and left, dropped a pocket watch on the ground.

Quickly grabbing the pocket watch, you instantly rush over to the stranger who’s walking side by side with another man, memorizing what words to say in your head. 

“Sir!” You called, and the stranger turned around in confusion. 

“You dropped this,” You said, showing him the pocket watch. “Sorry again for bumping into you, by the way.” 

The man’s eyes slightly widen, slowly grabbing the watch from you. “Thank you.” 

You nodded with a smile. “It’s no problem.” 

Without another word, you immediately ran off from the two men, not realizing how a few people, particularly the paparazzi, were staring at you with wide eyes. 

“My, I’m surprised they didn’t know about us two, Diluc.” Kaeya spoke in amusement, watching you go away. “You’re lucky they gave you that pocket watch. I’m not sure what would happen to you if you lost your father's watch after he just died.”

Diluc, the man you came up to, glared at Kaeya. “Watch your mouth before I make sure you’re not going to my private plane on our way back to Mondstadt.” 

Since then, the woman finds herself enjoying her time with the blue-haired man. Every moment shared between them has all made her smile so wide, her cheeks start to hurt from it. 

As expected, Ayato is a lovely man. Not only does he respect her opinions, what she stands for, has a lot of things in common, and cares about his family as much as she does with her father, but he has also understood her more than she could understand herself. It honestly felt like she was Cinderella who met her Prince Charming. 

Not to mention how she and Ayato are in the same college, much to her delight. The universe must be trying to make them be together!

With this in mind, she went through a lot of effort in trying to gain her crush’s attention. Whether it’d be giving him a short love letter that wishes him well for his day, giving him snacks that she “accidentally” brought too much of, walking with him from the dormitory to the university, and so on and so forth. 

She felt like she didn't deserve to even be considered as Ayato’s spouse, but it doesn’t hurt to be selfish and try, right? Besides, he tolerated all of the things she does for him, so that has to mean something!

So when Ayato took her to one of his favorite places, a cafe that his best friend, Thoma, is working in, and asked her out on a date, she did not hesitate to say yes. 

And now, after a few arrangements and patience here and there, she’s finally getting married to the love of her life. 

What a happily ever after, she’d thought while dreamily staring at the engagement ring Ayato put on her ring finger. 

That’s what she thought of at least. 

It happened one night, both were exhausted from greeting all the guests that had arrived in Mondstadt for the wedding and are currently lying down on their shared bed facing each other, when Chisato heard something she had never heard often from her fiancé.

“( Name ).” He whispered in his sleep, his eyebrows starting to furrow as the woman beside him felt her breath hitch, as if the wind had knocked out of her breath.

It was only one whisper and one time, 

But it was enough for Chisato to wake up from her stupid fantasy.

To Hiiragi, you’re someone special to Ayato. 

When Thoma accidentally brought up your name when he and Ayato were conversing in the cafe with Chisato, the both of them stayed silent – it was a long silence that made her incredibly concerned – until Ayato immediately explained to her about how you’re just someone he and Thoma consider as their best friend due to how you three have been friends for a long time.

The woman didn’t persist in knowing more about you, but from the look on Ayato’s face, it was enough for her to think that you’re someone he holds dear.

It was truly unfortunate that the blue-haired man never got the chance to introduce her to you during college, and she excused it as him being too busy or you being unavailable to meet her due to your classes. 

However, she did see you often around the school grounds. 

Sometimes, she’d see you walking around the hallway talking with your friends, helping out a person picking up the things they dropped from tripping, holding your laughter with your friends while studying in the library, and even walking back to your dormitory from the university sometimes alone. 

Chisato would be lying if she said she didn’t want to be friends with you. She could see why you’d easily get along well with Ayato and Thoma. 

When Ayato suggested inviting you to the invitation, Chisato didn’t think much of it, assuming that he’s only inviting you to have a reunion with your friend group and because she’s looking forward to meeting you at last.

But now, it all makes sense. 

The way her fiancé didn’t get the chance to let her meet you, the way his friends would look away from her if she ever mentions your name, and the whispers that lingered whenever she and Ayato walk down the school hallways together whilst holding hands – 

Something happened between the two of you and Ayato took the chance to invite you to his wedding and fix it. 

The thing is, what happened between the two of you anyway? 

Surely.. It’s not that, right?

Chisato stares down at Ayato’s sleeping face before turning around and having her back facing him, conflict flashes her eyes. 

Did… Ayato ever mentioned to her about having an ex?

The woman inhales sharply. 

“Don’t be affected by this,” She mumbles to herself, raising the blankets higher to her shoulders to warm her from the cold room. “Maybe they just had a fight and are truly best friends.. Nothing more.” 

She doesn’t even know if she’s trying to convince or lie to herself.

–

You find yourself staring down at the bubbles in the bathtub as you sit motionlessly, your thoughts occupied with the events that had occurred hours ago. 

“Do you mind if…” Ayato pauses for a second. “If you and I could talk for a while?” 

You slightly furrowed your eyebrows, looking at the man. 

“..Talk about… What?” 

He looked as if he was taken back by surprise. “About… us back then. I would like to apologize for what I did to you.” He explains slowly, talking as if he’s reminding himself. 

You frowned even more. Why now of all times? Did he think that just because it’s all in the past means that you’ll easily forgive him unlike before?

“...Why now….?” You spoke. 

You held back your breath when you felt on the verge to cry, not wanting to sob again. The last time you cried was in front of a literal stranger – you can’t afford to let Zhongli of all people to hear you cry in the bathroom and then ask you about it– not when you don’t want to bother anyone with your burdened feelings that never seems to fade away.

Ever since your last encounter with Ayato, you couldn’t find yourself to stop thinking about it. How is he even going to explain himself? Why now? Why not when you’ve been trying to get his attention throughout the rest of the year in college like a fool? 

You clench your fists in anger. Angry that your ex has the guts to think he could apologize, angry that you are so helpless when facing him, and angry that you haven’t moved on from your foolish relationship even after how much time has passed. 

What was the point of going here?

You let out a sigh. It’s only been four days since I’ve arrived and yet here I am being stressed out instead of relaxing like how I wanted to. You thought.

You lean further back and lay down in the bathtub as you try to relax. You’re honestly grateful that Goth Grand Hotel provides bubble bath products for you to use since you could really use something to help you relax.

It was only when a few moments later had passed when you realized one important thing.

“Crap… Do I have an outfit for the joint bachelor party?” You mumbled, sitting up from your position as you thought of whether or not you brought another formal outfit that suits the upcoming party. 

When you can't recall anything, you scratch the back of your neck with a sigh. 

You suppose it won’t hurt to do a little shopping. 

–

“I’ll be going out to buy some clothes for the joint bachelor party,” You spoke to Zhongli as you fixed your clothing in front of the mirror that’s outside the bathroom, “would you like to come with me and help me out?” 

When you turned around to look at Zhongli, he looked agitated, as though he’s bothered by something. 

“As much as I’m interested in shopping with you today, I unfortunately have some things to do.” He explains with an apologetic look on his face. “Remember that… rascal…?” 

“...Who?” You asked, taken back by surprise from the fact that Zhongli has said a word that you haven’t heard him saying until now. 

A stiff smile forms on his face. “...The ginger.” 

His response instantly clicked in your head, letting out an “ah” sound as you recall Tartaglia and his antics in trying to befriend your plus one. Even now, you still don’t even know why the man is so desperate to be friends with the gentleman. Did Zhongli really catch his eye that much?

You then let out a snort. “You call him a rascal?”

“Is he not?” He responded nonchalantly. 

“What are you going to do with him again?” 

“He has invited me for dinner.” Zhongli responds, letting out a sigh. “I thought I shouldn’t reject such an offer since he mentioned going to a 5-star restaurant and booked a table for us before I could even reject it. It would be a waste of opportunity to try it out, correct?”

You chuckled, grabbing your items before heading towards the door. “Alright, whatever you say. I’ll be back before 21:00 if I manage to find a good outfit for the party.” 

He waved you goodbye. “Very well, stay safe, ( Name ).” He then gestures to your phone. “Call me if you ever get in trouble or need my help. If I could recall, the restaurant I’ll be going to is not too far from where the mall is, which is not too far from here as well.” 

You nodded in understanding. “I’ll remember that. See you later, Zhongli.”

Without another word, you left the room, thinking of what to do for tomorrow since you have no plans for that day either. Maybe going to the spa isn’t so bad, or go around the city to find some souvenirs to bring home to, but resting the whole day sounds tempting as well–

Your thoughts of your schedule for tomorrow had all instantly gone silent when you suddenly thought of one thing. 

Would Ayato try to confront me at the party? 

You clutch your phone tightly, anxious from the thought of the man trying to talk to you about the past in a public place. 

You honestly still couldn’t understand why he’s even trying. 

Did he not remember what you had told him back then?

It took one month before you finally got to talk to Ayato again, 

When you did, it was perhaps the last time you ever swore to go to him for the rest of your life. 

“Ayato, please.” You call him as you try to follow him outside the place where everyone’s celebrating an after-exams party. “You still haven’t given me an explanation! Why can’t you do this one simple thing? Don’t I deserve to know why you left?”

“I’ve told you already, I’ve fallen out of love with you–”

“But why?”

“Isn’t it obvious already?” He snaps, stopping his tracks and turns around to look at you. “I have too much on my plate. You know how much the Yashiro Company  (1)  depends on me, and I cannot let something such as you burden me–”

“What about Chisato?! The last time I checked–”

“This is different,” He interrupts. “You are different.” 

You scoffed. “What does she have that I don’t? Is it the money? Her reputation? Her company?!” 

He stays silent for a moment, and despite being with him for so many years, his expression right now is something you have never seen before. 

“My love.” 

Those words are enough to make your eyes widen as your breath hitches.

“...What do you mean?” You breathe out, watching as something flashes through his eyes when he realizes what he said. It must’ve been a regret for confessing what he said. 

“Unlike you,” He hesitates for a moment before letting out a sigh of defeat, “she has my love.” 

It took a few minutes for you to process what he had just said, when it did, you felt like the whole world – your own world –  was crashing down around you. 

Ayato didn’t even let you speak, he continued talking more, 

“For the past months ever since I’ve broken up with you, I have tolerated every single time you try to come up to me in the university and outside.” He explains. “I thought you’d stop when you get the hint that we’ll never get back together, but you just had to be this desperate for me to say it again and again.” 

“Stop it.” You whispered.

He didn’t stop. “No, you stop this. This will be the last day you and I will talk to each other about this again. We’ve been officially over long ago and we’re nothing more than just friends–”

“You’ve gone too far for me to even consider you as a friend,” You snapped, lips trembling as you feel like your heart is burning in devastation. “I can’t believe it took you this long to tell me the reason why you left me!” 

You took a step forward towards the man, who was taken back by surprise from your sudden change of attitude. “From now on, this will be the last day I’ll ever talk to you or see you again.” 

Just when he opens his mouth to speak up, you place your index finger against his chest. “Whether you like it or not, it no longer matters to me. You can tolerate it, right?” 

–

Zhongli was definitely not wrong when he said the mall wasn’t too far from where the hotel is, so you only decided to go there by foot. When you arrive, there’s a lot of clothing stores you could choose from, all containing fashionable outfits displayed by the windows. However, you decided to go to a certain clothing store that you frequently go to back when you’re in Liyue since the clothes there are comfortable and suit your taste in outfits.

Hence how you find yourself strolling all around the store looking for another good outfit whilst holding other clothes to try on later.

You’ve thought deeply of the possible outfits you could wear despite having already a lot of clothes to try on on your hands. A matching outfit with your plus one isn’t too bad, so is an outfit that doesn’t stand out much and won’t catch anyone’s eyes, but an outfit that makes you feel confident doesn’t sound bad either. 

Ah, so many choices. You thought with a frown. If only I have a companion with me, then maybe I wouldn’t look weird walking around the place like a hawk.

It seems the universe had heard your wish, because as soon as you went to a certain area of the store, a familiar voice called out your name.

“( Name ) ?” Thoma spoke in a surprised tone, causing you to turn around and see the blonde-haired man standing not too far away from where you are with a tuxedo on his hand, your eyes brightening at the sight of him. 

Finally, a companion!

“Thoma!” You greeted enthusiastically, walking towards the man. “What a lovely surprise, I didn’t expect to encounter you here!” 

“So did I! Are you here to shop for the bachelor party as well?” 

You nodded, your smile grew wider. “You too?” 

He showed you a tuxedo suit, copying your smile. “My suit got destroyed when my roommate accidentally spilled coffee on it, so I decided to go and buy a new one since I don’t think the suit will be clean when the party starts.” He explains. “What about you?”

You then look down at your hands, feeling your cheeks warm in embarrassment from the amount of clothes you’re holding. “Well… I wouldn’t say I have one for the party since I forgot it at home, so I came to visit the shop.” 

Being the sweetheart Thoma is, he didn’t mind the amount of clothes on your hands. “I see… Do you need some help in choosing your outfit?”

A part of you thought about accepting his offer instantly, but another part of you also thought about not wanting to bother your dear friend with something such as this. 

You let out a polite laugh. “I wouldn’t want to bother you, I’m sure you have matters to do for the bachelor party–”

“Nonsense! I’m actually free for the rest of the night, so I’m willing to take my time to help out, especially if it’s you.” 

You felt relieved from hearing his words. “Oh thank goodness. I honestly can’t decide which one I want – you can purchase your clothes first, I’ll head over to the changing room and start changing.” 

He nodded in response, giving you a thumbs up. “Will do. I won’t be long!”

–

For the next hour, it was all a blur. 

Thoma definitely didn’t disappoint you when he finally chose which outfit suits you best, you agreed with his choice and it basically hit the criteria you needed for the bachelor party, so you went to the cashier register and bought it. 

When the both of you walked out from the store, Thoma asked if you could spend dinner with him, to which you agreed willingly, wanting to properly catch up with your best friend after years of not seeing him since you left to go to Liyue. 

When you accepted, he instantly took you to one of Mondstadt’s infamous restaurants and said how he had always wanted to try it out ever since he arrived in his homeland. You’d be lying if you said the excited look on Thoma’s face isn’t endearing and infectious. 

Right now, the two of you were eating your meals in the exquisite restaurant, enjoying each other’s company. 

“No way, Itto won an eating competition against Miss Miko?!” Thoma exclaims, his eyes scream fascination. “What was the reason?” 

You laughed at his reaction in amusement. “Yep, they had a competition over a seat in Uyuu Restaurant – I honestly couldn’t believe he won since the foods have beans in them.” You explained, your cheeks started to hurt from smiling so much. 

The blonde-haired man gasps. “And he ate 32 bowls of it?!” 

“Yes!” 

The two of you laughed, ignoring how you received a few looks from people around you. 

“You know, this reminds me of back when we used to chat like this in the cafe.” He spoke honestly, slowly calming down from laughing. “How long has it been since we last talked to each other like this?” 

Now that you think about it, you do miss the times when you’d visit Thoma’s cafe to talk to him about anything. With all that has happened in college, you actually couldn’t remember the last time you actually talked to Thoma like this. Was it 2 years ago? Or 3?

You shrugged in response. “Perhaps 3 or less years ago.” 

“That long, huh?” 

You hummed. 

Suddenly, Thoma’s face lights up when he remembers something. “Oh right! Before I forgot to ask, would you like to get some desserts afterwards? I heard that there’s one certain store that sells lovely desserts that are to die for!” 

You nodded eagerly with a small smile, taking a bite of your food that was almost forgotten for a moment. “Sure.” 

Just like that, the both of you continued talking happily for the rest of the night. By the time you had left the restaurant with full stomachs, the two of you tried to find the store that Thoma was talking about. When you did, you felt like your mouth started watering at the sight of the delicious delicacies. 

“...This might sound a bit out of nowhere, but I’m glad I got to see you again.” He confessed, causing your thoughts to be cut off as you look up at the man in surprise. The two of you sat next to each other by the stools in the dessert shop, eating the desserts you bought together. “I always wondered how you’ve been – even though we chatted every now and then in messages – so when I saw you for the first time in years and seeing you being so happy, it made me feel at ease.” 

Your mouth was slightly open agape, unsure how to respond to his words. 

If only you knew I'm only this happy because of our time together. You thought to yourself, suddenly remembering the incident with Ayato earlier. 

But then again, there were other things that had happened besides the incident. 

You remembered the time when Diluc comforted you after taking you away from Ayato. 

“Why… Why does he get to be happy and I don’t?” You whimpered. 

He suddenly walked towards you, his steps were careful and cautious. “I’m sorry that this is happening to you.” He spoke, his voice unsure if he’s using the right words or not.

A black handkerchief is suddenly in your still blurry vision. It dawns on you that Diluc is offering his clean handkerchief to you in order to wipe your tears away. 

You hesitantly grabbed the cloth from him and wiped all of your tears. “Thank you… Mr. Ragnvindr.” You whispered. 

“It’s the least I can do.” He spoke softly. “There’s no need to thank me.” 

“...I am happy,” You said, your eyes softened at the thought of Diluc’s heartwarming actions towards you. “I can’t say I’ve completely moved on but… I suppose it’s better than my disastrous self back then.” Because I have people who care about me. You thought to yourself, smiling at the thought of your friends. 

“That’s good to hear.” Thoma responds. “Oh and uhm.. Rest assured that I’ll make sure to help you if you ever feel uncomfortable at the joint party, alright?”

“Oh you don’t have to do that, Thoma.” You spoke with a shake of your head. “I’ll be fine.”

“I insist.” He reassures you. “Never forget that you and I are friends, so don’t hesitate to call me if you need me, ok?” 

You try to protest about it, only to find yourself not being able to say anything and sigh in defeat. “...Alright. But you don’t have to check up on me at the party, I have Zhongli with me the whole time.” You added. 

“Can’t promise you that,” He said, “as the host of the party, it’s only my duty to make sure my guests are accommodated.” 

You laughed at the way he talked so formally. “Sure, sure. Whatever you say.” 

Despite reassuring Thoma you’ll be okay, his words surely did make you feel comfortable and at ease for the upcoming party. Perhaps this hangout was the one thing you needed to forget about your worries about Ayato.

If only you could truly see how Thoma looks at you.

A look that others would give to someone they truly treasure and love. 

With this in mind, has Thoma ever taken his eyes off of you the whole night you’ve spent with him?

DAN'S NOTES !

"You know how much the Yashiro Company  (1)"

in the previous chapter, ayato's mother referred the company as "yashiro business" so this may have confused a few readers here. "yashiro company" is the name of ayato's business, so his mother mentioned "yashiro business" in a way that refers to the entire business that includes the company itself.

UPDATE: tysm @anemoarchonhoe for letting me know about the mistake i made with hiiragi chisato — i got so used to referring her as hiiragi that it slipped my mind that her first name is chisato 😭😭😭

2

“i’m okay,” you assured xiao as you tried to hide the struggling look on your face while going through another episode of your karmic debt, your friend holding you to prevent you from falling down to the ground. although you can’t look at xiao right now, you can tell he’s visibly worried for you. “there’s no need to… there’s no need to worry, i’m still breathing and am well–”

“from the way you breathe, you’re obviously not alright.” he chastises with an annoyed huff. “i experience the same things, ( name ). you can’t lie your way out again.” 

you let out a small laugh, only to wince and start looking for something to sit on. “it… it was worth a shot. just give me a moment to breathe, i might drag you down to the ground with my weight if i fall down.” 

xiao couldn’t help but gawk at the fact that you’re actually joking at a time like this, helping you walk towards a chair nearby. “you should rest. i can deal with the hunt alone, i’ll try to–”

before he could take a step forward towards the ledge of the balcony, you immediately held his wrist, your other hand clutches your chest. 

“stay,” you whispered. “just for a minute longer.” 

he opens his mouth to protest, but stops himself when he sees your fragile state. it dawns on him when he sees the exhausted look on your face as well as your fatigued body, and it instantly reminded him of the past that he never wanted to come back to: a past where it’s nothing but agony and a never-ending suffering.

he slowly stood beside you, and you leaned your head on his body, feeling comforted by his warmth and reassurance that you’re not alone. 

“...i don’t want to leave,” you whispered suddenly, closing your eyes shut. “i don’t want to be like the others and leave you alone in this world.” 

xiao stays silent for a minute before he speaks, his tone reassuring.

“you won’t lose me either.” 

and from that moment alone, you felt your heart skip a beat.

3

“i’m okay,” you spoke as you coughed for a concerning amount of times. you hated how it instantly ruined the so-called peaceful atmosphere that you and xiao relished as the lanterns shone brightly in the night sky. “i accidentally choked on my own saliva, my bad– cough.”

xiao couldn’t help but not believe you, but he decided to not persist, thinking he’s just overthinking. 

you put your hands away as soon as you confirmed yourself that your coughing fit is over. “i must admit, liyue has outdone themselves with the festival.” you commented, trying to bring back the peaceful atmosphere with a small conversation. “i’m surprised you rejected the traveler while watching the festival with them, may i know what made you refuse their offer?” 

xiao crosses his arms, leaning against the branch behind him. “i simply accepted them before because you weren’t here. i wouldn’t want you to watch the lanterns alone anyway.” 

you feel your cheeks warming, giving him a genuine smile. “i’m flattered that you thought of me, but you mustn’t let me stop you from going to your new friends–”

“i’d rather spend the festival with you than with someone else.” he interrupts. “besides, i promised you i’d always watch it with you, am i wrong?” 

your eyes slightly widen in surprise. he still remembers that memory?

as if he read your mind, he spoke. “i could still remember that promise since it was the first time i’ve seen you smile.” 

“...is that so?” you whispered, watching him nod in response.

as xiao looks up at the lanterns with his lips twitching upwards, you try to wipe off the blood-stained qingxin petals from the branch you’re sitting on, feeling your heart weigh you down from the thought of how you have the rare disease of unrequited love.

just this once, you prayed to any gods above who could hear your prayers. please… don’t let this disease take me away from him.

4

“i’m okay, xiao,” you spoke as you wiped your tears away, hearing the faint sounds of the yaksha knocking on your door gently. “you can hunt without me.. i feel under the weather.” 

“did something happen?” he asks in concern. “are you.. are you going through the karmic debt?”

you sniffed. “no.. it’s nothing, really. please go.” 

you could no longer tell what he was saying, his voice growing fainter as you feel the familiar feeling of flowers slowly creeping up towards your throat. not now, not when he’s here–!

you place your hands around your neck, hoping it would prevent the qingxin flowers from coming out from your mouth for just a moment. 

more tears started to form in your eyes as you struggled to breathe, not realizing how xiao stopped talking due to the fact that you’re no longer responding to his questions. 

you then gagged out the petals, gasping for air as you watched in horror from the amount of flowers coming out from you. how could a person spit out so many flowers..?

“...i’ll return when i’m done hunting.” xiao suddenly spoke, causing you to flinch and look up at the door. “call me when you need me.” 

you watch as the shadow that looms over the door fades, and you let out a small sigh of relief, slowly standing up from the ground. it’s embarrassing how he almost caught you having a mental breakdown and another bloody coughing fit because of some unrequited love.

you then remembered the words verr goldet told you when she caught sight of you coughing out the flowers, and it had haunted you for sleepless nights.

“i.. i may not understand you and a yaksha’s morals,” she said, letting out a breath before continuing. “but please, don’t let this suffer you. i know a doctor who can cure your disease should you decide to not confess to the person.” 

you crossed your arms, trying to mute out the sounds of traveler and paimon laughing upstairs with the quiet yaksha. “what’s the price if i were to accept your suggestion?” 

the woman hesitates for a moment. 

“...you will no longer feel.”

to hell i’d no longer feel. you cursed in your thoughts. i’d rather suffer with this stupid disease than not having the ability to feel.

you looked at the mirror nearby, wincing at the sight of your haggard and sickly look as well as the blood around your mouth from the incident earlier. 

“...i’ll just make the most of my time from now on.”

5

“i’m okay,” you said with a small smile as you held xiao’s hand reassuringly. “we’ll be okay.”

surely enough, it only took a couple of weeks before you found yourself lying down on the bed that the wangshu inn provided, the hanahaki disease grew worse. 

it didn’t take long before he found out either. 

the yaksha tries to hide the solemn look on his face, squeezing your now fragile hand. “just.. tell me who on teyvat made you like this. i’ll drag them here and… and…” 

“i’m afraid that’s not possible for me to do, xiao.” because that person is you.

your eyes glanced at where the honorary knight and paimon were, the two watched you with sad eyes as they felt helpless from your situation. you appreciated the fact that they’re willing to find some cure for you that didn’t involve the dreaded consequences of not being able to have emotions anymore.

“take care of him for me.” you mouthed towards the traveler, who nods slowly in understanding.

you then pat xiao’s head. “i’m sorry i have to leave you like this, friend.” you said with a soft tone. “when the world is kinder, i hope we can meet again someday without these silly burdens–” 

xiao immediately brings up the bucket as you feel the flowers coming up once more before coughing out the qingxin petals out towards the bucket. if only you knew how his heart ached at the sickly sight. 

when it was over, you tried to relax. “...xiao,”

“i’m glad i have someone like you by my side.” 

you suddenly felt exhausted, your eyes tried not to close themselves shut. “may you live your life well, that’s my… only wish.” 

his eyes scream of desperation, begging the gods above to stop yourself from leaving him alone. “...i can’t promise you such a wish.”

you hummed. “i wasn’t asking you to,” 

your vision starts to blacken. “because of you, i have lived well over these past few years.” 

“thank you for being by my side, adeptus xiao.” 

it felt like the world crashed when you let out your last breath, a sign that you’re no longer in this world, and a sign that you’re no longer going to be with xiao for the rest of your lives. 

xiao lowers his head, his hand still holds onto your now limped hand as he silently mourns. 

 –

After eating breakfast together, you decided to go out and buy some items in the convenience store nearby when you remembered how you don’t have food in the hotel room (at least, not free ones). 

Luckily for you, most of the foods that you usually eat that are made in Liyue are found in the convenience store, so that’s what you grabbed (as well as foods that Zhongli wants you to buy for him). You also decided to buy a few foods that are made in Mondstadt, particularly their fine beverages.

So when you grabbed the only grape juice – something that Zhongli wanted – that remained in the stall, someone else also grabbed it. 

And that someone else is none other than Diluc Ragnvindr. 

“...Mr. Ragnvindr.” You greeted once more, still holding the grape juice. 

“...Mx. ( Last Name ).” He responded once more, also holding the grape juice.

“I see you’re trying to get the grape juice,” You said, “I didn’t know you like them.” That was technically a lie, but also somewhat the truth. You never thought he’d seemed to be the type to like such a beverage until you spotted him drinking the grape juice that was available by the buffet when you and Zhongli were on your way out. 

“Likewise.” He retorts. 

The both of you then fell silent, your hands still holding the grape juice. 

You then decided to let go of the drink, giving him a polite smile. “You can have the juice if you want it, take it as my gratitude for purchasing the champagne flutes.” You offered. 

He shook his head in protest, letting go of the drink as well. “No, no. You were the first one to touch the drink, it’s more fair if you were the one who gets to have it. I insist.”

You raise an eyebrow. He’s really not gonna try and be nice here like you, is he? “Well, I insist. I was planning to buy other beverages so you can have that.” 

“And I insist that you take it–”

From those words alone, you immediately grab the juice and place it down in your cart, leaving Diluc speechless from your sudden movement. “Well if you insist then, Mr. Ragnvindr.” You commented with a fake laugh. “I’ll surely pay you back someday for your generosity once more.” 

The man stared at you as conflict ran through his face, and you decided to take your leave from him with an embarrassed look on your face. I apologize Mr. Ragnvindr, but you have to blame Zhongli for this! You thought to yourself, remembering how Zhongli threatened you that if you forgot to buy the grape juice he wants, he’ll give you every single seafood that Tartaglia will give him for the rest of the week. 

As soon as you finished checking out all the foods and bought them, you immediately walked out from the convenience store in hopes of not encountering the man again.

By the time you came back to your hotel room after the long walk, your friend was sitting by the chair looking at you. 

“Welcome back, did you get all the items?” 

You nod with a nervous smile, placing the groceries on top of the table as you start pulling out the items you bought, causing Zhongli to stand up and help you unpack as well. “Uh, yeah. Surprisingly the convenience store has most of the items that are from Liyue.” 

When you pulled out the grape juice, you instantly froze, remembering the incident that occurred earlier. 

Zhongli instantly noticed. “Are you alright?” 

You immediately placed the grape juice away in embarrassment. 

“N-Nothing happened!” 

You took a mental note to yourself to make Zhongli be the one to do the shopping instead. 

–

“I’ll come back in an hour,” Zhongli said as he walked out from the bathroom in his gym outfit, “in case i’m not back until then and so, feel free to eat lunch without me.”

You hum in response, waving him goodbye. “Alright, take care, Zhongli.”

He smiles in response, grabbing some of his things before taking his leave, leaving you alone in the room for the next hour. 

However, you couldn't help but feel as if there’s something that’s not right. 

You thought deeply and wonder if you’re forgetting something you shouldn’t be forgetting, only to shrug to yourself and think it’s nothing.

Until you receive a message from Zhongli. 

You immediately looked to check on Zhongli’s nightstand, spotting his hotel card and wallet.

Typical Zhongli, you thought to yourself with a mental facepalm before standing up from your bed to get his items. From how much you’ve spent time with the man, you’re no longer surprised by him forgetting his wallet often.

You grab your bag and place his items (as well as your own hotel card) inside while heading towards the door, making sure that there’s nothing else important that Zhongli needs before exiting the room. 

By the time you stand in front of the elevator waiting for it to arrive on your floor, you start remembering the encounters you had with Diluc, causing you to inhale sharply and close your eyes shut from embarrassment. 

Ding!

You open your eyes when you hear the elevator arrive and enter the platform, trying to forget the memories. Either way, you just hope you’ll never encounter the red-haired man again after all that happened. 

Thankfully, the gym floor is only one floor away from where you and Zhongli are staying, so it won’t take a while to wait.

When the elevator stops on the floor that’s between your floor and the gym floor, you continued to space out, thinking of what to do next after lunch.

After waiting for a while, the machine slowly closes its doors since there was no one to enter the platfor—

Suddenly, an arm stops the elevator from closing, causing you to yelp in surprise.

“Sorry.” The stranger spoke, his voice made you freeze.

No way. You thought with wide eyes, seeing the familiar streaks of red hair as soon as the elevator opened. Why is he here?!

When Diluc realizes you’re here again, he freezes. The two of you stare at each other like deer caught in headlights. 

“...Mr. Ragnvindr.” You greeted.

“...Mx. ( Last Name ).” He responded, clearing his throat before entering the elevator. 

You look away from his direction, trying to look at something to stare at while waiting for the elevator to stop on your floor. You then decided to look at the buttons nearby, noticing how the gym floor’s the only one that’s lit up.

“...You’re going to the gym?” You ask, only to wince to yourself. Of course he’s going to the gym if he didn’t press any other buttons, idiot!

Diluc nodded. “I thought the gym was on the previous floor until a housekeeper told me I was on the wrong floor when I asked them.”

You nodded slowly with an “ah” sound, not wanting to ask anymore in fear of saying something embarrassing. 

“Are you going to the gym as well?” He asks. 

It took you a few seconds to process his question before you hum in response. “I’m just visiting there for my friend. He forgot to bring his items from our hotel room as always.” You let out a small laugh, trying to lighten up the awkward atmosphere. 

Before any of you could speak more, the elevator lets out a “Ding!”, causing you to look up at the floor number and realize you’re now at the gym floor, causing you to let out a quiet sigh of relief.

You then looked at where Diluc was standing and shot him a polite but stiff smile. “See you uh, next time, Mr. Ragnvindr.” You said before walking out rushedly from the elevator, not letting him respond to your words. 

When you entered the reception area of the gym, you immediately caught the sight of Zhongli standing not too far away waiting for your arrival, his eyes brightening up when he noticed your arrival. 

“Thank you for bringing them, I was supposed to come up by myself but the reception didn’t let me–” He stops himself from talking when he notices your expression. 

“...Nothing happened?” He asks, an amused smile grew on his face.

“Nothing happened.” You replied immediately. 

–

After handing Zhongli’s items back to the man, you immediately return to your hotel room and watch TV for the rest of the time in hopes of forgetting about Diluc. When your friend came back and finished taking a bath, the two of you went to the second floor to eat lunch. 

You then encountered Miko(1) and Ei, who then invited you to have a chat with them in the lounge area.  

“Take care, ( Name ).” Miko spoke as you, her, and Ei stood up from your seats after having countless conversations with one another. You only realized just now that an hour had passed ever since you came across your friends. “We’ll see you at the joint bachelor and bachelorette party on September 28. You better attend!” 

You nodded assuringly with a smile. “Of course, of course. I don’t want to miss out on the food.” 

The three of you then went your separate ways, with you heading towards the elevator that’s the nearest to your room. 

On your way down however, you couldn’t help but feel as if someone was watching you. 

Your curiosity soon faded away when you noticed something – or someone rather – standing somewhere not too far away from where you are.

Now, you’d expect you’d see the red-haired man once more after everything that happened today. However, that was not the case. 

Rather than Diluc Ragnvindr, you saw Kamisato Ayato–

And he is staring at you.

Your face dropped when you saw him, looking away from his direction and mentally begging that he won’t try to come up here to talk to you, knowing that you won’t be able to get out of the conversation unless someone interrupts you. 

When you glance at Ayato once more, your heart drops at the sight of him walking towards you with an unexplainable expression. Out of all the things that could’ve happened today, you wished Ayato not interacting with you was one of them. 

But today was not your day, it seems. 

You tried to walk away and pretend you didn’t notice, only to accidentally bump into someone and almost stumble on your steps, only to be held back by someone behind you. 

From just the way the stranger holds you alone, you knew who it is. 

“...Mr. Kamisato.” You spoke, immediately taking a few steps away from the man without hesitation and looked away with a small frown. 

“...Are you alright?” He asks, glancing behind him to see the person who bumped into you, only to find no one much to his dismay. They didn’t even give you an apology! “It’s a good thing I managed to catch up, it’d be a shame if my guest became injured during such a special occasion–”

“Thank you,” You interrupted, trying to make sure your voice doesn’t sound shaky. “I apologize for disturbing you with my recklessness, I’ll be going no–”

You held back a yelp when you felt his hand wrapped around your wrist in order to stop you. “Do you mind if…” He pauses for a second. “If you and I could talk for a while?” 

You slightly furrowed your eyebrows, looking at the man. 

“..Talk about… What?” 

He looked as if he was taken back by surprise. “About… us back then. I would like to apologize for what I did to you.” He explains slowly, talking as if he’s reminding himself. 

You frowned even more. Why now of all times? Did he think that just because it’s all in the past means that you’ll easily forgive him unlike before?

“...Why now….?” You spoke. 

Ayato was taken back. “...Pardon?” 

You move your hand away from his grip with a conflicted look on your face. It honestly felt like all the feelings that you have shut away back then have suddenly opened from just those words. Why? Why did it have to be like this? Why are you the one suffering while he isn’t? 

It was evident that you have to face the fact that you still couldn’t move on from the heartbreak. 

“Did… Did you expect me to easily forgive you, Mr. Kamisato?” You spoke shakily. You could no longer find yourself to have the courage to even look at him in the face and not remember what you went through. 

You didn’t notice the way his face drops from your explanation, his mouth open agape as he tries to come up with words to say. 

The moment was instantly over when someone suddenly intervened in the conversation. 

“Ayato, my son! I have been looking all over for you!” Ayato’s father, Mr. Kamisato spoke lightheartedly as he came up to the blue-haired man, ignoring your presence along the way. “And who are you talking to that made you so distracted from not being able to hear me calling you?”

You felt your heart dropped when you heard Mr. Kamisato’s voice, and you felt absolutely even more suffocated than ever. 

When the elder saw you, he changed to a completely different person. 

“...Mx. ( Last Name ).” He greeted with a grim smile. 

You bowed in response. “Good afternoon, Mr. Kamisato. I hope you’ve been doing well.” 

“Oh I have. Today was a splendid day since I got to spend time with my son before he married his lovely fiancée.” He explains.

His grim smile then turns to a sympathetic one. “How about you? How have you been after so many years?”

Your smile turned stiff.

You aren’t sure which one you preferred, to have your first love’s parents despise you or to have your first love’s parents become sympathetic with you.

Either way, you couldn’t bear to bring yourself to hate them all.

“Thank you for deciding to spend the holiday with us, ( Name ).” Mrs. Kamisato spoke as you help her out in cooking meals whilst Ayato and Ayaka are busy arranging the table. “I know you might be wondering why we don’t have any maids in our household, but I thought it would be better if our family could at least experience Christmas without our staff. They deserve to spend it with their own families too, you know?” 

You nodded in understanding, giving Ayato’s mother a grateful smile. “It’s alright, Mrs. Kamisato. I understand completely. I’m just honored that you invited me to celebrate with you and your family.” 

The woman laughs in delight. “How flattering! If anything, I’m the one who’s honored. It’s been so long since I’ve seen my son being so happy until now.” 

You felt taken back by surprise. “I-Is that so?” 

She nods, glancing back to where Ayato and Ayaka are. “Yes.. Of course, Ayato is always happy with us, he loves his family after all. But we never saw his smile reaching his eyes often.” She proceeds to pour some seasonings on her cooking. “Maybe it’s because of the burdens he has to carry as the heir of the Yashiro business, or perhaps it’s because he was too exhausted from everything going on to him.” 

The woman looks away to stir her cooking, smiling so fondly. “So when I first saw you walking in that door and heard you laughing with Ayato, I knew you’re the one for him.” 

You looked at where Ayato is as well, your heart was absolutely soaring. Was Ayato really that happy to have you in his home and meet his parents?

“...I.. I didn’t know that.” You spoke softly. 

She suddenly stops cooking for a moment, looking at you. “I don’t mind if you would become Ayato’s spouse.” She explained honestly. “I would be at peace knowing that my dearest son is happy with the person he’s in love with for the rest of his life.” 

“So thank you, ( Name ),” 

“Thank you for making him happier.” 

You swallowed a lump in your throat, trying to smile with all you can. “I’ve been doing great, Mr. Kamisato.” 

You could see the way Ayato tries to interrupt the both of you to talk, but it seems as if his father wouldn’t let him. “That’s good to know. I’m relieved that my son and my future daughter-in-law have chosen a good destination.”

You try to think of a way to get out of this conversation, glancing frantically around your surroundings as your hands start to fidget anxiously. “Indeed they did, I should uhm.. I should get along now, I forgot that I have an appointment that’s due.” 

Before Mr. Kamisato could say a word, Ayato finally talked. “I can escort you if you’d like. I’m on my way towards the elevator as well.” 

“Ah, let’s not bother Mx. ( Last Name ), son.” Mr. Kamisato spoke immediately, eyeing at your direction with a concerned look. “I’m sure Mx. ( Last Name ) can go to where they need to be without you. We wouldn’t want people to misunderstand the situation if they ever see you two together, right?” 

You blinked a few times, looking down at the ground in dread. You absolutely cannot go with Ayato towards your hotel room as you thought of the scenarios of what would’ve happen. What if people will make rumors about how I’m trying to win his heart back? What if I suddenly break down in front of him and make him find out that I wasn’t able to move on at all? What if–

Suddenly, you felt a looming presence behind you. 

“...Mx. ( Last Name ).” 

Your breath hitches when you hear his voice. 

“...Mr. Ragnvindr.” You breathe out, turning around to see the red-haired man with pleading eyes. Please get me out of here, you thought. 

“Oh? It seems you know Mx. ( Last Name ), Mr. Ragnvindr.” Mr. Kamisato spoke up in genuine surprise, causing you to look back at him and Ayato — whose face turned inexpressible at the sight of Diluc.

You notice how his father’s shoulders relax from the sight of the tycoon. “How unexpected, if I may be so bold to comment.”

Diluc hums in response. “Indeed we have. We actually just met a few days ago outside the hotel. We’re planning on visiting the.. Hotel’s restaurant to get to know each other more.” 

Ayato’s eyes slightly widened, and the red-haired man immediately clears his throat. “As friends, of course.” Diluc clarifies. 

If you looked at him now, you would’ve noticed the red shade on the red-haired man’s ears. 

You immediately laugh lightly. “Uhm, yes.. I was actually going upstairs to meet up with Mr. Ragnvindr there! B-But it seems I must’ve taken quite a while from how.. I was carried away with the conversation I had with you guys.” You explained, playing along to the lie that Diluc is trying to make.  

Ayato remains stoic, a stiff smile etched on his face. “I see.. I shouldn’t take your time too long then,” He then gives Diluc an acknowledged nod. “I hope you two will have fun. Shall we take our leave now, father?”

Mr. Kamisato immediately nods, relieved that his son finally gave in to letting you go. “Of course. I had a pleasant time with you, Mx. ( Last Name ) and Mr. Ragnvindr.” 

You nodded in response with a small smile. “I had a… pleasant time as well, Mr. Kamisato.” 

You honestly could care less about the fact that you didn’t talk nor mention the groom at all.

Without another word, the four of you went away to the opposite directions. 

It wasn’t until you and Diluc entered the elevator when the two of you finally spoke to each other.

“Are you.. Alright, Mx. ( Last Name )?” Diluc asks as the two of you stand across from one another inside the platform. “I apologize for not intervening sooner, I thought you can handle them on your own and I wasn’t sure if it’s right for me to meddle in.”

You nodded your head reassuringly. “It’s alright, thank you for what you did.. Mr. Ragnvindr.” A sad smile starts to form as you look down at the ground. “And… I’m alright.”

Your eyes start to blur as something drops on the floor. 

“I’m… alright…” 

The red-haired man’s eyes slightly widen at the sight of you suddenly crying, his body becoming stiff as he tries to think of what to do. 

“I’m… not… alright..” You whisper as you wipe your eyes to try and stop the tears. “Why.. Why did he.. Why did he decide to try and fix things up now?” 

At this point, you could no longer care about the fact that you’re having a breakdown in front of the very man who had witnessed all of your embarrassing moments that had transpired today. All you could think about was Ayato and his audacity to try and fix everything between the two of you after years of shunning you away.

“Why… Why does he get to be happy and I don’t?” You whimpered. 

He suddenly walked towards you, his steps were careful and cautious. “I’m sorry that this is happening to you.” He spoke, his voice unsure if he’s using the right words or not.

A black handkerchief is suddenly in your still blurry vision. It dawns on you that Diluc is offering you his clean handkerchief to you in order to wipe your tears away. 

You hesitantly grabbed the cloth from him and wiped all of your tears. “Thank you… Mr. Ragnvindr.” You whispered. 

“It’s the least I can do.” He spoke softly. “There’s no need to thank me.” 

“...I don’t know how to repay you.” You confessed, sniffing quietly as your tears finally stopped.  “You’ve bought the wedding gift, you let me grab the last grape juice in that convenience store, a-and now you gave me your handkerchief even when I’m like.. this.” 

“There’s nothing for you to be embarrassed about.” He reassures you with a small twitch upward on his mouth. “Anyone would do the same if they were in my place.” 

Diluc then walks a few backwards, thinking you need some space. “And you don’t have to worry about paying me back. Take these as my apology for bumping into you back then.” 

You processed what he said for a moment before letting a small laugh. “You’re.. You’re still not over with that?” 

You watched as he freezes. 

“Are you… not mad at me anymore?” 

You laughed again. “Of course not. You paying for the champagne flutes was already enough.” 

The man looked as if he found out one of the universe’s biggest secrets, an image you would’ve been amused at had it not been the fact that you’ve been crying. 

“…But if you say so, then I’ll take them all as your apologies.”

Suddenly, the elevator lets out a “Ding!”, signaling the two of you that you have arrived on your floor. 

To be quite frank, you honestly didn’t think Diluc would come and escort you back to your hotel room since you thought he'd go back to his own hotel room as well, but you didn’t bother stopping him since none of you talked again as you headed towards your hotel room.

It wasn’t until you saw how Diluc faced the room across from yours when you realized he wasn’t following you. 

“...” The both of you stare at each other when you realize one new thing about the other. 

“So,” You trailed off.

“...We’re neighbors.” Diluc finishes, unsure whether or not the universe is playing with the both of you. 

“..Goodbye Mr. Ragnvindr.”

“Goodbye as well, Mx. ( Last Name ).” 

You then place your hotel card in front of the lock, entering your door immediately once the door is opened. 

When you entered the room, you found Zhongli looking in your direction with a knowing look on his face, acting like a mother catching her child sneaking off from their house in the middle of the night. 

“Nothing happened?” He asks. 

You hesitated for a moment, and your mouth twitched upward, the reason for your now puffed up eyes was slowly forgotten. 

“Actually.. Something did happen. I just met our neighbor!”

DAN’S NOTES !

“ You then encountered Miko(1) ”

"Aw no way! J-just you wait! I'll be stronger than any of you!"

"I think he's trying to impress her." The older gods behind them giggled.

(2) We were immature and reckless

"You keep spending time with Guizhong!"

"What's wrong with spending time with Guizhong, (Y/n)?" Morax retorts, crossing his arms.

"If you see the way you look at her — anyone would think you're courting her instead of m-"

"You speak as if you don't take walks with the god of forests!"

"He's just a friend!" You look at him, frustration building up.

"And so is Guizhong! At least I don't cling to her the way you do to the god of for-"

"Archons, you're impossible to reason with! You're such a block head!"

"And you're overly sensitive!"

(3) The archon war was brewing

"Congratulations on solidifying your position, Morax. Or should I say Rex Lapis?" You greet him. It's been a hundred years since your last meeting, both busy developing your land and people.

"Morax, please." He says, "I could say the same for you, (Y/n)" There was an awkward silence between you, one where you're unsure what to say. A great war was in the making and there was tension between the gods. The both of you were no exception — you had no clue where you stood with him in this war.

"I.. Don't forget to rest, (Y/n)."

"You as well, Morax."

It took another hundred years before you'd meet again.

(4) We had different people on our side

"The Goddess of Dust allied with the God of Contracts," One of your people informs you.

"Guizhong did?" You wonder aloud, "I.. I suppose it is a good choice for Morax." Guizhong was intelligent and strategic, an excellent addition when it comes to war.

"Send these letters to Osial and Ei. I suspect the Tsaritsa is planning a siege, we need a counter strategy." You hand him the letters, "And send Barbatos a temporary truce,"

"Should we send Rex Lapis a truce contract as well?"

"... No, Osial wouldn't like that. Deliver only to Barbatos."

"As you wish."

(5) It was you or my people

As the war was nearing its peak, it was obvious that there would only be a set number of gods left. Lesser gods, like the stove god Guoba, had already offered their power to the land or to the more powerful gods they were supporting.

"Give up, (Y/n). This is my final act of mercy towards you as your friend." It was ironic for Morax to refer to you as his friend: could a thousand year relationship really fit in such a simple label of a friend?

"I would rather give my people a fighting chance. Don't try to change my mind, Morax." It was a moment of peace before he took out his spear, holding it towards you.

"Very well," He says, golden eyes wavering for only a moment. You hated the way he looked at you as if you didn't stand on opposite ends of the battlefield.

(6) We weren't strong enough

"(Y/n) was sealed away after losing a battle?" Morax repeated the words of the messenger.

"Yes my lord, Osial was said to have betrayed their faction."

"What kind of seal was it?" He inquires.

"I believe it was reported to be eternal slumbe- My lord, where are you going?"

"To see if I can undo the seal," Morax mutters, taking his spear, "And where is Osial?"

"Uh he was last spotted near Guyun Stone Forest. Are you planning to confront the overlord of the vortex upfront, my lord?"

"Betrayal is unforgivable, even for contracts that are not mine to uphold," He says, gathering his things, "As the god of contracts, it is only right for me to deliver divine punishment."

(7) Perhaps everything was destined for this moment

"I just keep worrying how Liyue would fare without Rex Lapis to guide us anymore." The elderly lady sighs and she hands you your take out, "Almond tofu, made in traditional style, just the way you like it."

"Granny, Liyue has always persisted — and it will continue to do so with the help of its people." You smile at her, taking your order, "It smells absolutely divine! This is the best kind of almond tofu."

"I suppose you're right. You talk just like the other old ones. Still, it's such a shame for a god to have passed. You be careful out there, all right (Y/n)? You have to live while you're young," she says, "By the way, when are you getting married? Do you have a lover? There's this youngin by the blacksmit-"

You laugh nervously, walking away quickly with a wave of your hand.

To normal humans, it would have been difficult to reach the statue of the seven found floating in Qingyun Peak, Minlin. Even more so if they wish to reach the floating island with the little gazebo above it; however, you were a god - albeit with a given up godhood - and it only took a bit of your power before you reached the island, the place welcoming you like home.

The sun was beginning to set by then, casting the clouds with a beautiful orange glow. Morax sat on the gazebo, golden eyes a reflection of the sky — or is the sky a reflection of his?

"Osmanthus wine tastes the same as I remember, but where are those wh-"

"Right here, Morax," You piqued, walking up to him. He turns around with a small smile.

"Did you sleep well?" He teased and you narrowed your eyes at him, a small grin forming on your own lips.

"Imagine my surprise waking up after two thousand years to talks about your dead body being on display, Osial escaping his own seal, and Liyue's floating chamber crashing in the sea — Morax, you are as insane as ever." You gave him an exasperated look.

"Care for some wine?"

"... I do miss osmanthus quite a lot," You mumble, taking a cup from him, "And yes, I did sleep well."

You talked endlessly about your new life and he talked about his. How he found himself working in a funeral parlor and never quite getting used to carrying mora. Soon after, a peaceful silence fell as the sun slowly hid behind the mountains, tugging along a dark blanket of twinkling stars.

"(Y/n)," Morax says as you both gazed at the night sky.

"Yes?" You reply, hands fiddling your cup of leftover wine.

"It seems to me that we're not the same children we used to be."

"I suppose we aren't."

"The era of war has ended."

"Mhmm."

"Our friends, allies, even enemies are gone."

"It.. It does sound rather depressing."

"We no longer bear our responsibilities as gods."

"What are you implying?"

"Even after a thousand years, I.. I may still lack the power to shield us from adversities," He sighs, turning to face you, "But I must confess to you. Though time and war and our duties have brought you away from me — I find myself circling back to you. I have found eternity in someone I was never blessed to keep. To me, you are osmanthus wine, the sky, the sea, the clouds: the constant in this overly long and painful life." You turn to face him, face rapidly heating against the cool air, confusion and giddiness hidden by a practiced exterior.

"Morax?"

"Zhongli," He says, smiling at you as he takes your hand, "I go by Zhongli now."

"Zhongli," You put down your cup of wine and pressed your foreheads together, "I like you too."

He smiles at you, placing his hands on your cheeks to bring you closer. Chapped lips peppering soft kisses on your nose, cheeks, forehead, and lips. A relationship defined by a thousand years, resulting to this one moment.

Perhaps you were still unprepared. The human life you both planned to live is bound to be another obstacle — yet, you would rather take this chance with him.

~

"By the way, I brought almond tofu. I was wondering if Xiao would lik-"

"You called?"

Great, just great. You thought with a grimace look on your face.

You stare at your now empty luggage, mentally facepalming to yourself when you realize you’re missing some items. You completely forgot to buy a wedding gift!

You sweatdropped. How embarrassing would it be if you didn’t give the couple any gifts at all when they literally gave you a free week trip?! 

“Zhongli?” You called your friend, who’s on the opposite side of the room and is sitting on his bed reading a book. He hums in acknowledgement and you continued, “You said you have a friend who lives around Mondstadt, right? Do you think they’re free today?” 

Your friend looks up from his book. “If I may be honest, I'm not sure. However, I'll text him right now and see if he’s free for the day. I'm sure he’ll say yes if we say we’ll treat him to dinner with wine.” 

You feel your shoulders no longer being tense, letting out a sigh of relief. “Alright, alright. Please tell your friend it’s my treat if he ever accepts our request.”  

“Very well.”

Just a few seconds after Zhongli sent his message, the sound of his phone notification rang, and you caught sight of your plus one smiling in amusement. “He said he can go right now if you want to as long as you keep your word.” 

Well, that was fast. 

“I couldn’t pass up such an opportunity with free drinks, so I don’t mind being a cute tour guide for you two.” Venti, Zhongli’s friend, spoke with a wink. “With that aside, may I know what made you want to go around Mondstadt?” 

When Venti accepted your request in helping you stroll around Mondstadt, you and Zhongli went down the hotel to wait for the brown-haired man’s friend, which leads you to where you are right now: standing outside of Goth Grand Hotel with Zhongli and his friend: Venti.

Although you’re not showing it, you couldn’t help but feel taken back with how someone like Zhongli is friends with Venti, who’s far more than someone who could be acquaintances with your plus one, let alone friends. He’s a complete drunkard with how he reeks of alcohol!

You smiled lightly. “I just need to particularly check around the marketplace for a wedding gift as well as a few accessories. Do you happen to have any recommendations?”

The young man nods enthusiastically. “You’ve asked the right person! You should give them the finest wine–”

“A wedding gift that does not involve any foods or beverages, I mean.” You clarified. 

“Ah.” Venti spoke, scratching the back of his head. 

The young man then looks around, trying to think of  a good gift before his eyes light up. “I know! I think I know a good shop that can give you what you want to give to the lucky couple, though we have to walk for a while since I sort of… forgot where it is, ehe.”

“I suppose I don’t mind,” You said. “You may lead the way.” 

Venti then clasps his hands together in gratitude. “Great, follow me then!” 

When the drunk man told you that it will take a while, you didn’t think he meant that you’ll be walking around the city for hours.

Only Celestia knows how long you three have actually walked around the city nonstop, as you find yourself lagging behind Venti and Zhongli with your arms crossed.

You aren’t sure whether to laugh at yourself or cry in frustration from the fact that you actually let a drunk person be your tour guide, and despite wanting nothing but to get out from this mess, you honestly didn’t want to ruin Zhongli’s fun seeing as he’s chatting with the drunk man after not seeing each other for a long time. 

But good lord does your legs hurt like hell. 

As your eyes look around your surroundings, you couldn’t help but remember a certain memory when you walked around the streets. The similarities of your surroundings and the one from your memory reminded you all too well of the day you couldn’t find yourself to forget.

It took you a long minute before you decided to go outside the cafe and find Ayato, who’s currently heading towards the nearest bus stop for his driver to come and pick him up. 

“Ayato, please! Just tell me what went wrong!” You exclaimed loudly as you followed your now ex boyfriend down the streets, ignoring how some people passing by looked at your direction strangely. 

“Don’t bother following me, ( Name ).” He spoke, glancing at your direction with a warning look on his face as he continued to walk. 

You reach your hand out towards him before you manage to tug his clothes, causing him to stop his tracks. “Please Ayato, I deserve to know what made you no longer love me!” You begged in a desperate tone, and he sighs in what you assumed is annoyance. 

He then turns around to your direction, a dull look plastered on his face, something you haven’t seen in your ex for as long as you could remember. “Is it really necessary to have a reason why? I suddenly just don’t. Don’t make this harder for yourself than it is for me.”

“Of course it’s necessary! You can’t just not love me anymore–”

“And yet here we are.” 

Words die instantly in your throat and you stare at him in bewilderment, your hand still holds onto his clothing. 

“...Do you really not love me anymore?” 

He stares down at your eyes before letting out a breath. 

“Would you believe me if I said yes?” 

Your breath hitches. 

Your long silence was enough for Ayato to completely turn around and continue walking towards the bus stop, leaving you standing there dumbfounded and in disbelief. 

For a sunny day like today, you felt miserable. 

It didn’t take long before you arrived by the train station, your head was still in a daze from the break up that you went through not too long ago. From people's perspective, you look like a zombie with the way you walk, but you could care less, for your head was filled with questions that you know will never get answered at all. 

If love could easily be gone just like that, then you don’t want it. 

By the time you sit down on your seat after entering the train, your shoulders instantly slumps, letting out a breath you didn’t know you were holding until now. 

You aren’t sure whether the comfort of silence around the train is better than the numbing noises of a crowd, but one thing’s for sure, you learned that the world doesn't stop for your pain nor anyone else’s. 

You close your eyes shut when you feel your eyes begin to water. I’m sorry I wasn’t enough to make you stay in love with me. You thought.

You stopped reminiscing when you realized Venti and Zhongli are no longer in your sight, causing you to stop your tracks. 

Did they forget about me?! You thought, looking around in panic as it dawns on you that you’re in an unfamiliar area you haven’t been before. Was I in such a daze that I forgot where I was going?!

“Oh hello there!” A stranger greeted you, causing you to look around and see a woman standing not too far away from you, behind her is assumedly her shop. “You must be a tourist, welcome to Mondstadt! Would you like some souvenirs to bring home?” She said with a kind smile. 

You examined the shop for a moment, and sure enough, there were indeed a couple of items displayed by the windows. Thinking that there’s nothing suspicious, you slowly nodded in response to the woman. “Do you happen to have any items that are good for wedding gifts?” You asked. 

You saw the way her eyes brighten and eagerly nod. “Of course! Come in, let me just find a couple of items for you to pick.” She then turns around and opens the door for you to enter, gesturing you to come inside and wait. 

I’m sure Venti and Zhongli won’t mind if I’m gone for a little longer, You thought to yourself, entering the shop while quietly thanking the woman. 

“My name is Marjorie, by the way. Feel free to check around the shop if there’s anything else that interests you while I’m looking for the ones you requested.” She explains, giving you a thumbs up before rushingly heading towards one of the shop’s areas nearby. 

Thankfully, the place doesn’t look like it’s been abandoned for a long time. Everywhere you look, there’s always an item that’s always different from the next, there’s not a single item that has its own duplicate, but you can assume that she must’ve had a copy of them by the storage room that’s behind the cash register. 

A matching brooches suddenly caught your eye. You thought it could be a good matching accessory for you and Zhongli.

“Here are the things that could fit for wedding gifts!” You immediately turned to your left and saw Marjorie walking towards you with a box on her arms, watching as she placed it on the table and brought out the items. 

The items are wedding candles, a cooking recipe book for couples, a picnic basket, monogram champagne flutes that says “Mr. and Mrs.”, an appetizer serving platter, photo frames, and a doormat that also has “Mr. and Mrs.”.

Knowing Ayato, there are only at least three items that are perfect for the couple.

“I’ll take the monogram champagne flutes.” You made up your mind, pointing at the flutes. Suddenly, you heard a bell ringing by the door, causing Marjorie to excuse herself and head towards the new visitor.

“Welcome to my souvenir shop, how may I help you?” 

“I’d like to take champagne flutes for a wedding gift.” The customer requested, causing you to immediately turned around with slightly widened eyes from the customer’s words, only for your eyes to widen even more when you saw that familiar red hair. 

It’s that son of a gun again!

You saw the way Marjorie glances at you with a hesitant face before she immediately composes herself. “Well uh, another customer of mine has also decided to purchase the last stock of it – however, I’ll do my best to see if I can find another one by the storage room.” 

The red-haired man nods slowly. “Take your time, I suppose.” 

Without another word, Marjorie turns around and heads towards the storage room. “I’ll be back for the both of you!” She said before closing the door of the storage room behind her. 

You couldn’t help but raise eyebrows at the sight of the red-haired man. If it weren’t for the man’s hair, you honestly would’ve forgotten who on earth was the one who bumped into you. 

Unfortunately, the man did not fail to notice your staring. “May I help you?” He spoke up, removing the silence around the room. 

You didn’t hesitate to not beat around the bush. “I know you. You bumped into me hours ago!” 

He couldn’t help but feel taken aback. “Excuse me?” 

You furrowed your eyebrows. Did he seriously forget about that incident?! How rude! “You don’t remember me? You bumped into me near the elevator and didn’t even apologize.” You explained, crossing your arms. 

“Ah, so that was you.” He mumbled to himself, but it managed to reach your ears, causing your eyes to narrow. “I apologize for bumping into you. I wasn’t able to apologize earlier since I was in a rush.” He explains. 

“You should’ve watched your steps then.” You said, letting out a small huff. 

“I was on a phone call with someone, I wasn’t paying attention to where I was going.” 

You raised your eyebrow, you don’t recall seeing the man holding a phone. “Really? It didn’t look like you were on a phone call since I don’t remember seeing any phone on your hand back then.” 

His hand instantly reaches up to his ears before showing you what seems to be an earpiece. “I usually call people with an earpiece. Is that enough for you to forgive me then?” 

It took you a long minute before your angered expression fades away, your face is inexpressible. “Fine, I suppose that’s enough of an excuse to make me forgive you. Are you perhaps one of the guests for the Kamisato wedding?” 

The man nodded in response. “Yes. I’m acquainted with the groom. And you?” 

“You could say that I’m an old friend of the groom.” You responded.

Just in time, Marjorie walks out from the storage room, though she’s empty-handed. “I apologize for the wait, but unfortunately sir I don’t have any more champagne flutes for you.” 

He then looks down at the champagne flutes that are displayed in front of you. “So these are the only ones left?” 

You put your hand beside the champagne flutes. “Indeed, however, I picked these first.” 

The man remains unaffected. “Then if you don’t mind, could you and I share this?” 

Your eyes widen. “Pardon?!”

“I know I could just buy other items, though I think it will cut more of my time if you and I could just share the gift for the wedding couple. Just write my name and yours on the card and one of us can just send it over to them. Oh, and you don’t have to worry about paying for such an expensive item since I’ll be the one to pay for it, take it as my gratitude if you will.” 

Wait, expensive item..? You immediately checked the price tag of the flute, your jaw drops at the sight of 900,000 mora on the tag. Are champagne flutes this expensive?!

You then look away from the price and look at the red-haired man, who’s currently waiting for your response. If he’s the one who’s paying it, doesn’t this mean you get to have it for free?

Without a second thought, you nodded profusely. “Go ahead and pay. Just let me be the one to give it to the couple.” You said. 

“Sounds good to me.” He responds, bringing out his wallet as Marjorie eagerly walks towards the cashier register. “My name is Diluc Ragnvindr. Be sure to remember that for the card.” 

You couldn’t help but feel conflicted. What a complicated name.. He should at least write his–

Diluc suddenly hands out a small card towards you, cutting your thoughts off. “Here’s my business card in case you don’t know how to spell my name.” He explains. 

By the time you grabbed his card, he started following the woman to purchase the item, leaving you standing there dumbfounded. 

You look down at the business card. He must be some rich businessman if he carries his cards around. 

Before you could examine the card further, you suddenly heard the bell ringing once more, followed by the sounds of your two companions.

“Ah, ( Name )! I see you found the shop that I was looking for!” Venti exclaims as he and Zhongli enter the shop together, the older man closes the door behind them. “Have you found an item you’d like to purchase?” 

You nodded in response, gesturing to the matching champagne flutes. “I chose these flutes as my gift, though.. Someone decided to pay it instead of me so I’m waiting for them to finish purchasing so that I could leave.” You clarified. 

His eyes beams. “Oh wow, I didn’t know you have a sugar–”

Zhongli suddenly places a hand on Venti’s shoulder with an apologetic smile. “Watch your mouth.” 

The younger man giggles. “Ah, sorry. Anyways, may I know who generously decided to pay for a tourist like you?” 

Paying no mind to what he said before, you pointed to where Diluc is. “He’s by the cashier. He’s also a guest at the same wedding me and Zhongli are going to.” 

Seeing where you were pointing at, Venti loudly gasps, causing your eyes to widen in shock. “Oh my god, is that the Diluc Ragnvindr?!” He shrieks. 

You saw the way Diluc stops whatever he was doing after hearing Venti’s sudden outburst and he turns around hesitantly. 

Venti gasps even more when he sees that it’s truly Diluc. “No way! I didn’t know Mister Diluc would actually be here, let alone paying for some stranger!” 

You’re even more surprised to know that the young man seems to know the businessman. At this point, you wouldn’t be surprised if he knew everyone else in the wedding. 

Zhongli couldn’t help but let out a sigh as the braided-haired man runs towards Diluc, who looks as if he wants to get out of this shop immediately when his eyes land on Venti. 

You couldn’t help but grin at the sight of the red-haired man’s face. That’s what you get, You thought. 

While Venti busies himself by talking to the businessman, Marjorie walks away from the two and towards you with a smile on her face. “Mister Ragnvindr has finished purchasing the item, allow me to pack it up so you could carry it easily.” 

You nodded in understanding, giving her a polite smile. “Of course, I can wait.” 

You then realized you forgot something and looked at where the matching brooches are. “Oh, by the way, how much are these brooches?” You asked, causing Marjorie to look at where you’re pointing. 

“Ah! Those jewelry have been there for quite a long time, so I suppose I can give you a discount of 100,000 mora if that’s enough for you to buy them.” 

You immediately pulled out your wallet. “I suppose that’s reasonable enough, please add these in the packaging as well.” 

“Understood.” She spoke, grabbing the mora from your hands and placing it inside her pocket before taking both the champagne flutes and brooches. “This won’t take long.”

As soon as Marjorie walked away, Zhongli spoke up. 

“I was worried when I couldn’t find you anymore.” 

You look at the man apologetically. “Ah yeah, sorry about that. I was too deep in my thoughts until I realized I couldn’t find you two.” 

He hums in understanding. “I suppose it’s my fault for getting distracted as well by my conversation with Venti. I’m glad you’re safe and sound.” 

You feel your cheeks slightly warming up from his heartwarming words. “I’m glad you two managed to find me then.” 

While the two of you started talking to one another, the bell rang once more, causing you to look at the new visitor of the shop, only for your eyes to widen at the sight of a familiar face. 

“Thoma?” 

Seeing you has also made Thoma copied your expression, surprised to see you as well. “( Name )?! What are you doing here?” 

“I could ask you the same thing!” You laughed, happy to see your old friend after not being able to see him for a few years. “How was your shop when I left for Liyue? Is Taroumaru still well, I hope?” 

If there’s one person you’re excited to see out of all the people you’ve been friends with in college, it’s definitely Thoma. The blonde-haired man was your long-time friend since high school. His family owns a nice cafe establishment that’s near to both your old school and the university you studied in, so you often visit there just to enjoy their delicious meals, pet the friendly dogs that are in the cafe, as well as helping Thoma out with serving the customers. 

However, despite being long-term friends, his friendship with Ayato was much deeper than you could ever have with Thoma given that they’ve known each other since diapers. So when you broke up with Ayato, it’s safe to say that you’ve stopped talking to the blonde-haired man as well as your friends who are also Ayato’s friends for the sake of not having to face your ex.

Unlike the others however, Thoma was quite a persistent man and didn’t accept your decision in avoiding him like a plague, hence how you two are still friends to this day with your past relationship with Ayato aside.

Thoma nodded with a smile. “He’s still surprisingly well as well as the other dogs in the cafe. I have someone to take care of it while I’m in Mondstadt for Ayato’s wedding. I came to visit here because I had purchased something yesterday and came to pick it up right now.” 

On cue, Marjorie suddenly returns to you with the champagne flutes inside the paper bag. “Here you go! I made sure to put the champagne flutes inside its display box as well as the matching brooches for extra precaution, thank you for your purchase.” She said, handing the bag over to you. “Ah, Thoma! You must be here for the items you bought, right?” 

The blonde-haired man nodded in response. “Yep! I can wait.” 

While Thoma continues to converse with Marjorie about his purchase, you notice Diluc suddenly walking past you with Venti following, looking as though he has a tail between his legs. “Sorry guys, I gotta go with Mr. Diluc over here and uh… Deal with my bills.” Venti said with a sheepish giggle. “You can always call me again if you guys ever need a tour guide, see ya!” 

You wave the young man goodbye. “Of course, thank you again for the tour.” Even though you took your damn time to look for this shop, You thought, watching the two men walking out from the store. 

“Ready to go?” Zhongli spoke up, gently grabbing the paper bag away from your hand. “I can carry the paper bag for you, take it as my apology for letting my friend make us walk for a long time to find the shop.”

“You don’t have to, I don’t mind since you looked like you had a good time with your friend.” You said reassuringly. “Besides, what matters is that we finally purchased the thing I’m looking for, right?” 

“I suppose so.” 

You then gestured towards Thoma. “Just give me a moment to say goodbye to Thoma and we can go back to the hotel.” 

Zhongli nodded, and you come up to the blonde-haired man as soon as Marjorie walks away to grab his purchased item. You tapped on his shoulder a few times, causing him to turn around and look at you in confusion. 

“I’ll be leaving now. It’s nice seeing you again, Thoma.” You spoke, waving him goodbye with a smile. 

His eyes slightly widened. “O-Oh! You’re leaving already?” 

You nodded. “Unfortunately so. We can talk to each other again when we see each other next time.” 

His eyes brighten. “Ah, of course! If you have a lot of time on your hands, I’ll make sure to take you to the best places of Mondstadt as well as their finest restaurant – my treat, of course!”

I sure feel lucky with all this free stuff I’ve been getting, you thought with a beaming look on your face before nodding gratefully. “You have my gratitude, Thoma. See you again next time.” 

“It’s no problem, see you!” The blonde-haired watched as you walked towards the exit with your plus one following, waving you goodbye with a smile on his face. 

As soon as you leave the shop, his smile disappears, remembering all too well of a scenario similar to this.

You find yourself walking back to the cafe with a blank expression, packing your things up as you hold your tears in, trying to forget what had just happened a few minutes earlier with your ex.

While packing, you accidentally slipped one of your books, causing it to fall on the ground as you flinched from the sound. 

You then saw someone grabbing the book for you, and you realized it’s Thoma, who works in the cafe. “Here you go, ( Name ).” The blonde-haired man said with a sweet smile on his face.

“...Thanks, Thoma.” You slowly grabbed the book from his hand and placed it inside your bag before shutting it close. You didn’t notice how he opened his mouth to say something, only for you to turn around in daze. “See you next time.”

“See… you next time, ( Name ).” He said, watching you walking towards the doors and leaving the cafe, his sweet smile slowly disappeared.

If only he knew this would be the last time he’ll ever get to see you.

Thoma then shrugs the memory off, heading towards Marjorie for his item with a small smile. I feel like I just got deja vu.

With a deep inhale and a look of seriousness- you confront the man. “Diluc this isn't right... Do you really think you could just disappear for four years and come back like it's normal!” You exclaimed, furious at the audacity for him to waltz back in your home as if he wasn't gone for more than a year.

“... I understand you're mad but please...” He begs, his eyebrows turning down slightly as he pleads with you to let him in. As you were about to reply with a no to him, diluc faints- fortunately you had caught him- though truthfully, he was heavier than what you had expected.

“Adelinde! Please send help! Someone's been- gravely injured,” You yell to the maid who comes to the front door with a pale face as she catches a glimpse of who it is you're carrying.

On Diluc's waist was an injury, his coat and clothes were soaked with blood and rain, the doctors had arrived at the right time and inspected him shortly before taking their leave.

“— and according to them, the doctors, they said that he'll be alright after a week or preferably two weeks of rest.” You calmly tell the maids in front of you as the three of them crowd around diluc in the guest bedroom.

“That's pleasant to hear! And once master diluc is all well and healthy that'll mean you won't be so lonely anymore!” The youngest maid exclaims, overjoyed at the thought of everything finally going back to the way they once were. “Don't be so rude!” “Don't say stuff like that!” The other two maids berated the younger.

As you sigh and dismiss them with a wave you look at the rather depressing sight of diluc laid across the bed, his face was pale; and if you hadn't known any better, you'd have thought he was dead! Archons how frustrating can this man get…

Days and weeks pass by, as staff members were chatting quietly about the recent return of diluc, word spread by fast as people in mondstadt had immediately started gossiping about his return.

The man in question though had just woken up in a stir, he finds himself in an unfamiliar place- he was used to sleeping at different inns which obviously had different room designs; but this one gave him a slight sense of nostalgia until he remembers the previous events.

In a hurry Diluc rushes to fix himself up though with unfortunate luck he finds himself unable to find the original clothes he had been wearing- someone had changed him into a pair of silk and comfortable bedwear.

“Oh Master Diluc you're awake! Goodness... Are you alright?” Adelinde exclaims in utmost joy before turning into a state of worry.

He grumbles and sighs before replying. “Yes I'm fine, there is no need to worry- how long have I been asleep?” He asks.

“Oh my, you've been asleep for a day now.” Adelinde replies in careful thought as she recounts the events- though Diluc doesn't take her response too lightly considering he gives her a panicked face.

“A day? And no one woke me up! I must get going then...” He says, waving the maid goodbye before being stopped by said maid because he was yet to wear proper clothing and have a meal.

With his breakfast and clothes all finished Diluc looks at himself in the mirror, dark circles under his eyes as he sighs. Currently he's wearing an old uniform he used to wear when he was eighteen, one he wore during his time within the knights of favonius— now gives him memories he wishes to erase.

“My... How you've truly changed, I'm more than sure he'll be proud of you.” Adelinde tells Diluc as she finishes fixing him up, now ready to go, Diluc grabs his stuff before heading to the front door where he unknowingly runs into you.

“So you're leaving again after waking up huh?” You say, surprised yet expecting this to happen- this wasn't the first time he's left you after all. Diluc looks at you, speechless as it finally dawns on him that he's always left you, though the consequences of his actions have yet come to his realization.

“I'll return... I promise,” He murmurs before looking away from you and stepping out the door. He has returned to make things better- to fix everything.

Diluc Ragnvindr was a foolish man, a man who lost hope when his father had died; yet here he was, filled with hope that everything would go back to the way it once was. He thinks it's easy for the truth has yet to come to him.

Truth, something people either like or dislike- one people may fear. The truth was that Diluc's father had died, the truth was that he left Mondstadt to suffer with his own grief- the truth was that Diluc was a very selfish man who left you in the dark, all alone.

It was evening by the time he's returned back to the mansion, the lanterns were lit as the stars decorate the night sky with its shining, bright lights. “Welcome back Master Diluc,” One of the maids greet him with a bow as Diluc acknowledges their presence.

“Are they here?” He asks the maid who looks at him in slight confusion before connecting the dots. “Oh! Yes- they've been waiting in the master bedroom I believe,” She replies as she waves farewell to the man before taking her leave.

Walking through the very same walls he grew up in gave Diluc an immense sense of longing in his heart, how could the time go so fast? He remembers just yesterday he was in the knights, making his father proud, whilst his relationship with others were doing fine as well.

To make his father proud- sadness and longing fills Diluc's now empty heart as he nears the master bedroom where he's more than sure where you are. Opening the door, he's greeted by the sight of his- close friend, fallen asleep while sitting down by the chair near the lamp.

He nears you, walking quietly to make sure not to wake you up. He takes the blanket placed above the bed before spreading it out on you. He hesitates- back then, when things were much less complicated, Diluc had a habit of kissing your forehead- he finds himself leaning down before ultimately pulling away. My, how selfish could he be?

Stirring awake at the presence of someone inside the room you open your eyes as the man in front of you stands still for a moment. “... What are you doing here?” You ask, looking at Diluc.

“I always check up on you. It is a husband's-” Diluc gets cut off shortly by you. “But you aren't my husband,” You profusely disagree with his statement.

Diluc looks at you at slight shock and confusion, standing up, you fix yourself before sitting down on the comfort of your bed's mattress. “By law and contract? Perhaps yes- yes we are married; but in terms of relationships- we are strangers Diluc...” You explain as you look at the man.

“Does this have something to do with four years ago?” Diluc asks as he looks at you with furrowed brows. “Plenty...” You reply as you close your eyes and sigh.

“Please... Forgive me, I'm sorry for leaving all those years ago,” He begs desperately, looking at you with regret deep in his heart. He truly was sorry.

“Diluc... It's not your fault- you- we were so young and busy. Our priorities were different, you were too busy taking care of others and mondstadt to worry about yourself and me.” You tell the man standing before you, he's gone quiet and looks at nothing but the ground.

“Where do you think we went wrong?” Diluc asks you, sadness laced in his voice. “I don't know... Maybe from the start we've always been wrong,” You reply.

Being young and in love truly brought greater pain, what once was a future filled with happiness and marriage was now full of despair and loneliness.

From the beginning, even before you and Diluc got arranged to be wed, his heart had always belonged to another; yet there was hope in your heart that someday, one day you and he will live a happy marriage filled with love.

You loved diluc- loved him until you were unable to love. You gave him your heart as he proceeds to give his to another.

For diluc, he had always seen you as a friend, a close one; though it wasn't until he journeyed across teyvat did he soon realize how much more you meant to him.

You and him were in love- just not at the same time. You loved Diluc while he was complete, and Diluc loved you when you were empty of it. Two hearts, married and bound; but was it really meant to be?

Were you and diluc bound a happy ending?

“Ah, ( Name ). To what do I owe you the pleasure to come here?” Zhongli asks with a surprised tone as you stand in front of his doorstep after arriving at the apartment from your meetup with Ei and Yae.

“I hope I didn’t bother you with anything, but if you’re free right now, may I talk to you?” You explained with an apologetic smile.

Zhongli didn’t have to think about it and opened the door wide for you to enter. “Not to worry, I’m free for a chat.”

Besides Ei, Zhongli has become one of your close friends ever since he moved into the apartment you live in. You often helped him out with certain inconveniences in his unit to the point where you’re now familiar with his unit. The two of you bonded whenever you helped and since then, you started to visit the man to simply hang out.

As you settled down on one of the stools by the kitchen counter, your neighbor walked towards his tea kettle. “What would you like to talk about?” He asks.

“Remember what I told you about my first love back then?” You asked, tapping your fingers on the counter. “He uhm… He invited me to his wedding next week.”

“Quite bold of him.” Zhongli comments, pouring the tea on his cup. “Are you planning on going there?”

You nodded slowly, swallowing the air. “Yeah… Only because I don’t want to waste a free week trip to Mondstadt and because my old friends will be there.”

He hums in response. “That’s good then, at least you won’t be alone.”

You smiled cheekily. “Not exactly… Is it possible if you could come with me?”

You watched as he stopped pouring his tea, turning around to look at you in surprise. “...I beg your pardon?”

“You did say you’re willing to do anything for me after I helped you with the problems in your unit, right?” You ask, watching as he nodded in confirmation. “Then I would like for you to take a week off and come with me to a trip to Mondstadt for my uh… Ex’s wedding.”

“Why exactly?” He requests for clarification.

“Well… The invitation requests the guest to bring a plus one and the ones I was supposed to ask have their own plus ones.” You explained, tapping with your foot. “It’s alright if you’re too busy or not available! I was just wondering since you’re one of the only people who knows about my situation.”

The man places a hand on his chin with deep thought.

“...I suppose that I don’t exactly have many things to do for the week, and I am not one to reject a friend needing my help when they have helped me.” He says with a gentle smile. “Just let me contact my boss and let me know the full– oof.” You eagerly wrapped your arms around your friend, relieved that you finally found yourself a plus one.

“Thank you, thank you, thank you! I’ll make sure you’ll have a great time on this trip, I promise you that!” You said in excitement.

Zhongli lets out a chuckle before hugging you back as well. “It’s no problem, ( Name ). I’ll make sure that you’ll have a great time as well. Besides, I have a friend who lives in the City of Freedom who will surely take us on a tour around the city.”

Your face beams. “I’ll be looking forward to that then.”

After meeting up with your neighbor, you came back to your unit and immediately threw yourself to your bed, letting out an exhausted sigh as you closed your eyes. Now that you’ve settled with a plus one, all you need to do is to pack your things and prepare for the airplane ticket next week.

You couldn’t help but remember one conversation you had about Ayato when the two of you talked about marriage, something the both of you fantasized about when it comes to talking about the future.

“Ooh, perhaps we should pick Mondstadt as our location! Won’t it be sweet if you and I get married in Mondstadt? I hear they have romantic sceneries that are a wonderful sight.” You said as you scroll down your phone through pictures of the seven lands with Ayato watching you, his arms wrapped around you from behind.

He lets out a chuckle. “Whatever makes you happy, love. It’d be great if the cathedral is available by the time we’re ready, I hear that it can make the wedding altar sceneric with how the sun reflects through the windows.”

“It seems I’m not the only one who has researched.” You teased, closing your eyes as you feel Ayato’s lips planted on your temple.

“Of course. You’re not the only one who’s looking forward to our future together.” He retorts with a smile, relishing your presence with a happy sigh. “Nevertheless, even if things do not go our way, I’m sure we’ll be prepared for everything.”

But you weren’t prepared for you falling out of love. You thought, covering your eyes with your arm. How silly of us to even imagine getting married… You slowly put your arm away from your eyes, staring up at the ceiling above you.

Perhaps things wouldn’t be like this if he had told you why he fell out of love instead of avoiding you like a plague and ignoring your existence. Maybe you would’ve understood more and perhaps the two of you still could’ve been friends–

You immediately slapped yourself. “Don’t think about him, he’s not worth it.” You mumble to yourself, sitting up from your bed. “You worked yourself hard on moving on, you cannot–”

You inhale deeply when you remember more moments of him. “You cannot go back to that year. You cannot go back to that year. You cannot go back–”

As you continued to chant the same words over and over, you decided to stand up from your bed and try to find something that can distract you from the overwhelming thoughts about him in your room.

Packing it is then.

Everything has been a blur since then.

By the time a week had passed, you found yourself standing in front of Mondstadt’s Goth Grand Hotel, gulping nervously. If it were not for Zhongli, you would’ve instantly turned around and headed to another hotel instead, not wanting to be involved with the wedding.

“We’ll.. We’ll be okay, right Zhongli?” You ask your friend, who glances at your way in confusion. “Of course, is something plaguing your mind?” He asks.

You nodded honestly, letting out an uneasy breath. “I… I don’t know if it’s really best for me to attend.. Should I just make a run for–”

“( Name )? Is that you?!”

You and Zhongli turned to the stranger’s call in confusion, only for your eyes to widen when you see two familiar women walking towards you.

“It is you! It’s been so long since I’ve last seen you!” Yoimiya giggles as she rushes over to where you are, followed by Ayaka. “You look so different! You look way more attractive in real life than your social media!”

Just listening to your old friend’s rambling easily makes your worries wash away, a smile starts to grow on your weary face. “It’s been so long since I’ve seen you as well, Yoimiya. I’m glad you’re still as happy as ever.”

When you look at Ayaka, the both of you share bows as greetings with smiles on your faces.

“It’s nice to see you again, ( Name ).” Ayaka said. You started to realize how the woman in front of you looks more older and elegant than before when she was still in high school. “I hope you are doing well over the past years.”

You nodded. “I have, I hope the same goes with you.”

Before Ayaka could reply, Yoimiya instantly interrupts the conversation by putting both her arms around you and Ayaka’s shoulders. “Enough with the small talk! Mind telling us who’s that guy beside you, ( Name )?” She asks, gesturing towards Zhongli, who was watching the three of you interacting.

“My name is Zhongli,” He answered politely. “I’m ( Name )’s neighbor and plus one for the trip. I’ll be looking forward to getting to know you both as well as ( Name )’s other friends.”

“Woah, what a polite man!” Yoimiya commented without a thought, causing Ayaka to feel embarrassed by her friend. “I’m glad ( Name ) choose the right person to come with them to the wedding, especially when the gr–”

“When the groom and the bride are currently by the lounge area greeting the guests!” Ayaka interrupts in a panicked manner, thinking that Zhongli isn’t aware of your situation with Ayato as Yoimiya covers her own mouth with her hand from that realization. “Speaking of which, I shall take matters and lead you both to them. I’m sure Ayato would be uh, delighted to see another old friend of his.” Ayaka explained before calling one of the bellmen nearby to grab your luggage.

You helplessly watched as she headed towards the entrance, giving you no chance in telling her that you’re okay in going inside to where Ayato is without her support.

There’s no going back now…

“Shall we go inside and greet the couple then?” You asked Zhongli, who nodded in response. “We shall.”

As the both of you enter the lobby, your eyes widen in awe from your new surroundings. The place looks even better than the pictures on their social media!

Everywhere you look, there’s always a dashing gold by the fancy furniture and walls, followed by linens on the ceilings that have fairy lights above it, making the place bright and strangely magical. Not to mention how the music playing in the background is truly euphoric to your ears.

The awestruck look on your face immediately disappears when your eyes land on purple ones.

Not too far away from where you are stands the man who had broken your heart with no words exchanged, staring at you as though he has seen a ghost. He looks just the same as you remembered, just older and more mature.

It felt like you were back to being the same college student who’s helplessly in love with a man who loved them back.

Reality suddenly washes over you when you feel Zhongli’s concerned voice calling you, causing you to look away from the blue-haired man to look at your friend. “Are you alright, ( Name )?” He asks.

You blinked a few times, letting out the breath you didn’t know you were holding until now. “Ye.. Yes, I’m alright.” You assured him, giving him a small smile. “I just need to–”

“( Name ).” Your breath hitches when you hear his voice.

You slowly turned around to see Ayato, who’s now right in front of you with his future wife beside him. “It’s.. been a while.” He spoke. “I’m glad you took the time to come here, I hope your trip was alright.”

Still formal as ever, you thought. “It’s been a while as well, Kamisato.” You then looked at the bride, who gave you a heartwarming smile. “You must be the lucky bride, I’m–”

“( Name ), right?” The woman interrupts, her eyes beaming. “I’ve heard so much about you! Ayato here told me how you two were best friends for such a long time! I’m honored to meet you, I’m Hiiragi Chisato.”

Ouch, best friends?

You tried not to look confused, thinking that Ayato must’ve not told her about your past relationship with the man. “Yes. I’m honored to meet you as well, Miss Chisato. I hope you’ll enjoy your stay here – Mondstadt’s a beautiful place for a wedding.”

Hiiragi giggles, her cheeks turns red. “Oh I know. Ayato couldn’t stop telling me about how he had always wanted to get married in Mondstadt,” You watched as she wrapped her arms around his arm. “And how could I say no to this man? I’m glad I didn’t, the hotel surely made me amazed.”

You laughed lightly in response. “Ah I see. Oh, I forgot to mention,” You then gestured to Zhongli. “This is my plus one, Zhongli. He’s my close friend and neighbor.” You explained, watching as Zhongli lightly bows at the couple.

“Pleased to meet you both. I’d like to send my congratulations on your wedding.” He spoke smoothly.

Ayato hums in acknowledgement. “You have our gratitude, Mr. Zhongli. Though, I can’t help but point out how you look… familiar. Have we perhaps met before?”

You raised an eyebrow from the groom’s words, shooting Zhongli a confused look.

Zhongli clears his throat, still smiling politely. “Ah well, I don’t think I recall. You must’ve mistaken me for another.”

Before the blue-haired man could persist, Hiiragi instantly interrupts the conversation. “Oh Ayato, look! Your parents have arrived at last, we should greet them!” She said excitedly before looking at you. “Excuse me for a moment. I hope you guys will enjoy your stay!”

“Likewise, Miss Chisato. We’ll be going to our room then.” You said, watching as the bride happily walked towards Ayato's parents eagerly as they both opened their arms to welcome her.

You couldn’t help but wonder what could’ve been if you were in her place.

“...I’ll be going now as well,” Ayato spoke. “It’s nice seeing you again… ( Name).”

You nodded slowly, watching as the groom walked towards where the bride ran off.

You aren’t sure if it was because of you that his smile doesn’t reach his eyes anymore.

“I told you you’ll be alright.” Zhongli spoke with a proud look on his face. “You just need to continue this for the rest of the week and you’ll be okay.”

You chuckled. “I suppose you’re right… I guess I underestimated myself a bit there.” You then pointed at the elevator nearby. “We should check out the room, I heard that the rooms are to die for in one of the hotels’ reviews.” You said enthusiastically.

Zhongli hums. “Is that so?” He asks, and you nodded.

“Then let’s go there. I’m sure you must’ve been exhausted from our trip to the city.”

Before you could respond and start walking, someone accidentally bumps into you, causing you to yelp as Zhongli holds you back from falling to your steps.

While fixing your balance, you suddenly hear the stranger let out a huff before he continues walking to the opposite direction, causing you to raise an eyebrow and turn around to the man who bumped into you, his red-hair striking your eye amongst the busy crowd.

“He’s not even gonna say sorry?” You mumbled.

“I’m sure he has business to do. Let’s go to our room now.” He urges.

You continued to stare at the red-haired man walking away before looking back to the elevator’s direction in defeat. “Yeah whatever, let’s go.”

Unnoticed by you and your friend, the red-haired man stops his tracks and looks back at your direction, his earpiece that’s on his ear has now turned off.

➥𝐙𝐡𝗼𝐧𝐠𝐥𝐢

The gentle music of the piano drifted throughout your home as your fingers flew across the keys with masterful diligence. Your hobby, playing the piano, was something you had nearly dedicated your life to, and now it was your profession.

With a large event you’d been tasked to play for looming in the distance, you’d been putting in extra hours. Despite all the time you spent on the bench, you still enjoyed it. Or you would, had Zhongli not taken it upon himself to be your new instructor.

“The tempo is a little off, dear one, I think you should slow it down a bit,” Zhongli offered. You felt your jaw clench, but you fought to keep your composure. “It’s the right tempo, it says so right here,” You countered, not missing a note.

“Ah, I think I’d remembered one of my old favorites,” He chuckled, inserting himself once again. While you usually loved to listen to what he had to say, this had been going on for far too long and it seemed that all he had to say were critics, and unjustified ones at that.

Releasing a breathe, you stopped playing and turned to your lover. He was sat on the couch, a cup of tea in hand, and his face reading confusion. “Dearest?” He prompted.

“Listen, love… you know I value your opinion, right?” You waited for his tentative nod before continuing. “Okay, good. Usually I wouldn’t mind at all, but right now this really isn’t helping, do you think you could tone it down a bit?”

His expression wilted some, causing you to flinch. “I… I apologize. I was simply trying to help. I would hate for you to not be able to do the pieces justice when you perform them, but I will refrain,” He promised.

You froze, almost unable to comprehend what he’d said. “‘Not be able to do the pieces justice’?” You repeated incredulously. Zhongli hesitated and you chuckled to yourself in disbelief. Standing up, you grabbed your sheet music and walked past your stunned lover.

“You’re right, Zhongli, I’d hate to spoil the classics,” You acknowledged sarcastically. Before he could even think up a response, you were out of sight, your ego bruised and heart stinging.

+

The event, and your performance, had come and gone, but the glowing praises you had received stayed with you. Even though Zhongli wasn’t impressed, others certainly were. It hadn’t taken you long to decide that you’d only play for them, seeing as they appreciated your abilities.

Of course, that resolution proved a bit harder than you’d initially planned. Even though he worked full time at the funeral parlor, he was able to do most of his work at home, which took a lot out of your practice time.

Worse than that, he’d begun to take notice of the lack of music drifting through your home. Despite your best efforts, it was obvious how much you wanted to play from the way your fingers tapped your legs, causing a silent melody to float through your mind. So when Zhongli brought it up, you weren’t the least bit surprised.

“Goodbye, my love, I’ll see you in a few hours,” Zhongli smiled serenely. You happily accepted the kiss he offered before waving him off as he walked out the door. “Have a good day!”

And as soon as the door closed behind him, you were counting to sixty. Once you reached a minute, you cheered internally and rushed over to your grand piano. You were practically aching to play the music in a new book you’d recently bought, and now nothing stood in your way.

You tested the first few notes before really getting into it, and soon enough you were completely submerged in the melody. But as luck (or lack thereof) would have it, the door opened, breaking your trance.

You whipped around, startled. Zhongli, with his arms crossed, stood in the doorway. You didn’t move as you racked your brain for a valid excuse, but rational thought seemed to fail you as you shrunk under his heavy amber gaze.

“Z-Zhongli… I thought you went to work…” You stammered. He quietly closed the door behind him before approaching your piano bench. He exhaled before sitting down on the couch before you.

“I was, but I forgot to grab my mora purse. But, all that can wait. You are no longer willing to play in front of me…” His words were quiet towards the end and you could see the shame clouding his features pain as day.

“It’s really not a big deal-“ Zhongli interrupted to you with a small wave of his hand. “It is a big deal, my love. I was unnecessarily cruel and I criticized not only your astounding talent, but your passion itself. And for that, I cannot apologize enough.”

You placed a hand on his, trying to ease his guilt. “I know those pieces must mean a lot, and I should’ve recognized that,” You murmured. Zhongli shook his head, a small smile pulling at his lips.

“Liyue is no longer what it was when I was an archon, and I shouldn’t have expected it to remained the same, and I certainly shouldn’t have taken it out on you. Please, forgive me, dearest.”

You raised your arms, easily wrapping them around how his slim figure. “Of course, I forgive you. Thank you.” Your smile widened as he pressed a small kiss to your forehead.

“Please, don’t hide your gift of music any longer. The house isn’t the same without it, dear one.”

➥𝐗𝐢𝐚𝗼

Anxiety was a fickle thing. It sat in your stomach like a rock at the most inopportune times, and just like said rock it weighed you down, making you feel like you were drowning beneath your worries.

Unfortunately, this was one of those times. Your vision was spotty and your breathing was uneven. You felt caged in but you couldn’t move from the corner of your room, not with the way your head was spinning. And then out of nowhere, one thought seemed to break through the clouds of panic like the sun.

Xiao.

Your voice was weak and shaky, but it was enough. In seconds, there was a large burst of wind and then in the middle of your room stood Xiao, polearm bared menacingly, eyes darting to and fro, and his lips curled back in a sneer.

Then his eyes landed on your trembling, curled up from. “Who is causing you harm?” He demanded, still on alert. You shook your head, trying to ease his fears. “No, not that I-“

His polearm disappeared and his eyes narrowed in recognition. “This again?” He muttered, clearly unimpressed. You faltered. “T-this?” Xiao nodded impatiently, his arms crossed. “As a Yaksha, I cannot be neglecting my duties to come running because you feel emotional.”

You froze, his words echoing in your mind. Was that was happening? You were overreacting and causing him trouble? “I didn’t mean to-“ He waved a dismissive hand.

“It’s fine. Is that all, beloved?” He asked, his tone neutral. You nodded weakly, unable to meet his piercing gaze as humiliation ran through you. “I will see you tonight then.”

And then he was gone the same way he had appeared.

+

It’d been days since the incident and Xiao had continued on like it happened at all, leading you to feel that it would be futile to bring it up. The last thing you wanted was to cause more problems.

You had began taking more commissions to avoid having as much time with Xiao, who was unknowingly causing you to be just the slightest bit uncomfortable. But how could you not be after what had happened?

Today’s commissions were difficult, you’d known that going in. Fatui skirmishers, a ruin hunter, and collecting five quixin flowers, which you knew would be extremely taxing.

And boy, was it. Collecting the flowers by themselves took a few hours and there were more Fatui Skirmishers than the commission stated, which had given you a fair bit of trouble and had put you in a sour mood.

But that was nothing compared to the ruin hunter. Saving that for last was probably not very smart, you mused. It was, however, far too late to worry about that now. You were far too busy dodging and avoiding a multitude of missiles to reflect on your past mistakes.

Holding onto your side, where a gash was, you tried to figure a way to defeat the guard and escape in one piece. Electricity sparked around you, a testament to your active vision. Just as you ducked under a sharp claw, a small body of water caught your eye. Steeling yourself, you ran to it, knowing that this might go awry.

+

You limped weakly to your room inside Wangshu Inn, holding your wounds. After receiving a first aid kit for your minor burns, cuts and bruises, and reassuring words from Kathryne, you were on your way to rest.

You could hardly wait to finish to patching yourself up so that you could take a well deserved nap. Unfortunately, it would seem that your rest would have to wait.

The moment you opened your door, cat-like golden eyes were locked on you. “X-Xiao! What are you doing here?” You questioned, standing up straighter, almost as if it could hide your injuries.

“Don’t ask such useless questions when you are clearly hurt. Sit down and I will patch you up,” He commanded, taking your first aid kit. Silently, you did as told and watched as he took out the necessary supplies.

Gently, he lifted your shirt to gauge the wound on your stomach. It was a semi deep laceration that he winced at, but he dutifully began to clean the dried up blood. It was painfully quiet as he worked and you tried to look everywhere but at him.

Once your stomach was stitched and bandaged, Xiao rocked back on his heels, his gaze resting on you. Despite not wanting to look, your attention was almost being pulled towards him and you couldn’t resist.

He wore a small frown, disappointment clear in his eyes. “You did not call out my name,” He stated, but it was posed as a question. “I didn’t want to bother you.” Was your immediate response and Xiao’s face twisted at your words.

He released a sigh before joining you on the bed. “I was wrong the other day. Nothing is more important than you. I let my frustration with myself and my karmic debt get to me and I took it out on you.” His voice was soft and a bit unsure, but the way he was holding onto your hands proved his sincerity.

You smiled weakly. “It’s okay, I shouldn’t be calling you for every little thing anyways-“ Xiao squeezed your hands, interrupting you. “No, please don’t think that… when I told you to call me if something happened, I meant everything. You are my priority and for me to make you feel otherwise is… unforgivable,” He confessed.

“I forgive you, Xiao,” You blurted, wrapping him in a tight hug. He hesitated for a moment before returning your embrace.

“Thank you, beloved, for being patient with me. I love you more than I believed I was capable of, but I am still learning,” He whispered. Smiling, you pressed your forehead to his. “We can learn together,” You replied, your lips ghosting over his.

➥𝐊𝐚𝐞𝐲𝐚

You prided yourself on being a flexible and laid back person. In fact, being able to roll with punches and take everything with a grain of salt was one of the many things that endeared you to Kaeya.

You were, however, still only human. You still had days when everything seemed to go wrong, where everything seemed to build up until it knocked you down. The only relief was that you knew Kaeya was back home and you could trust him to be waiting to welcome with open arms. Or so you thought.

The door slammed shut behind you and your shoes dropped to the ground, only adding more sounds to your tired sighs. “Well, someone seems a bit grumpy today, hm?”

Your weary gaze lifted to see Kaeya sat on the couch, a novel in hand and a smirk on his face. You shook your head and removed your coat. “Not right now, Kaeya.”

Instead of expected sympathy filled words, only chuckles reached your ears. “Oh, come now. Don’t be like that, snowflake. You haven’t even said ‘hello’ yet!” Your grit your teeth and went straight past to the couch to the kitchen for a water.

You were hoping your silence would convey the message that now was not for his antics. If he wouldn’t hold back his teasing, you figured that the next best thing would be to sleep off your bad mood. Just before you could empty your glass of water, arms slipped around your middle, startling you.

Your already frazzled nerves snapped and the glass slipped out of your hands. It almost seemed like slow motion as you watched the cup hit the floor and shatter into what could’ve been dozens of tiny pieces.

It was stock still and silent for a long moment as you stared at the shards that littered the floor, your hands shaking violently. The threat of tears burned your eyes and you bit down on your lip to stop the trembling. You counted down from the five, but you were just as angry, if not more angry.

“Y/N, I-I didn’t mean to scare you-“ You scoffed derisively, cutting off his ‘apology’. “And yet you did. If you had just listened to me the first time instead of purposely pushing me, this wouldn’t have happened!” You hissed, forcefully removing his hands from your body. Thankfully, he said nothing and let you stalk out of the kitchen and up the stairs.

+

It had been two hours since you had seen Kaeya and you had since stopped crying. You were still upset, but you couldn’t decide if it was directed towards him or yourself. Despite having cried yourself tired, you were unable to fall asleep. Your mind was continuously looping the past scenario and what you could’ve done different.

Before you could completely spiral, however, your door was quietly opening. You didn’t move as you heard his footsteps and then you were watching him set down a water bottle and your favorite snack on your bedside table.

“I’m sorry,” he whispered, “I should’ve been more sensitive. I know you’re probably exhausted, would you be more comfortable if I…if I slept in the guest bedroom?” It was impossible to notice the way his voice cracked the smallest bit. It seemed to reflect the small crack in your heart.

“No… stay in here. I don’t want us to go to bed angry at each other,” You whispered, holding at your hand to him. You heard his quiet sigh of relief as he slipped underneath the covers beside you.

“Thank you, I promise I’ll be better. You know I love you, right?” The words were practically kissed into your skin as he nuzzled closer to you, almost as if any distance at all was too much. “I love you too.” The words felt as natural as breathing and it instantly lifted a weight off your shoulders.

“Tell me what I can do better next time you’re having a bad day,” Kaeya requested, running a cold hand up and down your back. With a smile, you pressed a small kiss to his cheek. Even though you had to jump through a few hoops to get here, you still ended up in Kaeya’s arms, just as you had wanted.