#banyue

PAIRING: Banyue x Female Reader (Romantic) (Fluff)

SUMMARY: Banyue falls for the filipino street food vendor outside his school.

Since his recent run of trials and tribulations, Banyue decided to spend the rest of his time peacefully within his school. Teaching his students and aiding in keeping the streets safe for everyone, even though he now worked alongside Krampus.

He clapped his hands as his students finished their evening session, each one groaning as their muscles clamped together. “Good work everyone. Take a short stretch and then eat your lunch before we continue training.” He commanded.

“Yes Shifu!” They exclaimed with exuberance. Each student cleaned their stations and ran for the door with their wallets in hand. Banyue watched as they left one by one, eventually leaving the studio empty as the bustling noise of their voices echoed outside.

His curiosity was piqued; it had been for a while. Banyue knew his students were frequenting the same place for their lunch. But what shocked him was the sheer amount of them eating from there. Even students who used to bring their own lunch stopped for their purchased meals instead.

And they’d sing constant praises about it. The nutritional value, the taste, texture, everything. Banyue wanted to learn more about it; not just because he’d never seen such foods before, but because it was a chance to get closer to his students—closer to humanity.

But it wasn’t until a day where he was free of work from TOPS that Banyue could finally set aside the time to click with his students. As Banyue left his school, having ended class early, he made his way towards the old shopping center; a common part of Waifei that was often overlooked for its rare finds in favor of the more tourist friendly areas.

“Oh? So this is where they’ve been going to,” Banyue concluded as he strode into a large crowd. Many people of different backgrounds gathered around, each lining up to enjoy the food being served by a woman. “Excuse me,” he said as he made his way further into the center.

“(Y/N), one Kamote Q please!” An elderly woman asked excitedly as she waited for her food. (Y/N) went straight to work, creating a dish unique to Banyue. “I always look forward to your cooking, (Y/N). You have to share the recipe with me later.” She kept egging on compliment after compliment to her.

She smiled, “Maraming salamat po! Miss Sòng, pinagkakaabalahan mo now?” The language was something he’d never heard of, but that barrier didn’t stop the conversation being had between the two women. “Come by next time and I’ll have a special surprise on the menu~”

Banyue was entranced by the scenery before him. His students had spent the past few weeks enjoying the taste of a different culture, having fun partaking in the language barrier even though (Y/N) could clearly speak and understand english. Her stall was colorful with dishes stacked one after another.

A community was formed by something as simple as a stall with food. Logically it made sense; humans are naturally attracted to unique things that are also essential needs. But Banyue had spent enough time with humans after becoming a citizen to finally understand guilt, love, hope, and change; they weren’t here just because it was something new.

Everyone was here because it felt like a warming embrace. Different yet familiar—loving and open.

Banyue was certain he had to spend more time here. Not just for his students but for himself as well.

Still, he didn’t want to disturb her, so Banyue sat down on a nearby bench and fiddled with his baoding balls. “It would seem that many of my students ate more than they should’ve for their nutrition. I should up the training regimen.” His mumbled words sent a shiver down the spine of (Y/N)’s last customer, whom was one of his newest students.

Said student slowly turned around, gulping at the direction of his Shifu. “Ah! I’ve been on a diet lately so-so this isn’t that bad!” Banyue and (Y/N) tilted their heads in unison as the young man continued to plead his case, leaving them all unaware of the figure stalking up from behind.

In a flash of sudden movement a thug ran up and snatched the ordered meal, making a swift run for it. “Ah! Hey! Stop it! Ano bang ginagawa mo?!” (Y/N) cried out as she hook off her heels and made ready to run after the criminal.

Yet before her or anyone else could act, a strike like a bullet was heard, and the man fell alongside a silver ball next to him. Banyue made a quick step towards his student and (Y/N). “Are you two alright?” He asked with the same tone he always used. But his student felt differently, quickly bowing down to his Shifu.

“I’m so sorry, Shifu!” He apologized as his hands shook, “I failed to act and couldn’t stop him sooner.” Banyue was silent as he stared down at him, leaving an awkward silence in the air. Banyue’s hands lightly gripped his pants as he looked around, seemingly trying to think up a way to solve the mess.

(Y/N) stepped forward, “If I may, I don’t think he’s angry with you.” She spoke softly and lifted the young man’s back upright with a smile. “Your teacher seems more worried for you than upset.”

As his student made eye contact with him, Banyue quickly cleared his throat. “Yes. I was simply checking on your wellbeing. Please do not be sorry about this; it wasn’t your fault.” Whilst they conversed (Y/N) made her way towards the man who was now stirring after being knocked unconscious. She knelt down to him, helping the man up as he gave her a quizzical look, nerves on end in apprehension.

The duo soon joined her as the crowd that had gathered from the commotion began to disperse. “Firstly…,” she started with a stern glare, “I want you to apologize to us. You stole and could’ve caused someone else harm.”

The older man could barely hold himself upright, and Banyue’s student was quick to help him situate himself. With thin arms, the man clasped his hands together. “Sorry. I–you…I just was hungry.” Banyue could feel his core sting like it was prickling from within. “I’m sorry.” He repeated.

(Y/N) smiled again as she stood up and walked back to her stall. They all watched as she washed her hands and grabbed a lunchbox, filling it with rice and other foods that Banyue couldn’t figure out. She came back and handed it to the man alongside a bottle of water, saying, “On the house. And here.” She handed him a piece of paper. “Directions to a nearby homeless shelter. It provided shelter, teaches essential life skills, and even offers jobs to help people like you get back on their feet.”

Everyone gawked at her. The homeless man fought back tears as he thanked her profusely for her kindness. Even Banyue was shocked by her compassion.

Even more than that—Banyue was moved by it. She had no obligation to show him such love. And yet she did. His own “heart” lit ablaze by her actions, Banyue stepped towards him as well. “If you ever find that you would like to learn some basic self defense, my school doors are always open. And my students are more than happy to have a new classmate.”

Said student shifted to whisper into the man’s ear, “Careful. Run while you still can. He’s a ruthless instructor!”

Nonetheless the atmosphere was nothing like moments before, now filled with fun and laughter as the young man escorted the elder to the shelter, leaving Banyue with (Y/N). She turned to him with sudden shock as she urgently ran over to her stall, “I’m sorry! You must’ve been waiting for something to eat, right?”

Banyue quickly turned her down with a raised hand as he pointed towards the colorful posters surrounding her. “My apologies but I would like to ask more about yourself and your stall. My students often come here after class for lunch…and I’ve been wanting to understand some things; so I was hoping you could help educate me on this topic.”

In an instant (Y/N)’s face lit up like fireworks as she rushed for two chairs, setting them down and grinning from ear to ear. “I’d LOVE to tell you all about my dishes and culture!” Banyue followed her eager movement and calmly sat down as she grabbed some spare posters.

“This one is Isaw, basically chicken intestines. My grandma loves to rub abana or guyabano leaves to it before boiling; definitely one of my favorites. Buko Padan is soooo goood and refreshing! My yaya used to make them for me when I was little.”

Banyue listened tentatively as she went on about her menu; kamote q, large bowls of rice, kwek-kwek, and more. She then had began to explain her fish balls which promptly caught Banyue’s attention the most.

“‘Finely minced fish meat mixed with starches and seasonings served on a tusok-tusok’? Interesting. I’d actually like to see you make them someday. What kind of sauces do you usually serve them with?”

“Oh?” (Y/N) leaned forward, “Forgive my intrusiveness, but you seem most interested in my tusok-tusok fishballs; not even the kwek-kwek or kikiam got that much excitement from you.” She kept poking and prodding till Banyue bashfully nodded.

Pulling out his prayer beads, he said, “I have a fondness for balls. I find them calming and find it easier to remain at peace with them. I guess that led to me liking them in multiple aspects, including food.” She nodded at his words in understanding.

“That’s like me with dennies! I’ve loved them so much since I was little. It’s why I’m even pursing a career as an entrepreneur to begin with.”

Banyue tilted his head, “How come you’re working at such a young age? Most people focus on finding themselves while they work part-time.”

The shifting sun left an overcast above them as (Y/N) fiddled with her phone, scrolling through her camera roll and landing on her scholarship photo. A serene smile graced her face for a moment before the sky seemed to light up with her newfound enthusiasm. “I’m making some more money to cover my living expenses while I study for my masters on business here in Failume Heights.”

He applauded her, “That’s incredible. I would imagine it’s not easy being a foreigner and having to get accustomed to living here for schooling. How have you been adjusting?”

She shrugged, leaning back in her chair and kicking her feet. “It’s been so and so. Hindi ko alam why but sometimes people here think I’m a local, alam mo that usually means they’ll start speaking the local dialect here which made it difficult to understand them. So now I’ve been busy learning the language here as well.” She briefly clutched her forehead as if a migraine was coming just from thinking back on it.

An unruly wind blew past them, causing a chill to run down (Y/N)’s spine. Banyue moved his chair in front of the wind, sitting down now next to her and blocking the breeze from being a further disturbance. “You have an incredible work ethic. But it is important to remember to take care of your health and not overdo it; if you ever need a break, know that there is no shame in that.”

She waved off his worries with a laugh and smile, saying, “Yeah ang pamilya ko tells me that all the time. Apparently I’m a busybody.” She then lifted up her leg and pointed towards the ankle bracelet hanging from it. “Lola gave me this as a lucky charm for good health and a prosperous life because of that. And I always wear it as a reminder.”

A chuckle emitted from Banyue as he felt his core warming inside. Together they continued their conversation till dusk and before they knew it the streets were empty with nobody but the two of them. Banyue offered to walk her home, not wanting to end their conversation just yet; a small voice mocking him in his head about how he once again wanted to avoid the inevitable.

“You know,” (Y/N) started as they were now outside her apartment room, “I had such a great time talking with you Banyue. It’s not often people around here ask me about my culture like that. We should exchange numbers! I’m online like all day, every day.”

“Uh sure. But…how do I add you?”

“Oh, you’re a noob.”

It was after his walk home that Banyue laid down on his bed. He technically didn’t need to sleep, but for some reason his inner workings felt more tiresome than possible. Lowering a hand towards his chest, Banyue asked himself, “If I were just a machine would I feel this confused?” Perhaps he hadn’t realized how good of a time he had with (Y/N), but ever since they parted ways, the sudden separation left him feeling downcast.

…

After exchanging contacts they continued to text each other almost every day, especially when they were too busy to meet in person. She’d often use slang when texting, which was something he had to keep asking his students to translate for him.

Sometimes Banyue would help (Y/N) with her chores so she could focus on studying. And (Y/N) occasionally took classes at Banyue’s school on her days off as an excuse to hang out.

And despite not having much interest in eating, Banyue still always came to her stall when he could to eat and show his support. He’d even let (Y/N) take pictures of him, which she loved to do, so she could make frequent posts promoting her business on social media with him. Taking pictures wasn’t the end though, as (Y/N) would always gush over them and debate on making posters, saying, “You’re just so photogenic! Mahal k—err, I mean mahal ko mukha mo!” She quickly corrected herself with a flushed face.

“I’m sorry? I am still learning your phrases, (Y/N).” She waved off his curiosity and urged the conversation back to complimenting Banyue’s appearance. Truthfully Banyue wanted to conversation to shift to anything else; he always got a little flustered whenever his appearance or state of being was complimented. Yet it felt especially awkward whenever (Y/N) was the one to compliment him; he could feel his core growing hotter and his joints stiffening as she babbled on and on about him.

It wasn’t easy for him, especially since his students were so teasing. Whenever they’d overhear him having a social blunder while conversing with or about her, it would take only seconds for them to lay on the embarrassing questions. “Are you dating?” “When’s the wedding?” “What do you love about her most?”

Those moments were as exhausting as they were exhilarating; Banyue had never felt so “alive” before in a long time. It made him question why he kept going to (Y/N)’s stall, wondering if it was for the food or something else. Perhaps even her?

“No.” He pushed away the thought. “A machine like me is not capable of love, let alone romance.”

But still Banyue continued to visit her. It brought him immense joy just being with her, as well as made him increasingly anxious; Banyue was more self conscious of his anatomy as an intelligence construct every time (Y/N) made his core burn. Whether it was through sweet words or affectionate gestures, it made him feel; and that was something Banyue didn’t want to acknowledge.

“You okay, irog?” She asked with a slightly flushed smile. Over the weeks they’d grown so close that casual touch was practically second nature for them. “You’ve been quiet a lot more lately.”

Banyue was lost in thought as he doze off at her caring gaze. She was always so overbearingly sweet to a point he wondered if it was genetic. “It’s just getting harder to ignore is all.” His words left her feeling confused as she rummaged around her stall for a special box.

The sun shone out behind her as (Y/N) stood in front of Banyue, hiding the box behind her back. “Well I don’t know if it’ll make you feel any less conflicted, but I have a gift for you!” She presented him with a box of calamansi chocolate, “I made it myself. Consider it a celebration of…us.” That last word she hesitated to say, her smile creeping up her face without her even realizing it.

“…Brighter,” Banyue muttered to himself as he gazed at her, feeling like her smile was more dazzling and more eye carrying than the sun. “It should be impossible, and yet every time I deny it, the feeling comes back even stronger.”

For once in weeks Banyue felt at peace. He didn’t feel confused or anxious anymore because he finally accepted it.

Banyue, a machine, fell in love with (Y/N), a human.

He graciously accepted her gift, feeling the sudden need to eat all her homemade chocolates as soon as possible, eager to show his appreciation. “Whoa there! It’s not going anywhere!” She tried to usher him to slow down but he simply couldn’t; if Banyue stopped to settle in his feelings for even a moment he might risk shutting down from an overheated core.

“I’d love to make some more with you. If you’d be willing to teach me…irog.”

She gasped with both a flushed face and giant smile, “You HAVE been studying!”