𝐇𝐢𝐫𝐚𝐞𝐭𝐡

♔ 𝟒: Appetence

♔

          "Pleasure to be working with you," Y/n bowed politely as beautiful honey-hued eyes looked down on her bashful form.
Y/n slightly squirms as the male before her looked at her with slight intensity on pools of amber. His hair was teal by the tips, and his eyes were stern, yet adorably big. This was Xiao, someone she has never worked with, someone she has never talked to until today. All she knew was that he would be near Mr. Zhongli, and sometimes plagued with Hu Tao's presence, the little tease that teased most of her friends. This was new for both of them, and she was discombobulated whether or not their first meeting was good or bad.

          Meanwhile, Xingqiu and Chongyun watch the interaction from afar, a small ounce of jealousy in their systems. "This is the first time they've worked together, isn't it?" Xingqiu asked his companion, reading yet again, another volume about the Halberd to hide the jealousy in his eyes. "Yes. Mr. Zhongli did say that he assigned everyone a pair for this activity," Chongyun stated, remembering the history teacher's words. The only reason Y/n was with the cold Xiao was because of the activity Mr. Zhongli had asked the whole class to do by pair. He had also assigned the partners, leaving Y/n with Xiao.
Xiangling and Keqing had become partners for history project, and Xingqiu with Barbara.

          The usually relaxed male sighed, "I'm a little concerned about Y/n. Xiao isn't one to mingle with people, just like Y/n and Mr. Zhongli assigned him to her." The navy-haired literature enthusiast kept reading a book, not looking at his friend's face. "Have faith," was the only thing the male said.
"The amount of people who start to notice Y/n... The amount of people who can take Y/n away... so much possibilities." Chongyun softly laughed as his friend only stared. There was something accumulating, and Xingqiu knew what was. "Chongyun, breathe."
           Just like that, the usually cool male snapped back to reality.

            Barbara skipped over to their area, along with Hu Tao skipping by the back. "Xingqiu! We should be talking about what to do for the Mondstadt pictures. I know a ton of places we can visit!"  Xingqiu looked at the idol-like female while ignoring the men that were saddened upon realizing that Barbara wasn't their partner. Chongyun was like those men, only that it wasn't because Barbara wasn't his partner, but Hu Tao was. "It's going to be so much fun!" The brunette said with a teasing grin. Chongyun looked over at Xingqiu for help, but all he said was, "So this is what happened!" pertaining to the book on his hand. "You know, nowadays, it's all about Y/n that's been going through your minds. I wonder what great lengths you'll go through... it makes me want to tease her in front of both of you," Hu Tao watched their brows furrow and their eyes look at her own with intensity. She laughed at their faces. "Geez, it was just a joke!" Hu Tao wiped a tear. Once she had composed herself, she skipped over to Chongyun.
"Ah, well then! Inazuma, huh?" She looked at the usually cool male, who decided to ignore her presence. "Not answering huh? Looks like I'll be kissing Y/n after all~" Chongyun's eyes went to hers in an instant, making Hu Tao snicker. What a simp! She mentally screamed.

Xiao's eyes twitched. He had long noticed the stares they were getting from Y/n's companions. It was as if they were her guards against people. He pulled her closer to his place, blocked by the other students. Y/n sat by the table as Xiao sat back on his chair. "Liyue is rich in history, and one of the trademarks of Liyue is the district's garden. We can come to the district, and take a picture," Y/n meekly nodded, agreeing. "Maybe we can also take a picture by the bridge," Y/n's little smile had some how made his eyes soften. "Yes. The bridge is quite pretty, but we should also try the Wangshu inn," Xiao added. Before they could add more, the history teacher had already cleared his voice, coughing. "Now that you have all acquainted with your partner, I shall take my leave," The students greeted a good day upon his departure. That was the last subject for the day. Y/n sent a message to her caretakers that she will be in the Liyue district for a while. "Such a shame we don't have the same district," Xingqiu sighed. They'd be heading over to Mondstadt, while Chongyun and Hu Tao to Inazuma. "Well then, see you!" Y/n waved to them a goodbye, and Xiao looking at the two males who looked back with a protective stare. "Stay safe!" Barbara replied, bowing as Y/n and Xiao left.