to love to be loved ( Xiao x Lumine )

Chapter 6: Qiqi is Happy

"You can let go of me now"

"O–oh" he coughed feeling embarrassed.

He let go of his hands. Xiao looked away frowning not wanting to face her direction as he could tell he was flustered red. Just looking at her face makes him feel weak to his knees. What is this feeling? It's so unpleasing to an Adepti.

Lumine chuckled as she finds him to be adorable. Thanks to the moonlight that gives away his obvious red face.

"... hmph. Let's go back in. You're probably cold." Xiao took his polearm and then taking her hand, wrapping his fingers onto the back of her palm, and pulled her gently as he walked back in.

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Both Xiao and Lumine walked back to his room.

Letting go of her hand, he opens the door for her. He still feel embarrassed over what has happened just now. Not wanting to make things even worst, he finally put up his courage to catch a glimpse of her.

"Go rest. I'll be outside on standby in case of any danger."

"Why not we rest together?" Lumine asked him as he was leaning onto the door.

*cough* "I don't think it's appropriate." Xiao looks over at Paimon who's asleep on his bed. 

"...oh yeah you're right..." Lumine felt awkward realizing what she had just asked.

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She smiles at Xiao. "You can go back now"

Xiao shook his head, folding his arms. "No. I'll go once I see that you're comfortably lying on the bed."

How am I supposed to be comfortable when he's going to be there staring at me— "I–I'm going to close my eyes now!" What am I even saying?!

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She tugged herself in, bringing the blanket over to both her body and Paimon's. Lumine could feel the intense staring from the back of her head. She tries to not move a muscle as she tends to fidget which Xiao would automatically think she's uncomfortable.

Finally, after a short while, his stare onto her began to fade. He slowly walked out of the room, turning his head one more time to look at her. "..Goodnight... Lumine." He spoke softly. He then closes the door and leaves the room.

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Lumine sighed in relief. That was very awkward she thought. but it also felt nice.

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Lumine's POV:

Paimon... I could hear your voice... I could hear everyone's voices while I'm in slumber... I'm sorry to have worried you... and everyone.

The last thing I remembered was when I was in a cave... I think I fell asleep?... and since then I didn't wake up...

What was I dreaming of...? ....Brother...?

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Lumine hugged herself. Her chest felt tighter than before. I will be okay. I will not be a burden to others. Lumine smiled to herself. Yes, I am strong.

She took a deep breath followed by giving herself a light punch on her chest. "Let's sleep."

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It was very early in the morning when Xiao head to Liyue to meet Qiqi at Bubu pharmacy. The sun was still rising. Hence, the Pharmacy just open.

Qiqi was already there at the counter packing some herbal medicine that she gathered days before. She also took notes of what she has gathered as she tends to be forgetful.

"Hello." Xiao entered the Pharmacy.

"...Big Brother Xiao, hello." However, Qiqi remembers Xiao. She felt a certain attachment to him when they first met and hence him being an important person to her. 

"The girl at Wangshu Inn. She woke up and it was partly thanks to you. Thank you."

"...Big Sister...Big sister woke up because of Qiqi... Qiqi is happy...Qiqi want to see Big Sister. Qiqi will ask Mr.Baizhu for permission." She went inside to look for Baizhu.

"....hmm" Xiao waited for her to come. About 10 minute passes. Qiqi came out.

"Big Brother Xiao, Qiqi will see Big Sister after Qiqi finished this."

Xiao nodded. He didn't expect Qiqi to be so happy. That warmth his heart.

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