𝐄𝐑𝐋𝐄𝐁𝐍𝐈𝐒𝐒𝐄 -𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐧 𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐭𝐬-

┊zhongli -1

it had been a long day. work was rough, the neighbouring shopowner getting into a stupid argument with you over customers. it was stressful but you longed for home. your heart beat, would zhongli be home today? you wanted to attend the lantern rite event with him tomorrow badly, would he actually want to go though?

you'd lost yourself in a trance until a customer rang the bell "hello?" "o-oh yes! sorry" the day continued on, time winding ever so slow. your manager had called you in to ask for a supply refill, as the usual ordered stock had been delayed due to event preparations.

you sauntered along the path, list of items needed in hand on paper. it was almost night, the skies turning dark yet a hint of pink coming from the horizon indicating a beautiful day tomorrow.

upon returning (with almost 6 heavy bags in hand) your manager let you off for the day. you skipped down the road, this was the day you were gonna ask zhongli to go to the rite with you. your heart buzzed, god you were nervous.

would he think this was just out of friendliness? that wasn't the message you wanted to send. you'd already daydreamed about how the festival with him would go, and how you'd tell him you love him.

you'd been living at his house for around 6 months now, only because you couldn't afford to buy one from scratch right now. most of the time he wasn't home, out doing whatever archons do. however, the times that he decided to come home were your favourite. he would always return with some kind of gift, you'd told him many times before not too, he never listened of course.

he called it "an offering of my gratitude towards you" it made your heart skip a beat, but you knew he didn't mean it like that. you sighed, dropping your shoulders. it all came at a cost, you could never see how he truly felt.

he wasn't the most affectionate person romantically, using words instead. he seemed to close off some parts of himself to you, it saddened you a little to be honest, feeling that he wasn't comfortable around you and only seen you as a casual acquaintance.

you took a deep breath, his extravagant house was right there. looking the same as always. the walk had been shorter than you thought, unfortunately. you tugged the lever, opening the door. not a thing stirred for a moment.

that was, until a minute later. a chair shuffled from the kitchen, "is that u?" you almost melted on the spot. zhongli was home, finally. coming back to your senses you shouted back "yeah!! only me." you could hear him chuckle from here.

you squealed to yourself, god. heading towards the kitchen, you spotted him on one of the stools by the island, tea in hand reading a newspaper, it looked like one anyway.

his usual suit was on, but his hair was down now. you were pretty sure he could tell how you were staring at him with literal heart eyes but shrugged it off. "hello" he smiled at you. "would you like tea?" "sure, yeah i'd love some." did that sound weird? did you sound weird?

"aren't you excited today" he stood up, walking towards the white kettle in the corner of the counter. "any reason?" he said whilst pouring the hot water in. "not particularly" you smiled to yourself, giddy literally about him just being here.

"wait" he stopped his drink making process. your heart dropped, had he really caught on that damn fast? "what?" you replied nervously. he furrowed his brow, in a thinking manner now, "don't tell me" you're kidding. he could tell. really?

"is it the lantern rite festival that's got you so worked up, dare i say?" you relaxed, letting out a sigh. he really was oblivious sometimes. part of you was thankful for that, "yeah, it's tomorrow right" you already knew when it was.

"yes, i believe. why? are you going to it with someone special?" if only he knew right now. your eyes scattered before replying, "well, i was going to ask someone to go, but uh, i don't know if they'd want to go to it with me, romantically that is." you gave him an awkward smile. "oh" he replied, his face was fixed in a confused position.

"i'd personally say go for it, you've got quite the charming personality, how could they say no?" his words stung your heart. "charming personality" my ass. "yeah.." you replied weakly. he handed you your tea, a few treats were stacked on a plate as well. he could be so attentive at times.

mixing your tea with a spoon you said, "they've never given me any signs they could possibly like me in that way before, or i could just be oblivious to it!" you chuckled nervously. he stared at you again "i'm sure they have. not everyone shows affection in the same way, that's something to remember." his eyes dropped to the counter before busying himself with the dishes. his back was now to you.

you sighed, putting your head in your hands. "yeah but, how distant can you get really" your expression was pained.  "how have i never heard of this person before may i ask?" zhongli was still cleaning up, but paid more attention to your words. "that's.." you stared at his back. there was a certain longing that you couldn't shake, a need for him to recognise you as a partner, a need for him to love you back.

you couldn't guarantee any of that would happen even if you confessed, however, it had to be said "because that person is you"

the sound of a plate hitting the bottom of the sink, along with the rushing water coming to a stop were the only sounds in the room for the next 10 seconds. your eyes were on the counter.

you'd ruined it all now hadn't you

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