Freeze! || A XingYun/ChongQiu Fanfic

Spicy Hot Vegetable Soup

Lately there's been news going on around Liyue Harbor about an event in Wanmin Restaurant. Xiangling, the world-famous young chef, just recently held an eating contest for a chance to win her new Slime Dumpling recipe and an unlimited 20 percent off discount for all her dishes in Wanmin. Of course, the news spread far and wide across the seven nations of Teyvat, it was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity after all. I mean, who wouldn't want a recipe and an unlimited discount from Xiangling herself?

Even Xingqiu was excited. He had been pestering his dear friend Chongyun about it ever since.

"Come on, Chongyun! Don't you want Xiangling's recipe AND a discount off all your popsicles? You could save a ton of Mora! Not to mention make a ton of Mora with that recipe," he urged, pulling Chongyun's arm.

"Xingqiu please let go of my arm," Chongyun said wearily. When Xingqiu obeyed, he looked at him and gave him a serious face. "Look, I'm not interested in making money off a recipe that isn't even mine or getting a discount off popsicles I already know how to make. If you want those so badly, why don't you just join the contest yourself?"

"But Yun," Chongyun blushed slightly at the nickname. "They'll make me finish twenty bowls of spicy vegetable salad. Twenty! And that's only the first part! Do you know how many carrots Xiangling would top if she saw me compete tonight?"

"And I can't handle spicy foods," Chongyun said. "I won't be able to hold much longer than you can." Chongyun began to walk away, letting him know that he wasn't going to be swayed. But Xingqiu had an idea.

"Well then, at least come with me for dinner at Wanmin tonight. Please?" Xingqiu begged politely as he went to catch up with Chongyun. "I'll treat you, I promise."

Chongyun looked back at the boy, eyes wide. Dinner? With Xingqiu?

Like a date?

Chongyun's face flushed as he turned away and felt his forehead. This wasn't good, he was heating up again. Why is he feeling like this? He had always gone out to dinner with Xingqiu, so why was his condition acting up?

"Chongyun? Are you okay?" Xingqiu placed his hand on his shoulder comfortingly. "If you're gonna faint, at least warn me. I could get someone to carry you in my stead." Chongyun started sweating intensely.

"I-I'm fine! No need to panic!" Chongyun shrugged off Xingqiu's hand nervously and quickly faced him. His golden eyes were filled with worry and his endearing face expressed his concern, making Chongyun turn redder.

"Uhhh..." What do I do, what do I do? Should I run? No, that'd be weird. He's just worried, why am I even panicking!?

"I guess...that's a yes?" Xingqiu said, hiding his uneasiness with a small smile. When Chongyun gave him a small nod, his face brightened. "Alright. See you at Wanmin tonight! Make sure to stock up on those popsicles so you won't faint again 'kay?" Xingqiu darted off before Chongyun could say anything. When Xingqiu was out of his sight, Chongyun covered his face with both hands in embarrassment.

"What is wrong with me today...?"

That night, Chongyun slipped away to Wanmin Restaurant. He felt nervous and excited at the same time, even if this wasn't the first time Xingqiu had asked him out for dinner. He had been weird all day anyways, so he didn't question his feelings this time. It's probably just my condition, the weather's been getting hotter these days.

But that night, the wind was cool and refreshing and the dark sky was striking with its bright moon and infinite glittering stars. He stopped dead in his tracks and lifted his head to admire it all. The view was simply spectacular, like a thousand little fireflies got stuck up in that sky, trying to reach that big moon of light. Was the view of the world from up there beautiful, too?