[SOULMATE AU] Y/n L/n is almost obsessed with finding her soulmate, craving romantic love from someone. However, the bracelet which holds her soulmate's name has given her a title that she has never encountered before. 'Alatus'. She's desperate to f...
"Well yeah but I might see something I wanna come back for," she replied.
"I assumed we were just here to eat," I stated.
"We can eat now, if you want. Either way, I'm still gonna look around for something I might want later."
"We can look around then," I sighed.
"I-I'll go see what they have in the food court. Xiao, what foods do you prefer?" Ganyu asked.
"Almond Tofu."
"Okay! I'll see if it's available."
I subconsciously smiled as Ganyu walked away, toward the escalator that would take her down to the food court.
"Do you really not like her?" Y/n questioned, sounding disappointed.
"That's not it."
"Then what is it?"
"None of your business."
"Fine," she rolled her eyes. "So you're gonna help me look around?"
Her mood shifted suddenly. Her eyes lit up at the idea of me accompanying her, and I realized once again how precious she was. I promised myself to protect her at all costs.
"Yes."
"Yay! Thanks!" She beamed.
We began walking around, looking in the windows at different stores. I observed her appearance, dressed up perfectly as usual. She was perfect even in casual clothing with no makeup on.
"Why do you always get dressed up whenever you go out?" I queried.
"Oh... Well, that's because I want to look nice for when I meet my soulmate. That's why I don't put on any makeup when I go to your house, or Ganyu's. I know neither of you are my soulmate. To be honest, though, I'm starting to think it doesn't even matter..."
That was painful.
"Why's that?"
"B-Because, uh... I'm just, uhm, starting to like someone else! That's all."
That was even worse.
"You like someone?" I tested, raising my eyebrow at her.
She avoided eye contact, "Yeah, I guess you could say that. Uh, y-you don't know them!"
"You never talk to anyone who isn't in our school," I narrowed my eyes, trying to force the truth out.
"T-They're in our school, you just don't know them!"
"I know when you're lying, Y/n."
"W-Well, I'm not telling you anyway."
"You know you can trust me. I wouldn't go around telling everyone."
"I know, it's just... I can't say, okay? I know they don't like me back anyway, so it doesn't matter."
"Okay..."
Maybe... She likes me? No, that's a stupid thought. Someone as pure as her would never love someone like me.
"Oh, oh! Xiao, look at that!" She gasped, pointing to the window of a jewelry store.
She was looking at a necklace with a bird on it. By the looks of it, the bird was meant to be flying. It was dark teal on the top and white on the underside. It was made with small gems that sparkled in the light, which was probably the reason Y/n found it so outstanding.
"I'm definitely coming back for that," she sighed happily, and we continued on.
After a few more minutes, Y/n stopped, "We should probably get to the food court and find Ganyu."
"I'll meet you there. I have something I need to do first."
"Uh, okay? See ya then, Xiao!" She waved with a small smile before heading off.
Meanwhile, I quickly went back to the jewelry store and asked for the bird necklace. It was unnecessarily expensive, but I bought it anyway and went down to the food court. I ended up looking around for a minute or two before I finally found Y/n and Ganyu.
"Xiao!" Y/n called. "Hey."
I sat in the free seat beside Y/n and looked at the plate of Almond Tofu before me. It was mildly shocking that they had it in the first place, but I couldn't complain.
"What did you have to do?" Y/n asked.
"I'll tell you later."
I started eating as Y/n and Ganyu made conversation. I didn't say much, only moving my head when Y/n asked me questions. For the most part, I was simply a listener. I didn't want to speak with Ganyu, anyway. Eventually, I finished my meal and just looked around the room, observing other people while listening to Y/n's voice.
"Xiao."
"What?" I snapped.
"We're leaving, c'mon," Y/n smiled, standing up. "Unless you want to stay here with this crowd of people."
I stood as well, "Definitely not. Let's go."
At the front of the mall, Ganyu went off to the left and I stayed with Y/n as we headed right, toward both of our houses. I was waiting for a good opportunity to give her the necklace, since I didn't want her to go back to buy it when I already got it for her. It was dark outside already.
I stopped, deciding to throw my worries away and give her the gift, "Y/n."
"Yeah?" She furrowed her eyebrows, turning around to look at me.
"Turn around."
"Okay...? What are you doing?"
I carefully took the necklace out of my pocket and lifted my arms over her head, letting the charm rest on Y/n's neck while I clipped it in the back. It took a moment before I got it to close, but it was a nice moment. I liked being close to her.
She turned to look at me, her face bright red, "X-Xiao, you didn't have to..."
"I know."
She seemed flustered. I walked ahead of her, not waiting for her to catch up. I could feel her staring at me and I could still feel my own heart beating erratically. She ran to reach me and walked by my side, not saying another word.
We arrived at her home and she approached the door, "Bye!"
"Bye."
"T-Thanks again for the necklace! Bye!" She said hastily, dashing into the house and shutting the door.
