flavorful popsicles ~ xingyun [genshin impact]

Away

Chongyun ran.

He ran from Wanmin Restaurant.

He ran from his thoughts.

He ran from Xingqiu.

He ran from himself.

Eventually, the exorcist stopped, gulping in breaths of air.

He sat down under a large tree by a pond.

He sat there, until dusk.

Looking up at the sky, soon to be replaced by tiny stars.

He smiled.

He wished he could be like those stars, floating free and glowing brightly, not having to worry about stupid things like love.

He remembered the Lantern Rite Festival, writing down his wish and letting it float up into the sky.

Xingqiu had been next to him, doing the same.

He wondered what the other boy wished for.

Maybe more books. That was likely.

Suddenly, Chongyun heard rapid, small footsteps coming toward him.

He shot up and drew his claymore.

But, he realized it wasn't an enemy.

It was Xingqiu.

The bookworm slowed to a stop as Chongyun put away his weapon.

"What are you doing here-?"

Xingqiu sat under the tree, in the exorcist's former spot.

"I came looking for you. What compelled you to run off like that? Did I do something wrong? I just wanted to have a fun lunch with you..." He looked up at Chongyun sadly.

The Cryo user looked away. "I-I'm sorry... there's a lot on my mind at the moment, I suppose."

Xingqiu nodded solemnly. "I get that. But... you didn't need to run away. I'm here for you if you ever need to talk, alright?"

Chongyun smiled and sat next to him. "Alright." Then, before he knew what was happening, something came over the exorcist, and he quickly kissed Xingqiu on the cheek.

He slapped a hand over his mouth when he realized what he'd just done.

"Oh Archons- I'm so sorry- I don't know what came over me, I just-"

Xingqiu gently put a hand over the other boy's mouth to silence him.

"Shh, it's alright. It's okay. You don't need to be sorry."

And, as if it was a dream, Xingqiu kissed him.

For real.