you promise? || xiao x reader

November 2nd part 2

Xiao didn't show up with you to tutor the kids... sighing you see a text saying Aether invited me over to his house so I'll see you later

Don't get me wrong, you don't hate aether or anyone for spending time with your best friend hes allowed to have other friends its just hard seeing that you two do every thing together and to just not do those things anymore it kinda put you into shock.

"hm, something seems to be bothering you" Xingqiu inquires "Is it perhaps your boyfriend isnt here today?" he presses drawing out a long sigh for exaggeration

"Ok one get back to work, two, hes not my boyfriend and three, no it's not i just have a lot on my plate right now and hes not making it any easier" you say hoping to clear up any misunderstandings.

"Ah I am actually not part of the tutoring so I cannot get back to work" he smiles "homework" is all you have to say in return his smile drops as he takes put some work.

Giving a satisfying grin you go back to thinking why didnt Xiao invite me... I wanna hang out to... why am I being cast to the side right now... I'll just invite him somewhere after my recital! yeah I'll do that.

"You seem to be spacing out there y/n?" Xingqiu asks again "yes i am im thinking about taking a phat nap when I get home so are you guys almost done?" you say nonchalantly.

"Uh, yeah," Chongyun says passing his paper over to you "Wow you really improved since the first time I've seen you! 92%! im so proud of you! you did an amazing job" you say smiling while ruffling his hair

"hey stop that" Chongyun tries to shy away from the head pats laughing and eventually stopping you go Xingling "and whatd you get?" you inquire

"i got an 77%" she says looking down emmbarresed "hey, why is your head down look at me, you did your best and look you've improved so much! im very proud of you and your work" you smile rubbing her head in comforting way

"alright you ma-" you don't get to finnish your sentence before Xingqiu shoves a 99% marked test in your face giving him a look of confusion he just tilts his head down

and then it clicks "im very proud of you, you did an amazing job keep up your good work!" she says as she pats Xingqius head "alright you three little rascals get outta here and get home" you say kicking them out.

Deciding that the library is a very nice place you sigh in and sit down taking out a paper labeling 'what i want to do' it was an assignment given the one assignment you havent turned in yet

Sure... its the last year of high school. but what do you want thats not something you think about to often

Yeah sure playing music is cool... and fun. but is it you? Is it what want? Is it something you wanna be doing for the rest of your life? What about you?

Coming to the conclusion that you dont know... yourself youve never known yourself you dont even know what you want to do with your life.

What can you do with your life? it should be an easy question. Something that you wanna do. Own a business? But what would you sell?

Become a lawyer? But why would you whats the point? Play music? Would you even make it in the industry? You'd have to work your ass off is that something you want?

Maybe? So many questions she groans in frustration not understanding what she wants.

Everything she seems to write seems wrong and bad like shes lying like shes saying what makes everyone else happy. What is it she wants. Why is it so hard to pick? What's wrong with her? This assignment should be easy! Why cant she just lie.

Playing music is something she genuinely enjoys one of the few things she takes pride in. Maybe she could be an idol... No thats to much work.

Ah who cares. She'll just go to college and wing it but what does she put on her paper she can't just say that "I want to do something that makes me happy and that I enjoy, which is playing the violen"

Maybe that should be good enough sighing and putting things away you don't walk home just yet just deciding to read a random book in hopes of it clearing your bordem.

three hours later its dark and your walking home alone since your scary dog privileges were revoked trying to hurry you sigh in relief when you get infront of your house.

Its cold. You hope it snows soon Xiao loves the snow. Especially his weird habits of eating the snow but it actually isnt that bad especially if you purposely put a cup outside watch it fill and add flavoring.

Sighing putting you shakey hands in the key hole before you hear a "y/n!!" you turn around faced with Zhongli "oh its wonderful to see you! are you just getting home now dear?" he asks

Zhongli is like the best ever hes very calming and knows just how to always comfort and show up at the best times... And worse not the point

"Ah yes, I was just walking home from school" you say turning around shoving your hands back into your pockets for some type of warmth.

"Oh? And wheres Xiao? hes always glued to your hip" he questions laughing almost bitterly you answer with "He's with a friend named Aether. i think" you add the last part

"oh" is all Zhongli says "well why dont you join me for a cup of tea? Perhaps it might help with your shivering. " he suggests.

"That'd be amazing" she says practically running to the man. "So, how has work been Zhongli?" she asks genuinely while they walk into the house "I have nothing to complain about" is all he returns with

"Now tell me what is troubling you" he says knowingly while heating up water for the tea signing you say "I really cant hide anything from you can I?" in return he just chuckles

"Well its actually what i want to do with my life, like after this last year of highschool" she sighs

Setting down the cups of tea he takes the seat infront of you humming to let you know to keep going.

"I dont know what I want. I've been wracking my brain but what is it that I want? I dont understand" she says rubbing her eyes

"I just genuinely dont know? Like what is there to do? What can i do? I dont enjoy doing much, or anything really 'sociably acceptable' like as if someone who works from home isnt someone successful!" she rambles

Zhongli just chuckles "I completely understand, there isnt much advice I can offer you but you are the only person you should really care about. If you wanna be someone go be someone If you just want to work a quiet job with a quiet life there is nothing stopping you but the immeasurably high expectations you set up for yourself" he explains.

Rendering you speechless how did he just... "Thank you Zhongli, I really appreciate it. " She says looking at the pretty colored tea.

"Lift your head up, and there is nothing to be thankful for now have you had anything to eat" he asks but its like he already knows the answer.

"I know its pointless lying to you so no I havent" you return with a sweet smile "Alright I'll get started on dinner then-" he doesnt finish his sentence before you interrupt

"Oh thats really not necessary-" you start but not being able to finish your sentence when Zhongli says "well I was gonna make dinner for Xiao and myself so its really no issues" he says already putting on an apron.

"Ah... Then at least allow me to help" you say getting up

Xiao walking in through the door to see you and Zhongli cooking "whats.. going on here?" Xiao asks looking at your messsy school uniform then looking at the food on the table

"ah hi Xiao!" you greet "Zhongli caught me right before i went into my house and offered for me to stay over for dinner and why would i decline" Xiao just cracks a smile at your cheerfulness.

Before scratching his nose to hide that he ever did such a thing sitting down at the table.

"Before you eat!" The girl yells at the two men "Let's take a picture!" she says angling the camera to where everyone is in frame and so is the food

And for the first time in a while you feel normal with Xiao and you feel at ease and at home. plus Zhonglis cooking is way better than the ramens at home.