𝐀𝐭 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐏𝐢𝐧𝐧𝐚𝐜𝐥𝐞 | Genshin Impact

ʀᴇꜰᴜʟɢᴇɴᴛ ꜱᴋɪᴇꜱ

EIGHT

NOT TOO LONG ago did she slip into the night, running fast from her responsibilities and duty. With each step forward, happiness hit her in the back with great force. The promise she made to her dear friend was kept alive so long as she continued forward, and that's how it would stay.

(Y/n) lifted the cup of tea she held between her hands, her lips meeting with the warm rim. She sat with Zhongli in one of the tea houses residing in Liyue, finding it a routine that was just beginning.

"Dear me, it seems I've forgotten my mora."

The young lady glanced up at him. "I'll cover for the both of us," She said, "Take it as a sign of my gratitude."

This was the second time it had happened, but (Y/n) didn't really care. She was relaxed, sitting down and enjoying a quiet afternoon with Zhongli.

And even still, flashing images of the cold night would come back to haunt her at night. Those lavender eyes of his glinted in the night as her dear friend hugged her goodbye outside the entrance to the city. So she ran fast for him, because this opportunity was only one.

Zhongli noticed from across the small table how her expression hardened. And so he thought to ask her about it. "Are you alright?" His eyes met hers when she lifted her gaze.

"...Just thinking," She said.

"Thinking?" He repeated the word, "About what?"

(Y/n)'s fingertips rested against the rim of her cup, gently tapping it with rhythm. "I know it's too soon to probably miss home but, I think I do," She said. But then, the girl corrected herself. "No. I don't miss home. I miss my friend."

"You'd really like him, Zhongli," She smiled. And not because they both had, as Hu Tao put it, similar dusty personalities. But she could see as clear as day the two would find something intriguing to speak about.

Zhongli seemed a bit gladdened at this. "Perhaps a visit is in order," He said, "When this friend can, of course."

But that was the thing. He couldn't come in the first place because he'd risk his life.

It wasn't worth it, in her eyes.

❦

Afterwards, (Y/n) found herself standing above a grand staircase that led down to the harbor. She wasn't sure why she stood there, it just felt right.

The still refulgent skies were stretched with vast miles of tiny stars and patches of clouds. And the wind passed her cheeks, tousling the strands of her (h/c) hair, all while the bright lights of Feiyun Slope bounced off her figure.

She should've known better than to run off on her own, but it was too late to take it all back. This promise, she'd see it through to the end. After all, she was a (L/n), and the name alone parted oceans at will if wanted.

"It's kind of late to be out in the streets," A familiar voice reached her ears from behind.

(Y/n) looked over her shoulder, a smile forming on her lips as she was met with those bright, scarlet eyes. "Hu Tao," She greeted her.

The brunette tiled her head to side, lifting two fingers to her face. "Yoh!" "It's gonna be a cold one tonight," She said, "Not to mention you're standing where the sea breeze travels upward into the city."

"...Oh," (Y/n) blinked her eyes in surprise, "I suppose that makes sense."

"Come on," Hu Tao gestured with her head for the girl to follow. "It's way too soon for you to cross over," She jested.

"And you?" (Y/n) began, "What are you doing strolling about the city so late?" The two had begun to walk.

Hu Tao lifted a hand, fluttering her fingertips in the empty space. "I just returned from Wuwang Hill," Her tone was purposely low and creepy, "You know, all part of this line of work."

"...Spooky," (Y/n) said with a laugh.

When the two reached the bridge between the northeastern area and the southern turf of Liyue, Hu Tao bid her adieu.

(Y/n) yawned, blinking away a few tears, but nonetheless continuing her journey home all alone.

It was so quiet, it reminded her of the bodies of trees that lined each side of the road she had to pass through when traveling to Liyue.

She never wanted to do that again.

Not in a million years.

Upon arrival home, she indulged in today's warmth with a deep breath, holding onto it like an embrace. And once she breathed out, she reached for the music box sitting on her nightstand.

(Y/n) threw herself in bed, holding the complex apparatus above her face. She could see her reflection skewed in the metal surfaces, seeing her (h/c) hair sprawled about over the sheets.

One hand held onto it as the other twisted the small lever on the side, hearing the sound of the gears inside turning as they prepared their performance.

Out emitted a soft tune, notes gentle yet as clear as glass.

(Y/n) turned her body to the side, placing the music box gently in front of her. She stared at it, mulling any thought that crossed her mind. And if it were a bad thought, she kissed it with kindness, hoping her act alone would suffice for them to leave her be for tonight. Because she, for one, did not want to sleep alongside her guilty conscious.

EIGHT