fortuity | zhongchi

13

"SHE BROUGHT HER FUCKING GIRLFRIEND"

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without much thought, tomorrow went by with god speed and then came commencement. childe, fortunately, was able to fully recover from his injury in time so didn't need a wheelchair nor a bandage around his ankle. zhongli watched as the new graduate shook the faculty members and chancellor's hand on stage as he held his degree, 'he's come so far.'

as soon as it was over, childe went straight to look for his instructor. he wanted to see his smile, tell him how proud he was of him — like how a father would. although it took him a while, he finally spotted zhongli standing in front of a fountain, his strands of hair flowing in the wind. 

then as if his legs had a mind of their own, they started running towards the man and without knowing it, childe had wrapped his arms around his waist. the brunette was taken by surprise but immediately turned back to accept his hug, pulling him in tighter.

"you did well." was all he said. childe's lips travelled from ear to ear even as he wondered how those simple words, of which weren't even equivalent to the length of the chancellor's speech, had such a great impact on his heart, making him feel so ecstatic. they eventually pulled apart, childe showing off his bachelor's degree, "i did say i'll get it no matter what!"

zhongli raised his hand slightly but instantly put it down, setting his arms behind his back and clearing his throat, "mm yes of course. i believed you would."

and as if it was a quick montage, childe suddenly slipped away, waving goodbye as he headed north. zhongli watched him take another student in his arms, though he wasn't able to differentiate whether the person was a man or a woman. all he knew was that they were of tall figure, of which... was awfully familiar.

he caught childe wave once more as the two left. zhongli faced the fountain, taking a deep breath, his head up to the sky. a glare from the fountain shone light into his eyes. the brunette hovered over the water, spotting the coin he tossed in earlier. a solemn smile appeared on his face, then taking his leave.

-

childe showed off his degree as if the person beside him didn't get one either. "what are you planning to do now, kaeya?" the ginger eyed the man. he took off his hat once they left campus, letting his royal blue hair down from a bun, "continue my career of course. do you really think i'll just sit back and relax while the almighty 'ragnvindr' advance, hm?"

the man had a sarcastic tone in his voice. childe scoffed, "i can't believe you actually managed to convince those kids you're a totally different person. yet honestly, i can't really blame them. no one would think the fashionista kaeya who's been friends with the crackhead childe since they were children, is actually the charismatic and charming alberich, would they?"

the idol chuckled, "i'm just that good at covering it up. anyways, where are we headed to?" the ginger had a sly expression, "to meet up with a friend." the duo hopped onto childe's vehicle, driving off to the streets near zhongli's home. arriving at their destination, the driver parked at a mall's parking lot.

"are we going shopping with whoever you're meeting or?" kaeya asked, his arms crossed. childe pulled the shifter, turning off the engine. "if you want to." the graduate went out first and then the blue head next. the two entered the mall and the idol trailed behind childe, tempted to go in the clothing stores.

childe flicked kaeya's forehead, "keep up, pretty boy. try not to stand out or your fangirls will charge at you like a bunch of hyenas." the idol smirked, putting his mouth near childe's ear, "is it because you're the only one allowed to enjoy my company?" he teased in a low volume.

the ginger scoffed, making eye contact with him, "what if i am?" kaeya was impressed by his boldness, yet at the same time not. he smiled, continuing walking, "you really still are the person i fell for." childe didn't seem to be paying attention as he took his phone out to contact the person they're meeting.

he put it away it after a bit, turning to kaeya, "sorry, were you saying something?" the idol bit his lip slightly, "nope. so where are they?" childe put a hand in his pocket, scratching his neck, "i don't know, she said they were near the tall plaque thing but —"

a group of female teenagers distracted him, 'oh shit' kaeya seemed to be preparing for the upcoming horde but surprisingly, they passed by the two. childe traced where they were headed and spotted a face that made him want to join the crowd. kaeya placed a hand on his shoulder, "what's going on?"

"she brought her fucking girlfriend." he appeared to think out loud. the ginger began to speed walk and squeeze through the crowd as the blue head hesitantly followed. childe then found the person he's been searching for, "ningguang!"

the white haired woman exhaled in relief, tapping the lady beside her getting pushed for photos and autographs. the actress threw a handkerchief from her pocket away from them and the clump of people immediately raced for it.

ningguang signaled to follow them and kaeya was shocked by the actress — his good old friend's — presence. the group entered a spa, where they settled down. beidou seemed to be comfortable enough in the place, which had no other people in it, so childe and kaeya calmed themselves.

"sheesh, what a commotion! truly sorry about that." the actress remarked. childe shook his head, "no not at all!" kaeya stepped up from behind the ginger, an excited face on himself, "hey beidou! how odd meeting you here." the brunette's jaw dropped, rubbing her eye, "oh my dear barbatos and morax, kaeya alberich?!" since when have you been there? i could barely recognize you!"

kaeya sweat dropped, "all this time actually." beidou laughed, "it's so nice to see you, it sure has been quite some time." the idol crossed his arms, "indeed." childe slipped his head in between the two, "seems like you two are good friends already, i'll be with ning!"

both the idol and actress drifted into their own conversations as childe finally had time with ningguang, "hello." the woman looked unamused, "hey. looks like you brought another man. where's your boyfriend?" the ginger set his hands on his hips, "i don't have one." ningguang rolled her eyes, "not yet. that zhongli guy... you definitely feel something for him."

childe stared at the ground, unable to bring himself to deny it. "anyways, let's talk while we get a foot massage. in the mean time, you can explain why there's an idol accompanying you." said ningguang, heading to the other pair conversing.

beidou called the staff member on the counter, then three more people appeared to assist all of them. "wait me too?" childe pointed to himself, then looking at kaeya. "just play along. mommy is kind enough to treat us." the idol convinced in a carefree tone.

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