𝑏 𝑢 𝑡 𝑡 𝑒 𝑟 𝑓 𝑙 𝑖 𝑒 𝑠 • 𝑥 𝑖 𝑎 𝑜 𝑣 𝑒 𝑛

2: Old feelings

No warning for this chapter, enjoy :)

[ - ]

As the sun hides itself from the world, it was the moon's time to shine. Birds were flying in the sky, heading back to their nests. The warmth of the sun will son disappear, as the cold will take over the night. The lone yaksha stands by the balcony, undisturbed. The traveler chats with the boss, asking where the adeptus is.

"Xiao! There you are!"

The adeptus didn't bother to reply.

"Hey, apparently you've met Zhongli." the traveler stands beside him.

Xiao gives a tired irritated look.

"I'm sorry for not telling you. I didn't-"

"It's fine." the yaksha cracks, cutting off the traveler.

"Still, i'm sorry. I don't really know what's up with you and Zhongli right now, but Zhongli would like to have dinner with you. We'll also be there." the traveler offers.

Xiao looks at the traveler and paimon. He didn't want to be acquainted with that topic right now. He's still sulking because of what happened. He cared, he truly did. Which is why it hurts to know that someone you trusted so much, didn't trust you the same way you did to them. Right now, he just needed some peace and quiet. Just him and the wind, serenading each other.

"Hey, Xiao. I know you're angry. You must be. I heard that Zhongli and you were close, he is your God after all. You've accompanied him for years now. But for whatever problem you too have right now, it's better to solve it as earlier as possible. You may be immortal, but that's just that. Immortality can be seen as both a gift, and a curse. It's better if you take care of yourself like you're a mortal. It will make things easier for you to take in once you get used to it. You'll find yourself having fun like there's no tomorrow. Of course, like any mortal, you will have problems. But it's better to do things that you can do right now than to wait another thousand years."

Xiao hesitates. He takes what traveler said as a scolding of sort. Being taught a lesson because he'd refuse to take care of himself is normal to him by now. But he has his doubts. What if I won't feel better? What if we'll argue? What if he'll hate me? What if he'll never want to see me ever again? What if?

"I'll leave you to be, Xiao. If it makes you feel better, we'll be bringing a guest. So it will be just like a little hangout dinner. Our guest is quite the talker, so you don't have to worry about the air being so empty and quiet. You just need to sit back and and relax, maybe even listen to the conversations if you'd like. There's a chance you two know each other. Well then, i'll see you there! Hopefully."

Xiao was hoping to be relieved for the traveler to had gone off, but now the traveler's words are stuck with him. Should he go or should he not? Looking at the soft sky, he closes his eyes. Whatever will happen, will happen.

The bustling streets of Liyue, stays crowded. Afternoons and evenings is when most people get their business going. Morning sells are often terrible as most of the vendor's items would be either sold out last night or the items aren't as popular as the others. With an embarrassed face, Xiao gets greeted by traveler in front of Xinyue Kiosk.

"Xiao! You made it! Paimon's glad you decided to join us!" the so called emergency food greets the yaksha.

Xiao looks away as traveler and paimon say their greetings.

"Zhongli and Venti are already inside, come!" The traveler grabs Xiao, entering the restaurant.

Venti? Who's that? Traveler never said anything about meeting a new person. He's very awkward, and doesn't know how to greet people. Well, he can't go back now.