Genshin Impact Oneshots

Lumine x Xiao - Lantern Rite

The town was lively with music and laughter. Everywhere you look, food stall businesses sold more than usual. I looked around Liyue Harbor as I had last year. To see the usually busy streets full of more people walking around to celebrate this day feels different. When I reached the Yujing Terraces, a gigantic contraption blocked my way. A giant wheel with carriages attached to it.

I stepped back and bumped into someone from behind. To my surprise, it was the Tianquan of the Liyue Qixing. Ningguang. Her gentle smile gave me the feeling that she knew all too well what I was thinking.

"It's called a Ferris wheel," she said. "A wonderful piece of machinery I designed with Cloud Retainer's help. I plan on stopping the wheel at random, so one lucky person gets to enjoy the view at the very top." Ningguang winked at me as if telling me to hurry and get on.

Without thinking, I hopped into a vacant carriage leaving Paimon below. In my slow ascension to the top, the entirety of Liyue slowly came into view. Lights glistening on the streets and in the still water. The moon radiated a soft glow that reflected in the ocean. As I admired the scenery, I couldn't help but remember a certain someone who had refused my invitation.

"Xiao," I whispered his name under my breath, relishing the memory of my efforts to make him join the festivities of last year.

When I opened my eyes to the sudden rocking motion, there, sitting across from me, was the Adeptus I called upon. The carriage and everything around us stopped moving. They were left alone at the very top of the ride, and everything started.

Fireworks exploded in the night sky, xiao lanterns floating, the ming xiao lantern was about to take off. As we watched the scene unfold, I held onto the railing to peer out.

"It's beautiful," I whispered.

"Yes. Perfect." He said as he held my hand.

When I glanced at him, he wasn't looking out. He was looking at me. We were locked in place. Frozen in time as the performance continued below. I had dreamed of the moment when Xiao would notice my advances, but it had not prepared me for this surprise attack. He pulled my hand towards his lips, his eyes glittering from the light of the fireworks. Lips warm as he touched the back of my hand. Heat crept up from my hand towards my cheeks, and as if by magnetic force, I started leaning towards him. Xiao's head moved towards mine, and our eyes met. We stopped. I blushed from our proximity, embarrassed at what I had done. I looked away, cheeks burning redder.

"Sorry," I whispered.

"Don't be." He replied and placed a gloved hand on my cheek.

Our eyes met again, and I was pulled into a sweet and tender kiss. Cheers could be heard outside as the ming xiao lantern exploded in the sky, ending tonight's performance. Xiao left before the carriage could reach the ground, leaving as if nothing had happened on the way up. I smiled as I got off, and Paimon was mad that I kept her waiting. But I didn't care, because something wonderful happened in my time alone.