Those Willing to Drown | Beiguang x GN! Reader

ARC II-ACT III

"Oh sweetheart, today is your day off, didn't I tell you?"

Another busy day at the restaurant had begun normal, just as any other day would at least, except for the teasing glances your coworkers sent you.

"I'm telling you ma'." Jin laughed, walking over to pat your back with his large, calloused hand. "They're a workaholic!"

Jin was a kind man who mostly worked in the kitchen helping cook. He was tall and hairy, his long black beard being beaded near the end which contrasted his shaved head. He had a kind smile and playful eyes which fit someone of a younger age, but his wisdom (or what he's given you from the little time you've worked there) fit that of an older man who's seen the world.

'Ma', the owner of the restaurant who never really shared her proper name, shook her head with a frown, wiping her hands on her apron before waving you and escorting you out the door. "That won't do! Go rest!"

"But ma!" You cried over your shoulder. "I'm free today! Don't you need the extra help?"

She chuckled with a mischievous grin, pushing you out the mint green wooden door finally. "You're free to go and spend your day out! Go visit family! Friends! Get a manicure! Go rest and come back when you actually have a shift!" And with that, she turned and let the door swing close behind her, leaving you out to quietly huff out an annoyed breath.

That's easier said than done - especially when you had no family that you knew was still alive, and when your friends were busy - Kazuha having gone off to help Beidou prepare the ship that would be leaving after the upcoming end of the lantern event. Lumine too was busy, having mentioned something about helping the adepti with some business.

So you did the one thing you always did; you turned away from the restaurant and walked to the harbour.

Sat on your iconic wooden bench, you relished in warm rays of bright sun. Children ran laughing and cheering, parents chuckling as they chased after them. A woman bounced her babbling baby on her hip and two young girls giggled as they peeked their heads beyond a stone wall and watched two boys close to their age chat.

Each person walking past told a different story, each one so interesting that you almost didn't notice the little girl that approached you - not until you felt a tug on the loose fabric of your sleeves.

"Oh?" Big tired purple eyes stared back at you blankly, one hand still gripping your shirt and the other resting on your knee. "Hi there, you need something?"

She nodded, breathing in and out as if already exhausted of talking. "I'm lost. Can you help me?"

"Oh of course!" You immediately stood from your seat, moving her hand from your sleeve and into your hand instead. "Where are your parents? What do they look like?"

"I..." she scrunched her brows in thought, and while she did you crouched down to be at her eye level. After a few seconds, she looked up to lock eyes with you and shrugged. "I don't remember."

"You don't... remember? What about what they were wearing? Any clothing you might remember?"

Despite the seemingly easy question, she only shook her head, cupping her forehead with her other small hand. "Sorry, I don't remember things very well."

"Don't worry, I'm sure we can find them for you. Do you want to walk around or stay here? Maybe they're already looking for you."

Again, she shook her head. "I'm not sure..."

Well, how helpful. "Alright then... how about..." looking around, you heaved a sigh. No one seemed to have an appearance as eye catching as hers did, not even similar clothing. "How about we walk around? I'm sure they can't be far."