Rewind | Genshin Impact

Chapter 31

Hii! I just want to say before anything - Thank you guys so much for the kind comments on the last chapter, I really appreciate it! I hope you enjoy this one! (Also, if there are any mistakes please lmk :D)

Venti trailed behind Xiao as they entered the park, the moon was already shining down on them as the stars made beautiful constellations. The quietness of the park made Venti feel uneasy, sending a shiver down his spine.

The time to meet with Kazuha and Scaramouche came around faster than Venti had expected, and mentally prepared for. Ever since the haunted realisation of his feelings hit Venti, he stayed uncharacteristically silent. That combined with Xiao's quiet nature, left them in dead silence for around half an hour as they watched the sun set together.

However, despite the silence that consumed them it still felt content, peaceful, and the beautiful scenery even made it feel intimate. A moment for just the two of them. 

Venti hated it. All of it. 

Because at the end of the day, this didn't happen. It wouldn't have happened. It would be a memory that will follow Venti till the day he died however it wouldn't have even happened in Xiao's eyes. It was cruel. This time loop was cruel. Venti being the one chosen to be sent back in time wasn't a gift, it was a punishment.

"Look." Xiao muttered, snapping Venti out of his thoughts as the other man pointed towards two men sitting on a nearby park bench.

Scaramouche was wearing a casual black hoodie and pants, leaning back against the park bench and typing on his phone nonchalantly. On the other hand, Kazuha was sitting next to him wearing a red, maple leaf sweater and black pants, writing in a notebook. Not an ounce of worry covering his facial features, however he was also aware that Kazuha was rather good at hiding his emotions.

Kazuha looked up from what he was writing, seemingly sensing their presence. A warm, small smile graced his face as he gave them a small wave. Venti waved back in response as Xiao grunted. At this, Scaramouche looked up from his phone and flipped Xiao off. Well, this was going to be a fun night.

***

Once Xiao and Venti made their way over to them, they exchanged small conversation. More so, Kazuha and Venti exchanged a few words and Scaramouche along with Xiao stayed quiet.

After some discussion, they settled on the idea of going to a nearby bar. Venti thought it was the perfect place to talk and get information out of people. Besides, it was also about time Venti got another drink of alcohol.

Venti and Kazuha walked ahead. Kazuha was quiet, naturally so. Perhaps even as quiet as Xiao. However, every now and then Kazuha would point a certain tree out to Venti and say a poetic verse about the colour of the leaves, that Venti didn't even have the brain energy to try to decipher. On the other hand, Scaramouche and Xiao trailed behind in silence. Ever since they met in the park, Scaramouche had barely said a word. Most of the time, it seemed that Scaramouche was examining them. Xiao and Venti's movements, body language, words. Venti felt exposed under Scaramouche's eye.

It was too early in the night for the bar to be crowded, however it was late enough for it to still be crawling with people every here and there.

Of course Venti knew this bar, like every other bar in the city, as if it was the back of his hand. He waltzed right into the place like he owned it and greeted the grinning bar tender, engaging in small conversation about the weather and whatnot whilst the others waited quietly behind. Venti then requested a rather secluded  table, one close enough where the faint sound of outside chatter wouldn't be blocked out, but far away enough where they would also be ensured privacy. That seemed most suitable considering the situation.