Good Evening Traveler

Chapter Fourteen: The Biggest Baby Step

"anddddddddd...done!" Lumine smiled, hoping she was about to make a beautiful crown to sit atop Xiao's dark-teal hair. Within five seconds, the flower crown had slumped down right infront of his eyes. "Oh no...here, let me fix it," Lumine did her best to take the crown from his grasp, but it didn't work. Xiao had gently slapped her hand away, and adjusted the wreath of flowers where he could see. "No need. Work has got into it, and I refuse to let it go to waste. Is that suitable for you?"
"Yes, it is. If you need me to fix it-"
"I said there is no need, do you understand?"
Lumine nodded, before beginning a crown for herself. She would have forgotten about Ayaka if she hadn't spoken up. "You know, there should be a festival later tonight - would you two like to attend?"
"As long as you are not scheming again. I don't quite trust you," Xiao glared. Lumine looked back at him, looking up with a look that read 'Be-more-polite-or-you'll-have-to-order-your-own-food, which worked! "Ugh...I apologize for my behavior. What I should be saying is that I am curious as to what this festival is celebrating."
"Ah, yes. I'm sure you are aware that Inazuma is known for it's festivals. While there are much longer ones, the festival tonight is merely dedicated to looking at the beauty of the Sakura blooms. They have had a quite successful year so far. So, would you be interested?"
"Of course! It sounds wonderful!"
"And for you Mister Adeptus?"
"...fine. If the traveler shows interest in showing, I would think it's only right to tag along. As long as we do not run into any issues."
Ayaka smiled along with Lumine. "Lovely! It should be taking place later. When it comes time, I will lead the way!" Ayaka smiled before she stood up and left.

The time seemed to fly by before Ayaka returned. Everyone was rounded up before the young Kamisato led the way. The small festival was on the outskirts of town, obviously under the sakura blooms. It was the same island that Ayaka had taken Lumine to when they were still getting to know each other - the time Lumine wished to see her brother again. As the group of four passed by the large board of wishes, Lumine felt her throat tighten and her hands tremble. Nothing could make the revered traveler afraid....except for this. Xiao was the first to notice and instantly grabbed Lumine's wrist. All that did was alarm her more. Carefully inching his way down to her palm, Xiao thought to himself as they walked...was this love? Why was he so hesitant? He felt himself drifting off into his own thoughts...
Why am I so scared of this? Love is nothing. Love doesn't exist. If it did, I wouldn't have to sacrifice my life for the sake of people I'll never meet. What even is love?...No...I can't. Lumine has her own problems to face, as I have mine. But....fighting together side by side...just seeing the look of determination on her face to protect the people of all the regions of Teyvat. This must be love. I love her. I'm scared as well, but just having her beside me...I can overcome anything.

Xiao continued to fight his own thoughts as the group of four made their way to the hilltop. Sakura petals fell down like dancers spinning around in an elegant waltz. They landed in everyone's hair, though particularly made a sort of pile on Xiao's. The four eventually stood on top of the hill and stared to a distant Inazuma. Lumine had finally noticed Xiao was holding her hand and had gripped it as tight as she could. He had to know how she felt. She had to know how she felt. The two stood in silence before Ayaka managed to speak up. "Paimon, how about we go get food?"
"Finally! Festival food is soooooo good! Let's go!" Paimon squealed, leading Ayaka down the path. Finally, Xiao and Lumine were alone. They continued to stand in an awkward silence before Xiao began to speak. "I'm not that skilled in this area of expertise," he began, "but I do have to say that the beauty of Inazuma is nothing compared to you. I hope you do not mind my comment."
Lumine turned as red as a tomato. How could she respond? "I...er...so do you!- I mean...Not pretty...not that you're not good looking! I mean-"
"Hm. You're quite cute when you're flustered."
By now, Lumine and Xiao were facing one another. She was smiling brightly, and Xiao was doing his best. She reached her hand up through his bangs to drag the sakura petals out. Lumine did her best, but ended up knocking down Xiao's elaborately-placed flower crown, making the petals fly every which way. She giggled, though managed to carefully lift it up to see Xiao's golden-amber eyes brightly shining in the starlight. It was all in a moment when Xiao ever so slightly bent down, mustered up all his courage that he had and kissed Lumine. He pulled away a short second later, but Lumine didn't react negatively. She stood on her tippy-toes (it wasn't hard to reach Xiao's height - he is our emo short king after all) and kissed him back, but she didn't pull away. It was a sweet moment for both of them. Nothing else in the world mattered. The two of them stayed by each other, the sakura blooms falling gently. It was perfect. Eventually, they stopped and looked at each other. Xiao had always admired Lumine's beauty. Even in battle did she keep a smile on her face and an attitude full of ambition. Lumine could say the same for him as well. Xiao was overprotective, but he had to be. If he wasn't, everyone he knew would be lost. All of that just made the moment sweeter. Both of them didn't know what love truly was until met each other. Sure, many thought Lumine was attractive and many thought Xiao was attractive. What mattered most is how they felt. Xiao finally had to admit it to himself. He didn't like Lumine; he loved her.