𝑰 𝐒𝐋𝐄𝐏𝐓 𝐖𝐈𝐓𝐇 𝐌𝐘 𝐂𝐎-𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐑 [𝐙𝐇𝐎𝐍𝐆𝐋𝐈 𝐗 𝐂𝐇𝐈𝐋𝐃𝐄]

-𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝐓𝐖𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐘 + 𝐍𝐈𝐍𝐄-

•´¯'•. . .•´¯'•

As the days stretched on to about three days after Zhongli's discharge from the hospital, he and Childe discussed heavily on their future. It seemed like things had been kept in limbo for awhile now, and both were unsure where they stood, or even who was going where. After all, chances are Zhongli might go back to his home country, and Childe couldn't help but wish to follow. And yet at the same time, he couldn't beat to be away from his family any longer. His siblings were waiting for their dear brother to come home and hear all about his stories since coming to Japan.

What would Childe choose? His family or lover?

"Y'know, I can't stand what they did with the movie. To take out the kissing scene was quite petty." Kaeya scoffed as he shut his suitcase. "Back to Germany it is. My filmmaking skills are more appreciated there, I suppose." He sighed, running a hand through his hair before tossing his head to face both Childe and Zhongl whom were both helping the director pack.

Zhongli had picked up one of Kaeya's suitcases for him, only to give it to Childe who was holding several already. "I heard the entire crew is going back."

"They are." Kaeya confirmed. "My brother was here after opening a new bar location here in Japan, so I thought coming here was a way to also say congrats to him, but.. he wasn't quite pleased." Kaeya awkwardly laughed before clearing his throat. "Anyway, I should get going. My flight will be arriving soon, and I can't miss it. I have muse waiting for me at home."

Childe cocked his head to the side. "Muse?"

Kaeya chuckled. "A beautiful youth awaiting me to most likely in heartache I am not with them. It would be a shame to keep my angel waiting." Kaeya said dramatically as he grabbed his last suitcase and trenchcoat that was draped over the corner of the bed. "Well? Shall you say your goodbyes to me outside?" He asked before they headed off outside the hotel. By the street was the film crew. Venti included. He has given Zhongli and Childe a large bottle of wine as a goodbye gift. And Zhongl had also given him a bottle of wine of a different brand and flavor, to which made Venti's eyes sparkled like stars before he snatched the bottle practically and skipped into the bus waiting to pick them up.

After everyone but Kaeya got aboard, he stopped to wave at both Zhongli and Childe, whom stayed behind to watch their fellow co-workers leave. However Kaeya hurried over and gave Childe a box. He leaned in and whispered something in Childe's ear before leaning away, confusing Zhongli greatly.

"Excuse me-"

"Have fun you two. Don't overdo it." Kaeya interrupted Zhongli, and wished them goodbye with a confident expression before he disappeared into the bus before to drive away out of sight.

And that was that.

Now Childe and Zhongl we're left alone. Zhongli's eyes trailed to the box which he reached for. Childe quickly pulled it away.

"Erm, no, no! Let's open this in private!" Childe declared nervously. Zhongli didn't understand but didn't pry.

"Actually, Childe. Now that we are alone, there was something I would like to ask you that I've wanted to ask for a long time now.." Zhongli was reaching into his coat pocket for what seemed the hundredth time, his fingers wrapped around a little box, and he was about to pull it out if it wasn't for someone shouting their names.

"Mr. Zhongli! Mr. Childe!"

There was Lumine and Aether running up to them. Well, Aether was technically running and pushing Lumine, whom was settled comfortably on a wheelchair. The twins were both absolutely glowing with happiness.

"We're so happy to see you!" Aether gasped, half out of breath. He noticed Zhongli frozen in place and so did Childe.

"Are you alright Mr. Zhongli?" Childe asked, tilting his head and snapping Zhongli out of a daze.

"... I am fine.." Zhongli sighed softly.

Nobody noticed that Zhongli was trying to say something important just a moment ago. And it wasn't because Childe was the oblivious type. That was Zhongli. Childe just got easily distracted. Like now when he noticed Aether running up behind Zhongli while pushing his sister.

"How are you kiddos?!" Childe immediately greeted and him and the twins hugged each other as if they were all best friends who haven't seen each other in years.

"Actually, Mr. Zhongli, there was something I wanted to give you." Lumine suddenly brought up as the hug torn apart. She picked up a movie case under the yellow blanket on her lap and held it up for Zhongli to take.

"I watched your movie and Aether explained to me there was a scene taken out. So I asked the director to help me make this. It's the movie with the kiss scene." Lumine explained sweetly. "Since.. you both helped me, it's only fair I show my gratitude. Especially to you, Mr. Zhongli."

There was such a moment of awe as Zhongli graciously accepted the gift with pure amazement in his eyes that faintly lit up. Childe, too, was looking over his shoulder with a giant grin.

"Thank you. Very much. I shall keep this forever.." Zhongli thanked with a bow of his head, making Lumine blush and laugh a little. Which didn't go over well with Aether who pulled the wheelchair protectively closer.

"We should invite everyone to come and watch it!" Childe suggested to Zhongli. "Well.. the crew already left, but we could stream it online and they could see it too."

Zhongli blinked. "Stream..?" He didn't know what that meant, it seemed and Childe quickly gave a lousy and loose explanation, which left Zhongli barely any less confused.

But the idea of streaming the movie became a great idea in the group if you exclude Zhongli who didn't give much input on the conversation. Actually, he was a bit glum after his important question being interrupted again.

If only he could have a moment of Childe's time without interruption.

But since when has Zhongli ever been that lucky?

•´¯'•. . .•´¯'•