Xingyun Oneshots

50 - Love Advice, Kind of

I just wanted to thank you all real quick for 20k reads! It really means a lot to me, and seeing all your comments and people adding my book to their reading lists just makes me really happy :)

Not to mention that this is the 50th oneshot, so I just wanted to say thank you for reading up til now. I'm still going to work on new oneshots and continue to improve my writing, so thank you all for the support and I hope you continue to enjoy my work!

"You're very red today. I didn't think it was that hot outside." Shenhe points out, referring to the blush on Chongyun's cheeks when he sits down beside her.

"Oh, that happens whenever I hang out with Xingqiu. I've just learned to ignore it after a while." He shrugs.

"You should not ignore that. It could be very bad for you considering your condition." Shenhe frowns, feeling his forehead. "Does he bring you to generally warm places when you two meet?"

"No, not often. He actually tries to avoid them for me." He explains, unaware how his face flushes at the mention of him. "We don't eat anything hot either, and he hasn't tried to trick me with hot food as of late."

"Well then I think there's only one plausible solution." Shenhe announces.

"What's that?"

"You stop hanging out with Xingqiu."

"Alright, one has heard enough!"

The two relatives looked behind them to Cloud Retainer approaching, and she didn't look happy.

"One has been listening in on your conversation, and one has discovered the need to step in."

"Do you have any solutions? We can't think of anything." Chongyun asks her.

"One thinks one knows why you're burning up after hanging out with your friend Xingqiu. One thinks..." She pauses for dramatic effect. "...that you like each other!"

Shenhe and Chongyun just blink at the older, her answer not giving either of them closure.

"I mean...we are friends, so of course we like each other." Chongyun shrugs, confusedly.

"No, not like friends. Like lovers." Cloud Retainer shakes her head.

"What? Li-like lovers?" His face gets redder.

"Yes! It is becoming increasingly clear to one now. You like your friend more than just that, but you do not realize it. Why else would you get flustered at the mere mention of him?"

"I-I don't know, I thought that that's how friends feel all the time!" He defends himself.

"Ganyu doesn't call Keqing her friend and blush like that anymore. Though she used to, before one had to step in as well..." Cloud Retainer mutters.

"My point is, maybe you're confused about your feelings since you've thought they were something else this whole time. Maybe talking with your friend will help to solve your problem once and for all!"

"You really think so?" He asks her.

"Of course. I suggest you go to him at once and discuss this." She says.

Chongyun stands up and nods. "Thank you! I'll go do that right away!"

-

"Xingqiu!"

Chongyun came up the stairs panting into Wanwen bookhouse, given no response by the hydro bearer, who was occupied with a book.

"Xingqiu." He tugs at his sleeve.

Still no answer.

He sighs and grabs his free hand, intertwining their fingers, something that Chongyun realized always seemed to get Xingqiu's attention when he was too focused on his books.

"Oh, it's you." Xingqiu turns to look at him, and Chongyun notices the pink on his face. "To what do I owe the pleasure of seeing you twice in one day, my liege?"

"I was talking with Cloud Retainer and my Auntie Shenhe about how every time I hang out with you my face feels really hot, and Cloud Retainer said that we liked each other like lovers do, and that maybe I just didn't realize it because I've always thought that this is how friends feel." He says quickly.

Xingqiu stares at him, mouth agape, before blushing harder and pulling him out of sight behind the bookshelves.

"Do you really like me like that? Be honest." Xingqiu whispers.

"I'm pretty sure I do, yes." Chongyun's nods to his question.

Xingqiu collapses against him in a hug, letting out a sigh and a laugh. "I'm so glad you feel the same way, I was just waiting for the right time to say something."

"You were?"

"Yes! Confessions are no simple matter! Though it seems you beat me to it..." he smiles.

"Sorry about that..."

"It's fine! At least we've gotten the most difficult part out of the way. Now, did you say that... Cloud Retainer and Shenhe helped you?"

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I may have to pull on Yelan's upcoming banner to get Xingqiu constellations, good things I'm saving my fates!

Written: January 1, 2023

Finished/Published: January 19, 2023

(Word Count: 805)