Hydrophobic ¦ Xingqiu x Reader [Genshin Impact]

I Will Go To You Like The First Snow [32]

You stand on a small hill that overlooked the ground floor and entrance of Wangshu Inn as you warm yourself up by crossing your arms and rubbing them together, hoping that a certain traveler would show up one last time.

It was getting colder by the day and you regretted not bringing a scarf with you.

Yesterday's commotion had settled in a breeze as you wanted when you quickly ran away after telling the biggest lie you could have possibly ever made—but you didn't allow yourself to think about that—no, not now.

Not when you were too absorbed in something—or rather someone else.

You've heard of Lumine finishing her prolonged commission in finding the truth of the fallen meteors. She ended up dueling with Fatui soldiers and confronting the Balladeer—the Wanderer... Scaramouche.

You're not sure what to call him anymore—hell, you're not even sure if you ever get the chance to call him out loud again.

You sigh again for the nth time, suddenly feeling warm from behind so you look back, only revealing the person you've been wanting to see ever since the two of you got separated.

"Who might you be looking for?" He had this smile plastered on his face and if it weren't for the traveler and Mona's warnings, you wouldn't know it was a fake.

"You..." The words that you have so carefully weaved dispersed in your mind the minute he opened his mouth, accidentally leaving only one word appropriate to his question.

"Hm? You were searching for me?"

"I know everything now; Scaramouche, the Balladeer—Wanderer."

It turns out you ended up calling him by the names he's had so far.

"Is that so?" He hums with a neutral expression, "I thought as much."

You nod at him, your silence only made him fill it up with unanticipated laughter—the kind of laughter that was in no way a good thing.

"I was going to tell you this myself but that lady with the hat beat me to it, huh." He tips his hat to hide his sneer. "Shame, gathering data concerning the traveler from you amused me. I wish it lasted longer."

"Me too." You mumble in sincerity. "I had a lot of fun being naive as I stood beside you and the truth only hurts me because I wanted to continue believing in your lie."

It really was a shame.

He leans forward with the same spurious grin written on his face and gently grabs a handful of your locks that were swept on the sides of your face. "Not only do you look lovely, but you also have important usages. Quite lovely, indeed. Perhaps... just like silk flowers?"

That definitely sounded familiar.

You only stay silent, waiting for him to continue.

"But flowers wilt and die." His ridiculing eyes slowly morphed into a glare. "You're worthless to me now, [Name]. I suggest you leave before I dispose of you."

You sigh in relief and you're not sure why.

"From the bottom of my heart," You smile at him, finally being able to form a reply. "I despise you, Wanderer."

Returning the same fondness he has to you with an open heart to accept his malice was the easiest way out from whatever relationship you call this.

"I hope you get what you want and ultimately lose it at the same time." You resume.

He maliciously chuckles. "If I hadn't known you for a while now, I would have already cut that pretty little tongue of yours already."

But you weren't done yet, no. "Oh, and besides, being acquainted with one Harbinger is a pain in the neck already. I don't want to add another one." You let out an awkward laugh, waving your hands in disapproval over your own words. "Our transaction ends here. Um, then, see you!"