like the wind that flows through your hair

𝙸𝙸𝙸. 𝙾𝙽 𝚃𝙷𝙴 𝙾𝚃𝙷𝙴𝚁 𝚂𝙸𝙳𝙴 𝙾𝙵 𝙴𝚃𝙴𝚁𝙽𝙸𝚃𝚈

After working diligently at the bar "Lucid Dreams," Zhongli had finally made enough mora to purchase a suitable gift for the young lady he wished to confess his affections to without bothering Tartaglia. He casually walked around the shops in Inazuma, attempting to find the perfect gift, but what could he give to a noblewoman who already possessed everything?

Finally, his diamond-shaped amber eyes rested on an intricately designed pair of purple geta sandals with ankle-length white socks decorated by cerulean bows at the back. It was practical yet elegant. Perfect.

He purchased the gorgeous pair of sandals and satin socks, along with a stunning dragon hair accessory. It was a very fulfilling experience because it was money he had earned using his own labor. The archon stood patiently against the wall of the Yashiro Commission courtyard with a single hand-picked red rose tied with a white ribbon in his hand and the gift bag in the other, awaiting Kamisato Ayaka to finish her duties. Today was the day—and come what may—he would let her know his heart.

Every time a soldier came or went from Ayaka's office, the archon would crane his neck to catch a small glimpse of the beautiful girl. He was so...anxious although his outer facade didn't betray what he was feeling within.

Inside the mansion, Ayaka stretched like a tired cat in her seat with the papers of the Inazuma City event planning logistics and official letters scattered on the desk. The correspondence enclosed the Inazuman peoples' various requests of the Yashiro Commission which Ayaka worked meticulously to fulfill. She wanted a break badly. Glancing out the window, she was surprised to see that it was already sunset. She was about to turn away when she glimpsed a familiar tall, lithe figure leaning against the wall of the orchard. Her whole face lit up instantly in sheer delight. She had not seen him since his last visit to Inazuma.

As she dashed out the door to meet him, she even forgot that she was not wearing her usual proper outfit and armor for outings. Only a casual blouse and skirt that she wore at home. The soft colors of her clothes matched her personality yet gave her a delicate girlish look that was refreshing and cute. Striding out into the evening air, she paused at the gate as she stared at the breathtaking sight before her. The waning sunlight kissed the bronze tips of Morax's hair as if they were glowing like a halo around his striking, attractive face. Romantic, pale pink peach blossoms surrounding him rendered the scene almost holy, like he was an angel from the skies. His eyes were closed as if he were meditating deeply. Ayaka walked forward slowly with a sincere smile curling her lips. She gathered her composure even though her voice betrayed her enthusiasm.

"Hello, Zhongli. This is the most delightful and welcome surprise. Were you waiting long?"

A lump formed in his throat the moment Zhongli's eyelids fluttered open and settled upon this siren. He was rendered speechless. His gaze settled upon her, unable to look away. Her twinkling azure eyes with eyebrows like a perfect bow and hair that seemed soft and silky. Her cute button nose and heart-shaped face which was no doubt smooth to the touch. Her attractiveness was enhanced by her rosy cheeks and well-shaped red lips highlighted by the romantic orange sunset. The moment Zhongli's captivating marigold eyes met hers, Ayaka felt all the weight and burdens of her long day vanish like mist.

When she beamed up at him, his heart somersaulted in his chest. Zhongli's right hand unconsciously went over it instinctively like it needed support to be silent and still. He had to manifest years of discipline to compose himself when his eyes drank in her casual attire.

The pastel material of her blouse was so sheer that he could see the silhouette of her well-proportioned breasts. Swiftly, he removed his brown waistcoat and draped it across her small shoulders snugly to cover her modesty, enveloping her in his familiar cologne. He wanted no one else to see an inch of her body...save for him. It was a possessive thought but one he would not apologize for even after shamelessly ogling her just now. The urge to gather her into his arms and shower her with sweet kisses was unbearable. Instead, he finished the task of bundling her up with steady fingers. Then, he placed the rose within her hand along with the exquisite gift bag that consisted of the neatly wrapped presents. There was a sunny smile on his handsome face when their eyes finally met, and he spoke with a sultry drawl.

"Even if I had to wait an eternity to see you, it would not be enough. These are for you, princess. I know that you are very busy, but if I may have a fraction of your time, I would like to try your present on you and speak with you in private. There is something I need to tell you before I can proceed any further."