like the wind that flows through your hair

𝙸𝚅. 𝚃𝙷𝙴 𝙶𝙸𝚁𝙻 𝚆𝙷𝙾 𝚆𝙾𝚁𝙴 𝚃𝙷𝙴 𝙳𝚁𝙰𝙶𝙾𝙽 𝙸𝙽 𝙷𝙴𝚁 𝙷𝙰𝙸𝚁

Ayaka's heart raced as Zhongli's unwavering gaze hinted of his yearning for her. As he wrapped his elegant coat around her, she smiled bashfully, murmuring her gratitude softly. It exuded his warmth and masculine scent, and she suddenly wished that it were his strong arms embracing her. The gorgeous gift bag and rose that he pressed into her palm made her gasp in delight. She rarely received gifts except from her family; she was always the one to offer gifts to maintain the Clan's connections and make other people happy.

Zhongli trailed after her as they proceeded inside the Estate. Her private study had beige walls and was decorated simply yet with a regal feel. On the fireplace sat Japanese antiques including a slender porcelain vase in which she carefully slid the crimson rose to preserve for as long as possible. Before they entered her office, a handsome young guard blushed and saluted her at the entrance respectfully. With a firm nod of his head courteously to the overzealous officer, Morax rested his hand at the small of Ayaka's back while giving the younger man a discreet, threatening glare as he ushered the princess further inside like a gentleman. The guard quivered in so much fear that he dragged the door shut with a loud thud.

Ayaka, however, paid no attention to the commotion as she opened the gift with the anticipation of a child on Christmas. Her eyes widened at the pair of beautiful sandals in her favorite color and velvety socks, each with a tiny bow that matched the shoes. The gold hairpin curling up into a majestic dragon sculpture took her breath away, and she instantly recognized it as a symbol of Rex Lapis himself which she would carry with her forever in her lustrous locks.

"Zhongli... I have no words. This is all incredible and so unbelievably beautiful! Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I absolutely love it. Alright, I will try them on now and then we can talk."

The ex-archon's golden orbs did not wander around the room insolently. They stayed on the princess, twinkling with adoration and unabashed delight when she thanked him with sincerity for the small token of his affections. Although he knew she burned with curiosity and nerves about his final statement, Zhongli watched her eyes glow eagerly as she slipped her feet into the new sandals snugly, revealing her slender ankles momentarily. She had dainty and smooth feet that he hoped to lavish with kisses one day soon.

After trying on the shoes, Ayaka slowly untied the navy ribbon of her ponytail as her blue-tinted hair cascaded down to her waist like a goddess.

"Think nothing of i–" Zhongli broke off suddenly. He was dumbfounded when her gorgeous tresses fell from the confines of their prison and cascaded down his coat with the freedom of the tumultuous waves in the Inazuma sea. Breathtaking.

The cryo princess lifted the dragon hairpin and tilted her head innocently, her lush eyelashes blinking inquisitively, "Could you help me with this please? I cannot see it."

Before she finished, his right hand had already seamlessly found her delicate one that held the hairpin. Their fingers brushed together with the softness of a butterfly alighting on a flower's petals. Yet, the sensation was as palpable to Ayaka as electricity from an electrogranum. He stood behind her—so close that she could feel the puffs of his breath tickling her nape and the hardness of his abs through his shirt. Ayaka held still compliantly as he styled her hair like a professional hairdresser with hands ever so gentle. Zhongli's eyes were so focused on the soft, baby blue strands that curled downwards perfectly that before he knew it, his warm lips were on her fair skin. He spoke between gasps of air in an apologetic and passionate tone like a man bewitched. "Forgive me, Yaka. I can only shape up your hair with a lazy and greedy kiss, so please, wear my indelible brand of sin on your smooth skin."

The unsuspecting princess inhaled sharply. Although her skin burned with embarrassment, she did not push him away. Zhongli's smoldering signature sent heat seeping through her vessels. His husky voice by her ear cast her mind reeling with unspeakable thoughts. Ayaka turned around gradually to face the imposing ex-archon as their noses almost touched.

"May I take it that the dragon looks good on me?"

She raised her left hand to cup his smooth cheek in adoration, brushing her thumb underneath his astonishingly beautiful tawny eyes tenderly.

"Tell me, Zhongli, what is it that you came here to say at this hour? It must be incredibly important."