Novalunosis | Wanderer x Reader | GENSHIN IMPACT

19 - Teasing

It's taken about four days to get to Caravan Ribat, with breaks and sleeping. Over those days, nothing much has happened. You've seen Fatui members, but they were just in the wild, like how they usually are. But you wouldn't be surprised if they were told to look out for you.

As the minutes, hours, and days passed by, you and Yurushi have been feeling different unbeknownst to each other. Yurushi's chest would squeeze in an odd way whenever you smiled, laughed, or picked on him playfully. His cheeks grow hot, like a summer day, when you'd do something so...he doesn't know how to explain without sounding silly. So cute? So pure? So...you? He hasn't felt like this before.

And he refuses to explore it any further. It's far too late to hide away, to not open up, because now you're another person who knows his past. But these feelings...they're something he can't express with proper words.

You're the same way. Yurushi knows about your past, the only one in Sumeru, actually, so it's impossible to keep your true self hidden. Yet, the feelings you've been feeling lately are something you can't explain, either. They're new. Weird. And confusing as hell.

Everytime you glance at Yurushi, you'd find yourself staring longer than needed. He's beautiful. Handsome. Gorgeous. So fine. Words can explain his looks, but there's something holding you back from saying those words to his face.

But he's a brat. But can be so gentle. It's like you're fighting internal thoughts. Two sides.

Looks aren't everything of course, and there are some things you like about his personality. He can be caring, and he's working on being more nice. And he's funny.

Overall, your feelings are all over the place. You wonder if you should pick up a romance book again, because you need a refresher on what you're feeling. Do I feel platonic towards Yurushi? Or more?

If it's not platonic, then that'd explain why you've been shying away from him. A few nights ago, in the hotel, you thought he was trying to be close again, and you closed yourself off. Thinking about it now, that probably hurt his feelings. You know he needs somebody - specifically yourself. You two are friends. He hasn't really had a friend in a while, to your knowledge.

But unfortunately, now isn't really the time to dawdle, and prance and dance around little feelings. You're running from the Fatui yet again, but this time dragging Yurushi along. Even though he said he's fine with it, you can't help but feel bad. So you make it fun for him. He was going to be a wanderer, right? Then, while on the run, you two will adventure around and explore places you've never been.

The desert. Neither of you been there before.

And you're slowly beginning to regret your decision.

The sun is hot, beaming against your skin. Cold weather (like in Snezhnaya) doesn't effect you, because you are the snow's bairn. But heat? You feel like you're going to melt. It's hotter in the desert than the green side of Sumeru, but you didn't think it'd be this hot. You've never been to the desert yet, so you hope the heat won't literally kill you.

As you and Yurushi walk up the stone stairs, stepping foot into Caravan Ribat, he eyes you closely and asks, "Are you okay? You look like you're going to drop."

"I'm fine," You lie through a pained smile. "It's just a little hot here..."

You glance around the area. Caravan Ribat, a fortified community at the base of a high wall that prevents the Sumeru rainforests from being destroyed by sandstorms. It's situated at the base of the Wall of Samiel, and it acts as a route for people traveling from the forest to Aaru Village, and rise versa. There are a lot of people around, but that's probably because it's late in the afternoon and everyone is working