Experimental Genshin Oneshots

The Struggles of Saying I Love You. (Aeqing)

Highschool AU btw.
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It was just three simple words. Words that could end her almost unending agony. Words that can finally relieve her of the overwhelming feelings she has. Words that could lead her to an unending happiness with the person she loves so much. Words that could release her from the weight in her chest. Words that could finally address the warmth that she feels whenever she's with him.

So why were they so damn hard to say?!

The opportunity has risen so many times by now she's lost count. There was so many times that the perfect moment would pop up, only for that accursed feeling of anxiety to come in and ruin it all. It's not that she didn't want to say it, she truly did. She would want nothing more than to just finally let all of these feelings out of her chest, to finally let this stupid weight fall off her shoulders. Yet when the words attempt to leave her mouth, the fear of ruining their almost perfect friendship had tied her up in knots.

Her desperation would reach such all time highs that she would try practicing on the mirror, imagining all of the possible scenarios and perfect moments, only for all of that "practice" to crumble into pieces when the opportunity arises. Her hands would start to get sweaty, her heart would begin racing, her mind would go blank, and would begin filling itself with the fear that she was honestly starting to become familiar with.

Not this time. Now, she's is going to force these words out of her mouth, no matter what it takes.

_______

"Hello, Aether?"

"Keqing! What's up?"

"Could you meet me in the front of the school grounds? I have to tell you something. Hope to see you there."

Looking down on the message on his phone, a satisfied smile began showing itself on his face.

"Alright. I'm on my way."

With that message sent, he put his phone away and slowly made his way to her, wondering what she wants to talk about. Little did she know, he had an inkling of what she was going to say.

"Is she gonna finally say it now....?"

________

If she would describe the wait for him, it would be a 0/10. Very painful. Almost everlasting. Everyone would say it was a few minutes, but only she would describe it as a century or two. It was almost unbearable, but she had to bear it. To finally let it all out. After another decade of waiting, there she was. She couldn't help but marvel at his features, yet the nerves and feelings that she's experienced were quickly taking over her mind. She's not letting that stop her though. Not this time.

"Hey Keqing, what did you want to talk about?" Aether asked, a curious look on his face.

"W-well, I just have something I really need to tell you." She began. She was beginning to exhibit the symptoms she was all too familiar with, but she didn't let that stop her.

"Alright. I'm listening." He said, giving her a reassuring smile.

"I-I..." She tried to say it, but it felt like the words were being pushed back down her throat. She thought she's had enough of letting her nerves take over, but perhaps it wasn't as easy as she thought.

Meanwhile, Aether could sense the nervousness emitting itself from her. Of course, he already knew what she wanted to say. However, having enough of her apparent hesitation, he took matters in his hands. Quite literally as well, as he would pat her shoulder.

She was surprised, yet it seemed to successfully quell her nervousness. He decided to try and give her a bit of reassurance.

"Keqing. If you're afraid of what I might think of you after you say what you want to say, just know that will never happen. I treasure what we have right now, and i wouldn't trade it for the world." He finished, as he finally lifted his hand from her shoulder.

"Aether..." Keqing stared in admiration at the person she harbored such deep feelings for. Of course, why would she doubt that her friendship? Those words gave her the boost of confidence she needed. She wasn't going to waste it here.

"So, what did you want to say to me?" Aether asked. She took a deep breath.... And finally let those three words fall off her tongue.

"I... I love you, Aether. I really do love you. I've been keeping these feelings away for so long, but I just couldn't anymore."

The words came out rushed, but she managed to get the message through. She did it. She said it. The three words she's been holding back for so long. It felt like a 50 ton weight had finally been lifted off her shoulders. She looked up at him to see his response, only to see a satisfied smile on his face.

"It's about time, you know. I've been waiting to hear you say it." Aether chuckled.

Keqing's eyes widened in surprise. "You have?!"

"Yup. It was so obvious too. All those moments where you practically screamed nervousness were just hilarious."

Keqing couldn't believe it. All this time, she tried to hold her feelings back, yet it turns out he had already known?! She couldn't help but get a little mad at him, and started pathetically punching him in the chest.

"You meanie! You could've just told me you knew, and i wouldn't have had to suffer through all of that!" She kept her barrage up, and Aether couldn't help but laugh at the situation. After a while, she finally stopped. However now a pout would occupy her face as she looked at him, annoyed.

"Okay! Okay! I'm sorry. I love you too." Aether quickly apologized

"Yeah, that's what i- Huh, what?! What did you say?!" Keqing didn't believe what she heard.

"I love you too. That's what I said."

She couldn't believe it. He's reciprocating her feelings? Before she could even process that, Aether had already pulled her into a tight embrace.

"Again, I'm sorry. I just really wanted you to say it first, and I'm glad you finally did." Aether said in the hug.

Meanwhile Keqing's face and ears were still red from the sudden hug, but she just decided to embrace him back. Not before saying an ultimatum.

"I forgive you... Only if you hug me tighter." Keqing said. He chuckled, as he granted her wish, and tightened his grip on her. They enjoyed each others warmth for another while, before Aether broke the silence.

"Hey Keqing?"

"Hmmm?"

"Could you say those three words again?"

"Only if you say it too."

Aether chuckled. "Fine by me. I love you, Keqing."

"I love you too, Aether."

The two stood there in another comfortable silence, taking in each others warmth.

She could describe saying those three words for the first time as complete agony. Yet when she finally said it for the first time, those words can come out of her mouth so smoothly like butter in a pan. She's glad she's finally plucked up the courage, and will always cherish this day the rest of her life.