In Your Eyes: Empyrean Admonition

You Learn From Zhongli

Treasure Street, Sumeru City, Sumeru

"Though going out for dinner is not a bad idea, I think we should take Alhaitham's offer instead," you say to Kaveh. You head back to the sofa and sit down with a book. 

 Kaveh sighs, "Now you're also reading books whenever you can. But at least Alhaitham only influenced you with his reading hobby and not his stoic outlook in life. Never change, Rabbit." 

 You innocently nod which makes Kaveh laugh. At least he is okay with your decision even though he has invited you out. And well, of course the food cost will be shouldered by Alhaitham and who says no to free food?

 Thinking about the cost of things makes you realize you really need to look for a job now. You relay your thoughts to them and Kaveh sits beside you while thinking deeply. Alhaitham stops to read as he assesses you, which makes you look shyly away from his scrutinizing eyes. 

 "You can be my temporary secretary," Alhaitham suggests. 

 Kaveh immediately responds, "No way! Nu-uh-uh. You have been too naughty already, I will not allow you to…" 

 His housemate's green eyes are full of mirth when he teases, "Not allow me to what?" 

 "You! Argh! No way. Nope. Not on my watch. I'm not your guardian or whatsoever but for the sake of my mental health please don't become Alhaitham's secretary."

 His eyes are big and pleading as Kaveh turns to you and you can't help but laugh before saying, "I also don't think I'm cut for the job, or if anyone else is. Alhaitham is such a reliable person and I guess he prefers to do things himself." 

 Alhaitham casually replies, "You'll be my secretary in title only, I just want you to be with me all the time."

 "That's it, that's his real motive right there!" Kaveh grumbles as he takes something from Mehrak. He checks it before handing it out to you, "The Matra will have a civilian test to see who will be able to join their ranks. I trust Cyno to be a better superior than this hormonal guy who can't control himself." 

 You take the pamphlet which has details about the said one-day class and training which will be headed by Cyno. You remember him suggesting you join the Matra before but you don't know exactly why. 

 "This seems interesting, I'll try it out."

 Someone knocks on the door and you hastily go to the door to check. A delivery man hands out the food to you and his mouth opens in wonder when he sees your rabbit ears. Your cheeks feel really hot when you acknowledge his delivery and he just stands staring at you before he stops and hastily, and also incomprehensibly, thanks you before leaving. As you close the door, a hand shoots out to stop it. 

 Kaveh is immediately by your side, pulling you inside the house. When he sees who's on the other side, his face fakes a smile. 

 A deep voice greets from outside, "Good evening."

 "Good evening as well, Mister Zhongli." 

 "Just 'Zhongli' is fine," Zhongli says as he opens the door wider. When he sees you, his smile widens, "I dropped by this afternoon but Kaveh said you were resting. I told him I'll drop by again tonight but I guess based on your reaction, he has forgotten to mention it."

 "I was working with a lot of things, my bad."

 But Kaveh looks like he actually did not want to relay the information. You realize you are carrying the take out so you leave them for a while and head to the dining area. 

 "If Kaveh will move to the side, I will welcome you to my home," you can hear Alhaitham say from the sofa. "But right now I'm actually on his side. What brings you here, Zhongli?"