For you (Xiaother Winter Special)

Week 4

"And you really just gave it to him!" Xiangling cried in disbelief as she almost spat out her mouthful before remembering its worth.

Xiangling wasn't necessarily popular - it was her family who was. Coming down from a long ancestry line of chefs, it was only natural that she grew to inherit the love for cooking (and the restaurant when she's older). Wanmin restaurant seemed to never be empty. Day and night customers pour in asking for food and chefs for events, things like that. There was only one because her grandfather refused to open chains as the food wouldn't be fresh. Aside from her business status, she's one of those fun and bubbly girls who always seems to have a smile on her face; she is capable of cheering up almost anyone. Xiangling may have her controversial opinions here and there, but aside from that she's pretty sociable and easy to talk to. She was averagely pretty. The only reason she wasn't as recognised as much she should be was because she was part of the 'weird' kid group.

"Did you not remember anything I said, Xiao? Those people manipulate you! They're-

"-rich snobby kids who think they're better than everyone. Yes, he knows." Xingqiu finished her sentence with a flat tone, still reading from his book while Chongyun clung to his shoulder tiredly.

A lot of people view Xingqiu as quiet, but he's really not. When he doesn't have his head stuffed in a book, he is really playful and teasing towards his friends. He just has that natural kind of look in his eyes that tells you that even when he's not smiling, he's happy. His father is part of a rich clan who manages businesses around Liyue. He actually has a quite a high status but unless the people at Teyvat High are interested in politics and business then they won't know him. Yes, he's filthy rich and has everything he could ever ask for but he doesn't act like it. Oh, and he loves books. Really loves books. When he's not around his friends, he's reading. When he's not reading, he's texting his boyfriend. When he's not doing that, he's texting his friends. And then it loops around. It's sort of a small social circle but he likes it just the way it is.

Xiao answered. "I know, but I couldn't sense that. He seems nice enough, but I don't want friends anyway. I prefer to be alone."

"What do you mean you couldn't 'sense' it!" Xiangling scoffed. She picked up a piece of sushi with her chopsticks aggressively but her anger made them go right through the food. She sighed in annoyance and began to eat the small pieces of it that remained. "What are you, a superhero or something? You can't just sense what people are really like! I have experience with those people and you don't!" It was almost like she was avoiding saying a specific name.

Xingqiu gave her a slightly worried and confused look which probably made her realise how scary and out of it she sounded right then. Mostly because he was concerned but partly because the shouting would hurt his boyfriend's ears. Her eyebrows relaxed and she calmed down slightly.

Her voice was softer this time. "I didn't mean to be like that. Just...don't interact with their group. They're more trouble than emotions are worth. The only exception is Yanfei, although even she has her flaws. Xiangling focused on her food again and seemed like she didn't want to talk about it again. She had gotten so worked up about a small thing she wasn't even part of - or was she really?

"Moving on," she continued, "you've been in this school for a couple of weeks now. You got your eye on anyone? Any crushes?"

Xiao was stern again. "No. I find that romance is a pointless aspect, something for the weak. I hate people touching me let alone kissing. I don't even like socialising." Xingqiu looked up from his book and gave him a judging look along with Chongyun. He suddenly realised how stupid it was to say that in front of the people who were romantic and currently socialising with him - this made him quickly correct himself.
"I don't mean that everyone who has a significant other is weak. I just find that someone like myself can't handle it. Besides, even if I did like someone that way, I don't know how to express my emotions properly. Not that it would ever happen."