Praying With You [Dahlbara Highschool AU]

Chapter 1 ♡

In the quiet, sunlit courtyard of the prestigious private school of Mondstadt, Barbara and Dahlia sat side by side, engrossed in the pages of their bibles. The gentle rustle of the leaves swayed above them as the two shared their study session.

Barbara flipped a page with delicate care, Dahlia leaned in closer to read along, his expression a mix of playful curiosity and innocent charm. His closeness made Barbara blush slightly, while trying to convince herself to think nothing of it.

As they delved into the verses, their classmates would often tease them, calling them a couple with knowing smiles. Barbara's cheeks would flush a faint pink, while Dahlia would feign innocence with a mischievous smile, playfully nudging her shoulder.

One day, as they sat under the shade of a big tree, their friends passing by couldn't help but whisper and giggle at the sight of the inseparable pair. Barbara and Dahlia exchanged shy glances, their shared embarrassment turning into a sweet bond that only they understood.

Despite the teasing and the whispers around them, Barbara and Dahlia continued hanging out and studying together. The bell finally rang, ending their time together, and Barbara was the first to jump up from her seat and lend Dahlia a hand, he gave her a soft smile and they began walking hand in hand.
They didn’t let go until they reached the gate of their classroom.

The two separated just before their class began, waving and smiling. Barbara turned away, but not soon enough for Dahlia to miss the bright blush on her cheeks, and a shy smile on his lips. Barbara quickly turned back and hurried inside her classroom, hoping her face wouldn’t betray her anymore than it already had.

Dahlia smiled fondly after her, watching her leave, until she too left the classroom to meet her own class. As the door closed, Dahlia released a long sigh. The bell rang, signaling the beginning of class, and he shook his head, trying to clear out his mind. He had been distracted by her every day, unable to focus in any class.

Even when he tried hard to concentrate in bible study, all he could see was that adorable pink blush she tended to have whenever he spoke or did something particularly charming. That beautiful smile of hers, how warm it made him feel...he wanted to kiss her. Not like that! What if people thought they were dating? He couldn't risk his reputation as a worshipper of Lord Barbatos! Though it would be nice to make an exception in the name of love.

Dahlia shook his head again, trying desperately to get out of his thoughts, though his heart still raced. With another sigh, Dahlia took out his bible from his book bag, ready for the next lesson.

At lunchtime, Barbara found Dahlia seated beneath the shade of the giant tree outside of the building, his book held tight in his hands, looking completely lost in thought. She quietly walked over and placed a hand on his back, causing him to gasp slightly, before glancing up at her sheepishly. “Hey.” she said softly, “what are you reading?”

Dahlia blushed and averted his gaze. “Oh! Uh...you know...just the holy bible of Lord Barbatos of course…” he replied, trying to sound confident, despite his nervousness.

Barbara tilted her head curiously, Dahlia sighed, “uh, okay so...this story about the Garden of Eden is really interesting….but there’s this one part that gets me thinking…” He trailed off, his eyes focused intently on the words on the pages of the Holy Bible.

“What does it say?” Barbara asked gently, leaning against the tree beside Dahlia. She noticed the blush on his face deepen. "Let me show you.." Dahlia began, but before he could respond, a voice called from behind him. “Hey, what’re you reading?”

Dahlia jumped slightly and spun around to greet the voice, “Oh hey, Lumine…!” She had joined them under the shade of the tree, Barbara and Dahlia looked at each other, and Dahlia could tell Lumine was curious, but didn’t want to pry.