Osmanthus (TWST X F!Zhongli Mc)

❤️08. Rose Maze

Having returned relatively early the next morning, I put on my new uniform before heading downstairs.

Making breakfast for all four of us, I ended up making a bit extra.

Knowing Grim, he'd be rather ravenous today after all the action of yesterday.

As I plated the Fontaine Toast, I put a bit of homemade Valberry jam to the side.

Looking into my storage, I noticed that I was running low on various natural resources from Teyvat.

"Perhaps I should start a small garden in the yard..." I said with a sigh as I looked out the window for a moment.

The garden that was once there had since died out and become a mixture of both brambles and weeds, so it was long overdue for a trimming.

However, unlike my close friend, I was abysmal at caring for plantlife, so I'd have to look into it further before anything else.

Taking the four plates and putting them onto the table, I hummed a small tune as I poured some water for everyone as well.

"Yo, what's for breakfast?" Ace asked as he got off of the couch.

"Fontaine Toast and Valberry Jam. I'm afraid we only ever have sweet foods in the mornings as Xiao only eats sweets." I said as he nodded.

"Never heard of Fontaine Toast before. Is it like the French kind?" He asked.

I tilted my head with a hum.

"Perhaps. I've only known it by the name I called it, so it's possible that's another name for it." I said as Grim came downstairs with a yawn.

"Breakfast already?" Grim questioned.

I nodded.

"It's best to get up early so that we may go through with that plan of ours before classes start." I said as Ace sighed.

"Don't remind me..." He said as I smiled.

"I'll go get Xiao. You two may begin eating without us." I said as they nodded before digging in.

Heading outside, I looked up onto the roof, seeing Xiao laying down as he stared up at the moon, which was still slightly visible.

"Xiao, it's time for breakfast." I called as he sat up and looked down at me.

"I'll be down in a moment." He said as I nodded.

"Alright, but I can't promise that Grim won't take your portion. And if that happens, you're taking mine." I said as he sighed.

Heading back inside, Grim had surprisingly not touched the plate with extra food on it.

Taking a seat at the table next to Grim, I ate my own breakfast.

Ace stared at me for a moment before clearing his throat.

"So, I've been meaning to ask... Why were you wearing a cloak the other day?" He asked.

I hummed.

"Truthfully, it was so I could avoid any extra attention. As the only female student here, I was simply being cautious." I said as he nodded.

"Yeah, that's fair. You are kinda pretty." He said as I raised a brow.

"Truthfully...?" I questioned in confusion.

I had always considered Makoto and her sister far more attractive than myself, as I was always more focused on my nation rather than my appearance.

"Yeah, though you're a bit strange. You act like a grandma sometimes." He said as I then frowned.