The Tragedies of Life {A Genshin Impact OC Story}

Chapter 20: Dinner

"So I found a book the other day in the ruins. It's in the native language of Sumeru, but I can't exactly decipher it. It sort of seems like...a Fatui document?" Kinoko guessed. It was the Friday of the dinner. The previous days have been filled by working on her project and landscaping the area. She was up in her hideout with Wanderer, showing him the book.

He took it from her hands, examining the outside, then looking inside at the title. "Hm." His eyes carefully gazed over the letters before speaking. "Yeah, it's a Fatui possession alright. What do you want me to do with it though?"

"Well, I wanted to see if you could decipher it. I know you've been learning the Sumeru language, and I find it odd that it's not in Snezhnayan." She replied, her feet shifting on the wooden platform underneath her.

Wanderer groaned in annoyance and opened the book. "Fine. But only because it's you, and I'm bored anyway."

She took a step back, realizing the dinner was coming up soon. "And so you're just going to stay here? In my hideout? You come up here every evening this week." She frowned, though she didn't mind much that he was up there, but knowing that every time she faced him, it was hard not to say something stupid. Like, "I love you." That phrase has been said in her dreams every night, and every time, she was pushed away. Interrupted. Left alone, so she would never see the one she loved again.

"He needs you." Nahida would tell her. But does he?  Kinoko tried not to think of such foolish thoughts, and instead think of the more optimistic stories. He has feelings, and therefore he could feel love, even without a beating heart in his chest. But that isn't something that brings certainty. Love is scary. Love is mean. Love torments her mind hours upon end.

"Yeah? It's not so much as a hideout anymore now that I know where it is." Wanderer shrugged, taking a seat and flipping through the pages of the book. "Give me a pen." He glanced back at her.

She rummaged through her pouch and took out a pen, handing it to him. Their hands brushed against each other again, and she let out a small sigh, hoping nothing was giving away her own emotions. "I'm going to go to dinner." She announced, turning around.

"Hah! Good luck with that." He called sarcastically while she descended the ladder.

"Thanks!" She called back fake-cheerfully.

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"Let's make a toast!" Collei announced. Kinoko, Collei, Cyno, and Tighnari were all at a set-up table on the main wooden areas of Gandharva Ville, candlelight in the center and roasted food on the plates before each of them. As villagers headed out for the evening to go to their own homes, they were drawn to the delicious aroma of the food Collei herself cooked. "To Cyno and Tighnari, the newly engaged couple!" She raised her cup of juice, while Cyno, Tighnari, and Kinoko raised glasses of wine.

Everyone clinked glasses and took sips. Kinoko did smile, but it was hard to breathe. Her heart was pounding so fast. She wondered if it was right to tell them now, while everyone's happy and enjoying themselves. She took a deep breath and calmed herself. That conversation would be something after dinner, after everyone has enjoyed themselves and the boys are at least a little tipsy.

"So, do either of you have specific plans for the wedding?" Kinoko asked, trying to take her mind off this obligation, or what felt like an obligation.

Tighnari grinned. "We were thinking of having a small one in Gandharva Ville, just with close friends and family." He smirked. "And I'll let you bring a plus one~" He teased.

Kinoko felt a blush creep up on her face and looked away. "Okay, that was definitely directed at me." She commented, taking a swig of wine to calm down a bit."