"So this is Mondstadt's festival..." It isn't the first time he steps in the city, but it's indeed the first time he actually has the time to enjoy a festival outside of Liyue. Venti is beside him, a proud spread of arms to his city gate, "Yup, welcome and let's enjoy it!" and then a hand is offered to him.
Zhongli raises a brow, "What's this for?" The bard takes his hand in answer. "Today's festival is for couples, so couples gets discounts or prizes."
"So you want to parade as one?"
"C'mon, it's not like either of us have enough in our pocket right?" Indeed. Through adventuring together with the traveler, the two aren't as moraless as before but it can't be enough for spending thoughtlessly.
"Very well." The action seems to lead his heart astray but it isn't as bad. It's been a long time since he's this close with his friends as well. They walk around from the flower vendors -a flower crowns for them each, fruit vendors -three apples thrown in for extra, a small greeting to Angel's Share with mocktails for couples and then finally a stop at the Good Hunter for lunch.
"Yahoo, Sara!" Venti greets excitedly with Zhongli following behind in hand.
"Ara, the bard. You have a different date today," the woman remarks amusedly.
"Tehe~ it's hard when you're popular. The usual please~"
"Okay. Just take the empty seats." They are seated near the stairs, as Venti tries to avoid the Cat's tails and that's when Zhongli decides to clear what he has just heard.
"Did you take other people too?"
"Yeah! I went with the traveler, Kaeya, and Jean yesterday!"
"And you held hands with them everytime?"
Without a single remorse, Venti replies, "Of course! We don't want to waste that special discounts right? Oh but for the special prize-" before he can continue, another lips seal his and the sounds of the crowd in the festival die in his ears. The ex-anemo archon stumbles in his seat, his widened eyes scrunches in an effort to snap his mind and to break free. His friend's hand wraps at the back of his head, tilting his head enough to surprise him and for an access to deepen their kiss, "mmph," he struggles for breath as Zhongli mindlessly plays with the inside of his mouth.
When they break free, his breath hastens to refill the air he lacks, sights are a bit hazy to watch his friend's satisfied smile, a gloved thumb wipes the saliva trails from his lips, "you didn't do this with them too, right?"
Embarrasement seems to burst out of him as he stomps, "Y-YOU BLOCKHEAD!"
Afterwards, Mondstadt festival committee will call on them to the stage for "Honorable Couple" award with the surprising display of affection in the streets but the two retired archons already depart to their neighbor city chasing each other.