"I'm very sorry!" Ganyu apologized, bowing her head profusely as Aether approached them. "Sir Zhongli proposed the idea and was very sure of our "disguise" being foul proof. Miss Ninnguang happily obliged, and I just couldn't refuse either of them!"
"N-No, there's no need for you to apologize Ganyu." Aether tried to assure, as she continued to try and explain how the situation came to be. He looked nervously around feeling the onset of eyes on them. "Really! I'm not mad, Ganyu. I know it was probably all out of your control to begin with, so please stop bowing your head like that..."
"Paimon tried to warn you, but nobody ever listens to Paimon." The little pixie added, before stuffing a piece of the Chicken-Mushroom Skewer she had into her mouth. She was currently in more casual attire, trying to play off her appearance as that of a small child rather than...whatever Paimon actually was. Though she hated the idea of people mistaking her for a child, Paimon made the exception as long as it granted her the right to attend the festival.
She had tried to remind the twins that she had been to a cultural festival many times before she had actually met the two, and no one had ever caught sight of her yet. Albeit, there were a few close calls. Nothing she would ever admit to them though.
However, the twins didn't trust Paimon to be left by herself. They were afraid of how it would look to people if they found her wandering around the festival by herself. They would surely mistake her for a lost child, and Paimon was a horrible liar. There was no telling what she would say or do in a panic if put on the spot, so to play it safe they had asked Xiangling if she would let Paimon "help" her with the food stand she was hosting. The cook in training happily agreed, thinking Paimon was a young family member that the two were often tasked to look after.
"If it helps anyone to know, I personally don't have a problem with any of this. Thanks to these two, I got a ton of customers who flooded my food stand when they showed up here." Xiangling happily chimed in. She was not only a friend to both the twins, but probably Paimon's favorite person to be around next to Aether or Lumine. Her family owned a restaurant, and with her passion for cooking it had been a no-brainer for her deciding which club she would join.
Members of said cooking club like Xiangling were excused from helping their class, and were instead requested to open a food stand for the cultural festival. Each of the members were solely responsible for their own stand, which quickly turned into a friendly competition amongst them. Thanks to Ninnguang and Zhongli, she had evidently come out on top.
"Even without these two bringing all the attention over here, Paimon thinks you would have won regardless, seeing as Xiangling makes the best food!" She complimented, licking her tiny fingers as Paimon finished the skewer with added OOMPH in very few bites.
"Aw! Thanks Paimon~ It looks like with that though, I am officially all out of food!" Xiangling laughed, happy with the overall outcome.
"WHAT?! We're all out of FOOD?!" Paimon choked out, upset by the news as she shot herself up into the air from the mere shock only to be immediately held down by Aether who threw himself over to the stool she was situated in.
"Paimon!"
"Oh! Right. Sorry...Paimon forgot." The girl gave a sheepish smile, remembering what both Lumine and Aether had told her prior to arriving at the festival about there being absolutely NO floating or flying of the sort.
"Whoa. Be careful there Paimon, you almost fell out of your seat. Good thing Aether had such quick reflexes to catch you, or you might have hurt yourself just now." Xiangling frowned, looking at the small girl in concern. Thinking Aether had lunged to catch her and NOT to keep her from staying afloat in mid-air.
"Uh, Yeah. Good thing. It's not like Paimon would have stayed floating in the air or anything after all. Hahaha…" Paimon nervously laughed, as Aether silently begged her to stop talking.
Zhongli mercifully intervened, as if answering Aether's prayer, clearing his throat to bring the attention over to himself.
"Yes, while I understand your initial reaction considering how well adept your friend here is at preparing such marvelous dishes. Do exercise more caution. If anything were to happen to you after all, it would greatly upset Aether and Lumine."
Paimon in turn looked slightly upset seeing she was being reprimanded, but nodded nonetheless to Zhongli's words before looking to Aether sorrowfully.
"Paimon's really sorry Aether. She promises to be more careful! Don't be mad at Paimon!" She begged, Aether giving her a small smile in return.
"It's alright, I'm not mad at you either Paimon. Just...be more careful, okay?" He asked, before adding in a hushed tone for only her ears. "We have a lot more eyes on us than usual in case you haven't noticed."
"R-Right! I know that!" She nodded, glancing slightly towards the many people all around. Some of which would continue to walk past, while sparing multiple glances their way. Others lingered around, pretending to talk amongst themselves as they tried to stealthily record or snap pictures of Zhongli and Ningguang. While a couple others openly stared and whispered, their gazes especially focused on Aether since his arrival.
"Uwah...Paimon knew Mr Zhongli would get a lot of attention his way if he showed up, but this really is a lot of open staring. It's making Paimon uncomfortable."
"Now do you get why I don't want people finding out about Kong and Ying? "
"I don't mean to interrupt, but perhaps we should hurry this along?" Jean suggested, arms crossed, as she glanced over the crowd of students.
Right. He had come to scold Zhongli and instead was receiving apologies from everyone except the one actually responsible for all this.
"Zhongli-"
"May I say Aether, we haven't had the chance to exchange pleasantries yet and I have been waiting for the chance to compliment you on your Yukata of choice." Ningguang interrupted, deciding to join the conversation as she finished up her dish. "My compliments to the chef~"
Xiangling giggled, all too happy from the continued praises coming her way.
"Uh, what?" Aether blinked, taken aback as she looked over his figure.
"Yes, it makes you look quite handsome." She nodded in approval, looking up to see the multitude of eyes on them. "You even seem to be turning a few heads~"
"N-No, that's because of you and-"
"I agree with Miss Ningguang's assessment. You told me you were doing an Inazuma inspired cafe theme, correct?" Zhongli hummed, placing a hand over his chin as he looked over Aether himself. "I must give you the utmost credit that you certainly have incorporated their style quite well. In fact, the yukata itself is quite fitting."
"I-I also think you look very…" Ganyu hesitated, a slight blush rising to her cheeks as she tried to think of the words. " Nice ."
"Just nice ? Certainly you must think he looks more than that my dear Ganyu." Ningguang teased, a mischievous smile playing across her face.
"M-Miss Ningguang, please…" Ganyu hid her face behind her hands, feeling embarrassed at the added attention she was bringing onto her.
Aether, finding himself equally as embarrassed by the whole thing.
"I-"
"I know! Aether looks amazing! I have a ton of pictures of him and Lumine if you guys want me to share them with you?" Amber offered, jumping on the bandwagon that seemed adamant on embarrassing Aether.
"Amber!"
"Oh? You have some of our precious Lumine as well?" Ningguang smiled with renewed intrigue. "If you could share those photos with me, I'd happily compensate you."
"Oh no! There is no need for that! I'm all too happy to print some copies out for you." Amber beamed, as she pulled up the pictures on her camera to show Ningguang and Zhongli who were both leaning over to see. Both of them letting out a sound of awe as they were shown Lumine's attire.
"She's even more breathtaking in person if you ask me~" Venti joined in, wanting to sing out his own praises for Lumine. Of course, there was an ulterior motive behind his comment as well. His eyes narrowing over to Zhongli, not missing the way the other man seemed to stiffen and glare slightly over in his direction at that.
"Ehe~ As you may have guessed, I had the pleasure of seeing our darling Lumine already and she was absolutely-"
"And just what do you mean by OUR?" Aether frowned, pulling at Venti's cheek in response. Seeming to snap out of his flustered state as his big brother mode was switched on.
Worth it~ Venti couldn't help but think, seeing the bothered and mildly jealous expression the other former Archon wore.
" We somehow keep going off track…" Jean watched on, before sighing trying to find a moment to interject between it all. "While I understand everyone's enthusiasm and am happy that you two seem to be enjoying yourselves-"
"Yes, indeed I have. I have not been here long but I am rather impressed by all the activities this festival has to offer. Ningguang and I have even been invited to watch some performances that will be held in this gymnasium ." Zhongli straightened himself, settling Venti with a tight lipped smile. "It is a shame you will not be able to join Lumine, Aether, and Ion our tour around seeing as you will be far too busy."
It was Venti's turn to react, stiffening at the returned jab he was just given. Waving Aether's hand off, he found himself pouting at the sly reminder that they had chosen to spend the cultural festival with him.
"...I'm sure I can make more than enough time to spend with my favorite people."
"For a short time, seeing as you have other arrangements you need to attend to. Which is no problem, I assure you. You can rest easy with the knowledge that they will be under my care, and I will be sure to enjoy the time well with my dearly beloved friends."
"...Why does Paimon feel like these two are having a WHOLE other conversation?" She questioned, looking warily between the two and their odd rivalry.
Ningguang laughed, seeming to enjoy it all.
"It just goes to show how well loved the two are, though speaking of performances. Zhongli was not lying when he said we were invited by a number of students shortly before your arrival to watch some performances they will be holding. Both theatrical and musical if I am correct?"
Aether blinked, before nodding seeing the question directed towards him.
"Pretty much. There were a few classes who decided to hold a performance as their theme, but the drama club will be holding the main performance, followed by the music club, the koto club-"
"Will Ying and Kong be performing in any of these musical performances by chance?"
"O-Of course not!" Aether flinched, seeing the look of disappointment come across her face.
"Why not? Surely as long as you use your real names and don't sing any of your songs then it should be alright." She reasoned.
"We'd...rather not take any chances, besides that would be impossible to do even IF we wanted to. All the performances are already arranged with every time slot taken up."
"How disappointing." She pouted, crossing her arms at the news. "I thought I might finally get to see the two of you on stage for once."
"Maybe one day..." He trailed off, letting out a nervous laugh in response. Not comfortable with the subject they were currently on. "Anyways, we keep getting side tracked here and if I keep prez waiting much longer I don't imagine she'll be much too happy with me.
"No, I would simply like to hurry and disperse the crowd and seeing as they are your guests I believe the task in taking care of this should fall to you." Jean lectured, "However, based on your interactions it doesn't seem like things were meant to go this way."
"I swear they weren't!" Aether turned to man in question, "Zhongli, What happened to putting on a disguise ?"
He frowned, looking confused by the question.
"Is this not how one usually disguises themselves when wanting to avoid detection?"
"Putting on just a pair of stylish sunglasses doesn't make you suddenly look like a different person." Aether sighed, seeing the genuine confusion. "What made you think that this was going to be foul proof ?"
"...Usually, hiding my identity would not have been an issue."
"Usually?" Aether questioned, sensing as if he wanted to say more but could not.
"Ah, he's probably talking about that ." Venti hinted, merely offering a smile to the others who looked to him in question.
It took Aether a moment to realize, they were talking about the loss of his gnosis. He remembered being told how Morax had through the years taken on a number of different forms. Were they hinting that it was impossible for him to be anyone else other than Zhongli now with the loss of his gnosis?
He would have to discuss that with them another time when they were alone, but for the moment he nodded in understanding. Earning a smile from Zhongli seeing he caught on.
"So, because of my predicament I decided to do some research to determine what the best form of disguise would be for myself. Based on what I've managed to gather and a discussion I had with a friend over lunch-"
"What friend ?" Aether frowned, already having a sneaking suspicion as to the identity of this person.
"Childe." Zhongli confirmed.
"That's the WORST person to go too. WELL...inless you're in need of Mora." Paimon reasoned, as Zhongli hummed.
"I disagree, the information he offers can be rather insightful."
"So, this was HIS bright idea and you believed him?" Aether facepalmed, understanding a bit better how this situation came to be.
"Was I wrong?" Zhongli frowned, seeing the exasperated expression Aether wore. Thinking he should further explain, he continued. "He told me when one wishes to change their outward appearance the most efficient manner to go about it would be by simply donning a pair of these sunglasses. He proceeded to demonstrate instances where this was shown to have worked quite well."
"In movies and television, Zhongli." Aether explained, figuring what Childe must have shown him.
"Why do you think you had so many people come up to invite you and her to see their performances if they didn't recognize you?" Venti questioned, shaking his head in disbelief as if he would not have fallen for the same trick.
"I thought they were merely advertising their show for people to stop by." Zhongli reasoned, which was fair enough. That was an actual job tasked to students during the festival.
Venti tsked,
"And I suppose you failed to notice the crowd of people gathered around?"
"This is a festival, there are supposed to be a large group of people around. No?"
"You really don't realize the trouble you're causing Aether, do you?" Venti sighed, seeing he seemed to have an answer for everything, before smiling happily to the twin in question. "Well, That's okay. I guess this makes me the favorite now, right?"
Zhongli looked to be fully irritated, but chose to ignore the obvious provocation. Instead, looking apologetically towards Aether.
"It seems I may have unintentionally caused you problems. Is that right?"
….If he looked at him like that…
Aether really couldn't stay mad. He just didn't have it in him. He remembered how excited Zhongli was since they had extended the invitation out to him, and both Lumine and Aether really DID want Zhongli to get to enjoy himself with them.
"No...Don't worry about it. If anything Childe is to blame from what I'm gathering here."
"You and Lumine are just too nice for your own good." Venti shook his head, seeing he was being let off the hook. Aether didn't bother questioning why Ningguang had not said anything either. She most likely found it all entertaining and was simply going with the flow of things, and poor Ganyu was simply caught up in between.
He looked over to Jean with an apologetic look of his own, instead.
"I know I said I would take care of this but…"
"Aether, so we're clear I was never asking you to tell them to leave. I doubt either of you would have actually done it even if I had asked." She smiled, "What you decide to do and how you want to handle this is up to you, but I think it would be best if you take these three elsewhere, away from everyone's view."
"But where would we even go?" Paimon asked curiously, seeming to rack her brain. "These two in particular are pretty hard to miss. They'll attract attention no matter where we go."
"I think I have an idea for that." Aether smiled, helping Paimon off the stool she was in and onto the ground. "You three and Paimon follow me."
"Are you sure about this?" Ganyu questioned, furrowing her brow in concern. "Aren't you worried about what others might say if you're seen with us or worried they might somehow make a connection?"
"They'll probably just gossip about me trying to get ningguang's attention to get ahead in my modeling career." Aether shrugged,
"What about us?" Venti blinked, seeing neither Jean or Amber and himself were being asked to follow.
"You want us to cause a distraction?" Jean guessed, Aether chuckling seeing she understood where he was going with this.
"If you would."
"As long as you let me get a picture of you all together, I'll happily oblige~" Amber beamed, raising up her camera for emphasis.
Ningguang hummed at the request,
"That's probably the first time I've been asked for permission to take my photo. So long as I can get copies of those photos you've shown me and photos with the twins and I together, I have no qualms."
"It will be nice to commemorate the day with a photo. I also have no objections." Zhongli nodded, as Amber pumped a fist in success at their consent.
Venti pouted, feeling just a tad jealous. Since he was being asked to essentially help his rival, but-
"Seeing as it will become troublesome for both Aether and Lumine if I don't assist, I shall lend you my aid as well."
Aether smiled appreciatively, before looking over to Xiangling.
"Thanks for looking after Paimon, Xiangling. I'll be sure to make it up to you next time."
"Hehe~ It really was no problem. You helped me out too in a way, but if you still want to do something for me." She smiled, as if she had already thought of the perfect thing to ask for. "Then be sure to come down to the restaurant when you have some time. Paimon and I went back and forth on ideas for some new dishes that I think would be delicious!"
Aether grimaced, sometimes the ingredients Xiangling used in her dishes were not always the most... conventional .
"Oh, don't give me that look. Have I ever fed you anything you didn't end up liking?" She asked, hands at her hips knowing full well the answer to that. And, she had a point.
"The only problem we have now is," Jean crossed her arms, seeming to give her next words some thought. "What exactly should we do to cause a distraction?"
"I might have an idea on how to do that." Venti smiled, a lyre suddenly in hand. "I used to know a thing or two about entertaining a crowd."
"Where did you even get that?" Amber blinked, quite sure he had not been carrying anything like that before. Instead of answering her, he looked over to Aether and winked.
"I am a bit out of practice, but should still be good enough to attract a crowd. Try not to get too distracted with my playing while you make your escape~"
The group watched with interest as he walked over to the middle of the designated walkway. The attention he seemed to get was almost instantaneous as he played his first couple of notes, plucking each string to make sure they were still in working order. When he was content with the sound that came from each note, he closed his eyes and began to play.
Everything and everyone seemed to quiet down in response to his playing. Paimon had been ready to joke that even if he had turned out to be horrible, they could still use that to their advantage. That...was far from the case. Infact, it was almost too hard for Aether to tear himself away.
When he began to add words, Aether was in further awe hearing this beautiful melody even had words to accompany it with. It was only when he felt a tug on his sleeve by Ganyu that he remembered what this was originally meant to be. A distraction.
He took a quick glance over the many heads around, their faces memorized and realized this was the best moment to move. Jean gave him a silent nod to proceed as led the three with Paimon away from the performance much to Ningguangs disappointment.
"What a shame, your friend is actually quite the player and vocalist. His style of wear is a bit interesting as well." She laughed with amusement, "Has he ever considered becoming an idol?"
Aether made a mental note to ask him about that later, and if he would be willing to hold a small performance for himself and Lumine. Who, was sure would especially enjoy it.
La-di-da-di-da, la-di-da-di-di
Suddenly, you call my name, and I lose my brain
And I float up to the moon
La-di-da-di-di, la-di-da-di-da
When you laugh, it makes me smile, and I love your style
So I wrote a song to this tune
Thank you stars for giving to me
The greatest gift that's still yet to be
I don't mind if fate's playing games
I'm happy all the same
.
.
.
.
Chongyun and Xingqiu stood curiously outside a classroom, advertising itself as "haunted" much to the former's confusion.
"I just don't understand" He sighed, Xingqiu turning his head curiously over to him.
"You don't understand what?"
"This!" Chongyun gestured to the classroom. The window which would normally give you a look inside was covered with a black curtain hung from the inside. Images of what people perceived to be ghosts were decorated on top of the black curtain. They were rather cute looking more then scary. Xingqiu vaguely remembered a weird girl that hung around Aether and Lumine having drawn out similar looking doodles. She claimed these were spirits that she had seen before once, much to Paimons distress. There were also blue like will-o-wisps in the depicted drawings and decorated on the walls above the curtain with a voodoo doll nailed beside them.
The actual door was slid open, with a black curtain hanging down at its entrance. Above the door was a back poster board with the words house of terror in red paint, trying to look at if it had been written in blood.
Chongyun's face seemed to scrunch up at the sight, before he looked back down to the flyer they were handed.
"Why is it advertising for people to come look inside a place littered with spirits? And, why are people so willing to go inside despite this knowledge?"
"For spooks of course." Xingqiu answered, forgetting how Chongyun was previously homeschooled. This was the first year they were allowing him to attend a public school, and was likely his first festival. He probably had never seen an attraction like this before.
Admittedly this was also Xingqiu's first time seeing one for himself. The prestige school he was forced to go to never held such fun events like the cultural festival, he had only read about them before or seen them from afar in passing. This was the first time he was taking part in such an event, and what fun he was having so far.
The twins had been the first ones to tell him about the event when he asked if they would like to accompany him to the bookstore days prior.
The next volume to a story he was awaiting had finally arrived in stores, and he was excited to get his hands on it. When they politely declined, the disappointment and hurt across his face was immeasurable. Lumine and Aether quickly explained then how they were on an errand to get supplies for their school festival and they had to return quickly or they would not be trusted again. When they were done helping at the school, they had to go see a friend named Kazuha for a fitting afterward.
If we go with you to the bookstore, we could end up spending the rest of the day there. Lumine had half-joked, since Xingqiu could not deny that was indeed what would likely happen. Though he saw that as a wonderful day spent.
He was invited to come see things when they were finalized, and initially he had told them that if his own schedule allowed it then he would happily accept. But, he had every intention of coming to see this cultural festival. Seeing this as his window of opportunity.
He asked Chongyun not long after what his class planned to do, and why he had not been invited earlier by him to hang out. When all he received was a look of confusion, he realized Chongyun had still not grasped the concept of the cultural festival. Nor did he realize people from outside were allowed to come in during this time.
As for what his class had done, apparently they had gotten the idea to make and hand out frozen treats after seeing Chongyun always chewing away on one. Which was why in retrospect Chongyun was so confused over the purpose of this festival, seeing as his frozen treats were not treats to him but merely medicine to alleviate his symptoms.
"Spooks?" Chongyun frowned, bringing Xingqiu back from his thoughts. "So, they brought spirits into this school just to hold an attraction where people can be scared? Why? Does that mean all these spirits inside are in on this? Is that why they are being depicted like those cut outs? Because, they are trying to tell us the ghosts inside are all harmless? No, even if they say they are...How can they really be sure?"
Xingqiu looked to his friend in awe, torn on whether he should properly explain things to him or take this grand opportunity that was being presented to mess with him.
"Everyone says this festival is supposed to be for fun." He sighed, "But, why would you want to be scared? I just don't understand, and aren't they just a bit TOO trusting to be inviting spirits that could very well be malevolent?"
Xingqiu chooses to go with the latter.
"Well...I'm not too sure on the details myself since this is my first time attending one of these festivals, but if you're curious why not go in and see for yourself?" He suggested, "Your family are exorcists right? I'm sure if anyone would know what a malevolent spirit looks it be you."
"Ah, well...to be honest.." Chongyun blushed, embarrassed to admit he had personally never seen a spirit for himself.
Hm, maybe this could be his chance?
Xingqiu waits to see if he will go on, when he doesn't speak up, he continues.
"And, if the spirits don't turn out to be malevolent, then you might be able to understand why some people find this sort of activity fun."
"No, I don't think I'll ever understand that part." Chongyun shook his head at the silly notion.
"Your parents always make you carry around talismans just in case, right?"
Chongyun blinks, remembering the papers he has carefully tucked into his pockets.
"Ah, yes, I have them right here actually. It's pretty much a habit at this point to bring them everywhere I go."
"Well that works out great! If they turn out to be bad spirits you can exorcise them on the spot." He smiled, looking a bit too suspiciously happy by this fact.
"These are just for warding off spirits temporarily and for protection. I wouldn't actually be able to exorcise them with these alone." He frowned, "Exorcising spirits requires a ton of preparation-"
"It's fine~ You just want to see if these spirits are good or bad, right? So, these talismans should be good enough."
Chongyun gave it some thought, if it DID turn out to be a problem. He could just call his parents and warn the school to evacuate everyone from the third floor until they were fully able to cleanse the room. They would have to make sure there were no other lingering spirits that had strayed far from the room, and he could not deny his insatiable desire to finally see a spirit with his own eyes.
"I suppose, logically, this is the best course of action." Chongyun nodded, looking back with determination in his eyes. "Alright then! I'll go!"
"Ah! Wait! What are you doing?" Xingqiu questioned, stopping him in his tracks as he pulled his arm back.
"Eh? What do you mean? Didn't you just agree and say that I should-"
Xingqiu tsked, wagging a finger to stop him.
"No, didn't you read the flyer properly?"
Chongyun moved his head back as the flyer was shoved into his face, squinting as he tried to read what Xingqiu was trying to point out. On the bottom right corner, in rather small letters read: Must be accompanied by a partner .
"Huh? Why would they have such a weird requirement like that?" He looked perplexed, shoving the paper away from his face.
"For precaution, perhaps?"
"If they are going to take precautions like that out of fear something will happen, then they shouldn't have done something like this to begin with." He sighed, frustrated. If anything this merely proved to him that there COULD indeed be an evil spirit in the mix if they had to include such a rule. He looked back over to Xingqiu, arching a brow in response.
"Can't you just come with me?"
"I'm afraid not," Xingqiu sighed rather dramatically. "While it would be quite entertaining- Ahem... I mean, while this would be quite the chance to see a spirit with my own eyes. I find myself feeling rather ill, just being near this classroom's presence."
"What? Really?" Chongyun looked to him in concern, looking for somewhere he could rest.
"Don't trouble yourself over me, my friend." He assured, leaning against the wall for added effect. "Unfortunately it looks like you'll have to find someone else to accompany you inside."
"So far, based on how you're reacting and the rule set in place. I'm starting to think there IS a negative presence inside. I know I shouldn't jump the gun, though" Chongyun looked away for a moment, looking in deep thought as Xingqiu tried his best to hold himself back from giggling. "...The problem is...I don't really have anyone else who would be willing…"
"Oh! Hey, it's Chongyun! and Xingqiu! you managed to make it after all." Lumine called out to the two of them, waving over to the pair as the smiling girl appeared as if on cue.
For a moment, the two found themselves speechless as she approached. She had told them the theme their classroom had chosen, and had told them what she would be wearing for said festival. Maybe it was just the shock of seeing her dressed so drastically different to the attire she usually wore. Her look was more simple and dare they say cute , but dressed as she was now-
The sound of growling interrupted their trail of thoughts, both of them taking notice of a second person they had not initially seen with a demon mask standing very closely beside her, causing the two to flinch.
"Ah, no, It's okay Xiao, these two are friends." She assured, "And, nothing at all like those guys."
"Those guys?" Xingqiu was the first to speak up, recomposing himself a bit better as Chongyun merely blushed lightly and looked off to the side, not realizing he along with Xingqiu had been staring.
"These two persistent guys who wouldn't take no for an answer, I was THIS close to breaking the guys arm too." Lumine huffed, showing her example of just how close she had been in fact.
Xingqiu smiled, not doubting in the slightest how Lumine would have done just that.
"Heh, I see. Fret not then, Chongyun and I would dare not dream to lay a hand on our beloved Madam here. Less we be on the receiving end of that threat or worse incur the wrath of Aether."
Lumine stifled a laugh, playfully swatting him for his response.
"I'm much worse than my brother. Anyways, you don't have to speak so formally here Xingqiu."
"Hehe. forgive me. I can't help but speak to you in such a manner, considering how beautiful you are, My Lady." He laughed, seeing her face turn flush.
"W-What does that even have to do with anything?...Nevermind, quit teasing." She huffed, turning her face away from them. Xingqiu found himself wanting to say more, only to clear his throat when he felt the dangerous aura Xiao seemed to be giving off after his comment. As if daring him to say anything more.
"Anywho, you've come at just the right time, my friend. Chongyun and I were in a bit of a predicament, you see."
"Oh?" Lumine looked back, curious on what the problem was.
At this Chongyun seemed to realize something.
"Lumine!"
"Y-Yes?" She took a step back, taken back by his sudden excitement.
"You can be my partner! Ah, ofcourse, if you don't mind that is…" He trailed off, looking down shyly then.
"Partner?" She blinked, confused on what was going on.
"Chongyun needs a partner to enter this haunted attraction, I would go, but I'm feeling rather ill." Xingqiu explained, holding his stomach for emphasis.
Xiao eyed him, as Lumine looked equally as concerned as Chongyun was previously.
"Oh? Did you eat something from one of the stands that didn't sit well?"
"No, I think its-" Chongyun tried to explain, before being swiftly cut off by Xingqiu.
"I'm fine, really. I think it's just good if I rest here a bit. I feel a bit guilty about not being able to join Chongyun, though. And, he can't go in alone since one of the requirements to enter is you need to have a partner." He explained, handing the flyer over to her to see.
Lumine and Xiao looked over the paper, an Oh sound coming out of her as she looked over it.
"This is the attraction Hu Tao and her class set up. I wonder if she's inside or handing out flyers outside." She wondered aloud.
"Your friend helped set this up?" Chongyun frowned, taking a mental note to give Lumine a protection charm afterward.
"Do you think you could accompany Chongyun in my place?" Xingqiu asked, his eyes glancing to Xiao who still refused to budge in his place beside her.
"Unless, we're interrupting something…."
Lumine blinked, her mouth almost dropping at what he thought this was.
"No! Xiao is our bodyguard who came to enjoy the festival with us." She explained, quickly. Not wanting to make things awkward between her and Xiao if they misunderstood. "Actually, we were just looking for my brother. He texted me to come meet him and our other friends on the third floor."
"Oh...So, you're probably busy then." Chongyun rubbed the back of his neck, looking...disappointed.
Ahhhh….
She looked to Xiao giving him a rather pleading look.
"Do you mind...if I accompany Chongyun for a bit?"
"...You don't need my permission to do things." He scoffed, crossing his arms as he intended to wait for her in this spot.
"Sorry for the trouble~ I'll keep you company while we wait for the two, and we'll be sure to keep our eyes out for Aether in case he passes by." Xingqiu smiled, not missing the way Xiao tsked.
"No need, you're free to leave at any point. You said you were feeling ill, weren't you? You seem just fine to me…"
"We'll wait here for you then!" Xingqiu waved to the two, dodging the question much to Xiao's further suspicion.
"Sorry, I didn't mean to drag you into this mess…" Chongyun turned to Lumine as the two began walking over to the entrance.
"It's fine, this is your first time at a festival too right? Aether and I want you and everyone to have fun. If you don't mind me as your partner, then there's nothing to be upset over." She smiled, tilting her head slightly at the odd wording he used.
"Of course not! Rather, I should have thought to ask you or Aether to begin with. I know I can always count on the two of you for help." He smiled, before looking a bit serious. "Just be sure to stay close to me in case one of them turns out to be trouble."
?
"Are you...scared?" She asked, watching as he stiffened at the question as a student granted them entrance inside. Pulling the curtain back for the two, giving them a rather eerie and mischievous laugh.
"N-No! I'm just...thinking about you regarding your safety!"
"Ooooh?" Misunderstanding his initial reaction, she offered her hand to him before stepping in.
"Alright, but if you get scared just hold my hand, okay?" She teased.
"I won't!" He blushed furiously, urging himself to calm down as he followed her laughing self inside. Now was not the time to have one of his episodes. He needed to keep calm and alert for the both of them.