Lumine was amazed as the two walked in. She had gone through plenty of haunted attractions with Aether, and they were pretty much all the same.

Because of this, it was pretty hard to scare either of them with these sort of gimmicks. Which made Aether a great partner for these types of events, while Lumine made for a pretty boring one in comparison.

This was the first time in a long while where she admittedly felt a little creeped out walking through one of these. However, that was overshadowed by her overall amazement over what Hu Tao and her classmates had accomplished by using the space given to them to turn their class into something of a maze-like crypt.

Chongyun, on the other hand, seemed strangely tense beside her.

Which she found odd, considering his family came from a long line of exorcists. His mother, said to be a medium even, able to communicate with the supernatural.

Now, there was a time where Aether and Lumine would have been skeptical at such a claim, but after encountering Paimon, real life gods, wolf spirits, adepti, and more. Ghosts were not hard to believe in by comparison.

Still, she would have thought that someone who actively went searching for evil spirits would not have looked as agitated. Maybe, it was just the atmosphere getting to him? Or, Chongyun simply not being good with people jumping out at him. He did say he was constantly focusing on keeping his emotions in check, to prevent himself from entering what he called a manic state . She had yet to see it for herself, but Xingqiu assured her the day Lumine ever sees it, she would be in for a real treat. Perhaps, that's what had him so on edge? But, then Lumine had to wonder why he would have wanted to go inside in the first place.

"Chongyun?"

He turned his head slightly her way, keeping his gaze locked forward. As if he was just waiting for something to pop out at any moment.

"Hm?"

"I'm kind of surprised to hear you wanted to come in here." She voiced aloud, deciding it better to just ask him directly then continue to wonder.

"Ah, well, I'm trying to understand the whole concept of this festival overall. You see, I don't...usually take part in social functions of this magnitude. This is the first time I have ever taken part in such an event, and the whole idea just really seems to elude me. I thought the festival itself was confusing enough, but then I saw them advertising this place." He shook his head in disapproval, before letting out a sigh. "I just can't understand why anyone would find this sort of thing fun, and to go as far as they have with this ... " He frowned, trailing off as he began to rub the back of his neck warily at his admission to everything.

Since he began attending public school, he often found himself being given strange looks when he would say anything . He was horrible when it came to social cues, and found himself being berated by people whenever he tried to gather clues or extra intel on potential ghost sightings that he managed to scrounger up. But, even when he tried to ask about things that had nothing to do with ghosts or the supernatural, it ended with the same result.

It made him reluctant most times to share his thoughts on things, but because it was Lumine…

She blinked, before letting out a small laugh that suddenly drew his attention all to her.

"Sorry, I'm not laughing at you, I swear. It's just.. you can really be cute at times Chongyun."

He froze, feeling his face suddenly grow hot at the remark.

"W-Wha- ?! What of anything that I just said was c-cute?!"

"Well, the fact you're willing to take part in something like this ," She motioned all around them, "even though it's probably not the least bit scary or fun for you, and just so you can understand why other people might find it fun...it's a little bit cute if you ask me~"

"...Are you teasing me again?" Chongyun resisted the urge to pout, merely looking away from her as he tried to shield away his embarrassment with his arm. Trying desperately to get a hold of himself.

"Have I ever?" Lumine feigned innocence.

"Yes, on multiple occasions. You and Xingqiu are quite notorious in fact." He huffed, continuing to walk ahead.

"I'm serious though!" She continued to laugh, following close behind. "I really do want you to have fun too Chongyun, especially if this is your first time taking part in...something like this. So, I hope you're not forcing yourself too much. Not to mention you got stuck with someone like me as a partner, which pretty much defeats the whole purpose some guys find amusement in going through these."

He looked to her, giving her an odd look at the statement.

"...I don't really understand what you mean by that, but on the contrary, I really enjoy your company. I think you're the perfect partner for me." He paused, realizing how that last sentence might have sounded, before clearing his throat to quickly add, "FOR this event!….that is."

She looked surprised, before giggling at his clarification.

"Hehe~ Well, that makes me happy to hear, Chongyun. Thank you."

"G-Good. As long as we're clear then." He nodded, slightly embarrassed as he continued. "As for the other thing, you said...I wouldn't say I'm completely disinterested. I might not understand the fun aspect of this place, but I am still curious considering the lengths to which they have gone to deliver these " spooks " ." He said, using air quotes around the word his friend had used previously, before stopping once again in place as the pair found they had two different paths laid out before them.

A choose your fate sort of scenario, Lumine figured. They could either turn left or turn right with both paths pitch black at the end of them. No indicator to say which was right or wrong.

"What do you think?" Chongyun questioned.

"We entered the room from the left side, so ideally we want to stay heading right whenever we're prompted to turn." She explained, as he proceeded to look the exact opposite then.

"Hm, you make a valid point but if possible I would like to be thorough with our search. So, if the right path is the correct and fastest way to go then I would ask we check the left side first."

Lumine tilted her head, confused on what he meant by "thorough search" before giving him a knowing smile as something hit her.

"...If you just want to spend more time together, you could have just said that."

"That's not- !" Chongyun sputtered, quickly turning away from her as he began matching off. "Nngh...You're worse than Xingqiu sometimes! "

" Oh ? You mean, that wasn't a lame excuse you were trying to use on me for us to spend more time here?" She hummed, smiling away thinking she had him pegged as she followed.

"Y-You...don't seem very scared, even though you're aware of what these types of attractions hold." He said, trying to change the subject instead.

"Aether and I have been through a couple of these. They're usually all the same, so it loses any scare value when you know exactly what to expect." She shrugged, deciding to play along and give him a break from the teasing. "They usually aren't this well done though, so I'm more amazed than I am scared."

"Amazed?" Chongyun's brow furrowed, not understanding what was so amazing about messing with the supernatural. "And you've never once felt like you were in any danger?"

It was Lumine's turn to settle him with an odd look. "Why would I feel in danger? All of this is just for fun, Chongyun. Nobody is actually going to hurt us or anything."

"How can you be so sure?" He questioned, but before he could properly explain why it wasn't always wise to trust in spirits, the two heard what sounded to be like crying in the distance. The exorcist on high alert then. "...That sounds like it's coming from somewhere just up ahead."

From experience, Lumine knew some haunted houses liked to play sounds of crying children or strange noises to give it a more eerie like feel and freak out the patrons. These cries in comparison, sounded much more real, and like they were coming from a little girl.

"Don't tell me they actually let a little girl come in here alone?" Lumine questioned, her expression scrunching up in disbelief.

"That's highly unlikely. Remember, the requirement to gain entry into this maze was that you must be accompanied by a partner. I also doubt they would let little kids come into such a dangerous area, partner or not."

"Maybe they snuck in here?" She said, before giving him another odd look at the last bit. Dangerous?

"Hmm..I suppose that's not entirely impossible. This festival is open to the public, so the idea that a child might have been curious and snuck in-" He put a hand under his chin in deep thought, before noticing a streak of yellow rush past him. "Ah...Lumine?!" He called after her, realizing she was no longer by his side.

"Come on, we have to check it out and make sure there's nobody actually lost in here!" She called back to him, as she went on ahead. It was a bit hard to run in the kimono, and this is why she preferred to dress more loose and freely with her clothing. So, she wouldn't be restricted in movement if she had to run spontaneously, beat up troublemakers like Childe or Scaramouche, or just the fatui in general. However, Zhongli continued to try and assure the twins how the Fatui should not give them any more trouble as it would be against the contract he made with the Tsaritsa and Signora, but she frankly didn't trust their whole group for a second.

Though, that was neither here nor there.

Lumine was just concerned, while not dangerous like Chongyun was thinking, a place like this would definitely scare a young kid walking around by themselves. It was also pretty easy to get lost in a maze when there were so many directions you could turn the further you went in. There was, of course, a smaller part of her that thought this was all just leading up to a scare.

After all, she would think the students running this haunted maze were keeping tabs of who went in and out. But, Lumine had to be sure. Kids were sneaky little things, plus If it was just one of the students playing the part of "crying ghost" then she could easily play along.

It did, thankfully, turn out to be the latter, as after some confusing turns in her attempt to follow the sound of where the crying was coming from she finally arrived to where the sounds of the broken sobbing seemed to be originating from. On the floor just a few feet away from her was a girl with long black hair, kneeling on the ground with her hands covering her face. She had on a simple white dress and Lumine could only let out a sigh of relief knowing it wasn't some random kid. She did look to be on the small side, but Lumine was quite sure she was just a student trying to pose as "crying ghost child". Her appearance was just the standard most students thought of when they thought, ghosts.

She looked back apologetically, expecting to see Chongyun right behind her with an "I told you". Only he wasn't there.

She blinked, having thought she had run pretty slow with the Kimino hindering her movements, but with how dark it was and the turns she had to make, she must have lost him somehow. Oops.

It hurts.

Lumine turned back to the girl, hearing her speak. She waited a few moments before moving closer to her. She did say she would play along if things turned out to be this way, after all.

"Are you okay?" She bent down, tilting her head slightly as Lumine tried to get a good look at the girl as she continued to sob into her hands.

Big sister, it really hurts. She cried, in such a small child-like voice. Her words and voice almost seemed to echo around them. Was she mic'd?

"...I can't help you if you don't tell me where it hurts." Lumine responded, waiting to see where this was leading too. It was when the girl lifted her face up that she let out a surprised gasp, she didn't know how but the girl's face seemed to be melting off exposing what looked to be muscle and bone underneath.

It was...really gruesome and someone was obviously really great with special effects make-up. She couldn't help but flinch, as the girl reached her hands up to Lumine's face.

Help me, E. She begged, sounding so desperate and guttural . When Lumine didn't react, the girl decided to take things furthur. Big Sister, You have such a pretty face...Will you let me have yours? If i have a new face, then the pain will stop, right? RIGHT? PlEaSe, GIVE ME YOUR FACE. She screamed out the last line, lunging herself at Lumine as if she really did intend to rip her face off.

Lumine suppressed the wow sound that wanted to come out, as she dodged the girl. She was really amazed by the performance. If this were just anyone else, she's sure the moment she showed them her melting face they would have run straight into the opposite direction while she cried these exact words and chased after them. Or maybe she was improving and Lumine was meant to run away since the beginning? It be rude in that sense not to give this girl the reaction she was looking for after giving such a good performance, but before Lumine could turn to "run" while giving her best ahhh sound . The girl seemed to beat her too it.

"Ahh?!" The girl screamed out, stumbling back as a talisman came flying straight to her face, followed by the chanting of a familiar mantra she's heard a familiar exorcist always trying to recite.

" Chong-?"

Before Lumine could figure out what was happening, she felt herself being pulled abruptly by a strong hand clutching tightly to hers. The pair running past the "crying ghost child" who was completely out of character by this point. Trying to rip the piece of paper off her face without messing with the make up she had on.

"Wait a minute! Wait a minute! Hey!? What's the big idea?!" She angrily called after, a confused Lumine simply apologizing as she was led away from the scene in haste.

Chongyun stopped running after some quick turns, panting slightly from their mad dash as he turned back to make sure they were not being followed.

"I think...we're safe now. Are you alright?" He turned to Lumine, looking over her for any signs of wounds or left over negative energy that may have attached itself to her. His hands clasping onto her face as he pulled her closer to get a better look, catching her even more off guard.

"I-I'm fine-" She tried to say, looking everywhere but at him, unable to turn her face completely away from his as he held it firmly between his hands.

"Are you sure? I can't really tell in this lighting but you seem a bit red in the face." He frowned,

"That's just because...you're really close…" She murmured, still unable to properly look at him. At her words, she felt him stiffen, slowly dropping his hands from her face as he stepped a considerable distance back realizing his own error.

"I-Im sorry...you just...scared me. I'd like it if you wouldn't leave my side again like that...I also sincerely ask that you exercise a bit more caution the next time we encounter another spirit." He softly scolded, relief hitting him once he assessed that she was truly unharmed and still herself

Lumine moved her mouth to apologize for leaving him behind as she did, albeit slightly confused as to why he was scared in the first place by her absence. Until she heard that last bit. "I-..wait, what?"

"I know, you said you've been through these types of attractions many times before, so you're not afraid of these types of ordeals. But, I think what happened just now was proof enough that you shouldn't always trust in the spirits."

Lumine blinked, her earlier embarrassment completely replaced with sheer confusion.

"The...spirits?"

"It's not that I doubt that you are not capable of handling yourself." He quickly tried to explain, "But, spirits are very mischievous and tricky, especially the evil ones who are just waiting for an opportunity to catch you with your guard down. This is why I don't condone the use of spirits in this manner. No , I don't condone messing with the supernatural in general. I mean, what if I hadn't shown up when I did just now? Can you honestly tell me that it was all simply a show ?"

"O-Ofcourse, it was a show she-"

"Lumine! Surely, you can't tell me you had every faith that she would have not done you any harm?" He questioned, while looking absolutely shocked that Lumine was okay with all this to begin with. Letting out a sigh of defeat thinking this would just be on the list of things he might not ever understand or see eye to eye on with others. "While, I admit I didn't sense any ill intent or negative energies coming from her, I was too concerned over your safety to have properly gotten a read on her. But, with how she came lunging at you-"

"No," She placed two fingers to his lips, making him stop as she hurried to explain before he could interrupt her again. "All of what you just saw was an act and the reason I know it was all just an act was because that girl was only pretending to be a ghost. You didn't feel anything because she's not actually a spirit, she's just one of the students who got dressed up to scare people like me and you who come in here."

Chongyun seemed to pause, gawking at the realization as he gently grasped her hand and removed it from his mouth trying to process her words.

"She...wasn't actually…a spirit?"

When Lumine finished explaining the REAL concept of a haunted house and how they worked particularly in school festival settings, the devastation and sheer embarrassment hit him hard, and now it was Chongyun who felt sick to his stomache.

"A-Are you okay? Do you need to sit down for a moment?" Lumine asked, looking to him in concern after seeing his reaction. She felt just a little bit guilty over having told him the truth, but she didn't want him trying to exorcise every person they ran into after this. She slowly helped him sit back on a coffin that lined the fake walls on their path. Hoping, they wouldn't break under their weight. "you have one of your popsicles on you, right?"

Chongyun could simply nod, as he fished the last one out from his pants pocket, tearing into it almost immediately as they sat down together.

"I'll kill him…" He muttered in between chews, Lumine knowing exactly who he was referring too, smiling somewhat at the empty threat. She waited patiently for him to finish before he finally let out a loud sigh afterwards.

"Better?" She asked as he finished the last bite.

"...Not really," He admitted, stuffing the wrapper into his pocket to discard later. "I still feel kind of... hot inside, but it's more bearable. I guess because I can't get it out of my head how I've gone and made a complete fool of myself to you, again. I must have looked really...stupid." He whined, burying his face into his hands.

She nudged him, giving him a gentle smile.

"How could I ever think that about you, Chongyun? In fact, I think you're the coolest person I know." She wiggled her brows at the obvious pun considering his love for cold treats, and despite himself, he returned her smile at her attempts to cheer him up.

"Besides, I know one day that you'll find a spirit to exorcise and then you'll get to show off all your amazing skills~ For now I'm comforted by the fact that when I'm with you, I know I'm safe from any wandering evil spirits." She explained, letting her head rest against his shoulder. The contact and her words alone making the hot feeling in him begin to rise again.

"I-I'm glad that I make you feel safe..." He said quietly, hoping she couldn't possibly hear how fast his heart was hammering against his chest.

"...Chongyun?"

"Y-YES?!"

"You're really shaking...are you still feeling that unwell?" She asked, lifting her head from his shoulder wondering if she unintentionally made things worse. "Maybe, we should hurry and get you out of here. I don't want you passing out on me like the first time we met."

"Ah…" He watched her jump off the coffin they were sitting on, slightly disappointed at the loss of contact. "P-Please don't remind me of another embarrassing time, but you're probably right that it be best if we hurry and get out of here...You also had plans to hang out with Aether and Paimon, right? Sorry, I'm here taking up your time..."

"You're half right, Aether and I actually had plans to hang out with Ganyu and Zhongli." She smiled, waiting as he slowly got back onto his feet. "And, you don't have to apologize. Take your time. I don't want you pushing yourself if you feel unwell."

"Oh." He sounded, looking bothered still. Though over something completely different now. "So, Aether and Ganyu...Zhongli and You."

"Well... it's not like we're pairing off and going off on our own." She blushed, wondering if it sounded like they were going on a double date or something. "B-Besides! You're right! Paimon might be tagging along! Xiangling was looking after her just to keep her entertained for a bit while Aether and I helped at the cafe. Plus, there's Xiao! So, it's not like a date or anything! Rather...a family outing now!"

"A family outing?" Chongyun blinked,

"Because-...uhm...nevermind." She shook her head, offering her hand to him. A furious blush coming across his cheeks at the offer.

"W-What-?!"

"I'm not trying to tease you." She assured, looking to give it some thought. "It's just...we might run into more students trying to scare us and you're still feeling unwell, right? They might try to chase us around too, so I thought it be easier if we hold hands and I lead. You don't want too?"

"It's not...that I don't want too…" He mumbled, lowering his gaze to her hand as he slowly takes it into his. "But, if YOUR okay with this."

He feels her grip tighten gently to reassure him of the answer as she begins to lead the way this time, and even when there are people jumping out at them as they continue to make their way to the end of the maze. All Chongyun can focus on is her hand in his. The hot uncomfortable feeling from before, completely gone. Chongyun is surprised that the relaxed and calm state he tries so hard to maintain is so easily achieved by just the feel of her hand in his. He wonders...if she'll allow him to hold it more often if he were to ask.

"It looks like we made it to the end." She notes, smiling back to him as she points to a black curtain just ahead. Similar to the one they saw when they first entered the maze. Except with this one having an "Exit" sign displayed on top.

"...You've been really quiet. Even though, like I thought, we had a few students popping out at us. I didn't feel you flinch even once, and their make-up was pretty believable. It got even me a few times." She commented, a bit amazed at his impassive demeanor through it all, before giving him a slightly concerned look. "You're still with me, right?"

"Ah, yes. I think...actually holding hands like this really helped me calm down from earlier." He admitted, much to her surprise. "And, everything else just didn't really matter."

"Ah...haha, are you actually saying you like holding my hand?~" She asked, trying to tease him only to stop at his next response.

"I do."

Right, maybe he was TOO calm.

"A-Anyways, thank you Lumine."

"Eh? For what?" She blinked.

"I had...fun. I think." he said, causing her to laugh again.

"If you have to think about it, I'm not sure if that's right, but I'm glad if you did.

"N-No! I did!" He tried to assure, avoiding her gaze for a second. "But, maybe...next time, if there is another cultural festival...We could spend it together. Just us."

"...Well, that would be kind of hard considering this is Aether and mine's last year." She thought aloud, smiling just a bit seeing his disappointment. "But, we don't have to only hang out on special events or days. If you ever want to hang out, then you can always just ask me, and if there are any real haunted houses you want me to accompany you too-"

"REALLY?!" He coughed, trying to reign in his excitement at the offer. Smiling back to her instead. "I mean...I would really enjoy that, Lumine."

"Geez~ Chongyun, you really are-" She stopped mid-sentence when she felt her foot snag on a line.

Before she could process what she had felt against her foot, she let out a small yelp as she was promptly shoved forward by Chongyun who proceeded to yell, "Watch out!"

She had barely managed to catch herself before she went flying forward. Letting out a relieved sigh when she didn't fall face first to the floor. She turned to reprimand Chongyun for pushing her like that. Only to find a set of canisters between them that had fallen from the ceiling.

Had she set off a trap? Lumine looked to the ground and just barely visible was a line of rope that her foot had snagged against. That...was certainly not something she had ever experienced before in a haunted house. Before she could question what that trap had been meant to do she heard the canisters begin to go off with Chongyun still in its line of sight.

"Chongyun?!" She called out to him hearing him yell out as he was mercilessly sprayed with some sticky web like substance

"A-Ah! Something!...is in my eyes! I can't... see!" Chongyun stumbled back trying to get away from its spray zone as it continued spraying and covering his face with webbing.

"I-It's okay! just follow my voice and make a quick side step. You won't get sprayed if you move over to the sides" She instructed, watching him move quickly over to the left as he tried to remove the webbing himself once he was out of the cans range.

"I can't...get it off." He frowned, finding he was just getting more webbing stuck into his hands as he tried in vain to pull it off.

"You're fine, just walk straight to my voice. I'll have my hand out for you to take, and i'll lead us out from here. We can get that stuff off you when we're in the light." She assured him, watching him nod warily before he began to make his way over to her.

"O-Okay…" he was searching blindly for her hand, with both arms outstretched, moving forward slowly with each step so as not to accidently trip. Then he felt that familiar warmth from before.

"Don't worry, I got you." She assured him, making him immediately relax, hearing the smile in her voice.

"Just be careful with the rope when you step-"

The warning came late, and Lumine was not ready for the unexpected weight of Chongyun who tripped into her. She stumbled backwards and felt the curtain by the door rip off its rod as they fell through it. It made for a good cushion at the very least, but still hurt as she found herself slightly winded by the fall.

"Lumine?!" She heard multiple voices around them, accompanied with the sound of...laughter?

"I can't believe someone FINALLY set that off! You have no idea how long I've been waiting for that to happen!" A slight pause in the laughter. "Well, you were supposed to come out screaming IT'S ON ME! IT'S ON ME!, but this is equally as hilarious." The voice happily chirped, before continuing to laugh at the position her two victims found themselves in.

"Hu Tao?" Lumine squinted, as her eyes tried to adjust to the light again.

"How is this funny in the slightest?!" She heard Paimon somewhere above her head, stomping her foot as she tried to reprimand the young women for her crazy antics.

"Paimon?" She winced, before looking down to Chongyun who she had instinctively hugged tightly to her as they fell in an attempt to shield him from the fall.

Unlike Lumine's fall which was slightly more rough, his felt soft .

Soft, but suffocating as she had a tight grip on him. He let out a stifled sound, immediately feeling her hold on him release when she realized she had yet to let go.

"Sorry! Are you okay?" She asked in concern as he slowly lifted himself up.

"...N-No, I'm the one who is sorry. I just got a bit too excited when I felt your hand, and moved when I...shouldn't ha...ve…" As Chonyun tried to explain, he tried to steadily open his eyes once more. Some of the webbing having come slightly undone and stuck onto Lumine when she pressed his face into….her…..chest?

He blinked, feeling the explanation of what happened dying in his throat as he realized what exactly had been so soft as instead of being eye level with her, he was...NOT in an eye level that he should be staring so intently at!

"I'M SORRY!" He yelled out, on his knees with both hands on either side of him before she could question what he was doing.

"Chongyun."

He froze, feeling a slight chill run through him recognizing whose voice it was calling to him. He shakily looked up, seeing Aether standing above the two. A dangerous aura and tight smile on his features.

"You have 3 seconds to explain what you think you're doing."

"N-No! It's not what-"

"One."

" Permission to skewer him?" Xiao spoke up next to Aether, a polearm suddenly in his hand.

"WHERE DID THAT COME FROM?!" Chongyun exclaimed, keeping his hands up in surrender as he tried to get them to listen.

" Two ."

"Oi! Xiao! Put that away! Aether, you're not helping!" Lumine scolded, trying to sit up as much as she could with Chongyun still on top of her.

"Oh dear, it seems our Chong has reached his limit." Xingqiu smiled, on Aethers other side looking much more entertained over the situation then the other two. Noticing Chongyun looking to be on the verge of passing out from all the excitement as he seemed to sway.

Just as it all really did become too much for Chongyun, he vaguely remembered the image of a bear, lifting him off Lumine before things went dark.

Lumine could only stare, as a mascot character known to everyone as Guoba lifted Chongyun off her just as he passed out, his embarrassment hitting peak levels. The person in the suit then proceeded to hand Chongyun over to Xingqiu.

"Ah, thank you." He laughed, not at all questioning the scene playing out before him. "I'll go ahead and take care of Chongyun from here. Think he's had enough of a fun day~"

"You're just as bad." Paimon lectured, comparing him to Hu-Tao who was holding her sides as she tried to calm down from her laughing fit. He smiled to Lumine and nodded, before dragging an unconscious Chongyun with him. She felt a little bad, thinking maybe she should go with him to make sure he was okay, but then she noticed Guoba turn to look at her next.

She blinked, and watched as he made his way back over to her before lifting her up bridal style.

"W-WAIT A MINUTE !" Lumine yelled out, trying to push whoever was in the suit away, the shock factor suddenly over. The idea of being carried like this by a mascot character was embarrassing enough, but Lumine was not comfortable with a stranger holding her like this when she was perfectly capable of walk-

"Ah, Forgive me, I shouldn't have grabbed you so suddenly without warning. However, I would feel more comforted if we stopped by this nurse's station to make sure you did not hurt yourself just now."

Lumine stopped struggling instantly, recognizing that manner of speaking. Looking completely dumbfounded as it hit her who was inside the suit.

"Zho...Zhongli?"

"Its my fault! I'm terribly sorry! I should have spoken up when we first arrived after all! Had i known the situation would have led to this , I would have INSISTED profusely on the better disguise." Ganyu cried, her hands covering her face in shame over what had to be done.

"...Is it really so odd looking?" Zhongli asked, looking to Aether, Ganyu, and Xiao who all proceeded to look away, unable to answer that.

"I'm really sorry, Zhongli." Aether flinched, catching sight of Lumine's harsh gaze. WHAT DID YOU DO TO ZHONGLI!? She practically cried to him with just her eyes.

"D-Don't look at me like that! There weren't many options in costumes left like I originally thought! So, this was the only way!"

"Paimon thinks this is for the best since Mr Zhongli is pretty recognizable no matter how you dress him up. Covering his face entirely was the only way."

"...Are you really okay with being in such a ridi-...with being in such a outfit, is the better question." Xiao asked instead.

"Hm, I don't particularly mind. That drunkard if I remember correctly was also in a strange looking outfit. If these are the requirements that must be met in order to spend time with Aether and Lumine, then so be it."

"No, these aren't really…." Aether tried to say, before thinking it was better to leave things as is.

"I'm almost afraid to ask..but what happened to Ningguang?" Lumine asked, looking around their group. Excepting to see her in something just as...cuddly.

"Sheeee...pretty much refused, ahaha.." Paimon answered for Aether, giving a small shrug.

"So, she left?" Lumine blinked, surprised she had given up and left just like that.

"No, while we were trying to figure out what to do, Coach Beidou found us and apparently the two of them are really good friends." Aether explained, still in disbelief over that connection. "So, she said we could leave Ningguang to her while we go and enjoy ourselves and they would catch up to watch some of the shows in the gymnasium later. It will be pretty dark in there, so it shouldn't be a problem."

"I see…" Lumine trailed off, looking to Ganyu next seeing she was still in the business attire they always seemed to see her in. A black undershirt with a white blazer over the top. A bluish-purple coloring the pockets and ends of the jacket. Below that she wore a white pencil skirt with black leggings and white heels on her feet. She wondered what a casual looking Ganyu looked like, and had to wonder why Aether didn't have Ganyu change into something else as well. "You didn't dress Ganyu up?"

"I'm not putting Ganyu in a mascot suit." Aether said, without hesitation.

But you would stuff Zhongli into one?! She screamed internally, before looking back to the man in question. Realizing she was still being held in his arms. She was…. embarrassed for sure, but for a whole bunch of different reasons.

"Uh, I'm really okay to walk, Zhongli. It was a bit of a rough fall, but nothing too serious that I need to go to the infirmary."

He hesitated, not so quick to place her back to her feet.

"If you are truly sure that you are well..." He relented, carefully placing her down. "But, please be sure to lean on me or let me know if you need a moment's rest at any point if you should start to feel unwell."

"You worry too much, Zhongli." Aether laughed, seeming him fretting over her. He supposed he should be a little bothered over Zhongli carrying his sister in such a manner, but considering his outfit...and him being the REASON he was in that outfit….Zhongli could have a pass. Plus, he was pretty sure this was more embarrassing for his sister rather than any bit romantic.

"As if you're one to talk." Lumine countered, crossing her arms at his response. Having a sense of exactly what he was thinking, making her pout.

"As the person with Big Brother status, I think I'm allowed."

"More like, little brother~" She teased, ruffling his hair as he glared and swatted her hand away.

"Hey! I'm taller than you . I don't want to hear short comments coming from the shortest person I know." He responded, earning a glare of his own from her.

"As a girl, I'm allowed to be a little bit short." She countered, while he hummed away with amusement.

"A little short? Don't you mean super short."

"You're asking to be drop kicked now." She made a fist, warning him of the impending danger if he kept making those comments.

"Hey! Quit it you two! Paimon didn't come to this festival to watch you guys argue and she doubts neither did these other guys!" Paimon lectured, Hu Tao jumping in to show she was very much still there.

"Well! if you and your dates are looking for some fun, look no further than our classes haunted house!~ It's so scary you'll have nightmares for weeks! Guaranteed to give you spooks, shivers, and thrills!~" She sang out its praises, "Why you'll practically be falling over yourselves trying to run away from the fright! Don't believe me? Ask our most recently satisfied customer here~"

"This is not a date!" The twins turned to her, blushing at the respective idea.

"Yeah! Paimon refuses to be a third wheel!"

"Hm? I'm counting you as the fourth wheel." Hu Tao snickered, pointing out Xiao who was also in the mix. "Though, since this would be a double date I guess that makes you two the 5th and 6th wheel? Is that how it works?" She wondered out loud, before shrugging and pulling the sheet back over her head to resume her costume. "Anyways, how about it, Lumine? Want to go another round with your boo-bear ?~ Orrr maybe you'd rather go through it with your guard dog? Decisions, Decisions." She hummed.

"No one is an any wheel! And, NO, thank you. Knowing you, there are probably more traps like the last one waiting for us inside that we didn't set off the first time we went through." Lumine guessed not even wanting to acknowledge the other parts to her sentence.

"Well that's disappointing. How about you Aether?~ You want an excuse to have your girlfriend snuggle up close and-"

"GOODBYE, Hu Tao!" Aether quickly interrupted, nudging Ganyu and the rest elsewhere, knowing standing around and letting Hu Tao continue to say whatever she wanted would only lead to more and more embarrassing comments.

" Aiyah , he didn't even try to deny it~" She laughed, Ganyu merely curious to know how the mention of wheels was relevant to their conversation, but unable to question it more herself before she was being dragged off by Aether.

"But, where are we going now?" Paimon hurried to catch up, Xiao trailing behind.

"Anywhere else but there." Was all Aether would say, Paimon quickly deciding to add her two cents of where she would like to go.

"Paimon votes we show Zhongli, Ganyu, and Xiao more of the delicious foods this festival has to offer!~"

"Paimon, didn't you just eat Xiangling clean of ingredients?" Aether looked to the fairy in disbelief.

"P-Paimon was just speaking on their behalf!"

"Ah, well, I've already eaten back at Xiangling's stand with Mr. Zhongli and Miss Ningguang. So, I'm not especially peckish at this time. " Ganyu explained, Xiao seeming to nod along with food being the last thing he wanted.

"I have no interest in the food of mortals." He huffed, glancing away when he sensed Aether's gaze on him after that comment. "But, even if I decided to humor you...Lumine and I already sat down and indulged in a special surprise dish these two had prepared."

Aether smiled, already knowing this detail after Lumine snuck a picture of their silly Yaksha enjoying his specialty dish .

"Heh, I'm glad you liked it, Xiao."

"Hold on! And, that was enough for you guys?!" Paimon exclaimed in shock, none of that sounding close to enough in her eyes.

"Not everyone is a little glutton like you, Paimon." Aether teased, earning a series of stomps from the girl.

"Hey! Who are you calling a glutton?!"

"..Is something the matter, Lumine?" Zhongli asked, noticing she was a lot more quieter and tailing behind their group. His attention still fully on her, wishing she had allowed him to take her to this nurse after all.

"Ahaha, I told you Zhongli, I'm fine." Lumine laughed half heartedly, a bit preoccupied with something else.

"...We'll be separated again if you continue to walk at that pace. Are you sure-"

"I'm sure." She cut him off, already knowing what he was going to say. Sighing after a moment. "Sorry, I just noticed the kimino Kazuha lent to me has some sticky webbing stuck on the front from when Chongyun fell on top of me. I just hope the sticky stuff doesn't ruin the Kimino. Its annoying to move in, but I really liked it and I don't think I could face Kazuha if this ends up being ruined. Not to mention the hair piece is all out of place now too. I probably just look like a mess.."

At this he smiled, reaching a hand up to help her adjust the floral pin in her hair.

"Forgive me, it is a bit difficult with these paws for hands, but I assure you Lumine. You are anything but a mess. From my perspective you are still quite beautiful in your garments."

Her eyes widened for a moment, before looking shyly off to the side hearing his thoughts. "...Thank you, Zhongli….You look very….cute as well If I may say."

"I'm not quite sure how I feel about hearing such a compliment." He chuckled, "As for the Kimino itself, I happen to know a couple of methods on how to properly clean them. For now just remove what you can of this webbing and don't fret."

She blushed, as he carefully pet the top of her head with his paw as a comforting gesture. "I'm sorry Aether stuffed you into that suit just so you could spend the day with us here. Are you really okay with this?"

He gave a slight nod, "I am unbothered. As I said before if this better allows me to spend the day with you two in peace then I will happily wear it."

"Zhongli…"

"However, since you have bought up my suit. There is something I'd like to ask you."

"Oh?" She blinked.

"As it turns out, that good for nothing drunkard and I have gone and dressed up in costumes for this festival. While unintentional, whose costume would you say you prefer more?"

"...I really... can't say." She managed to say, giving him an exasperated look at the question alone. Averting her gaze as she hurried to catch up with Aether and the rest once he had adjusted her pin.

"Hm? Should I ask in a different manner? Since you said you found this bear costume to be "cute". Who do you find to be more "cute" Barbatos or myself?"

"Oi, what are you asking my sister?" Aether turned, catching the tail end of that question. "You only get so many passes, Zhongli."

"IF we haven't decided where to go from here yet. How about we try the scavenger hunt first?" Lumine pipped up, trying to change the subject. Less Zhongli repeat the question to Aether and try to get them both to answer. "I'm really interested in trying some of the games they have this year."

"They have games as well?" Ganyu questioned, somewhat in awe.

"They have a bunch of other stuff BESIDES food." Lumine clarified, narrowing her eyes to Paimon who merely let out a guilty laugh thinking she gave Ganyu that impression.

"Do what you want." Was all the input Xiao would give as he crossed his arms. Trying to ignore the happy twin duo, smiling his way hearing he was really planning on joining them after all.

"Alright then, Albedo and Sucrose's class were hosting the scavenger hunt. They said they reset everything every hour, so let's see about joining the next one that's coming up." Aether explained, pointing over in the direction they should head next. The three adepti merely nodding along to their plans as Aether and Lumine tried to explain how this "scavenger hunt" would work.

"...I must say I'm surprised you decided to join us after all, Xiao." Zhongli commented, keeping their conversation to just the two of them. "What made you change your mind?"

"It's just easier this way. To keep watch."

"Hm, while that is true. Ganyu and myself are present today, they are in perfectly safe hands. So, there was no real need to force yourself to join us if you did not wish too. I know your dislike for crowds. I hope you aren't forcing yourself."

"Its...fine."

"Xiao."

He flinched, hearing the warning tone in his voice. Zhongli knowing Xiao was not being completely truthful. He kept his gaze forward and on the twins, seeing their happy expressions as they continued to explain to Ganyu who was the only one of them listening intently.

"...I have no interest in the lives of mortals, or being among them. That is a sentiment I don't share with someone like you, and something I've never understood...but for some reason...when it comes to those two…."

Zhongli chuckled after a moment, understanding even without the rest needing to he said.

"Its strange, don't you think? The power these two have over beings like us. You're right to say that I have always been fascinated with humans, seeing how they live and change in their lives. I've watched over them for a millennia, but this is the first time that I've found myself wanting to be a part of a humans life, two in fact." He smiled, looking warmly to the two in front of them. Before glancing to Xiao who continued to remain silent. "I don't wish to remain as a silent observer, when it comes to the two of them. It's like this for you as well, yes?"

He doesn't answer, but he doesn't need to. He thinks there is something slightly more to it, than both of them can understand or are willing to admit, but for now with the way things are...he doesn't mind them. Rather, he wants to enjoy this time with them too.

He wants to understand them. A sentiment they both share.