HAPPY BIRTHDAY DILUC ILYSM

The first time I found a note slipped under my door, I fell into a trap that I should have seen coming. The second time I found a note slipped under my door was met with only a smidgen of caution since Signora was definitely out of the picture, and I had no doubt Kaeya was the actual sender.

Lumine,

I have important information to share with you regarding the remaining restrictions. Once you are done with your classes, please meet with me at our usual spot so we can discuss the next steps. Don't get too excited about spending some alone time with me—a similar message has been given to the others. As always, I look forward to hearing what interesting ideas you will bring to the table. Amongst other things.

Kaeya

Both Childe and Thoma confirmed they received a note this morning, and while Thoma was grateful to be included, Childe had grumbled about being "summoned" and how Kaeya had no right to "boss him around." I was fairly certain Diluc also received a note under his door, and I wondered how he must have felt after reading the name of its sender.

Enthusiasm buzzed through me as I pushed through the administration building's front doors and made a beeline for the stairs. Taking the steps two at a time, I smiled with the anticipation of Kaeya's update. Surely, the Sakoku Order was on its way to being abolished completely this time. Two more weeks had passed, and while the slight leniencies lightened some of the tension between students and the task force, people were starting to get antsy again.

It was right when I reached the top of the stairs, lost in thought, that a sudden figure jumped out from around the corner.

"Boo!"

They had moved so quickly, I jumped in surprise and only noticed it was Childe right as my foot stepped back and made contact with nothing. A jolt of fear shot through me as I realized there were only stairs behind me. I stuck my arms out to find balance, but it was no use. I was well on my way to tumbling down the marble steps I had quickly climbed just a moment before. A silent gasp escaped me as my body tipped backward.

Childe's expression quickly shifted from mischief to alarmed surprise that mirrored my own feelings, and he lunged forward in time to wrap an arm around my waist. The pull of gravity halted as he caught me, tugging me forward and away from the drop. My heart thudded partly because of the near accident, but mostly because of how close we were.

"Careful there, girlie," he breathed. "It took you long enough to fall for me."

I blushed. What sort of line was that? Has Childe been hanging out with Kaeya without me knowing? "I wouldn't have fallen if you didn't jump out at me. What was the reason for that?"

"It's always important to keep your guard up," he smirked. "Your timing is perfect. I was just beginning to think you got lost again and went looking just in case that pretentious Kaneki decided to offer more than just a hand."

"You mean Kazuha?" My face continued to redden. He hadn't let go of my waist. "I haven't spoken to him since our first meeting."

"Good," Childe smiled down at me. "So, were you scared?"

"I was surprised," I muttered and placed a hand on his chest, pushing lightly. "You can let go now." Or else I might faint with the amount of blood rushing to my head.

With a heavy sigh, he released me and stretched his arms out before placing his hands behind his head. "Everyone else is in the room already waiting for you—even Diluc. I didn't think he would show up a second time."

That's it? Straight into another conversation? I was still trying to recover from how Childe swooped in and evidently didn't want to let go. Kaeya, Thoma, and even Amber were so sure Childe had feelings for me, so why did it seem like I was the only one affected by the interaction? I still hadn't told him about how I felt.

"Lumi?" he tilted his head. "Are you coming or what?"

I cleared my throat and walked past him in a hurry.

He easily caught up with a grin splitting his face. "Wait, don't tell me that you—"

Not sure why I felt so embarrassed, I quickly made it to the student council room and sharply turned the doorknob. Doing the best I could to smooth out my expression, I saw that Childe was right. Kaeya was sitting at the head of the table like before, and Diluc was at the opposite end—no surprise there. Thoma, at least, made the effort to sit by Diluc, and he was clearly trying to start a friendly conversation until I walked in.

"Lumine, you made it." Thoma smiled at me. "I knew you would, but Childe was insistent on finding you himself."

Diluc muttered to the side. "So much for trust."

"That's not the entire reason," Childe said from behind me, and I couldn't help but jump a little. He was so close. "I wanted to test the theory."

I stilled. "What theory?"

"We can go over that once everyone settles in." Kaeya propped an elbow up on the table and rested his chin in one hand.

They must have started without me.

Deciding on where to sit wasn't a challenge at all. I couldn't very well leave Kaeya all by himself since Diluc had the company of Thoma. Besides, Kaeya was the one with the news. Before Childe could drag me to the seat of his choice, I skirted my way around the empty seats and sat next to Kaeya.

"I'm settled." I smiled tightly, avoiding the cast-down look emanating from Childe. "What were you guys talking about? Did you already go over the important news?"

Kaeya leaned back with a close-lipped smile. "We were discussing important matters, yes. Though, it had nothing to do with the news."

"Are you going to tell me, or am I going to have to force it out of you?" I crossed my arms.

"Oh?" his eyebrows lifted. "I would love to see that."

"The news, Kaeya," Diluc said. "We already know it must be about the Sakoku Order, so get on with it."

Kaeya sighed. "Right, of course. At the start of next week, the Raiden Shogun plans to eliminate all restrictions pertaining to the Sakoku Order."

Finally.

"In addition to the student body's resistance, a number of faculty had come forward expressing concerns over how their midterms were curbed and curriculum stunted. Seeing that finals are now just over a month away, returning to normal is necessary to make any meaningful progress. Ultimately, the Raiden Shogun has no room left to argue. No Abyss Order activity has been detected in the past two months. She cannot continue to exert such power without a valid reason," he smirked. "No more Sakoku Order."

I clasped my hands together to contain my excitement. This meant so much for everyone. We'll finally be able to chart our Beginner's Gliding routes around the greater island area. Instructor Xiao can start implementing real—albeit low-level—monsters in our training. School was beginning to feel mundane with the lack of stimulating exercises, and I couldn't wait to grow even stronger. Speaking of growing stronger and learning more, my personal pursuits were now possible.

"We can finally start getting to the bottom of the treasure's location," I grinned. "In addition to figuring out how to access my Geo powers."

"Right," Kaeya nodded. "About that. The treasure hunt has been a priority for a while, but I think it might be good if we work on your Geo first."

Understanding dawned on me, and I nodded along. "It could come in handy if we run into a situation where Geo is needed. Plus, I would rather know my limits before jumping straight into the unknown. There's just one problem. I've had a lot of time to think about the Geo energy, but when I compare it to how my Anemo works, I have no idea how to access it. There's no innate sensation for me."

"We were speculating one possible option before you got here." Kaeya rubbed his jaw. "Childe seems to be the most excited to test it out."

The man in question heaved a great sigh next to me. "It didn't work."

"What do you mean 'it didn't work'?" Diluc glowered from the other end of the table. "Do you mean to tell us you tested the theory and put Lumine at risk of exposing her Geo out in the open? You were only gone from this room for a moment before walking in with her. What could you possibly have done?"

"Hang on," I interrupted. "What is this theory?"

"Geo is known for being sturdy," Thoma explained. "Of the Geo Vision holders I know, the element comes in handy for defense and brute force. So far, your experience with Geo has involved the former."

"There were only two moments," I recalled. "The first was when Professor Morax shielded me, and the second was after I woke up scared from a dream. The stonehide lawachurls were coming after me, and I was desperate to be guarded somehow." My eyes widened. "A shield."

"Securing protection is a natural response to being scared or shocked," Thoma nodded.

"So that's why you jumped at me." I cut a glare at Childe, who looked as innocent as ever. "You were trying to spark the Geo energy I had inside. What would Geo have done to stop me from falling down the stairs? I probably would have taken a chunk out of the marble and made a big mess."

"Really, Childe?" Diluc shot him a similar glower. "Your irresponsibility knows no bounds."

"Hey," Childe shrugged. "I just got a little excited, alright? Thinking back on it now, it might take a little more than a jumpscare to activate any serious power."

"You fell down the stairs?" Thoma asked with sharp concern, his eyes scanning me for any injuries.

"Nope," Childe proudly answered in my stead. "I caught her just in time."

Pouring sarcasm into my voice, I rolled my eyes. "I was so charmed. You saved me from likely cracking my head on the stone steps. I would thank you if not for the small detail that you were also the reason why I nearly fell in the first place." Somehow, I found it much easier to get past my flustered reaction after learning his motives. "Poorly planned jumpscares aside, I do think that theory is a good start. In both situations, I was in a fight of some kind, so maybe we could try replicating that."

"I don't know," Diluc huffed. "Forgive me if the idea of putting you in danger doesn't sound very appealing to my ears."

"I'm inclined to agree," Kaeya nodded. "Though, it's not like we'd be able to get our hands on any wayward lawachurls for a simple test. Instead of fighting with a monster, I propose an alternative. You fight one of us."

Diluc made a face. "I do not think that is necessary."

"No, no," Childe sat up. "I like this idea."

Of course, he did.

"Since we're not allowed to use our Visions in Physical Combat, I haven't gotten the chance to go all out against Lumi." He cracked his knuckles. "I call the first fight."

"Does there need to be more than one?" I piped in. "If our goal is to force-activate the Geo, just one fight will be enough, right? I want to push the limits of my power, not worry about endurance. Besides, I've sparred with you hundreds of times at this point. Your moves will be predictable."

"Objection," Childe rapped his knuckles on the table. "You haven't seen half of my moves."

"I've seen enough."

"Childe, wouldn't you rather fight Lumine after she's fully grown into her Geo powers in addition to Anemo?" Kaeya suggested. "Assuming you win, that would make the fight all the more satisfying."

Childe tapped his chin. "That's true. Alright, I'll sit this one out."

I supressed a smirk and whispered to Kaeya. "You know him so well."

"If we're taking bets, my Mora would be on you," Kaeya whispered back before addressing the group as a whole. "No Childe, then. Any other takers?"

"My skillsets aren't suited for offense." Thoma scratched his head sheepishly. "It might be better if you or Diluc take her on."

That's who it came down to. Diluc or Kaeya. I'd never seen either of them in action before. Because predicting their moves would be near impossible in comparison to Childe, I could see how this could work out. Though, I would be going up against them and their Visions. Kaeya's Cryo alone sent shivers down my spine as it reminded me of my unfortunate encounter with Signora. As for Diluc, I'd only heard about his aggressive fighting style after he attacked Signora at the docks, and another bout of fear sprouted with the thought of being scorched alive. Me being scared was a good thing—I think. My opponent hadn't even been decided yet, and I was already inwardly searching for a way to protect myself.

My head turned from one side of the table to the other, watching both of their reactions to being the final contenders. Kaeya looked speculative, which I expected. Knowing him, he wouldn't mind fighting or not fighting me. He obviously wanted to help, but it seemed that he was also waiting for Diluc's response. From the start, Diluc had been averse to the whole idea of scaring me into anything, so I wasn't surprised to see his expression set hard as stone.

"What if you get hurt?" His scarlet eyes locked with mine. "If we were to clash blades, it would be in the forest where an abundance of flammable foliage becomes an additional risk. Pyro can be unruly. It spreads beyond the Vision of its user. If you were to sustain damage because of me, I would never forgive myself." His gaze darkened toward Kaeya. "How can we be so sure this will work? Do you really think you can hold back, that you'll be able to detect the exact moment when the line that separates theory and disaster is moments from being crossed?"

Kaeya pressed his lips in a thin line, but I jumped in before he could say anything.

"I'll never be able to get any stronger—to grow into my power—if I'm always worried about my safety. I can admit that I don't like the idea of being scared, but who does? If shocking me into using Geo lets me recognize the energy and be able to use it freely in the future, then this is what I want to do—no—it's what I have to do. The Sakoku Order has delayed my progress long enough. Wasting any more time thinking of alternatives isn't worth it." I looked at Kaeya. "I trust each one of you equally with my life."

Something briefly flickered in his unique ice blue eye—an emotion I couldn't catch before he quickly covered it with a veil of confidence.

"Well, there you have it," he directed in a clipped tone toward Diluc. "I will do what Lumine wishes."

Diluc half rose from his seat, bracing his hand on the table. "If you seriously hurt her—"

"I won't."

Frosty silence befell them, and it was Childe's casual chuckle that finally broke through some of the tension. "Relax, Diluc. It's not like they'll be duking it out alone. I'll be there. You'll be there. I'm sure Thoma's nifty shield would come in handy if need be. In the heat of battle, one's concentration is on their opponent." He reassuringly squeezed my hand under the table. Butterflies. "I won't allow anything to get past me, and I'm sure neither would you. For Lumi, her whole focus will be on staying one step away from being turned into an ice cube."

I cringed at the visual.

"Us being there shouldn't be a distraction," Childe shrugged. "As long as we don't unnecessarily get in the way, she'll be fine. I believe in her."

My throat tightened, and it was all too easy to release my annoyance with him earlier. When it came to Childe, it was impossible to be upset with him forever.

Diluc gave in at last. "Fine. Lumine, are you sure you're okay with this?"

"As sure as I am about winning our next chess match."

His deep frown quirked into the slightest smile, though I could tell he wanted to hide it.

"I will say," Childe slid his eyes toward Kaeya, relaxed with an undertone of promise. "If it gets to the point where we do have to intervene, you'll see no mercy from me."

Kaeya wasn't at all affected by the veiled threat. "I expect nothing less."

That was enough of that. I clapped my hands together and turned on a bright smile to clear the mood. "Fantastic. Me versus Kaeya. Kaeya versus me. With that sorted out, I think we should decide on a date."

At the same time Childe suddenly mysteriously choked on nothing, I caught Kaeya masking an amused chuckle with a cough. Diluc looked especially ticked off, and Thoma simply shook his head with a rueful smile. A change in atmosphere was what I wanted, but their varied emotions confused me. I frowned.

Was it something I said?