Nozomi woke up earlier than everyone, even Kaveh who usually woke up at the crack of dawn. She stared at the lounge and then ripped off the sheets and coverings, trying not to wake either of her roommates as she snuck through to the washroom. An hour passed by before Nozomi could hang up the washing, and they shivered in the early morning air.

I didn't think Sumeru had cold weather like in Inazuma, I thought it was always warm here.

She tugged on her coat that Layla had given her during their late nights of studying. The warmth of azure blue with silver stars took away the bite of the morning air.

"I guess it's time to post these manuscripts, should do this express post."

Once she was satisfied the washing was done, Nozomi walked down to the closest Port in Sumeru City. She wasn't used to the quiet in such a bustling town, the stalls that merchants would usually pull in leagues of fish were empty. She shivered, even after weeks of being here she had become used to the hustle of the city.

Near the port were two posts, she held the only copy of her manuscripts in their envelopes close to her chest as she took one final look. Nozomi lifted both into the letterboxes, leaving a soft thud as they dropped inside. She stood back in prayer.

I am counting on you. Archons I please ask for a safe and quick delivery… Lady Guuji will kick my ass if this arrives any later.

*

Nozomi watched as Alhaitham took a long sip of his coffee, a straight black. An awkward silence hung in the air as she noticed Kaveh's eyes dart back and forth from her to his breakfast. His knife cut through a stack of pancakes, as if hesitant on eating them.

While it wasn't the first breakfast she had shared with both at the same table, it was the first time that no one spoke a word. Not even Alhaitham was bickering at Kaveh about some trivial matter.

Someone, please break the silence… I can't have Kaveh stare at me all day. My god I hope Kaveh hasn't told Alhaitham or thinks I'm a creep!

"So," Alhaitham placed his cup down " Why is everyone so quiet? I am happy that for once, I could eat in peace."

Nozomi flinched at the sudden question then smiled nervously at Alhaitham.

"Uh… I guess-"

"Don't Ask!" Kaveh splurted through his coffee. "That is to say, if you wanted your 'Peace and quiet ', maybe don't ask a question you know the answer to."

"Huh… I almost recall never asking your opinion on what defines Peace and Quiet. I simply asked why, both of you who never shut up, are all of a sudden by definition quiet. Maybe I wouldn't have asked if it weren't for the fact you two look like you're hiding something."

"Urgh" Kaveh chortled "How about you mind you're own business? Can't you see it's a lovely day and we're just trying to eat- Nozomi stop gulping your food down! You have an hour before class starts for Archon's sake."

Nozomi swallowed a few bites of her pancakes and skulled a glass of juice down. She quickly walked over to the kitchen sink and rinsed her share of the dishes. Wanting to avoid any further questions, she looked down at her feet and smiled nervously.

"I'm sorry guys, I uh… forgot I was meant to meet up with Layla this morning before class. I'll see you both later!"

Nozomi without looking back darted through the front door with her school books and ran towards the Akademiya. Her grip tightened around her books the closer she got to the Akademiya's cafeteria.

Alhaitham surely noticed… I hope neither talk about why I did the washing this morning. What happened to me explaining myself if I was asked? Jeez, why does Alhaitham seem to have a keen sense of foresight toward people when it's not needed?!

Nozomi stopped and joined a small line of students, it wasn't long before she sat down with a cup of tea. Her hands wrapped around the cup, appreciating its warmth. She took a moment to gaze at the environment and the students sitting down either underneath trees along the grounds, or nearby at the tables.

Before she knew it, a feeling welled up inside her throat. Nozomi's mind started to race as she clutched her throat or tried to drown it out with her tea. Her head started to spin and she could barely see anything in front of her.

"Come on Nozomi, breathe… just breathe. You'll be okay, just get through today." She exhaled. "Why…"

A hand tapped her shoulder, she turned around to see Layla with a look of concern on her face. Relief filled her mind as she smiled gently to shake off Layla's worries.

"I'm so glad you're here Layla, actually I kind of… used your name as an excuse to get out of an awkward situation." Nozomi looked down at her tea. "Can you take a seat with me before we start class?"

Layla ruffled her uniform but nodded. Nozomi couldn't tell if the nod was from her usual weariness or genuine. Layla took a seat next to her and then tilted her head.

"You have tears in your eyes… did something… happen yesterday?" Layla put a hand on Nozomi's shoulder.

"Oh… a lot of things happened yesterday after Lisa's class. None of it was terrible, if anything it was good. Too good to be true." Nozomi bit her lip. "I'm probably not going to be able to afford the rent to stay in Sumeru."

Layla's eyes widened, then she started to shake Nozomi.

"Don't say that! There's got to be a way to pay it off."

"I tried Layla… it's a bit late now. I sent off my Manuscripts and god knows when or if they're approved. I also don't have a job so…" Nozomi shook her head "Besides, maybe-"

A bell rang indicating the time to start classes. Nozomi looked at Layla apologetically. While she didn't admit to living with Alhaitham or Kaveh, she knew Layla would find out eventually. Even if she moved out.

"Nozomi… I don't know what you're going through, but I know you can pull through. Your writing is enough and you can always talk to me. We're…" Layla fumbled "Friends aren't we?"

Nozomi wrapped her arms embracing Layla, making them nearly trip. She felt Layla return the embrace.

"I'll do my best because you said that I can. Thank you so much, Layla, you may be a sleepy head but that's what I like about you." Nozomi chuckled then let her go. "Let's get to class."

Both walked close together through the cafeteria, completely silent as the ongoings of birds flew past them in the corridors.

*

Alhaitham leaned back as another pile of applications was sifted through, it was late afternoon when a professor came by to deliver a letter. He lifted the letter close to his face as the professor left in a hurry, probably to avoid approaching him directly.

His fingers tore the top of the letter then pried the letter out. The more he read, a frown appeared on his forehead. Alhaitham rolled the paper in his hands and then tossed it aside into a nearby bin.

Alhaitham held his fingers in the air as he spoke with sarcasm.

"We'd like to inform you that there have been complaints from staff about your absence during working hours. As such, the Sages have asked to hire an assistant from the Akademiya or if you wish, hire someone to work with you for a faster processing time." He narrowed his eyes. "Those nosy complainers can hardly talk, they would rather gossip about other staff than actually bring better education to the Akademiya… nevermind, this was bound to happen sooner or later."

His fingers moved in a blur through more applications, only this time they were now in the rejection pile. He grinned to himself and leaned back in his chair. His eyes scanned every detail in his office, every tile while he thought through the list of everyone he knew.

"Well I can't ask our General Mahamatra to fill in, and I can't imagine Tighnari will want to come back and file archives all day. Dehya would rather be working in the desert than work with the 'big wigs of the Akademiya' and Nilou already has plenty of work as a performance artist." He brought his hands together. "Kaveh is too emotionally fragile, plus he can work his own way up for once… definitely can't ask him."

A knock came at the door, Professor Rajkumar stood with several applications in hand.

"Well if it isn't our Scribe actually doing his job, glad to know you're finally where you're meant to be." Rajkumar huffed "Here's more work for you, I'll leave them here and then I'll be out of your hair."

Alhaitham blinked as the applications were dropped onto his desk. He folded his arms remembering Nozomi was one of his students.

"Before you go, how is Nozomi Ogawa doing in your classes?"

Rajkumar stopped. "Huh, Nozomi? Why do you want to know about her?"

"No reason really… just wondering if she's keeping up and handing in assignments on time. She's new from Inazuma and as you'd know, many students from different nations need additional assistance sometimes."

"Hmm, Nozomi… let me think." Rajkumar's hand pushed his glasses upward. "She's completed every assignment on time, attended class early and always helps Layla whenever she dozes off. Honestly, she's doing well all odds considering."

"Alright. Thanks for your time, you can go now." Alhaitham grabbed the applications and started scanning them.

"Hmph, would it kill you to look up at your elders when you speak?" Rajkumar sighed then walked away "Nozomi is a fast learner if you must know. Her grammar and prose are still a little over the place. I'd say a few years in the Akademiya will brush up her skills."

Alhaitham waved him off, hearing Rajkumar mutter a manner of words as they walked out the door. He was used to both students and Professors either avoiding him or gossiping about him or his work.

He flew through all of the remaining applications with ease. Once he was satisfied everything was done and signed off, they stood and walked into the corridor. By now the sun had started to set. Alhaitham walked past many tired students finishing for the day but made a path as soon as they saw him.

It didn't take long for him to get home and pass through the rubbish bags that were due to go out that night. He ignored them and went to the study to grab a few quills then pulled out a form for the Akademiya.

"I won't let those Scholars hire someone for their benefit whenever I want to take my own breaks and read my books… not my fault they can't do their job." He flicked the paper "Done, I'm sure the Sages will be happy to accept our new applicant."

Alhaitham looked at the time, neither Kaveh nor Nozomi were home. He craned his head to look at Nozomi's sleeping arrangements and noticed the lounge was oddly clean. His eyebrows raised remembering Kaveh's remarks at breakfast, then shrugged to himself.

"Some things are better left unanswered. Why would I care what Nozomi does in her spare time?"

*

Kaveh slammed his goblet down as he sighed to himself and smiled at Nozomi. Lambad Tavern was bustling with ongoers at the bar despite the dim atmosphere. The owner and a few other waiters made their way toward tables, some brushing behind Nozomi and Kaveh as they served their customers.

"God am I glad I can finally put my feet up for today… how are you feeling?" Kaveh shifted closer to Nozomi as the noise of chatter echoed "I suppose the deadline is tomorrow right?"

Nozomi nodded, quiet. Before she had been a reddened mess when she had walked through the door to Kaveh remaking the couch and cleaning the lounge. Kaveh had asked her to share some final drinks before she left the next day.

To wherever she wasn't sure.

"I think Alhaitham mentioned you had until midnight tomorrow to come up with-"

"I don't think I'll make it Kaveh… I still haven't found a job and it'll probably be too late to hear back from Yae Miko until the weekend." She lifted her goblet. "Jeez, I really wanted to pay off the rent. I'm sorry I let both of you down."

Kaveh paused, then brought his goblet closer to hers.

"I'm sorry I wasn't able to find you a proper place to settle while you're here in Sumeru. You have nothing to be sorry for. I… I really enjoyed having you around." Kaveh forced a smile while covering his eyes. "Let's just enjoy our last drink together."

A hard clink was heard before both looked at each other. Before either of them could say anything, both skulled their goblets of wine. Nozomi leaned into her hand, noticing for the first time how the lights reflected in Kaveh's blond hair, and how his smile seemed to be the only one she noticed in the room. His amber eyes held back tears and Nozomi couldn't help but clutch her heart. She had to bring him back to his usual self somehow.

"If… it means anything to you Kaveh, your presence makes my life feel," She started to sniff "Rich."

Kaveh shook his head and then laughed. "Rich, you're funny."

"Jeez, are you making fun of me? I know my jokes aren't up to par but please spare a ladies' heart here… I've yet to hear one of yours." Nozomi nudged him "How about a joke about Alhaitham?"

She watched as Kaveh chuckled to now scowling. Nozomi giggled as he ranted on about his roommate and chugged down more wine. Lambad looked at her with a warning glance and Nozomi waved reasuringly. The last thing she wanted right now was Kaveh getting kicked out.

Giving up trying to change the subject the more Kaveh raved on about Alhaitham, she looked around and then tapped his shoulder.

"So uh, why are you and Alhaitham living together if you hate each other so much anyway?" Nozomi sipped her second round. "I mean, were you two ex-boyfriends?"

Kaveh spat out his wine then his head spun around to look at Nozomi. He held his chest as he coughed.

Lambad who had been pouring them refills now had wine stains over his face and shirt. Nozomi slapped her forehead as Lambad sighed and looked at Kaveh.

"That'll be 2,000 mora for the cleanup fee… I'll add it to your tab and as usual, you can pay it back whenever." He pulled out a towel from his belt. "I just had this cleaned by the dry cleaners today. Whatever."

Nozomi watched as Kaveh held up his hand, his eyes were filled with disbelief.

"What in the world ever gave you that idea?! Alhaitham and me dating… seriously please tell me what gave you the thought we would ever be together?"

Nozomi shrunk in her chair and held up the menu, she hid her face as Kaveh waited expectantly.

"Well you both dress immaculately, you both live together and bicker like a married couple?" She turned her head away and smiled awkwardly. "Eh… plus you're both pretty?"

Kaveh sighed and stared at Nozomi.

"Oh please even if I was gay, he'd be the absolute last man in Teyvat I'd ever have the displeasure of dating… did you say I was pretty?"

"I said you were both pretty?"

Kaveh's face had a flush she hadn't seen and realized that Kaveh was already on his fourth round. She looked at his goblet and saw it was already empty, then turned to Kaveh grinning and nudging her elbow.

"You think I'm pretty… are there any famous last words you want to tell me?" he held his hand to his ears. "I'd like more compliments about how pretty I am."

Nozomi chuckled, as she leaned forward she felt herself swaying. She tried to come up with more compliments but her mind felt like it had slowed. She stared at Kaveh, who had closed his eyes and waited with bated breath for more praise.

"I'm… sorry I masturbated on the couch."

Kaveh's eyes flew open and he straightened. Nozomi looked away expecting a lecture but instead, the room echoed with his laughter. Watching him heartedly slap his knee she couldn't help but giggle alongside him.

"You said that with such a straight face I couldn't help but laugh! Though I'm glad you're the one bringing this up and not me… look I still think it's normal for people to…" He gestured at her "Have a great time. I'm sorry I walked in on you. As for me living with Alhaitham… we just had our own opinions over an old project. We used to be friends… you know what? Don't worry about us for now. Let's just have a few drinks."

Kaveh held out his goblet for another refill, and Nozomi nodded at Lambad as he passed them another jug.

"I know Kaveh is fine for drinking, but should you be out drinking before classes tomorrow?" Lambad asked.

"To hell with class, I'd say… I'm probably not going to be here after tomorrow anyway. I'll be in Inazuma the next day, getting my ass kicked by Yae Miko…" Nozomi sighed. "I'll definitely feel like I'm at home."

She looked at Kaveh and grinned, already feeling the third drink starting to kick in. Her head spun slightly as she started to slur. She held out her goblet.

"Thank you, Kaveh… I think you're a hard worker and truly an artist. Thank you for taking me under your wing, I hope that your future is better from here on."

Kaveh pushed his own into hers, a sad look on his face.

"As to you, I think you're adorable." He slurred. "To our futures."

Nozomi stayed with Kaveh late into the night, then had to carry him home after they both had their ninth drink. Alhaitham stood in the doorway when they arrived, letting them pass without much to say as he closed the door. Nozomi dropped Kaveh onto the couch then threw a blanket over him and plopped herself on the other couch as she kicked off her shoes. Nozomi stared at Alhaitham and gave him a thumbs-up.

"To your future too Alhaitham, whatever it means to you." She slurred.

As Nozomi's head hit the cushion she thought Alhaitham had sighed. She turned her head to see Alhaithams figure fade when he switched off the lights. Her vision faded to black, not noticing Alhaitham had walked over. He started to pull the blanket up to cover her shoulders and folded his arms.

"Idiots the both of you." Alhaitham whispered, "To a tolerable future for all of us."

*

A crescent moon hung in the sky in Inazuma, cherry blossoms landed lightly on Yae Miko as she sat outside on the veranda. Her rose hair covered her body, she raised her fingers and flipped through the pages. Another manuscript lay beside her with a cup of green tea.

She sipped it while reading Nozomi's work. It had been hours prior that a messenger carrying a package had arrived at Yae Publishing pending approval. Whether Yae was actually in a good mood or not, none of her Shrine Maidens bothered asking. Yae pursed her lips as she circled a few errors in either manuscript.

"I'm impressed she's come up with two manuscripts in such a short period of time… though it's easy to see what's inspired her." She circled another error. "Still needs to improve her grammar but this is nothing I can't work with."

She stood up and then called over a Shrine Maiden.

"I need everyone in Yae Publishing to wake up immediately. Tell them we have work to do and if anyone disagrees with me, they'll see to me personally." Yae looked at the Sacred Sakura and smiled with a sly grin. "My whatever else is Nozomi going to come up with next? I hope she can come up with another manuscript earlier before the deadline next time."