Tap.

Tap.

Tap.

Slender fingers hovered over an ebony keyboard as amethyst irises carefully roamed the infernal contraption.

'A'...'A'...ah, there it was.

Tap.

Now where was that full stop again?

Ring!

An incoming phone call tore narrowed eyes away from the keyboard. Singing on her left, a silver flip phone vibrated with urgency and she picked it up. Violet tresses were swept aside as the woman nonchalantly answered, "Miko."

"Hello, Ei." Soothing vocals she knew all too well touched her right ear, "Are you busy today?"

Amethyst gems returned to her previous task, resuming their hunt for that illusive full stop key, "Yes, I have a report to finish typing up and an important business meeting with the head of the Feiyun Commerce Guild in the next hour. I can't afford any distractions at the moment."

"Oh, well that's too bad. My nieces came over for the weekend. They made strawberry and blueberry cheesecakes and wanted an unbiased opinion on whose tastes better, but if you're unavailable-"

"I'm on my way." Ei abruptly ended the call while simultaneously saving the one and only paragraph she'd typed to completion, and it only took her ten minutes. She's getting better. Although, completion wasn't exactly the right term. Her little game of hide and seek with that sneaky full stop key wasn't over just yet.

Another minute passed before the screen's vibrant glow faded to darkness. The company's technicians had insisted she replace her 'outdated' computer for something more convenient like a laptop, but the heiress of Raiden Corp. was more than happy with what she already owned. Besides, Ei was rather fond of that little jingle the PC made when it came on and turned off.

Securing her phone, keys and purse, Ei waltzed out of her home office with the slightest pep in her step. Passing judgment on baked goods was no easy task, and a dessert as complex as cheesecake, even more so. On the one hand, strawberry cheesecake was a sweeter delight to the senses, whereas blueberry cheesecake delivered something a little tarter yet tantalizing all the same. Miko was wise enough to seek Ei's council on such an incredibly difficult matter to resolve, she could not disappoint her best friend's nieces by abandoning them in their time of need.

Pure, delectable goodness invaded her thoughts when Ei rounded a corner, unable to stop herself from colliding with another whose unhinged momentum shoved her down to the cold, hard floor. Loose pages rained like confetti as she sat up, holding back a sharp wince. An even sharper gasp bounced off the walls and the man who ran into her paled, quaking where he stood, "M-m-madame Ei!" Auburn curls shivered as he bowed low, to the point where anyone would be concerned about his spine's welfare, "I am so, so sorry! Please, spare me!" By the way he spoke, Ei would think she was some divine being, able to call down thunder and swift destruction upon his very soul.

"No worries. Just be mindful of your surroundings next time." He offered a hand but Ei completely ignored it, standing up on her own.

"Y-yes, of course!" The startled member of staff bowed again. Amethyst hues watched as he gathered up his fallen documents scattered across the hallway and Ei plucked the nearest sheet beside her right foot off the floor.

She flipped the page in her hands, skimming the details with intrigue, "Where were you heading in such a hurry?" The man didn't notice the sheet in her hand until Ei extended it to him.

He accepted the page, tucking it neatly at the forefront of the thin bundle in his possession, "To see the young master." That explained his hasty demeanour.

"Alright, but I should warn you, he's in a mood. Worse than usual." Three days ago, her brother returned home with a scowl so deep Ei was sure his face would permanently stick that way. She would ask, but suffering through one of Kunikuzushi's temper tantrums really wasn't worth the effort.

The man stiffened, knowing exactly what he was inevitably in for. Clutching those documents like a lifeline to his chest, he reservedly nodded, "Thank you, Madame Ei. Do enjoy the rest of your day." The attendant quickly scurried off, rushing towards her sibling's bedroom no doubt.

Violet braid flipping through the air, Ei continued on her way to the car. She couldn't keep those cheesecakes...those adorable nieces waiting.

Five paces in, however, she abruptly paused.

Twirling on mocha heels, Ei retraced her steps, silent as she swiftly caught up with the auburn haired man while keeping her distance. Curiosity guided her subtle steps as they followed him without being noticed. Her suspicions were correct, they were inching closer and closer to her brother's room. Just as the attendant announced himself and entered the abode, Ei leaned her back against the outer wall besides the doorframe with folded arms, "Master Scara-"

Thud!

A high-pitched squeal clawed at his ears and tanzanite eyes glared daggers, just as sharp as the dart he just tossed. Aim was off. Scaramouche disregarded his unwanted guest, finding another throwing dart. Positioning the dartboard right next to the door might've been a careless oversight on his part, but it's whatever. Twisting the sharp ended object between his right thumb and index fingers, Scaramouche absently spun from side to side in the black swivel chair he occupied. His glower shifted to the quivering fool just standing there like a feeble tree raked by the cold wind.

"What do you want?" His tenor was low and emotionless, practically dead beyond saving. Those tanzanite hues were the only semblance of life on his facial features, frigid as they might've appeared.

The attendant's backbone was on the verge of giving out completely but he managed a weak response, "I-I have that report on Mona-"

Thud!

Missed again. His accuracy was never this bad. Sighing, Scaramouche sank further into the black seat, deciding to give his spooked employee the time of day, "Took you long enough."

Hesitant footfalls approached and a dishevelled bundle of papers were handed over along with a verbal report.

"...That's all I could find. There really wasn't much worth digging into, sir." Auburn tresses smoothed into place as the older man combed a large hand through his unruly hair.

Scaramouche spun his seat around, turning away from the older man. Loose sheets were sent airborne at the flick of his wrist, chattering on their descent to the floor behind him, "You're dismissed."

"Y-yes, sir. I'm a phone call away if you need anything." Heavy footsteps couldn't rush out of the room sooner.

'Mona Megistus...'

Picking up his final dart, Scaramouche swung himself sideways and faced the concentric circular target one last time. Most of the report highlighted basic facts that were already known but offered eye opening information he never would've guessed. Information Scaramouche could easily use against her. Use to break her. Tanzanite eyes settled on the projectile in his hand and a humourless laugh slipped out. Her fate nestled right in the cradle of his palm, unbeknownst to that snarky know-it-all.

Raising the dart, he pulled it back, feigning a throw multiple times before unleashing everything into the last toss.

Thud!

"Tch." Not a bullseye in sight.

─ ･ ｡ﾟ : *. .* : ﾟ. ─

"Hey! Mona!" Even his whispers sounded like yelling.

Pausing my pen mid-stroke, I cast a quick glance to the left at my desk neighbour. This better be good, "What is it, Itto?" Keeping my voice low was easy, masking the irritation, not so much. Thanks to him, I'll need to restart my calculations on this equation entirely.

Pure innocence shone from the depths of his crimson gaze, "If you put a milkshake in one yard and crack open a cold one in another yard, which yard would the boys go to?"

Seconds passed and I think my brain's malfunctioned, "Umm, what?"

"Wait, wait, wait. What if...you crack open a cold milkshake!" Excitement sparked the widest grin on Itto's face imaginable and I still couldn't make heads or tail of anything he's saying.

What in Teyvat did he ask me? "I don't understand. Milkshakes and um... what's a cold one?"

"Wha-!" Itto's features morphed into shock, "You live under a rock or something?!"

"Of course not." I flash him an indignant look, "The topic of discussion simply flew over my head is all." Was the answer to Itto's strange inquiry common knowledge?

Stifling a chuckle, my desk partner's lips curved into an almighty smirk, "So there really are things even you don't know." Scowling at Itto did nothing but boost his ego, "Well I'll be more than happy to educate-"

"Mr. Arataki." Stone cold vocals called him out, snapping both our attentions to the front. Professor Shenhe's knuckles tapped the whiteboard behind her, frost glazing her sharp sights, "Your answer for question number one."

"Question numero uno?" Scratching the top of his silver mane, Itto looked down at the worksheet they were given fifteen minutes ago. His was...blank?! Please don't tell me he's been fantasizing about that stupid...milkshake debacle all this time, "Yeah, the answer's uh..." If only his confidence was as brazen as that deafening volume. Throwing him a bone was the last thing I wanted to do but it's partially my fault he was targeted. Shouldn't have entertained him in the first place. Inching my worksheet closer to Itto without being noticed, I gestured with my elbow to the answer, "Twenty-nine!"

"Correct." Professor Shenhe turned to the board, jotting down both digits beside the respective equation, "Question number two, Ms. Kujou."

"Thanks Mona, I definitely owe you one!" Which will definitely come in handy on a rainy day. As overbearing as the brawny male could be, Itto was a man of his word. Having a favour in your back pocket compliments someone like him was never a bad thing.

"Sure, now quiet!" I didn't mean to hiss but did Itto learn nothing from being singled out just now?

"Ms. Megistus. Question three." Professor Shenhe called on me. She never calls me.

Skimming my worksheet, I stumbled upon the answer, clear as day, "The answer is fifty-two."

"Incorrect." Pardon? "Maybe if you spent less time chatting with Mr. Arataki and more time on your work, you would've found the right solution to the problem. Ms. Sangonomiya, question three."

My head dipped in shame as I glared at the faulty solution. At least this was a practical paper, not a graded assignment or exam. Still, this slip up proved that there's much more room for improvement when academics were concerned.

Once class was dismissed, Itto dove right back into the question he'd previously asked while we packed our stuff, fully explaining the context behind his unusual query. I mulled over everything he said – with much, much difficulty – while rummaging through my bag for a missing library staff card. It wasn't here.

"Well, based on that...charming explanation, the milkshake should be the obvious option that 'brings the boys to the yard'." We talked while walking to the exit together, "The presence of the boys is the prerequisite for 'cracking open a cold one'. Plus, cold ones don't have the capacity to attract boys, whereas milkshakes do possess that inherent ability. Therefore, the boys would proceed to the yard with the milkshake. While it is possible to announce the cracking open of a cold one in the hopes of attracting the boys, the allure of the milkshake is just more powerful by comparison." Brave, beautiful, brain cells met their unfortunate demise by the end of that little exegesis.

"Ohhhhhhh!" Itto held the door open for me, "That makes perfect sense. You sure are smart, Mona!"

This was the dumbest I've felt in years, "Naturally."

Entering the hallway first, I easily spotted Itto's green haired companion waiting a few feet down the busy corridor. She's never been late, never been absent in picking up her overzealous partner in crime after class. Then there was another person standing off on their own in wait nearby. Honey eyes found mine and Lumine sauntered this way.

"Anyway, catch ya later Mona!" Itto waved with a wink before running over to his friend, yelling, "Shinobu, it's the milkshake that brings the boys to the yard!"

After clearing the distance, the blonde roped our arms together, smiling as she glanced at Itto's diminishing figure, "You and Itto, I'm still trying to wrap my head around such an unusual combination."

I offered a wry smile, "You're not the only one." On the first day of class, I stumbled upon a small animal figurine when I entered. It looked like something you'd typically find on the other end of a keyring. Itto was the closest person around when I picked up the tiny bull, so asking him was the obvious choice. We've been attached at the hip during calculus ever since, "But he's a pretty decent guy, minus the volume."

"Oh?" I know that tone. I hate that tone, "Is he now."

"Stop." My voice lowered and I shot Lumine a knowing look.

We paced down the hall with no destination in mind, "Aw, come on Mona. We never talk about boys, except Childe. Even then, I'm the one doing most of the talking." She pulled me closer.

"I don't see a problem with that." Lumine's face soured but I stuck to my stance, "Besides, I like listening to your stories. Speaking of, where is Childe?" It's Wednesday, they'd be having lunch together by now.

"Said he's busy working on something." My best friend pouted but quickly resumed her small smile, "Besides, its been a while since you and I have spent some quality time together. So, how about a lunch date, just the two of us?"

"Sure." We matched grins. Then I remembered, "Just need to make a quick stop at my locker first." My library ID should be in there, unless it's back at the apartment.

Lumine released my arm and we navigated the campus grounds with idle chit chat floating between us on the way.

"So, figuratively speaking, if Itto did ask you out, would you say yes?" Curiosity curled Lumine's brow.

"I thought I told you to drop that subject matter." Turning away from my cheeky best friend, I caught a glimpse of my locker not far away.

Lumine captured my right arm again, "Yeah but, inquiring minds want to know." Bright amber eyes widened, pleaded, casting their devious enchantment in a vain attempt to soften my resolve.

"Fine." A long sigh left my lips. So much evil in such a sweet yet deceitful package. Her twin brother – Aether – has been trying to convince me for years but now I'm inclined to believe him, "The answer is... probably not. No offense whatsoever to Itto but he's not exactly the brightest crayon in the box and his personality would be exhausting to deal with on a constant basis. End of discussion." Besides, people like him would never consider me interesting in the first place.

Their loss.

"So what are some traits you'd look for in a potential guy?" Lumine's question distracted me from entering the right combination for my locker, "Intelligence, obviously, but what else?"

"End. Of. Discussion." My tone was final and Lumine gave me a look but decided not to pry any further.

The strangest scent hits me when I finally opened the locker. A scarlet box with ornate black trimmings sat comfortably inside. A box that wasn't there earlier this morning.

"Lumine!" An unmistakable voice called out but my attention was far more intrigued by the mysterious item I just found among my personal belongings. At least my ID was here, but how did this…thing get in here. What even was it? "Finally found you."

"Hey Thoma, what's up?" Another one of Childe's friends, only this one's not terrible. The blond's pretty well known across campus for his unusual talent for fixing just about anything. A jack of all trades with the friendliest aura in existence. He even assisted me some time ago by taking some heavy books off my hands and carrying them all the way to the library, out of nowhere. The world would be a much better place with more people like Thoma around.

"I really need you to follow me. Right now. It's uh...super important!" There was an urgency in his tenor, melded with a hint of secrecy. He's hiding something.

Suspicion laced Lumine's voice and I'm fairly confident it's overshadowed her visage by now, "What is it?"

"I need help with...a thing and you're the only person who can help me." I finally turned away from the inside of my locker. Who did Thoma think he was kidding? Clearly he had an agenda.

Golden eyes shifted between either pair of green eyes and I immediately appeased the stalemate, "It's okay, you know where to find me when you're done." My smile diminished, so much for our lunch date.

My best friend was conflicted but, "Alright." Nodding, she turned to the other blond, "Lead the way, Thoma."

Relief coloured his features and Thoma offered me an apologetic look, scratching the back of his head, "Sorry for stealing her out of the blue."

"As long as she returns in one piece, I'll have no reason to ensure that you don't." I trust Thoma had zero unsavoury incentives. A certain ginger haired friend of his would not be very pleased if that were the case. At the thought of Childe my skirt pocket vibrated.

Thoma laughed nervously. As he should, "Uhh, yeah."

"I'll meet you in the library when I'm done." Lumine's lips etched a line of regret across her face.

Pulling out my phone, I gave her a smile and nod before she followed Thoma's gait down the corridor. Flipping the lid open, I found a message from Lumine's beloved. How timely.

[9/21, 12:17 PM] Childe: Hey, seen Lumine today?

[9/21, 12:18 PM] Mona: Yes. She is with Thoma right now.

[9/21, 12:18 PM] Childe: Great. Thanks

Ah, so Childe's the conductor behind Lumine's orchestrated abduction. No need for alarm then. Looks like I won't be seeing her for the rest of the afternoon. That's one mystery solved. Pocketing my phone, I returned to the box inside my locker. Its lid was partially transparent, something I failed to notice the first time. Gently nudging the container with a finger didn't detonate any explosives. Taking the box up with both hands, I drew it out of the small space.

Disbelief flooded pale green eyes and my stomach roared instantly. Sushi rolls were intricately assorted inside the food container, fogging the plastic display cover as their muted warmth unsuccessfully escaped. A lavender sticky note was attached to the side and I plucked it off.

'Everyone knows eating properly makes the brain work. No wonder you're such an idiot.'

The note was unsigned but a formal signature was unnecessary. Only one disgusting little sea urchin would dare mock my intelligence like this.

His handwriting was also noticeable, but that's not the point.

I slammed the locker shut and stomped to the nearest trash receptacle. Poison, or maybe a laxative. Would that midget stoop so low as to harm this poor, defenceless meal, try feeding it to me while insulting my person all the same?

A bin at the hallway's end was more than ready to consume this garbage. I just needed to let the accursed bento box slip from my fingers.

But I didn't.

Frustration accompanied my sigh. To think that a singular human being could provoke this much aggravation out of me was astounding. The very thought of Scaramouche made my blood boil. Although, it's my own fault. Dwelling on that obnoxious brat would do no favours and giving him the satisfaction of inhabiting my mind for even a millisecond was the last thing I'd ever want.

Entering the library offered inward peace of mind and a visible calm over scalding emotions. Not many students today, serene atmosphere, everything was right with the world. Maybe if the stars align, a certain someone might make an appearance.

Sadly, I was left with nothing but bitter disappointment.

Bitter, aggravating disappointment.

Populating my precious table near the sealed windows was the last person I wanted to see. Obsidian headphones tuned out reality while Scaramouche quietly worked within a realm of his own design. 'The Chronicles of Khaenri'ah' – which he had yet to officially check out - sat open in front of him, a notebook and pen already on standby. Before I can talk myself out of it, I'm at the table, standing directly across from him, tossing the scarlet box of food into his field of vision. Tanzanite hues gazed upward, meeting a green eyed glare, "How did you get into my locker?"

Pulling black headphones down to his neck, Scaramouche shrugged, "I have no idea what you're talking about." Of course he'd play dumb. Not that he needed to pretend in the first place.

"You're the only person crude enough to leave a note like this," I could've stuck it on that huge forehead of his for all I cared, but slapped it onto the table instead, "And the food reeks of ignorant, upper-class brat who used his parent's money to pay for it." And shrimp tempura.

His face wrinkled in unadulterated disgust, "Please don't tell me you sniffed around that thing to find my scent because..."

"Wha-! Of course not!" Scaramouche was mentally challenged, I'm sure of it now, "And you just confessed to the crime!"

"No, I didn't." Scaramouche leaned back in his chair, outstretched arms rising above his head as he yawned, "It's not like I gave some random janitor fifty thousand mora to open your locker so I can put a bento box inside it."

Dealing with this guy was impossible, "You...you..."

"I believe you're missing the word 'Thank'." A smirk curved those lips as his folded arms safely landed on top of the table and I want to throttle him.

"Think I want your luxury meals, or mora, or anything from you?" Palms pressed to the table, I leaned forward until I was looking down on him, black wisps of hair falling sideways, "Read my lips. I. Don't. Want. Your. Pity."

Scaramouche stood in the blink of an eye and I backed away from the table with a start. His mouth thinned into a hard line, cold indifference glossing over his gaze. 'The Chronicles of Khaenri'ah' along with his notebook were closed in one fell swoop. Grabbing the books in one arm, strapping his pack across a shoulder and collecting the food container with his free hand, Scaramouche abandoned the table and walked up to the nearest garbage bin.

"What are you doing?" Quickly catching up to him, I twirled into his path before he could make the same mistake I would've.

An uncaring shrug, "Tossing it."

"Why?" That was perfectly good food – unless Scaramouche actually tampered with it – and I'm absolutely sure it wasn't cheap.

"Don't want it. Neither do you, by the looks of it." Brushing past me, he held the red box over the open trash receptacle.

"Wait!" Scaramouche stopped at the sound of my lowered alto and I swiped the bento box out of his hand. Swallowing every morsel of pride left a vile aftertaste but better that than wasted food, "I'll take the stupid thing." Vocals diminished significantly and I refused to meet his stare. I'm sure Scaramouche was revelling in his glory, "There are starving people in the world who can't even afford to eat you know."

"Like you?"

His response was soft yet pierced like a cold dagger to the chest. Biting my lower lip, both eyes stung at their corners but I held my composure like a lifeline. Scaramouche wasn't worth it. Finally raising my head to witness that smug-

"My family runs a food bank associated with the Mondstadt Cathedral." Not a hint of condescension, neither the vicious chill of frostbite. An unidentifiable mask concealed his typical arrogance, a visual that left me absolutely floored, "They distribute groceries and stuff to anyone in need, Saturday mornings usually. Check it out if you want." Repositioning black headphones over his ears, Scaramouche regarded me and I'm still stunned by my inability to interpret that emotion highlighting his features, "Later, loser." He turned his back on me, walking out of the library.

The bento box in my possession felt heavier for some reason and I returned to my table, settling down in a seat. Thankfully the place wasn't packed and there were no visible signs of active audience members awaiting an encore. Salad was an afterthought by the time I opened the scarlet container and picked up one of two pairs of packaged chopsticks nestled inside a designated compartment. Snapping twin sticks apart was easier than selecting the first bite. Indulging in such fancies was a rarity I didn't find much pleasure in, but I'll allow it just this once. Gingerly taking up a piece of sushi with justified skepticism lingering at the back of my head, green irises inspected the food before sigh inducing flavours caressed the tongue.

Delicious.

I dunno about Mona but I def want Scara's pity when his banner comes out xD