With great effort, I managed to sling my bag around my shoulder. Arms weak from overexertion and legs quivering from all the side-dashing, the drills that Xiao insisted I work on were no joke. Under his direct instruction, training was brutal, but I feel as though I was already beginning to improve my speed. Whether or not I'll ever get fast enough for him to lose track of, that was yet to be seen.

"Hey," Thoma jogged over to me, wiping the sweat from his brow. "How was your one-on-one with Instructor Xiao?"

"Probably would have been easier if Childe was here." I stretched my back. "But we got a lot done with just the two of us. You should volunteer next."

He chuckled nervously. "We'll see about that. Xinyan and I are still working on getting our attack timings right. Sometimes, she seems to be running on a completely different rhythm—switching it up constantly. I thought our fighting styles might be compatible since we both have shields, but that doesn't translate very well when you subtract our Visions from the equation."

"Do you think you'll be ready in time?" I asked as we began to walk to Vision Studies.

"I'm not sure if we can land a hit," he shrugged. "But I'm optimistic about scoring good marks. As long as we try our best, I'm sure Instructor Xiao will grade fairly. What about you? I know Childe wasn't here today, but I've seen the two of you practicing together pretty well before." Even Thoma had gotten used to calling him Childe. Well, he had a way of finding the good in any person. He tilted his head toward me with a smile. "You two definitely have a chance at getting to Instructor Xiao."

"We might," I smiled tightly.

"What's wrong? You don't seem too sure. Is something worrying you?"

The real question should be what wasn't worrying me. I pushed out a heavy breath and tugged at the strap of my bag. "Well, for starters, we had a disagreement of sorts right after the monsters attacked. Remember what I said a few days ago about Childe not wanting to sit with us anymore because of his focus on getting stronger?"

Thoma nodded.

"That was a lie—er—it wasn't the entire truth," I sighed. "Childe is—he's turned out to be not the best person. I know that was obvious to the general population, but I didn't think he was that bad. Anyway, I basically told him to stay out of my life because…well, I can't tolerate that. And now that he hasn't shown up for class, I'm worried he might not show up at all. Sometimes, I wonder if I was too harsh on him. Amber said that he looks terrible right now, and I'm worried it might be because of me. What if Physical Combat isn't the only class he's skipping?"

"If you could go back to that moment," Thoma spoke after some silence. "Would you do anything differently?"

We rounded the lecture building as I thought about it. "No."

"Then try not to focus on what happened in the past. Just think about the future and what you can do to influence it. Whether or not Childe takes your word seriously is up to him. I want to be optimistic and say that he'll come around, but it's also not worth it to stress over something you no longer have control of. Focus on your own life, and avoid getting bogged down by someone else's if they're not putting in effort themselves."

Thoma's words were like a welcome shock of cold water. "You make a good point."

"And," he hesitated. "I know you and Childe were close. This sudden separation might not only be affecting him. You've been so worried about how he's taking it, but what about you? How do you feel about this rift?"

"It sucks," I said flatly. "Obviously, I wasn't happy to cut ties with him. I would prefer if he could just be good for once, so then we never would have had to end up this way. He has potential, I know he does."

Thoma nodded to himself, lips pressed tightly together. "I see."

"Of course, this isn't the only thing weighing on my mind. As you may recall, my wall spontaneously decided to crumble the other night. It's since been fixed, but the hopping between rooms didn't help me to relax much. This is on top of the…the weird dreams I've had."

"Are you not sleeping well?" Thoma pushed the main door open, holding it for me to pass.

"I am now. After I started eating Almond Tofu—don't give me that look. It really works! No more weird dreams."

He chuckled. "If you say so. I'm happy to hear that, then."

"The Sakoku Order." I threw my hands up in exasperation. "What's up with that? All of these restrictions on us—mere students—have nothing to do with the real threat. I can't see how penning us all up like livestock helps with anything. You and I couldn't even make it to the restaurant this weekend because of it. At this point, who knows if we'll ever get the chance?"

"I know you mean. When the announcement was spread, I didn't want to believe it."

"I'm beginning to think there may never be a right moment to tell you."

It's not like I could just outright say 'Oh hey, I have Anemo powers!' right here and now. Nor could I bring it up during our class exercises. The dining hall table was also out of the question. Besides, I felt that context was important. If Thoma was telling me something equally significant, though I doubted there was anything he could say of the same magnitude as my ability, it would be fitting for me to reveal my secret then.

"It doesn't have to be at the restaurant." He walked beside me down the hallway. "Anywhere private would do."

I stopped short. "You're right." Why hadn't I thought of that? I mean, I revealed my ability to Kaeya while we were in the privacy of my room. It would be simple to do the same with Thoma. Then again, Kaeya had been in my room to discuss Abyss Order business, in the first place. "Do you want to meet in my room?"

Thoma tripped, but there was nothing obstructing the floor when I checked. "Your room?"

"Yeah, why not? It's as private as it gets. Don't tell me you're wary about it collapsing altogether. I'm pretty sure the wall thing was a one-time deal."

As far as I knew, at least. I needed to speak with Kaeya about the random Geo object, but he's been so busy with his own assignments and council work, I hadn't gotten the chance to meet with him.

"Or," we crossed into the Vision Studies room, and I walked up a short set of steps. "I could go to your room."

Thoma somehow tripped up the stairs.

"Are you okay?"

He brushed off his clothes with a light chuckle. "Sorry, you just caught me off guard a little. I'll be okay with meeting wherever you are most comfortable."

I considered the two options. "If you don't want to decide, we can just do my room. You'll get the chance to see Celestia Academy's newest wall—a real honor. As long as I'm with you, I'm always comfortable."

Thoma didn't say anything to that. He had turned to look off to the side, ears turning pink.

"I was just kidding about the honor thing." I leaned over to angle my face directly in his line of sight. "No need to be so bashful about it."

"That's not what—" Thoma covered his mouth as he met my gaze. "We should get to our seats before Professor Minci begins the lesson."

My mouth popped into an 'o', and I followed Thoma to our seats. "Right then. So, my room. When do you want to do this? Today?" I could do it today. The sooner I got this off my chest, the better.

"T-Today?" His face flushed to match his ears. "Um, how about we wait until after midterms?"

I frowned. "Why? Weren't we going to tell each other last weekend, anyway?"

Thoma cleared his throat. "Because it is a stressful time, it might be best to get past our exams first. That way, we'll have something to look forward to—something to motivate us. I also need the time to mentally prepare."

I nodded slowly to demonstrate understanding. Truth be told, I couldn't see why he wanted to wait so long for us to finally get together. I guess two weeks wasn't terribly long in the grand scheme of things, and because I also wanted Thoma to feel comfortable with this decision, I didn't mind too much. I was willing to wait for him to be ready.

"That's fine with me. This isn't a game of blitz, after all."

"A what?"

"Never mind that," I grinned. "We can still get hot pot after, right? Whenever the Raiden Shogun decides to lift her mandate, that is."

He nodded. "It'll be my treat."

"Lovely."

I moved to reach down into my bag, grabbing my Vision Studies notebook and a sharpened pencil. While flipping to the next empty page, I thought I heard Thoma whisper something along the lines of "you are," but he was also going through his own notes. I shook off the wayward thought and instead wondered if his cheeks would ever fade back to their normal color.

On second thought, maybe Thoma had the right idea about waiting for midterms to pass. A week went by already, but it felt like a single day with the amount of schoolwork that piled up on my desk.

In Vision Studies, Professor Minci said that the midterm would consist of two parts. The first would be an open-note written exam, consisting of all the material included in the first half of the textbook. She assured us that it wouldn't be too difficult as long as our notes were up to par, and I felt confident in that aspect. The second portion of the exam would be a Vision practical. She didn't go into much detail about it, only claiming that Visions would be put to use. Ellin and I, the two Visionless students in class, wouldn't be participating. Instead, we were tasked with writing a research paper based on a literature review of three different texts that we had to outsource ourselves from the library. The topic was left open-ended, her only requirement being that it pertained to Visions.

Professor Morax simply stated that the answers for the history exam should come naturally to us, but I think he was speaking for himself. For a man who gets lost in the facts and his own retellings, he would have no trouble with getting everything correct. His vagueness worried me, so I've since decided to reread and take a second set of notes for each section covered—just in case.

Horticulture was probably the midterm I was least looking forward to. As strict as ever, Professor Baizhu asserted that there would be no books or notes allowed. Just like with Vision Studies, there would be two sections. The first was a dissection lab and the second was a long-form essay explaining the plants dissected—including their origin, genealogy, purpose, traits, and harvesting procedure.

Venti's daily songs were beginning to become the highlights of my day. His melodies always carried a soothing rhythm. And though most of what he sang were tales of tragedies, I ended up feeling more whimsical than sad. So far, the story of the Genesis Pearl was what I was most inclined to write about, but there was still a week left of Venti the Bard.

As for Physical Combat, Childe was gone all week. No one knew what was going on with him, and though my friends reported that they'd seen him skulking around, I never crossed paths with him. By this point, it was obvious that Childe was avoiding me. I did say I wanted nothing to do with him, but I was surprised that he'd go so far as to stay out of my way. There was no doubt that his grade was plummeting in Physical Combat, but I forced myself not to worry on his behalf. Just as Thoma said, I would focus on myself and the people who cared about, well, other people.

I had no doubt that Childe would also be absent today, so I ate my lunch while thinking about how else I could use my time in Physical Combat with no partner. I'd spent most of last week working on endurance and strength in the fitness center.

"Technique, I guess," I murmured to myself, prodding at my Almond Tofu.

An amused chuckle came from behind me, and I turned to see Kaeya moving to sit down. It was just us at this table—most students didn't have their lunch at this hour, and the ones that did tend to scatter themselves around the dining hall to better study in peace while they ate.

"Technique, is it? What sort of technique are we talking about?

"Kaeya," I blinked in surprise. "It's been a while."

He sighed. "I would even say that it's been too long. You have no idea what kind of tasks and side tasks Jean has been giving me lately. With the number of errands I run and petitions written up to submit to the administration, you would think I'm the student council president here."

"Since when did you actually do all the work you're assigned?"

"Since the Sakoku Order has become enemy number one in the eyes of the student body." He propped his chin up with an elbow on the table. "I'm sure you've heard some complaints from your peers."

"Even my professors."

"I hear all that feedback tenfold. In addition to my own exams, I've hardly found the time to take a break. As a matter of fact, I only decided to stop by here to grab a quick snack before my trip to the head secretary's office. Because I've been such a good member of the council as of late, I think I deserve to stall for a minute. Let's talk."

"About what?"

"Well, for starters," Kaeya picked up my fork and began to toy with it. "There was the mishap with your room quite a while back. As you know, I like to keep myself informed, but there seems to be no information floating around regarding the cause."

"I've been meaning to talk to you about that." I lowered my voice.

"Oh? Only that?" He tilted his head. "Not about how much you've missed me?"

I snatched my fork back and took a bite of my tofu. "I had a crazy dream, and a weird Geo thing had broken the wall when I woke up."

"Geo?" His expression grew serious. "Are you sure?"

"It glowed the same amber color as Professor Morax's power after he saved me that day. Besides that, its traits resembled a big rock."

Kaeya hummed. "After Professor Morax saved you, hm? Now, how did he go about doing that?"

"He used a shield. It was the most sturdy and long-lasting one I'd ever seen."

"If I recall correctly, Instructor Barbatos had also saved you from falling once. What was it, a great conjuring of Anemo that lifted you up?"

"Yes," I narrowed my eyes as I thought about it. "What does that have to do with—do you think that—"

"It's very much possible." Kaeya reclaimed my fork and prodded at one of the tofu pieces. "May I have a bite? I can't say I've ever tried this dish before."

I waved for him to go ahead and glanced around us, making sure no one was within earshot. "Of course, the thought crossed my mind. Because the Geo structure was in my room, it would make sense that I could be the cause. I just thought it was miraculous enough that I could control one element with no Vision. Controlling two elements, well, that would be—"

"Impossible?"

"I know, I know." I reached for the fork so I could have another piece. "Nothing's impossible when it comes to me, apparently. But seriously, Kaeya, do you really think that—hey, give me the fork."

He smirked. "Are you hungry?"

"It's my lunch," I reminded him. "If you want your own plate of Almond Tofu, you can get one for yourself. They're still serving."

"Here," he reached over and picked up some tofu with the fork, holding it up for me. "Go on, say 'ah'."

After being around him for so long, I don't know how I haven't gotten used to these antics. My jaw fell open at the shock of his insinuation, but before I could get a word out about how ridiculous he was, Kaeya took the opportunity to slip the fork into my mouth. Fire danced across my face, and there was nothing I could do at that point besides fully committing and accepting the tofu. His eye twinkled as he slid the fork out from my lips, setting it gently back onto the plate. As always, the sweet tofu melted on my tongue, but I had a hard time swallowing without choking. I put a hand to my mouth and shot him a look.

"How does it taste?"

"Like audacity."

"Have you found yourself exhibiting any Geo powers since then?" Kaeya circled back to our original conversation, but his smug expression suggested he was thinking of other things. "Your dream was the most likely trigger. What was the emotion you were feeling at that moment?"

"Fear. I was afraid and wanted something to protect me."

He sobered and lowered his voice. "Maybe you should tap into the sense of protection once more. It could bring out the potential Geo energy within you. When you reach for your Anemo power, how does that work?"

"It's hard to explain." I put a hand to my chest. "I feel it here in the center, like dormant energy. Once I start thinking about wanting to use it, Anemo sort of bursts out. It took a while to learn how to reign in the energy, but now I can direct it at will."

"Do you sense a second power there, or anywhere else?"

"I never thought to look within," I murmured. "I could try."

"Another time," he stood. "The dining hall wouldn't be the most ideal practice ground. Once you get the chance to figure it out, I'm sure we'll have our answer."

"Are you leaving?"

"Why, do you want me to stay?"

I prodded at the single remaining tofu on my plate. "What if I said 'yes'?"

"Lumine," Kaeya drawled. "How can you play with my affections like this, knowing that my busy schedule keeps me away from you against my will? I really would stay if I could, but duty calls. Of course, if you really want me to—"

I rolled my eyes. "Never mind, I should just let you go before you get any ideas."

"I already have ideas," he chuckled. "Don't worry, you'll know what they are in due time. For now, we just have to see how my absence makes your heart grow fonder."

And with that, he was already walking towards the door. I noticed his shoulders slump lower just before he disappeared, and I bet the weight of his responsibilities affected him even more than he let on. If talking with me helped him forget any of that, even for a short while, I didn't mind entertaining him. It'd be a lie to say I wasn't entertained myself—time went by exceptionally fast whenever we got together.

The hour was up, and it was time for me to spend yet another session of Physical Combat on my own. As I made my way, I started rationalizing with myself that I'd gotten used to it at this point. Today, I'll make a point to ask Instructor Xiao if I could get a handicap for being partnerless. While I could entirely see him scoffing at the idea, I felt it was fair.

In my head, I practiced how I would approach Xiao with the topic without sounding like I wasn't asking him to go easy on me. Investing in getting the wording just right, I didn't realize I'd already reached the fighting ring until my eyes caught on something—someone—that rendered my thoughts to nothing.

Childe was here.

He truly did look like a dead ghost. His skin had paled, and shadows marred his eyes. His posture, something that usually stood out as confident, was reduced to an uncomfortable rigidness. He was already dressed in the activewear uniform, so he must have gotten here much earlier.

Before Childe could catch me staring, I ducked my head and made a beeline for the dressing room. Taking my time, I undressed and carefully stashed my uniform in the provided locker. Idle chatter from other students floated around me, but their voices were easily filtered out by the growing anxiety I felt at Childe's sudden reappearance. I should be relieved that he'd decided to show up. After all, we could finally get to working on a strategy together for the midterm.

I walked out with the rest of the students, and though a pit of dread sat in my stomach, I decided to approach him outright. Before the warmup laps could begin, I wanted to set a few things straight. As soon as I'd made that decision, setting my eyes on him, his head picked up and turned to me—almost like he'd noticed my intention.

All too soon, I faced him. "So, you finally decided to show up."

"I had to settle a few private matters." He shoved his hands into his pockets.

"You could have given me a heads up." I pressed my lips together. "You do know we have to work together for the midterm, right?"

"Xiao briefed me," he responded flatly, looking towards me but not at me. "Listen, you don't have to worry about me messing up—not this time."

I eyed him. He was being civil and straight to the point, something that I wasn't expecting and could absolutely get behind. Perhaps our continued partnership wouldn't be as strained as I thought.

"Okay," I said after a moment. "I had a one-on-one session with Instructor Xiao last week. We can go over his suggestions after warmups. Besides that, I just did personal strength and conditioning. It's a good thing you're here now since I planned to go over technique this week."

"That works with me," he said to the spot next to me.

"And, um," I pushed out a breath. "Are you okay?"

Amber had been pestering me to find out what was going on with him. From just one glance alone, anyone would be able to tell he wasn't how he used to be. After exchanging a few words, there was no doubt that something was off, and I was beginning to feel genuinely concerned. This wasn't the Childe that I knew.

"Don't." His eyes met mine for the first time, haunted. "Please don't ask me that right now, Lumine."

"If this is about—"

"Begin warmups," Instructor Xiao announced. "I want to see everyone's time cut down today by at least thirty seconds, no less."

Childe offered a hesitant smile, almost replicating the nonchalant air he used to carry, but I still caught it—a flicker of sorrow—before he turned away to begin laps. I stood there for just a moment, lost in the alienness of his behavior and how wrong it felt, before joining the rest of the students in a fast-paced jog.

I got through to him, that much was clear. While the dispute appeared to hurt both of us, he was taking it considerably harder than I ever thought he would. Did that mean he was willing to change? I couldn't tell. This shell of a person wasn't what I had in mind after asking him to reevaluate himself. When considering Childe's previous week-long absence, I couldn't help but wonder what was going on behind the scenes.