Archive of Our Own

     Lumine was walking through the slowly darkening streets of Liyue. Her parents had sent her there to participate in the Lantern Rite Festival, as she was specifically requested to perform. Lumine was a violinist prodigy and had won many competitions since the tender age of seven. She was now seventeen, almost eighteen. Almost a decade of constant practicing for hours on end, rarely having time for friends other than her twin, Aether. Though in the past four years, not even him as he had moved out to Dragonspine, Mondstadt’s coldest region.

     Her parents were, in a sense, merciful enough to allow her to stay a little bit longer as they noticed her burnout. Despite her being there for only two days, she knew her time was going to end soon. The festival was ending in four days, and then, she’d be forced to return to Mondstadt and balance school and practice almost all day. She loved music, she truly did, but the strict schedule Lumine’s parents put on her and Aether were challenging at times, and incredibly lonely. 

     Four years ago was the beginning of her fall. While Lumine found a quick interest in music when she was four, Aether had found a love for ice skating and dance. With that, Alena and Leander knew exactly what they wanted for their children: Lumine would be Teyvat’s most famous virtuoso and Aether would be the pride of Mondstadt for Teyvat’s Olympic Games in figure skating. A perfect, beautiful life for the two full of success. Aether had trained in the City of Mondstadt at local ice rinks, but he was scouted by Skyfrost Rink; the skating rink where former figure skaters taught and new ones trained. 

     Lumine had no qualms about the path she was following. She loved music and she knew she wouldn’t be able to be happy without it in her life. But sometimes it was too much to deal with, and ever since Aether left her momentum began to plummet. She pushed through, though. She had too. Her parents had spent so much time and money and effort on her to not produce results. Aether sure as hell was, and Lumine wouldn't be able to handle being the disappointment. Even more so, Lumine didn’t even know if she wanted to be condemned to being in an orchestra for the rest of her life. All she knew was that she needed music as a constant, but what other options did she have?

     The petite blonde had finished her scheduled performance for the festival, so now she was just enjoying it to the best of her abilities. It was a five day festival and would take up the last week of winter break, so now she was just wandering and enjoying the activities. She missed her cat Paimon though. The small white fluff-ball was a thirteenth birthday present from her parents. Lumine knew she was loved, but she also knew her success was loved more. And to bring upon success, she must be motivated and happy. Paimon definitely made her happier, but in all honesty, a cat could only do so much.

     During the Sunday rehearsal, Lumine was able to meet everyone in the orchestra. It was a large group of talented individuals, and Lumine was absolutely honored to have made it as the concertmaster. Being able to see some of the familiar faces in the orchestra was pleasing as well. Many of them were from Windrise Academy of Fine Arts, the school she went to, as Mondstadt was known throughout Teyvat as the nation of music and freedom. The alcohol part didn’t pertain to minors. 

     As soon as Lumine turned sixteen, she was emitted to the academy. It was a large arts institution, the biggest in Teyvat. It had high school level, junior college, and then of course the university, and separated into three categories: art and design, music, and management, dance, and theater. Most students followed up in the next highest course that was eligible, and almost guaranteed a spot to be accepted compared to new auditioners. 

     Lumine was still getting accustomed to the school, despite having been there for almost two years. She was about to enter a whole other part of her life after just beginning to get used to where she was. It was strange and terrifying to think about, but considering how well and unbothered Aether was about it, Lumine too would get used to it. 

     It was fun to see the people she could loosely call friends. They were school friends at most, majority of her fellow Windrise students being accustomed to her leadership. More often than not, Lumine was the concertmaster of her class, and Lumine liked to think that they all didn’t mind and enjoyed her presence. She was quite social at school, being well acquainted with everyone, but that’s all it was. Friendly talks between classmates.

     It’s not like she’d have time for hangouts anyway, with Lumine's intense after-school schedule. She couldn't help but be a bit jealous of her peers. They were able to have such success too, and still have time for entertainment and friends. But being able to meet up with others and produce beautiful sounds from the blood, sweat, and tears they all shed was always made up for it. If only that feeling of bliss lasted longer.

     She planned to meet up with Venti, who played the harp and lyre at Windrise’s university, known officially as Starsnatch. Despite that, most of the students just referred to it as Windrise University, similarly with the junior college as well. Venti was a social butterfly and requested he bring some friends and Lumine couldn’t deny the exicable look on his face. He knew Lumine was… sheltered to say the least. With her lack of freedom for many things, Venti was determined to make whatever free time Lumine was given as enjoyable as possible. Most of the time, it worked, so Lumine was eager to see who he brought with him.

     “Lumi!” Venti called, standing outside the doors of Liuli Pavillion. Lumine smiled. How long has it been since she was able to be with people and enjoy a meal together outside of school? Walking over, Lumine noticed a few other familiar faces, and one she’d rather not see. Ever. There was Zhongli, Venti, Jean and the most annoying ginger she’s ever met. Well, she’s only met two gingers, but still. Lumine had only seen orange hair once before, when visiting Snezhnaya to perform for the Tsaritsa during Krsnik Noc, one of Snezhnaya’s celebrations.

     There was a lost little boy who had wandered too far from the venue, for whatever reason Lumine couldn’t remember. All she remembered was leading him back to the area he claimed where his brother would find him. Unfortunately, Lumine couldn’t verify whether or not he got back safely as the bus she was taking back to the airport was about to leave. She needed to get on a flight back to Mondstadt right after due to her school schedule. 

     Lumine is fairly acquainted with the other two, though. Jean, Venti, and herself all went to the same fine arts academy after all. Though technically, Venti was a part of the university. Sometimes she would join them for lunch or the rare study session, and of course,whatever musical events and classes were held. Despite the music department being grand and vast, not many played the harp and even fewer played the lyre. As the most talented in the two, Venti was requested for many performances in both the high school and junior college.

     She wasn’t as familiar with Zhongli, as he resided in Liyue, but she was acquainted with him due to his talent with the guqin and other traditional Liyuean instruments. Lumine was always surprised to know Venti had close relations with people from other nations and still be a talent harpist at such a grand level. The self-titled bard mainly slacked off, and yet always managed to pull everything off smoothly.

     Lastly was the orange haired boy. He had a charming smile that basically glowed under Liyue’s lights. That didn’t deter her from her absolute loathing of this man. He was, if not, one of the most obnoxious kids she’s ever unfortunately met in her life. ch relaxed her a little bit.

     “You.” She growled, pointing an accusing finger at him.

     “Me?” He questioned, almost innocently.

     “You’ve met Childe before?” Jean asked.

     Lumine nodded, crossing her arms as she glared at the man before her. How was Venti acquainted with such an annoying, arrogant, rude person? Sometimes she worried Venti was too sociable for his own good.

     “Oh? He just recently transferred into junior college and you’re still in high school. How’d you meet?” Venti inquired.

     “Remember when our school held that winter concert in December? Right before the rehearsal, there were sign-ups to set up the stage. You were a no show for both the set-up and rehearsal.” Lumine explained, adding a slight jab at Venti’s responsibility.

     “He was there to help set up. The one who broke Bennett’s cello. A war crime against the orchestra.”

     “Ah! I remember that. I think I passed out at Angel’s Share,” Venti giggled, smiling at the memory. 

     “Aww, come on girlie. I made it more fun.”

     “You broke a very expensive musical instrument.” Lumine deadpanned. Cellos were expensive and she almost cried watching everything happen.

     “Collateral damage?”

     “Ugh, you band kids have no respect for classical orchestral instruments,” Lumine hissed.

     “You can’t deny that it was lively. Besides, I paid it off.” Childe shrugged, uncaring.

     “Well it’s no surprise you live up to your namesake. You are a child in all senses.” Lumine fired back. “What kind of name is Childe anyway? Do you want to be doted on like some helpless kid?”

     “It’s not my real name. It’s just a nickname I happened to like. I’m the youngest in Starsnatch’s marching band and it just stuck,” Childe replied, smiling.

     As a prestigious music school, making the marching band or symphonic orchestra in high school or university as a freshman or sophomore was rare. It only got harder as you got older. While Lumine did acknowledge his talent, she was still pissed at him. The group walked into the building, all taking their respective seats. 

     It was around then that they all received their menus. Lumine could see Jean watching with amusement, like how a mother would with children. Most people were aware of the extremes Lumine’s parents brought upon her. While she was relatively social during school, leading the orchestra quite often, it was rare for her to be able to socialize outside of school. After all, how could they not be curious about one of Windrise's most talented musicians? 

     With the departure of Aether, Jean took it upon herself to act as the responsible older sister whenever she could, which Lumine appreciated. Though Venti was technically the oldest, being twenty-two, he acted very immaturely which only prompted Jean to watch over the two even more. While Jean herself did get caught up in her own practicing and workload, she did her best to care for Lumine, and Lumine did her best to return the affections whenever she could.

     As the group ordered, Lumine was shocked at the prices. She only was given so much money, and despite everyone there coming from well-off families, the difference was that Lumine’s allowance was based on results. Better results, the more Mora she received. While her musical endeavors were very admirable, her grades in school were very much not. Lumine couldn’t understand how her brother was able to keep up with his own training schedule and above-passing grades. If she bought anything, she most likely wouldn’t have enough money to buy a souvenir for Aether.

     Childe, taking the initiative, spoke up. “It’s on me. To new friends, eh?” He offered, looking at Jean and Lumine. Lumine glared back at him. As if she’d be friends with a band kid. Specifically a reckless ginger who had no respect for other instruments. But a free meal...

     Venti and Zhongli, like the leeches that they were, instantly agreed with that idea and gave their thanks. Jean was too polite to decline when offered something. Lumine was almost surprised at Zhongli’s eagerness to have another pay for him when he dressed so expensively. The way he presented himself just screamed wealth. 

     “Oh? And I can get whatever I want?” Lumine questioned. Taking advantage of people was something she’d rather not do often. Band kids were the exception. Childe nodded, having no regard for prices. Looks like Lumine would be eating well for the next few days. 

     The group continued with somewhat pleasant small talk as they waited for their food. It was mainly Venti talking about how he ditched school to teach people relatively useless skills for an absurd amount of Mora. That free-spirited fool always managed to spend it all as soon as he got it on Archons know what. It was, however, interesting whenever Zhongli added to the conversation. Most of the things he said were loosely related facts, which were actually a little bit interesting. Sometimes he’d go off in a completely different direction, and while it was odd, he had some interesting stories of Liyue mythology.

     Everyone engaged in chatting, and despite Lumine disliking Childe, he was an entertaining person to be around. He talked a lot, mainly about himself, but so did Venti, so it wasn’t anything too new. That’s when she noticed it: he was using a fork. 

     Lumine almost laughed, a playful smirk appearing on her face. “So… how come you’re not using  chopsticks?” She couldn’t help but ask, raising her own hand. Childe paused, looking down at his chosen utensils. Most people, if they didn’t already know how to use chopsticks, learned in Liyue. If he had arrived before the festival to rehearse like her, then it would be assumed that he had eaten Liyuean food before this moment.

     “Well, you see... they’re quite difficult tools to get used to. I’d rather not use my fingers to eat, y’know? Unsanitary.” Childe replied, trying to act unfazed. Lumine could almost imagine it. This tall, immature ginger struggling to use chopsticks with a pouty expression similar to a child. It was laughable.

     “So, you’re telling me you’re a skilled percussion player who made it into Starsnatch’s marching band and can’t use chopsticks? Pathetic.” Lumine scoffed.

     Zhongli let out a hearty laugh, glancing at Childe to watch his response. Lumine noted that those two were likely acquainted as well. How was such a level-headed person so willing to deal with someone so annoying, Lumine wouldn’t know.

     “Well, I can guarantee you wouldn’t be able to last a day with an orchestral instrument if you can’t even use your fingers correctly.”

     “Is that a challenge?” Childe demanded. 

     “And if it is?”

     The two just glared at each other. Jean looked a bit nervous, having known Lumine the longest and best out of the whole group. Lumine would admit that she had her fair share of… fights with band kids. Jean never understood why she disliked them so much, but then again most of the most notable band students tended to be a bit annoying. Of course, everyone knew it was just playful banter, but sometimes when many talented, confident musicians were in the same area, arguments would follow. 

     At least an hour had passed as they all talked about school, the tension dying down once again. Most of it music related and complaining about schedules and teachers. Jean was just as bad as Lumine when it came to 24/7 practicing, but the difference is that she chose to do it. Perhaps not to the exact same extreme, as she always set time away for her sister Barbara. Her friends, like Diluc, always intervened when it became too much as well. 

     Diluc was in the same grade as Venti in the university, but he preferred to hang out with them for some reason. Lumine never questioned it, as he was also a talented musician. While he was a part of the school’s band, he was one of the few exceptions in Lumine’s book. He never instigated arguments or broke expensive instruments after all.

     Once everyone had finished their food, Childe had gotten up and left to go pay. Jean hastily cleaned herself up, checking her watch once again. Lumine wondered if she had somewhere to be. The festival was most active during the night, as that was when the lanterns shone the brightest. With such a warm atmosphere, most of the performances and events also happened during the late hours of the night.

     “It was a pleasure to dine with you all, but Barbara told me that Xinyan was performing in about a half an hour and I promised I’d watch with her.” Jean explained, sending her final regards before leaving. Zhongli wanted to explore the rest of the festival on his own, despite being a Liyue resident, he always loved watching people interact in these events. Venti turned to look at Lumine.

     “You know the way back to your hotel, right?” He confirmed, looking at the blonde with concern in his eyes. Lumine was almost notorious at Windrise for her sense of directions- or lack thereof. It took her a full school year to even memorize the school layout. The only way she was able to find Liuli Pavillion was Venti’s constant texting, directing her to the correct area. And perhaps a lot of wandering. 

     “Yeah, I should be fine. I remember most of the stalls I passed on the way here, so I can find my way back,” Lumine confirmed with no hesitance. She could most definitely find her way back. Venti nodded, slightly unsure.

     “You know you can always text me!” 

     “And I will, I promise,” Lumine reassured, though she doubted Venti would actually respond. Last time she needed his help with directions she found out he was passed out drunk. A kind stranger had noticed her inner panic and guided her to the right location. Why Venti was drinking before a concert was beyond her, but she wasn’t one to judge too harshly. He performed well and that’s what mattered. Though he did complain a lot afterwards about the headache. 

     With that, Venti ran off probably somewhere to get drunk. As soon as he turned the legal age limit, all of his time was spent practicing his harp, spouting out poems and songs, and drinking. Lumine was left with the looming realization that she actually did not know how to get back, as the sunset glow illuminating Liyue was now gone and filled with darkness. Damn the sun.

     Venti’s disappearance was just rude. As the one who invited everyone, he should have at least seen everyone off before ditching. But perhaps the excitement and thrill of returning to Liyue Harbor got to him. As a harpist, he was often travelling to other nations to perform. 

     “Everyone except you have seemed to have left, girlie.” He commented, giving a mocking pout. 

     “Wow, I wouldn’t have noticed.” Lumine grumbled, trying to figure out which direction to go. It was pretty obvious that she had no idea where to go considering she was looking in literally every direction. She was also notoriously known for having one of the worst sense of directions in the whole of all three schools. Lumine often filled in for sick upperclassmen, so they were also quite aware of her issues.

     “Looking for something?” Childe prompted, crossing his arms with amusement. 

     Lumine sent a small glare over. “Maybe…” she mumbled. How embarrassing. Despite her getting used to everyone knowing how bad she was with directions, it still sucked. Especially with someone as like Childe, who she knew would hold it over her head for the rest of her miserable life if he kept showing up randomly like he was.

     Childe smirked. It was one of those annoying teasing smirks older brothers give to their siblings when they knew something the other didn’t. Aether did that a lot, and it was both irritating and endearing. With that thought in her head, she felt herself deflate slowly. Aether would’ve loved this place. He was always a bit of a romantic, always eager for the Windblume Festival. He still does get excited whenever it comes around, even more so when he is able to visit Mondstadt.

     “Where are you staying? I wouldn’t be much of a gentleman if I just let you walk back alone,” The ginger offered. If Lumine wasn’t so prideful, she would’ve accepted. Being such a talented young woman and being praised throughout Teyvat for her skills would inflate anyone’s ego to a certain point, no matter how shy and humble they were originally. 

     “Who says I’m turning in for the night? I’m just looking around to see what I want to do next.” Lumine replied with a lot more assurance than she was feeling. Perhaps wandering around and enjoying the festival would eventually lead her to her hotel. 

     “Well, then it wouldn’t be much fun alone. Festivals are fun and supposed to be enjoyed with others, with the exception of Zhongli. Let me tag along.”

     Lumine looked at him. The initial idea disgusted her. This boy was walking chaos and violence. He had gained a reputation in the university, and as such went to the high school, as one who tended to be quite aggressive but charming. And irresponsible, arrogant, and blunt among other things. 

     “No. Absolutely not. You are not getting me arrested by the Millelith.”

     “While that does take away most of the fun, there are other things to do at festivals y’know,” Childe pointed out. “And who says I’d get you caught?”

     Caught. Implying that he had planned something possibly illegal and something Lumine could not deal with under any circumstances.

     “So you’re telling me you did plan something that would get us in trouble with the Millelith?” She demanded.

     “I thought you didn’t want to hang around me,” Childe pointed out smugly. Lumine’s eyes widened at her choice of words. She did say ‘us’. Ah, shit.

     “Ugh, fine. I’ve got nothing better to do anyway. Since you seem to be so sure that this place has good entertainment, why don’t you choose the first place?” Lumine said smoothly. Maybe she’d even find a souvenir for Aether during this time. She had originally planned to save shopping last so she could have a thorough look through all of the stalls and decide then, but maybe her impulsiveness would get the better of her.

     “You read my mind, girlie. Follow me,” Childe said, walking off in some direction Lumine wouldn't ever know. With haste, she began following him. It was unlikely she’d get left behind, but he had long legs and therefore had longer strides. Venti was around her height, so usually she had no trouble keeping up with him. Childe noticed her quickening her pace, holding back a comment.

     “Don’t.” 

     “I didn’t say anything.”

     “I can read it on your face. You were going to say something about how my tiny legs had to work twice as hard to keep up with you or something.”

     “Well when you put it like that it almost seems mean! I would never insult a lady. I have some morals,” Childe pouted again. This time it looked more genuine, as if he was hurt at the thought that Lumine would assume he was an asshole. Which he was. He hurt a cello.

     “But, I will say it does hurt my neck looking down on you.” And with that said, he ran off through the streets of Liyue. With both anger at that comment and fear of being left alone, she had no choice but to follow. 

     “Hey! The hell you just say to me?” Lumine called, ignoring some of the stares strangers sent at the sudden outburst. It was still early in the festival, so while the streets were crowded, they were open enough to run around safely. This man could run. His long legs definitely didn’t help.

     If Lumine was a normal overworked musician, she never would’ve been able to keep up. Hell, this run would’ve killed her. However, despite her parents being questionable when showing their love for her and Aether, they did care for her wellbeing. By sending her to so many foriegn places alone, she had to be able to protect herself. Her terrible sense of direction also caused concern.

     At the realization that she would be forced to go to places alone most of the time, they placed her in kickboxing classes when she was eleven. Not only did she absolutely love it, it was a great stress reliever for her. He was easy to follow, his attire very forgein compared to the other attendees. Just as quickly as he had sprinted, she had caught up, catching his arm.

     “What the hell, Childe! Do you want me to get lost?” She demanded, face flushed from the impromptu run. 

     “Woah, I didn’t think you’d be able to catch me. I would’ve gone back if I noticed you weren’t trailing behind me, girlie.” Childe reassured, setting a hand on her head to pat her. That action only earned a more fierce glare, which just made Childe laugh more. 

     “Excuse me! I’m not blind, I just get lost easily!”

     “So you admit it?”

     "Well! Having to look up at your face doesn’t exactly feel good either,” she countered, unhanding his sleeve and crossing her arms like a small child throwing a fit. It was then Lumine noticed where they were. They were currently standing on the bridge that led into Liyue Harbor. Many people were standing there and around tables that held the materials to make lanterns to send off into the air. While there was a specific event later on in the festival to send off the Mingxiao Lantern, visitors and citizens were allowed to release their lanterns whenever they wanted. Most, however, did so at the same time as the Mingxiao Lantern. 

     Childe noticed her staring as a few lanterns flew up into the sky. Many had written down wishes and sent them up in the sky with the hope of them being granted. Lumine thought it was a beautiful idea, one that Aether would absolutely obsess over. Her eyes scanned the lanterns aimlessly, noticing each small detail and piece of individuality on each one. What would I wish for? She wondered. One was never the same as the other.

     “Looking for something, girlie?” Childe asked, for the second time that night. Instead of a knowing, teasing look, this time was genuine. Perhaps she was looking for something. This time though, it was different than what she had desired before. Instead of being lost in a crowded area just wanting to face plant into her bed, she was watching the dark, cool sky being filled with warmth.

     “Why the hell should I tell you? You’re the kind of person who’d never let this down and use it against me or some other shit,” Lumine hissed. She agreed to spend time with him, not spill her guts out to him. Perhaps she truly was lonely to be spending time with someone as mistrustful as Childe.

     “While I may be a bit of an asshole, I can keep my mouth shut. C’mon, girlie. Let me know more about Windrise’s golden violinist.” Childe prompted, eager to listen to Lumine. She had only met him once before, and that was quite a while ago, so the chances of her meeting him again were slim. Hopefully. While Lumine trusted Jean and Venti, she didn’t want to burden them with her problems.

     She didn’t care about Childe’s opinion of her. Everyone knew of her general situation after all, and if what Childe said is true then he can be trusted to some extent. As a university student, he has more important things to worry about and he’d forget this happened at all. Damn Lumine’s trusting nature and need to vent to someone. 

     “Go ahead. I’ll listen, no judging or blackmailing. Pinkie promise,” Lumine looked at him as his hand extended towards her, pinky out. She was quite confused and almost offended.

     “Pardon?” She questioned, confused. This boy truly was a child at heart if he still did pinkie promises. Lumine began to question whether or not this boy was actually a legal adult.

     “You make a pinkie promise, you keep it all your life. You break a pinkie promise, I throw you on the ice. The cold will kill the pinkie that once betrayed your friend; the frost will freeze your tongue off so you never lie again.” Childe said, as if that explained anything. If anything, it made her more concerned.

     “Say what now?”

     “It’s a Snezhnayan rhyme. To emphasize the importance of loyalty and honesty. Though for this instance, you’d be the one throwing me on the ice, which I can confidently say is not comfortable nor pleasant. Come on now, don’t leave me hanging,” he said, wiggling his pinky finger. Lumine smiled, extending her own hand out.

     “So girlie, what can the famed violinist have troubles with?”

     Lumine sighed, thinking over it for a short moment. Well, here she goes. 

     “Love.”

     “Didn’t exactly peg you to be a romantic.”

     “Not specifically romantic love, but familial I guess. My parents have me on this strict schedule of constant practicing and perfecting my music. I know they do it because they want me to succeed in life and my future, but it’s hard. I rarely have time to do other things a teenager should be doing. Like hanging out with friends and partying and not having to worry about my future.” Another sigh. This was getting depressing. How low had she fallen to be talking about her problems with some college student who had no regard for anyone but himself? Most arrogant people had pride, so Lumine was just going to have to bet on that honor.

     “I just wish they could loosen their reign a little… or at least be more like caring parents who would’ve held me when I cried. They raised me and my brother on independence, practicality, and a strong will. Hone your skills to the best to be stable in life. No time for anything else because life is short. The only person who was there for me when I was sad was Aether, but he’s not here anymore.” Shit. Her mouth kept on talking. She didn’t want to tell him everything, but she got caught up in her stress it seems.

     Childe raised an eyebrow at the last sentence. “Care to elaborate?” He asked. No turning back at this point.

     “He’s still alive and well, but I mean not here in Mondstadt.” Lumine clarified, avoiding eye contact. Staring at his ocean blue eyes would just make it worse. She’d have to compromise with the body of water below them. “When I was four, I showed an interest in music and he showed an interest in dance and figure skating. They put us in lessons for our respective interests. About four years ago, Skyfrost Rink scouted him. They’re Mondstadt’s olympic training rink basically.”

     Lumine began to lean on the railing of the bridge. The stars shone bright with an icy feel while the few lanterns that decorated the sky brought warmth to them. It was relaxing. If only the person she was talking to wasn’t Childe. Beggars can’t be choosers, sadly. 

     “He’s not here to tell me everything’s okay anymore, and that what our parents are doing isn’t normal. He’s always been more independent in that way, realizing how improper they raised us. I know that it’s not alright, but when he’s not here I forget that and think that it’s normal and just how life is. I kind of become… complacent. Aether would always tell me that I’m wrong though,” she laughed a bit at the end.

     “Any joy I get from playing a challenging piece or even a fun piece only lasts so long after all. I’m just stuck in this endless loop of repetition and mundaneness. I love music, I do, but I think I forgot why a long time ago.”

     Childe looked at her sympathetically. Lumine couldn’t understand why though. What did this foreign ocean eyed man seem to understand? Despite her initial reaction to the ginger, she did notice him when rehearsing and performing. He looked so happy and at ease, like what he was doing was breathing. Like what he was doing fueled him with life. When was the last time Lumine felt like that when playing?

     “I think I know what you mean.” He stated simply. “Experiencing and doing things that are out of your control. Something that you end up almost regretting, yeah?” Lumine nodded. She didn’t exactly regret doing what she did, but she did regret what she was missing out on.

     It’s not like she could exactly skip out on practicing. At her level, anything less would ruin her reputation and leave her unprepared and the laughingstock of the orchestra. It was the fact that she felt like she had to because of her parents and expectations, not that she entirely wanted to. She reveled at being at the top, but it was also quite lonely.

     “I’ve been in a similar situation… I was a pretty good kid, I’d like to think. I had my moments, obviously, but it got really bad when I was fourteen. I started acting out and I even ran away for three days. They found me passed out in the forest covered in blood. Believe it or not, I only started playing percussion a little under a year ago.” 

     Lumine almost gasped. For someone who has been playing an instrument so shortly to be accepted in Mondstadt’s most prestigious music school was almost unheard of. Still though, she couldn’t fully understand why he was able to relate to her in some way. She wanted to ask, so desperately after she spilled her guts to him, but from the dark look in his eyes she could tell he didn’t want to talk about it extensively. What happened in those three days? What could a fourteen year old child do that would leave him covered in blood? Lumine should’ve been scared or concerned, but at the moment, she couldn’t be bothered to.

     “My parents did what they believed was best, but Snezhnaya isn’t exactly welcoming to troublemakers.” Childe explained, a teasing smirk on his face. Lumine could tell he was still processing what happened years ago. His eyes didn’t match his expression, which was something Lumine was familiar with.

     “So, here I am, working on my problems. I’m not too sure how it’s working, cause I still do a lot of bad shit. Guess that makes me kind of a bad guy still.”

     Lumine rolled her eyes. “Yeah, you are. You broke a cello.”

     Childe acted hurt. “You wound me, girlie! Here I am asking you of the same courtesy I gave you and you insult me? Damn, that hurt.”

     “Disregarding that fact, I don’t think you are what you claim to be. As much as an annoying, reckless asshole you are, you do seem a little considerate of others. I mean, you’re indulging me, aren’t you?”

     “You don’t know what I’ve been through and what I’ve done and still do.” Childe pointed out, no malice in his voice. Just curiosity. “Good judge of character, are you?”

     “Can’t say. I’ve never really gotten to know enough people to be able to say I’m a good judge of someone. But you know when people preach that they’re something, they’re usually not. They usually say it to convince themselves or to make themselves appear better. Though usually what they claim is positive.” Lumine pointed out.

     “Mhm, perhaps. Never thought about it like that. Guess we’ll have to see what you think next time we hang out and all of the times after.” He replied, cheerfulness back in his expression. Next time? What did he mean by that? Would there be a next time?

     “Next time?” Lumine questioned.

     “Of course, girlie! The festival isn’t over for a few more days. How long are you staying?”

     “Oh, uh, I think the whole time. My plane ticket is set for the day after it ends. Wait-!” Lumine protested before Childe grabbed her hand and began softly pulling. Ah hell, what did she have to lose?

     “Perfect! That means we have exactly four more days to get to know each other. Gotta say, I’m quite excited to get to know you,” Childe grinned, taking her hand as he led her to who knows where. Maybe she was wrong. This festival was going to be absolute hell. Or maybe this festival would be more enjoyable after all.