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Azhdaha remembered the day he met Zhongli. It was hard to forget moments like those when it feels like the stars and planets had aligned with fate. It wasn’t every day you met someone who fit into your life so perfectly, someone who understood you like no one else had before, and someone you could see yourself being with so easily. 

It had been a random cross of paths. Azhdaha had been invited by Xiao, one of his friends he’d met in one of his university lectures, to a night of trivia at the local tavern. 

He and Xiao had hit it off pretty well. Xiao had said they needed one more person to complete a team and that his roommate, Venti, was also bringing someone, someone who apparently was knowledgeable enough to help them win a night of drinks. It was a no-brainer, a fun night out and if their team was successful at the game, they’d get free drinks. 

So Azhdaha went and somehow, it turned out to be the best and worst decision of his life. 

He’d arrived at the tavern on Friday night at the time Xiao had texted him to be there. He didn’t think much of it. It had seemed like a fun idea to let loose before finals and a chance to meet some new people. He was always willing to mingle and test out his trivia skills. 

The tavern was booming with drunk university students trying to blow off steam and relax. It was packed and Azhdaha could see where people were lined up registering their teams for the trivia game. 

He spotted Xiao at a high top near the actual bar, sitting with two other people who were talking amongst themselves. Xiao looked over and waved Azhdaha over, swatting away one of the people at the high top, one with braided blue hair when he leaned close.

“This is my friend, Azhdaha,” Xiao introduced him once he was close enough.

Azhdaha smiled, politely waving and taking a seat. 

“This is Venti, my roommate,” Xiao told him, pointing over at the one with blue braids that was helping himself to the appetizer on the table as if he was famished. He was quite tiny. 

“This is Zhongli,” Xiao said, motioning towards the other person at the table. 

“Our certified know it all,” Venti teased, almost dropping the food he was holding when Xiao bumped his shoulder. 

“It’s a pleasure to meet you,” Zhongli said, smiling as he looked over at Azhdaha. 

Azhdaha was at a loss for words. Zhongli was quite handsome, wearing his brown hair back and dressed as if he was about to give a lecture. 

Meeting Zhongli, someone who captivated Azhdaha’s attention the moment their eyes connected, was magical, yet nothing like in the movies. There were no fireworks, no dramatic effect of the room falling silent or empty until only Zhongli and Azhdaha remained. Life didn’t stop for them but maybe it didn’t need to. 

“You’re the good luck charm for the night?” Azhdaha asked Zhongli, taking a seat beside him.

“It would seem that’s the expectation of me,” Zhongli said. 

“He’s being humble,” Venti huffed, playfully rolling his eyes. 

“Would you stop eating with your mouth open?” Xiao scolded him, offering him a napkin. 

“Don’t mind them,” Zhongli told Azhdaha, shaking his head at Venti. 

“What’s the team name for the night?” Azhdaha asked them, picking up a paper that was laying on the table that laid out the rules and schedule for the game. 

“We are the Archons!” Venti proudly yelled, making several people turn around them. The Archons, also known as one of the greatest armies in history, one that was said to have conquered some of the greatest nations. 

“Like the war?” Azhdaha furrowed his eyebrows. 

“You know the Archon war?” Zhongli asked him, turning over to Azhdaha to give him his full attention. 

“I wrote my term paper on it during undergrad,” Azhdaha admitted. 

Zhongli’s eyes lit up. “I’m just started the second year of my Masters on Liyue’s history, mainly focused on the Archon war.”

“I’ve always been fascinated with Rex Lapis’ strategies as a general.” Azhdaha grinned.

“The so-called Geo-Archon?”

“That exact one,” Azhdaha laughed, falling into easy conversation with Zhongli. 

From there, their story started. Azhdaha didn’t think he’d ever met someone like Zhongli, who easily pulled anyone into a conversation. Even if the person wasn’t one to ramble, Zhongli never minded it, he would always fill the silence. He was sunshine, seeping in through the windows and illuminating the room. 

He and Zhongli would continue to meet up after that night, studying together for tests, or proofreading each other’s papers, anything really to spend more time together. They were testing the waters so to speak, trying to find ways to be near each other without outright asking. If that had been Venti and Xiao’s ultimate goal, then they’d easily succeeded because, after that night, Zhongli and Azhdaha were inseparable. 

Azhdaha found that talking to Zhongli was easy, the man knew everything and if he didn’t, he’d listen and learn. He was never one to shy away from knowledge and someone like Azhdaha who studied events and people from the past was bursting with it. Some of Azhdaha’s favorite memories of Zhongli were in the university's library in the studying rooms they’d reserve and spend hours in. Zhongli was always entertaining to watch when he’d walk over to the whiteboard in the study room and draw out the timeline of his favorite historical events. They would challenge each other, choosing the most absurd topics and try to debate each other’s side, trying to see how different decisions would have influenced the present. It always ended with them staying late and ending up getting dinner together, either walking down the street to get late-night dinner or going back to one of their apartments for ramen or pizza.

Things continued on an amazing path from there. They were friends first, for quite a few months until it dawned one day on Azhdaha that friends didn’t sit as close as they did, or speak so freely with one another. Friends didn’t share ice cream, jackets, or blankets while they watched documentaries. But Azhdaha didn’t think he ever minded. Easing into a relationship was like breathing between the two of them. 

Zhongli was relaxing to be around and never one to keep his feelings to himself. He was one to speak his mind and it was a trait that Azhdaha loved about him. 

Azhdaha remembered that day when he’d planned to confess, during an outing he’d invited Zhongli to. A local museum was having an exhibition for some artifacts of the Archon war, said war that had ignited the spark between the two of them. 

They’d been admiring one of the weapons behind glass. Zhongli was too busy taking pictures on his camera to even notice Azhdaha looking at him. It was cute, seeing how excited Zhongli got over mundane things that people didn’t seem to care about as much anymore. But there he was, with eyes so bright as he took in the exhibit and commented about everything. 

“Want some?” Azhdaha offered his ice cream cone as they walked down the sidewalk towards the train station after the museum. 

Zhongli was looking down at his camera screen, admiring the pictures he’d taken at the exhibit. 

“I’d love some if it’s not a bother,” Zhongli said, leaning over towards the treat. 

“Never,” Azhdaha reassured him, coming to a stop as they reached a small bridge that overlooked the harbor. “We have a few minutes before the train, if you want to stand here for a second.”

Zhongli had taken the ice cream into his hand and was nodding as he looked over the boats. “It’s so beautiful watching the sunset, especially with all the boats coming in.”

Azhdaha looked over, watching Zhongli lick his lips free of ice cream. He was focused on the water, watching it reflect the sunset. 

“Hey,” Azhdaha whispered, reaching over with every bit of nerve inside of him and grasping one of Zhongli’s shoulders. Zhongli’s hands were too preoccupied with the ice cream and camera at the moment.

“Hm?” Zhongli hummed, turning around and freezing when Azhdaha leaned down to kiss him. His lips were sweet, tasting of the Dandelion wine-flavored ice cream, Zhongli’s favorite, and currently, the only taste clouding Azhdaha’s mind. 

It was nice and Zhongli kissed him back instantly, smiling against his lips as he tried to keep a hold on both the ice cream and camera. 

Azhdaha cupped Zhongli’s face with one hand and placed the other one on his hip, keeping him steady. “I like you,” he admitted, pulling away and licking his lips when he felt lingers of the ice cream on them. 

Zhongli was flushed but he eagerly nodded, meeting Azhdaha’s eyes. “Yes, yes, I certainly understand that,” he rambled, and for once, he was at a loss of words but was pushing through. “I think— I think that I like you as well.”

Their relationship had already been good so it wasn’t difficult to fall into each other’s lives more than they’d already had been doing. Not many things changed but the ones that did were Azhdaha’s favorites. He loved waking up to Zhongli in his bed, hair a mess, and face relaxed in the early mornings. He loved seeing Zhongli whenever he could and not needing an excuse like before. It was sweet and the routine they set became his favorite. Coming back to his apartment and finding Zhongli’s coat on his sofa always made a warm feeling bubble in his chest. It was endearing having two cups to wash in the morning instead of one or cooking for two. 

They were so compatible that it almost felt like fate. Zhongli was easy to exist with, he was always up for anything Azhdaha sprung on them. There were few things he’d shy away from and Azhdaha would never dream of subjecting his boyfriend to the evils of seafood. 

But nothing in life was ever perfect and reality was often disappointing. 

Azhdaha wasn’t sure why things occurred sometimes, even if he was the cause of them. 

It happened a year into their relationship. He had just started his Master’s and was being a TA for one of his undergrad professors on the side. His plate was full between classes, teaching, and studying. It was inevitable that some things were going to get pushed to the side. Things he’d gotten comfortable with that he felt didn’t need as much attention, that was his first mistake. 

Relationships worked both ways and Azhdaha knew that, he knew that perfectly well. Relationships also needed tending to, nothing good came to things that were left neglected and Azhdaha had gotten too comfortable. 

At first, when he would forget to reply to Zhongli or make time for him, it was unintentional. He’d never dream of ignoring his boyfriend, one who was so attentive and everything he loved in a person. 

But sometimes school and other commitments got the best of his time. It wasn’t until night when he’d check his phone and see a few messages from Zhongli, asking if he was free for dinner or maybe a movie that night. At that point, Azhdaha felt it would be salt in the wound to reply and left it to the morning, which only made things worse when he’d forget. 

They would see each other at school sometimes and Azhdaha always made sure to give Zhongli a second of his time. Zhongli was always so understanding, always the patient one. 

It wasn’t until some time into the semester that Azhdaha truly thought about the state of their relationship. 

He’d see things on Zhongli’s social media, pictures from events and outings that Azhdaha didn’t even have an idea about. It wasn’t like Zhongli hadn’t invited him or even told him about them, because if Azhdaha checked his messages, or therefore lack of, he’d find them. 

They say that you can’t be upset when someone swoops in and steals something you’d been ignoring up until that moment. Just like when Azhdaha was a child and would forget about whatever toy he’d been playing with at the park and someone else would come in and grab it. His mother would always scold him, telling him he wasn’t even using it and to let someone else appreciate it. He had never understood that logic as a child because he had just expected it to be there and maybe that’s what he thought of his relationship with Zhongli. 

The signs were there, one of someone who truly appreciated Zhongli and his time. They were there all along. Azhdaha remembered some time ago when Xiao would complain about someone new who’d started to join him, Venti, and Zhongli at trivia night or whenever they’d go out. Someone Xiao found annoying and too cocky. 

At first, Azhdaha had laughed it off, telling Xiao that maybe he was being too dramatic about the situation. Then, said man, Childe, according to Xiao, would always pop up whenever Zhongli was involved. At the time, all Azhdaha had registered was Childe’s name because what kind of name was that? Childe. Never did he actually take a second to process what Xiao was actually trying to convey.

Xiao had confessed to Azhdaha once that Zhongli seemed a little down, that maybe Azhdaha should go check on him and make sure he was alright. Azhdaha did go and check because Zhongli was always fine, he never stressed or worried about anything. Honestly, Azhdaha thought Xiao had just caught Zhongli at a bad time more than anything. And sure enough, when he saw Zhongli later that day on his way to see a professor, he seemed fine so Azhdaha dismissed the thought. 

He’d brushed it off as strange and moved on. It wasn’t until a few weeks later when he’d checked his phone and realized that Zhongli hadn’t texted him in a few days. He shot Zhongli a quick text and there was no reply for a few hours. That was so unlike Zhongli, even if he wasn’t the most tech-savvy, he always made sure to reply to Azhdaha’s text.

Azhdaha didn’t pay it too much attention until he got on one of his social media apps and clicked on Venti’s name to view his story that he started to piece things together. Venti was notorious for posting on social media and Xiao often joked that if he ever went missing, being absent on his accounts would be the first red flag.

There were a good amount of videos and photos from the last day, they’d been posted less than 24 hours ago. It was Venti, Zhongli, and someone else, a redhead, that Azhdaha didn’t know. Maybe they’d gone on a road trip and Zhongli didn’t have service. 

The first video was of said redhead, driving with Zhongli in the passenger seat unfolding a massive map as he gave the driver directions. Venti was in the backseat, recording the whole thing, calling Zhongli a boomer for not using his phone’s navigation. It was obvious from their attire they were going hiking or on some kind of outdoor activity. 

The driver turned around, sticking his tongue out at Venti, and told him to leave Zhongli alone.

Then Zhongli smiled over at the driver and Azhdaha knew that smile, he’d seen it so many times, during dates, in the morning when they’d wake up together, and during intimate times when he would cage Zhongli under him in the heat of the moment. 

“Leave him alone,” Zhongli chided the driver, giving him a playful shove as he turned back to the map.

“Xiansheng, I only joke!” The driver whined.

Just how close were Zhongli and this man if he was calling him Xiansheng, not even his name? Sure, Azhdaha called Zhongli, Morax, as a nickname that had developed from an inside joke between them but still… it made him feel uneasy. 

Azhdaha frowned, flipping through the rest of Venti’s story. It was obvious after a few more videos where Venti had tagged both Zhongli and the other man, Childe, apparently. 

So that was Childe and just the sight of him made Azhdaha frown. 

The way Childe looked at Zhongli was just, it was too much and Azhdaha knew the stare because he looked at his boyfriend the same way. It was a stare full of admiration and love. 

And Childe was not shy about showcasing his interest either and Zhongli was too nice to notice. No wonder Xiao was not a fan of this man.

That following week, Azhdaha made sure to clear his schedule so he could invite Zhongli over for dinner.

Zhongli had accepted his invitation to come over, asking him over and over if he was sure, and that if he was busy they could always reschedule. But Azhdaha was sure because from the looks of it, their relationship was currently in the oven and it was on fire, being burnt into a crisp. 

Azhdaha had planned a nice evening, with takeout and a nice movie he picked out that he figured Zhongli would like. 

Zhongli arrived on time, never one to be late, and smiled when Azhdaha opened the door. It was obvious Azhdaha hadn’t seen him in a while other than in passing. Zhongli’s hair was a little longer and he was wearing clothes that Azhdaha didn’t even remember him buying. 

“It’s nice to see you,” Zhongli greeted him, looking a little unsure of how to approach his boyfriend. 

Azhdaha smiled, opening his arms for a hug without even thinking about it. Zhongli stepped into the hug, relaxing a little. 

“Morax,” Azhdaha smiled, giving him a squeeze. “It feels like I’ve not seen you in years.”

“It does feel like that, doesn’t it?” Zhongli teased, stepping inside the apartment and removing his coat. 

They settled in for the night and Azhdaha began telling Zhongli about his classes and how everything was going. Zhongli listened intently, snacking on some of the food Azhdaha had left on the table. 

“But what’s been going on with you?” Azhdaha asked him, trying to figure out how to approach the subject of Childe without directly asking. 

“Nothing out of the ordinary,” Zhongli answered, shrugging. “I’ve mostly just been going to class and occasionally spending the time with friends.”

Azhdaha nodded, taking advantage of the opening in the conversation. “Venti and Xiao?”

“It’s usually them, yes,” Zhongli said. “Also, Childe.”

“Childe?”

Zhongli gave him a funny look. “I mentioned him to you, a while back if I remember correctly.”

“Did you?” Azhdaha questioned him, not remembering it all.

“I did.” Zhongli sounded extremely sure of himself. “I told you I was working in one of the library study rooms and someone barged in without even knocking,” he explained. “That was Childe.”

“And you didn’t kick him out?” Azhdaha pressed. “That seems rather rude of him.”

Zhongli shrugged. “I reprimanded him for just walking in. What if I’d been in an online class or in the middle of a test?” He said. “But Childe was extremely apologetic and didn’t mean any harm. He hadn’t seen me inside the room and was looking for a quiet area to study and it wasn’t as if I was using the entire space so I invited him to stay.”

Azhdaha frowned. “Why?”

“Why not?” Zhongli retorted, clasping his hands together. “I wasn’t doing anything of great significance and the company was nice.”

“You could’ve asked me to join you,” Azhdaha pointed out.

Zhongli gave him a deadpan expression. “Azhdaha, are you being serious?” He asked. “Of course, I’d offered for you to come and join me. You never replied to my message.”

Azhdaha looked away towards the television that was currently playing on mute, their documentary of the fallen nation of Khaenri’ah long forgotten. 

“You’ve been quite busy this semester and I don’t want to burden you further.”

“Morax,” Azhdaha sighed. “You are never a burden.”

“I’m glad to hear that,” Zhongli admitted. “But still, it’s quite depressing to know you don’t read my messages.”

“I read them!”

“You’ve just asked me who Childe was, someone I’ve mentioned a few times if I’m remembering correctly.”

“I just wasn’t aware that two of you were so close.” Azhdaha frowned.

Zhongli chuckled. “Childe is one to slot himself in one’s life like that, I’ve discovered. There isn’t anything Venti cannot rope him into.”

“And you?”

“What about me?” Zhongli asked him.

“You also invite him to do things.”

Zhongli frowned, narrowing his eyes at his boyfriend. “Azhdaha, are you… accusing me of being unfaithful to you?”

Azhdaha shook his head, only convincing himself. “I’m not, it just seems that you and Childe seem awfully close.”

This time, Zhongli met his words head-on. “If not Childe, then who else is willing to accompany me?”

“You’re joking, Morax?”

Zhongli glared at him. “Do you find my words humorous?”

“I would accompany you, Morax!”

“Oh, now, it seems like you are the one making jokes,” Zhongli shot back. “Would this be when you’re too busy ignoring my messages and calls or afterward?”

“You know it’s not like that,” Azhdaha bit back, knowing what was about to happen. Their problems had been festering for a while now and it seemed that the first real date they’d had in a while was the place where things overflowed. 

“Then how is it?” Zhongli asked, glaring. “I never see you and if I do, it’s for a moment. You never answer my calls or messages, you’re never willing to make time for me it seems.”

Being cornered made anyone anxious and Azhdaha at the moment felt like he was out of escape routes. If Zhongli wanted to make him feel bad then two could play at this game.

“I didn’t realize you were so clingy, Morax.”

Zhongli didn’t say anything, he just put his hands on his thighs and smoothed out his pants. But Azhdaha knew him like the back of his hand, even if Zhongli was always holding himself calm and collected, the real storm was always visible in his eyes. He looked hurt and it wasn’t an emotion he would admit willingly. 

A sick part of Azhdaha liked that, wanting Zhongli to feel the hurt he was feeling after finding out he and Childe were apparently such good friends. And maybe that was the moment that led to the crack of their foundation. 

Zhongli stood up, walking over to the entrance where he’d left his bag when he’d come inside. “It’s best if I left.”

“You just got here.” We just started fighting, which was what Azhdaha wanted to say.

“I’ve got a busy day tomorrow and I’d rather not stay up too late,” Zhongli defended his decision. “I’m sure you have things planned for tomorrow as well.”

“We’re not done here, Morax,” Azhdaha told him. “Is your friendship with Childe really this important to you that you’re willing to fight with me?”

“Who is arguing with you?” Zhongli shot back, slipping his shoes on. “Certainly not me.”

Azhdaha opened his mouth to respond, to argue back when Zhongli held a hand up to spot him. 

He leaned against the doorway, looking down at the floorboards. “I’ve been thinking for a while now and I think it would be best if we took a break.”

“A break?” Azhdaha repeated. “From what?”

“From us,” Zhongli answered. “It’s obvious that at the moment your schedule is busy and does not align with mine. If the first night we get to spend together in three months is leading us to this then I think it would be best if we took a break.”

“Morax, I don’t want to take a break, I love you,” Azhdaha admitted. 

“It’s only a break,” Zhongli tried to comfort him, putting his coat on. 

“Relationships don’t come back from breaks.” Azhdaha knew this.

Zhongli looked up, meeting his gaze. “I just think it would be for the best.”

“Zhongli, please, think this over.”

“Answer me one question and I will.”

“Anything,” Azhdaha promised. 

“Do you know what tomorrow is?” Zhongli asked him. 

Azhdaha gave him an odd look. Tomorrow was Thursday night. He had an evening class and was assisting a professor in a few during the day. 

“Tomorrow is Thursday.”

Zhongli gave him a defeated look and opened the door. “Yeah… it is.”

“Don’t go,” Azhdaha begged, because what else was there to do. “Just stay and we can talk this out. We haven’t even finished the documentary. I thought- I thought this was something you’d been waiting to watch.”

“It was,” Zhongli agreed. “Five weeks ago when I’d asked you about it.”

Azhdaha swallowed the lump in his throat, crossing his arms across his chest. “So this is it?”

“Like I’ve said, a break is much needed between us.”

“No relationship ever comes back from a break, Morax,” Azhdaha told him. “You know this.”

“No relationship can grow on bare soil either,” Zhongli countered. “So it seems that either way, there is only ruin.”

“It doesn’t have to be like this,” Azhdaha argued. “You and I don’t have to end like this.”

“No, it didn’t have to be like this but the time for saving was some time ago, not now.”

“So why not bring these issues up then?!” Azhdaha frowned, anger filling him.  “Did any of this even matter to you if you waited this long?”

“Of course it mattered,” Zhongli bit back. “Do not be ridiculous, but relationships work both ways, Azhdaha, not with only one person making all the effort. Remember that.”

And with that, Zhongli was out the door. 

Azhdaha listened to him make his way down the steps and down the walkway until the sound faded into the night. He should’ve gone after him, apologized, begged, but instead, he just stood there. 

Maybe it was the shock or the disbelief of what had just happened because Azhdaha couldn’t believe it. Their relationship had just ended, over something so small… they were stronger than that, he had to believe that. They were good together, compatible to the point where it seemed as if nothing could come between them. The only time they’d gotten into such a heated argument was when they’d fought over whose way of citing scholarly sources was better. 

It had to be a lie because they’d spent the last year together. Zhongli had met his parents and they’d fallen in love with him, his mother had pulled Azhdaha aside to confess just how much she liked him. Azhdaha had met Zhongli’s parents, had sat at their dining table, and listened to Zhongli and his father ramble on about history. And now, it was over … just like that.

Azhdaha decided to sleep it off, leaving things for the next morning when he could think rationally with a clear head.

He woke up like usual and rolled over, reaching for his phone. Finding information about whatever social event was happening was easy to find if you asked the right people, more specifically Venti.

Azhdaha: 

Venti

I have a question for you.

Venti:

Yessssssssssssssssssssss :)

Azhdaha: 

What’s going on today?

With Zhongli more specifically if you know.

Venti:

Are you serious right now?

Tell me you are joking.

YOU ARE KIDDING 

Azhdaha: 

I won’t know unless you tell me!

Venti:

Zhongli is defending his thesis today, you big dummy! 

He invited us to come and watch weeks ago!

ARE YOU KIDDING ME

YOU BTTR BE THERE

BETTER*

IF YOU’RE NOT THERE XIAO WILL KILL YOU

And I might just assist him in the murder. 

Azhdaha: 

That’s today!?

Venti:

YES.

Azhdaha sat up in an instant, shoving off the covers so he could get out of bed. He rushed over towards the bathroom, turning on the faucet while he searched his past messages with Zhongli for evidence of what was happening today and sure enough, there was one inviting him.

There was another one that Zhongli had sent to a group chat they had that Azhdaha had muted back during the beginning of the semester to keep his phone quiet since Venti enjoyed bombarding it with meaningless pictures. 

Zhongli had sent the same message, inviting them and giving them the time and place. 

Azhdaha groaned as he washed his face, remembering just how important this was to Zhongli. It was something he’d been working on for so long, something he was so passionate about and Azhdaha had forgotten. It was no surprise Zhongli had been so upset the night before when he’d asked Azhdaha about it. 

The event started in a few hours so he had time to relax and get himself together and pray to the Gods that his professors were understanding of his absences today.

Azhdaha barely made it in time, sitting closer to the back as he waited for Zhongli to begin. Zhongli would be defending his thesis in front of a committee and it was going to take place in a public lecture as well. There were quite a number of people in the room, with the committee sitting in the front row. 

Azhdaha spotted Xiao and Venti sitting beside someone with auburn hair. 

The whole ordeal took almost an hour, with the questions the committee had asked and some from the small audience. Even if it was an hour, the anxiety Azhdaha felt made the event feel like a minute it seemed like. 

Zhongli did amazing but that wasn’t a surprise. The committee was very pleased, hopeful that he would pursue a Ph.D. Zhongli was all warm smiles and accepted every compliment bestowed upon him. 

Azhdaha figured that Xiao and Venti had no idea what had happened the night before since they hadn’t said anything to him yet. It gave Azhdaha hope that maybe Zhongli had changed his mind. But then again, Zhongli was the type of person to not allow feelings to get in the way of responsibilities and it was possible he hadn’t let himself process everything in favor of focusing on defending his thesis.

“Xiansheng!” The other man who Azhdaha recognized as Childe now, greeted Zhongli. “You did so good! That presentation was so well composed.”

“Like if you knew what he was even talking about,” Venti teased, walking his way over after Zhongli was beginning to pack the materials he’d brought. 

Zhongli only smiled and said something back to Childe, something Azhdaha couldn’t make out from where he was standing. 

“Hey,” Xiao called out to Azhdaha, having spotted him. “Why didn’t you come and sit with us?”

Azhdaha waved him off. “I got here late, cause there was some issue with a professor of mine,” he lied. 

“You should’ve texted us,” Xiao chided him. “We saved you a seat near the front.”

Azhdaha nodded and followed him over to where Zhongli was. “I didn’t think of that, sorry,” he apologized, knowing fully well he’d seen the extra seat when he walked in. 

Venti looked over, giving Azhdaha a cold gaze since he was well aware that he hadn’t been late, he’d forgotten. 

“Childe,” Zhongli said, motioning towards Azhdaha. “This is Azhdaha, I’ve told you about him before,” he said. “Thank you for attending today, Azhdaha.”

Childe looked over, giving Azhdaha a wave. “I remember!” He said. “Nice to meet you, I’m Childe.”

“This is actually Zhongli’s—” Xiao started to say when Azhdaha cut him off, not wanting to make things awkward. 

“Sorry for not coming up to congratulate you sooner,” Azhdaha apologized, ignoring the weird stare Xiao was giving him. “There are a lot of people here.”

“Please, do not worry yourself,” Zhongli told him, hugging the portfolio he was holding against his chest. 

“We should probably hurry up and get going if we’re going to make it on time,” Xiao suggested, looking around at everyone in the room as they started to make their way out. 

Azhdaha gave Xiao a confused look, not sure what he was talking about. 

Luckily, Childe answered the unspoken question. “We’re going out to celebrate Zhongli at Wanmin restaurant,” he announced. “You’re more than welcome to join us out for dinner if you’d like,” he offered. 

“I told you, that isn’t necessary,” Zhongli told Childe but the words fell on deaf ears. 

“Nonsense!” Childe smiled. “It’s my gift to you, for helping me with my work this semester.”

“He’s right,” Venti encouraged the situation. “Especially if he’s offering.”

A few hours later, they were all sitting at a table at Wanmin restaurant. Azhdaha wasn’t sure how to feel about the situation. It seemed like he was the only person bothered within the group. But at the same time, it was selfish of him to assume Zhongli should also be feeling down as well. It was his day, he’d just accomplished something he’d been working towards for so long. He should be happy and enjoy no longer having the burden of finishing a thesis on his shoulders. 

Xiao and Venti hadn’t mentioned anything on the ride over so Azhdaha was positive they didn’t know. Venti wasn’t one to shy away from awkward topics. 

If anything, the dinner gave him a glimpse at who exactly Childe was and what his intentions were. Childe was all smiles, sitting between Zhongli and Venti, keeping the conversation going. There was never a dull moment, even when Xiao complained that they were being too loud and glared at Childe. 

Azhdaha didn’t like Childe. That conclusion was easy to make within the first five minutes of them sitting down. Childe had called ahead, had made the reservation days in advance, and had made sure they had some of Zhongli’s favorites in stock for the celebration. It was everything Azhdaha should’ve done but didn’t do, instead Childe had stepped up without even being asked. The worst part was that it all seemed friendly too, a gift from a friend to a friend, making Azhdaha feel even worse. He’d been the boyfriend and hadn’t even stopped by the store to get Zhongli a damn balloon. 

Childe’s attention was also focused on Zhongli constantly, asking him the most mundane questions just to hear him talk. Zhongli just smiled and answered, loving to ramble about whatever people wanted to hear. He was happy and clearly not feeling any negative emotions from the night before and Azhdaha wasn’t sure how to feel about that. 

The night made Azhdaha realize something. If Zhongli had been feeling unsure of their relationship for a while, then, he’d obviously had time to grieve what they were losing during their relationship. He’d already experienced all the sadness and hurt that Azhdaha was currently trying to suppress. Zhongli had dealt with the loss during and now that it was over, it was Azhdaha’s turn to hurt. 

The beer Azhdaha was drinking tasted sour in his mouth as things dawned on him. It was obvious now, Azhdaha was scared of moving on… but Zhongli was already gone and had been for a while. And it had happened right before Azhdaha’s eyes. There was no one to blame but himself and that hurt the most.

Time passed for Azhdaha slowly. It didn’t matter how stressful the semester got with his course load or grading things for his professors for the classes he was assisting with, it still wasn’t enough to distract him from thinking of Zhongli. 

It had become obvious that Zhongli had been serious about their breakup. He didn’t reach out to Azhdaha anymore, didn’t text him, or call him randomly anymore. Azhdaha woke up to a phone full of school emails and reminders, nothing else. It made him regret the times he’d ignored each one of them. It made his bed feel emptier. It made him regret everything. It made him realize how awful it felt being ignored and how shitty it felt waiting for attention from someone and having it never come. He’d treated Zhongli like that and now, it was being force-fed to him. 

If before he couldn’t spare a second to think of Zhongli, now it was all he thought about. He couldn’t bring himself to stop. It didn’t help that he’d see Zhongli at university sometimes and Zhongli was always kind, would always greet him. And it was salt in the wound. 

Zhongli was not a big social media user but now, it was as if Azhdaha only unlocked his phone to browse through the apps to see if he’d posted anything. It was useless but he just needed to make sure, to see what he was doing. 

The only way he’d ever see Zhongli online was if Venti posted him and it was never information Azhdaha was seeking. There were always videos of them getting lunch and Venti zooming in more than necessary on Zhongli’s face until Zhongli swatted him away.

Azhdaha wondered, did Zhongli feel lonely, sad, regret over everything? Did Zhongli eat alone sometimes and remember when he and Azhdaha would do that together? Did he ever look at the things Azhdaha felt at his apartment and think of him? Did he get drunk on the hardest nights and contemplate calling Azhdaha? Because Azhdaha did, constantly. 

Every time Azhdaha would see Zhongli at university, Childe was always close by, talking Zhongli’s ear off or listening. He filled the space that Azhdaha now only dreamed of. It was hard to watch. 

Xiao and Venti were taking two sides in the whole mess. Venti had been someone Zhongli had confided in and therefore, he sided with Zhongli about everything and Azhdaha couldn’t blame him. Xiao blamed Childe, even if all Childe had done was be a friend Zhongli had met by chance. Xiao thought Zhongli and Azhdaha could work things out and had pressed about it until Zhongli had asked him to not meddle anymore in his personal affairs.

Azhdaha had expected Childe to swoop in like a knight in shining armor, sweep Zhongli off his feet and ride off into the sunset. But at the time, it appeared that Childe and Zhongli were just friends, close friends. 

It had been months already and Azhdaha was still hurting. Everything seemed to remind him of Zhongli and he couldn’t stop feeling regret. He could be cleaning his apartment and stumble upon a shirt Zhongli would borrow to sleep in when he stayed the night and Azhdaha would feel his eyes glaze over with tears. He’d find old board games he could no longer touch because he and Zhongli had played. Even things on TV reminded him of Zhongli, stupid old documentaries that they’d watch on their days off from school. Who knew someone as mundane as Marcus Aurelius, a long-dead Roman Emperor could bring Azhdaha so much nostalgia. 

Even when he was talking with his professors over the classes he was assisting with, he’d hear them mention that ‘ exceptional young man who’d defended his history thesis so well and had been accepted into the Ph.D. program.’ Of course, Zhongli had been accepted, he was so smart. It made Azhdaha just glare down at the test he was going to be giving a 1000 history level course his professor had wanted him to look at in case he had any questions. He felt hurt Zhongli hadn’t even mentioned it but then again, what reason did he have to share news like that with Azhdaha? 

It was a few days later when Xiao invited him out, claiming that everyone was going out for trivia night and wanted him to join. Xiao had said Zhongli would be there but that Zhongli didn’t mind, rather he seemed fine with Azhdaha joining them. Azhdaha felt like he shouldn’t go but decided against his better judgment in hopes of having a moment alone with Zhongli. Maybe he could invite him over and they could talk, or out, anything. He was drowning at this point.

Azhdaha arrived at the tavern a few days later. He walked inside and looked around, finding Xiao seated with a few of their friends. 

Xiao was sitting with Aether and Diluc who were talking amongst themselves when Azhdaha approached the table. 

He took off his jacket and sat down, looking around. “Where is everyone?”

Aether pointed behind them. “They’re sitting over there, it’s only four to a group!” 

“They were being too loud so we moved,” Diluc commented, rolling his eyes. 

Azhdaha looked over at the other table, finding Childe, Kaeya, Zhongli, and Venti sitting. Childe and Kaeya were yelling about something, Zhongli just shaking his head, and Venti refusing to hear a word more of whatever they were saying. 

“I see,” Azhdaha commented, feeling his heart skip a beat at the sight of Zhongli. 

Zhongli looked over at that moment and caught Azhdaha looking and smiled at him, giving him a wave. He looked genuinely happy to see Azhdaha. 

“They shouldn’t be too hard to beat.” Diluc pulled Azhdaha’s head out of the clouds. “They’ve only got Zhongli to help, not a lot of brainpower among the rest.”

“Pfft, you think so?” Aether asked. “Venti is in my organic chemistry class and he’s a lot smarter than he lets on, truth be told. He’s the one always messing up the curve for the rest of us.”

Xiao rolled his eyes. “Yeah but he’s almost drunk, that makes him lose credibility.”

“Are you jealous?” Azhdaha found himself teasing, watching Xiao’s face heat up as he looked away from Aether. 

“Of course not!” Xiao frowned. Because no, he was not jealous of Aether praising someone like Venti out of all people. Not like Aether didn’t praise him but it would be nice if Aether only praised him. 

“We should choose a team name,” Diluc said, grabbing the marker to write it down on their little whiteboard. 

“Let’s be… the travelers,” Aether suggested, thinking hard as he spoke. 

“That’s terrible,” Diluc shot down. “We are not going to be the travelers, sounds like we’re homeless or something.”

“That would be a hobo,” Aether corrected him.

Diluc just gave him a look. “No.”

“Fine, fine!” Aether gave in. “I was only suggesting names.”

“What’s their team name?” Azhdaha asked, looking over at the other table.

“The Archons,” Xiao mumbled, rolling his eyes when Kaeya and Venti both stuck their tongue out at him when they caught him looking. “So immature.”

“Then, we can be the Guardian Yakshas,” Azhdaha said. “They were summoned by Rex Lapis during the Archon war, which seems fitting with the other team.”

“To fight demons?” Xiao pointed out, having picked up a bit of historical knowledge from hanging around Zhongli for the last few years. “Where are you seeing a demon in this tavern?” He tried to joke, earning him a snicker from Aether. 

Azhdaha glanced over, catching a glimpse of Childe. He shrugged, watching Diluc write the name down. “Around.”

“Demons are fine but not hobos,” Aether mumbled. “Sure,” he huffed.

“I liked your name suggestion,” Xiao mumbled, trying to make sure his face didn’t give anything away. 

Aether only smiled at him. 

During the game, it was hard to concentrate with Zhongli only a few feet away. Azhdaha hadn’t gotten a real chance to talk with him for a while now and he was salivating at the thought. He just needed a moment with him, that was all. It didn’t seem like too much to ask for, really. 

The opportunity came sooner than he’d expected. 

“Last question!” the person hosting the game called out. “In the category of history.. another name for Rex Lapis is….”

“Easy, let me see,” Azhdaha said, reaching for the whiteboard to write the answer down. 

“Oh, I know this answer!” Zhongli spoke up at his table, writing down the answer.

“Let’s see! Hold them up for me.” The host yelled, scanning over the boards when they were held up. “It seems that the Archons and Guardians both have different but acceptable answers! Why don’t one person from each group come up and we’ll settle the score.”

Azhdaha glanced over at the other team to see what they’d written.

God of Contracts.

He’d written, God of Commerce. 

“You go!” Aether told him. “They’re sending Zhongli up there and he knows everything, that’s a suicide mission for someone like me.”

Diluc just shook his head, letting them know he wouldn’t be moving. “History is not my strength so I will not be going to defend this group’s honor.”

Xiao was about to open his mouth when Azhdaha made up his mind. 

“I’ll go,” he said, seizing the opportunity to go and talk with Zhongli.

Zhongli was already by the host, making friendly conversation when Azhdaha approached them. 

“Azhdaha,” Zhongli greeted him. “It seems we were both in the right on this question.”

“It would seem so,” Azhdaha agreed, giving him a smile. “I would’ve been shocked if you hadn’t gotten that one right, with how much you study the man.”

Zhongli smiled back. “You say that as if I’m obsessed.”

“You might as be, with how many books you’ve read about him in the Archon War,” Azhdaha teased, trying to savor every moment of their conversation. 

“Alright,” the host got their attention. “Why don’t we flip a coin to decide the winner? Nothing too crazy.”

“Seems fair,” Zhongli told them, nodding. 

“I agree,” Azhdaha said. 

In the end, the Archons were defeated and the Guardian Yakshas won a night of drinks thanks to a lucky flip of a coin. 

“It seems luck is not on my side tonight,” Zhongli told him, smiling.

“That would be a first,” Azhdaha said, falling back so easily into conversation with him. “You’ve always been quite lucky.”

“There is no banquet in this world that doesn't come to an end,” Zhongli quoted, shrugging. 

“You’d know that better than anybody,” Azhdaha mumbled. “By the way, I heard you’re going to pursue a Ph.D.? Is that true?”

Zhongli nodded, shifting from one foot to another. “I am.”

“That’s awesome, I knew you would in the end,” Azhdaha admitted. “You’re too smart for your own good, you know that?”

Zhongli laughed and Azhdaha almost forgot how to breathe. “You’re still quite the flatterer, Azhdaha.”

“Only for you, Morax,” Azhdha teased, accidentally letting the old pet name slip through. 

“How is your semester going?” Zhongli asked him, not acknowledging the pet name. 

“Good! I’m just TA’ing the intro classes mostly, so that takes up most of my time.”

Zhongli nodded. “Those must be quite the challenge, teaching those who have no interest in it but are required to take it.”

“It definitely is,” Azhdaha said. 

“Childe mentioned that he waited until this year, his last semester of undergrad, to take his required history class. Is he perhaps in one of yours?” Zhongli asked. 

Azhdaha shook his head. He’d know that demonic redhead anywhere. “He isn’t, no, but Aether is.”

“I hope you’re not giving him nepotism,” Zhongli teased. “Aether can be quite the sweet talker when he needs to be.”

Azhdaha just laughed. “No, poor dude seems to forget everything, it’s a miracle he remembers his name on tests at times.”

“I hear his sister is quite the opposite, very talented.”

“Can we even be sure they’re related?” Azhdaha asked, smiling. 

Zhongli only chuckled. “It was nice seeing you tonight, Azhdaha. I’m happy you’re doing well. It’s been a while.”

Azhdaha nodded. “It was nice seeing you too.”

“You should hurry back and claim your prize before Venti decides to mingle and claim it for you, I’m not sure this tavern could handle it if he did.”

“They’d go bankrupt, I fear.”

Zhongli smiled and made his way over towards his table and Azhdaha watched him leave. 

Azhdaha didn’t even care they’d won, he was on cloud nine. Zhongli had seemed happy to see him, it was enough to send him over the moon with delight. Maybe there was still hope for them. Maybe Zhongli had been right, a break was all they needed in the end. Azhdaha wasn’t a betting man but at the moment, he was willing to take any gamble. 

Aether, Diluc, and Xiao gave Azhdaha their drink order and sent him over to the bartender to collect their winnings. 

“You’re really not drinking?” Aether teased Diluc who’d requested a soda. “It’s free, come on, bro!”

“Since when is a soda not considered a liquid?” Diluc bit back. “And you’re surprised Venti is smarter than you.”

Aether scoffed. “You know what I mean.”

Azhdaha shook his head, walking over to the bar to place their order when he saw Childe was already ordering ahead of him. 

“Let me get a glass of Osmanthus wine and a double vodka cranberry. Whatever brand of vodka you have is fine,” Childe told the bartender, flipping his card in his hand as he patiently waited. 

Azhdaha’s head snapped over to look at Childe when he heard the order. Osmanthus wine. That was Zhongli’s favorite drink. Why was Childe ordering it out of all people? Maybe it was for him but he didn’t seem like the type to enjoy wine, maybe shotgunning a beer outside a frat house seemed more like it. Azhdaha tried not to draw false conclusions and think it was for Zhongli. 

“All for you?” The bartender asked after checking Childe’s ID. “Don’t get plastered before midnight.”

Childe just laughed, leaning on his elbows on the bar’s counter as he waited. “They’re both not for me, just the vodka. The other one is for my…”

“The guy who you’ve been making heart eyes at all night?” The bartender teased, looking over at Zhongli. 

Childe just chuckled but stole a glance at Zhongli, letting his eyes linger for a moment. “He’s not my boyfriend, well not yet at least.”

“So it looks promising?” The bartender asked as she poured the wine.

“Something like that, you could say.  He’s really special and I’m waiting until he’s ready,” Childe admitted, handing his card over to pay when the drinks were ready. 

She nodded, understanding where he was coming from. “Tab?” She asked.

Childe smiled and took his card back before grabbing the drinks. “Just in case.”

Azhdaha frowned, watching Childe make his way back towards his table. So it was like that between Childe and Zhongli. Of course, it was. It was stupid to think no one but Azhdaha would notice someone like Zhongli. 

He ordered their drinks and brought them back over to the table, choosing to not look in Zhongli’s direction. 

Aether and Xiao were talking amongst themselves and Diluc had gone to sit with the other table, which made Azhdaha snicker. Diluc always claimed that Kaeya and Venti annoyed him to the ends of the Earth yet there he was, sitting with them. 

“Thanks!” Aether said, reaching for his drink. 

Xiao nodded, silently thanking him as well, and took a drink of his own.

“Should we go sit over there with them?” Aether asked, instantly regretting his words when he saw the look Xiao gave him. “Or not! We can just stay here, that’s fine too!”

Azhdaha sighed, knowing what Xiao’s hesitation was about. “We can go over, it’s fine.”

Xiao frowned. “We don’t mind sitting here, really. We know things between you and Zhongli are… difficult at the moment. You already did us a solid by helping us complete a team.”

“Amber was the backup, but you know, she’d be as drunk as Venti if she’d come,” Aether commented, 

Azhdaha just shook his head. “Nothing to it, really, Zhongli and I are just friends.”

“Just friends?” Aether asked. “I thought you guys were dating? Unless I missed something.”

“We were,” Azhdaha admitted. “But things didn’t work out, so we’re friends. We can go sit with them, I promise, it’s fine.”

“If you’re sure,” Xiao said, following after Aether who had bolted over to the other table to rub his free drink in Venti’s face. 

“To think!” Venti yelled dramatically as if Aether had stolen his firstborn son. “I help you with your chemistry homework, exhausting myself constantly, just for you not to share with me!” He told Aether, pretending to be hurt. 

Azhdaha walked over and sat between Diluc and Xiao. Zhongli and Childe were sitting across from him. 

It gave him a good view of the two and being the masochist he was, he just sat there, watching them. It was obvious Zhongli was a little drunk because of his wine. His cheeks were a little flushed and he was talking Childe’s ear off who was listening with a huge smile on his face. All of the things, Zhongli was talking about some rock he’d seen the other day when he was helping his mother in the garden. Yet, Childe acted as if Zhongli was telling him where the world’s greatest secret was located. 

“Azhdaha, I’m glad you joined us,” Zhongli greeted him for a second before Childe got his attention again. 

“Xiansheng, look, I found it online!” Childe smiled, turning his phone screen towards Zhongli who was instantly captivated. “See, I told you I knew what type of rock it was.”

“It would seem you were right, after all, Childe.” Zhongli smiled, taking another drink of his wine. 

It brought an uncomfortable wave of nostalgia to Azhdaha because it reminded him of when he and Zhongli had met, a year ago. It was like looking into the past,  except this time, Azhdaha was an outsider looking in. It hurt a lot. 

“Jeez,” Kaeya mumbled, turning his head towards Venti when Zhongli and Childe fell into their conversation again. “Are those two dating or something? I clearly missed the memo on that one.”

Suddenly, Kaeya groaned, reaching down to rub his leg. “Ow! Who kicked me?!”

Diluc glared at him, motioning towards Azhdaha silently with his eyes. “Kaeya.”

Kaeya just pouted. “What are you, a black belt in martial arts? You almost broke my leg.”

“Big baby,” Venti teased. 

Childe and Zhongli were stuck in their own little world, not even noticing all the commotion at the table. They were talking about something they’d done the week before, some kind of museum they’d visited out of the blue. One Childe had apparently just had tickets to and wanted Zhongli to join him. It made Azhdaha want to roll his eyes into the back of his head until he went blind. 

“I was just asking,” Kaeya defended himself. “Looks like they’re about to start making out,” he joked. “Who knew Zhongli was into exhibitionism.”

“ Actually you didn’t hear?” Venti started to say, giving Kaeya a serious stare. “Nevermind, you must know already.”

“Know what?” Kaeya pressed, always wanting to know the gossip. 

“I can’t possibly say,” Venti continued, sighing dramatically as he traced the rim of his empty wine glass. 

“Tell me, I want to know,” Kaeya begged, frowning. 

“I would say, but you know,” Venti mumbled, looking at the empty glass. “Kinda hard to speak with a dry throat… would be nice if someone went and bought me a drink then maybe I’d share.”

Kaeya just rolled his eyes and stood up, going over to the bar. “You best tell me when I return!”

“Tell him what?” Aether asked, waving a server over when he noticed they were bringing his appetizer to the table they’d deserted. 

“Fuck if I know,” Venti grinned. “I just wanted a free drink!”

“You’re the worst,” Xiao told him. 

“Please, have as much as you’d like!” Aether told them, motioning towards the shrimp he’d ordered. 

“Oh, don’t mind if I do!” Venti smiled. “You’ve redeemed yourself this time, Aether.”

“Zhongli, Childe, would you like some?” Diluc got their attention, watching everyone help themselves and fearing they’d miss out, especially if Kaeya came out. The man ate like he’d been starved. 

Azhdaha started to say something, that Zhongli didn’t like seafood when Childe spoke up as well.

“Zhongli doesn’t like seafood,” Childe told Diluc, helping himself to a few pieces. 

“Ah, that’s right,” Diluc said. “I forgot, my bad.”

Azhdaha just stared at Childe who was looking back at Zhongli who was talking to Diluc about God knows what. 

Childe stared at Zhongli like he couldn’t be real like he was some sort of divine being and it made Azhdaha want to reach over and knock his chair back. 

Were things between him and Zhongli really over? To the point where Zhongli was possibly moving on with someone else? Azhdaha couldn’t believe it, couldn’t grasp it. 

“Xiansheng,” Childe said, leaning over to whisper something in Zhongli’s ear that made him blush, but maybe that was just the wine. Still, if there was ever a sight that broke Azhdaha’s heart, it was this one. And it wasn’t like Childe and Zhongli were fucking on the table either, they were just talking like friends, like everyone else there. They weren’t kissing or touching, just existing together, and yet, Azhdaha couldn’t stand to watch it happen. 

Azhdaha didn’t have many mistakes but letting their relationship rot would probably be one he’d think about for a long time. He’d never been a jealous person but now, watching Zhongli interact with someone else, someone who was clearly interested in him made him want to scream into the abyss. The worst part was that it could’ve all been prevented if he hadn’t been so thick-headed.  

It wasn’t like he could make their friends stop hanging out with Zhongli. Zhongli hadn’t done anything wrong, was still kind to Azhdaha, and didn’t let any of the awkwardness of the issue fill the room. He was perfect and Azhdaha was only pretending it didn’t bother him. He was hurting and it hurt even worse to know Zhongli wasn’t. 

Now, Azhdaha was suffering the consequences and he’d never hated things more.

It seemed like Childe and Zhongli fell in love right before Azhdaha’s eyes. At first, Azhdaha tried telling himself he was just seeing things. Maybe it was all in his mind. Maybe it wasn’t even real and his worst fears were just making him see things. At last, that’s what he told himself until one random weekday when his fears were confirmed.

It was finals week and today he would be giving one of the 1000 level courses he helped their final. So he’d made sure to get there early and wait outside while the class before finished wrapping up their own final. 

He’d been sitting there for a few minutes scrolling on his phone when the professor came out and told him it was fine to go in, that the students were done and were packing their things. 

Azhdaha walked in and headed towards the front to log into the room’s computer when one of the remaining students in the room spoke.

“Did you really finally ask him out?” Someone asked, huffing. 

“I did,” Childe answered. 

Childe? Azhdaha looked over the monitor and sure enough, it was Childe who was ungracefully stuffing papers into his backpack with a grin on his face. 

“I don’t believe you,” the other person mumbled. “I think you’re full of shit.”

“Scaramouche, you always think I’m full of shit,” Childe pointed out. “But I really did!” 

“Yeah, where are you taking him?” 

“I’m taking him out for dinner then we’re going to see some exhibits downtown.” 

Azhdaha kept messing around on the computer so they wouldn’t think he was listening. He couldn’t be talking about Zhongli… could they? 

“Well, you have to bring your A-game if you really want to woo him,” Scaramouche said. 

“I know that, trust me,” Childe admitted. “Just the fact that he even said yes to a date is enough for me.”

Scaramouche rolled his eyes. “Dude, you are so far gone, it’s pathetic.” 

“I just really like him.”

“Zhongli can’t possibly be that smart if someone like you is sweeping him off his feet,” Scaramouche taunted. 

Childe just rolled his eyes. “You’re an asshole.” 

“I’m just being helpful!” 

And sure enough, they were talking about Zhongli. 

Azhdaha tried not to think about it. It didn’t matter. It didn’t! He and Zhongli had broken up months ago. Of course one of them would move on. It was time. But still, it hurt. 

Hearing about them doing things he and Zhongli used to do, made him bitter. How did Zhongli not feel anything? Did he not get nostalgic or even sad? 

Azhdaha and Zhongli did dinner and museums, not Childe and Zhongli. That was just wrong. 

But sure enough, they were. 

Then Azhdaha would see them on campus and it was obvious there was something going on between them from there. 

Childe never missed a moment to have his hands on Zhongli. He’d always be touching him even if they were innocent touches where Childe would put a hand on his shoulder or his waist. Zhongli never shied away from them and Azhdaha just couldn’t look away. 

No matter how much he didn’t want to care, Azhdaha still cared. It didn’t matter if he went out for drinks with his other friends and found someone to spend the night with. He still thought of Zhongli. Even in the morning when he’d wake up full of regret and see the other person in bed next to him, he’d think of Zhongli. Especially since all those hookups always seemed to resemble the man. 

Then one day, Azhdaha truly found his demise. He’d stumbled upon Childe’s social media and the man practically posted every other hour it felt like. There were so many pictures of him and Zhongli with the cringy captions too. But Zhongli looked happy in all of them. 

Zhongli had moved on. It was over. And Azhdaha had to accept it. 

When Zhongli graduated, he’d invited everyone to attend if they’d like to, and being the masochist Azhdaha was, he went. 

Everyone was there and it was a happy occasion. Zhongli’s parents were there and they’d greeted Azhdaha, happy to see him but they’d practically tackled Childe into their embrace. They liked him a lot. 

Childe was respectful and was clutching a bouquet of flowers in his arms and Azhdaha knew those flowers. They were Zhongli’s favorites. They were for Zhongli. 

When Zhongli finally walked over to them after the graduation had ended, Childe practically met him halfway, wrapping his arms around him. 

“Look at you!” Childe praised him. “You did it!” 

Then the year was over and Azhdaha didn't have to watch them anymore. Childe also graduated a few days after Zhongli with his bachelor’s and apparently he wasn’t going into higher education, no, he was a trust fund baby according to Venti. Great, even more salt in the wound. 

But time passed and Azhdaha would occasionally check on their social media just to see how Zhongli was doing. It was a strange feeling, watching Zhongli live his life without Azhdaha. It was like watching him forget their relationship. Azhdaha didn't even see him anymore, would just hear about him whenever he asked Venti and Xiao who were still around campus. 

Then a few months later Azhdaha saw the final nail in the coffin. It should’ve been obvious, he should’ve seen it coming. 

It was a picture on Childe’s social media. A picture of him holding Zhongli’s hand, a massive ring on one of his fingers. Just a simple caption to such a huge event. 

He said yes! 

Just like that, Azhdaha realized life went on, with him or without him and it was time to let things go. There was no use dwelling on the past.