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As a travelling merchant, you had a knack for bumping onto suspicious people and illegal gatherings. It was a journey you invited to your life and although, it was a bit rocky (quite literally) and you had to get past hurdles you almost couldn’t see yourself edging onto, it was a tolerable experience.
Traversing Liyue had its perks — first of all, it was the delicious food Wanmin Restaurant had to offer, they sold interesting dishes created by their young daughter. The harbor took you a month or two getting used to. The shops were stacked and it was so profound in business and its trading system was incredibly professional. You couldn’t have expected anything less from the city founded and looked over by the all-mighty God of Contracts and mora. It was as wealthy as rumored. Second of all, you got some pretty good exercise off of mountain climbing. The mountains and hills were all so humongous, nature bloomed everywhere too. There was structure almost every direction you looked, but it maintained its cultural ambience that you found rather beautiful. Lastly, it was the scenery down Liyue Harbor. A place where the sun shone down on and everyone would bathe under the sunlight, multiple ships docked by the harbor where fishing equipment was prepped, and at night, several lanterns would glow. The light reflecting off of the clean crystal water was enough to make you gaze upon the breathtaking background in silence.
It was so… stunning.
But you knew you didn’t come here for sightseeing. You had a job to do. Selling your variables down the dock was a little difficult considering your collection didn’t seem appealing at all to the eyes of many. Who even, after all, would be interested in a bunch of colorful sets that were made of plastic, thread and paint? They could purchase something even better from a far bigger person in the place.
You did take great pride in your crafts — it was but a bunch of prototypes of the legendary artifact sets you’d read in a book. Your personal favorite, the Viridescent Venerer, it was the only artifact set you’d genuinely enjoyed making to the best quality. There were, of course, other ‘artifact sets’ laid on the plain cloth that you tinkered with your own two hands and a few tools such as the Maiden’s Beloved, Heart of Depth, Lavawalker, and Thundersoother. You had more, but for now, you could only sell these specific sets.
Being a runaway was not as fun as you’d thought. It wasn’t easy living on the streets selling your creations.
You let out a small sigh, your hands already arranging your backpack and stuffing your fake artifacts in it. No customers again for today. How many days had it been already? You’d arrived in Liyue Harbor around two months ago, and turned in a document to have your booth up a week later — yet in those two months, only about one-third of your collection had been bought and a majority of them were kids! You eyed your dusty bag, frowning as you dug out your small pouch of mora; judging from its weight on your palm, you already knew it wasn’t going to be enough to last you for next week.
Your eyes closed and your chest fell into a sigh. Your moment of silence was cut short and your voice broke into a sudden shriek as soon as you felt a body tumble towards you. You didn’t even have the time to react when they just ran off, your pouch of little mora stolen grubbily. Your eyes widened, your head directing towards the route they fled to and in a state of panic, you couldn’t speak. You spun around in desperation, noticing people around you just ignoring what happened — their expressions were crippled with guilt but they didn’t move to help, nor even call the Millelith!
“H-Help! A Treasure Hoarder! H-He stole…!” You choked on your words, the people turning their backs on you and you almost felt your heart drop at their ignorance.
You looked back at the path where the thief ran to. His back was becoming a blur, he was running away with your last bit of income. You had nothing else. Tears cornered your peripheral vision and you immediately grabbed the strap of your backpack in haste, your shoes skidding forward to run after the treasure hoarder.
“Stop! S-Stop right there—ah!” You yelp, your body bumping onto a wooden crate, your body tumbling forward that sent your mess flying. Your eyes could only narrow into the growing silhouette the hoarder was running to now.
He’s running away. Your money, your last savings—!
But as soon as you blinked, it was as if all anguish and desperation you’d felt had been emaciated. The anger and frustration you’d just been feeling had gone poof in an instant, replaced with curiosity and astonishment. Staring ahead at you was the body of the treasure hoarder, his stature paused in mid-air but… there was something else.
A strong gust of wind and… maple leaves? You recognized this aura, this presence — it was that young quiet man from Inazuma. You heard he bore a vision, but you were yet to observe him in action. The quiet ‘shing!’ of his blade told you he had just sheathed his sword, your feet immediately sloppily doing standing up on its own to fetch your belongings.
You scrambled up to get a closer look and there he was. The quiet maroon-eyed male who supposedly escaped Inazuma to live a better life here. You’d never seen him before. And him right in front of you… he appeared rather a little too elegant and fit for a rumored ronin.
The white-haired young man turned to you, his eyes opening to meet yours. Cerise oculars gazing into yours, and immediately you could sense this man was no ordinary individual. You stood there awkwardly with a shaky frown, blinking but body remaining unmoving in case he had to say something. You had never talked to him, much less seen him this close. You’d only watched him from afar and having the opportunity now, it was much more intimidating than you’d admit.
Was it because he was a vision-bearer? No, not possible. You’d spoken already with humans like him that could manipulate elements; so what about this man did make things so different?
You flinch instinctively when his right hand that’d been wrapped in thin gauze reached something out for you to take. “This must be yours.” His voice — you noted — velvet smooth and pleasant to hear, yet raspy and breathy as if he’d screamed at the top of his lungs and lost his chords somewhere. It sounded like he was tired yet so full of spright. He sounded lovely.
You couldn’t respond, your voice not working like you wanted it to. You were still staring deep into those vermilion irises of his, adrift and absent but not wanting to come back. He was much prettier up close than you’d expected. White hair that’s been tied into a small low ponytail to the right, a distinguishable red strand casted out, his skin fair and pale, his getup very Inazuman-like — a samurai in the flesh. It oozed out of him and you could feel your skin prick lightly at the realization this man was dangerous yet at the same time gentle.
“Excuse me?” His voice knocked you back to reality once again, your head shaking into it.
“H-Huh?” You stammered, mentally punching yourself for the obvious display of awkwardness. Your eyes cast downwards and you jumped slightly, almost a little too instantly snatching the pouch of mora from his hand and shoving it into your shorts’ pockets. “I-I’m sorry, I got… distracted.”
He blinked slowly, turning away from you. “I see…” He trails off before facing the treasure hoarder, “well, this man should go pay the Millelith a visit. I will see you around.”
You stiffen, gawking at his figure that was now dragging the thief’s body behind him. “W-What—that’s it?”
The young man turned to you, his head tilting over to look at you. “What do you mean?”
“I-I mean… thank you! For… giving me back my mora…” You stuttered.
‘Don’t expect too much, (Y/n). You’ve never met before. He isn’t going to introduce himself to you just because of this.’
The samurai nods, “It was no trouble. It’s only right for a good person to take action if someone is in need.” And just like that, he left.
Day how-many-days-has-it-been. It had already been over five days since you’d seen that young man; since that happened. Now, you weren’t begging for treasure hoarders to come steal your money again just so he can come save you again, but you were a bit interested in seeing him again — knowing his name at least. You’d asked the people at the dock his name, but they knew so little of him; saying he doesn’t speak much.
“Thank you for your purchase!” You smiled at the young girl who’d bought a Maiden’s Beloved flower-artifact. The girls really loved the color pink, you noted. You should make more soon. You waved goodbye at the little girl, her little feet taking her back to her mother where she showed off proudly the tiny brooch you’d crafted.
Your wave faltered slowly, facial expression now reducing into a blank face once her presence was gone. Business was as slow as usual.
“So you sell plastic artifacts.” A familiar voice resounds next to you. You let out a quick ‘eep!’ in response and turned head to see the same white-haired young man from days before. He looked up to meet your eyes, “They’re quite beautiful. Did you make them yourself?”
You panic, but slowly compose yourself. This was it, right? You wanted to meet him again, so go for it!
“U-Uhm, I think it’s rude to talk to strangers so… may I know your name first?” You started off hesitantly before mentally beating yourself up. What the hell did you mean by knowing his name first!? Customers have every right to ask about your products! “I-I mean—!”
The young man let out an amused chuckle, leaning backward to stick out a hand. “My name is Kaedehara Kazuha. And you?”
You blinked owlishly at him, reluctantly returning the handshake. “Oh. I’m (Y/n).” You introduced, not as formal as his, but it would suffice from his reaction. “Yes, I did make these.”
“From what materials, may I ask, aside from plastic?” He asked and you had to take a step back to make sure and ask yourself; was it illegal?
Were you even selling things here legally? You had a permit, didn’t you? Was making fake artifacts not in the contract? Kaedehara looked smart and analytical. You don’t know how long he’s been here but you bet he’d already memorized the rules of the harbor quicker than you did. Perhaps there was an unspoken rule you’ve never heard of that people in Liyue just never talked to you about?
“W-What do you mean?” You stutter, heart rapidly beating in slight nervousness. You weren’t doing anything irredeemable, were you? “Just letting you know, I had my permit properly and legally signed by Yanfei herself so—”
Kaedehara’s soft laughter cut through your panicky state and you stopped yourself from explaining further seeing his relaxed posture. His hand waved dismissively, letting you know you should calm down a bit.
“There is no need to worry. I’m only asking out of genuine curiosity.” The anemo-vision wielder grins, “But you look as if you’re asking for some type of trouble, if that is so, I do believe I might not be the right person to serve you such penance.” His tone indicated he was teasing you but you honestly couldn’t have expected such a contrasting personality from when he’d just turned his back to you days ago.
“Ahaha… haha… ha..” Awkward laughter, your best friend.
Kaedehara took notice of your discomfort and took a step back. “I apologize, I must’ve made you feel unsettled. It is, indeed, not quite like of me to force my position onto others.”
Your head snaps back to face him, flailing your hands in front of him, “No, no, there’s no need to apologize!” Your sudden outbursts, if anything, probably would’ve scared him instead than his gentle demeanor. “If anything, I should be thanking you properly from days ago. You really saved my skin there. Without my mora, I…” Your smile falters, shaking your head. “Never mind, I really am thankful for you though. Is there any way I can repay you?”
“I assure you, it’s not nece—” The young man raises a brow.
“No, no, I assure you that I am perfectly capable of entertaining someone of your league!” No you were not, but you had to say something for him to feel like he won a bargaining on something here with you.
Kaedehara muses in thought, his hand going under his chin to rest. “It really is no problem at all and I didn’t do it expecting something from you in return, but if you must insist then…” He smiles innocently, eyes gazing up towards the sunlight that peeked through the translucent clouds. “I request of you to watch the drowning sunset with me by Guyun Stone Forest. There is a place there that I am quite fond of resting on and you… you might need a moment to gather all your thoughts as well.”
“H-Huh? I expected something like treating you to food or something—”
“Nonsense. I’ve just had my fair share of courses in the restaurant nearby. I’d also prefer not to be the reason you run out of mora so soon,” he teases.
“But I can’t leave my booth here, Kaedehara, and Guyun Stone Forest is so far away—” You were cut off with his index finger placing itself onto your lips, shushing you effortlessly.
The young man smiles at you. “You can bring your things with you, I don’t mind extra baggage. The wind will carry us thus far, you need not worry of the load you might carry with. And also,” he turns to you, a pleasant and comforting smile that erupted you with warmth, “you may refer to me as simply Kazuha.”
You give him an owlish stare, blinking repeatedly and shaking your head. “O… kay then? You’re more affectionate than I thought you’d be.”
“’Affectionate’? Do not misunderstand, I’m just aware how much of a mouthful my clan’s name is.” Kaede—Kazuha—said, chuckling under his breath. “Now, let’s move. If you need assistance with your things, I’m offering to help you with—”
“No, it’s fine!” You cut him off, laughing awkwardly and loudly. “I can… I can handle it myself.” You finish, heaving a sigh.
The white-haired young man shrugs it off and proceeds to make his way to his little boat that you just realized he docked it to nearby your post. He’s always been this close and you never see him? Maybe he docked at different places, or because his presence was just never at all that easy to detect because he looked like a fellow who practiced in hiding his identity to avoid any enemies locating him.
He steps into the wooden craft first to make sure it was stable enough to carry two, the wobble was visible before you stepped in with accompaniment from the man himself. His bandaged hand raised up slightly for you to take, and you gratefully accepted, one boot taking a pace inside the boat.
He lets go of your hand gently as soon as you’d settled yourself by the bench before sitting in front of you, grabbing both oars to strongly carry the boat and its passengers back to Guyun Stone Forest. The ride was quieter than you’d expected — not that you’d hoped for any conversation out of his lips, his silence still was gratefully accepted. You wouldn’t know how to respond to him anyway considering you had nothing to share. You doubted someone like him had much to tell either too.
As he rowed the boat, you indulged yourself in the view before you both. The ocean was sparkling; crystal-clear and pristine. The sky was a beautiful shade of cerulean and dabbed with innocent cotton swabs for clouds, fluffy and inviting as they moved above you in the various abstract of shapes. Liyue Harbor was kilometers away and the growing silhouette was beautiful even from this distance, you could practically draw the lining of the docks and the boats that were anchored by the bridges. And in front of you were tall mountains that loomed high, like a steep cliff where a proud lion growls out its superiority amongst all other creatures in its abode. Forest ivory, planks the same shade as oak and redwood, pebbles and sea conches by the shore — it was a sight to behold.
And the man in front of you, you had to admit, defeated all that fairytale-like scenery with just a relaxed smile plastered on his lips. His beauty was unparalleled, you could say. It was as if he’d grown up unstained from any prominence of evil or whatnot. Regardless, you stared and the more you did, his eyes just kept pulling you in. Like gravity and fate combined beckoning you to come take a closer look into those crimson irises of his.
“You like to stare a lot, don’t you?” Kazuha suddenly spoke up. You flinch, head immediately facing the left as a wild blush ran rampant across your face.
“U-Uhm…” You stammer, hands clutching the hem of your blouse. “It’s… a habit.” You lied…? You weren’t even sure if you were lying — it was definitely something you did way more often than you should. But who could blame you? The view was spectacular and the rower was attractive. Any sane person would be staring, of course!
Kazuha gives you a cheeky grin. “I have to agree with you. The scenery really is something to admire.” He breathes out as he looks around, hands still on the oars as he continues to paddle to his usual anchor-point. “It’s… a place so different compared to my homelands.”
You turned to him, seeing him look melancholic. Did he miss it?
“No, enough about the past. I would prefer not my mind to linger in a dark place, but rather focus on the present where beauty beholds above all else. Wouldn’t you agree?” The tone in his voice sounded like he was shoving back the preserved regret he held within, as if he was forcing himself to not remember — so you ought to keep your mouth shut and nodded along.
He set anchor nearby a waypoint you just noticed and you gave him a perplexed expression, wondering why you didn’t just teleport your way here. He takes your hand as he gets off first to help you off and he, in question, shrugs. “It’s not as if I can just leave my boat behind now, can I?”
Good point.
He and you tread across the stony pathway, the occasional sand meeting the undersides of your boots, seawater whiplashing by the soles and wetting your kneecaps. Kazuha’s slippers surprisingly stayed dry while you were wet shin below. The mountains were as tall as you’d seen from the distance in Liyue Harbor. They were… intimidating. These were the legendary spears that Liyue’s god, Rex Lapis, used as weapons, didn’t he?
What a strong and omnipotent visual he’d left behind for his people.
The path to the place he’d mentioned was at the top of the highest stone-mountain. And just gazing up at it almost broke your neck from even trying to catch a glimpse of the peak of it. Kazuha looked unbothered and it envied you just a bit that his stamina could carry him to the top with no worries. If you fell, he’d catch you, right? He wouldn’t bring an unlicensed and improperly geared person to the top, won’t he?
Your stamina had greatly increased since traversing Liyue but did that mean you were good? Heavens no. If you fell, only Death would come knocking at your door. Kazuha noticed the apprehension in your face and smiles gently, his bandaged hand reaching to grab ahold of your wrist. “I’ll be with you all the way. You don’t have to be afraid.” And you almost swooned, believing his words instantly as you allowed him to take the lead, all faith going to him.
The trek to upwards the unusually-shaped and sky-high boulder was a hard one, you had to admit. Kazuha’s vision — Anemo, you took notice — had made it easier for the both of you by lunging himself upwards with your hand in his. His grip was tight but your pulse stayed consistent.
Eventually, you two had reached the very top, the grass above swayed, a few qingxin flowers and some ferns were seen. Kazuha wipes his arm on his forehead, sighing in relief as he shoots you a pleasant smile, eyes crinkling into crescent moons as he gestures towards the view with one bandaged hand. You blinked as you stepped closer — a great view only awaited at the edge of the tall tower-like boulder; the way down was a long one and you could only fear what would come if you take one more foot to the front.
But your crippling anxiety aside, the sight definitely was one for sore eyes.
The sun was beginning to set; the bright warm colors setting and basking you in orange, yellow and red and a tinge of violet to contrast the hues. It was warm, but your skin wasn’t burning — no, you relished in the feeling. The grass tickled your ankles and the view was… breathtaking, ethereal, unbelievable even.
And you laughed, letting the exhaustion sweep you over your feet as you let your body collapse on the dirt, a big bright smile overtaking your features as your dominant hand shielded your eyes from the scorching ray of sunlight. Small geo crystalflies surrounded you as you rolled over the lush green herbs, spotting Kazuha just sitting beside you as he, too, allowed himself to relax by the sunlight.
“You seem to love it here as much as I do.” He murmurs through your deafening happiness.
He was right. You did love it here — you’ve never felt so free. And he came here when he wanted to relax? There was no denying it, you were completely at this feeling’s high.
“I do…” You laugh, breathy as you rolled once more to look at him. A soft smile was curled up on his face as he watched you take in the feeling of freedom; the feeling that this view would last eternity; that it would never break you down or stress you out. “I really do…” It took you a few more minutes — when the sun dipped completely that you finally sat up from your position, rubbing your arms as you puff out a breath of air. “Ah man, it gets chilly at night, doesn’t it?”
“Of course. If you’re cold, I can go grab a few sticks and make us a campfire.” He suggested but you shake your head.
“No, it’s okay.” You smiled at him, “It’s already enough for you to share this wonderful place with me already.”
Kazuha returns the smile and nods, taking his seat once more before letting his eyes flutter to a close. “What was your life like before you’d left Sumeru?” The sudden question took you aback, slightly surprised he even knew your whereabouts.
Your head spun to look at him, “How’d you know I'm from Sumeru?”
“I didn’t actually, but I’ve had my suspicions. You weren’t being discreet with the accent. Not to mention, your artistry. It’s quite something to boast about. I’ve only heard of Sumeru people being quite crafty.” The male simply chuckles as he explains before red eyes met yours. “So?”
You hesitated. He’d gave you this much, shouldn’t you at least answer his question?
“Well… I was…” You started off, already pausing as you were unsure how to go on with the story. “I’m a runaway.”
He did not budge nor mutter, just a listening ear. And maybe that was exactly what you needed. He provided you this wonderful space to think, he mused earlier — this was it, but the situation felt more dreadful than anything. It was your first time in forever opening up about something that mainly involved you, after all.
“I’ve always been a major bookworm for artifacts… visions… heroes and all that—but my family didn’t like that. I was born into a very strict bloodline. Regal, perfect, delicate and fragile. They were shaping me into a woman who depended on the stronger ones. I despise that so much.” You paused, looking at him with a crooked smile. “So I ran away. No plan in mind—I just packed my bags and said ‘I’m leaving’. I might’ve left with no plan in mind, but I’ve never felt freer than I am today.”
Kazuha maintained his silence.
“You’re from Inazuma. You know that feeling, don’t you?” Your words struck something within him, but the albino-haired young man kept his lips shut. “Anyway, enough about me. Your hand,” you suddenly bring up as you referred to his right hand that’d been wrapped with gauze, “what happened?”
Maybe you were being too nosy. But his expression remained stagnant; unmoving.
“A Vision Hunt Decree has taken place in my home. I’ve only ever fought so hard for my life to escape the guards and that dreadful prison.” Kazuha took one look at his bandage-wrapped hand, a frown now replacing that amused smile on his face. “An old friend of mine couldn’t get past the hands of death and he fell a fool for it.” He paused, exhaling through his nose as he turned to you. “His vision burned in my hand—that was when I knew he has now entered a different realm, a place we are yet to enter.”
His way of speaking hit harder than you’d expected it to be. Him being in Inazuma, you should’ve seen it coming that his burdens would be heavier than yours could ever be, but finally hearing it from the man himself, it really stung to know he’d been through so much suffering in that place.
“I’m… sorry to hear that.” You whispered, frowning. “I’m sure your friend is glad at least you managed to get out.”
Kazuha shook his head. “No. He faced against the Raiden Shogun herself. He wanted to fight for his freedom, not to escape Inazuma.”
Your jaw went slack, eyes going wide. “Huh? Your friend challenged the Electro Archon?!” He nodded only and it left you bewildered. “That’s… that’s insane. Why would he…”
“Not even I know what was going through his head when he stood in front of her.” Kazuha shrugs, shaking his head all the while. “Perhaps it was his fate, or perchance it was the sight he wanted to see. I’m sure he was aware that he had no chance, but… he proceeded to stand his ground. How brave,” he muses before his eyes twinkling with grief, “or foolish?”
“I never knew your friend but… I think it was really admirable how he decided to fight for your nation’s freedom even when he knew his chances of winning were slim to none.” You mumbled, frowning.
Kazuha turned to you, sighing as he plops his back down on the grass. “I’m aware.” He closed his eyes, images of his friend’s body bleeding passing by once more in his head haunting him. “Though I wish he at least considered the feelings of those around him.”
The silence was deafening but at the same time appreciated. You couldn’t break the ice, nor could he. It was just the wind playing its same tune, breezing past you both in harmony, syncing with the grass’ light swaying.
“Well, it’s getting dark. Would you like to head back?” Kazuha asks you, sitting up once more. “I’ll accompany you.”
You stiffen, rubbing the back of your neck as you smiled awkwardly. “I… don’t really have a place to stay though. Is it alright if I stay here?”
The samurai frowns. “It’s dangerous up here. You might fall in your sleep or be attacked by hilichurls or abyss mages.” The imagery of your body getting dismantled and pricked to death by monsters were definitely terrifying, but you’d take the risk.
“I can handle them,” you reassured him, showing him your weapon — a crowbar. It wasn’t much against an abyss mage but it would suffice to bash a few hilichurl heads in if necessary, “plus, don’t you worry, I’ve got a few rations left.”
Kazuha chuckles, petting your head, smoothing over the strands on top. “I shouldn’t have doubted you. But still, I’d rather not fret over your well-being all night. You’d be safer in the Harbor.”
“Says the boss then.” You smiled back, a bashful red blush coating your cheeks as his.
It’d already been a few weeks since that day he took you to that astonishing view. And unsurprisingly, you two had been closer than ever. You got to know him better and so did he to you. You could call him your best friend at this point! He had the weirdest sense of humor, finding play of words funny—
“Ugh, that whopperflower was such a chicken! Better give it a new name… a uh, a whoppercoward, that’s what!”
And he just started laughing right then and there.
Though, you had to admit, you were no better than him. He laughed at the silliest (unintentional) jokes and you cackled over things that just made no sense or wasn’t even funny at all.
“There’s the main road. The waterfall is in sight as well, we should hurry—why are you laughing?”
You’d picked up a few things as you two journeyed over the lands of Liyue. He was already a wandering samurai in Inazuma, converting into a wandering traveler in hopes of reigniting the dead vision in his keep. His desire know the answer to his questions were there and you felt a little pathetic not being able to provide a single one to them. That aside, you’d also found out that he was a bit of a perfectionist — not what you’d expected from Kazuha. He was quite the adventure-loving young man too. Or perhaps he just really liked gliding around Cuijue Slope, and seeing that big smile on his face as he did, lit up your days more than anything ever did.
For pairing chemistry, it was pretty simple. He did the fighting and you did the looting.
The man, on his own, was already an experienced traveler (not that surprising coming from him, honestly) but he let you take the lead for camping sites and food rationing for you to feel less useless travelling with him. Every so often though, he’d mumble something under his breath and would push you behind him telling you to pick a safer place.
You can’t count enough with ten fingers how many times he’s saved you both with his amazing sense of hearing and smell.
Aside from the regular adventuring, you continued crafting those fake artifacts and oftentimes, he’d help or watch you work. Then you’d stare at him for hours shining his blade. And the cycle continued for days on, but you were content.
He wasn’t though. And you knew that.
So you knew you had to do something.
It wasn’t until the legendary Captain Beidou came into the picture that things took a turn. She’d came asking for ‘Kaedehara Kazuha’, having heard that the young man was a wanted man from Inazuma who bore samurai mannerisms and performs beautifully in swordsmanship. Of course the boisterous pirate had to get him on her ship, even if just for a bit.
“… and that’s about as much benefit you can get from us. What do you say, kid? You in?” Beidou had two hands on her hips, smirking as she confidently stood in front of you and Kazuha who were sitting on the ground.
“I must thank you for the offer, Beidou.” He bows his head respectfully, pausing. “I would jump at the opportunity seeing being a recruit under your wing would aid me greatly in my travels but,”
Beidou raises a brow. “But?”
“I will have to refuse. My friend and I are travelling together.” Kazuha spoke up and you flinched. He was refusing something so beneficial for you? Was he serious?
“I can’t see an innocent chick playing pirate on my ship though. She’ll be in constant danger and she doesn’t look well-protected.” The brunette refers to you and you would have been offended, but truthfully, she spoke honest. Compared to Kazuha, your arts in fighting was not as specially-trimmed and practiced. He, on the other hand was bred of more regal cloth.
“Kazuha…” You speak up. The young man turns to you, curious. “You don’t have to hold back for me. This is the lifetime chance you’ve been waiting for. An opportunity to light up that vision again—someone this powerful is actually inviting you. You wouldn’t want to miss this, right?”
The albino frowns. “But—”
“I know, that’s why…” You bit your bottom lip, cheeks turning red from embarrassment as you dig out a small green flower of glass and plastic. You grab his bandaged hand and curled his fingers around the artifact you’d specially crafted for him. “A keepsake. Promise me you’ll take care of it?”
He was quiet. And Kazuha gaped at you, unfurling his fingers to inspect the artifact closer. Beautiful and intricate, as he should’ve expected from your handiwork. He put his attention back on you, smiling, “Of course.”
Beidou clears her throat, “Well? Are you in?”
Kazuha clutches the artifact, standing up from his spot and pulling you up as well with another hand, the injured one effortlessly tying it to his right hip.
“I’m in.”
You smiled at your best friend who reciprocated that same gentle expression you wore.
“Goodbye Kazuha,” you whispered, stepping closer to give him a warm hug, “I hope you find a way to rekindle the light in that vision.”
He chuckles breathily, tightly hugging you back. “Thank you for accompanying me the past few weeks. My days have been so much livelier with you in them. I, in turn, wish you eternal happiness.”
“We’ll… we’ll see each other someday… right?” Your voice cracked, eyes actually welling with tears. You’d grown more attached to him than you’d initially thought. “… I’ll miss you.”
“As do I. Don’t cry, goodbyes are temporary with me. Do not forget, I am still a wandering traveler. If it goes wrong, I’m off to set on a new journey once more. Perchance we may see each other then.” Kazuha smiles at you, tucking your hair behind your ear.
You sniffle, burying your face into his chest as you tried to enjoy the little amount of time you had left with him.
“… Goodbye, (Y/n). I will see you next time.”
“Goodbye, Kazuha.”
He finally left with Beidou. And you were off to leave Liyue and settle elsewhere. Business was done here for now. Like Kazuha said, maybe if fate makes it so, you two could cross paths once eventually.