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Diluc was pretty.
He was pretty, with long red hair, constantly furrowed brows, and a frowning expression.
But Diluc was prettiest when he smiled, Zhongli thought to himself. When Diluc smiled he glowed. He shone like a star, and Zhongli wanted to be burned alive by it. It was delicious, he wanted just to take him, take him away. When he glared up at Zhongli like he was nothing- like he didn't matter- oh, that sent shivers down Zhongli's spine.
But the worst part was that Diluc did not care for him. He just knew Zhongli existed.
And that was the best part. Of course, Diluc treated him with respect, but only the bare minimum, nothing more and nothing less. It was so crude to treat a god this way. But dear lord, did he love it. He adored it.
But it scared him.
Did he like a mortal this much? It was alarming. He knew Diluc would... pass, one day. But it seemed so far. It seemed so... far away, he thought. It seemed like he'd never die, with his furious glares and deep determination. And the way he fought- it was perfect. Breathtaking. How could a mortal like that... die?
Zhongli couldn't comprehend it. He didn't... understand. How can someone so brave and beautiful leave this world? How is that fair? How is someone so unique so- so, so fragile!
And the more he worried, the more Zhongli realized he cared far too much. He had to stop. He had to let go of these feelings.
But when Diluc smiled so affectionately at him, what else can he do?
Not fall in love? That'd be impossible with Diluc. He was perfect.
Oh, Zhongli wanted him all to himself. To protect him, since he was so human. Yes, that's right. He was human, right? He was so delicate, he needed a god's protection. Zhongli would give him that! It'd be so easy-
But as his plans went through his head, he felt himself grow more and more nervous. How was he this obsessed with a human?
But with Diluc, can you blame him?