Chapter Text
"Sweetheart, one day, you'll be able to find your fated partner too."
That was what Ningguang's mum used to say after every lesson.
Ningguang's maternal family had the ability to see red threads that tie two people's fates together. Because of this skill, her family has been running a matchmaking company since the 1900s.
To successfully pair a person up with their partner was a fun thing to do but it slowly got tiring as she, herself, hadn't met anyone else.
"Soulmate... How's it like having someone you can love and be loved?" The question popped up every now and then.
Until... she met Zhongli. A man she isn't fated to but love, nonetheless.
Everyday that she wakes up next to him, she keeps seeing his red thread that isn't tied to hers. So, who exactly could it be? And... When does she have to let him go?
"Beloved, what's wrong? You've been looking down recently," Zhongli asked her as he stroked her cheeks gently.
Ningguang leaned into his hand and turned her head to kiss his palm softly. Looking at their intertwined fingers, she sighed.
"Li... I haven't told you this but you and I," she grabbed his left pinky finger,"we aren't fated."
It could be that her latest client had made her feel miserable. The couple had each gone through tough events alone.
Scared, frustrated, and lonely. Those were their feelings before they met each other. But now? With the fated person by their side, they looked like they could fight the world and anyone who dares try to go against them. Truly the definition of "love conquers all".
Or, it could simply be that she desires to have children and nurture the kids together with Zhongli.
"You'll meet your soulmate one day.. and when that day comes, I don't think I can let you go so easily," she confessed as she stared deeply into his warm golden brown eyes.
He smiled. "I'm all yours and will forever be yours ever since we dated."
She knew that he was being sincere and honest with his words but for him to solely belong to her was impossible.
She caressed his cheeks and brought his neck down to her level.
"I'll always be yours, too, Zhongli."
Planting a soft kiss on his lips, she decided to believe his words and forget about it.