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Xiao wasn't one for crowds. He sat with you in a private study room at the library, planning to nap while you studied. His friends had texted him earlier that day, mentioning that the senior trip was coming up and that if students don't find someone to room with, the teachers would partner them up. Xiao shuddered, reminded of all the girls that have tried to force themselves on him. Oh dear. If he were to be partnered with any of them... He shook his head, clearing the thoughts from his mind.
At first, Xiao was planning to room with Venti, but it turns out that Venti had already promised Kazuha. Venti had suggested that Xiao ask you but Xiao shook his head, explaining that he expected you wouldn't attend at all. Knowing you, you'd rather read books and draw the week away. Now, sitting across from you in the quiet room, he wonders if he should ask just for the sake of it. Who knows? Maybe you were going.
Xiao lifts his head from the table. "Hey, are yo-"
The door slammed open. "Y/N!"
You whip around, shushing the person. Xiao glares, growling under his breath.
"Ajax, this is a library!" You hiss (quietly, of course.) "And how'd you even know I was here?"
The ginger shrugs, unbothered, his grin unwavering.
"Anyway, I wanted to ask if you were going on the senior trip. Do you have a partner yet?"
You huff, rolling your eyes as you turn back around.
"Yes, as a matter of fact, I am going. As for my partner.."
Feeling Xiao's glare on him, Ajax sends him an amused smile. They're going to pick me, Xiao.
"You're looking right at him, Ajax."
The reactions are immediate. A sharp inhale comes from Xiao while Ajax freezes, mouth open in shock.
"Y-you...what?"
In his attempt to conceal his laughter, Xiao puts his head back on the table, shoulders shaking subtly.
You hum. "I think Zhongli needed a partner. Why don't you ask him?"
Xiao can barely bite his lips in time to stop the wheeze that fights to escape him. Oh Archons, this is great . When he finally hears Ajax leave the study room, Xiao can no longer hold back the laugh that bubbles out of him. Seconds later, your laugh joins in. Xiao decides during that moment that his favorite sound was your laugh mixing with his.
"Archons! Did you see the look on his face!?"
You two laugh harder. When the two of you finally calm down, Xiao backtracks.
"So, about the trip.."
You turn to him, eyes wide, feigning innocence. "Hm?"
Xiao looks at you pointedly. You sigh.
"Alright, fine. Sorry I lied and said I was rooming with you. I just wanted him to leave."
Xiao stares for a bit. "Are you actually going on the trip?"
You nod. "None of my friends have a spot for me though, so I guess I'll be matched with someone else."
Xiao's eyes flit around the room before landing back on you.
"If you'd like...you can room with me."
Your eyes widen.
"But aren't you rooming with Venti?"
Xiao shook his head.
"He's with Kazuha."
Your lips form an "o" shape.
"Can I really then? You don't mind?"
Xiao stands up from his seat, making his way to the door.
"I wouldn't have offered if I minded."
He opens the door and steps out, turning back to look at you.
"Study well. I'll see you back at the dorms for movie night with the group."
The door closes and he walks away, a small smile on his face. The tips of his ears glow a subtle pink in the golden light of the sunset that streams through the library windows.