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Chapter Text

One thing about Kamisato Ayaka was that she thought she went unnoticed. She was popular in Inazuma city, and people loved her in away, but all in all, they didn’t know the real her. They had a picture in their heads of the younger Kamisato child, of elegance. But when Ayaka turns away, she was someone else.
She believed not even her brother or her best friend knew her. Well, to her best friend, there was some kind of difference, because Thoma was their house keeper, and she felt like he held back sometimes. Like he was scared to speak his mind. And Ayaka did not know how to soothe him. So there was no one who looked into her eyes and saw her.

The young woman sighed and put her pen down from the letter she had carefully crafted. It was already late, and now she was finally done for the day. It was too late to return to the Kamisato estate for the night, she had already known an hour ago. She sealed the letter and headed out the room. Ayato and Thoma were talking at the table of the inn in Ritou where they were staying.
Ayato smiled when he saw his little sister. “Here, we had a snack after dinner. Do you want something too?”, he offered her a plate with dango, which she happily took.
“That was the information letter of the festival. We’re good in the timing.”
Ayato nodded. “Thank you, Ayaka.”
Thoma nodded too. “I got answers to our invites too. We’re all set.”
A sigh of relief left Ayaka’s throat and she sat down too. “I’m very tired.”
Her older brother chuckled. “Take a break tomorrow, then. It’s fine, really.”

So, the next morning Ayaka did not follow her usual routine, she instead put on her fighting outfit and headed out towards the beach. It was still early in the day, she was used to waking up early. The sun was rising on the horizon when she reached the outskirts of Narukami Island and found a place to rest. She enjoyed the view silently, no human soul around her. She stayed until the sun had fully risen, the early morning hours passing quietly. When she continued her journey, she passed some people who did not recognise her, like a confirmation to her feelings that people did not know her. But it gave her a moment of calmness, and feeling like she was a normal daughter just enjoying her morning before returning home to her family.
When she was about to reach her favourite spot to rest, she had found hilichurls had taken the place, so she drew her sword with a little sigh. Sometimes she felt bad for the creatures, when she chased them away. It was a short fight, but long enough to draw the attention of a man wandering nearby. But by the time he had rushed over, Ayaka had chased the hilichurls away. She had already sat down and cleaned her blade.
Their eyes met when he was a few metres away. She gasped in shock when she recognized the man before her. It had been years since they had last met at yet another festival like the one her family was organizing in the moment.

“Kaedehara”, she mumbled, standing up, her blade still in the grass.
He smiled politely as he also recognized her. “Kamisato Ayaka”, he said her full name, and it sounded a little questioning, as if he was not sure it was really her. It sounded like song from his lips. Ayaka hated her heart dropped at the sound of his voice. She had thought of him a lot since they had met at the Irodori festival. Just the few months, it had begun to lessen, she finally managed to focus on other things again. And now this man was back. And caught her in a moment of not being her perfect self.

“I had not expected you to be the one who got in a fight here”, this perfect man said in that moment, now stepping closer. “But it’s refreshing to run into someone like you.”
She smiled, hoping he did not notice her shaking hands. His words made her heart flutter, and she wished they were something, that it would not just be her one-sided admiration.
“I like this spot, and the hilichurls were occupying it today. I hope they find another place for today”, she tells him. “Do you want to stay a moment?”, she asks, nervously, with a vague gesture to the grass and view.
He smiles softly and sits down next to the spot where she sat moments ago, and where she sat back down now.
“I would’ve expected you in the city though”, Kazuha says. “Isn’t there a festival a week from now? I was hoping to catch it.”

Ayaka can’t help but smile at him. “There is indeed. We’re in the middle of the stress of organizing it. But my brother told me it was best if I catch a break before.”
“I’m glad. The Inazuman festivals are one thing I miss on my journeys.” He breaks the eye contact. “There’s nothing quite like them.”
“I’ll make sure you get to enjoy a beautiful festival”, Ayaka blurts out, almost interrupting the man.

But he only laughs, while other would’ve been shocked at her impoliteness.
“I know you will”, he replies. “You told me that at the last festival I went to. Irodori, was it? Two years ago? You said you always want everyone to have a break from day to day life at the festivals and to have the most fun and enjoyable days.”
Ayaka now turns away to hide her flushed face. She could not believe he remembered something stupid like that. “It does sound like something I say.”
“Yes, you care about people, don’t you”, Kazuha says, ending with a little hum. “It’s admirable.”
Ayaka almost feels like her heart will jump out of her chest. She tries to play it off with a laugh. “Enough.” She finally feels strong enough again to look up. His eyes feel like they’re staring right through her outside. “So, nothing compares to Inazuman festivals?”

Kazuha shrugs. “They’re all hard to compare. Liyue’s lantern rite is beautiful, for example. But Inazuma is still where I grew up. There are so many memories.”
“I think I understand that”, Ayaka agrees. “But.. do tell me more. Like about Lantern Rite.”
Kazuha smiles at her. “It’s a beautiful sight, the harbour and all the lights. It’s breath-taking. It’s different than the fireworks here. They have fireworks too, but that is just a short moment, and then the sky is lit up by the lanterns for hours in the night. And it feels so calming. If you ever get the chance to experience it, don’t miss it.”
Ayaka feels the warmth in his words when he describes the place far away. “I wish”, she whispers, knowing it’s unlikely. There is too much keeping her in this place.

Kazuha hears it, and he doesn’t comment on it, and instead he starts telling her about all the things he’s seen, the festivals and celebrations he’s lived through, the strange traditions. He lets her live through his experiences, and the time passes without them even noticing. Ayaka has never felt more grateful for a break she made.
And one time, when she laughed until she ran out of breath, she catches the way he looks at her and her heart flutters again. She is not being her collected, calculated polite self, and she is glad he isn’t giving her a weird look for it. No, she feels seen. He’s seeing her real self. Even what she is still hiding, it feels like he knows.
“You would truly love it in Liyue, I think”, Kazuha says now. “It is definitely the most beautiful place I have ever been to.”

“I trust your judgement”, Ayaka answers. “But I fear I am too busy that my brother would let me go.” She sighs, her desire to run off is stronger than ever. Just for a few weeks. Just to see one other big city of Teyvat. Preferably with Kazuha at her side. But that just makes the wish more unrealistic.

“Well, you hopefully have a long life ahead of you”, Kazuha says. “Wishes are there to be fulfilled.”
Ayaka smiles. “That is a nice thought, Kaedehara.”
He laughs. “Hopefully not just a thought. I just hope someone like you stands for the thing that will make you happy too. Not just everyone else.” His stare seems to get more intense for a second, before he looks down. “Also, Miss Kamisato, do you want to drop the politeness? I feel better when people call me Kazuha.” Then suddenly, he starts wildly gesturing. “I don’t mean to be impolite. Uh, if you don’t want, just, just call me Kazuha, and I’ll keep as is.”

Ayaka can’t help but let out the hearty laugh when she sees him as nervous as now. “No, it’s okay. Kazuha”, she adds to her agreement, her eyes sparkling a little when she addresses him like a friend. He is a friend, now, definitely in a way. “Just, if we run into each other in public, we should not.”
Kazuha smiles brightly. “I would not dare, Miss Ayaka.”

She feels the blood rush to her face. “Drop the Miss for now, please”, she mumbles.
“I’m sorry”, he says genuinely. “I just thought it sounded nice.”
“It does, from you”, Ayaka blurts out, and she immediately wishes the ground would open up. Now, how did you act like that did not happen.
Kazuha’s eyes widen. “It does?”
Ayaka wishes she could just run off and die. “Well, uh, you know. I just, it doesn’t sound impolite. It’s…” She stops rambling. It’ll just get worse. “Now, what are you even doing in Inazuma?”, she tries to change the topic.

Kazuha blinks, once, twice. But he lets it go. “I came with a message, actually. I was at the Shogunate the past days, as I came as a messenger. And today I was going to look for your brother, actually.”
“Oh”, Ayaka makes. “I’m not trying to hold you up.”
Kazuha scoffs. “You’re not. It was nice to run into you here. Plus, it’ll probably make it easier to pin down your brother, as you likely are able to tell me his whereabouts. But”, he continues when she tries to speak up. “But I have time. If you let me, I’d like to continue our conversation.”

Ayaka can’t help but smile. It feels like straight out of a daydream. “Surely. If you want, we’ll talk until it is time to return to the houses. And then you can meet Ayato.”
Kazuha smiles back, softly. “I would appreciate that. I don’t get to entertain as many interesting conversations.”

“Oh, that is totally something I should’ve said. Kazuha, your stories of your travels are delightful!”
Kazuha laughs and he lets himself drop into the grass, facing the cloudless sky. “Delightful”, he repeats. “I don’t think anyone would agree. Ayaka, you’re just a fantastic audience. And you make just the right witty comments. I think you’ve changed my perspective on some things already today.”
Ayaka gazes down at his face without shame until he turns to her and she feels caught. “Kazuha, you must be exaggerating.”
“Oh I am surely not”, he says. “Honestly I am a little surprised. You are often very quiet when I met you before.”

Ayaka sighs. “I am, still. It just depends if I am just Ayaka, or if I have to be the Shirasagi Himegimi.”
Kazuha hums in response. “I understand. I think I too act different if officials are around.” A moment of silence captures them. “I am glad you feel comfortable right now.”
Again, they fall silent. He is looking up into her eyes and she feels her face flush for the hundredth time.
He opens his mouth as if he wants to say something but then doesn’t. Ayaka watches him re-think, knitting his eyebrows.
“What’s on your mind”, she asks boldly.

He bites his lips while thinking. “Just something. Don’t worry about it. I’ll tell you another time. Now, your turn to tell me something. Tell me about the upcoming festival.”
Who is she to turn away his request? And so she tells him, and they talk and discuss all kind of matters until the sun has long passed its highest point into the afternoon. They shared the foods they packed for a simple lunch, and Ayaka thinks she hasn’t ever relaxed as much.

It sucks when she has to get up. “We should start going to Ritou. It’s a walk, and Ayato is expecting me home for dinner. Otherwise he will never let me go without guard again if I break my promise.”
Kazuha laughs. “Having a caring sibling must be nice. Plus, you have me as your guard today. Though you are strong on your own. I am not sure I could beat you in a fight.”
“Oh, you’re kidding!”, Ayaka calls out. “I have not forgotten when you went against the Shogun. You are clearly stronger. And on your travels, you probably got more experience too.”
Kazuha laughs. “You think too highly of me.”

It ends in a promise to spar one day, before they move on to other topics. They don’t run out of topics to speak about as they make their way over the island, passing merchants and Konda Village.
Eventually, they arrive at the inn, and Ayaka’s feels her heart drop a little. The day is over now, her perfect dream of Kaedehara Kazuha. He was hers for some hours, and it gets taken away.
“I’m back”, Ayaka says when she opens the door to the shared room in which her brother is working now. “I ran into someone who was looking for you, brother.”
Ayato frowns when he hears her addressing him like this and stands up to greet their guest. Kazuha greets the commissioner politely.

“Kaedehara”, Ayato says, hiding his surprise. “A pleasant surprise. I believe it has been a while since we’ve had the honour.”
Kazuha nods, and Ayaka takes in his straight stance in this polite setting, and she knows what he meant, that he too acts different with officials around. It makes the relaxed day feel even more worth.
“I’ve come for two reasons I would like to discuss with you. If I should come back tomorrow, that would be understandable.”
Ayato shakes his head. “No, I have some time. Also, please stay for dinner afterwards, Kaedehara.” He turns to his sister. “Give us half an hour. Relax some more and get ready in the meantime.”

Ayaka nods, understanding he wants to discuss whatever it is without her first. She excuses herself. On her way to her room she runs into Thoma who can’t hide his curiosity. “What does our guest want?”, he whispers to Ayaka.
She shrugs. “Said he came as messenger to Inazuma and he’s coming directly from the Shogunate.”
Thoma hums. “And what did you do all day?”
The memories of the day run through her head and she blushes, but hopes Thoma can’t see it in the dim light of the hallway. “The typical. Went out into the nature and stared at the sea. You know me, Thoma.”
He frowns but lets her go.

She sits in the room after washing herself and changing for dinner. She keeps repeating Kazuha’s words to herself until someone knocks on her door.
Kazuha and her brother are chatting normally when Ayaka arrives, the food already served. She excuses herself and sits down.
The conversation stops and Ayaka nervously looks up. Kazuha’s eyes on her feel intense, and her brother is looking at her thoughtfully.

“Is everything okay, brother?”, she asks politely.
“Ayaka”, her brother says. “Kaedehara came with a request. Well, multiple ones, but one would regard you.”
Ayaka notices her hands shaking again and folds them up neatly on the table. “Go on.”

“The Liyue Yuheng has sent a request to Inazuma. It regards their Lantern Rite Celebrations. Ayaka, if you feel like it is not asked too much of you, would you agree to travel to Liyue and help them with their preparations?”
Ayaka processed her brother’s words, and her eyes shot to Kazuha, who was keeping a neutral smile, but in his eyes was a suspicious glint.
“If you agree to it too, then I would be happy to oblige and offer my help.” Ayaka was hoping her voice did a good job to restrain her excitement.

Ayato simply nods. “Alright. It would be a total of five weeks including the journey. While travelling, I’m putting you in Kaedehara’s and Captain Beidou’s hands. And I will send Koharu with you for further safety.”
Ayaka tries to hide the full extent of her excitement as they eat. She is surprised at how well Kazuha handles the polite conversation.

When Kazuha eventually excuses himself, Ayato holds him up. “I have one more question. Ayaka, can we have a moment?”
“Sure”, Ayaka says and stands up, fixing her clothing. “A pleasant evening, Kaedehara. I’m sure we will have the pleasure again during the festival.”
He returns the greeting, and she steps out of the room. She hears her name when Ayato starts talking, but is too well behaved to listen, so she walks away.
In her room she sits down on the wide windowsill, hoping to catch a glance of Kazuha when he leaves. It takes a few more minutes, until Kazuha steps outside downstairs. He seems to sigh out of relief before slowly taking off.

Seconds later, a knock on her door startles the young woman. She opens to see a servant of the inn. “A message was left for you.” She hands Ayaka a little letter.
“Thank you”, Ayaka mumbles, mind elsewhere, until the door closes.
The letter reads:
“Dear Ayaka, I hope I have not overstepped any boundaries. It was indeed requested that we get assistance from an Inazuman expert, but it did not come to my mind to ask you to travel to Liyue before today. I wish this journey is something you want. I look forward to more conversation with you. I hope you feel the same way. Sincerely yours, Kaedehara Kazuha.”
Ayaka could not suppress a squeal. A sweet little letter from her crush, what more could she want? Today was really her day. The man who had made her feel seen all day had opened the chance for her to finally get out for Inazuma for a while. And she would be travelling with him.
And his letter was composed politely, probably in case it fell into the fingers of someone other than Ayaka, but she could feel the little smile he must’ve worn while writing the words.

Chapter Text

When Ayaka leaves the inn a week later, the festival is about to begin. She hasn’t seen Kazuha in those days, calming herself from her “silly crush” a little. But also, she could not resist and she kept re-reading his note to her. She secretly hoped he was implying he had feelings for her, with the last sentences he had written, but then again, it was probably just a polite note, she told herself, she had to stick to reality. But Ayaka kept the note close, making sure it would not fall into her brother’s hands.
A group of kids waves at Ayaka from afar and she waves back as she makes her way. The town is filled with a happy atmosphere, there are more stands than usual and excited chatter was filling the air. Ayaka smiles, it was exciting to be opening the festival finally after many preparations.

A crowd of people had already gathered in the assigned spot for the opening when Ayaka arrives. A few of them cheer, probably already some early drinks in. Ayaka smiles as she steps up a small platform. Ayato is already standing there, ending his conversation when he notices his sister has arrived. Quickly, the chatter dies down and the attention all lies on their beloved Miss Kamisato.
She looks around in the crowd, seeing lots of familiar faces, but not able to find the face of the guy who is occupying her mind.

Ayaka clears her throat carefully. “Welcome all”, she speaks. When she has found her confidence, she holds her little speech as planned. The people cheer loudly in the end, and a lot of adults grab their first drinks. The kids get handed sweets, as Ayaka had organized and they all jump and run around excitedly. Ayaka can’t help but smile when she steps down the platform. Everyone is happy, and the atmosphere is just right. It was a success now.

“Well done”, her older brother appears behind her and pats her shoulder once. “I’m going to check out some stands with Thoma. Take care, sister.”

Ayaka nods, his usual words already so engraved in her mind. “Have fun, Ayato.”
She looks around once again when alone. He has to be there, right? Who would miss the first day of a festival when it was something you were looking forward to? She started making her way around, talking to some people at the food stands and trying some sweets. In a quiet moment she finally hears a familiar voice from further away, and so she looks around the next corner.
She can’t help but smile when she sees him with a group of children, squatting next to them and seemingly part of a street game they’re playing.

One of the kids ends up spotting her and runs up. “Miss”, she has sparkling eyes and Ayaka remembers her as the little daughter of an important trade partner. Ayaka greets her politely, making the little girl’s eyes brighten up with even more excitement.
“Miss, do you want to join us?”

“Nisa, you can’t just ask the Princess to play with us on the street”, a boy that seems a bit older scolds the girl. Now Kazuha’s attention has been drawn on her and he immediately stands up.

“It’s fine”, Ayaka declares. “It is a festival after all, and if you guys can get Kaedehara to play with you, I will not be missing out either.”
Kazuha chuckles quietly and Ayaka’s heart does the well-known flutter. The little girl drags her closer and she starts concentrating on the explanations of the game, because Ayaka does not have a lot of experience with the kids’ street games. There’s marbles, and places to throw them. Ayaka gives her best in the first round, and apparently she does well because the kids cheer.
She looks up and finds Kazuha’s eyes on her as he claps for her points. He smiles and Ayaka finally feels the success of the festival herself, and not just through others.

They play with the kids a bit longer, with Kazuha making the most points with his throws. When the kids close one round, Kazuha excuses them both to not join the next round.

“Shall we walk a bit, Miss Kamisato?”, his voice is smooth, more like his business voice. But in his eyes there is that sparkle that Ayaka has noticed before. “I hear they have some stands here that are truly worth a visit.”

Ayaka nods gracefully. “I’d be delighted.”

Now Kazuha breaks his role for a second, and Ayaka feels weak in the knees when she sees his happy, wide smile. They walk a bit, before he asks: “I trust you have received my note?”
“I have indeed”, Ayaka confirms. “I’m very grateful for the offering. I will do my best to help with the preparation on site.”

They stop at a stand and Kazuha orders them a glazed fruit snack that hits Ayaka’s taste just right. It’s sweet but not too much. When Ayaka has stopped complimenting the elder woman selling the snack, they continue walking.
“If you enjoyed that, you have to try Almond Tofu once in Liyue. It should be just your taste too, then”, Kazuha tells her.

Ayaka nods. “I plan on a lot of things already. You will have to give me advice what I absolutely cannot miss out on.”
“Sure, I would be happy to”, Kazuha agrees. “The crew will surely help you too.” He goes silent for a moment and stops walking. Ayaka looks back to him and stops too.
“Are you alright, Kaedehara?”

He looks around, and when no one seems to notice them, he steps closer to her. “Ayaka”, he says quietly, so no one notices the familiar approach. “Ayaka, will you watch the lanterns with me on the opening night?”

Ayaka’s heart beats faster, with him just within an arm’s reach in public, with the way he says her name. The question that sounds like he’s asking her for a date. She remembers his description of lanterns in the nights. She looks into his eyes firmly. “I would love to. But, one condition”, she adds. She smiles softly. “I want to release a lantern. I don’t know if I will ever go back to Liyue, this might be my only chance.”
Kazuha smiles back at her, softly brushing his fingers against her hand for just a split second. “I would love to do that with you as well.”

The touch of his fingers seems to burn into Ayaka’s skin and she releases a shaky breath. He seems to notice but he says nothing, he just continues to stare into Ayaka’s eyes like he is gazing right into her soul. “I can’t wait”, Kazuha instead says after a moment.
“Me neither”, Ayaka agrees. “I can’t wait to see the city you described to me that you seem to love so much.”

Kazuha steps back to her side now to continue their walk to the next stands. “And you definitely have to-”

“My, who do we have here”, he gets interrupted. Ayato and Thoma are standing in front of them. Ayaka waves at the two people she views as family.

“Commissioner”, Kazuha greets Ayaka’s older brother, and his voice has immediately changed back to professional. “Are you enjoying the festival as well?”

“Oh, clearly”, Ayato answers. There is a weird undertone to his voice that Ayaka doesn’t know of her brother. She fails to categorise it too. It reminds her of suspicion, but there is no one to be suspicious of, she knows that her brother appreciates Kazuha.

“You and your family has done a great job at organising. I was just saying to your sister how grateful I am to experience an Inazuman festival before leaving.” Kazuha smiles politely.

Ayato looks at Ayaka and back to Kazuha. “Thank you very much, Kaedehara. Would you like to get a drink? Thoma and I just got around and I could use a break.”

“I would be delighted”, Kazuha says politely, but his eyes says something else, the spark is missing. “Let’s go.”

Thoma grabs Ayaka’s arm lightly. “Wait, can I ask you something real quick? We’ll join them in a second.”
Ayaka stops and crosses her arms. “You answer me first. Why is Ayato acting weird?”

Her tall friend frowns. “You notice stuff like that?”

“Do you think I’m stupid?”, Ayaka whispers. “Did something happen?”
Thoma sighs. “Listen, I can’t tell you. I swear. Ayato would fire me and ban me from this land.”
Ayaka glares at him. “Then we’re going after them now.”

When they catch up, Kazuha and Ayato have sat down already and Ayaka sees Kazuha speaking. He seems to be a bit annoyed but he goes back to normal when he sees Thoma and Ayaka show up. Kazuha says one more thing to Ayato who scoffs in response. He starts speaking, and Ayaka gets close enough towards the end.

“-just want her safe.” Ayato stops. “There you are.” He smiles at his sister and his friend who sit down. Ayaka folds her hands neatly in her lap before she just chooses to ask the obvious. “Ayato, what is going on?”

“Nothing”, Ayato replies. “We were just discussing safety precautions for your travels.” Ayato taps the table. A server brings them the festival special drink. They thank the man before resuming.
“I see”, Ayaka says. “And why can’t I hear of your safety precautions that you had to make Thoma hold me back to discuss this?”

Kazuha’s eyebrows go up in surprise at the firmness in the voice of the otherwise so soft spoken girl, but ultimately, when he opens his mouth, he supports Ayaka’s brother. “It was really no big issue. We’ll explain everything to you once it is fully clear.”
Ayaka looks from one guy to the other, not believing a single word. But she met a dead end. None of them would tell her. It most annoyed the young woman that Kazuha did not admit anything either. Maybe he was not as perfect after all. She doesn’t say a single word during the rest of the conversation until she has finished drinking. Then, lucky for her, she spots a friend at the next stand. She excuses herself, not looking any of the guys into their eyes.

At first she exchanges small talk with Yoimiya who is in the middle of preparing for the firework the next day, the grand finishing touches.
“The kids said they played with you”, Yoimiya says curiously, it sounding more of a question.
Ayaka nods. “They had marbles.”
Yoimiya grins and leans closer to whisper a tease to her friend. “Marbles and Kaedehara Kazuha?”
Ayaka gives her a glare. “Shh”, she makes as if she could change her friend’s knowledge about her stupid crush.

The blonde laughs heartily. “You gotta do what you gotta do. I support you. Now tell me, I saw you with him and your brother and Thoma?”
“Ugh”, Ayaka makes a quiet sound. “Yeah, and Ayato is being strange. Like I told you, I am helping in Liyue with preparation, and Kazuha is the one responsible for safety on the travels. Apparently they were speaking about that, but I don’t really believe it. I don’t know what Ayato is doing now, I’m not sure if he’s really just scared something happens?”

Yoimiya listens carefully and thinks it over a moment. “He’s probably just scared to see his baby sister travel that far. You know, I’m worried too a little! I don’t want anything to happen to my friend.”

Ayaka still was not sure, but she accepted her fate. And once she was on the boat, she had five weeks to enjoy. And she could look forward to Lantern Rite with the guy she had feelings for. That meant a lot to her. She bid goodbye to Yoimiya when the blonde had to run after a delivery, promising to see her soon before leaving to Liyue. She looks around, seeing that her brother, Thoma and Kazuha had disappeared in the meantime. None of them were to be seen around on the festival either, and searching felt too exhausting. A break sounded nice, so Ayaka headed back to the inn. She laid down with a book in the shared room, planning to wait there for her brother and Thoma.

It took a while for them to return, but they were in the middle of a heated discussion when they did. They didn’t seem to notice Ayaka either.

“I need to know I can trust him. It’s a whole five weeks”, Ayato’s voice could be heard in the hallway first. Ayaka does not want to listen for the sake of her brother’s trust, but she stops reading immediately anyway.
Thoma seems to be sorting through the things they bought as there is a rustling sound. “I’m sure you can, Ayato. He is a man of honour. And he was honest with you that one evening recently. And he was right with what he said to you today, you also need to believe in Ayaka and the decision she makes. She’s no longer a kid.”
“I know! I know. I hate that he was right about it. And I do believe him. He’s not someone with ulterior motives, he acts too genuine. But…”, his voice trails off.
Thoma sighs and steps into the room. “If you’re that worried, then have a talk with Ayaka too. Some clarity on her view might help you ease your mind.”

“Welcome back”, Ayaka greets them as if she didn’t hear their conversation in the hallway. Thoma’s and Ayato’s eyes meet, a silent conversation over her head.
“I hope things went well with Kaedehara? I was afraid I might have been impolite when I left.”
Ayato shakes his head. “No, Ayaka, I think it was alright.”
“I’m glad”, Ayaka says curtly. She hopes her brother finally explains to her what is on his mind.

Ayato stares at her for a moment, as if he wants to say something. But in the end he just frowns. Nothing annoys Ayaka more than it, not knowing what he is thinking and what he is up to. But she says nothing. She cannot reveal to her brother that she heard what they said in the hallway. So she simply continues reading now.
Eventually, her brother too returns to his usual tasks.

When Ayaka is on her way to take a bath before going to sleep, one of the inn keeper’s hands her another note. She unfolds it with shaky hands, excitement from guessing who sent it. She skims over it and runs after the innkeeper. “How long ago did he leave this?”, she asks, a little out of breath, her eyes shiny.

“Not too long ago, milady”, the elder lady answer and smiles at her fondly. “If you go out now, I will stay up to keep the kitchen door open. And don’t worry about your brother, he won’t know.”
Ayaka blushes at her words, the lady’s knowledge of the world saw right through Ayaka’s crush. “Thank you”, she whispers and she rushes away, down the stairs, out the door. It takes her a second to look around, hoping to see the familiar light pony tail. She can’t spot him right away, so she chooses a direction and hopes for the best. She hears chatter and laughter from the adults still celebrating the beginning of the festival after their children have headed to bed.
After some time, Ayaka spots a familiar group that she has seen in the harbour before, and if she remembers correctly, they are from Captain Beidou’s crew. A second longer is spent contemplating, but then Ayaka remembers the note in her hand and she heads over, asks them if they’ve seen Kazuha around. The group seems to recognise her, but don’t make a big deal out of it. One of them has seen him, just a few minutes ago, heading towards a cliff just outside the town.

Ayaka thanks them politely with a little bow before she rushes through the houses, towards the greens surrounding the city. Under a maple tree, she finds the familiar silhouette who does not seem to notice her yet. There is, too, a certain melody, nostalgic but sweet. Ayaka slows down to not disturb him. He finishes with the last long tone, before he turns to her, a shy smile on his face.
“Good evening, Miss Kamisato”, he speaks up softly after another moment. “I did not expect you out again tonight.”

“I certainly had not planned to”, she replies in the same polite tone he had chosen. She then loses the role with a long sigh. “I’m sorry about my brother. I am not entirely sure what he was up to this afternoon.”
Kazuha smiles at her, and it feels like the sun on the first day after a rainy period of time. “Do not worry, Ayaka. He worries, and is testing me. And seeing us at the festival reminded him he has to let his little sister go that far while not being with her. I cannot take offence at someone worrying about family.”
“I just wish we could have enjoyed the festival together a little longer”, Ayaka admits quietly.

Kazuha sighs, and he softly takes Ayaka’s hand, in which she is still holding onto his note. “You know I feel the same way about today. Isn’t that why you came out to find me?”
“I did.” Ayaka feels electrified of his touch. Her body has frozen, and she wishes time would too, so that she could remain like this forever.

“Thank you”, Kazuha tells her, and suddenly he feels really far away again, though he is still right there, holding her hand in his hands like a treasure. “It means a lot to me. I do enjoy your company so much. It is rare that I connect with someone like this.”
Ayaka looks up into his eyes, and then acts like she usually never would. She steps closer, wraps her free arm around him. He breathes out in surprise, drops her hand. He seems careful not to touch her, as if he is waiting on a signal that it is okay. She uses the chance to hold him in both arms, holding him close and squeezing him. After another moment, she feels his hands on her back, but softly, carefully, as if he is scared he might break her.

They stay that way for half an eternity. To them, it feels like it. In reality, it is but a short moment. But maybe that is what eternity is.

“I did not mean to invade”, Ayaka says when she has moved away though she wants to be close to Kazuha forever. “It just seemed you needed a friend right now.”

He sighs when she has finished speaking. “I did. Thank you, Ayaka.”

The wind rustles through the red leaves above them. He looks up. “The wind here feels different than in Liyue. Are you excited to leave, or feeling nervous?”

She takes her eyes off him, instead facing the sea. “Both. I have never travelled that far. I think I am only less nervous because I know I am in good company. You, Captain Beidou, her crew. And it will be exciting to meet the people of Liyue.”

“They will adore you”, Kazuha whispers, and it sounds like a promise. Ayaka’s heart flutters at his words, and she wishes he was not speaking of the people of Liyue, but of himself.

Another gust of wind rushes through the leaves, and Ayaka shakes a little. Immediately she feels Kazuha’s eyes on her.
“Are you cold?”, he asks. “It is late, it will soon grow even colder.”

“I am alright, thank you Kazuha. There are not many reasons to worry about me. You will have an easy time with me in the coming weeks.” She smiles.

“And yet I’ve already grown worried about you”, it sounds almost like a scold. “Are you sure you are not cold?”

Ayaka can’t help but laugh. “It is nice that you worry, but it really is alright. I am accustomed to this climate and the evenings. We often stay up long, outside in the pavilion, when it is just us with no visitors.”

“You sound happy speaking about home”, Kazuha remarks. “You are so close to your brother. And Thoma, too.”

“I am very lucky to have them.”

They fall into a comfortable silence for a while until Kazuha stands up. “I cannot let you stay out any longer. If anyone sees you, there will be talk. And if your brother finds out -”

Ayaka sighs. “You are right. Though it is such a nice night.” She blushes when she accepts Kazuha’s hand to help her stand up and hopes that the dawn is dark enough that it isn’t noticeable.

“It is. Even more thanks to the company. I am glad you came out and found me. I am already waiting for the next time to see you, Ayaka.” He smiles, in the soft way she has grown the most fond of. “Oh, and I wanted to say that I was very happy when you joined the kids’ game earlier. It made them very happy too.”

“I always make sure to stop by the kids. Yoimiya always plays with them too, though I’ve never joined them, but I do bring them little trinkets and read them stories sometimes. They’re so lively.”

“You must really love your life here. You sound so content. I am almost surprised now that you were so eager to hear my stories of my travels. And that you yourself want to see the world.” He starts walking towards the city, but slowly.

“I do love it here. It is beautiful. But that makes me wonder that it might be just as great elsewhere. I just want to know. And the books and stories … there is so much to see. Surely you understand, since you could settle but you stay with the Crux Fleet.” Ayaka’s voice seem to shake at the word settle, and she internally scolds herself for it. Should she not be content with the friendship that is evolving with this man who she has so much admiration for? What is there to dream of to settle with him? But of course her feelings cannot be changed that easily.

“You’re right”, Kazuha agrees. “You understand me well, Ayaka. I had not expected to run from this place back then.” His voice trails off.

Ayaka knows what he is speaking of, now a seemingly long time ago. Anything related to the Vision Hunt Decree seemed very long ago, but it was just a few years that had passed.

“And yet I had to, and I saw so many other places. Coming back here still feels like a return home, but the wandering and travelling is just what I need at the moment. Though it may change – we don’t have much power over it, do we.”
Ayaka feels like there is a hidden meaning to his words, but she does not continue searching for it. They have reached the more lively part of town again, and she wants to avoid being seen by too many.

“Good night, Ayaka”, she hears Kazuha whisper. “I’ll see you soon.”

“Good night, Kazuha.” She smiles at him and watches him leave in the direction of the haven, probably in search of the crew.

The inn is not far, and she sneaks through the kitchen door, and the innkeeper lady smiles at her. “The bath is still warm. Your brother has not noticed. He is already in his room. Don’t worry about anything.”

“Thank you so much”, Ayaka politely says, and internally promises to secretly give this woman an extra tip.

When she rests in bed some time later, she re-reads the two notes again. What kind of luck she had that she ran into him. And to spend as much time with him…, she thought before finally falling asleep.