Chapter Text
It was a lovely day in Liyue Harbor. The sun shone warm up in the sky and the sea-breeze was ever present but not overpowering. Xingqiu was happy that he’d been able to sneak away from his work for the afternoon, having planned an outing with his best friend, Chongyun.
They’d been friends for quite some time, and were almost constantly seen together. If Xingqiu was nearby, Chongyun wasn’t far, and vice-versa. The self-proclaimed Guhua Clan disciple would even follow the exorcist into some of his commissions to support him should he find himself in a battle.
Though today, all they were merely doing was having a picnic just outside of the harbor. Thus, Xingqiu was on his way to Wanmin Restaurant to pick up their food for the afternoon. The young author would have made the food himself, except he was not that familiar with the kitchen, so he turned to ever-impressive Xiangling once more for her expertise.
“Greetings, Chef Mao. Is Xiangling here?” Xingqiu asked, a small smile on his face as he waved to the chef. He frequented the restaurant constantly, yet still felt the need to call the man by his proper title. He’d earned it, afterall.
“Ah! Young Xingqiu, welcome. She left to grab an extra ingredient she was missing for your order, but she should be-,” The man began, pausing what he was writing down before being interrupted by the daughter-in-question barreling into the restaurant, holding a box of fresh Jueyun Chillies above her head triumphantly.
“Sorry, Xingqiu! My chillies weren’t fresh. Just give me ten minutes and your food will be ready!” The girl apologized, frantically trying to organize her workspace as she got to work.
With a laugh, the Hydro-Vision holder stepped into the kitchen after his friend, sitting on a nearby stool to keep her company.
“Don’t worry, Xiangling. It’s no setback.” Xingqiu reassured with a little wave, making sure to stay out of her way.
“But you might be late for your date!” Xiangling said as she chopped the chilies, her tongue sticking out slightly in concentration.
“Don’t-,” Xingqiu paused with his mouth open, having been ready to reassure his friend again before he fully processed what she’d said.
“Wait my what ?” The young sword-master asked, looking at his friend as if she had two heads.
“Your…date? Y’know? With your boyfriend?” The Adeptal disciple said, returning the expression she was getting.
Feeling his cheeks heat up viciously, Xingqiu blinked a few times. He wasn’t dating Chongyun! They’d never been together like that, or even expressed feelings of such nature. Sure , Xingqiu had thought about holding his hand on many occasions, or wondering if he could ever steal a kiss, but that’s as far as it went. Xingqiu was certain his feelings weren’t reciprocated, and he wouldn’t dare put what they already had in jeopardy because he’d caught feelings.
“I- Xiangling, we aren’t dating! Chongyun and I never were.” Xingqiu said, shoulders rising with his hands as he expressed what should have already been known.
“Wait, you aren’t?” She asked, leaning her hand on the counter of her kitchen while Guoba watched the food and made sure it didn’t burn.
“No! He’s just my best friend.” Xingqiu amended with a sigh, rubbing a hand over his face.
“Are you suuure?” Xiangling asked with a cheeky grin on her face as she leaned forward.
“Yes! I’m sure! We just spend a lot of time together, is all. That’s what best friends do .”
“Well, yeah, but you always spend more time with him than the rest of us. I always see you two together!”
“That doesn’t mean we’re dating!”
With his reiterated statement, Xingqiu shook his head with a sigh while Xiangling returned to making the food. He had no idea what gave anyone the impression that they were dating. Was it seriously convincing to people that they were together just by hanging out so often? He’d seen plenty of people act like that. Yun Jin often spent her time with Xinyan or Shenhe, that didn’t mean she was dating either of them.
We’re just friends. Nothing more, nothing less . Xingqiu reaffirmed himself internally with a huff.
As Xiangling turned with the two dishes packed away in a bag, she smiled.
“One order of Crystal Shrimp and Cold Noodles with Mountain Delicacies for you, sir!” She said with a bright smile, handing the bag over to Xingqiu.
He stood with a returned smile of his own, taking the bag and handing over the Mora he owed, making sure to include a generous tip.
“Thank you, Xiangling. We will enjoy these thoroughly.” He said, moving to walk out of the kitchen before sighing and turning around.
“Does it… does it bother you that I spend more time with Chongyun than everyone else?”
Xiangling could only smile and wave her friend off, chuckling lightly as she watched him.
“No, silly! I get it. I spend all my time with Guoba! You’re perfectly okay,” Xiangling reassured, turning to get back to cooking.
“But for the record, it might be better for you to tell him how you feel. You two would make a great couple.” The polearm-trainee said with a smile before merrily returning to cooking with Guoba ever present at her side.
Xingqiu flushed once more, letting a sigh out as he walked away and thought about what she said. He could at least consider it. After all, Xiangling was the disciple of an Adeptus, she must know what she spoke of.