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Xingqiu was on a mission under the sun's blazing rays at its highest peak. The hustle and bustle of the city this afternoon had people bumping into each other with their own agendas coming from every side and corner in the harbor. But this did not faze him as he himself had important matters to attend to.
The problem at hand was that he hadn't seen his girlfriend the entire morning.
His first stop earlier, considering the date today, was your house, but your mother told him that you had already gone somewhere the moment the sun was seen peeking through the mountains of Minlin. She suggested he visit Wanwen Bookhouse, the safest location your mother could pinpoint you to. But if he were to turn out unsuccessful, she provided another possible location: Luhua Pool.
Xingqiu had tried both locations to no avail; not even an inch of your silhouette was visible. Now, he was back in the harbor to ask around after visiting Qiongji Estuary.
He tried mutual friends: Xiangling in Wanmin Restaurant, as he fed his stomach for lunch; Chongyun in Yujing Terrace, who was on his way to Bubu Pharmacy; Yunjin in Chihu rock, who was enjoying a cup of tea at Third-Round Knockout; and Hu Tao who was outside Wangsheng Funeral Parlor, who was rearranging their bulletin board.
Despite being unaware of your actual whereabouts, they were more than happy to help. Xiangling strolled with him (so she could forage ingredients) through the paths of Stone Gate, Chongyun accompanied him to Qingce Village (to train for his exorcisms), Yunjin went to Heyu Tea House with him (because she was set to perform there that afternoon), and Hu Tao convinced him to explore the depths of Wuwang Hill (she wanted to give him a scare, which did not work).
All of them had led to dead ends, and by then the sun was being slowly pulled back into the waters of Liyue Harbor.
Where could you have gone off to?
Xingqiu, worried and weary, continued his journey to the docks. He had asked around until someone finally gave him a breakthrough.
"I see." The woman nodded thoughtfully after his thorough explanation of your appearance; her brown hair was tied neatly in a low bun that had saved itself from the strength of the wind. "I think I saw her an hour ago heading south to the very end of the harbor." She smiles, hoping that she at least gave the young man some help.
He sighed in relief. It had already been an hour since she last saw you, but this was the best lead he had ever found throughout the day. "You have my sincerest thanks, Miss." Xingqiu does a half-bow to give his farewell to the lady who prayed to the Anemo Archon.
There was no time to waste. Upon his arrival at the southern end of the harbor, he asked sailors, the Millelith, anyone who could have seen you. And they all pointed out to the shore outside the wharf where, not only was your silhouette visible, but your distinctive features as well.
He quickly makes his way outside the city, through the bridge, and on the pathway leading him to where the waves meet the shore—you.
"[Name]" That came out a lot softer and quieter than he had anticipated, as if afraid that if he called you a little louder, you would crumble into dust and get swept away by the wind.
Sitting on the warm sand, legs folded up to your chin with a book placed on the edge of your kneecaps, your eyes light up at the sound of his voice. "Xingqiu?"
You almost stumble from how quickly you got up from your position, dusting off the sand and any other particles that might have stuck to your outfit. "How did you find me, my love?" You questioned, hurrying towards him, seeming as if another passing minute without holding onto him would make him disappear.
"Through several inquiries, of course." He smiles as he feels your fingers cradle his cheek, the weariness melting from the warmth of your hand.
"Of course." You echo his answer, like how the starconch in Yaoguang Shoal earlier replied to your whispered wishes.
"I have been looking for you the whole day." His admittance shot you guilt and a little confusion.
"But I thought I told you yesterday not to meet me until dinner?" You tilt your head, pulling your hand away from him.
"Ah," He mutters to himself and looks away to recall the conversation you had with him last night, confirming your remark. "I'm sorry, it seems that your words have slipped my mind by the morning."
You could see the faint tint of red spreading through his cheeks, which you found endearing. Although it was his mistake, you still felt bad that he had to go the entire day searching for you.
"And I'm sorry that you wasted your time trying to find someone who didn't want to be found." You reply lightheartedly.
He grins, already working on a tease that you would most definitely fall for. "Nothing a kiss on the cheek can't solve."
"You're abominable." You lightly pinch his cheeks as punishment from his cheekiness.
"I love you too." He hums and closes his eyes, taking the quick kiss on the cheek that he had hoped for, before gently pulling you for a hug. Xingqiu buries his head on the crook of your neck, taking in the smell of salt air and vintage tea.
You slowly shake your head at the proximity of the lovestruck fool who had spent the entire day asking for your location and failing multiple times, only to discover that he had agreed to your request the day before of getting away from everyone just until the sun set. But you weren't complaining. This lovestruck fool was just as lovable as the book nerd who approached you a year ago to ask about your opinions of the book you were holding.
"What was your agenda like for the entire day anyway?" He asks as you return with him to the path leading to the soil and onto the rocky slopes using bottled wind currents that were popularly made from the crafting bench by people who liked traveling through air and wind.
"I made a list of places in Liyue that I wanted to stroll around and... I don't know, ponder over the years that have gone by in celebration of my birth?" You chuckle, unsure of your reply. "And as I was waiting for the sun to set, I settled down by the coast to finish reading my book."
"And that you did." He smiles, landing smoothly with you using your respective gliders on the summit of a rocky mountain just above the sandy surface you were sitting on a few minutes ago.
"We were going to meet back at my house for dinner when the evening came. But since the sun is still setting, I brought you here instead." You peer your eyes away from him to take in the scenery, the sun bidding farewell to the city of Liyue through an effort of extending the last rays of light it could offer.
"I made a list too." Xingqiu points out beside you, your attention from the attraction was easily swept away by his voice.
"Yeah?" You playfully raise a brow, encouraging him to continue.
He nods, revealing a piece of paper that he had stored away in his pocket. "It's called ‘Things I have planned out for my beloved [Name]'s day’ . Number one: find said beloved [Name]." You both laugh at the first content of his list, realizing that it was the most difficult task to do of all.
"Number two: greet her." His head perks up, eyes glued back to you with a warm smile on his face. "Happy birthday, [Name]."
"Thank you, Xingqiu." You reply politely— teasingly .
"Number three: present the gift." He hums, mulling over his own idea of a list. "Can I skip this? I would much prefer it if I handed it to you after dinner on top of a roof under the romantic shade of the moonlight."
You snort over his description of the setting he "preferred". "Okay, sure. I don't mind."
Curiosity grew in you when you saw him fold the paper and place it back in his pocket. "There were only three items in your list?"
As a reply, Xingqiu laughs softly; the tone of his voice and the gentleness it carried entered your ears like a symphony. "There are more, actually." He corrects.
And before you could even start to question him, he tilted your head up and leaned forward slowly so that you could process everything that was about to happen, guiding your lips onto his for a kiss. Your sigh made him chuckle, ending it shorter than usual.
"I love you." Xingqiu whispered, his amber glow and the sunset’s light reflected upon your pretty gems, the breeze carried the ocean’s scent from below.
You could probably guess what was written on the fourth item of his list.