Chapter Text
‘It’s so nice to be in home again, after all these years.’
This thought came to my mind as I inhaled deeply, the chilly, fresh air blending with familiar scent of blooming cherry blossoms. Stepping off the modest boat I had rented, the bustling port of Ritou stretched before me. Even in the early morning, workers were already unloading wooden crates from ships while chattering in lively tone. The dawning sun had painted its vivid colour into the sky, its warm, golden light melting my rigid body after this lengthy journey. Above me, a flock of cranes glided gracefully, their silhouettes penetrating through the clouds in the light, blue-tinted sky. Immersed in the joy of a sweet homecoming, I let myself stand there for a moment, soaking in the sounds and sights.
Home.
Or was it really?
Time had changed Inazuma. However, it remained a land with gloomy, overcast, drizzling weather along with terrifying thunderstorms in my mind. It was the country I had grown up in and spent my likewise dull, suffocating childhood in. During these days, when Raiden Shogun’s Sakoku decree was published, omnipresent hazes and relentless rains had veiled the islands, isolating it from the rest of Teyvat.
And then, I left.
Or rather, I was forced to.
During those years, I lived in Fontaine. Sent away under the guise of studying abroad but escaped for reasons far more complicated. For my own and for Ayato’s safety.
The memories were still vivid. I still remember the way his hands trembled when our fingers intertwined that night, the way those violet eyes, always so calm and gentle, had shattered into violent waves of sorrow. And I still remember the words I had spoken, the ones that had broken his heart, and how he muted me with a tight embrace. Even now, those images felt like knives stabbing into my heart, those words like poison on my tongue.
Realising how I had brought back memories of the past, I diverted my attention on the group of merchants who agreed to take me to Inazuma City. Their voices rising and falling over talk of business. Out of habit, I listened in, half out of tedium, half to concentrate myself on something other than the past.
Having arrived sooner than expected, I had already navigated through the lively streets by noon. It took me a while to search for it but, eventually, I found myself standing in front of a small bistro. Hidden deep inside a narrow alley, its wooden door with scar-like cracks and an attrited metal knob appeared to customers like proof of its old age. As I pushed it open, the hinges groaned in protest.
The owner greeted me with almost an excessive amount of enthusiasm while he guided me to the second floor.
I smelled a refreshing, calming fragrance of cedar wood even before stepping into the warm, delicate room. A few low tables were placed atop the tatami mats, decorated with a thin porcelain vase. Inside the vase was a branch of white orchid leaning elegantly against the bottleneck. Most of the tables were already occupied by groups of people and their conversations. Soft murmurs about recent news, occasional bursts of laughter and intense discussions of the latest piece of scandal filled the air.
I settled into a quiet corner, letting the warmth of the space wrap around me. After waiting about half an hour, the dishes, all freshly made with delicious smell, were finally being served. My empty stomach let out an embarrassing growl as I reached for a pai of chopsticks. It didn’t take me too long to empty all the plates.
After lunch, I began to wander aimlessly out of boredom in the familiar streets of Inazuma city. Then, out of the corner of my eye, I caught a glimpse of a tall figure—golden, messy hair tighten into a ponytail at the back, a lighthearted pace, dressed in that old uniform of red and black colour.
‘Thoma…?’ I couldn’t believe it was him.
Hearing his name, Thoma turned, emerald-like green eyes widening as soon as he saw me.
‘Y/n! I almost didn’t recognise you!’ Replied with a familiar grin, his voice had the same warmth and excitement as I remembered, ‘You’ve changed so much over the years! What brought you back to inazuma?’
‘Family stuff, you know.’ I sighed, then added, ‘It’s been a while, right?’
His eyes lowered, softening his gaze, ‘It really has.’
Sensing the weight behind my words, he shot me a playful, lopsided grin.
‘Well, since you’re officially back, what about a proper welcome? Got time for some tea?’
I smirked, ‘Sure, if you’re not busy right now.’
‘Luckily it’s a day off today,’ he chuckled, ‘Ayaka is probably also there. I know you miss her too.’
I followed Thoma through the broad avenues of Inazuma, our steps quickening as we approached Komore teahouse.
Located in the absolute heart of inazuma city, it hadn’t change much: sliding doors made of cypress wood, roofs decorated with lanterns, all so traditional and beautiful. It might seem just like an ordinary teahouse for entertainment or relaxation, yet I knew better. Beyond its simple facade, it had certainly served a deeper purpose: a place where the Kamisato Clan and the Shuumatsuban exchanged information behind closed doors.
Just before we got to the entrance, a thought struck me. I hesitated.
‘Wait! Don’t I need permission or something to enter here?’ I turned to look at Thoma, brow raised. ‘Well…technically, only personnel of the Yashiro Commission can come here,’ He replied with a little chuckle.
‘Then why are we…’ I shot him a look.
‘But aren’t you connected to Kamisato family anyway? It’s been a while, but you are still engaged to…’
‘My relationship with Ayato ended the day I left Inazuma.’ My heart throbbed, but surprisingly I did manage to force back the tears to say this aloud, firmly.
His expression turned serious; I could see the struggle in his eyes.
Then he spoke, looking into my eyes, ‘He still cares about you. Really.’
‘How does that matter? We can never go back to how we used to be.’ I clenched my fist at my sides.
‘You didn’t even give him a chance.’ He said, gently. It was more like a statement than an accusation, as if he had watched both sides suffering but helpless to stop.
A wave of guilt drowned me. I turned my head, breaking the hurtful eye contact.
‘I know you hate to talk about it but…have you truly moved on?’
I nodded. My eye became blurry, my nails sunk into my palm.
Yet I still couldn’t bring myself to look at him in the eyes.
Walking through the long corridor, the sound of our steps echoing against the wooden floor. Neither of us spoke.
Finally, I broke the deadly silence.
‘Does he know…that I’m back?’
Thoma didn’t answer right away. He let out a sigh, fixing his gaze ahead. Then he grinned, not like the usual warm and friendly ones, this time it didn’t reach his eyes.
‘What do you think?’ He spoke with a voice softer than ever.
His words weren’t necessarily a reply, nor a question. But I already knew the answer.
I stopped walking. My legs were heavy as if they were made of lead.
‘Some people never stopped waiting, y/n.’ He then added, so quietly that I almost didn’t hear his words.