𝐄𝐑𝐋𝐄𝐁𝐍𝐈𝐒𝐒𝐄 -𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐧 𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐭𝐬-

┊zhongli 1

utah-brotherkenzie

today was a tough one. you had just broken up with your boyfriend (now ex). feeling heartbroken you sauntered along the streets of liyue amid the pouring rain, making your way up to the area where rex lapis' ceremony was held. even though the steps were made of stone they were slippery, causing you to fall over a few times scraping your hands. the cuts were sore but you didn't really care, keeping your pace towards the top.

once you arrived you directed yourself towards the stone banister, with a view of liyue to be seen. it calmed you for a minute. it was still beautiful even in this toiling weather, from afar you could spot shop owners stressed with the rain, rushing to grab out-front stock. however, your peace was interrupted by a member of the millileth.

"WHAT ARE YOU DOING IN THIS RAIN? GO HOME." he yelled, causing 3 birds to take flight. he was right. your clothes and hair were drenched, having forgotten an umbrella (not really caring to get one at that)

you didn't even bother answering him, instead simply trudging away from your peaceful place with a dreary walk. you were just about to pass the guard as you heard a low voice from behind. "is this man bothering you?" you turned around to face the most beautiful man you've ever seen holding an umbrella in his right hand. he was tall, like really tall with dark ash brown hair.

his eyes were stunning too, a spectacular shade of amber almost lighting up his entire face. you hadn't realised you'd been staring at him in awe for so long until he tilted his head to the side.

you panicked waving your arms around the place in embarrassment "what? oh no i'm fine! um sorry for bothering you-" "you don't look okay" he said with a stern voice. his eyes scanned you down making you feel insecure. you weren't dressed the best today considering the events. you silently cursed yourself for not looking just a tad bit better.

he was also right about how you looked, you were soaked from head to toe from the rain, your mascara had smudged as well leaving you looking a wreck. of all days he had to appear now?  "well it's been a rough day" "hm" you didn't like how he was making comments on how you looked not knowing what had been going on.

he tilted his umbrella, covering your head from the rain. "my apologies, it's not my place to make comments on you. would you like a fresh set of clothes? tea?" it's as if he read your mind. maybe you did like this mystery man..

"LEAVE ALREADY" the guard shouted out, interrupting the special moment. you glared at him for ruining it. suddenly, the tall man stepped in front of you. "Sir i'd appreciate it if you'd keep your voice down in this area. we do understand that it's raining quite well and shall be on our way soon. do have patience" he was so well-spoken, his manners were up to par too. who is he?

he turned back around to you, slightly forwarding his head down just a little so he could see you from under the umbrella. "shall we take leave?" he asked politely. what were you doing? leaving with some man you'd never met. part of you trusted him but another part was wary. honestly you couldn't bother to think straight because of what happened.

"uh sure, i didn't catch your name?" "oh forgive me, you may call me Zhongli" and with that he gave you a soft smile, gently taking your hand and planting a lenient kiss on the back of your hand. you averted your eyes from his boldness.

you noticed that he wore gloves, his hands quite slender with a ring around the thumb part of the glove. you just knew they were nice underneath those gloves. as expected of him. "u-um yeah! where are we going?"

"i have some mora to use today why don't we buy you new clothes to replace your sodden ones? i don't want you to catch a cold now" "no way you don't have to spend money on me i barely know you, at least let me pay just a little."

he gave you a frown clearly not in favour of your idea. "please?" you helplessly asked. he stared at you for a few seconds longer than he should've, "alright. you may only pay just a little, only because you insist" zhongli replied. he was quite easy to convince considering his sternness. he was truly a good person at heart from what you could see so far, just a little confused sometimes.

and here you were walking under the umbrella together with zhongli, a man you'd just met a couple of minutes ago. "are you single?" you stammered. why did you ask that question? god knows. maybe it was the fact that a man like him was standing next to you after the worst day of your life, you weren't afraid of anything right now. "ah, well yes i suppose so" your shoulders relaxed.

how could he be single looking like that? as well as being a huge charmer. "i've yet to include myself in those uh activities." "you mean to say you've never been with anyone before?" you smirked, he was getting embarrassed which was adorable to you.

"um in short yes." "seriously?" "is that bad?" "what? oh no it's completely fine for you to take your time i just expected you to have people lined up at your door wanting you, you know what i mean?" you truly didn't want to confuse him, which was proving difficult.

"oh well i haven't really bartered the courage to look as i've been uh- busy" "i think that's fine honestly, you do seem one to have the busy lifestyle from what i can tell. don't be afraid to take your time" you replied. he was such a sweet person you couldn't help but want to sympathise with him.

when you looked up at him from under the umbrella he was looking to the right (away from you) a tint of pink painting his cheeks. it was adorable, but you didn't want to call him out on it to prevent further mishaps.

the two of you walked towards a large house located on the streets of liyue. "you are free to stay here while i go and buy a few things" he exclaimed. "wow... is this your house?" he nodded. it was beautiful yet looked like it cost a pretty penny.

"fear not, i live alone so nobody shall interrupt your peace until i get back." he gave you a soft smile, "make yourself at home" you couldn't help but trust him and made your way through the front door while you heard him depart for the store.

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