The candy was truly sweet.
Zeke savored the taste, having just sampled it from Kiana's lips moments ago.
"Wah—" Blushing, Kiana crouched on the ground, covering her face with both hands and emitting indistinct whimpering sounds.
After a brief moment, she slightly lowered her hands, turned sideways, and eyed Zeke suspiciously:
"Why do you seem so experienced at that?"
"..."
Zeke fell silent and looked up at the sky.
He couldn't respond to that. Should he tell her it was from practicing with Bronya?
Then Kiana's expression shifted as if she had a sudden epiphany, teasingly saying,
"I get it now—you must have secretly studied textbooks for today, right? Heh heh, no worries; I wouldn't mind at all. Next time, just come directly to me for practical training!"
Kiana remained crouched, tilting her head upward with a mischievous grin.
Zeke gazed down at her, seeing eyes filled with pure sweetness and joy, leaving him even more speechless—what should he do? A wave of guilt began to surge within him.
Seeing Zeke's lack of response, Kiana assumed she'd exposed his secret, making him uncomfortable. She stood up, dusted off her skirt, composed herself, and cleared her throat before saying:
"Ahem! Well then... let's go back and rest. It's indeed quite late."
Just moments ago, when she attempted a sneak attack on Zeke, his countermove caught her by surprise—it was swift, intense, and deeply passionate. Honestly, Kiana still hadn't managed to calm her racing heart.
As a result, instead of insisting they sleep together like usual, she gently circled around Zeke, trying to feign composure while walking away.
Just as she brushed past Zeke, he grabbed her wrist.
"I'll be staying here for three days," Zeke suddenly said.
Kiana blinked, somewhat bewildered. "Huh?"
"The grand plan for the Far East Region requires detailed confirmation with Dr. Ein. Additionally, since we've mobilized resources across the entire region, Schicksal deserves an explanation, and I'm likely the only one with enough clout to handle it. There are also other matters that necessitate a visit to Saint Freya... Altogether, these tasks should take around three days."
"Oh... So, no time for dates again? Alright, focus on important business, I understand." Kiana pouted unhappily, her words conveying understanding while her expression clearly showed disappointment. Nonetheless, she didn't persist further, accepting Zeke's schedule.
She really has grown up. As Zeke looked at the girl before him, a mix of emotions stirred within him, eliciting a complex sigh. He felt something peculiar, akin to happiness yet tinged with melancholy.
Suppressing these feelings, Zeke raised his free hand and gently caressed Kiana's adorable, fair cheek with his fingertips, savoring its flawless warmth and softness.
His lips curved into a smile.
"In three days, I should be able to take some time off. Would you like to visit Mondstadt with me?"
Kiana stood frozen, her eyes gradually widening.
Mondstadt was where Kiana first met Zeke—the origin of their fateful encounter. To her, it also marked the beginning of a new chapter in her life.
Her fingertips trembled slightly as she gazed warmly at Zeke, and slowly, a radiant smile spread across her face.
Whenever Kiana thought about that place, it filled her heart with immense warmth and gratitude. She deeply understood what that small town signified.
"Sure, let's go together!" she exclaimed, unable to contain her excitement.
Despite the suddenness of this invitation, Kiana sensed something significant behind it. Though not entirely clear, she felt it might mark another fresh start—an eagerly anticipated one!
"Hmm, then... goodnight," Zeke said, releasing his hand, his azure eyes reflecting a gentle smile.
Twisting her fingers nervously, Kiana glanced around before finally mustering the courage. With a flushed face, she tiptoed, gently kissing Zeke on the cheek.
"Goodnight!" Kiana declared loudly, turning away. Her silvery ponytail traced a swift arc under the moonlight as she briskly descended the stairs.
Zeke remained standing, gazing in Kiana's departing direction as the gentle breeze caressed his face and tousled his hair. In a moment of reverie, it felt like Kiana was still there, softly touching his cheek.
He made his decision.
Surprisingly, after crossing this threshold, he didn't feel any regret; instead, he discovered a sense of exhilaration—was it because his possessiveness had been satisfied? Or perhaps, could this truly be what they call 'love'?
Just then, another petite girl with whom he shared a deep bond slowly emerged from the shadows nearby.
Dressed in beige rabbit-patterned pajamas, wearing yellow duck cartoon slippers, hugging her yellow Homu plush toy, her silvery-gray curls draped loosely behind her, gently swaying in the wind.
Zeke turned to Bronya, gradually revealing a warm smile.
"Where's Sin?"
"Asleep."
"How long have you been watching?"
"I only came up when Kiana left."
Bronya, holding her plush toy, maintained a stoic expression before yawning—a cool voice tinged with its usual rich childlike tone, distinct yet pleasing.
However, Zeke noticed a hint of disappointment beneath Bronya's stoic expression.
"Feeling jealous?"
Bronya rolled her eyes at his assumption.
Isn't it obvious?!
She slowly approached Zeke, reaching out to embrace him. Straining on tiptoe, she managed to bury her face against his chest, listening to that familiar and steady heartbeat.
"It's true, Kiana is different, isn't she?" Bronya asked, her voice devoid of any emotion, maintaining its usual calmness.
Zeke placed his hand gently on her soft hair, stroking it lightly before replying:
"...I suppose so."
Bronya pursed her lips.
It wasn't a direct affirmation, but neither was it a denial.
For Bronya, it had been clear from quite some time ago that Kiana held a special place for Zeke.
"Bronya may have been one year behind her, but Bronya will make up for it over the next ten years, hundred years, or even thousand years," she said slowly, with a determination Zeke had never seen from her before. "One day, I'll get Zeke to admit that only Bronya is truly special!"
Zeke was momentarily speechless. Eventually, he sighed sincerely and replied,
"You already are unique."
Bronya pressed her lips together against Zeke's chest, silently exhaling.
She was indeed one-of-a-kind because there could be no other like Bronya—her existence was irreplaceable. However, being "the most special" referred to the place she held in Zeke's heart, which carried a different meaning altogether.
Bronya didn't pursue this conversation further; she merely wanted to express her resolve. How much Zeke understood at this moment wasn't crucial. She remained patient, knowing well they had decades, centuries, even millennia ahead—as she had mentioned—to ensure his comprehension.
"You must be exhausted today as well. Go back and rest, Zeke."
"You too, let's go."
With that, Bronya released her grip, and together they left the skydeck side by side.