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The rain was as abrupt as it was hard. The torrential downpour blanketed the area with water, so much so that larger puddles of water began collecting on the road as cars drove by. The sun was just starting to set, though the clouds made it such that it was impossible to see in the weather.
Yoimiya sighs to herself as she looks out of the car window, gazing at the lights of the shops as she passes them at moderate speed.
She had gone quite far out with her class on a tour of a place specializing in civilian engineering. Yet Yoimiya had to admit she was not as interested as some others. She didn’t want to pursue a career in that engineering department, opting more towards playing with explosives and volatile materials, in terms of engineering that is.
Heck she wouldn’t mind if she became a weapons engineer. It beats boring machine work. Still, she really just wanted to continue her dad’s business of making fireworks in large scale anyway.
Luckily for her, on the way back she was able to hitch a ride home so she didn’t have to take the long route back with her friends, taking the crowded public transport.
It was also even luckier she knew the driver, who may or may not have asked her in the morning where she was going.
It was much luckier that said driver is also her boyfriend.
Well, maybe it wasn’t lucky. Is it fate?
Yoimiya gently placed a hand down onto his on the central console in the car’s interior, the warmth from his hand making her wish she cou;d just turn and hug him right then and there.
Kazuha turned his head to the side as they stopped at a red light, looking at Yoimiya.
“Something on your mind, Miya?” He asked.
“Ah, nothing. Just thinking about the rain and situation got me all moody, especially with how dark it is. I mean, it’s not even night yet and the sky is almost pitch black.” Yoimiya replies, turning back to Kazuha.
“Hehe, I suppose.” Kazuha says, noting the radio station. Matching the mood of the place, it was playing a slow jazz song, the love lyrics resonating within them as they sat with one another.
“Do you have anything tonight? After this?” Kazuha asks. Yoimiya shakes her head. “Nope, I’m all empty. Most of my friends would probably be all sore and tired when they get back.”
“Then I guess you owe me for picking you up?” Kazuha slyly asks.
“Weren’t you the one who wanted to pick me up?” Yoimiya asks back, smirking.
“Still, I did go out to get you in the end, didn’t I?”
“Then I guess I do owe you.” Yoimiya says, leaning ever so closer to him.
“That, you do.” The light turned green as he finished his line, the pair turning back to face the road as they moved with the other cars. They turned to a long cliffside road, winding through the cliffs as they made their way back. The vast ocean sat on the other side, giving a clear view of the dark horizon across.
As Kazuha drove with one hand, his other arm was free. It also happened to be the one closer to Yoimiya, laying his palm on the center console with her hand on top of it.
Smirking, she decided to grab onto it fully, pulling herself slightly towards him. Kazuha was a little startled from the sudden pull, but didn’t steer the car away from the road. He tried turning his head, only to suddenly feel Yoimiya right beside him, leaning her head onto his arm.
“Miya.”
“Mhm?”
“That was dangerous.”
“What was?”
As he pulled to a straight way, he managed to turn his face to look at her. As he does, his vision is abruptly filled with Yoimiya’s face as she leans closer to him, smiling wide at him. “Hi there.”
Kazuha swiftly looks away, making sure he’s still driving on the road. He chuckles, knowing Yoimiya is bored and so she’s playing with him.
“Watch the road, we’ll crash.” She says as Kazuha looks ahead.
“It’s easier said than done with you pulling at me like that, dear.” He replies.
Yoimiya doesn’t reply immediately, and Kazuha turns to look at her. Her face was suddenly right beside him, grinning widely. Kazuha chuckles as he looks straight back. “I’m starting to think that you want me to look at you instead of the road.”
“Hmm, maybe?”
“Stop that, you’re just going to tempt me into kissing you.”
“And what if I do?” She asked.
Oh that was it for him. Kazuha saw a small empty spot on the side of the road, overlooking the ocean. He pulled off the road and stopped by the area. Yoimiya didn;’’t realize it, and when she did his lips was already hers in an affectionate kiss.
He leaned towards her, pushing her back to her half of the car. Yoimiya closed her eyes, placing a hand on his cheek to keep Kazuha there as they kissed for as long as their breaths would allow.
As Kazuha pulled back out, they both panted for air, the kiss much longer than they anticipated.
“There. Now are you happy?” He asks, sitting back into his seat.
“Now I am.” She smiles, pink adorning her cheeks.
A stray ray of sunlight suddenly makes them turn their heads. Far in the distance, the clouds have subsided enough to give them a solid view of the sunset. Kazuha opted to stay and wait, watching the sunset. Yoimiya didn’t mind, opting to enjoy the view as well as she laid her head on his arm again.
Who knew driving with your partner could be so lucky?
—-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
For some, rain can be a hindrance. For some, rain can be a blessing. For some, rain doesn’t change anything as it’s just the weather.
Ganyu looks up from the book she’s reading, staring off into the evening sky as it rains down. The rain doesn’t seem to be subsiding anytime soon, and she really didn’t feel like walking back to her dorm.
Well, to be fair, she could really just catch an Uber or a taxi back, but she didn’t want to spend more money than she needed to.
She could also ask a blonde boyfriend of hers to drop her back, but Ganyu wasn’t that type of girl. She didn’t want to rely on Aether too much for something as small as dropping her back in the rain.
Aether liked her because of her strong will and independence, and she certainly upheld that character.
Speaking of the blond man.
“Ganyu? Still busy with your reading?” Aether asks, entering the room she’s in. Judging from the decorations and clothes hanging from the hangers around the room, it clearly wasn’t Ganyu’s room.
She was in Aether’s apartment, and she was stuck in it for now.
She felt his arms slowly come around her, hugging her from behind. A small soft smile made its way to her lips as she felt his warmth on her back from his arms around her. In his right hand was a glass containing a hot liquid of some sort, and judging from the smell it was probably a glass of hot cocoa.
She put an arm up to gently graze his cheek as he laid his head on her shoulder, Aether looking at the book she’s reading.
“Yes. The rain is calming, and I find it nice to read during times like these when I have nothing better to do.” Ganyu says. Aether sighs, looking up at the dark sky.
“It seems it won’t be subsiding anytime soon. Do you want me to drop you back?”
“N-no need! That would be far too troubling, I can wait out the rain. I have nothing urgent tomorrow, although I would really like to do some of the larger projects when I can.” Ganyu says, her voice sounding her slight disappointment at the delay.
“Hmm, are you sure? It isn’t far.” Aether says.
“I insist, it’s alright.”
“Or is it just a reason so that you can stay with me longer?” Aether suddenly teases. Ganyu’s face blooms red instantly, stuttering her reply. “I-I mean, it’s n-not like there’s nothing wrong with that-”
Aether laughs, rubbing her hair with one hand while Ganyu remains flustered at his tease. “A-Aether! Don’t tease me like that, you know I can’t take it when you do that.”
“Haha, I’m sorry, you’re just too cute when you’re flustered.” He replies, letting go as he sits back on his bed. Ganyu turns the chair around, fully facing him for the first time in this interaction.
“Do you have anything to do tomorrow?” Ganyu asks. Aether peeks at his schedule by his bed for a moment, before shrugging. “Nothing. Class has been heavy the past week and it seems we’re getting some fresh air for once. Why?” Aether replies.
“N-nothing, it’s just that I don’t want to disturb you here if you’re busy, so you don’t really have to be concerned with me too much.” She replies. Aether stands up, walking over to her.
“And what kind of person would I be if I wasn’t making sure my guest is treated properly, hmm?” He asks.
“Ah, fair point. But for real, if you’re busy, don’t mind me.”
“I’m not.” Aether replies, walking over to the window. Ganyu stands up, walking over beside him as they watch the rain fall. “I was thinking about going out tonight with you since you’re here, but when the rain started I figured the mood was calling for us to stay back at home and do nothing.”
“Hehe, well for one, you certainly got that part right.” Ganyu says, a hand on the window. “As much as it would be nice to go out, rain just gives me this feeling of wanting to enjoy the warmth of home.”
“Well, it’s a shame really you’re not in your room though.” Aether sighs, leaning onto the window slightly. “If the rain waited a bit more, it would’ve been better.”
“Oh, on the contrary.” Ganyu says. They turn their heads to face each other, Ganyu’s soft smile wide open.
“As much as it would be nice back there, I much prefer to be with you.”
Aether blinks a few times. He was reminded again for the hundredth time that day why he fell for this woman in front of him.
He chuckles, leaning in closer to her. “Then in that case, we don’t really need to go anywhere do we?”
Ganyu blushed, but drawn in by his gaze she did not pull back.
Out of nowhere, she just pulled him by the shirt and kissed him. Deeply. Aether was taken aback for a moment, but returned it with equal vigor within a split second.
They stayed there by the window, not caring that the inside lights meant that anyone could look up to see their little make out session, but they didn’t really care.
For all they know, it was him and her, and no one else at the moment.
They drew back, smiling at one another. “Never knew you had that in you.” Aether broke the silence.
Ganyu looked away a little shy, wondering how she managed to collect herself enough to do that. Still, it was Aether, so perhaps his bravery got a hold of her and pushed her.
Before she could reply however, a rather disturbing growl suddenly came from nowhere.
Ganyu and Aether were both surprised, before Aether snickered. “Someone’s hungry.”
Ganyu’s face shot red from ear to ear in pure embarrassment, her hand going down to cover her torso when she realized it was her who made that rather loud noise.
“Hehe, no worries.” Aether says, walking over to the door. “Food’s almost done. I made your favourite tonight.”
Ganyu’s eyes lit up instantly, akin to a dog getting a treat. “Really?”
Aether chuckled a little bit, Ganyu obviously showing just how hungry she was.
“Uh-huh, now come on down. The food’s not going to eat itself.”
—-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Lumine sighed as she sat on the couch, looking away from the TV for a moment to look at the sky from outside of their room.
The rain doesn’t appear to be stopping anytime soon.
She huddled into her comfortable blanket even further, gazing back to the TV in front of them as it played a romantic movie.
He noticed however.
“Lu?”
“Hmm?”
“You cold?”
“A little Xiao, but I’m fine.”
He frowned a bit, getting up from the sofa, leaving his blanket behind. Lumine looked up, watching as he walked over to the AC in the room.
“Hmm…..” He turned the temperature up, putting his hand up to the wind blowing to check. Once he’s pleased with the wind’s temperature, he goes towards the kitchen as opposed to the couch.
Curious, Lumine got up. Still huddling her blanket, she walked over towards the kitchen, hearing a stove light up. Peeking in, he finds him placing a teapot onto the stove, the water inside making audible noises as he inspects it from the top.
“What are you doing?” Lumine asks, walking over to him and peeking.
“Some hot tea.” He replies. She huddles close to him, placing her head square on his shoulder as she watches the water begin to steam. “The weather’s cold, don’t want us to freeze.”
“Come on, stop making yourself so busy. It’s fine.” Lumine reasons, tugging him back to the sofa. Xiao didn’t budge as he placed some tea leaves into the pot, the smell of green tea emanating into the room.
“It’s okay. I’ll be right with you when I’m done.” He says, turning to her. Though his face remained stoic, deep down he cared for her and wanted Lumine to warm up on the sofa. It was a cold night after all, curse the rain. If only he had an actual fireplace.
Lumine pouted, sticking to him. “No. I’ll wait here until it's done.”
Yes, as mucha s Xiao is hard headed at times, he should know Lumine isn’t far off. He sighs. “Fine, let’s head back while it brews,”
Her pout vanishes into a smile. Yeah, she knows her way around him, that’s for sure. They walk over to the couch, getting under the warmth of the blankets again as they refocus on the movie. Lumine huddled close to XIao, their shoulders touching as they leaned back on the sofa to watch.
Yet, Lumine still found herself rubbing her hands ever so slightly. It was warmer, but she still felt a little too cold for comfort. Looking around, she regretted not getting a heater during that discount when she and Aether went shopping the other day.
She looked around for a heat source before her eyes landed on Xiao, focused on watching the movie.
An idea popped in her mind.
“Xiao, can you lift your arm up a bit?” She asked, turning to him slightly,
“Hmm?” He did so but was confused, raising the arm closer to Lumine up.
Spotting her slot, Lumine slid her arm between his arm and his body, gently but firmly locking her arms with his. She sighs contently, finding his body warmth much more comfortable than just the blanket already. Xiao went a little red, but kept his cool as he coughed into his other arm, before turning back to watch the TV.
“Is it okay?” Lumine asked.
“Hmm.” Xiao nodded.
They watched for a few minutes longer when the kettle started whistling. It signaled that the tea was probably ready for them. Lumine reluctantly let his hand go as Xiao got up to pour them into some mugs for them both. She heard a few containers opening and closing before he emerged with the two mugs of hot tea, steam blowing from their tops.
“I added a little sugar. If it needs more, tell me. I’ll put more in.” Xiao hands her the mug. The thick ceramic mug was warm to the touch, and Lumine felt her hands warm up as soon as she held it. She blew the steam away from the top, taking a sip afterwards as Xiao settled back into his seat.
“Mmm, this is perfect. Thanks!” Lumine says. Xiao breaks the slightest of smiles at her. “Anytime.”
Without another word, Lumine shifts herself such that she slips underneath his arm, using him as a sort of backrest/pillow as they watch the movie. The pitter patter of the rain outside was a nice background sound to their little tenure, not too loud to be annoying but not too small to be unnoticable. It made the mood of the room a lot more mellow, especially with only low lights on.
Lumine liked it this way, and so did Xiao. Although she’s an active one at times, even the loudest of all have to tire out some time. And right now, it was perfect for her.
The movie went on quietly, and soon enough it was ending.
Xiao hummed as the end credits rolled, turning the TV off with the remote. Lumine’s head was still nestled on his torso, her blond hair right under him smelling of the shampoo she used earlier in the day.
“Well, what do we do next?”
No answer.
“Lu?”
Nothing.
“Lumine?”
“Zzz……”
Ah, she fell asleep. He looked down from the side, finding her cute face as she snoozed. The mood must have been really peaceful for her to fall asleep so easily like that.
Xiao chuckles lightly. They have nothing to do tomorrow, so no harm in it. Besides, the couch is quite comfortable anyway. The bed is miles away in the other room, and he didn’t want to risk waking her up right now. Not when she’s so very calm and asleep.
He allowed his head to droop back onto the headrest of the sofa, his hand gently twirling her hair subconsciously as they both allowed their minds to rest.
Rain can be a hindrance. It can also be a blessing. Sometimes it can set the mood right, other times it can set the mood wrong.
But to some, it serves as a wonderful background.
Beautiful, isn’t it?