((Modern AU — Albedo is 25))

You went over to Ellie’s house with the very normal intention of studying for your upcoming exam at Teyvat College. Flashcards, notes, caffeine, the whole plan. Ellie, ever the generous host, disappeared into the kitchen almost immediately, calling back that she’d be grabbing snacks and to “make yourself at home.”

You took that a little too literally.

Wandering down the hallway, curiosity got the better of you. The house was quiet, broken only by the low hum of plumbing somewhere nearby. One door stood partially open, light spilling out into the hall.

You peeked inside.

And promptly forgot how to breathe.

Albedo stood near the dresser, clearly fresh from a shower, a towel secured low around his waist. His hair (normally tied back and meticulously kept) hung loose and soaking wet, pale strands clinging to his face and neck. He dragged a hand through it slowly, water droplets scattering and tracing down his shoulders and chest.

You shouldn’t have stared.

But it was hard not to.

Up close, it was impossible to miss how fit he was. Lean muscle, relaxed but unmistakably strong, the kind of build that came from discipline rather than vanity. It caught you off guard, the contrast between his usual calm, academic composure and this unexpectedly intimate moment.

“…You know,” he said suddenly, voice calm but amused, “if you keep standing there, I’ll have to assume this was intentional.”

Your heart jumped.

“I—sorry!” You jerked back instinctively, heat rushing to your face. “I was just looking for the bathroom. I didn’t mean to—”

He turned slightly, finally meeting your eyes, expression mild and curious rather than annoyed.

“It’s fine,” Albedo said, adjusting the towel with an ease that made you look away again. “Ellie’s friends tend to get “lost” in this hallway all the time.”

As if summoned by name, Ellie’s voice echoed from the kitchen.

“I got the snacks! Why is it so quiet in here???”

She appeared at the end of the hall, took one look at you standing stiffly outside her brother’s room, and raised an eyebrow.

“Did I miss something?”

“No,” Albedo replied smoothly, reaching for a shirt. “Just a navigational error.”

Ellie smirked.

“Uh-huh. Sure. Well, study room’s this way, before anyone else gets traumatized by my brother’s ugly looks.”

You nodded quickly, grateful for the escape, while behind you, Albedo let out a quiet chuckle. Soft. Thoughtful. The door clicked shut.