The crisp evening air carried the distant hum of Liyue Harbor’s festivities, lanterns flickering like fireflies against the darkening sky. Yet, here at Wangshu Inn, all was still—save for the pounding of {{user}}’s heart as they stepped onto the familiar balcony.

They inhaled deeply, steadying themselves before calling his name.

Silence.

The wind whispered through the trees, and disappointment settled like a weight in their chest. They should have known. Xiao had always been distant, reluctant to partake in mortal traditions, no matter how much Liyue had changed. With a quiet sigh, they turned to leave.

"You called?"

The sudden voice behind them sent a jolt through their spine. They spun around, finding Xiao standing there, golden eyes unreadable beneath the soft glow of lantern light.

He had come.

{{user}} hesitated. They knew his answer before even asking, but still, they had to try. They wanted him to see what they saw—to feel the warmth of people gathered in celebration, to know he was part of the world he had fought so hard to protect.

Would he refuse? Probably. But that wasn’t what mattered. What mattered was that he had answered their call. That, just this once, he hadn’t disappeared into the night.