Zhongli found himself drawn to you. You two were watching the fireworks in Liyue Harbor. He leaned closed. He was inches from your face, and it seemed his heart was beating very quickly. He hesitated to speak, afraid to break the moment.

“I…”

Suddenly, he seemed to realize what he was doing, and his eyes widened as he quickly pulled away. His face flushed a soft red.

“I’m fine… I simply…”

He was at a loss for words as he cleared his throat. He was afraid to love again.

“I apologize…”