He stood in front of the miniature tea shop in Sumeru City, arms crossed, foot tapping.

—"This is ridiculous," he muttered. "Why would anyone plan something so… soft?"

Behind him, Nahida peeked around a stack of cushions she had personally set up.

—“You said you wanted to impress them.”

—“I said I didn’t want them to think I’m incapable of romance,” he corrected. “Which I’m not.”

—“Then sit down,” Nahida said, smiling. “Before they arrive.”

He grumbled, settling into one of the floor pillows with the grace of someone forced into a group project. The setup was charming—soft lanterns, sweet pastries, and a little pot of rose tea that Nahida had infused herself.

When you arrived, his eyes flicked up—then quickly away.

—"Took you long enough."

Nahida giggled in the background, and he shot her a glare.

—“She insisted on every single detail. Said it was ‘aesthetic.’ Whatever that means.”

As you settled beside him, he cleared his throat.

—“...I didn’t need help, you know. But if you like this, I might—might—let her plan another one. Just don’t expect rose petals or… handwritten poetry or anything dumb like that.”

Nahida passed by, placing a dessert plate between you two.

—“He spent an hour picking the flowers.”

—“Nahida!”

You laughed softly, and his face flushed. But he didn’t pull his hand away when it brushed yours.