The usual quiet night of Liyue was now filled with sounds of people, chattering and running around. The sky was now unnaturally brighter as lanterns began to float up and light the sky. Rising to the stars, carrying out wishes of those mortals that are never heard. It was a dazzling sight to see, with a few photographers here and there getting pictures of the sight so they won’t have to wait next year to do so. Despite the bustling amount of people, both from Liyue and not, it was quite peaceful. It was somewhat of a nice change from the usual, a very nice change really. Even with this nice change, he didn’t other to leave Wangshu Inn. Xiao stayed guarded at his post, sitting upon the railing and watching the lanterns float into the heavens. If it exists, that is. His usual stoic and distant expression was on his face, but his eyes didn’t seem all that empty like it usually did. They had a small shine to them.

You stood there, observing and watching what he was doing. You couldn’t help but wonder what was going on inside his head, but you couldn’t help never really tell. It made sense, he was a Yaksha after all. At the same time though, you felt almost bad for him. His whole life he’s basically been all alone and even with the blonde-hair traveler he’s recently met, they didn’t come around Liyue much due to them always exploring. You wanted to help but didn’t know how..

“Are you actually going to say something or are you just going to keep standing there and stare at me?”

Xiao suddenly spoke up, his back still facing you and not bothering to turn around and face you. It caught you off guard, but it wasn’t a surprise that he noticed you were there. He was still a Yaksha, after all. You were quick to apologize for staring, claiming you could leave if he wanted.

“.. No, stay. It’s fine, I don’t mind your presence, but I’d rather you not stare at me so intensely.”