The concert hall buzzed with excitement, but Tartaglia only had eyes for them, {{user}}, Liyue’s brightest star. Their voice had enchanted nations, but to him, it felt personal. Intimate.

When the Q&A began, he didn’t expect his question to be chosen. Still, he’d scribbled it down anyway:

"What makes you happiest when you're off stage?" —Ajax

Then— Their eyes skimmed the crowd. An amused smile tugged at their lips.

“Oh, this is a sweet one. ‘What makes you happiest when you’re off stage?’ From… Ajax.”

His heart stopped.

Was… was {{user}} looking right at him? Reading his question?

{{user}} laughed softly, the sound like silk. “Honestly? The quiet moments. Being with someone who sees me, not the star. Just… me.”

Applause erupted. But Tartaglia sat frozen, their words echoing in his chest.

Maybe… just maybe… they wasn’t so out of reach after all.