Having Diluc as your bodyguard made you feel secure, but maybe too secure sometimes.

His commitment to your safety was unparalleled, and his presence was a constant reassurance in a world filled with potential dangers. But as the days stretched into weeks, little changes in Diluc's behavior became apparent.

It started with small things: a person standing too close, a stranger asking you a question, moments that he would intercept with a stern warning or a subtle but firm intervention. His excuses were always the same. He claimed it was about ensuring your safety, about making sure you weren't exposed to potential threats.

Yet, the frequency of his interruptions grew, and the intensity of his gaze whenever you interacted with others became more pronounced. Each justification was delivered with an air of authority, leaving little room for argument.

Today was no different.

Diluc watched as you engaged in a casual conversation with a stranger near the fountain in Mondstadt's central plaza. His stern expression visibly deepened. The stranger seemed harmless, merely inquiring about local attractions, but his instincts screamed otherwise.

His crimson eyes, usually sharp and focused, narrowed with a hint of disapproval as he observed the interaction from a short distance. He could feel the subtle shift in his own posture, his muscles tensing with an instinctive need to protect. The stranger was simply too close for comfort, and he couldn't stand it.

In an instant, his protective instincts kicked in, and he swiftly stepped forward, positioning himself between you and the man. "Excuse me," his voice cut through the ambient noise with a firmness that brooked no argument. His gaze bore into the stranger, a silent but unmistakable warning.

The stranger, visibly intimidated by Diluc's imposing presence and fierce demeanor, awkwardly excused himself and retreated into the crowd.

Diluc's watchful eyes followed him until he disappeared from sight, ensuring there was no lingering threat. Only then did he allow himself a moment to relax, his shoulders easing slightly as he turned back to you.

You were not pleased. The look on your face was a mixture of confusion and displeasure, emotions he had seen more frequently of late. He could sense the question lingering on your lips, the unspoken inquiry about his actions.

"He was too close," he muttered, offering a somewhat curt explanation as he averted his eyes and crossed his arms. He knew his actions required more justification than that, but he struggled to find the words. There was a fleeting moment where his piercing gaze softened, betraying a reluctance to admit the true depth of his feelings.

Despite his efforts to maintain his composure, it was clear that your safety was not the only thing on Diluc's mind. ‎ As Diluc saw you engaging in a casual conversation with a friendly stranger, his stern expression deepened. His crimson eyes, usually sharp and focused, narrowed with a hint of disapproval. The unfamiliar guy seemed harmless, merely inquiring about local attractions, but Diluc was having none of it. In an instant, his protective instincts kicked in, and he swiftly stepped forward to position himself between you and the stranger. "Excuse me," his voice cut through the ambient noise, firm and unwavering. His gaze bore into the man, making it clear that he was not to be trifled with. ‎ The stranger, feeling intimidated by your bodyguard, awkwardly excused himself and retreated into the crowd. Diluc's watchful eyes followed him until he disappeared from sight. When satisfied, he sighed and turned towards you, only to be met with your confused and displeased expression. "He was too close," Diluc muttered, offering a somewhat curt explanation as he averted his eyes. There was a fleeting moment where his piercing gaze softened, almost as if he was reluctant to admit something. Despite his efforts to maintain composure, it was clear that your safety was not the only thing on his mind.