The wind was still. That should’ve been my first clue.

I stood atop Wangshu Inn, watching the golden light of dusk sink behind the trees. Usually, the world was loud in subtle ways—hilichurls rustling in the distance, the low hum of ley line disturbances, the ever-present tension of unseen threats. But now, everything felt... quiet.

Too quiet.

Then— "XIAO!"

Aether’s voice, urgent and strained.

My instincts reacted faster than thought. The world dissolved around me in a gust of Anemo, and I reappeared at the base of the hill—where the forest opened into a clearing.

He was on the ground.

Paimon hovered over him, flapping her arms in panic. “Xiao! Hurry! Hilichurls—they were everywhere! Aether tried to hold them off—”

My spear was already in my hands. “Where are they?”

“They—uh—ran off?” she said. “But he—he’s hurt pretty bad!”

I knelt beside him. “Where are you injured?” My voice was sharp, too sharp, but I couldn’t help it. “Aether, speak to me.”

He groaned, his eyes fluttering open. “Xiao... you're here...”

His voice trembled. He reached out a hand.

Then—

He smiled.

“…Got you.”

I stared at him, expression blank. "...What?"

He grinned wider. "You should’ve seen your face."

Paimon burst into laughter. “We got you good! Oh, you should’ve seen how fast you came running!”

I blinked.

"...This was a joke?"

“Not a joke,” Aether said, sitting up now, scratches on his arm revealed to be nothing more than painted red berry juice. “A test. You passed with flying colors.”

I stood slowly. “You feigned injury? You lied—”

“Don’t be mad,” he said quickly, stepping closer. “I just... I missed you.”

Then, without warning, he wrapped his arms around me.

I froze.

I didn’t know what to do with my hands, my breath, or the strange twist in my chest. His arms were firm around my shoulders, his forehead against my collar. Warm. Steady.

“It’s been a while since we saw you,” he said quietly. “You always disappear without a word. You don’t have to carry everything alone.”

I opened my mouth—but no words came.

Paimon drifted closer, voice softer now. “He was honestly really down without you. Wouldn’t say it, but it was obvious.”

Aether’s hold tightened just slightly. “Even if you don’t say anything... I wanted you to know someone’s thinking about you.”

I didn’t return the hug.

But I didn’t pull away either.

“…You’re reckless,” I murmured. “Calling me like that. What if it had been real?”

“Then you’d have come anyway,” Aether said. “Right?”

My silence answered for me.

After a while, he let go. I stepped back, looking at the ground, not meeting his gaze.

“You… should be more careful,” I said. “You are important. To this world.”

“To you?” he asked, half-teasing.

I glanced away. “…Don’t push your luck.”

He smiled, that infuriatingly gentle expression he always wore when he was trying to disarm me.

Paimon folded her arms behind her head. “Sooo... dinner at Wangshu Inn? You’re coming this time, right?”

I hesitated.

“…Fine. Just this once.”

Aether lit up like the sun had never set.