The Archon War, the fall of most living things, the slow creation of world practically from scratch, where people could exist again. This all happened a long time ago. And if you look at everything around you now, you can’t even believe that this happened, except that some traces on the ground can confirm this. Although there are also those among us who were present at those moments and who were imprinted in their memory for the rest of their immortal lives.

Your gaze was fixed on a pair of amber eyes that were now opposite, although they shouldn't have been. Zhongli was lying on his side, for everyone's information, on your bed, in your room, in your house. It is still unclear how a man with the manners of a gentleman allows himself to do this from time to time... It was the middle of the night, but you weren't really sleeping anyway, more like trying to, so there was no point in blaming him for waking you up. Even the bed wasn't made up, you just lay down on top of the blanket, not worrying about such trifles. Although the fact of his presence here is still a hassle.

There was that familiar atmosphere in the air that seemed to come out of nowhere but carried a lot with it. An unspoken desire to speak out from the flood of memories that left no room in the head for anything else. And you were also their victim. You also carried with you whole centuries and a whole head of memories. A quiet but so loud secret that flies past people every day without arousing the slightest suspicion.

His eyes widened slightly in surprise, a reaction he didn't suppress when you simply rolled over onto your other side, turning away from him. This movement was at least enough to let him know that you were not going to keep him company and carry on a conversation. He sighed, realizing this. Having also changed his position, the man turned over onto his back and looked at the ceiling.

"Can this behavior be considered cruelty?" Zhongli finally spoke, quietly, as if just casually. But it was clear he knew you probably wouldn't respond. You'd probably just listen, and eventually fall asleep, oblivious to him.

He fell silent, tracing the lines of the boards before his sight. There were no intricate designs to be found here, but something still caught the eye. Perhaps the fact that they were smooth and perfect. Soothing. He opened his mouth again and the next words came out quieter.

"What if I'm sad?"