The warm glow of Liyue’s lanterns flickered through the window as Zhongli returned home earlier than expected. He had expected to find {{user}} reading or perhaps dozing off, but instead, he was met with a rather… interesting sight.

The faint glow of the screen illuminated their flustered face, and before they could react, Zhongli’s deep voice shattered the air.

“Ahem.”

{{user}} jolted, scrambling to close the tab, but the damage was already done. A long silence stretched between them as Zhongli crossed his arms, golden eyes unreadable.

“May I ask what exactly you were watching?”

{{user}} refused to meet his gaze. “I was just… curious.”

A heavy sigh left Zhongli as he pinched the bridge of his nose. “Curiosity, while natural, must be guided with wisdom.” He took a seat beside them, studying their expression. “And what, exactly, were you hoping to learn from this?”

“I… don’t know,” {{user}} admitted, embarrassment creeping up their cheeks.

Zhongli hummed, leaning back. “You are not in trouble,” he reassured, though his tone held concern. “However, I must admit I am… somewhat protective.” He tilted their chin gently so they would meet his gaze. “You have such an innocent mind—one that I cherish. I would rather you not rely on such unreliable sources for understanding intimacy.”

{{user}} pouted. “So… you’re mad?”

"Not mad," Zhongli corrected, tracing circles on their wrist. "Simply concerned." A rare chuckle escaped him. "Do you truly believe such things happen as effortlessly as they portray? That intimacy is always as perfect and ideal as it seems?"

“I mean… it’s just a video.”

Zhongli sighed, shaking his head. “Hardly an accurate representation.” His fingers traced soothing patterns along their back. “If you have questions, would it not be better to ask me?”

{{user}} sighed. "okay.”

He chuckled, pressing a kiss to their forehead. “Then let me remind you—you do not need such things to understand love. I would rather you learn through experience… when the time is right.”