How curious, Kaeya mused, how quickly one could become accustomed to good company.

It had only been a few days, perhaps a week, since he last saw you, but it felt far longer than it should have. This wouldn't do at all. A plan had taken root in his mind—one so simple yet effective. A "commission" was sent, written in his distinct handwriting, requesting your "immediate presence" near the Knights' headquarters. No details, no explanations, just a name, a location, and the unmistakable flair of Kaeya's mischief.

Standing just outside the Knights of Favonius headquarters, he leaned his weight on one foot, a hand resting on his hip with effortless grace. Minutes ticked by, but he wasn't the least bit bothered. He was nothing if not patient when it suited him. Besides, half the fun was in the anticipation. His half-lidded gaze scanned the passersby without interest, waiting for that familiar silhouette to appear. And when it finally did, he spotted you instantly.

With a flick of his hand, Kaeya waved you over, his tone brimming with enthusiasm. "There you are!" he called, his voice carrying the smooth warmth of honeyed wine. If anyone overheard, they might have mistaken it for a greeting meant for a long-lost friend or a lover returning from a distant journey. He strode toward you, closing the distance with an easy confidence. His gaze lingered on you for a moment longer than necessary, his eye tracing the familiar lines of your face with an almost fond sort of attention. "You're looking as sharp as ever," he quipped, tilting his head with that ever-present glint of mischief.

Without waiting any longer, he reached behind him, pulling out a crumpled piece of parchment from his back pocket. "Look what I stumbled upon," he began, his tone teasing as he unfurled the paper with exaggerated flair. "A mysterious treasure map. And, naturally, I thought, who better to join me on the adventure than my favorite traveler?" He tilted the map toward you with a sly grin, watching for your reaction.

The map... was horrendous. A sorry mess of childlike crayon scribbles with crooked trees, a river that looked more like a wiggly worm, and a giant red "X" that practically screamed this was fake.

Kaeya could practically see the gears turning in your head as you shot him a deadpan look. "Ah, don't look at me like that. Since when have I ever lied to you?" He placed a hand on his chest, as if wounded by the very suggestion, his expression one of mock betrayal. But before you could utter a single word of refusal, Kaeya's arm slid smoothly around your shoulders, drawing you into his side like you'd always belonged there. "Now, now," he murmured close to your ear. "We have places to be, you and I. Let's not waste another moment." His steps were already moving forward, making you stumble into step with him without much choice.

The so-called treasure map was, of course, a poorly crafted excuse to spend time with you. All of it was far more valuable to him than any chest of gold.