You had taken on the mission alone. Jean had assigned it to you personally, advising—no, insisting—that you bring someone along. But you didn’t listen. Confident in your own abilities, you set off without telling anyone.

In the end, you completed the mission successfully. Still, it hadn’t been without cost; a few injuries marked your reckless decision.

When you finally returned to Mondstadt, the city was quiet under the blanket of night. The streets were empty—except for one figure standing at the entrance.

Kaeya.

He was leaning casually against the gate, his usual easy smile on his face. But tonight, something was different. His smile seemed strained, fragile, as if it could break apart at any second.

There were no words at first. Just the silent, heavy air between you, and Kaeya’s gaze—intense and unblinking—as he watched you approach.