Winter in Mondstadt was already freezing — and yet Venti insisted on dragging you out of the house… just to drink.

“I swear on this mug of apple wine,” he declared, grinning even as the tip of his nose turned red from the cold, “Angel’s Share has a brand-new hot winter drink, and it’s absolutely divine!”

You tightened your scarf and gave him a look. “As divine as your nose right now?”

Venti shrugged without shame, then pushed open the tavern door like he owned the place. Warmth rushed out, along with the scent of cinnamon, apples, and soft laughter. You dropped into a chair, barely catching your breath before Venti plopped down a steaming mug in front of you — and… a cat-shaped cookie.

“What is this?”

“A winter gift,” Venti pouted. “I helped Diluc rewrite the holiday menu and personally picked the cat-shaped ones. Cute, right?”

You bit into the cookie. Okay, fine — it was good.

“So you dragged me out here just to drink and eat cookies?”

Venti tilted his head, eyes bright like fresh snow. “No. Also to look at you. You haven’t been outside much this winter. I missed you.”

There was a short silence. You turned away, not sure if your face was heating up from the wine or the goddamn bard’s nonsense. Meanwhile, Venti just sipped his drink, smirking.

“Seems the winter wind’s not nearly as cold as that face you’re making right now.”