lowk thinking of rewriting pulse of us for xiaother ... xiao x reader is still gonna go on but xiaother brainrot is consuming me ... i'll see how it goes im on a writers block rn
๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ ๐๐ || Xiao x F!Reader
Chapter 8 - Between the Lines
Tired of his father living vicariously through him, Xiao decides to start the band heโs always dreamed about. Fame and wealth never mattered to him, heโd just want to feel part and contribute to a community thatโd accept a broken man like him.
Starting a band in his friendโs garage, Xiao runs into a problem: thereโs no drummer. Thus, auditions are held to be apart of the band. Our dear bassist has little to no experience with women, so how could he deal with one joining the band? Why did she bring so much of her โgirl dramaโ to rehearsals, and why is his ex trying to get back into his life?
Word Count: 3.5k
Itโs a Tuesday afternoon, classes ended rather early that day so you decide to head somewhere off campus. Thereโs a thrift store in a sketchy part of town near campus, youโd only know about the location through your dad mentioning that his buddyโs wife actually ran the store, Mrs. Chen. Sheโs a sweet lady, slightly older than your parents, but she kept her youth throughout the years. Hair was as silky as ever, only ever tied up in a high bun with sticks if there's a new shipment of clothes. Eyes have retained their sparkle and the only wrinkles on her face were the creases near her smile lines. Very sweet, but her paranoia shows through the amount of cameras in the store.
Of course, you swing by often when you have no plans, but don't want to head home or the girls are busy that day.
Ayaka tutors her younger siblings every Tuesday and Wednesday after class. Hu Tao is on a date with a girl named Diana. Yunjin is also busy.
Normally youโd ask Venti to tag along with you somewhere but youโve seen him so much these past few weeks, youโre a little exhausted of his energy. Aether is also off the table, you both have gotten close but not close enough to just randomly hang out together. Xiao isโฆ well, Xiao. Still quiet, still guarded. Heโll only talk to you if itโs about a suggestion in the lyrics or reminds you that you missed a beat.
Heโs quite annoying, actually.
From your past text messages exchanged with Venti, you figured he'd come around sooner but he seems to stay in his own bubble. Doesn't seem to like change to his circle either. Usually responds in grunts, head nods, same bored expression. Sometimes heโll say more than a few words, but itโs usually during late night Waffle House runs or to call you out on something mid-rehearsal. Cocky bastard.
Despite being lost in thought, you made it to your destination and parked your car in the lot behind the building. Probably best to remember to focus on the road instead of daydream driving.
Knowing the neighborhood of your destination, you threw your backpack to the backseat and a blanket over it. Just in case someone wanted to steal the handouts your professor handed out that day, never know when a thief may want to get a head start on their education.
You exit your car, hoodie pocket jingling around from your wallet bouncing against your keys. Itโs now September and the weather is starting to get colder, windier, despite the sun still being out. Making your way around the building, you push the glass door open and a bell chimes above, signaling your entry to Mrs. Chen. The older lady poked her head from the doorway in the back and gave you a warm smile.
โMy, my. Look at you, it's been a while since I saw you. Howโs your dad?โ Her voice was soft, warm, as thick and silky as honey.
You shrugged in response to her question, glancing around her small thrift store. โHeโs fine. Iโve been busy with school, and joined a band, too.โ Your E/C eyes met her brown eyes, exchanging a warm energy between the two of us.
โOh? What a coincidence, my little helper back here was telling me about his band as well. Must be a trend.โ
Your head tilts at โlittle helperโ and the mention of a band. โYou got a new shipment of clothes, could I come help? What sort of music do they make?โ
Mrs. Chen gestured to you in the back, inviting you to help sort out clothes with her. Usually you'd write down the brand, find the measurements, then jot down the price on a tag while Mrs. Chen marks them in her inventory.
โHe's your dad's coworker's son. Dropped by to get himself some clothes, but you know I need a young man to help around with heavier stuff around here, Iโm not getting any younger you know.โ She chuckled, holding the door open for you as you stepped into the back.
There was a kitchen sink, two round tables, one with her afternoon tea and sandwiches, the other where a pile of clothes sat. And across the room was her desk full of papers, pens, and a calculator. The table full of clothes had one of the chairs extended out but no one else in sight.
Maybe the old age was finally getting to herโฆ
โHere you go sweetie,โ she slides over a measuring tape, โIโm sure you know how to measure. It's not the first time I held you hostage.โ She rubs your back as she heads down a hallway, โLet me check on this boy, dear.โ
You hear a muffled conversation as you grab a stack of clothes, beginning to write down on a notepad the brand, article of clothing, and color before stepping into the measurements. The sound of footsteps approaching brought you to lift your head back up at the source. Mrs. Chen andโฆ
Xiao?!
โYou?!โ we both say at the same time.
Xiaoโs in a black wife beater, baggy jeans with two belts on, one through the loops while the other is there for style, heโs wearing chains as well? Weird. Never expected him to own a pair. The tattoos normally hidden by his hoodies and long sleeve shirts are exposed. Alongside Mrs. Chen, he looks like a delinquent son that holds a soft spot for his mother.
โAh, so the two of you know each other? That makes things easier. Iโll be sitting and finishing my lunch โ if that's okay with you two.โ
โYes, Mrs. Chen, take a break. Your tea is getting cold.โ Xiao reassures her, gently grabbing the box of extra pins and tags that were in her hands. She smiled at the two of you, before walking over a few steps to sit down at the round table and begin to unfold the wrapper to her sandwiches.
Xiao takes a seat in the chair across from me, already grabbing clothes and starting to tag them with a gun with a sharp needle.
I continue measuring clothes and folding them into a pile beside me, close for him to grab and take.
Mrs. Chen is now (loudly) watching a video on how to make all-natural household cleaning products. Probably on Facebook. Definitely on Facebook.
The handheld machine Xiao is using is consistent. Click. Fold. Click. Fold. Click.
Then itโs quiet.
Glancing up, his golden eyes quickly flickered away from yours and went back down to where his fingers were playing with the hem of the dress he was holding. His jaw tensed up, although slightly. Thereโs no way.
Venti was right? Was he beingโฆ shy?
โDo you need something?โ You asked, not teasing, not cold. Just checking in on him.
He looked back up at you, his striking eyes meeting yours. They're usually so cold when he's talking to you in Ittoโs garage, even if what he says to you is brief like โyou missed a beatโ. This time his eyes are rather wary, like he doesn't know what to say to you. His eyes redirect to the notepad on the table, close to your wrist, before locking eyes with yours again.
โIโฆ forgot the prices,โ he points at the notepad with the hand that was toying with the dress, โCan I take a peek?โ
That's it? Alright.
You nod, flipping the notepad to where Mrs. Chen wrote down the prices of the items in her shop. All separated by menโs and women's clothing, accessories, and general merchandise.
Sliding it over to Xiao, you go back to looking down at the jean skirt in your hands. Then the notepad slides back over to you by bumping against your hand.
โSorryโฆโ Xiaoโs apology rings loud enough to go over Mrs. Chenโs Facebook video, yet soft to nearly miss it. His phone was now on the table, the screen showing he took a picture of the prices before sliding the notepad back to you.
He was back to pricing, black pen in hand as he flipped between pricing tags to zoom in on prices to gunning down more tags onto the clothes youโve already measured out.
โAhh, my little helpers, are you kids alright?โ Mrs. Chenโs voice rang out from the table nearby as her video ended. You and Xiao looked up at each other then turned your heads over to the older lady, giving her a nod and a โyes maโamโ before continuing with your work in silence.
The minutes passed by which turned to over an hour of work between the two of you before the clothes pile was ready to be put out onto the floor. Despite there being room to talk, you and Xiao stayed silent the entire time. Awkward silence at first before it shifted into a comfortable silence.
Mrs. Chen had already stepped out and began taking some clothes out to the floor as she finished her packed lunch, promising you both to pick out something for free in exchange for helping her out.
So, as you stood up to stretch, you looked down at Xiao, who looked back up at you before attempting to turn away again. โYouโre not that bad, yโknow?โ
โExcuse me?โ
โSorry, Iโm cold in rehearsals to you. You're not that bad.โ He clarified, this time maintaining eye contact.
You blinked at his sudden compliment, clearing your throat you nodded at what he said before it could get awkward again. โThanks, Xiao.โ I guess.
โYou should get the brown top, by the way.โ He quickly added, โI saw you looking at it.โ
During your spontaneous volunteer work, there was a brown top in the pile of clothes. It was a v-neck halter top, where you can tie it on the back, slightly cropped, and it had a white stitch design under the breast area that wrapped around it. It was cute, for sure, but you just weren't sure if you should get it, much less think Xiao noticed you staring at it.
โYou think so?โ your voice is rather soft, glancing over at the pile of folded clothes where the top lay somewhere in between. Xiao only returned your answer with a nod, still seated down with his hands on his lap.
Accepting his answer, you walked over to the pile that sat beside him and flipped through the clothes, careful not to mess up the pile. When you found the top, pale slender fingers came into frame and picked out the top for you. You hummed in surprise as Xiao held up the top for you. โOh. Thanks, Xiao.โ Setting the pile that was in your hands back down, you plucked the top that Xiao held up to take.
You offer him a small smile before heading to the door, ready to show Mrs. Chen the top youโre going to leave with. But before you open the door to exit, you look over at Xiao, who was just staring at you with his hands back on his lap. Heโs rather awkward outside of rehearsals.
โBy the way, Iโm sorry about the drink. You knowโฆ the one I spilled on you. I didn't know when to find the time to apologize to you about it.โ You bite your lip in embarrassment as you turn your head away from him, but your eyes still glance over at him, waiting to see his reaction.
His face lights up with surprise, even if for just a second, โItโs cool. I wasn't mad.โ
His response takes me off guard as I turn to face him again, โAre you sure?โ
Xiaoโs face doesn't change this time, he just nods slowly, โYes.โ
Pursing your lips, you glanced around the room before giving him a quick nod and exiting the room. How awkward. Time to get the hell out and go home.
You approach Mrs. Chen with the top and get her approval to take it home. As you exit you wave a goodbye to her and exit the building, in the parking lot in front you see the mid-size silver truck that's often parked in Ittoโs driveway. Must be Xiao's. Weird how you didn't clock it when you first arrived.
Maybe you really should get out of your own head.
With a sigh, you turned around to head to the back parking lot. Entering your car, you tossed the shirt into the passenger seat and connected your phone to the charger.
You just wanted to shop to clear your head, instead you ran into your dad's coworker's son. The Coworkerโs Son. The one youโre in a band with and possibly the ex to your new friend. On top of doing volunteer work you never signed up for.
How silly can the universe get?
Deciding not to dwell on it too much, you turned on a playlist and drove off home. Maybe youโll text Venti about it, maybe not. Text him that maybe Xiao really is as shy as he told you he was, that he does turn into a different person outside of rehearsals. Outside his comfort zone.
โ
โY/N, whereโd you get your top?โ Ayakaโs soothing voice broke through your silence as you picked at your ice cream. Just two days ago you were left alone with someone you thought was an asshole, only to find out that he isn't as cold as you first thought he was. Gentle with Mrs. Chen. What he was doing thereโฆ thatโs none of your business.
Looking up to meet Ayakaโs pretty blue eyes, you offered a tired smile. โI got it for free. I helped my dadโs coworker's wife out and got a free top out of it.โ Placing an arm on the table to roll your hand into a fist and lay your cheek against it, you let out a small shrug. โIโll take a picture of the tag and send it to you later if youโd like.โ
โAh~ No need, Y/N,โ she tilted her head and closed her eyes to give me a reassuring smile, โyou seem so tired. The boys haven't been keeping you up too late, right?โ
You shook your head to answer her question, โNothing like that, no.โ
โOh, so is this about he-who-must-not-be-named?โ Hu Tao chimed in, moving her body to make direct eye contact with you, โWe told you already, but if he bothers you again, let us know and weโll deal with it!โ
โWhoโs he-who-must-not-be-named?โ A soft voice finally spoke up, Yunjin.
You were out getting ice cream with your girls. Ayaka sat in the booth across from you, Yunjin on her side and closest to the window. Hu Tao sat across from her, right beside you. It was just another day of going to the mall and shopping. Yunjin was acting weird initially, but youโve both moved on past it. It probably wasn't that serious anyways. Besides, itโs not like you to rub it in their faces that you made the band while the other didnโt. Now, THAT would be weird behavior.
โKazuha,โ I sighed, looking back down at my melting shake, โmy stupid ex-boyfriend. And no, it's not about him either.โ
โSo, whatโs been bothering you then? You were fine until you started looking like your ice cream insulted you.โ Hu Tao questioned, placing a hand on your thigh. Her way of offering comfort.
You drop the spoon, allowing it to slowly sink into the milkshake. Sighing, you leaned back into the booth and faced the girls again. All three give you a look to allow you to go on. โI just judged someone too soon, I guess?โ
โOh? Can we ask who?โ Ayaka questioned.
You stayed silent. Just for a bit. โXiao.โ
Yunjinโs eyes widened just a bit at the mention of his name. โXiao? Your,โ pause, โbassist?โ
You nodded, โThat's the one.โ
โXiaoโฆ Xiaoโฆโ Hu Tao whispered to herself, trying to recall his face, โOh! Ventiโs other friend? What did he do?โ
โI judged him too harshly,โ another sigh, โduring rehearsals, he usually never talks. If he does, itโs usually to the other guys. Whenever he did say something to me it's usually something like, โyou missed a beatโ or โyou were late to the measureโ. Never anything else.โ
The girls look amongst themselves before turning to you, โYeah that does seem like a dick move.โ Hu Tao agrees.
โThatโs what I said. I talked to Venti and all he said was,โ you put a finger in the air and change your voice to the closest impression of Venti you could muster, โโbe patient with him, heโs a shy boy!โ Ughโฆ It really was hard being patient with him. But I ran into him when I was helping out the other day, and I guess he really is shy.โ You shake your head as you recall how he seemed to struggle trying to speak to you, just to ask for the price list. โHeโsโฆ not that bad. And I feel bad for judging him too quick. Yโknow?โ
Ayaka rested her hand on her chin as she thought of his character from your explanation, โhm, he does seem complicated. Maybe seeing you outside of rehearsal made him short-circuit? I know you've both known of each other, but never spoke to each other. He seems to take the band seriously if he's calling you out, but he doesn't know how to talk to you.โ
โBut we're all friends with Venti, Ayaka!โ Hu Tao budded in, โYou'd assume he'd be more comfortable knowing we're cool in his best friends books.โ
โHis only friend, really,โ Yunjinโs voice spoke up, all eyes were on her now. From the sudden eyes on her, she waves her hands in front of her and laughs a little under her breath, โis what Iโm assuming! Just what I've noticed, you know? Doesn't seem like the type to let in easily.โ
She sighs before folding her hands in front of her on the table, her empty froyo cup off to the side. โXiao seems intense. The type many people get tired of after trying so hard to get close. Itโs pretty impressive how youโre already seeing a different side of him, guess you do have the patience for it.โ Yunjin gives you a small smile, although it doesn't quite reach her eyes. She turns to look out the window while brushing her hair with her fingers.
Ayaka and Hu Tao exchange a quick look, only briefly, before turning back to face you or continue finishing their ice cream. You, however, looked back down to dig out the spoon halfway sunken.
โI guess. Itโs not that impressive, maybe being stuck in a musty garage with him for hours is finally doing something,โ You snort at what you said, โI misjudged him too quickly, for sure, but I just want to be comfortable enough in a room with him to where I don't feel like I need to fill in the silence.โ
โMaybe he likes the silence?โ Ayakaโs voice peeped up, as she continued messing around with her melting two-scoop strawberry/vanilla sundae. โI think you're already going in the right direction. Now that you're spending a lot of your time with the boys, and we don't really know Xiao either, adapting to his behavior may be your best bet to not feeling overwhelmed around him.โ
Hu Tao nods along to Ayakaโs suggestion, โYeah, I agree. You were raised by wolves right?โ
โYes Hu Tao, I was raised as the only woman in my entire family.โ
โExactly! Just be the little boy you know you can be and see how it goes.โ
You chuckle at Hu Taoโs words. Itโs true you're the only girl in your family. The only other woman in your family would be the Auntie that moved to Natlan with her husband after she and your mom graduated college. And your dad's mom lives in Inazuma. But the only times you see them is if they come to visit from Natlan or when you go to vacation in Inazuma, so only a handful of times per year. Here in Liyue live a couple of uncles and your dads old bandmates, except for Uncle John who moved back to Mondstadt a few years back but he never misses their old band hangouts. Even if they just drink in the basement and play their old music or share stories about work and their families. Letโs not get started on the amount of cousins you have, especially when you're the only girl among them.
โMan, whatever.โ You laugh, throwing your spoons plastic wrapper at her. โChange of topic: Ayaka,โ her face perks up at the call of her name, โso has Thoma asked you out yet.โ
โOh! Not yet, but I know he will at this next date, here's how I knowโฆโ
The conversation fades out between the girls as Yunjin turns back around to rejoin the conversation. Laughing as Ayaka mentions how despite how subtle Thoma tries to be, he isn't.
it's been a min since i updated (over a month) and i wanna say sorry i just didn't know how i wanted this chapter to go shdhdkdkdk
bts is back + le sserafim going on tour and going to my city ON MY BIRTHDAY. so im gonna go w my bestie n my bf. gonna cosplay as venti there too ๐
also as an indigenous mexican-american i want to say: FUCK ICE AND FUCK DONALD J TRUMP. no human is illegal on stolen land. my heart is with those whose families have been taken away from them, my anxiety runs deep as my brother goes to work or hangs out with his friends. i pray for everyone to stick together, no matter if youre black, latino, asian, gay, trans, etc. happy pride month to those who are out, those who are questioning, those who are in the closet, those who are scared, those who cant love others freely in their countries, everyone.
i may not have a massive platform but if you're reading this: please fight on for those who are battling oppression every day, for the people in gaza, congo, and sudan, for the women whose rights keep being taken away, and so many more that i can't name off the top of my head.
maybe this chapter is a weird place to put my message but it's important to me for you guys to know where i stand.
i am a human being before i am a content creator, i am a human being before i am a genshin/kpop fan. and i believe everyone, regardless of political stance, race, gender, sexuality, or religion, deserves basic human rights and protection. if you are american like i am, continue to be patriotic and fight for others that can't speak up. from the fields to the railroads to the cities tallest buildings, remember it was us who built america. do not fall for trump's propaganda, report ICE sightings to friends and family or on social media.
idk if i want my fic to include a kazuha x reader x xiao love triangle or an aether x reader x xiao love triangle (briefly, its a xiao x reader fanfic at the end of the day)
also you/reader same thing ๐๐ผ
some avenues i thought of exploring (pls lmk what sounds best)
Kazuha x Reader x Xiao
kazuha n you are exes. kazuha dumped you to hoe around but he still flirts w you. xiao and ganyu are cousins. ganyu and kazuha are dating, xiao and you are in a band together
you do NOT know ganyu and kazuha are dating, but xiao does (he won't tell u tho bc why would he anyways)
fwb relationship w xiao that ends up turning into a situationship n the whole "what are we" thing ensues which makes you n xiao fight.
you (maybe) under the influence OR highly upset thus finding comfort in kazuha
so kazuha ends up CHEATING on ganyu with you (yup it'll be a freaky thing too)
ganyu gets UPSET asf and whole lot more drama i wont spoil
xiao gets EVEN MORE UPSET but it highk his fault too so wompwomp
xiao and kazuha fist fight
you leave the band, hit rock bottom, drop an album, join the band back after you n xiao have a heart to heart.
the end ??
Aether x Reader x Xiao
obv kazuha still gonna be meddling in your life and ganyu still gonna hate ur guts
but now youre getting closer to the band and catch the eye of the leader of the band (aether) and emo heartthrob (xiao)
aether n xiao realize that they both like you but decide to stay homies and not get competitive over you.
"whatever happens, happens"
aether cant wait no more tho and he hits on you first + you both kinda become a thing ??
he never asked u out, just stay in the "talking" stage.
but then youre like "mmm nah im not rlly feelin it :("
aether and you stay friends hard asf but ofc hes got lingering feelings (that he'll get over eventually)
xiao distances himself when he sees how close u and aether got from the moment he asked you out but when u dump aether you go to xiaos for comfort
and ofc we stupid girlies so we fuck xiao and have a fucked up fwb kinda thing going on
bc it hurts to tell aether that u fucked his best friend (xiao dont wanna tell him that he basically fucked the girl they both wanted anyways) you both just keep up the lie
then through the grapevine (aka yunjin) aether finds out abt you n xiao basically betraying him so u leave the band
same ending basically but you win your bff + your bf back after being the worst human alive
surprise heres some more thoughts
Yunjin x Reader x Xiao
yunjin is the toxic ex to xiao
yunjin lowk hates u and manipulates you to get info on the band for her (but ur like "oh yeah we chillin we made a song about a random wednesday watching the snow fall")
ofc she haunts xiao so when she notices that he started to develop feelings for you, she hooks up with you !! (wlw rep in a hopeless place ig)
she only slept w you to make xiao hate you but it just made him hate her even more
ofc xiao hates that so she gets confronted
ngl out of all the 'routes' this one would be the most "drama free" save for your dad getting hospitalized and xiaos dad going to jail forever
some extras that ive been debating on/will try to weave into the fic
xiao not developing feelings for reader until well into their fwb relationship and reader is still going on dates w stupid people
yunjin manipulating behind the scenes will be present in all routes
kazuha meddling will be present as well as an attempt to cheat on ganyu w reader as soon as he feels reader is frfr moving on from him
readers dad being hospitalized and xiaos dad going to jail will happen regardless as well
hutao x yanfei canon
if we land on something other than the aether x reader x xiao thing, then venti has a secret crush on aether (aether is pan, i will hear no arguments)
no love triangles? thats ok. yunjin made xiao so insecure that during your fwb relationship he wonders if late nights with you would be the closest he'd ever get to your heart. ultimately xiao ends up fighting with you and calling you a "slut" when you were just trying to meet him halfway and you leave the band saying "im no longer talking to xiao" which makes XIAO HIT ROCK BOTTOM (he becomes an alcoholic and wont shower, only to feed his cat and smoke)
then you drop a whole diss album on your relationship with xiao (its just a bunch of beabadoobee songs i alr have the playlist). surprisingly you win xiao back by singing how youre moving on from him and you both live happily ever after.
anyways pls lmk if you have any other suggestions or questions . trust i am OPEN
๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ ๐๐ || Xiao x F!Reader
Chapter 7 - Failed Date, Foggy Haze
Tired of his father living vicariously through him, Xiao decides to start the band heโs always dreamed about. Fame and wealth never mattered to him, heโd just want to feel part and contribute to a community thatโd accept a broken man like him.
Starting a band in his friendโs garage, Xiao runs into a problem: thereโs no drummer. Thus, auditions are held to be apart of the band. Our dear bassist has little to no experience with women, so how could he deal with one joining the band? Why did she bring so much of her โgirl dramaโ to rehearsals, and why is his ex trying to get back into his life?
Word Count: 7.4k
CW: implied/referenced abuse, drug use (xiao is a stoner)
Itโs been a few days since rehearsals started. Itโs also been a few days of Yunjin acting weird. The day you told her youโve been accepted into the band, she ghosted you until the next day.
โsrry i didnt mean to not respond ><โ dad had me workingโ was all she sent to you.
Of course you accepted, sheโs a new friend and already getting along well with Ayaka and Hutao. But it seemed as if she was only interested in meeting with them. Anytime youโd bring up Venti, sheโd just give off some excuse for not being able to hang out. Studying, working with her dad, she has an appointment, etc. So you ultimately gave up on trying to plan a friend date with your best friend.
She's been more active but recently all her texts seem to be about the band, sheโd ask about how you feel about them. Venti? Best friends since high school, obviously you love him to shreds. Aether? You met him and his twin once before joining the band, heโs a little quiet and lost in his mind often, but still very friendly and can hold a conversation well. A natural leader to the band. Xiao? Also quiet, you knew of him as heโs been friends with Venti since they were children, your dad also worked with his dad as mechanics at some luxury car company. But you just can't seem to break down a wall he holds up. Not even a peephole.
Itโs pretty irritating.
During rehearsals you catch him watching you and you can almost feel his eyes burning into you. You're not sure if itโs because of the drink you spilled on him a month back, you haven't apologized for that (yet). Maybe heโs just uneasy with new people? That's probably why team synergy was an important factor for them in terms of judging.
Whatever it was, you decided to get over your thoughts as you focused back onto the old notebook on your lap.
You're back in Ittoโs garage for a band rehearsal, your class was canceled so you showed up early. The garage door was opened to allow the cool breeze inside, some shelves full of tools on one side of the garage, paint buckets in another, mini fridge in a corner stocked with beers and capri suns (that you bought for yourself but had to buy more as Venti likes to drink them all), a massive beanbag that Shinobu made Itto throw out (he didn't), and an old, stained couch from 30 years ago. So, for now it was you, the drum set Itto borrowed from a friend in jail, a few amps, microphones, speakers. And Xiao. The two of you on the couch, opposite sides.
Heโs in a hoodie and jeans, hair messy as always but it frames his face so well, eyes tired but still sharp. Heโs scrolling through his phone, occasionally biting and playing with his lip ring. Not talking to you, other than lifting his hand up at you when he saw you enter the garage; his way of greeting. It was so awkward even sitting near him as you feel like heโd hate you just for breathing wrong.
How can you write in this atmosphere?
Fuck it. You leaned over to your bag that sat beside you on the floor, searching for your headphones. You connected them to your phone, enabling bluetooth, and placed them over your head. One ear covered and the other exposed. In case Xiao decides he wants to talk. Ha.
You opened your music to something that will help cloud your mind with more noise.
โDim (Nostalgic Edit)โ by Yves.
The beat trying to stabilize itself, the echoes in the background sounding like sirens going down a tunnel, the distorted synths that replicated the thoughts in your mind. It's just noise, but it's as if it forces you to organize it and make sense of stuff.
You aren't sure if he watched you move, keeping your eye on Xiao using your peripheral vision. But you couldn't just stare into space with him beside you. What if he thinks you're going crazy?
You took a deep breath, changing your position on the couch to cross your legs together and adjusting the notebook on your lap once again.
On the pages are written some notes from the last rehearsal, adjustments to lyrics. Youโve been debating on trying out a collision overlapping between two bars, or if they should just scrap whatever it was they were trying to fit.
Your pencil tapped in annoyance against the paper, using it to tap the beat again and refresh your mind on the song, composing it in your head. Your pencil being what helped test out the melody.
โIs that the song we're working on?โ
A raspy voice caught your attention from beside you. Your head turned over to the only other person in the room with you, Xiao.
His golden orbs met yours, his position never moved just his head facing you now. He looked at you then down to the notebook on your lap, then back at you.
Heโs pointing using his eyes.
โUh, yeah. It is. I don't like how the lyrics are coming out.โ
โWhich part?โ
Xiao's making conversation? I mean, it's just about the music they're making, that doesn't count. Right?
โYou know, uh, the chorus,โ you pointed at some words on your notebook, moving the book closer for him to see, โI feel as if we're moving on too quickly from this stanza. I don't know if I should chop it out or find a different filler. Heh, yeahโฆโ
You already feel yourself shutting down. Why is it so hard to even translate your thoughts to him? So embarrassing!
His expression remained unreadable, but you could tell he was reading your notes and the lyrics. He stayed still for a minute, before readjusting his position on the couch. Now his back is against the armrest of the couch, one leg crossed in front of him while the other still hung over to the floor. Porcelain fingers reached out to grab your notebook, although he didn't touch you, his cold silver ring grazed against your skin. Xiao read through your notes, head bobbing at the lyrics and seeing him organize what you were trying to fix up.
โLetโs sing til the end of the song. Beginning of the song already has 16 seconds of instrumentals before vocals come in. How about cutting the stanza up and exaggerating โyouโ?โ
โHow so?โ you ask, intrigued as Xiao flipped your notebook to where the two of you could see.
โHere,โ he pointed at exactly where your troubles were, โHow about we cut up โItsโs you / Iโm just saying it's youโ. We can cut those up and have โyouโ exaggerated to emphasize the song. This song isnโt calling for fast vocals, so we can slow down.โ
โCan youโฆ try it? I need to hear it.โ Fuck!
โIโll start at the pre-chorus. Just keep the beat.โ he nodded, eyes still on the lyrics on your notebook as you counted him in.
Although you clapped along and kept your eyes still onto your notebook, you were so taken back by Xiaoโs vocals. Heโs proven himself to be a great vocalist alongside the other band members, but hearing him sing along and howl out the โyouโ in the lyric. It kinda made you shy.
You really thought this mf hated you.
Whatever, step one is somewhat completed I guess.
โThatโฆ was good. Thank you.โ
Xiao looked back up to you and nodded before turning his position back to when you first entered the garage.
You scribbled on some more notes.
โExaggerate vowel, keep breathyโ
From there you started humming to yourself what Xiao suggested, and it fit.
Only a couple minutes passed by as you hear two doors slam shut in a car, Venti and Aether. Arriving just in time for rehearsal to start with iced coffees. Thank fuck.
Aether offered a wave at the two of you, iced drink halfway done, before heading over to where his guitar laid onto its stand. Venti arrived with the rest of the drinks.
โVanilla oat milk cold brew for you,โ the sparkling boy giggled as he handed Xiao his drink, โand a toasted coconut shaken espresso for you.โ
Your eyes sparkled so much it could rival Ventiโs. So sweet but so smooth, not overpowering. You took a sip and it was as if your taste buds danced after the first rain of a brutal summer. โThank you so much!โ
Venti giggled, still standing over you and looked down at your notebook. Not the one you were given by him to write the band's lyrics and notes, but your personal notebook.
His quick hands snatched it out your lap, pacing around the room with it.
โVenti-โ you called in embarrassment, the headphones on your head that you had forgotten all about slipped down to your shoulders as you stood up from the couch.
โNow, now. What is my dear drummer looking to change? Oh!โ Ventiโs surprised reaction caught the attention of Aether, heading to peek over his shoulder as Venti plopped down in the empty space between you and Xiao.
โYou finished the song?โ Aether asked, eyes still reading the rest of the song the band never got to. โIt sounds good. You did this all yourself?โ
Now it was your turn to talk, โUh, no. Not entirely. Xiaoโฆ helped with the chorus. Didn't know how to cut it up so he suggested we extend โyouโ.โ
As you said Xiaoโs name, his eyes darted from the notebook he once held just to lock his eyes in with yours momentarily, before they went back to the notebook, reading the new notes you put in after his suggestion.
โY/Nโฆ this is good! Much better than what I was thinking. Xiao, good job too, I guess.โ Venti stood back up, throwing the notebook over at Aether who caught it. Venti went to the back of the mic, just his little body as his guitar was still propped up on a stand. โShall we get to work now?โ
Aether read the notes once again, really taking them in before he nodded and headed back towards his mic. โThese are really good. Great job, drummer girl.โ He handed the notebook back down to you as you stood up. Before leaving back to his position he gave you a pat on the back.
Feeling a stare on you, you turned your head to see Xiao was staring back at you once again. He gave a curt nod before standing up to head to his guitar.
Venti decided to grab his guitar again, hyping himself up.
Still something was missing.
A recording of your rehearsals.
โIs it cool if I set up my phone to record us? We can review the playback footage and see what we should work on.โ
Aether, finishing up with his tuning gave you a nod at the suggestion. โGo ahead, itโd be embarrassing sounding out of tune.โ
You pulled your phone back out your pockets, opening the camera app and finding a place to prop up your phone. A bunch of cardboard boxes stacked on a pile worked. You tilted the phone as much as needed until everyone was in frame. That's when you realized your headphones were still around your shoulders. Before pressing the red circle to record, you threw your headphones onto the couch where you were sitting. Then gave the camera a peace sign before running back to your drums.
โTake 1 of โYou (Show Me Where My Days Went)โ,โ Aether started, before looking at you to count the others in, โReady?โ Truly Pulseโs natural leader.
You nodded, a big smile on your face as you tapped your sticks together to give the others the tempo. It wasn't a loud song, so your guitarists had to start slow before easing into the first verse.
Aether started the song, Venti took over the second verse, then Xiao took over the chorus. You? Adlibs and backup vocals. Although you can sing, youโd prefer to focus more on drums rather than vocals.
Finally the song ended with Aetherโs final lines and your drums. The group cheered, minus Xiao who just sat down on an amp and started tuning his bass again.
Hopping out of your seat, you ran over to the camera that was still recording and pressed the little red square to stop. Venti hopped right onto your back, seeing the recording on your phone. His chest was pressed entirely onto your back and his arms wrapped around your waist, head onto your shoulder.
You skimmed through the song as Venti practically invaded your personal space. โDid you bring your laptop?โ You asked him
โYeah but no cords.โ
You snorted out a laugh, โThat's fine, I got cords to plug it into. Just forgot my laptop on my bed.โ
Venti hopped off of you as he fetched his laptop from his backpack, then went through your bag to grab the cords and a piece of gum.
Of course a gentleman can't go through a lady's bag. But this is Venti and Y/N. Ventiโs taken care of Y/N as sheโs thrown up drunk on her clothes. Y/N one time had to bathe Venti as he was piss drunk. What else is there for them to hide from each other?
The other two surrounded you and Venti as you plugged in your phone to his laptop. He clicked around using the mousepad and found the video you just took of the band performing.
It started with you throwing a peace sign and the guys behind you giving a chuckle (save for Xiao who just stared at you). You turned to run in the video and felt a little embarrassed, โDo I actually run like that?โ hands covering your face from your body running to your drum set.
โThe floor is covered in cables, anyone would awkwardly run like that.โ Aether reassured you, placing a hand on your shoulder, squeezing it slightly.
Aetherโs voice started, his body turning to face yours as he gave you your sign for the counts.
The actual performance was pretty good, with only few minor flaws and some changes to be made.
โAether, can you change the chords around the last 15 seconds of the song?โ Xiao suggested, eyes closed and playing the song in the back of his mind. โY/N, letโs have your drums be the absolute last sound in the song.โ
Venti gave Xiao a pat on the back, at him suddenly speaking up to make suggestions. โLook at you speaking up!โ
Xiao just threw a scowl over at Venti before leaning back onto the couch, spreading his arms out. Aether called for a small break while he figures out what kind of chord heโd wanna try out, Venti lent him his laptop so he can see what to test out.
After Venti left from between the two of you, it was back to you and the dark-haired boy on the couch. Xiao hopped back on his phone, one hand tapping the beat of the song onto the couch.
Since heโs back on his phone and some time has passed, you opened your phone to see you got a message from a โHarukiโ onโฆ Tinder.
He just asked you what's up, called you pretty. Seems normal so youโd probably respond back the same way. โOh just in a band meetingโ, you thought to yourself as a response already. You clicked the message where the screen loaded in white same for a pinky fire going into the frame in the center of your screen. You clicked on his pictures just to remind yourself of how he looked.
Obviously from Inazuma, goes to the same uni as you but youโve never seen him before, heโs got auburn hair, obviously a bowl cut but he styles it back. Normal pictures except you stumbled across a pic of him shirtless at the gym. That really assured something in your mind.
You probably swiped on him when you were horny and lonely.
You scrolled slightly to the bio.
โi go jim. something casual with someone open-minded :)โ
Then back to his message to you, โlink?โ
Gross.
You unmatched so quickly, throwing your head back onto the couch, just for something to catch sight in your peripheral vision. Xiao took a peek at your phone, looked back at you, and smirked?? It must've been a trick of the light as he turned around to pay attention back onto his phone. But he smirked? There's no way you got laughed at already.
โOkay, how does this sound?โ Aether asked, playing a new chord progression for the last bit of the song.
You felt it fit perfectly in, so did the other two. So back to recording take two of your song.
The rest of the rehearsal consisted of recording, playbacks, critiques, a lyric change or two, and so on. By the end of it all, your clothes began to stick to you slightly from the amount of takes. But finally the band felt satisfied, it was starting to get dark and the air became cooler inside the garage.
As you were sipping water, you picked up a conversation with Aether. Asked how his sister was as the last time you saw her was before the band formed, at karaoke with Venti and the others.
โShe's fine, swamped with homework. Her boyfriend's pretty cool, too. Little weird but cool.โ
โWeird? Is it worrying?โ
โYeah, kinda. He gets a little aggressive sometimes but never to her. Guess heโs just overprotective. Not too worried, my sister knows how to fight. She still kicks my ass if I leave the toilet seat up.โ
You chuckled at that. No way Aether is house trained.
โWhat about you? Any siblings?โ
Your face lit up, but before you could get a word out, Venti called your name from behind you.
He and Xiao were sitting down on an amp, Venti obviously carried the conversation as Xiao only seemed to respond in grunts when he wanted to.
โY/N~ So I heard you were on tinder? Any hot dates yet?โ Venti sang out, Aether giggled at the other's question.
How embarrassing! Xiao, you will pay for this.
You looked over at the quiet boy beside your best friend, who just raised an eyebrow over at you before turning back down to play around with his bass. Asshole.
Taking a deep breath, you crossed your arms and answered Ventiโs question. โI have a date tomorrow. Iโm sure youโll watch my location at some point.โ
โIs that why you asked for no rehearsal on Tuesday?โ
โIโm not the one who asked, it was your little friend over there.โ
Now Xiao got his attention back onto you. Venti looked between the two of you, having a stare off, โWait! Don't tell me you guys are going on a date tomorrow?โ
You scoffed, walking over to grab your belongings and slinging your bag over your shoulder.
โDonโt be stupid, of course not. Since rehearsal is over now, Iโm heading home. Iโm all sweaty.โ
Besides, it's way too early in the story for a date.
โWhere is it at?โ Venti called out as you were exiting the garage. You turned around to face him again, โDon't worry about it. You have my location anyways.โ
You threw a wink out at him before grabbing your keys out of your pocket and unlocking the car door. It was so cold out, you turned up the seat warmers and waited for your car to heat up some more before driving off. As you waited, Aether and Venti saw you still in your car and waved you goodbye. Xiao was still in the garage, watching the other two pack up in Aethers car before driving away.
He looked back at your car momentarily, before turning around to shut the garage door. Then the lights went out, signaling heโs out of there too
Weirdo.
At least you won't see him for another few days.
You placed in the directions to your home, then took off.
Hopefully he won't be too weird anymore, or stay as intense as heโs been.
โ
Finally in your house, you gathered some clothes before hopping in your shower.
You took your time inside, feeling all the sticky sweat fall off of you and feeling rejuvenated. You grabbed your pj pants and tank top, slipping them off. Attempted to dry your hair as best as you could and added on extra moisturizer.
You see how your phone buzzed on your bed as you reentered your room, plopping onto the bed to see who would've texted you.
Venti.
V: srry for the teasing
V: hehe
V: not rlly
V: but i heard xiao spoke to you other than his usual groans and making stupid faces !!
Y/N: yeahhh idk im still scared of him ๐
Y/N: he aura farmed for too long
Y/N: he's like lvl 100 mafia boss and im lvl 1 thug
Venti laughed at that last message.
V: nuh uh !! bet you dont realize that hes also shy asf !!
Y/N: i lowk dont believe u but oki
V: its true !! just keep talking abt the music and heโll come around. heโs kinda like a cat !!
V: just not his cat, shes rlly friendly
Y/N: xiao has a cat?
V: hehe yup !! youโll meet her someday just gotta earn his trust first. thats his daughter he wouldnt want a bad influence like you around her
Y/N: me? bad influence? girl look at you !!
V: man wtv !! imma go to bed hehe. just keep doing what you were doing
V: promise heโs not scary just shy
You just liked his message, then you scrolled between other messages.
Yunjin, she's a little weird. Talks about the band a lot, won't tell you who her ex is but it's either Aether or Xiao. So far you're getting to know Aether, there's no way it was Xiao, heโs so difficult to get to.
The band group chat. Just the four of you. It was mainly Venti sending memes, Aether would reply to them or send demos, Xiao is somewhat active as he only likes messages and asked the other day to have Tuesday off, and you? You haven't texted anything in the groupchat yet.
Maybe thatโll change.
Some guy named Henry asked you on a date to get boba and go hit up some shops nearby, rather far drive across town. Although he offered to pick you up, you prefer driving yourself in case anything weird happens.
You smile at the pictures of him. Cute guy, pale skin, glasses, short, light hair, pretty toned. He was rather cute but totally not what you'd usually go for, still you don't like keeping yourself in a box. You weren't really excited but at least you got to get out of the house more, not that your dad bothers you, you just donโt like to be holed up.
You sighed, flipping through your phone looking for a video to โwatchโ as you tried to fall asleep. Youโve gotten used to noise to calm you down, your parents jamming out would provoke you with sleepiness, or just your dad watching tv loudly from the living room would be enough too.
Finally, you found something worth your interest and clicked it. You placed your phone on the nightstand beside you then wrapped yourself up in the warm comforters, freshly dried and so warm.
โ
Itโs well into the date with Henry, a guy from Mondstadt and heโs been really nice. A little weird. Not creepy, heโs just a big crypto guy. Whatever that means.
At the moment you're going between getting your father an antique ashtray or watch, staring at both eagerly as if theyโd come alive and convincing you which one to buy. The ashtray is ceramic, painted and glazed over beautifully, it has a pond in the corner with some swans and a cherry blossom tree. The edges are decorated in gold. But the watch is definitely something your grandfather would have worn. And you know how much your dad misses his dad and regrets not keeping the watch he was buried with all those years ago.
โThat for you?โ
Familiar. Raspy. Kind of grumpy.
You turned to see Xiao standing beside you, hoodie on him and hands stuffed into his pocket sleeves. His face looked unamused, as always, he locked eyes with you for a second before turning to look back at what you were looking at. The watch or the ashtray.
He really did catch you off guard as you jolted at the sound of his unexpected voice.
โYou stalking me or something?โ you let out a chuckle, steadying your breath.
Seriously, youโre very well across town but still run into Xiao on the same Tuesday he asked for. Maybe God was punishing you.
โNo. My cousins dragged me out here.โ His eyes looked over to two girls going through clothes and holding up against each other, giggling between themselves. Ganyu and a girl with pink hair. โWhere's your date?โ his eyes locked back with yours, eyebrow raising.
You really didn't know where he was, you kind of just wandered off without him noticing. So you shrugged. โDunno. These are for my dad though,โ you motioned back to the two antiques in front of you, โguess Iโll get them both.โ
Xiao just grunted in response. Seriously, this guy is so dry.
Before thinking of something else to say, Henry popped back up empty handed. โYo, you ready to dip?โ How embarrassing.
His eyes lingered around the store before looking back at you, talking to Xiao. Great.
โYou know him, babe?โ
You didn't even want to bother turning around to see Xiaoโs reaction, so you just sighed and nodded.
โHeโs in the band Iโm in. He plays bass.โ
โOh, you were serious about being in a band?โ
Now your eyebrow raised, โYeah?โ
Henry just hummed, looking over at Xiao, tongue pushing against his cheek before he spoke up again. โSo, uh, you interested in crypto? I make five figures a year, pretty alpha of me. Since you know my girl, Iโll be sure to invite you out for drinks sometime.โ
You really couldn't hold back your annoyed sigh, looking back at the trinkets in your hands you just headed towards the cash register. Henry turned to follow you. Xiao also decided to move on back to accompany his cousins still looking at clothes.
As you were checking out, Henry spoke to you but you just tuned him out. Something about Xiao being a chump and again, crypto, like that was something important. Whatever, none of your business.
As you both headed out you turned back to him. โHey, uh, I gotta get home. My dad needs his meds.โ
Henry looked at you looking surprised at the thought of his dates dad being sick, โOh, uh, is he alright? I can walk you to your car-โ
โNo need. I parked far. Uh, text you later.โ
You purposely cut him off, walking in the opposite of where your car was left.
Just when he was out of your sight, you hid behind other cars to attempt sneaking back to where you left your car. As if you were going to let him see what kind of car you drive around. So fucking embarrassing.
As you headed back towards your car, safe and sound, you opened up messages between you and Xiao. Obviously nothing was there. But you were tempted to tell him not to say anything.
FUCK THATโS SO EMBARRASSING.
Whatever. Maybe he won't say anything.
Right?
When you were back in rehearsals the next day Venti asked you how your date went. Your eyes flickered to Xiao to see him reading some notes Aether jotted down for him to read and apply to his part. Eyes back onto Venti, he was now beginning to lean more onto you face as curious as ever.
โAlright, back up. I can feel your breath on my upper lip.โ
โOh, but Y/N! You said he was a cutie! How was it?โ
Your fingers pinched the bridge of your nose, as if it was trying to hold back a headache, โIt was pretty cringe. Total loser. Alpha male, kept talking about crypto and making five figures a year. Probably only makes 15k like what's that gonna do for me, yโknow?โ
Ventiโs curious smile started to twitch before he erupted in laughter. โTotal loser, for sure! Thatโs so embarrassing, howโd it end?โ
โSaw Y/N run away from him outside.โ Xiao added, looking over at the two of you behind your drum kit before going back to his bass and plucking the strings towards Aether, who was crouched in front of him with intense concentration on how Xiao's new notes would sound.
Ventiโs mouth dropped before he began jumping around in laughter, โXiao was there? Dude, I don't know how you're still here, I would've quit the band!โ
โThanks for the comfortโฆ Maybe I should just delete this hellhole of an app.โ You sighed, pulling out your phone, but before you could unlock it, Venti slapped his hand onto it.
โNo, you shouldn't. I have a friend who knows a friend that found their second husband on there, maybe youโll find your match.โ
โYouโre not really the best at comforting.โ
โNever said I was.โ
You sighed, spinning in your chair to see Aether giving Xiao a look of satisfaction. โThat's enough, Venti, let's go over this run again. Y/N, start us off please?โ
Venti groaned as he headed back to pick up his guitar, which was leaning against the wall behind you, then a half-ass jog back to his position. Aether looked over at you with a sympathetic smile before heading back to his spot.
You took a deep breath before counting the boys in with the taps of your sticks.
Band rehearsal continued as usual: set up the phone, do a take, stop the recording, start up again, and repeat to watch later.
As the hours passed by, the band grew tired and ended early. You waited for Venti to finish packing as you were his ride home that night, so you opened your texts up to send your dad a quick message letting him know you were gonna be late for dinner.
Which ultimately left Xiao alone in the garage, watching Venti tell you about a classmate that accidentally grabbed their professor's ass. The garage door closes for the final time that night behind you. Lights went out as the upstairs lights turned on only a few moments later.
โ
Upstairs, lights and fan turned on, Xiao laid in bed. His eyes were closed and only the sound of the fan and Milaโs purrs filled the room. She always knew what to do, as soft paws walked across Xiaoโs chest and sat down, round, green eyes looked down at him as if telling him that he can rest now.
Pale, long fingers reached over to pet the white, orange, and black fur of her neck which she leaned into giving out a tiny meow of contentment. A smirk crawled onto Xiaoโs face as Mila obviously missed him, despite him being downstairs for only a couple of hours.
Xiao picked up his phone that lied across the bedding as a vibration caught his eye. Ganyu.
Shit.
Although he promised to keep an eye on Y/N, he really didn't want to. He formed this band to keep himself busy, even if it was on a whim, but it's really starting to feel as if it's an obligation.
G: how was rehearsal?
X: how do you know when it ends?
G: your spotify gets active again.
G: clementine by elliott smith tonight. sounds melancholic.
X: yeah
X: rehearsal was ok. same old.
X: just so you know, Y/N was on a date with someone yesterday
X: you and yanfei were trying on clothes, so i went to go say hi and her date was rather
X: lame
X: seems shes over that little boyfriend of yours
G: and if she's still plotting with yunjin?
G: figured that out yet?
X: dunno, she doesn't talk to me. venti usually gets her whole attention.
X: not too worried but im still watching out
G: i can help find out more
X: rather not. iโll deal with her.
G: xiao.. :(
He closed his phone at that last text message, slamming the phone face down back onto the bed. Fingers combing through his hair, feeling rather wet. Heโs been sweating and starting to stink, so I guess it's time for a shower.
Although he didn't really want to get up, he refused to go to bed stinky and dirty. Heโs always found hygiene important. Constantly cleaning dirt from his fingers, moisturizing his face when the weather is cold, brushing his teeth twice a day. Somehow, it felt like that was the only control he had over himself, even stretching it to Mila as he makes sure to trim her claws every two weeks and brush her teeth daily. She really hated it in the beginning but soon got used to it, even sitting on the bathroom counter as if it was routine for her now.
As he turned on the knobs and stripped in the bathroom connected to his room, the water seemed to take a minute to head up. So while waiting he looked over at his stripped body, flexing his arms to check himself out then turning his back to check himself out again. Heโs not pretentious, he just likes to check his progress, or lack of, heโs been neglecting the gym recently which made him lose some muscle mass. Not that he minds, really, despite his short stature he could still take on someone twice his size. But he knows he can't allow himself to slack off, so heโll probably ask Itto if itโs cool to use some of the gym equipment he keeps in another room.
It was in the garage, but when Xiao brought up starting a band to Itto, they just decided to move some items to a different room downstairs.
Didn't think heโd actually support his decision, but he really was thankful to have someone like him in his life. It was a little overwhelming at times, though. Just not used to kind acts.
As the mirror started to fog up, Xiao took that as his cue to turn on the cold water some more before jumping into the shower.
The once boiling water hitting his skin soon turned into a warm sensation. Itโs not too hot but it wasn't cold either. Just right.
He cupped some water into hands, splashing water onto his face. A small ritual for Xiao, water brings life, to bathe in its embrace is like a new day promised. Or something like that. A fresh return.
His bathing ritual continued, covering every single crevice in his body with soap and watching the water carry it away down the drain just beneath him.
Clean skin, fresh new start.
Xiao twisted the knobs to end his shower, he leaves his shower thoughts outside the enclosed, slippery room. His dad always blamed the water bill being so high on him, so heโd rather Itto not worry about his water bill either. No time for shower thoughts.
The coldness of the bathroom compared to the warmth of the water brought goosebumps onto his skin, so he grabbed the towel that he'd brought in and instantly started to dry his body and hair as much as he could.
Wrapping that same towel around his waist, Xiao opened the door to his bedroom, allowing the trapped stream to finally escape the cold bathroom air. His clothes were piled onto his bed, just some sweatpants, black shirt, and a pair of underwear. Although he may have to go to bed without a shirt as Mila seems to have fallen into a deep sleep on top of it. Her soft, white belly with black spots were face up, her body stretched into a โCโ shape and one of her paws extended way past her little head, so much so that her trimmed claws were poking out.
The sight of her relaxed body in a state of unconsciousness brought a smile onto Xiaoโs face, sharp eyes now softening as slow, deep snores escaped his small companion's open mouth.
Carefully, Xiao picked up his underwear and sweats and slipped them on, the towel that wrapped around his waist thrown into the laundry basket near the bedroom door.
The sudden sleepiness went away after his shower, so his thoughts began to fill up with his anxieties again.
Damn Yunjin.
Whatever. This isnโt a night to dwell on such feelings. And how else could he get over them than to smoke?
Itโs been a few days since he last felt the high this beautiful green flower gave him. However, he can't recall exactly when he got into weed.
Maybe it was because of the football team in his high school inviting him to smoke with them behind the bleachers - surprisingly - or maybe it was in middle school when his first girlfriend snuck the two of them into an abandoned house in her neighborhood and they tested out the joint her mom's boyfriend secretly rolled for them. Maybe it was when he first got kicked out of his father's house at 16 and Venti introduced him to a bong he received from a cousin, even if Venti decided that weed wasn't for him. Whatever the case was, tonight was a kind of night where weed came back to comfort him.
He rose from his bed once again to crack open the window slightly, Mila wouldn't escape but you can't ever be too careful. The blue and white bong sat on his desk, it was recently cleaned and the thought of dirtying it again kind of hurts, but his need for a fill is too much to deny. So he grabbed the half empty water bottle nearby and dumped the necessary amount in. His drawers by the desk housed his bud, two different strands in two clear containers.
One container housed a beautiful purple flower, the color was what caught his attention when Itto introduced him to his supplier. Perfect for his anxiety and would help him sleep, it also tasted like artificial grapes which Xiao didn't seem to mind. Purple Kush, an indica. Supposedly makes you hungry as well but the golden-eyed boy is used to smoking so much he doesn't want to overeat whenever the munchies hit. Heโs got water in his jug to help him with the cottonmouth as well.
The other container housed a blue-violet flower that Ittoโs supplier gifted for him to try out. Tastes sweet, he said. Although it's a hybrid, it's more of an indica feel. He really needs more of a sativa strain instead, but he wasn't gonna complain to a newโฆ friend about it. He searched more of the strain on the ride home with Itto, how it can be a little bit of an aphrodisiac. So maybe heโll save that when heโs home alone and brings a girl over.
As if thatโd happen any time soon.
Purple Kush it is.
Slender fingers twist open the cap and take a bud out, not too much since his bowl isn't really big. He places the singular bud on a tray, picking off the stems carefully as the container with the rest of the flower stays nearby.
His drawer is still open as his eyes scan over for a little silver metal round container hiding somewhere. It was quite easy to find anyways as the light reflected off of it. He pulled out the container and popped open the top, exposing some crushed leaves inside of it. His reliable grinder. He always thought of the leftover pieces as extra 'seasoningโ.
He placed the bud he broke apart into the container and stuck the top back on, magnets helping the container close down smoother as he twisted the top around. Maybe after three twists everything fell into the bottom compartment. That little bud he had actually filled more than enough so last him two bowls.
Usually he could zip through four bowls in a sitting but tonight just wouldn't be that kind of night. Two bowls itโll be then.
He twisted the bottom compartment off and emptied it out onto his tray where the single bud once laid.
It was nearly like a power, just more like clumps. The smell wasn't pungent either, just smelled like the artificial grapes itโll taste like.
Xiao took the small bowl that sat on his bong, then slowly filled it up using the edge of the tray, packing it in with a wooden stick. Not too hard or else the smoke wouldn't be able to steep through, but not light enough to have the shredded flower fly around onto the carpet and his clothes.
He sat the bowl back into his bong, setting it onto his lap and finding the lighter that works.
First one didn't. Neither did the second one. Third times the charm right? It wasn't.
He really didn't want to bother Itto, especially this late at night.
For a loud guy he knows how to stay quiet especially with Shinobu. Didn't want to interrupt something intimate between them.
He checked another drawer near his desk to see two more lighters.
Heโd nearly forgotten he bought a pair just a while back. And sure enough, they sparked.
He brought the ring of the bong up to his mouth, igniting the lighter close to the bowl which quickly brought smoke into the glass container.
Once it was ignited enough and Xiao counted to three in his head, he lifted the bowl from the bong once again and kept going for a few more seconds.
He took his mouth off the top of the bong and inhaled as much as he could, before releasing the smoke that clogged his lungs.
Such a smooth hit. It was a huge hit he took but it didn't make him want to gag or cough. He did, however, feel the burning sensation in the back of his throat. So he took the water jug that sat on the floor beside him and took a few sips to ease that feeling.
Taking a deep breath, he looked over back to the bowl and calculated that he could probably take another hit or two before packing the next one.
And so he did.
The first hit didn't really do anything to him, the third hit got him buzzed, but the last hit brought him up to a high that had him staring at his ceiling and the anxious thoughts floated away.
It genuinely was relieving how soft he felt in that moment on his old leather chair - itโs actually Ittoโs but details don't matter. But not long after his sleepiness came crawling back.
So, he placed his bong back onto his desk, then gave himself an internal pep talk to not be lazy and go lay down in bed. Which he did. He closed his window, turned on the ceiling fan and turned off the light, then waddled over to the bed in the corner of the room and threw himself on top. Careful enough to not land on Mila of course.
The sudden weight bouncing beside her caused her to switch from her relaxed position to her rolling over and crawling on top of Xiaoโs bare chest. Her soft purrs filled his ears as she leaned her head closer to his face, smelling the weed he just ingested on his mouth and chirped at him. She always did that after he smoked, Xiao assumed she would scold him in her own way, but sheโd never be upset for too long as she curled around his chest.
I guess tonight heโll just sleep shirtless. But at least his pretty girl would accompany him during his slumber.
And so, Xiao drifted off to sleep with his cat purring contently into his ear, and her drool falling on his chest. Gross. But at least she's happy.
im out of school and FREE !! went through a lot lately. uncle passed away this weekend, kitten i was helping take care of also passed a few days ago, finals week.
im a lil exhausted but at least im guaranteed kinich. and the other kitties are cool too, theyre starting to get playful and started playing w my maine coon despite the size/age difference.
song that the band is 'writing' is You (Show Me Where My Days Went) by Wallows, my bf lowk put me on
๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ ๐๐ || Xiao x F!Reader
Chapter 6.5 - The Conversation
Tired of his father living vicariously through him, Xiao decides to start the band heโs always dreamed about. Fame and wealth never mattered to him, heโd just want to feel part and contribute to a community thatโd accept a broken man like him.
Starting a band in his friendโs garage, Xiao runs into a problem: thereโs no drummer. Thus, auditions are held to be apart of the band. Our dear bassist has little to no experience with women, so how could he deal with one joining the band? Why did she bring so much of her โgirl dramaโ to rehearsals, and why is his ex trying to get back into his life?
Word Count: 1.4k
โ xiaoโs pov โ
The garage was unusually quiet, except for the sound of pens gliding across paper. The yellow lighting in the garage illuminated the dust still flying around, the messy pile of paint buckets on one corner, while the other corner housed a fridge containing Ittoโs favorite imported beer, and a motorcycle covered up in plastic.
All members of the group were throwing out song suggestions that none seemed to fit.
โStatic Heartโ
โVelvet Forestโ
โCherry Blossomโ
โThe Ocean Sideโ
โEchoes of Usโ
They were either corny or trying too hard to be deep.
But he can't judge too hard, the names on his notebook were just equal to their suggestions.
โWhat about Pulse?โ he thought, tapping the end of his pen onto the paper.
Deep in thought, a throat cleared near him brought his gaze towards the person in front of the garage door. Ganyu.
The way she was dressed showed she just returned from a date, she scanned the room and obviously her eyes lingered on their drummer. Of course sheโd have a problem with it, but at the end of the day heโs doing her a favor.
Ganyu worries about Y/N having ulterior motives to win Kazuha back, secretly working with Yunjin so he could take her back. And heโll admit that's part of the reason he vouched for Y/N to join the band, but it's not entirely true. She earned her spot.
If it was Yunjinโs plan to get either her or Y/N into the band, Xiao feels as if he must play the part to figure out how to protect himself. For now, he'll just keep an eye out on their drummer and any suspicious behavior.
โGanyu? What are you doing here?โ he asked, genuinely curious as her popping in was a surprise.
โCan I talk to you? Outside?โ She whispered that last part, waiting for him to stand up so she could lead him out somewhere.
The other member's attention turned to him, much to his humiliation. He hoped they wouldn't ask him any questions as he returned from whatever she had to say. Also hoped Venti wouldn't try to eavesdrop, knowing how nosy he is.
The air outside was cold, somewhat windy, and it was dark now. Street quiet and lit up by lampposts down the neighborhood. Seriously, how do Ittoโs neighbors never complain about his loud parties?
A silver car parked behind his car on the street, lights still on. Probably Kazuha waiting for her from the driver's seat. How embarrassing for Ganyu, dragging her date with her to go see him.
Her white faux fur scarf covered her arms well from the cold as her arms crossed against her chest, matching Xiaoโs crossed arms.
Xiao sighed, โListen, before you say anything-โ
โHer? Why? What if she's working forโฆ Yunjin?โ Ganyu whispered his exโs name as if it was a forbidden spell.
โI vouched for her to join. She earned her spot.โ
โOh? So what if she's just in to get closer to you forโฆ her.โ
โI don't know that. Yet. Iโm keeping a close eye on her, promise.โ
His blue-haired cousin scoffed, rolling her eyes. โI donโt trust her.โ
โYou don't have to. Just trust me.โ
While she was right to not trust her, Xiao didn't know enough to make her trustworthy enough. He could either keep a close eye on her or ask Venti. But that means heโd have to be real subtle about it. Can't ask him if sheโs seeing someone otherwise Venti would think he developed a crush on her. Can't bring up Kazuha and Ganyu casually, he doesn't know how heโll react. Same for Y/N, they're not close enough for him to casually ask about her ex or make her think heโs into her by asking for her relationship status.
Ganyu stared intensely at him, violet eyes scanning his golden orbs, looking for anything else in them. Finally, she let out a sigh, dropping her arms to her sides in defeat. โAlright, fine.โ
As he turned around to go back into the garage, a pair of slender hands wrapped around his wrist. โWait! Before you leave, Kazuha wanted to talk with you.โ
โFuck, he probably asked her out already.โ is all he thought as Ganyu dragged him over to the car parked behind his. Sheโs always been the type to crave a form of validation. It really wasn't her fault, just her dad, his own uncle, constantly being a busy politician so she always looked for validation through her cousins.
Kazuha stepped out of the car as he and Ganyu approached the car. Black dress pants, red button up shirt, and black tie. Hair still in that tiny ponytail. Kind of a weird feeling having this guy in front of him dressed so fancy while heโs wearing his typical black jeans + hoodie combo.
The blonde stuck his hand out to shake his hand.
โAt least heโs respectfulโ
Xiao took his hand and shook it firmly, earning a pat on the arm from Kazuha.
โIโll let you two talk.โ Ganyu said, getting into the passenger side.
โSo, Iโm assuming you asked her out already?โ
โYes, said I should get your approval first,โ the blonde nodded, leaning back onto the hood of his car, โspecifically you.โ
Xiao unamused shrugged his shoulders. This wasn't really the first time his cousin has brought up a boyfriend to him, but it was a little annoying to go through.
โWell, do you smoke? Drink? I won't judge.โ
โI don't smoke, I drink socially.โ
At least he's not an addict. Xiao grunted in response, just stared at him to see what Ganyu could see in him. Y/N dumped him for a reason, so there's a reason to look out for him. Usually, the guys his cousin would bring over get easily intimidated by him, but this guy seemed calm, soft smile resting on his face and eyes seemed to almost match. Unreadable but he can't decide whether to be cautious or not.
โSo, itโs nice seeing you again. Bummer I didn't get chosen for your band,โ his head moved in the direction of the lightened up garage but red eyes stayed still on his, โjust out of curiosity, who'd you pick?โ
There it was.
Did he know Y/N would've been chosen? Or even audition?
He'll find that out for himself later, for now a simple lie would do.
โFriend of a friend. Best drummer we could've had.โ
โOh? Do they go to the same school as us? I may know them.โ
โYouโll just have to find out then,โ his golden eyes shifted to Ganyuโs face but she was preoccupied looking down onto her phone, โyou should take her home soon. Sheโs an academic ace, don't want her to get distracted.โ
Kazuha shifted his attention to the girl in his car, then looked back at Xiao. He knew what he was doing, there's no question about that. The blonde nodded, walking back to the driver's seat of his car, โItโd be cool to come by sometime. Maybe offer a pointer or two.โ
A warning. Ganyu looked back at Xiao from the window, waving goodbye at him. He stepped onto the sidewalk as Kazuha pulled out and watched the car as it went down the street and turned the corner.
That asshole is not trustworthy.
A long sigh escaped his lips, turning back to face the house he was staying at. Peeking up at the upstairs window was his beautiful calico, Mila. Should be her feeding time soon, so better end this band meet quickly.
Walking back into the garage, the scene in front of him surprisingly grounded him. Aether is laughing on one side of the old couch, Venti is hovering over Y/N trying to kiss her as sheโs pushing him back and screaming.
At least they weren't eavesdropping.
Xiao coughed to grab their attention, which worked as all heads turned back to him.
โHow about Pulse?โ
โPulse? For the band name?โ Venti questioned as he climbed off of Y/N, allowing her to sit upright.
โYes. Itโs simple, just one word. Thought of how when we finally perform, peoples heartbeats will pump.โ
โThat's pretty sappy, but I like it.โ the blonde nodded in agreement.
โAll those in favor?โ
Everyoneโs hand rose.
Pulse it is.
The rest of the meeting continued as the topic shifted to figuring out an aesthetic for the band. Where to meet the middle ground between four varying personalities.
But he couldn't stop staring at Y/N. What about her made Ganyu insecure and Kazuha still obsessed? He just hoped to figure it out quickly so he can keep the band drama-free. Especially knowing if sheโs really working with Yunjin as an attempt to get them back together.
๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ ๐๐ || Xiao x F!Reader
Chapter 6 - Secrets and Motives
Tired of his father living vicariously through him, Xiao decides to start the band heโs always dreamed about. Fame and wealth never mattered to him, heโd just want to feel part and contribute to a community thatโd accept a broken man like him.
Starting a band in his friendโs garage, Xiao runs into a problem: thereโs no drummer. Thus, auditions are held to be apart of the band. Our dear bassist has little to no experience with women, so how could he deal with one joining the band? Why did she bring so much of her โgirl dramaโ to rehearsals, and why is his ex trying to get back into his life?
Word Count: 5.2k
โ venti pov โ
Taking an uber back to Ittoโs place, you arrive to the rest of the guys (+ Shinobu) looking back onto their notes and arguing about who their choice should be. The entire ride youโd thought up apologies on your friends behavior, because you really didn't know Y/N actually pull up. Drunk at that!
โHey guys, sorry about-โ
โYO! Welcome back, lil man! Come give us your top choice, we're at a standstill.โ
Placing a little pep in your step as you get asked about your opinion.
Thank FUCK Kazuha was booted out the top 3 choices.
โXiao pitched in for her,โ Aether pointed out at the new contender, โI liked what she did, too. Creativity is important. But Iโm a little biased, so I think Timaeus deserves a spot.โ
โMan, but Yunjin got the vocals and the skill!โ Itto brought up his choice, still seemingly unaware of Xiaoโs reaction. โEven Shinobu agreed!โ
Shinobu shook her head at you in disapproval of her boyfriend's words, โIโm not part of this band, so I don't think my vote should count. But I do think one of the girls should get a shot to help bring in more fans. Sorry, Aether.โ
โNo worries, I think thatโs a good point. Still my decision is set.โ
So now it's between Yunjin and Y/N. The most obvious answer is already in front of him. However, youโre eepy.
โLetโs sleep on this for now, itโs getting pretty late. Mind if I crash over, dear friend?โ
Itto shook his head, โYou're always welcome to crash. You can even share a room with your friend Xiao.โ However your friend, Xiao, shook his head. Couldn't blame him, whenever youโd both share a bed during childhood sleepovers, it was always you kicking and pushing Xiao out of the bed.
โIโllโฆ just take another room if thatโs okay.โ
Shinobu nodded, sending Itto upstairs to head to bed. They had this weird dynamic, Shinobu was often Ittoโs โmomโ and babies him around sometimes. But they both seem happier than you, so whoโs one to judge?
The boys grabbed their notebook, meanwhile Shinobu lowered the garage door. As you all headed upstairs, you wondered why Xiao would argue for Y/Nโs spot in the band. If it were anyone else, heโd say that showing up late and drunk were unreliable and unprofessional, that they wouldn't be able to take the band seriously.
Aether waved goodbye, deciding to return back in the morning to help decide on the remaining member, then exited through the front door.
You raced upstairs to place your stuff down in the room across from Xiaoโs, then headed straight to your buddy's room, allowing himself in. They grew up side by side for their entire lives, theyโve seen every inch of each other. So in that way, their relationship was genuinely more like brothers. Still, you hoped Xiao wasn't naked.
โEver heard about knocking?โ the raspy voice spoke up, head and eyes facing you, body facing his cat.
As soon as Mila sensed another presence, she trotted over to say hello, loud purrs welcoming you to pet her. โHey pretty girl, your daddy is so grumpy, huh?โ the boy bent over to pet the soft fur of the cat, which she responded with a trilled meow.
Cue a scoff from Xiao. He stood up, facing you with crossed arms and an annoyed expression. โSo, whatโs up?โ
โOh, can I not come spend time with my best friend? Thought heโd feel better to have some company over.โ Standing back from petting the elegant critter, sweetest smile on your face as you teased his annoyed friend. As if Mila picked up the social cue, she ran on top of the bed and curled up onto a pillow.
You knew Xiao knew he was bullshitting, absolutely knew why you were in the room with him. โI just don't wantโฆ herโฆ to join. I could tell you didn't want Kazuha to join either.โ
โWell I thank you for considering my feelings. I just would've assumed that you'd have voted for Aetherโs friend, instead.โ
โWhy would you have assumed that?โ
โWell, regardless if Y/N were friends or not, I would've thought youโd think she was unprofessional. Whatโd you think of her performance?โ
Suddenly, his face turned red. Yes, itโs true Xiao would think someone showing up extremely late and under the influence as unprofessional, why would he volunteer someone to enter their top choices? Y/Nโs performance was incredible, of course itโd be, that's your bestie, to the point where you were preparing to fight for her to regain her honor.
Normally, you wouldn't give a fuck either. But connecting how Y/N asked about Xiao more than a week ago, there was an inkling suspicion that maybe they had something to do with each other. Maybe Xiao is manipulating her to stay quiet? But it wouldn't make sense. He isn't the type, even if he knew that both their dads are coworkers. Would they beโฆ dating? Yeah, no. Doubt it. Despite Yunjin and Xiao dating for years and constantly being with each other, he still had his own private hobbies, so his partner joining his band wouldn't make sense. Y/N also hasn't been acting differently. When she and Kazuha started dating, she was all smiles. Would they be linking then? Probably, probably not. Neither are the type to fuck with no strings attached.
โWell, it was decent enough. But, she proved to be adaptableโฆ She also had an original, so they can clearly write.โ
โHmm, glad you caught onto my dear friend's talents. Iโll get going then.โ
As you turned to exit the room, Xiaoโs voice spoke up once again. Face only getting redder, โYouโll vouch for her, right?โ
Maybe heโs crushing on her? No offense, but you couldn't see your two best friends dating. For now, youโll just let things unravel on their own. โIโm sure you know the answer, goodnight!โ Venti offered a smile before you finally left his room.
Unbeknownst to you, Xiaoโs hope for Y/N to join, had ulterior motives.
โ Y/N pov โ
Itโs been days since the auditions passed by, now it was Monday and back at school. On campus, Yunjin and you had lunch together, prior to clocking into work and her heading home. Entire shift ran as usual, other than your boss getting onto you about staying on your phone more than usual, especially as you closed and the amount of people swindled down. Save for the last person running in at the last minute to buy a pack of scantrons.
Finally out of the shackles of your 5 hour shift, you skipped on the way to the parking lot. Hopping into your car, you saw that Yunjin brought up the auditions. Though the two of you auditioned, you arrived way later and couldn't see how her audition went. She also hasn't brought it up, but neither has she. Trust, you would've! But just her aura, you were a little scared.
Something about Yunjin had you on your tippy toes. She was beautiful, sweet, and got along with Hutao and Ayaka, however sometimes she made you feel uneasy. Youโd talk about something, then you may mention a place to hangout or say something you didn't think would be offensive. Suddenly that happy demeanor was replaced by an intense feeling. Her friendly smile still on her face, but it's as if her eyes filled with annoyance or even disgust. Therefore, you usually allow her to lead the conversations.
As you started up your car, the screen popped up with a notification showing that Yunjin sent you another text. Opening it was finally the subject of the past weekend's event.
YJ: hiii just got done with my hw !! did you ever end up making it to the auditions? :c
Y: yea like super duper last minute + rlly drunk. doubt that i made it tho ;(
YJ: NO WAY !! what happened?
Y: got rlly nervous and hungry so i drank at the gas station n used chopsticks ,,, super embarrassing !!
YJ: lmfaooo no way >.< mine went normally, made an impression i thinkkkโฆ
YJ: i hope so at least !
โventi ๐ฉต sent a messageโ
Opening up the newly received message, your jaw dropped.
V: hey y/n !! pls come over to ittos :3 bring ur sticks !! we wanna start brainstorming !!
You loved the message. Did this mean you were part of the band? Or was this just a second round of auditions? Maybe they just wanted to see if your sound would blend in well with theirs?
Maybe Yunjin received a text too? Hopefully, no competition would arise and break your newly formed friendship.
So, just to see, you texted her a screenshot of the message you received, asking if she received the same text. However, despite opening your text relatively fast, there was no answer.
Maybe she was busy?
Whatever, you decided to finally get a move on and drive home.
Quickly telling your dad that you think you made it in, he hugged you the tightest you ever felt and gave you a kiss on the forehead. โMy princess!โ he cheered over and over. Epic father-daughter moment. You managed to slip out of his grip, promising to get ice cream to celebrate that weekend.
Hopping back into your car, you drove towards Ittos with a smile plastered onto your face.
It felt unreal. Sure it was just a college band, but in a way, you felt as if it was meant to be. Two parents who happened to be musicians, raising their only child in the language that brought them together. Totally a full circle moment.
Finally arriving at Ittos, you decided to park on the side of the street, just a house down. Prior to exiting your car, you decided to check your phone for any messages from Yunjin, alas you're still on read. It did make you feel weird, but you really didn't want to let that make you feel bad about joining the band. So, you strutted into the garage in confidence.
The garage hasn't really changed. Other than the paint buckets put back into their place. Itto and Aether going over some notes, Venti writing stuff down on his notepad, and then there was Xiao, who also seemed to be busy writing until he was the first one to notice you. Expression blank. Itโs been a couple weeks since your last interaction, but maybe this can help with that and maybe figure out his side of the story. For your dadโs case! Obviously.
โYo! Welcome to my mojo dojo casa house!โ As quick as Xiao noticed your presence, so did Itto. You turned your head towards the homeowner himself. โThank you for having me.โ You bowed slightly, then looked around once again, suddenly feeling awkward.
Ittoโs boisterous voice brought the attention of the two others in the room. โY/N glad you came!โ Venti ran over to hug you, Aether offering you a wave as a greeting. โYou made it into the band! Isn't that exciting?โ
Before you could respond, a raspy voice spoke up. โWell, not yet.โ Xiaoโs voice captured your attention, โWe all agree that your performance was impressive, easily our top choice,โ praise! โbut you were obviously intoxicated.โ aw shit!
โSo we wanna hear you again. Bring your sticks this time?โ Aether spoke up this time. This time you didn't forget your sticks, so you showed him the long, rectangular bag you were holding onto. So convenient!
โYup! Got a couple extra pairs just in case.โ Aether responded with a smile seeing the bag being held up. โSo, is there anything you guys want to hear from me? Jazz, hip hop, punk? Uh, any song requests?โ
Despite your excitement, you were still so nervous. Thus, making you awkward.
Venti led you to the same drum set that was at your audition. It was kept in relatively good condition, save for hit marks in the obvious places, so it was dearly loved. But obviously you don't know how it sounds. It was a pretty glittery red color, seeing her was like holding a baby for the first time. Love at first sight.
โWhat about that original you did?โ Venti suggested, observing you give heart eyes towards the stacks of drums and cymbals. โHu-Huh? The original?โ
Itto threw his head back, clapping his hands together as he roared in laughter. โYoo, don't tell us you forgot it?โ
Your face turned redder than the drums in front of you. โN-no, I didn't. Itโs justโฆ that song again? Am I required to sing again?โ
Everyone turned to Xiao, as if they were awaiting a response. Weird.
โNo. We know you can sing, itโs just your sound that we want to hear.โ He responded, making direct eye contact with you.
โWouldn't it be better to do a cover then, that way youโd have a reference for how I should sound?โ
โNo. Itโs your individual sound that's important to us.โ
Individual sound? โAlright then. Uhh lemme get started then.โ
The sudden silence in the room and all eyes on you made your heart race, so you closed your eyes and took deep breaths in to calm yourself.
You tapped your sticks together, your method to have the counts stapled into your mind.
โ1โฆ 2โฆ 3โฆ 4โฆโ
And so you started hitting the same beats as you did just days before. But something felt wrong. So mid-way you stopped, the curious eyes full of anticipation suddenly turned to confusion. Xiaoโs reaction, however, kind of scared you. All he responded was with an eyebrow raised at your sudden actions.
โWhyโd you stop? I was totally rocking with it.โ pouted big bad boy Itto.
The others seem to agree with him as well.
โThe drumsโฆ Theyโre out of tune. Iโll take 15 minutes, sorry.โ apologizing, you stood from your seat and started taking apart the drums.
Digging through your backpack, you brought out the same small box you father had whenever you two decide to play with each other. Only this time, there was a screen attached with numbers and dashes. A tuner.
Grabbing a drum, you placed it onto the seat you were just on, allowing the tuner to tell you what it was picking up.
The others in the room looked keenly at you. Wondering why you were tapping different areas, grabbing and twisting edges, flipping it around, and repeat. Cymbals surprisingly sound fine.
This really seems weird. Was this a test? Has it been out of tune this entire time?
โHas this been tuned before?โ you questioned, asking your crowd
All eyes turn to Itto, his face turning red in embarrassment at the sudden attention received. He gave a short chuckle, โUh, noโฆโ
Good LORD.
โNo one picked up that it was out of tune this entire time?โ
A scoff came out of the dark-haired boys mouth.
โWell that explains why everyone soundedโฆ like that.โ Aether added in, checking back into his notes.
Your eyes turned to Venti, who didn't really seem to react the same as everyone else. โVenti, dude, there's no way you didn't know. You can play literally everything.โ
His beautiful seawater eyes looked at you, alongside a sweet smile adorning his face. โHehe.โ
This time Xiao spoke up, โSo are you going to elaborate why you didn't speak up?โ
โDue to the circulation of news spreading across campus, I figured thereโd be some who probably learned a cover and thought theyโd pass just based on memory. Those who skipped over how it sounded, probably had ulterior motives coming into the audition. A true musician has a keen ear and knows how to read music, whether or not there's a score in front of them.โ
Reasonable.
You knew your dad would've hated to know you were playing on an out of tune instrument, he raised you better than that. Besides, you used the paint buckets instead in your drunken state.
โSo, if Itto doesn't play drums and you,โ pointing at Venti, โgot your silent drum set taken away, then whose drums are these?โ
Eyes back on Itto. โIโm borrowing them from a friend.โ
โShould I go ahead and bring my own set then? In case your friend wants them back.โ
โUhh, don't worry about that. My friend won't need them for a long time. I think.โ
โIโm going to jailโฆโ you thought. If you were an anime character, a massive sweat drop would've appeared.
โScary. Iโll get back to playing now.โ
Eyes back on you, you decided to go ahead and start over from the beginning. This time, everything sounded much better. Pleasure rested on Ventiโs face as he closed his eyes to take in the feel of your sound.
This time, you finished your song with an added touch. A little solo to help pump up the ending (really just to show off). You lowered your sticks back onto your lap as you heard an applause surround you. Standing from your seat, you stepped off to the side and bowed. A look of pride bestowed on your face as you felt confident in your abilities.
โY/N! That was SO cool.โ Venti congratulated you, running over to you once again. โSo, Xiao,โ everyone's eyes redirected to him once again, โfinal verdict?โ
He stared silently with those piercing golden eyes, then he appeared to nod. โWelcome to the band. Shall we begin our first meeting?โ
Everyone cheered, welcoming you into a group hug. Save for Xiao, who just kept his intense stare onto you.
Despite him welcoming you in, you felt on edge around him. His eyes almost never left you the entire time you were there. Was he doubting you? Your abilities? Would it be because you never apologized to him about the drink?
If he keeps his distance from you, would you ever find out the truth from him? The biggest obstacle in your little mission would be the guy himself.
Whatever the case, you plan on getting to the truth.
โ Kazuha POV โ
A dimly lit candle sat in the middle of a room, the flame swaying alongside the bandโs music. The aroma of the kitchen wafted into the seating area, while various people chatted amongst each other. In the table in front of you was obviously a business dinner, as both were in business casual attire with their dishes being light alongside a bubbly drink in champagne cups. The table behind were a couple, quietly, but firmly arguing, as if trying to not cause a scene. Ironic, as the table next to yours also sat a hopelessly-in-love couple, as they held each other's hands from across the table and shared loving glances and giggles.
Obviously a high-end restaurant, catering to adults, especially couples. So where was your date?
Right in front of you, of course.
There sat a beautiful slim woman, although generous in the right areas. She wore a silk, long sleeve white dress that stopped at her mid thigh and hugged her waist. Her chest was modestly covered, but her collar bones remained exposed. She wore black tights for extra modesty, and black velvet heels. Her neck was adorned by a simple golden necklace that contained a single pearl. Soft, long hair curled romantically over her shoulder as she wore it half-up-half-down, accessorized by a silk bow. To match her dress of course. Her makeup was absolutely flawless, her glass skin emphasized by the candlelight. Despite the kitchenโs aroma settling into the air, a citrusy floral scent was just about rivaling it. Her perfume was subtle but so ravishing, he may go crazy afterwards.
โ...so would you consider option one or option two?โ
And you weren't paying attention.
โOption one, for sure.โ
As a hand flew to the front of her mouth, she let out a chuckle. A habit of hers that you quickly picked up. Simple, silver bands adorned her fingers, while her soft pink manicure tied her look together.
โYou weren't paying attention, were you?โ head tilting as she asked.
โNope, sorry. You were just too beautiful. I got lost in thought.โ
โSmooth move, sheโll like it.โ
โYou flatter me. I was saying, would you order the Tasses Ragout for me? I need to freshen up.โ
Nodding, Ganyu took it as a sign to get up and head towards the direction of the restrooms.
As if on cue, their server asked if they were ready to order. Quickly annotating down the order, the server left to send their order to the kitchen.
Now alone, Kazuha sat with his thoughts.
Ganyu was beautiful, kind, perfect even. She spoke about her passions and dreams. The way she talks about her family shows how deeply she cares for them. Sheโs always been a good kid, the thought of breaking rules was foreign to her, so she decides to play safe. Conversations include the same thing: school, family, and the latest trends. Her life genuinely seems perfect.
So perfect, in fact, sheโs particularly boring. There's nothing about her that really seems to catch your eye except her looks. Sheโs always on the latest trends, itโs a little hard to keep up with her interests and rather expensive. While liking being on trend, Ganyu just picks up on microtrends as well. Sheโs also vegetarian, which makes taking her out to places a little difficult. On top of being picky and expensive, she required you to get her familyโs blessing to date her, and not just immediate family, but her cousins as well. Alongside her looks, sheโs kept her chastity for the โright oneโ. Downside is, youโll have to work harder for it. Itโs impolite to ask a lady like her for explicit pictures, so you don't. Itโs obvious that one wrong move, and youโd have failed your opportunity to enjoy her. So maybe dating her will help ease her thoughts and allow you to show her a higher level of pleasure. And tonight marks the beginning of his plan.
After getting what you want, youโll come back to scoop up Y/N. As much as she tried to push you away, you had her close enough to still harbor feelings for you. Itโll take a grand gesture and some time for her to accept you back into her life, but you don't have a doubt in your mind that she wouldn't crawl back to you. All you asked for was to have some fun before eventually settling with Y/N. So, really, your heart still belongs to her.
As if on cue, Ganyu returns to your table. Shy smile iconically on her face. โSorry I took too long, there was a line.โ She apologized, looking down onto her lap.
You shook your head at her apology, โNothing to apologize for. We got our order down, let's just wait and talk.โ Extending a hand across the table palm side up, Ganyu placed her hand on top of yours, face becoming flushed.
โTell me, whatโs on your mind?โ
That's right, let her do the talking.
โ
As dinner finished up, the two of you were expecting dessert as a final treat. Something light since your date is on a diet, of course.
โSo how was this past weekend? Xiao mentioned you showed up.โ
Sigh.
โMy weekend was okay, save for the time I saw you then it was magnificent. As for the auditions, well, they went okay. Saw an old friend I didn't expect to see. I really don't think joining a band is in my cards, but a fun experience nonetheless.โ
In reality, you didn't want to go. But Ganyu kept pushing about how much her cousin means to her and how your bonds could tighten. So, to shut her up, you went out of your way to audition on some off-sounding drums. But surely, your bare minimum performance was the next person's best performance. The amount of girls in line were talking about confessing their love for one of the guys, which you wouldn't be against if you did make it in, but whoโd want to deal with that all day? Itโd get tedious making every fangirl you have sign an NDA.
โOld friend? Who?โ
Venti, of course. Thanks to him, you were guaranteed to not be chosen to join. Not a problem for as for whatever reason, Venti was always suspicious of you.
Kazuha knew that the blue-haired boy would interfere in their relationship, often telling Y/N to leave him, revealing how heโd see you eyeing some other girl on campus. Or how friendly you were with other girls, as if Ventiโs friends aren't mostly girls as well. But Ganyu can't know about that. So I guess another lie wouldnโt hurt her.
โSomeone in line. Didn't know they were auditioning, too. I wonder if they made it? Any updates?โ
This response seemed to calm her nerves, as she began to think about anything Xiao could've said. โI just know that they were thinking of a girl. Wouldn't it be funny if that girl was your friend? Really, though, hopefully this girl helps him open up.โ she chuckled at the thought of Xiao attempting to make new friends.
โI wouldn't be friends with girls that aren't you. This friend, well, heโs a guy. Promise.โ
โFriendโ.
โOh, I almost forgot,โ you pulled out a box with beautiful engraving, โI got you this.โ
You placed it onto the table, allowing Ganyu to pick up the box and open it. A wide smile grew onto her face, eyes sparkling with excitement.
โNo wayโฆ You got me a Van Cleef? These are expensive, how did you-โ
โI work hard. Why don't I help you put it on?โ
The box contained a dainty golden chain bracelet that was adorned with five white clovers. As she stretched her arm in front of you, you took the dainty bracelet and hooked it around her wrist. Yes, the bracelet was a few bands and some change, but he saw it more as an investment than a gift.
โ y/n pov โ
Itโs well into the night as you and your bandmates have notebooks out. Current topic: a band name. At this point it was just you, Venti, Xiao, and Aether as Itto got sleepy and headed to bed. The four of you exchanged many ideas on band names and using a group vote.
You and Venti were sitting shoulder-to-shoulder on the couch, practically cuddling, Xiao sitting on an amp in the room and Aether on the other side of the couch.
โHow does Cherry Bloom sound?โ
โIโm not really rocking with that.โ
โAgreedโ 2x.
โWhat about The Ocean Side?โ
โWeโre nowhere near the ocean.โ
โOhhh how about Echoes of Us?โ
โI like it.โ
โDo you? I think itโs a little emo-sounding.โ
โThatโs funny for you to say, Xiao.โ
Venti teased our other bandmate, making Xiao raise an eyebrow. Before he could respond to him, the sound of footsteps entered the room that made everyone turn to see who entered the garage at this late hour.
A beautiful girl with blue hair and a pretty, white dress came in. Her sparkling blue-violet eyes scanned the room looking for someone. Although it clearly wasn't you she was looking for, her eyes lingered onto yours for a short, uncomfortable amount. For some reason, that short moment of prolonged eye contact made you sick to your stomach, despite not knowing who she was. Her attention turned to Xiao, the man of the hour.
โGanyu? What are you doing here?โ he asked, looking as surprised as everyone else in the room.
She brought her hands together and tugged at the end of her dress. She was nervous. But for what?
โCan I talk to you? Outside?โ
Xiao sighed, then stood up. Following Ganyu out.
You turned to look at Venti, expression asking for any background info. Aether doing the same thing.
โUhhh, thatโs Ganyu. Xiaoโs cousin. Goes to the same uni as us. Don't really know more than that.โ
Still, you felt uneasy under her stare. โDid you guys notice how she stared at me? Did I do something wrong?โ
Aether tapped his chin in thought, โYeah, she didn't even greet us. A little rude if you ask me. Why would she stare at you like that though?โ
โThatโs what Iโm trying to figure out. Venti is that really all you know about her?โ
Your blue eyed friend sighed as he sat up just to lean back onto the couch. He lifted his head up to the ceiling and closed his eyes to think. โWell, I've heard she's shy and insecure. From the times I've hung out with Xiao and his cousins, I picked up on the fact that she's pretty naรฏve. Maybe you intimidate her?โ
Now you're even more confused. โWhat would she even be intimidated about? I ran into her the other day and she helped me pick up my stuff. Do I have some weird reputation that makes me intimidating?โ
Aether shrugged, โDon't think so. When I heard of you I just thought of you as โVentiโs girlfriendโ.โ
โEwww. Seriously?โ
Venti giggled at the thought of Y/N and him dating. โAw, is it so hard to see me as a potential boyfriend?โ
โGet off me!โ You pinched his cheeks while simultaneously pushing him off of you as he kept pushing himself forward to โkissโ you. Aether started howling in laughter at the sight of you two. You both did have that playful tendency which probably gave more to the rumors of you and Venti dating.
Unbeknownst to the three of you, Xiao walked in at the chaotic scene in front of him. Aether dying laughing while Venti โattemptsโ to kiss Y/N as sheโs pushing his face away. However, a cough stops the three in their positions, as eyes and heads whip towards the relatively short, toned boy.
โHow about Pulse?โ
Venti sits up from trying to attack you, and you do as well. โPulse? For the band name?โ your best friend questioned.
โYes. Simple, just one word. Thought of how when we finally perform, peoples heartbeats will pump.โ
โThat's pretty sappy,โ started Aether, โbut I like it.โ
โAll those in favor?โ
Everyoneโs hands raised up.
โSoโฆ Pulse it is, then.โ you looked over to your two other bandmates seeing how they agreed in favor as well. However when you looked back at Xiao, his golden eyes that were staring at you quickly turned to someone else. Weird.
Just what the hell were they talking about?
The night continued, picking out what kind of concept they wanted to have, and listening to some songs to help with inspiration. However, at some point everyone decided that it was late and time to go home.
But finishing the night, you kept feeling some sort of tension from the bassist, but the other two must've not felt the same tension as they kept acting normal. Did the conversation with Ganyu have anything to do with you? But what exactly? Youโve never spoken to her, shared a class with her, much less run into her on campus except for that one time you bumped into her. Maybe that was it but it was such a minuscule moment that you forgot about it. So was she just an overthinker? Perhaps sheโs just overprotective of her cousin, thatโd make sense.
These questions rang in your mind during the drive home, distracting you from the girl you called a friend suddenly ghosting you.
was gonna use "individual color" instead of sound but idk if yall wouldve got that but maybe im just dumb
๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ ๐๐ || Xiao x F!Reader
Chapter 5 - 7 Days of Auditions
Tired of his father living vicariously through him, Xiao decides to start the band heโs always dreamed about. Fame and wealth never mattered to him, heโd just want to feel part and contribute to a community thatโd accept a broken man like him.
Starting a band in his friendโs garage, Xiao runs into a problem: thereโs no drummer. Thus, auditions are held to be apart of the band. Our dear bassist has little to no experience with women, so how could he deal with one joining the band? Why did she bring so much of her โgirl dramaโ to rehearsals, and why is his ex trying to get back into his life?
Word Count: 6.2k
CW: drinking/drunk driving
Itโs been a week since Xiao sent out the text to his groupchat. Aether and Venti were assigned to guitar, Xiao as bassist. Ittoโs willing to allow them to use his garage as a practice room as long as they can play at his parties (and maybe take a song request or two). All that was left was a drummer. Thus bringing the four together and holding auditions.
Flyers were spread around campus, talked about within groups. Only a couple criteria would be judged: stage presence, ability, and team synergy. Since the times auditions would start was rolling in, Itto went ahead and stood up to open his garage door, revealing a surprisingly long line.
โWelp! Good luck, guys.โ
โ
It was genuinely surprising how many people showed up. Some showed true potential, like some kid in Aetherโs anatomy class. Quite a few showed up to confess their love to the judges, Venti surprisingly having the most love confessions by girls, despite being gay.
โAlright, next!โ Itto called out, as Shinobu helped escort another lovestruck girl leave the garage.
A familiar blond came into the garage. Just feeling Ventiโs presence beside him, Xiao looked up from his notes and saw a familiar face. The one standing in front of them was no other than Kazuha. The guy his cousin, Ganyu, has been talking to. According to her, heโs a โdream come trueโ, but Ventiโs face is saying the opposite.
โHello, all. Iโm Kazuha.โ
โWe know.โ
Xiao went ahead and gave Venti a small kick under the table, despite not knowing what exactly is ticking him off, he wants to see what Kazuha is really about.
โKazuha,โ Aether started, unfazed by how Venti reacted to his presence, โdo you know what your auditioning for?โ
โFlyer said drummer, correct?โ
โCorrect. Can you really play?โ Venti spat out as if it was venom.
All he earned back in response was a chuckle from the other, โYes, Venti, I can really play. Itโs nice to see you again,โ Kazuha turned to face Xiao, โand Xiao, itโs nice to meet you.โ
Surprised by the sudden greeting, Xiao gave a quick nod.
The blond walked over to the drum set Itto managed to borrow from a friend of a friend.
โBear with me, I learned from an oldโฆ friend.โ
He shot a wink at the usually upbeat judge, now fists turning white in anger. Despite the tense energy in the room, Kazuha gave a strong performance. Overall, Xiao was very pleased with this performance. Peeking over at his upset friend, he noticed he hasn't moved since the performance started. Eyes sharp, arms crossed across his chest, biting the inside of his cheek.
โThank you for your time,โ Kazuha bowed, โI hope for your consideration.โ
As he left, Itto dropped his shoulders and let out a deep breath. โWow, little man, I never thought you could hold so much anger in that little body. I got so scared I held my breath in the entire time.โ
โSo did I!โ Shinobu agreed, wiping sweat from her forehead.
โWas it that intense? I didn't notice, I thought you were just tired. Sorry, man.โ Aether sheepishly admitted, as he sat on the opposite end of the table and next to Xiao.
โHehe. Sorry, guys. Shall we send in the next one?โ Back to his happy self, Venti clapped, giving Itto the go ahead to call in the next guest.
โNext!โ
God DAMN it.
The familiar girl that Xiao made eye contact with the week prior appeared in front of them. Venti tensed his body again, instead of anger, he felt worried for how his best friend was feeling at that moment.
The familiar black hair, pink bright eyes, and sweet face walked in. It was none other than Yunjin. Xiaoโs ex-girlfriend walked in to audition for the role as drummer. Xiao felt his heart drop into the pits of his stomach, skin went pale, and suddenly felt dizzy. This isn't real, this couldn't be real. He hasn't seen her in months, by the way things ended between the two, he just refused to believe it.
โHello,โ her soft voice broke through Xiaoโs mind, โIโm Yunjin. Pleasure to meet you all.โ
Ittoโs big voice came back to life, โHey Yunjin. Welcome in! Are you gonna perform an original or a cover?โ Unaware of how his friend and housemate was practically dying inside.
โI think Iโll do an original tonight.โ
โYou write music yourself?โ Aether chimed in, impressed.
Yunjin giggled, even her laugh was as melodic, as always. โYes! My father is a producer, and taught me how to play multiple instruments and how to write.โ
โWoah!โ Itto clapped, โplease, the stage is yours.โ
Taking her place onto the seat in front of her drums, Yunjin made direct eye contact with Xiao, taking his breath away as she used to do. She took a deep breath before starting strong with the drums, easing it down to an intimate feeling.
โYou know for me thereโs no breakinโ point, yeah, Iโma be here through all that noise~
Iโm gon protect what's mine,โ her pink eyes once again met golden eyes, โonly you know the role youโre playinโ.
Iโm not saying we ainโt got no problems, know that we could both be on one~
But if somebody try to start some, Iโm gonโ try for you. Iโll fight for you, go off for you~
Iโll start a war.โ
Her eyes went back down to her own hands, not only concentrating on her rhythm but going along and humming the rest of the beat. Whether or not the song was finished, one thing was certain, this was her message to Xiao. How else could she show him she's not done with him?
Applause surrounded him, bringing him back to reality. Yunjin was finished with her performance, she stood up and took a bow.
Quickly taking a glimpse of his best friend, he could tell that Venti was thinking the same thing he was.
โThat was SO sick! Thank you, errr-โ Of course Itto forgot her name.
โYunjin. Thank you ALL for your time.โ
As she turned around to leave, she once again faced Xiao and shot him a sweet smile. But he knew that behind that smile was a plan.
โWhew! I think that was the best performance yet.โ Itto exclaimed, Aether nodding along in acknowledgment. โI think so, too. But we got a lot more to check out.โ
Venti looked at Xiao, just to see him still looking at where she walked off. He nudged his arm over at him to grab his attention, offering a look of worry. โIโm fine,โ the boy responded, leaning back into his chair and running his fingers through his hair. โLet's send in the next one.โ
And so the day went on.
โ
It was finally over, the last audition came by and left. Now everyone was tallying up scores and sharing notes.
โNo way. Let's get this guy, he was so nonchalant!โ
โKazuha? No way!โ
โWhat about that really pretty girl? Her dad's a producer, just imagine-โ
โRespectfully, hell no.โ
โOh, but what about-โ
Amid the discussion, someone ended up stumbling into the garage, unbeknownst to the judges.
โUh, is it too late to audition?โ
A familiar voice suddenly made everyoneโs head pop up. It was none other than Y/N. Face flushed, dragging their feet across the floor, words somewhat slurred, and hair up in a ponytail.
โY/N?โ even Venti sounded confused at his friends sudden appearance. It was so late and she sounded out of place. โAre you drunk?โ
โI asked first! Is it too late to audition?โ
The group of judges huddled back in, seeing Itto with the biggest and dumbest smile on his face. โOne more audition to end the night!โ he 'whisperedโ.
Aether shrugged and agreed to allow it to continue, and a sigh from Venti with a nod in agreement. The green-haired boy really isn't liking whoโs in the top 3 choices, hopefully this performance goes well. Like really, heโs hoping Y/N is some sort of drum god.
โGo ahead.โ Aether gave the approval, making everyone give their full attention to the girl with a stain on her grey hoodie.
โUm, I forgot my sticks, so, uh,โ Y/N pulled out a pair of chopsticks. Venti covered his face with his hands in disbelief at his own friend. โCan I use that?โ she asked, pointing at some random bucket Itto had in his garage. She didn't really wait for an answer as she dragged in front of her, alongside some paint buckets nearby.
Y/N took a deep breath and let it out. โSorry, I just ate uhhh ramen, I don't wanna hurt the uhhhโฆ the uhh.. the drums.โ
โGreat Celestia..โ is all Xiao could think of. He will admit that he was curious on how this would end.
โOh yeah! Iโm Y/N, this is an original.โ
โ time skip to earlier in the day โ
The past week, your lovely musician friend brought up how Xiao was holding band auditions, as if hoping you would agree to audition. They were looking for a drummer, after all. Venti, of course, thought of inviting you to audition.
You took a deep breath, looking at Venti with an apologetic expression, โI don't know. Iโm pretty packed with school.โ
โOh, my dear, Y/N. I feel like you got it in the bag. Just think about it?"
He shot you those puppy eyes that you know you just couldn't say no to.
โMan, whatever. I'll think about it then.โ you grabbed the poster from his hands, looking at the contents.
Held at Ittoโs place, starts at 3pm.
As the days passed by, all you could hear from people around you were people thinking about auditioning, or using the chance to finally confess their feelings towards the guys holding the auditions. Even Ayaka and Hutao mentioned the auditions held, youโre not really sure how Hutao found out as sheโs not interested in the arts and goes to a different school entirely. Ayaka, although trained in the arts, isn't really the type to join a college band. Sheโs more likely to join a world renowned orchestra. Ayato did not play about her missing her piano lessons.
Deciding to stop by a cafe nearby, she ran into Yunjin, the girl she met weeks before. Although they run into each other on campus, they haven't had the chance to really sit down and talk. So guess that today is finally that day.
โYunjin! So nice to see you again.โ
โY/N, you look beautiful as always! Howโve you been?โ
โIโm great! How about you?โ
โI am SO glad you asked. Iโm very excited! Have you been seeing flyers around the campus?โ
You really can't catch a break, huh?
โThe band auditions? Are you gonna go for it?โ
A look of satisfaction sat on her face as she gave you a gentle nod in response. โDon't tell anyone, but Iโm also hoping to get back on good terms with someone.โ
โHuh? Who? How?โ
She placed a finger over her own lips, as a way of letting you know to quiet down. Sheโs obviously wanting to tell you a very little secret.
โMy ex-boyfriend. Donโt tell anyone, please? I just feel as if we ended on bad terms, I really wanna use this opportunity to mend things. Wouldn't you want to do the same thing if you were me?โ
Wouldn't you wanna do the same? The end between you and Kazuha wasn't exactly bad. He just left you somewhat confused, he still does. Yet in a way, of course youโd want him back and start all over with him.
โI guess so, yeah.โ
The smile on her face grew only wider by the validation she was secretly seeking. Suddenly a buzz played from the inside of her bag, as she pulled it out and looked back up at you. โIโm sorry to cut this short, but I have to go. Let's hang out again soon?โ
You nodded as she went up and left the store, leaving you back to your lonesome. You grabbed your iced drink, also grabbing your stuff and decided to get home and get a head start on your homework.
Leaving the cafe, you failed to realize that a certain blue-haired girl was in the corner, secretly listening in to your conversation with Yunjin.
โ
Arriving home, you opened the door to a savory aroma filling the air. Shutting the door, your dad came by the door to peep at who came in. A wide smile plastering onto his face. โHey princess! How was school?โ
Groan. โSo annoying. Everyone's talking about the same thing. Even the theater kids started talking to the schoolโs swim team about the auditions.โ
โAuditions for what?โ
You knew that if you told him youโd never hear the end of it. But from Yunjinโs conversation, maybe it was a sign to go forth. Even if you can't somehow win your ex back, youโll show him how much better you are without him. โThis band Venti and his friends are forming.โ
โAre you gonna audition? Yโknow I was in a band in college, too? Thatโs how I met your mother.โ
โI remember she said that you were โannoyingโ and โloudโ, so when you asked her out the first time she rejected you.โ
Your dad quickly turned around, spatula in hand, with a look of shock. โAw man she told you that? I thought we agreed on telling you about the second time!โ The look on your dad's face was priceless, he was pouting. Only thing that took his attention away from you was the fire alarm beginning to ring again. This time he groaned and turned back around, taking the dish off the hot stovetop, then grabbed the broom to try to turn off the alarm.
Thinking back on it, you always did find your dad as a โromanticโ guy from the stories your mom would tell you. First time he asked her out was after the first few rehearsals and performances, his mistake was being his arrogant self. All throughout the shows, heโd meet with fans backstage and be a flirt, in rehearsals he was so loud and obnoxious. After getting rejected by your mom he gave up for a while, then one day took a 180 and suddenly became such a gentleman, which prompted her to give him a chance, although skeptical in the first year of their relationship. Apparently, heโd pick her up from her house with flowers, then took her to a restaurant but accidentally set the reservations for a different day, so instead he took her out to ice cream and a walk in the park. Of course, he was still the most annoying person she knew as heโd push her onto the sprinklers at the park so they just ended up playing in the water and chasing each other. That was just the first date. Now heโs your silly dad who frequently sets off the fire alarm. Heโs still handsome and couldโve moved on, but still he wears his wedding band proudly. โJust because she's no longer here doesn't mean Iโm no longer marriedโ, heโd say when asked about it.
โYou should think about it, I met the love of my life being in a band. You know how to sing and play two instruments, and I know you write, youโre a total ace.โ
Excuse me?
โHow do you know I write?โ
โIโve heard all those poems heโd read to you. Trust me, I was writing better than that in my middle school English class. Iโve also heard you two sing together then rewrite verses, if anyone came up with the best part of the song, itโd be you.โ
โThatโs fair. But all that was for fun, being in a band sounds totally different.โ
Your dad had enough of the fire alarm going off so he just stood on a chair to just take the alarm itself out.
โNot too different, depending on your bandmates, you have more creativity within a group. As long as that little ex boyfriend of yours isn't in the group.โ
โDoubt it. Ventiโs in the band, heโd never allow it.โ
โThank goodness. I like your friends, I just never liked that little boy youโd bring home. He always had that little arrogance to him, especially after dumping my baby girl over text. I'm just upset your friends didn't go beat his ass.โ
โDad!โ
The beeping stopped as soon as your dad finally got it out, you stood beside him to help him get off the chair, as he thanked you and set the alarm on one of the counters. โItโs true! Iโm almost finished with dinner, wanna help set the table?โ
You hummed in response, heading towards the cabinet and drawers, taking out utensils and plates. Your dad filled your plate up before filling his. As he took a seat, you both smiled at each other before he gave his okay to eat.
โ
After dinner was done, you laid in your bed thinking about it. You still have a few days left to consider so why stress now? You closed your eyes in thought and in hope to fall asleep. In a way, you could finally prove your ex wrong, but is that really the only reason you'd wanna join? Just for the sake of the man that probably doesn't think about you like you think about him? You know that youโre creative and talented. The notebook full of songs that sat on your desk was now in the palm of your hands. Turning on the lamp on your bedside, you began to revise old songs and completely rewrite others. Itโs so tiring feeling sick of music when itโs the first language your parents taught you; it's supposed to feel freeing, creative, why allow your favorite form of art to be muddied by some bop?
Even though the night progressed, your decision has been made the moment you opened your notebook. Deciding a song was probably the hardest part, but how else shall you free yourself than to completely eradicate Kazuhaโs presence and make it yours again. Now all that's left is finding the beat to play.
โ time skip to earlier in the same day but itโs xiaoโs pov now and its completely different but still the same day โ
A soft brush of fur weaved against your legs, loud purring can be heard accompanied by a meow soon after, Mila. Her striking green eyes looked up at her beloved owner, you were lucky a gentle creature such as her adored you unconditionally and effortlessly. Also her little signal that she was tired of waiting and wanted her food.
As Xiao looked back up to the counter, he finished adding the toppings to her food bowl. He always made sure to let her know she's loved and seen by him, thus endlessly spoiling her. Grabbing the food bowl, he led her to the end of the kitchen island and lifted a finger up - her signal to sit and wait - as he placed the bowl down, she kept her eyes on him until he pointed his finger downwards. Her signal giving her the okay to eat.
Enamored at the sight of his beautiful cat eating, he failed to realize a small figure in the room with him. โI didn't know you could train cats like that.โ
Looking up, his eyes met Shinobuโs. Guess she didn't have class that day.
โIt took a lot of treats, but she trusted me enough to allow me to learn, I guess.โ A chuckle came out of Shinobuโs mouth as she walked over towards the coffee machine to start her morning. โWhereโs Itto, anyways? Itโs not like him to be up so early.โ
โOut running deliveries. He shouldn't take too long.โ
Drug dealer boyfriend, law student girlfriend. Really wild combo.
โDoes that ever worry you? Iโm sure you thought about it before going out with him.โ
The girl nodded, letting out a chuckle, โI was really skeptical at first, I almost thought of rejecting him. But heโs a romantic at heart, don't tell him I told you though. He gets shy.โ
Arataki Itto? Shy?
โBesides,โ Shinobu continued, โhe doesn't plan on dealing forever. He volunteers at children's hospitals and dresses up for them. He really wants to open an orphanage one day, Itto just views his dealing as a stepping stone alongside other things. How could you say no to a man with a heart like that?โ
Xiao never really thought to ask Itto about his plans. Conversations with him just happen to roll the same. Itto and Venti carry the conversations, Xiao only speaks when spoken to (usually). He does value their friendship, as heโs aware that others get uncomfortable by his own natural silence.
โAgain, don't tell him I told you that.โ
Shinobu looked back down at her freshly brewed coffee, seeing as it was ready, brought it up to her face, blew some air to cool it down, then took a sip. A look of satisfaction came onto her face as she savored the taste of her plain black coffee.
โAlright, Iโll leave you and Mila. I gotta get back to studying.โ She waved her fingers goodbye at Xiao then headed back to her shared room, footsteps fading away.
At that time, Xiao felt a buzz in his phone. New text message from Ganyu inviting him and Yanfei to a cafe she was trying out, saying itโs โurgentโ. Probably some โgirl talkโ about that guy sheโs been talking to, having him around for guy advice. While it was annoying, he enjoyed the company of his cousins.
Mila seemed to finish the majority of her food, as she grabbed her dear owner's attention with a meow, her way of asking for pets. Of course, who would reject giving their baby some love? The boy leaned down to pet her soft, multi-colored fur. No matter how much she grew, he still remembers her as the stray kitten from the back of the auto shop. He stopped by for new windshield wipers, noticing a small kitten just suddenly sitting by the front doors of the store. Blinded by dried pus, unable to breathe from her nose due to dried boogers, no reaction to getting approached, what else could she have done? In a way, her little kitten mind accepted death. Even though Xiao only went for windshield wipers, he left with a companion. His Mila, his baby Mimi.
He turned around to head to his room for a change of clothes, his sweet Mila trotting right behind him with the loudest purrs. Xiao allowed her to enter the room first, as she hopped onto the bed to nap, the boy grabbed a batch of clothes to change into. He knew he wouldn't be gone for more than a few hours, giving Mila her quiet time. He shut the door, knowing sheโd be fine alone. Besides, Shinobu is home and allows her to walk around if she hears her crying to be let out.
Xiao headed back downstairs and exited the home to enter his car, putting his seatbelt on connecting his phone to display directions to the cafe Ganyu wants to meet them at.
โ
After a rough time of attempting to find parking, Xiao headed into the cafe to see Yanfei and Ganyu chattering away. They had already ordered and received their orders with an extra cup in front of the empty chair that was left for him. Little embarrassed for being late for the usually punctual Xiao, he still felt thankful that his cousins went ahead and bought him a drink. Two pairs of eyes shot up at him, then smiles grew onto their faces.
The boy pulled out the empty chair and sat on it, scooting it close to the table. โSorry, Iโm late.โ
The girls giggled, โNo way, punctual XiaoXiao? Late?โ teased Yanfei
โYeah, yeah. What were you guys talking about?โ
Ganyu cleared her throat before starting, โI overheard a conversation. You know, itโs not like to be snoop, but I feel like you should know.โ
โOkay?โ Suddenly his body shifted to sit upright, arms crossed, and a brow raised. โWhat happened? Is this about that guy you like?โ
โErr, wellโฆ Yanfei you go ahead.โ
A sigh escaped the pink haired girl's mouth, โGanyu sawโฆ Yunjin. Here. With Kazuhaโs ex. And they were talking about uhhhโฆโ She redirected her eyes back to the blue-haired girl, a signal for her to continue the rest of the story.
โXiao, we think sheโs trying to win you back. I don't know what Kazuhaโs ex has to do with her, but maybe, yโknow if sheโs with Yunjin, that sheโd want him back as well.โ a frown appeared on her soft face, while his heart dropped at the thought of Yunjin trying to get him back. He was done with her entirely. He thought she was done with him as well, just hearing about this frustrates him so much.
But he refuses to let his cousins see that pent up frustration. โSo,โ Xiao bites the inside of his cheek, โdo you know how she plans to do this?โ
Yanfei, already seeing that fire pent up in him, scoots closer to his chair and lays her head on his shoulder. A habit since childhood. Any time she or the other two would get upset, sheโd sit beside them and lay her head on their shoulder or hug them as a way to help calm them down.
Ganyu closed her eyes, took a deep breath in, deep breath out. Her habit of calming herself down. โThose auditions youโre holding.โ
Xiao released the breath he didn't know was holding. Of course she would. Sheโs always been manipulative. Even if she knows she won't get invited into the band, sheโll make her presence known to him. โWhat about Y/N? Kazuhaโs ex. What does she know?โ
โIโฆ I don't know. They didn't see me, for sure, but I don't think she knows about you two. Yunjin didn't name drop you, I don't know if sheโs plotting the same thing, either. I will admit, Iโm a little worried.โ Ganyu looked down at her hands in her lap. She isn't the type to cry over a man that isn't even hers to begin with, but according to their recent texts in the groupchat, things have been going perfect.
Kazuha brought her gifts and flowers, fancy restaurants, sang for her and wrote poetry for her, even took her out to get her nails done. As long as she was happy with him, Xiao felt unbothered. While heโll always side with his cousin, he feels weird feeling like his best friendโs friend is a POS.
Surely, there's something else going on behind the scenes?
Yanfei lifted her head off Xiaoโs shoulder, seeing as he placed a hand over his forehead. โIโllโฆ see what I can figure out. Ventiโs friends with her, I can maybe ask around. I don't know much about her, so Iโm not sure if Ventiโs willing to open up much about her. He definitely knows how to keep secrets.โ
โYou think itโs something to worry about?โ Yanfei spoke up, โDo you think youโll be okay yourself?โ
Ganyu looked back at him in anticipation, โYouโd do that?โ
Xiao just responded with a nod, forgetting about the drink his cousins ordered for him. His now once hot drink was now cold, but it didn't matter. If it's bought for him by someone else, then heโs obligated to finish it. โIโll just see how things play out,โ he opened his phone to check the time, โI gotta run. Mimiโs probably missing me right now.โ
As the girls waved goodbye at him, he offered a comforting smile at Ganyu. The girlsโ always been timid and scared of confrontation. Not to say she isn't able to stand up for herself, but if there's a way to avoid it, sheโll play the part.
Entering his car, the usually kept-together boy let his head fall into his hands, thoughts ran through his head. Why now? Why when heโs now moving on would she want to try again? Whatโs Ventiโs friend plotting, is she even aware? Is she planning the same thing?
For the sake of his and his cousin's peace, Xiao decided to watch how this would play out and interject when he could.
Fuck.
Is she actually going to audition? Fuck her.
โ
Itโs been a few days since Ganyu and Yanfei revealed this information to him, heโll admit that he was nervous and anxious, and overall angry. But as heโs setting up the tables and tidying up Ittoโs garage alongside his bandmates, he refused to let that show. Aether was helping Itto sit out the chairs, Venti decided on where to place the drum set that really belongs to one of Ittoโs friends. Don't understand how he managed to borrow it, Itto is pretty irresponsible.
The four of you decided to buy notebooks to write down notes for every person that came in, then sat down and organized three important components:
Stage Presence. Venti said itโs important for them to still stand out to the crowd, even while being hidden behind drums.
Ability. Xiao heard how as soon as auditions were announced, multiple people decided to take drum lessons. Which isn't bad, at all. But what's the point of trying to join a band full of experienced members, when all you know is โTwinkle Twinkle Little Starโ?
Team Synergy. Good chemistry between band members is crucial. Otherwise, theyโd sound like separate musicians that just happen to be playing at the same time.
As the garage seemed tidy enough, everyone took a seat: Aether on one end, Xiao sat beside him, then Venti, and lastly Itto on the other end. Shinobu also decided to join out of curiosity.
โSo,โ Aether started, โare you guys ready?โ
Everyone cheered in anticipation, save for Xiao himself, who replied with a curt nod.
Itto opened one of the two garage doors, revealing a long line.
โWelp! Good luck, guys!โ
โ Time Skip to Present, Y/N POV โ
Before stumbling into the garage, you were absolutely nervous.
Yunjin, your new friend, gave you her number. The two of you texting about anything and everything. You even introduced her to your besties, so your trio became a quadโฆ rio? You knew she was going to audition, and as much as you don't want to steal her spotlight (and fumble her grand plan), decided to keep quiet about your plans.
Until you didn't.
You admitted that you started to think about it, expecting a sour reaction from her, instead Yunjin supported your decision.
โEven if my ex still feels bitter, I know heโll come around eventually.โ was all she said.
Maybe she was confident, crazy for sure.
Still, you don't know who this โexโ is. But, it's definitely not Venti. Heโs gay.
Anytime youโd ask about this mystery guy, sheโd giggle and tell you very vague details. About the same height, pale, golden eyes, loves animals, slender yet toned. Understandable, I guess. Still it makes you a little uneasy about her hiding secrets.
The entire day of the auditions you spent rehearsing in your room, finalizing the beats youโd wanna go for. Meanwhile receiving live updates from Yunjin about how long the line was and how far she was. It wasn't until a couple hours later til you suddenly felt so queasy. According to Yunjin, the line was halfway down so you decided to make your way over. You offered to accompany her for her audition but she said no.
โOur chances to win are higher separately.โ was all she would tell you.
As you finally got in your car to head towards Ittoโs, you decided to stop by a gas station on the way. Maybe a comforting snack will lighten your mood. That comfortable snack ended up being ramen and two premixed cocktails in a can.
โ
You weren't sure how long you were at the gas station, you also haven't checked your phone for updates from Yunjin. But you just feltโฆ late. You threw your food and bottles away, stumbling out of the store and heading towards your car. The gas station employee went somewhere to smoke a cigarette, so luckily no one saw how blasted you were already. You accidentally brought your chopsticks with you instead of throwing them away, a habit of holding them in your mouth to savor the extra flavor.
You also weren't sure how you made it to Ittoโs but the lights were still on and the garage door was still open. You're too drunk to feel embarrassed about showing up however much late, so that didn't matter. The stress and the practicing isn't going to waste.
Stumbling into a conversation, you let your eyes adjust as much as they could to the bright cool-toned led lights in the room. No one seemed aware of your presence in the room.
โUh, is it too late to audition?โ
You arenโt aware of how loud you were but that automatically caught everyoneโs attention.
โY/N are you drunk?โ sounded like Venti. Which is crazy cause heโs usually the first one blasted.
โI asked first!โ Oh yeah, your words are definitely slurred, โIs it too late to audition?โ
Right now, it is a bit difficult to read faces. You can see them clearly, but you just can't tell what they're saying or how theyโre reacting.
Must be good though as you can hear Itto cheer on for your audition to commence.
โGo ahead.โ A familiar voice approved Ittoโs demand to allow you to audition. You just can't pinpoint it.
โUm, I forgot my sticks, so, uhโฆ Can I use that?โ scanning the garage, paint buckets are huddled in the corner. The chopsticks in your hands aren't strong enough to really make an impact on the drums, and they're stained with the ramen you had earlier, so you wouldn't wanna risk getting Red40 onto any of the drums.
You didnโt even wait for a response before grabbing the various paint buckets of different sides. Sitting down and slapping them to hear their depths and organizing them to your liking.
โSorry, I just ate uhhh ramen, I don't wanna hurt the uhhhโฆ the uhh.. the drums.โ was the only explanation you could give them.
โOh yeah! Iโm Y/N, this is an original.โ
Using your makeshift drum set to your advantage, you start off with a test of the beats, almost as if creating your own intro.
โAm I seductive? Call me back in an hour.โ
Despite your speech being slurred and your mind foggy, you locked in. Absolutely refusing to fail.
โIf you wanna go back home oh, babe, at least leave the scent of your cologne. Leave the scent of your cologne~โ
Confidence warms your soul. The freedom you once craved suddenly feels like it's right at the tip of your fingertips.
โIโm not done yet~ Please, kiss my neck~
Letโs go for another round~ I hate what this song is about~โ
You closed your eyes, completely taken over by the beat and the feel of the song. Suddenly everyone and everything around you disappeared.
โAm I attractive? Tell me, am I good enough?
Lately, Iโve been on and off~
I think Iโve hurt too much, my wrists are numb~โ
Deciding this was a good stopping point, you quit your singing to focus on finishing the rest of the song. Your eyes remained closed, but your body danced along to your beats, swaying you. The thrill of a live performance captivated by you filled you with adrenaline to finish strong.
Finishing the song, you opened your eyes to see the crowd of judges. Somewhere, mid performance, you sobered up a bit. Now just tipsy. You get a little anxious, but a good performer knows to keep their composure together. Standing from your spot, you take a deep bow.
The judges give you a standing ovation. Thank fuck. Time to go home and go to bed.
Before you can turn around, Venti loops around the tables and beelines towards you. โY/N! That was so cool! But are you still drunk?โ
Your red face shot your bestie a smile. โJust a little bit.โ
โCome on then,โ Venti grabbed your hands and led you away, โI'll drop you off.โ he turned around to wave at the others, telling them that he'll be back. The green eyed short boy grabbed you and led you out of the garage, straight back to your car just two houses down.
Even though his license was gone, he's still the best driver in all of Teyvat.
Reaching your home, your best friend led you back to your bedroom, grabbing a set of pjโs for you to dress into. As you're changing, he grabs your now dead phone to plug into the charger nearest to your bed. You slip into bed as he grabs the sheets to tuck you in.
โGoodnight. I love you!โ he sings as he walks back downstairs and you hear the front door, open then shuts.
saw beabadoobee this past saturday my life changed. i swear my bf almost left me for her guitarist but i cant even blame him, it was soo sick.
anyways yunjin auditioned with "start a war" by jennie, reader auditioned with "cologne" by beabadoobee
a lot of songs will be used as "originals" bc i cant write music lol, can only read and play a lil bit. think of the bands music as a mixture of wallows, bea, and the marias. curating a playlist still.
and fuck finals week i got a whole essay due. gonna repost the next few chapters soon, finishing up on another chapter as i post this one
๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ ๐๐ || Xiao x F!Reader
Chapter 4 - Wanna Start a Band?
Tired of his father living vicariously through him, Xiao decides to start the band he's always dreamed about. Fame and wealth never mattered to him, he'd just want to feel part and contribute to a community that'd accept a broken man like him.
Starting a band in his friend's garage, Xiao runs into a problem: there's no drummer. Thus, auditions are held to be apart of the band. Our dear bassist has little to no experience with women, so how could he deal with one joining the band? Why did she bring so much of her 'girl drama' to rehearsals, and why is his ex trying to get back into his life?
Word Count - 2.5k
Itโs been a couple days since meeting Xiaoโs dad. Itโs really none of your business, yet you ask for clarity. Your dad wouldn't want you to hang around with an asshole. So why allow your dad to hang with one?
Taking the deepest sigh, you look back up to the ceiling. Itโs late and you can't sleep. Knowing the chances are slim, you go ahead and send a text into the group chat you share with Ayaka, HuTao, and Venti.
โrlly feeling some karaoke. we go?โ
Itโs late for them to respond, so you turn around and close your eyes, an attempt to get some sleep.
โ
Sunlight dances around your room until it lands onto your eyes. Fluttering your eyes open, you let out a yawn and a big stretch. Itโs the weekend now and there's nothing going on. No Itto party tonight. You grab your phone from under your pillow to see your friends replied to your message.
Heart emojis on the message.
H: when ? :o
A: sounds fun ! tn? i have no plans this weekend :p
V: can i bring sum friends if ayaka brings her lil situationship ?
H: LMFAOOOOO
A: we're just friends guys โฆ
You giggle at your friends' messages, pressing laughing emojis onto their texts.
Y: we can go tn :3 feel free to bring people.
You send the address into the chat.
Y: is here ok? been wanting to goooo :3c
Cue everyone liking your text.
Allowing yourself to get up, you waltz on over to the bathroom to get your day started as everyone tries to set a day to meet up.
Maybe tonight some truths will be revealed.
โ
โAlright, if you guys have any questions or want to order drinks please press this button right here.โ
The worker motioned to the button on the table. They then turned around and exited the room to allow you all to decide whoโd go first.
The room was dark, LEDโs lighting up the room just enough to still be able to see. The booth wrapped around the 3 walls. Ventiโs friends, Arthur and Lumen? (you didn't really catch their names well), sat closest to the door. Twins that share two different classes with Venti. Of course, Venti beside them, then HuTao, then you in the middle, and lastly, Ayaka and her unofficial boyfriend, Thoma.
โOhhh, can I start? Oh- Wait, let me order first, you guys can go!โ Venti cheered, looking at the karaoke's drink menu first. HuTao, then, picked up one of the micโs and volunteered to go first.
As the drinks came in and the music kept going on, it was suddenly your turn again.
You won't lie, you were borderline drunk. Ayaka was sober, Thoma somewhat tipsy. But the rest were either drunk as hell or going to jail or the hospital tonight.
You decided to go ahead and pick โCareโ by beabadoobee, and since you're drunk and loose, you decide to stand up and dance for your audience.
At that time, Arthur (?) took his phone out and faced it towards you. Seeing the camera pop up in front of you, you think he's just taking a video and decide to head bang at the โcareโ part of the song; absolutely jamming out and feeding into the energy exchange in the booth.
โI don't want your sympathy, I guess Iโve had it rough. But you don't really~โ
Headbang
โCareโ
Headbang
โCareโ
Headbang
โCare, yeah~โ
Little did you know, Aetherโs live show had a good amount of viewers.
All the winking and laughter from the booth was watched by some classmates, but most importantly by Xiao.
And by Kazuha.
โ- Xiaoโs POV โ-
Itโs been nearly a week since heโs moved in with Itto, and as much as it kind of pains him to admit it, he does miss his dad. Just a little. He really just misses the privacy and quietness. Itto did respect his space and privacy, but he was still so loud. Only time it gets quiet is when he goes out on deliveries. This was one of those times. Completed with all his schoolwork for the week, he decided to hop on Teyvatagram and see whatโs been going on. Rarely heโs ever on social media. His account is really bare and out of the entire time heโs had his account, heโs only posted a handful of times.
The last time he opened the app was when he was still dating his ex-girlfriend, Yunjin. When they officially broke up, he deleted all their pictures. Fuck archiving them. In some way, it helped him feel โin controlโ of the situation.
She was lovely in the beginning. The most perfect woman. Every word slipped out of her mouth sounded like honey, he loved the way she dressed and how she adored cute things and jewelry. Every date they had, heโd always have a gift for her just to see her face light up. She met his dad early on too, every time she was in their home, his dadโs mood would skyrocket and treat her as if she was the daughter he never had. Meeting her dad was terrifying, but he was such a good man. Also musically inclined. It was as if whatever Gods in the world responded to Xiaosโ prayers. Beautiful, sweet, and shares a love for his musical passion as well. Of course, heโd only post her. He unfollowed all the girls heโs ever followed (of course his cousins were the exceptions), reduced his following to only her and 5 others.
Then he found out about her cheating with some guy she worked with in the local theatre. To make it up to him, she quit that job and started working with her father. Only to continue cheating. Her father knew as well, yet he still kept that same charm and smile whenever Xiao would go over for dinners.
Ultimately, he ended up breaking up with her, still, it feels as if she has the upper hand. They haven't run into each other since the break up, but every time he goes out, he feels sheโs around every corner. Now, his account lies as hollow as he feels inside. Checking his request follows, he allows who he knows into his account.
Aether was one of the ones requesting. They met at Ittoโs last party, before Venti passed out drunk, and the guy seemed cool.
Deciding to check out his account, his phone fell on his face and accidentally ended up clicking his live.
โCare! Care! Care!โ a voice screamed from his phone. Xiao lifted the phone off his face and noticed that it was the girl who spilled her drink on him. Seeing the bottles on the table, her high energy, and Venti cheering her on, he decided to stick around and watch how it goes.
Y/N. Drink spiller.
He doesn't blame her, but he couldn't help but feel embarrassed. After the discussion with Ganyu about Kazuha and Y/Nโs past relationship history, maybe he should feel some type of way. The song seems a little โintentionalโ. But thatโs for girl code and his cousins to make conclusions on, and Xiaoโs comfortably a dude. He will admit, she's a pretty good entertainer. Silky voice that matches well with the original singers, she's under the influence but her audience isn't worried they're hyping her up as she hops around the room. Continuing to watch til the ending of the song a feeling overwhelmed him.
Heโs always thought about performing. Maybe it's time to start that band.
โ Y/N POV โ
Later, everyone met up at Ventiโs. His parents were out of town attending a coworker's wedding, allowing Venti to stay home alone to care for the place. Across from Xiaoโs.
Everyone sprawled around on the floor, laughing until they either fell asleep or liquor wore off. You were sober now, but decided to spend the night over as well. For research purposes.
As the night went on, Ayaka and Thoma headed home, dragging HuTao with them. Leaving you with Venti and his friends, who were pretty cool. Lumine is on the opposite side of campus because of her art historian major, Aether being a sports therapist was also in a different area of the campus. Somehow they shared a class with Venti. Yes, you also memorized their names after hearing Ayaka politely ask for their names again.
The two were sprawled around on the floor, asleep and using Ventiโs plushies as pillows and throw blankets to stay warm, softly snoring away. This left you and Venti alone, sitting on his bed and looking out the window. The room illuminated by the moonlight. Your usually bouncy friend just stayed silent as you figured out what to say.
โSo,โ he started, โIโve been noticing you had something stuck in your mind all day, what's up?โ
Shit.
โYou noticed?โ You asked, your short friend hummed in response, โI don't know if this is overstepping, but Xiao, right?โ
Even though you both were already whispering, Xiaoโs name sounded smaller than a whisper. Venti, who was facing the moonlight, turned over to look at you. A subtle look of surprise covered his face, then quickly his smile came back onto him. โYeah?โ
โIs he, yโknow, okay?โ
โHe is, yes.โ
โVenti. My dad works with him and all, right? A few days ago we popped in, I didn't know he lived right across from you B-T-Dubs, and for some reason, his dadsโ story just seemed off to me. Obviously you guys are close and this really isn't my business, but my dadโฆโ
A sigh escaped the boysโ mouth and all he offered was an unsure smile.
โGo on.โ
โThere's a different side of the story, huh? Sorry I didn't mean to butt in, I don't really know him like that. I just don't want my dad to be on the โwrong sideโ... yโknow?โ
โHehe, of course I know. Iโll admit, this isn't the first time this has happened. His dad is friendly to others, but after Xiaoโs mom left all those years ago,โ Venti pressed his lips together back in thought, โWell, I guess there's still anger in him and Xiao is an exact replica of his mom. Heโs cool when you know him, but make sure not to spill another drink on him okay?โ
You playfully punched his arm and a giggle escaped his lips.
โWas he mad?โ
Your friend rubbed the area you punched and looked back up at your eyes, a smile greeting yours, โSurprisingly, no. Just a tinge embarrassed. If it were me or anyone else, well, weโd be cooked.โ
The two of you laughed, only to stop when you both hear one of the twins stop snoring and adjust their position, then the snoring resumed. You look back at your friend, mouths covered by your hands. And again, your chuckles resumed.
โTime for bed?โ
โYup! Do you want to be against the wall?โ
โYes please. You lowkey have the habit of kicking me off the bedโฆโ
โSorry!โ Venti whisper screamed. You both laid down on the bed and fell asleep.
It wasn't the first time you both slept on the same bed or just near each other. The times you guys would party and head home, it was usually you both cuddling each other, totally normal for the two of you. Youโve known each other for years, and if something happened then it already should've happened. Everything between the two of you has always stayed platonic. Kazuha would get jealous at some point and refused to let the two of you party together unless he was there to โbabysitโ. But the months after the relationship ended, it was like the damage that your ex tried to cause to your friendship never even happened.
โ
Class ended rather quickly, Professor Ragnvindr announced the week before to expect a quiz soon and dedicated todayโs lecture as a review. Exiting the building and walking down the steps, you decided to take a peek into the packet handed to you by the professor. Just to then see the packet fall down onto the floor and your body to bump onto something soft.
Before you could react, your packet was back into your hands and you made eye contact with sparkling purple eyes. Silky, blue hair framed soft, pale skin and gentle features. A sweet floral scent radiated off of her, as if you were walking around a field of flowers. She was breathtaking. She looked familiar.
โSorry.โ The mysterious girl whispered, then scurried away. All you did was watch her pick up her pace into a rather-fast walk.
That was the girl Kazuha was talking to at the party.
โ Xiao POV โ
Itโs been a few days since he contemplated sending the text into the groupchat with his friends. Or Venti + friends. He's a little unsure to claim them as friends as well, doesn't hate them, just heโs awkward.
Fuck it, bro.
X: thinking of starting a band.
V: iโm in !!
A: i can play guitar :p
V: 2 guitarists and a bassist covered already. Xiao r u finally gonna sing for us?
X: me? iโd assume youโd sing ..
A: i think we can ALL sing
V: fr ! what abt a drummer?
A: sorry guys, idk any drummers
V: me neither :((
X: should we hold auditions?
V: fs !! but idk where my parents dont like loud noises :c
I: My place works. Sorry, Iโm driving right now. Siri send. Please send it. Siri. Siri please send messge.
Okay. Thatโs enough confirmation to proceed.
He sat in his car, waiting for Venti again. He looked up to see a familiar face staring back at him. Pink eyes met his golden eyes. The darkest hair shined so well in the sun, bangs framed her face so well. A big silky white bow decorated her hair. Her makeup was as beautiful as always. She wore a long white shirt and a short-sleeved black top that was decorated with lace on the top of the chest area and bottom on the shirt. She seemed taller, thanks to the Mary-Janes on her feet, the birthday gift he got her the year before. Of course she recognized him, why else would she shoot him a sweet smile? Why else did he manage to get a clear sight of her standing and staring right at him? As soon as someone else walked by his car and blocked his view of her, she disappeared.
His car door opening made him snap back into reality. His dear friend Venti climbed into the seat and shot him that stupid ass smile he always has plastered on.
โYou okay? Looks like you've seen a ghost.โ
โYeah, man, Iโm fine. Justโฆ daydreaming.โ
His friend laughed, of course heโd know better than to believe grounded Xiao would daydream in the middle of the day.
As Venti began to talk about his classes and the band, Xiao put the car in drive and headed to his friend's home. Hoping his father wouldn't be home to recognize his car driving by the neighborhood.
Secretly wishing that it was his ex-girlfriend climbing back into his car again.
A/N: song used for karaoke was "care" by beabadoobee. don't get tired of bea she inspired the whole fic, everyone say "thank you beabadoobee"
๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ ๐๐ || Xiao x F!Reader
Chapter 3 - Familiarity and Uncertainty
Tired of his father living vicariously through him, Xiao decides to start the band he's always dreamed about. Fame and wealth never mattered to him, he'd just want to feel part and contribute to a community that'd accept a broken man like him.
Starting a band in his friend's garage, Xiao runs into a problem: there's no drummer. Thus, auditions are held to be apart of the band. Our dear bassist has little to no experience with women, so how could he deal with one joining the band? Why did she bring so much of her 'girl drama' to rehearsals, and why is his ex trying to get back into his life?
โSoโฆ let me get this straightโฆ Uncle kicked you out? For being at a party? With us?โ
Yanfei questioned, sitting on the couch with Mila on her lap. โYeahโฆ Something like that. Heโs always talking about family time but doesn't really wanna do anything. I actually don't know why he got mad this time.โ
Surrounding him was Itto, Shinobu, Yanfei, and Ganyu. Shinobu was caught up to speed that morning and called the other two girls to come by. They're family after all, and Xiao needs the support.
โDid you tell him we were here? Maybe he would've reacted differently?โ Ganyu squeaked out. Xiaoโs dad has always been on his best behavior around them. A little facade around his family, but Xiao would always see his true self. Of course, heโd never say anything about his nieces, in fact, heโd rather have his nieces as his daughters than his โfailureโ son.
โNo- I- I just got mad. Then he brought up mom, and-โ Xiao leaned forward and threw his head onto his hands. Taking a deep breath, he continued, โI just got mad. Please don't tell him or your parents that Iโm here.โ
His cousins hummed in agreement. Since childhood the three have always been close. Things have changed, others haven't. Yanfei has always been a bookworm, but she was more reserved. Ganyu has always been the shy and more quiet type, but sheโs matured and started to stand her ground as she joined student council in high school and the debate team. Xiao was much more active as a kid, always being โteam leaderโ, couldn't sit still. Until his mother passed, then heโd have to start taking care of his father as he drank himself to nearly death. Still one thing never changed: Xiao constantly being in trouble.
Thinking of changing up the awkward silence, Shinobu spoke up. โSo, how was the party last night?โ
Around them were empty bottles and cans, some plates left with chips. Whole place was basically trashed, still. And for Itto being so quiet? Hungover. Heโs laying on the couch with sunglasses on and his mouth agape, softly snoring.
โIt was so much fun! I was with Ganyu most of the time, then went to go say hi to some people in my class. Turned around and saw Ganyu talking with a man.โ Yanfei teased, hitting Ganyu on the shoulder as the blue-haired girlโs face turned red.
โOoh? Whoโs this mystery man?โ Shinobuโs eyes perked up. Sheโd never admit it but she loves love. I mean, sheโs dating Itto, a fool who smokes bowl after bowl and constantly gets in trouble with the law. While sheโs the one constantly bailing him out of trouble. Why does she stay? She loves the thrill, loves how Itto is her inner companion. Besides, he treats her well, constantly spoiling her.
โUh, well. You guys know Kazuha, right?โ
Silence.
โThe guy that works at that coffee shop on campus?โ Xiao raised an eyebrow. Heโs been to that place a few times, usually to grab a drink with his cousins. He has his own little fans as well, as theyโd sit at the table closest to the barista counter and giggle whenever heโd look their way.
โOh, didn't he date that one girl?โ questioned Shinobu
โI heard they were together for a couple years,โ Yanfei leaned back onto the couch and placed her thumb and index finger under her chin to ponder. โI don't know her name, but I saw them talk briefly before he walked up to you. Did he say anything to you?โ
Ganyu sighed, โHe just asked for my name and invited me out to attend a poetry reading with him. But now Iโm having second thoughts, do you guys think they still have a thing going on?โ Her eyes dimmed down in anticipated disappointment.
Unfortunately, Xiao knows who they're talking about. โI doubt it. Sheโs friends with Venti, and according to him, they're completely done with each other. Iโd still be careful with him, Ganyu.โ
Ganyuโs eyes, only by a little, lightened up again. Power to a former couple that can stay friends, but Xiao, personally, wouldn't be able to handle that.
โOh! Xiao! I went ahead and washed that shirt for you from last night.โ Shinobu exclaimed, clapping her hands together. Itto just a bit, adjusted his position then went back to his (surprisingly) soft snores.
โWoah, what happened to your shirt?โ Yanfei and Ganyu asked, simultaneously.
Sighhhh.
โGot bumped into byโฆ an acquaintance.โ
โIt wasn'tโฆ yโknowโฆ her?โ
โNo.. No, it wasn't. I haven't seen or heard from her since everything went down.โ
โExcuse me,โ the green haired girl looked between the three locked into conversation, โwho are we talking about?โ
โXiaoโsโฆ ex-girlfriend.โ Ganyu loudly whispered the โex-girlfriendโ part out.
Cue an eye roll. Oh, brother.
โXiao, you actually dated someone?โ
โIs it really so surprising? Itโs all in the past.โ
Yanfei chuckled, โAnd by past he means 4 months ago.โ
โHow long together?โ
โAlmost 5 years.โ He grumbled out, using his hands to hold his head, once again. โReally, maybe 3, maybe 4. We just couldn't keep it together. But it's done. We're done. Yanfei, let's talk about your campus crush instead?โ
Caught completely off-guard, Yanfeiโs face turns red to the tip of her ears. โWh- Huh- What are you talking about? How do you even know?โ
He didn't know. He just wanted to stop talking about his past. Ganyu and Shinobu started giggling with their eyes directed at Yanfei.
Just then, Itto started to stretch, lifting his sunglasses to reveal bloodshot eyes. โGreat conversation guys, whatโd I miss?โ
โ-Y/N POVโ
โFor the last time, the student store doesn't offer student discounts!โ Y/N exclaimed, looking at the freshman complaining about the price of the scantrons available, who just decided to grab them off the counter and walk away. Without paying. Whatever, no one gets paid enough to care about stealing paper.
Thankfully, her shift was just ending and the store was practically empty. โAlright, Y/N, you're off the clock now.โ Her manager, Jeremy, said. โThanks big man, Iโll see you tomorrow.โ Just for Jeremy to respond with a sigh. Heโs an older man, filled with a little too much attitude, but heโs really not so bad.
After grabbing your things, you practically skip out of the school store. Just to run into a girl turning the corner, making the two of you fall onto the floor. Your earbud falling out and your backpack slam onto the floor. The girl in front of you just dropped a binder full of papers.
โOh, my god. I am so sorry.โ You quickly recover and help her get her papers back, taking a quick glance to see the papers were actually music sheets. You look up to see a girl with long, black hair with a headband that separates her front hair strands from the rest of her hair. Striking golden eyes meeting yours. Her skin is clear and smooth, just like porcelain. โNo worries, I wasn't watching where I was going.โ
She collected her things back onto her binder and stood up, offering you a hand.
โIโm Yunjin, and you?โ
โUh-โ
โUh?โ
โY/N, sorry. You're really pretty.โ
Yunjin chuckles and shakes her head. โYou're so funny! Letโs be friends. Should I give you my number or my socials?โ
Taking out your phone, you both exchange socials and apologize once more, then head on your own separate ways. A wide smile graced your face as you made it to your car. Youโre not really too good at making friends, but something in the back of your mind told you that sheโs gonna be a big part of your life.
โMusic sheetsโฆโ
Itโs been a long time since you played, so might as well get back into it. And so, you made your way back home.
โ
Opening the door, a warm aroma filled your nose. โWelcome home, baby bear. How was work?โ
โIt was alright papa bear, whatcha making?โ You ask, heading towards the kitchen to see your dad cook your favorite dish. He grabbed a small piece with a fork and held it up to your mouth, offering you to take a bite. You blow some air onto the hot food and take a bite.
โMmm! So good!โ You savored the taste in your mouth before swallowing.
His smile just got wider as he watched you savor his food. โI tweaked it just a bit, don't you think everything can be elevated, even by just a tiny bit?โ
โYou run a good point, sir.โ You giggle, throwing your backpack onto a chair. โSo, dad, I was wonderingโฆโ
โYes?โ
โDo we still have that drum set?โ
โItโs in the basement, gonna have to be tuned. But weโll do that after we finish eating. How about that?โ
You nodded, a smile wide on your face. Your dad handed you a bowl plated with the dish he made. โSo, how was work today?โ You asked as the two of you headed to the dining room table.
A sigh escaped his lips. Uh-oh.
โA buddy of mine has been going through it. His son ran away again. I really do feel for that guy, yโknow? He has a similar situation as we do, but that kid of his. Outta control.โ
You nodded as he told you what's been going on.
โBoss told him to go home early, but he still stayed. I can't imagine you being so mad at me, maybe weโll pay him a visit later tonight and bring him something homemade.โ
โLike this?โ You asked, using your fork to point at the food.
Your dad only nodded, โYes, just like this. Iโm sure heโll appreciate it. I think his kidsโ the same age as you.โ
โGrown ass man?โ
โLanguage.โ
โSorry.โ
You both continued to finish your meal and conversation. Afterwards, the two of you head down towards the basement, where a blanket hiding your dad's old drums met your eyes.
โI really can't believe you used to be cool.โ
โUsed to be?โ
โYou heard me, old man.โ
Just for him to playfully punch your arm and offer you to take a seat onto the stool. As you pulled the blanket off the drum set, your dad headed towards a drawer nearby, opening it to find a small little black box. He heads back towards you as the little box starts beeping at a consistent pace.
โAlright, time to tune. Start tapping over here slowlyโฆโ
โ
You really forgot how exhausting playing an instrument can be. Feeling the calluses form onto your hands, you asked your dad for a break which he granted. Sweat dripped from your forehead and back, โI should really go hit up a gym..โ
โAlright, Iโmma go shower. We still going to your buddyโs house?โ you asked your dad as you stood up and took a big stretch upwards. โYup! I made extra of our dinner just for him. Don't take too long.โ
โAye, aye, captain!โ
Running upstairs, you entered the shower and allowed your thoughts to race.
Kazuha. Asshole.
Months after the breakup and he still remains in your thoughts. You still don't understand where you went wrong. If he was bored of you, he wouldn't be leading you on. But what if he genuinely wants to stay friends?
Nah, thatโs ridiculous. He's always had his little fanbase, you were just lucky to grab his attention for a couple years. Now that you've both been on your own, heโll pop up every now and then, despite trying everything to avoid him. What a stalker. What a jerk. What a stalker jerk.
You haven't picked up your momโs guitar since he dumped your ass. All those stupid songs you both wrote are still scribbled in notebooks on your desk. All those stupid covers and originals on your Teyvatagram are archived. Still, you continue to write more songs. As a way to cope, you go back to your shared songs and change them up. You're not gonna let a prick ruin your passion and outlet. That stupid motherfu-
โY/N! Princess! Iโll wait in the car for you.โ
โK, Dad!โ
Shit.
You finish rinsing yourself off and attempt to dry your hair as quickly as possible, before running back into your room and throwing on some shorts, black tank top, and a striped black-grey off the shoulder sweatshirt. Which you stole from your dad and cut to make it yours. SURELY he wouldn't realize. You slipped your shoes on and grabbed your bag, running downstairs and hopping into the passenger seat of your dadโs car.
โYโknow that awfully looks like my sweatshirt thatโs been missing for a couple years now.โ
โReally? Didn't notice!โ
Your dad rolls his eyes and starts backing out of the driveway. Flipping over the sun visor, you move the cover to reveal the mirror and automatically turn on the lights to apply some light makeup. Just a small winged eyeliner using a pencil, mascara, and a little concealer here and there.
As your dad drove, he tapped his hand against the wheel to the beat of the song on the radio.
โSo what made you want to pick up the sticks again? Don't tell me youโre thinking of getting back with that loser.โ
โDad!โ
โWhat? Itโs true all he did was either hang in your room or take you to his boring poetry club.โ
โHow do you know about that?โ
โDon't worry about it. You know Iโd still love you, I just wanted to make sure you're making responsible adult decisions. Back to the question, what made you pick up drums again?โ
Sigh, โwell, I got tired of the guitar.โ
โTired of the guitar?โ
โYup!โ
โWhatever, hun. I know you're lying but Iโm actually happy about you hopping back onto drums.โ
โAnd whyโs that?โ
โYou got a little rusty after not playing for a couple years, so now I can spend more time with you.โ
A smile creeped up onto you.
โSo, you know, there's these little keychain monstersโฆโ
โThis better not be about those ugly, expensive Lafufuโs.โ
โMan, whatever!โ You pouted and crossed your arms, earning a laugh from your dad.
As he continued to drive, you entered a familiar neighborhood. This is Ventiโs neighborhood. Oh shit, did his parents finally have enough and kick him out? But he would've told you if they did. And your dad doesn't work with their parents.
Your thoughts almost ate you alive until you noticed that your car parked in front of the house across from Ventiโs.
โAlright,โ your dad announced, โweโre here! Do you mind carrying the dish in? Itโs in the back.โ
You nodded, unbuckling yourself and exiting the vehicle as you opened the backseat to grab two containers of your dadโs dinner and the dessert he made. Walking up the steps towards the door, your dad knocked onto the dark brown door. Itโs a nice neighborhood. Outside very well kept, youโve always wondered who lived around the neighborhood as you came to hang out with Venti, just across the street. Who would've thought your dad's coworker would just be right across? What a small world.
Slowly, a man opened the door with heavy, dark eyebags. โY/D/N. Sorry, I wasn't expecting guests. Come on in.โ He opened his door some more, allowing you both to enter.
His house was dark, despite the light shining down into his home. Everything just felt cold.
โHey man, how have you been holding up? Brought over some food for you,โ you smiled at the older man. He smelled a little like alcohol, but didn't look drunk. He managed a small, friendly smile back towards you, reaching out to grab the containers from your hands. โThank you. To both of you. Come on in, take a seat.โ He led the two of you into the kitchen.
As you kept walking, you noticed pictures on the walls. A little boy. Only that he looked familiar.
Whatever.
As you all take a seat on his dining table, your dad reaches out to pat his back. โThis is my daughter, Y/N. Sorry. Forgot to introduce you both.โ
His eyes meet yours once again as you stretch your hand out to shake his hand, โPleasure to meet you, sir.โ
โSo well-mannered. If only my kid was like yours, Y/D/N.โ
โYeah, right. She called me โold manโ earlier, can you believe that?โ
A small chuckle escaped the manโs lips, โSo, howโve you been holding up?โ
As your dad and his friend continued to talk, you allowed your eyes to wander. You really can tell a lot from a person's home. And this place was definitely a bachelor's pad. It wasn't too messy for a man going through issues with his kid, but it definitely wasn't tidy. Peeking into the kitchen, the fridge was full of magnets from different areas and different designs. At least 5 bottle opener magnets, a couple souvenirs from different regions and cities. The dishes were piling up, but not exceeding the top of the sink.
Your eyes wandered back onto the pictures on the wall. Little boy with dark hair with golden eyes. His hair was messy and wearing some shirt with fighting frogs on it with different eye covers. Fighting Mutant Frogs or something. There was a woman in one of the pictures. Just her. The same striking golden eyes, with dark hair as well. Your dad did say they have a similar situation as yours and an empty pit filled in your stomach.
โ...Xiaoโฆโ
That name made you whip your head back to face your dad and his friend. Both looking at you.
โHis nameโs Xiao. Saw you looking at his pictures. About the same age as you. Looks exactly like his mom, huh?โ His voice croaked, moving his eyes onto the pictures on the wall.
โYou in college?โ
โYes, sir.โ
โEver seen him around?โ
โI don't believe I have, sir.โ A lie.
โYou seem like a good kid,โ he turned back to your dad, โhopefully he doesn't get near yours. Heโs uncontrollable.โ
Of course you knew Xiao. Sort of. You know of him, really. Venti lives across the street and you both share him as a mutual friend. He doesn't really talk about Xiao, much less talk about his business to other people. But for some reason, you just had the feeling that he knew what was going on. And whatever sympathy you felt for this man, suddenly turned into suspicion.
But for now, weโll just have to continue with this lie.
