Chapter Text
Helping your parents out at their restaurant as a waiter had its perks: the free food and the front row seat to tons of disaster dates. Xiao has seen it all, from public breakups, to full blown arguments, along with cheaters being publicly exposed.
Or being able to deal with the fun customers. And a certain ginger came to mind. From serving him he learned his name. Childe, a guy he’d occasionally pass by in college, a guy who’d stop by at the restaurant every Wednesday at 8 pm sharp. Ordering Calla Lily Seafood Soup or ‘A Prize Catch’ as he named it, requesting to add extra ingredients, like spices from Snezhnaya (as if this weren’t a restaurant mainly focused on selling Liyue and Mondstadt cuisine), and an extra octopus. Xiao was disgusted when serving it, the way the dish seemed so unappetizing, he couldn’t help but gag the moment he saw it.
The final price was high, and yet somehow he managed to pay it all, leaving a generous tip.
But Childe was that type of person who’d brag about his achievements or share too much info, the type of guy Xiao despised, and being a waiter, he had little to no patience for it. Yet his parents told him how a customer like that was too good to lose. So Xiao just beared with it, it’s his work after all.
Until he started watching his classmate Lumine, dealing with her own terrible date.
He’s not even close with her, but he finds himself more concerned about her date, who just happened to be Childe. And if Xiao hadn’t found him annoying before, he sure found him annoying now.
The couple would meet every Wednesday at 6 pm, earlier than the time Childe would usually visit and would stay till late at night, just like how Childe would when he went by himself. As usual Xiao would routinely stop by Childe’s table, taking up his order.
He assumed Lumine would order the same as Childe if she had the bad taste of dating him, but to his surprise, she had taken her time looking through the menu, asking him about each specific dish until she made her decision.
“So one ‘A prize Catch’ and one Crab Roe Tofu?” he asked, confirming their orders, earning a nod from both before he returned to the kitchen.
Occasionally he’d overhear the conversations between Childe and Lumine when walking past them or when he came to serve their food. Both of them talking about themselves, their interests, and their day.
Truth be told he found it awkward and painful to watch, but it didn’t concern him so he’d ignore it, focusing on serving the other guests, sometimes finding himself sneaking a quick glance or two in Lumine’s direction.
To his surprise this date seemed to have gone well, both of them splitting the bill and leaving. Xiao would receive his usual tip from Childe, as Lumine went to thank and praise the food, asking him to send his regards to the chef.
A polite customer like that was rare, but he couldn't help but appreciate that.
To just watch you
From his observation, Childe’s and Lumine’s dates would continue to go somewhat well for the next few weeks, other than Childe occasionally being late. But maybe he was worried for nothing when at first, their dates weren’t too bad, they just went like how any other normal date would, and Xiao couldn’t care less about it, he’s just working and it’s not his place to do anything. They’d just tell him what they’d like to order and continue focusing on her date. Pretty common for his line of work.
But for whatever reason, Childe was really late today. Which was common for dates from what he had seen, yet an hour already passed by he grew concerned, looking at Lumine’s glum expression when she was once again all dolled up for this date.
Yet her so-called date was still nowhere in sight. Xiao couldn’t help but feel sorry for her. Every 15 minutes he’d go to check on her, asking if she wanted to order, or at least have a drink. Yet the answer would always be how she’d like to wait for someone, which he had to respect.
However —
“Poor girl, is her date standing her up?”
“Should we invite her to our table so she wouldn’t feel so alone?”
“Is there a way to comfort her?”
— he wasn’t pleased about having to walk past tables only having to overhear people gossiping about how some poor girl is being ditched like this. Of course he’d catch the stares being thrown towards Lumine, or the whispers on how people pitied her, and he finds himself wishing people would keep their thoughts to themselves.
But he couldn’t do anything, too occupied with his work, he’s expected to be at his best behavior. Luckily Childe came, apologizing about being late as he rushed towards Lumine’s table. Lumine seemed to say it was fine and yet from far, Xiao could tell how she felt a bit upset, and for someone waiting for one and a half hours, he couldn’t blame her one bit.
But like his work had required him to do, he went to ask for the drinks and pick up their orders. Childe being late should just be a first time thing, maybe he’s been thinking about it too much. To him Lumine was supposed to just be a girl who was in humanities with him, occasionally seeing each other in the same classes or even sitting next to each other. There was no reason for her to be on his mind even when he’s working.
Once again bringing the couple their food, he took notice of Lumine, silently looking down, her face expressing slight annoyance as Childe went on about his day, talking about himself, and Xiao couldn’t tell if he felt a shred of guilt for being late. But when Xiao interrupted Childe from talking by placing the food on the table, Lumine’s face lit up, as if she were thankful for him shutting Childe up.
And he couldn’t blame her, he had to deal with that guy for weeks on end. But overall he wouldn’t consider this date to be completely disastrous.
To be asked about you
Another Wednesday and it’s Xiao once again having to deal with Childe as a customer. Or alternatively, he’d be watching another boring date.
But to his surprise, Childe had been running late again, and Xiao wondered why the two would arrange a somewhat early time. For once again, Lumine’s left sitting all by herself, anxiously looking out of the window, as she waited for the ginger.
Once again, he’s overhearing people talk about her, giving her sorry stares and all. Being the good waiter he was, he’d once again check on her, asking if she'd like to order. And yet, she’d once again reply saying she’s waiting for someone. However, unlike last week, he went ahead to bring her a glass of water, saying how it was on the house.
Lumine thanks him, as Xiao continues with work. Passing by another table, where Yae and Ei sat, two friends of his parents sat, serving them their food. But when he was about to leave Ei spoke up.
“Isn’t this the second time her boyfriend left her waiting? Why don’t you take his place?”
“He’s still at work Ei!” Yae remarked, scolding Ei in the process, before turning her attention back to Xiao. “Sorry about her but, you did seem to always be looking at the poor girl waiting for her boyfriend.”
Xiao was taken aback, sure he had been occasionally watching her but he never considered himself being so obvious about it. If Ei and Yae, two of his regulars noticed, then how many other customers noticed him eyeing the lonely blonde girl too?
“I just know her from college, we just share the same major and that’s about it.” he admits, and it’s not even a lie. The two wouldn’t need to know about him being worried or his annoyance about Childe.
“Is that it? Or is there some bit of jealousy involved?” Yae then teased, a mischievous glint in her eyes.
Xiao could only roll his eyes at that statement, he could admit that she was cute and someone he’d like to know better, but that’s about it.
While they were talking he hears the entrance door open and Childe rushes in, once again taking his seat at Lumine’s table, calling for him to take their orders.
“Oh my, isn't he 2 hours late this time?” Yae commented, letting out a chuckle as she looked over to Xiao who quietly let out a groan in frustration, as he walked over to Childe’s and Lumine’s table, to take their orders.
But the moment he went to leave the table he could overhear Lumine asking Childe for why he was two hours late, and he could see this become a disaster date. By the time he arrived to bring them their food the mood was pretty sour.
Anyone would find it awkward and he had no interest in some silly lovers quarrel. But he found Lumine’s anger and frustrations very understandable. And yet she was still there having dinner with Childe.
Overall he wouldn’t consider this date as that much of a disaster…. Yet it was still painful to see Lumine putting up with being stood up for 2 hours.
To See You Smile
“I didn’t order this.” Lumine says looking up towards Xiao, who had just placed a plate of Almond Tofu, or his special version ‘Sweet Dream’, with his preferred topping of pearl sugar beads and green fudge cubes.
“It’s on me.” Xiao replied, nervously running his hand through his hair. “If you don’t like it I’ll take it back and—”
“I was just surprised, that's all.” Lumine states, hastily cutting off and reassuring him, before giving him one of the sweetest smiles he’s ever seen. “Thank you though.”
Xiao simply nodded, and left the table, glad to know how something small could cheer someone up this instant, while trying to keep up a poker face trying to hide how a mere thanks and a smile from her had such an effect on him.
It had been two hours and Childe had been nowhere in sight, Lumine seemed too polite to order without him so Xiao wanted to at least have her eat something, rather than have her be forced to keep on waiting.
When he was once again forced to see that glum expression on her face as she sat there, checking her phone hoping her date would finally stop keeping her waiting. At this point Xiao was looking forward to watching their breakup live in the restaurant, to see it with his own two eyes.
Upon returning to the kitchen, ready to pick up the next dish to serve, his father stops him, ready to tease.
“You sure you don’t want to ask her out on a date?”
“I’m still working.” Xiao replied, rolling his eyes.
“Now now Venti, that girl still has a boyfriend.” Venti’s husband stepped in, and Xiao’s thankful for him stopping Venti from provoking him any further, however, he then had to open his mouth. “But once she does break up with that guy, Xiao will swoop in and court her.”
“Not you too…”
“That’s a great idea Zhongli, let’s help Xiao out when it comes to it —”
Xiao didn’t bother hearing the rest of it, feeling like he was getting too distracted from his work, as he left the kitchen, a different dish in hand to bring to another table, his gaze fell back towards Lumine who had finished her plate, and then towards the entrance, with Childe rushing over to the usual table where his girlfriend sat.
Xiao instantly went to walk over to their table, picking up Lumine’s plate and asking for their orders like he’d usually would, forcing himself to hold back a remark, calling Childe out on leaving Lumine hanging. The poor girl who had been left hanging for two and a half hours.
He admired her patience, seeing how she has yet to snap at the guy, silently taking in the poor treatment. And yet it pained him, knowing if he had the chance to, he’d be able to treat her so much better.
But alas, in his eyes, Lumine did seem to have poor taste. Regarding men at least.
From today's observation, he wouldn't be surprised if Lumine were to stop visiting next week, given by now she’s surely feeling sick and tired about getting stood up already. This was something he’d consider a rather boring disaster date, if only it included her slapping Childe he’d find having to deal with all this worth his time and sanity.
To Be My Favorite Customer
He hadn’t expected Lumine to stop by at the restaurant again, yet here she was, sitting at their usual spot, seeming as if she was once again waiting for Childe. And Xiao couldn’t help but wonder: How have the two not broken up yet???
Regardless, he reminds himself how it’s not his business. Ignoring the fact that many customers were currently throwing pitiful stares at her. It’s been four weeks and Lumine has gained a reputation of being that one girl who’d always be left waiting till her date finally arrived.
Xiao was conflicted, rather than feeling sorry for her, he couldn’t help but be amazed at her dedication to wait for hours, a shame it had to be wasted on a guy like Childe. But at the same time he felt some sort of annoyance within him, watching how patient she was, bearing with being stood up and somewhat humiliated like this in public.
Then again, he wouldn’t know how Lumine and Childe were in private, but to him, they definitely didn’t seem like a loving couple. Nor did they seem like a disastrous couple that never should’ve met. Maybe more like, Childe was the issue while Lumine had to learn how to stand up for herself.
But another’s relationship business had nothing to do with him. He was just a bystander and always had been when it came to working as a waiter. While he was curious about Lumine, he had no reason to approach her other than when it came to taking her orders and bringing her dishes.
But like last time, he thought he’d place a plate of Mint Jelly on her table, despite being fully aware that she didn’t order it, like he had done last time with the Almond Tofu. A part of him just despised seeing that gloomy expression on her face. And sure enough, her lips curved up to a smile, with another ‘Thanks’ from her.
Going to another table where both his sister Yanfei and her girlfriend Yelan sat, he found himself once again to be a victim of unnecessary comments.
“Someone seems to have a favorite customer.” Yelan points out, a smirk forming on her face when she says those words. “I have yet to hear a story about how a waiter could treat a girl better than her boyfriend could.”
Xiao scoffed, dropping the polite facade he tends to put on for customers. “Don’t get the wrong idea Yelan, me and Lumine are just mere acquaintances who occasionally have the same classes.”
That’s right, there was nothing more and nothing less between him and Lumine. It’s just his curiosity about the blonde girl that has him check on her. But he had to admit, he found her cute, she was also pretty polite, and someone he wouldn’t mind talking to.
But that was about it. And unfortunately Yanfei then joined in on the teasing.
“Well a lot of people have been talking about how this ‘hot waiter’ has been eyeing this ‘cute blonde customer’ who has always been sitting by herself waiting for her boyfriend who always leaves her waiting a long time.”
Xiao ignored Yanfei’s comment, shifting his focus back towards Lumine, and Yanfei let out a giggle, seeing how Xiao proved her point right in front of her. But one short glance towards Yanfei, that gentleness he had before in his eyes was now replaced with a glare, silently telling her to keep quiet and so she did.
“If none of you two have anything important to say then I’ll take my leave, I’m still working.”
Just as he wanted to move onto the next table another customer entered, and it happened to be Childe, while Xiao had to hold back a groan. Not wanting to deal with him again, but was forced to.
“To think he came earlier than usual today. But what’s up with his appearance?” Yelan mentioned, which was her way of telling Xiao to take a closer look at the guy who entered.
And never in his life did he expect to see someone look so disheveled enter the restaurant. But the wet messy hair, bite marks on his neck were a dead giveaway. Surely Lumine would notice it immediately and break up with him, right?
Yet that disgusting excuse of a boyfriend sat across from her on the table, apologizing for being late. Even though it was one and a half hours today, an improvement compared to the last two dates, Lumine still deserved better.
But once again he’s forced to do his usual routine, tell the kitchen to prepare that disgusting dish Childe likes to order, suppressing the urge to add something funny in it as a small prank, to teach Childe a lesson.
But alas, he’s once again forced to watch this date, having long given up on expecting anything to change at this point.
To Hear You Say My Name
Maybe his prayers were heard, but he found himself eating his words when Lumine was once again sitting at the usual table, however rather than hopelessly looking out of the window, she’s seen staring at the laptop, her fingers occasionally typing on the keyboard while the table was covered with papers and a sparkling berry juice at the side, as he watched her being solely focused on her work.
Maybe Lumine had finally broken up with that guy, yet still wanted to come over to this restaurant for the food. Or maybe she hadn’t but decided to be productive as she waited for Childe. Regardless, it was nice not having to watch her be gloomy over a guy who didn’t deserve it. He couldn’t help but find it nice to see.
With a smile on his face he went around, being in a good mood during work, never expecting to be that happy over seeing a customer casually work on her assignments. Yet here he was.
“Seeing you in this super good mood feels so weird.” Yelan comments, when Xiao had passed by her and Yanfei's table. But even then he ignores the comment, not making an effort to bother bickering with his sisters girlfriend.
“Pretty sure it has something to do with a certain blonde customer.~” Yanfei added, a smug grin plastered all over her face as her emerald coloured eyes shifted towards Lumine’s direction.
“Is there anything I can help you with Yanfei?” Xiao asked back with a smile, while Yanfei’s eyes widened in surprise, given it’s rare for him to not respond in a sarcastic manner in order to counter other people’s teasing.
“Nevermind, please leave and let me eat my Crab Roe Tofu in peace.” Yanfei muttered in defeat to which Xiao let out a chuckle as a response, continuing with his work until he had noticed how it’s been two hours, and he saw Lumine still completely focused with her work.
That was when he decided to enter the kitchen, having Venti take care of his work while Xiao made use of the ingredients he had at the moment. And it didn’t take long till he had the dish done and ready to be served.
Lumine was pleasantly surprised when Xiao stopped at her table. A bowl of Unagi Chazuke in his hands as he watched her scrambling the papers, putting them to the side to make space for Xiao to put the bowl down.
“It’s on the house again,” Xiao tells her, a bit embarrassed by the fact that he once again treated her to something in public when they were only acquaintances. “You were so deep in thought with your work and didn’t take a break so I hoped you’d enjoy this.”
He’d be lying if he said he wasn’t nervous, compared to his parents his cooking was decent, enough to get by in life. But also one of the reasons Xiao decided to help out as a waiter, serving everything, as his parents helped out the other cooks in the kitchen.
“This isn’t on the menu though.” Lumine stated, the confusion written all over her face when she grabbed the chopsticks that were already prepared on the table.
“I just wanted to practice making it.” Xiao hastily replied back, not wanting to admit that he was worried about her. Unsure if she was waiting for Childe to arrive later but still wanted her to eat, regardless of the reason she hadn’t yet.
“Thank you Xiao, you’re really kind.”
Xiao never expected for Lumine to remember his name, but yet she did, and it made his heart skip a bit when he heard her say it.
Too embarrassed to say anything back he excused himself, hoping Yanfei and Yelan weren’t watching this. Or maybe even Ei and Yae, for he was sure they’d tell his parents about this.
Either way Xiao tries to concentrate on his work, pushing the thoughts of that cute blonde customer to the side for now until another hour and half passes by, and Lumine calls for him, wanting to pay and ready to leave.
He found it a shame to see her leave so early, yet he found himself feeling happy for her. Not seeing her wait forever on Childe, and given now was when they were accepting last orders before the kitchen finally closed, there was no way for Childe to rush through the entrance in the next second apologizing for being late.
Oh how wrong he was, and how he despised himself for jinxing it.
Right when Lumine finished packing up Childe entered, sitting at the table asking if they still took orders.
Oh how Xiao had the urge to slap this guy, to lie and say the kitchen was closed, but the unfortunate reality was him having to accept the gingers ‘A Prize Catch’ order and pass it onto the kitchen.
Xiao gave Lumine an apologetic glance, as she seemed to be frustrated at this point, taking notice of how her body was shaking from anger, before he left the table, still somewhat overhearing their conversation.
“Where were you?” she asks, and with that sweet and gentle tone in her voice she’d normally use when talking to Xiao, and yet he couldn’t miss that bitter tone when she spoke. The atmosphere was suddenly cold, and he had to refrain from stepping in. But he was curious to see where this would lead to.
“You’re over exaggerating Lumine.” Childe nonchalantly answered, ignoring his angered girlfriend. “I’ll be early next week, I promise.”
Xiao was certain that this was nothing but an empty promise and that things would repeat, but Lumine ended up reluctantly nodding, accepting the answer she was given, much to Xiao’s frustrations.
Xiao then returned a bit later, surprised that Lumine was nowhere to be seen yet her bag was still there, as he placed the bowl of Childe’s specialized version of a Calla Lily Seafood Soup on the table.
Given Lumine wasn’t there he might as well use this chance to hand that man a piece of his mind.
“How busy must you be to leave her waiting for archons, who knows how long?” Xiao snapped at Childe, who just seemed unbothered by Xiao’s question. “Don’t be surprised if she breaks up with you sooner or later.”
“I’m pretty sure it won’t happen, once she breaks up she won’t have a boyfriend anymore so why bother sticking your nose into this?” Childe asked back, enjoying his meal, not paying Xiao any mind.
At this point Xiao knew there was no point in dealing with a conversation with that man. And he still had to continue with his work. While for him, the day wasn’t too bad, given he had the chance for a short interaction with Lumine, yet the moment Childe came, he’d say this date was a nightmare.
To finally know more about you
At this point, Xiao didn’t know if he was supposed to be thrilled, surprised, or disappointed when he finds Lumine once again sitting at the table, more dolled up than usual, looking out towards the window, anxiously checking her phone every once in a while, and Xiao realizes how it had been 5 times since she had been stood up at this point.
It was another Wednesday, and even if Childe promised he’d be on time, he’s confident that everything will repeat once again, and it’s already been thirty minutes, this should be the confirmation that Childe would stand her up again.
Xiao's eyes just stay on her throughout the next thirty minutes, wondering if he’s forced to watch this cruel game as a spectator. He was sick and tired of it, the idea of only being able to help in small ways. Wishing he could do more, but unable to find it within him to talk to her in classes and too preoccupied with work only being able to exchange a few words whenever he stops by at her table.
Suddenly he notices Yanfei right in front of him, quickly looking over to check on Lumine before she turns her attention back to Xiao.
“This is getting tiresome, now hand me your uniform.”
Xiao was utterly dumbfounded upon hearing Yanfei’s demand. It took him a moment to process her words before he finally said something back.
“What?”
Yanfei rolled her eyes at him, before grabbing Xiao’s wrist dragging him downstairs to the changing room. “I said: hand me your uniform,” she repeated, unlocking the door before she pushed Xiao inside. “Dad agreed to me taking over your shift, so use this chance to ask that cute girl out on a date, all the restaurant guests are expecting it to happen sooner or later at this point.”
With that said she slammed the door shut, waiting for him to change. And in all honesty he didn’t know what to think of this bizarre situation. But to have Yanfei help him out like this… He’s certain that she’d rub it in his face, or that he may have to owe her one way or another.
Regardless, he quickly changes clothes, nervously looking at the mirror to check if he was a mess. His hair seemed fine, the casual clothes he had before work seemed to work perfectly for a date (If he were to consider it as one), maybe wearing the black tank top and the dark green cardigan wasn’t too much of a bad idea. Unfortunately he didn’t have time to mull over it when Yanfei knocked the door again, asking him to come out, and so he did, passing his uniform over to Yanfei, who quickly went in to change, only to return in just a minute, now wearing Xiao’s waiter uniform.
“Do I look good for a date?” Xiao nervously asked Yanfei for confirmation, running his hand in his hair, trying to make sure everything was in place.
“Don’t worry about it Xiao,” Yanfei replies, pulling her brother up the stairs with her to the restaurant, before she pushes him forward. “Also she looks like she’s about to leave, if you don’t ask her out now you’ll lose your chance!”
Xiao was conflicted, if Lumine left now without waiting for Childe, would she ever come back to visit the restaurant again? He thought he could just walk to her table and sit there, indulge her in a conversation, and get to know her better, he found it to be a silent way of asking her out without all the attention. But now he’s expected to stop her from leaving to ask her out in front of so many people???
He wasn’t given much time to think, the moment he saw Lumine grab her things and walk towards the exit. He started overhearing the whispers from the guests talking about how she’s finally the one to ditch Childe, how they felt sorry for her, or how they hoped she’d find someone better in the future.
Xiao couldn’t imagine the humiliation she felt, and right after, he found himself going after her. Grabbing her and pulling her closer.
“Sorry for being late, did I keep you waiting?”
With that, he had the eyes of every customer on him and Lumine, but it’s too late to take back his words and actions. Lumine stares at him in confusion, she doesn’t say anything back to him, not making the effort to clear up the confusion from all customers.
“Play along, I’ll explain later.” Xiao whispered, fully aware that this wasn’t the time for him to be nervous, pulling her back to the table, asking for Yanfei to come over and take their orders.
“One Adeptus Temptation, two bowls of rice and two Sunset Berry Teas.” He quickly glanced towards Lumine’s direction, waiting for her to say something, but when Lumine noticed Xiao checking on her she nodded, confirming the order.
“Then I’ll get the food ready!” Yanfei replied, giving Xiao a wink, before she made her way to the kitchen.
“Is she your girlfriend or…” Lumine began asking, the moment Yanfei left them alone.
Out of all the questions Xiao had expected, he didn’t think that would be the first one, nor did he think she’d ask something like that in the first place.
“She’s my sister, that’s about it, more importantly, —”
Xiao paused, when Yanfei returned with the drinks, a proud grin forming on her lips, when she placed them on the table, and then left
“— I’m curious why someone like you would allow herself to get stood up like this over and over.”
Upon asking her this he notices her tensing up, her eyes looking anywhere but in his eyes, while he waits for an answer.
“My friends had been bugging me about getting a boyfriend so I did.” she quietly began, her voice trembling as she did, her hands covered face. “So I decided to use one of those dating apps, leading me to meet up with Childe.”
He first thought Lumine was crying, letting out all the tears she had held back, but instead, her face was all red, presumably from embarrassment and shame. If it was due to the fact she was admitting to have used a dating app or if it was because she allowed herself to be mistreated like this for five times, he didn’t know.
“We agreed to meet here every Wednesday because it was close to the gym he visits, and I don’t really care about Childe but I didn’t think I’d then get treated like this.”
At this point she buried her face in her hands, unable to face him, while Xiao was left speechless, he was glad that at least her feelings weren’t hurt at all.
He had witnessed those dates where people met via a dating application, and half the time they turned out to be a mess, one person had no interest in the other and was waiting for a way to find an exit.
To find out that Lumine’s date even lasted long was surprising to say the least. Yet not to his surprise, of course it would turn out to be an utter fail.
Letting out a sigh he leaned his head on his hand. “If you really need to date someone then why not date me?”
Maybe he just sounded desperate, but he was certain he could treat her better than her current boyfriend did.
“Wait, isn't it a bit too sudden? Maybe we —”
“You’re the one who met your date through a dating app.” Xiao deadpanned, reminding her of her own statement and cutting her off with no hesitation. “Besides, with the way he’s been treating you, wouldn't it be about time you two broke up, you can figure the rest out with me a lot later.”
Telling her to break up with her current boyfriend just so she’d date him right after would make him seem like the asshole, but while it was true, how instantly dating would be too soon, he’d be lying if he wouldn’t want to know more about her.
“Well, I did consider breaking up with Childe if he’d come late today, he even said dinner would be on him,” Lumine muttered, taking a sip from her drink. “Also I wouldn’t mind dating you, if it’d allow me to know more about you.”
He’d be a fool to not notice the blush creeping up on her cheeks, and somehow he found it cute. But it gets awkward between them, both of them staying silent till Yanfei arrives with the food.
“The dinner is on me.” Xiao commented, breaking the silent tension between them.
“But isn’t this really expensive?” Lumine inquired, as she checked the menu again to confirm the costs. “We could split the bill and —”
“Don’t worry about it, my parents own the restaurant so it’s not an issue.” Xiao states, once again cutting Lumine off, “Besides, your boyfriend was the one to invite you for dinner in the first place, I’m just doing what he certainly isn’t.”
Lumine seemed like she wanted to say something, but decided against it, thanking Xiao for inviting her as she indulged herself in the food. By then Childe arrived, some bite marks once again being a little noticeable when he rushed towards the table Lumine was at, wanting to apologize about being late, only for his words to trail off when he spotted Xiao sitting where he was meant to be.
“This is my date?” Childe mentions, raising an eyebrow towards Xiao who was annoyed that their dinner got interrupted, he wanted to say something but Lumine was faster.
“And yet you’re about two hours late.” Lumine snapped back, standing up to properly argue with her boyfriend. “You invited me to dinner 5 times and failed to arrive on time for I don’t know…” Lumine stopped for another second to catch a breath, pretending to think for a moment before she continued with an exaggerated gasp. “Oh I know, 5 times! Always giving me a half baked excuse and I don’t want to hear any of it. Furthermore you don’t even pay proper attention to me like a proper boyfriend would, so why bother dealing with you when I can just break up with you?”
“Now you’re overreacting.” Childe replied to Lumine’s complaining, trying to act innocent. “Besides I—”
Before Childe could finish his sentence Lumine splashed her drink in Childe’s face, the frustration evident in her face.
“I said I don’t want to hear any of it, we’re breaking up and that’s final.”
With that final statement she turns her back to him, crossing her arms as she ignores the mess she’s made out of Childe who was unable to say anything, only glaring at Xiao as he left the restaurant. And with that he knew he lost a regular customer, but it didn’t matter. All other customers began clapping after the public breakup they had witnessed.
Lumine’s face reddened at the situation, as Yanfei stopped by to clean the floor. She tried apologizing to Yanfei, but his sister would tell her to go back to her seat, saying she’ll get her a new drink once she’s done.
And Xiao couldn’t help but be proud of Lumine, watching public breakups wasn’t fun, but this one was definitely a satisfying one, one that had been long awaited.
“Congratulations Lumine.” was the only thing he could say to her, as Lumine covered her face in embarrassment, apologizing for causing such a scene.
“Now then, I’ve been the one to cut you off earlier, so tell me about yourself, I want to know more about you, after that you’re free to ask anything about me.”