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intzue · 9 months

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INKIGAYO! genre: romance, fluff, tinge of crack pairing/s: 4nemo x gn!idol!reader summary: 4nemo losing a bet and having to give you, their fellow idol, an inkigayo sandwich!

a/n: Heizou and Wanderer will be having their own part if asked ! (reqs are open !!)+ no proofread, may contain grammatical and spelling errors

4nemo stood in place, ready for their last dance practice of the day before they would get lunch.

"Hey," One spoke up, earning curious glances from those beside him, a hum from the rest infront.

"Whoever messes this up has to do that 'inkigayo sandwich' trend" Mischief laced his tone as some groaned at the request.

"That number in a sandwich thing?" "That's childish."

Some were against the idea, others stayed quiet while the rest were willing to take the challenge.

"It'll be fun! Come on, no takebacks."

VENTI!

He was the one who suggested it, merely wanting to see if his members worked better under some sort of pressure.

Well if that was his only goal, then he had most definitely found his answer; which was yes!

On the other hand..

The main vocalist himself was the first to slip, supposably forgetting the footwork to the chorus.

He didn't really mind losing to his own bet, it almost even seemed on purpose by how laid back he was by everything.

It was all smooth sailing from there! He bought you a sandwhich and drink he thought you'd like, wrote his number in a small little slip of paper, wrapped it in plastic and placed it in between the bread, letting it stick out a bit for you to spot before slipping it back into the bag.

🍎— Venti's eyes darted from one idol to another in search of you in the venue, the only place where other idols assembled since they weren't allowed to eat elsewhere in the building.

He was excited! Venti didn't often have a chance to speak with you unless it was on television or infront of a crowd. He wasn't the kind to use his socials to contact you either.

Kazuha was quick to snap him back into reality, snapping his fingers infront of Venti's eyes, making him look up at him cluelessly before he pointed to you, VAPO-RISE's visual that sat only a few tables away from you, behind him.

Taking a breath, he stands up and leaves his table without any explanation.

Venti fidgeted with the wrapped sandwich in his hands as he neared your table with 4nemo's intense, eager stares from his back put him under pressure. He kept his eyes on you as you chatted with Barbara cheerfully.

"Hey [name]!" His voice beamed. Now standing infront of you from the other side of your table, he gave you a smile of admiration and genuine happiness.

Without a further word, he slid the sandwich on the table towards you, bending over slightly, earning him curious glances from the members around you.

"Enjoy the rest of your day! see you around!" He left without explanation, waving as he returned to 6wirl's table.

"That was a breeze!" He folded his arms across his chest in triumph and pride as he earned congratulations from his members.

It in fact wasn't, he left without explaining because he felt that he'd freeze or faint from being star struck if he stayed any longer.

XIAO!

He cursed under his breath as they watched the recording, his mistake with getting left and right mixed together was easy to spot as he stood out from everyone else.

He knew on the spot that he made that mistake, hoping no one would notice as he continued on the rest of the choreo smoothly.

"Gods.." 4nemo's visual scoffed as he felt expectant and teasing eyes on him.

"This is stupid." He mutters, assembling your sandwich carefully, trying his best to have it fit to your liking.

After slipping his number between the slices of bread and other ingredients neatly, letting the plastic wrapped paper slip stick out the edge to easily be seen, Xiao slides the sandwich into a paper bag, folding it secure.

🏮 — Xiao's gaze wanders around the venue attentively, he wanted to get this done quick. The less time it takes, the less teasing he'll get from Venti 4nemo.

It's hard to tell how he really feels at first glance. If one were to look closely, they'd catch his eye twitch every now and then.

He was overwhelmed by 4nemo's occasional teasing, not to mention the nervous pit in his stomach as you caught his eye.

Walking into the venue, fresh out of a photoshoot and walking along side Kamisato Ayaka, a fellow soloist idol you've grown close to ever since entering the agency.

"Come on!" "Get up!" They urged, flicking and tapping on his shoulder.

With a groan, Xiao stood up. Frozen in place, he had his eyes glued on you. Aether seemed to notice this, rolling his eyes and pushing Xiao further, earning him a scowl.

Hesitant, he walked towards you. Paying no mind to Ayaka who noticed his tense stance as he neared you two.

"(name)." His voice came out stuttered, his expression was unchanging. It was almost.. intimidating.

That was until his arms stretched out to hand you the sandwich. His lack of communication though, made the whole interaction awkward as he muttered a 'have a great day' under his breath before walking away.

KAZUHA! very not biased

He winced seeing his mistake with timing, accidentally moving too early. It didn't help that the recording showed how Venti shared a knowing look with him, mischievous.

The main dancer sighs, accepting his fate without any further protest.

Like Venti, he doesn't really mind. He finds it interesting, how he'll be interacting with you without cameras pointed on either of you.

Kazuha decides on going for a store bought sandwich, being more obvious with giving his number, he writes it on the plastic wrap in a dark marker. which completely defeats the whole purpose but alr

🍁— Kazuha's eyes scanned over the venue as soon as 4nemo got seated. He may or may not just try to strike a good, long conversation with you while he has the chance.

He was calm, one with the wind. He firmly believed that he would be able to get to know you even a bit better in the span of a few minutes.

His eyes were met by you, one of L/YUE's dancers sitting alone and on your phone with only a drink on your table as your head nodded along with music that came from your headphones.

"They're here." He stands up, taking a deep breathe in before making his way towards you.

Kazuha knocked on the table, just below your gaze as he stood beside you.

Looking up, you were met with him smiling down at you as you removed your headphones, settling them on your shoulders, expecting an explantion as to why he approached you suddenly.

"Is this seat taken?" He asks, pointing to a spot next to you.

AETHER! totally not biased (2)

He admitted to messing up immediately after they ended. But they all insisted on checking the recording first incase anyone did so before or that he was only taking the blame.

Similar to Kazuha, Aether doesn't mind having to talk to you. He was just rather shy about it, given that you were FLEIM's sub vocalist, his inspiration. You were truly one of his idols.

He hummed to humself as he put together your sandwich in 4nemo's room, completely tuning out the other member's chaos as they argued over video games. Whilst Aether chose to place his number on top of the sandwich before slipping it in a paper pouch.

🌹— Aether nervously fiddles with the sandwich in his hands as he suddenly caught a glimpse of you, seeminly chatting to Yanfei and Hutao as you were facing away from him.

After a few reassuring mutters to himself, he gets up from his seat, visibly nervous as he bit back a smile, walking towards your table.

Hutao seemed to notice him coming, pointing for you to look behind you with a cheeky grin.

Turning behind you, Aether greeted with a shy wave and a gentle smile.

Without realizing, Hutao and Yanfei sneakily left the table when you and Aether started conversing, inviting him to sit as you thought they wouldn't mind.

Either way, you two ended up with a good laugh over it, the rest of 4nemo and FLEIM may have already left the venue, but neither of the groups left without a sneaking a candid of you two sitting together.

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xinyuehui · 4 months

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AMBER & CHENG XIAO for Hunan New Year Eve

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enduracarrotchips · 1 year

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6reeze idol au ... what will happen

#they are aproximately 15 cm shorter than all other male idols #also the fan name is VISION......they prolly have a lame cringe fail song that's like #'you are our VISION guide the way'#or smth epically bad u get my drift #like skz's hashtag lovestay 😭#ignore my ugly cn stroke order thx #genshin impact #6reeze #kazuha #kaedehara kazuha #xiao #venti #aether #heizou #scaramouche #consistency? i don’t know her #about to insert kzscr into this

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celestoria · 1 year

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R U Mine?

Pairing: Yandere!Bodyguard!Xiao x Idol!fem!reader

Summary: A scandal brought an uproar to your career. Though Xiao trusts you are faithful to him as he is loyal to you, doubt and anxiety plagued him. He wants you to know that even in your dream, you are his, and his only.

Tag: yandere, Idol AU, consensual somnophilia, penetration

Do not interact if you are 16 and under (17+)

Ever since the tabloids rumored you have been dating a famous actor, which is completely false, the paparazzi have been following you like a pack of wolves hunting down their prey. So thirsty for the front page and so hungry for the next juiciest scoop.

If only you didn’t accept his offer to buy you a drink of coffee after bumping into each other, then maybe you wouldn’t have gotten yourself into this mess. Now you can’t even go outside of your house without meeting the bright flashing lights blinding you with every step you go.

Luckily, there was this one person who always tried to protect you amid this baseless drama. That was your faithful bodyguard, and your loving boyfriend, Xiao.

Everyone knew your brutish bodyguard who stuck loyally by your side throughout the years. Despite always being seen together almost everywhere, one suspected him of being your boyfriend. Maybe because you kept things way too professional around him when the eyes and ears of the public media constantly observed you like a hawk. What the media didn’t know is that Xiao would do anything for you. He might as well give you the world or burn it if you wish.

He stuck by you for so long that he knew every inch of your body and every detail of your personality like the back of his hand. You are not the type of person to cheat on him with a guy like that. Though that’s what he told himself, Xiao found you always coming home back from work late at night without him.

Anxiety rushed through him and the devil’s sinister voice filled his head with doubts. His mind was filled with Images of another man kissing the very same lips that he craves every single moment of his waking life.

He can’t let you slip away like that so easily.

There you were sleeping soundly next to him. Your hair was disheveled and your soft skin peeked through your thin lace negligee. How Xiao was thankful he gets to see you in such a vulnerable state.

Your uncomparable beauty is something only his eyes are allowed to see. No one is allowed to marvel at you, especially that bastard who thinks he can take you away like that.

The wooden frames creaked as Xiao shifted his weight to your side of the bed. He lifted your silk nightgown to find that you didn’t even wear anything underneath. It’s as if you were telling him you’ve been wanting him to pleasure you in your sleep.

He wondered what kind of scenarios you are having as you lay there. Are you dreaming of him the same you he’s thinking of you? Or is it someone else that’s in your mind?

Xiao will make sure he’s someone you’ll never forget and this is a night to remember.

Calloused fingers circled your clit and his other hand inserted two fingers inside of you. Your pussy immediately coated itself with your arousal. Even in your sleep, he can make you feel this good.

Quiet, hummed moans left your mouth as he pleasured you. Once he felt like you were loose enough for him to fit, Xiao slowly lifted your dress past your soft chests and undid his clothes before he discarded them on the floor.

He towered over you and his hands sensually slithered around your unconscious body. The man grabbed you by the thighs and placed you by his waist to give him unresisting access to your slick pussy.

His hard cock jammed itself in you. Feeling your warmth with this amount of intimacy was all he could ever ask for and he wanted to monopolize it. His greedy heart won’t allow him to share you with anyone else. Even if it's just a silly gossip people made for their own entertainment, he can’t take the risk of being such a fool.

His cock began to pull out of you only for him to go back inside. Deep, throaty groans and the sound of you two colliding multiple times filled the room. Slow and steady thrusts became rougher and his grip on your thighs became tighter.

You felt a strange sensation coming from below you and a harsh impact that rammed inside you over and over again. Your eyes slowly fluttered and it took you a moment for you to realize Xiao was fucking you mindlessly.

He was a sight to see especially with how the soft, dimmed lights brought a more intimate aura to him. Beads of sweat formed on his forehead his flushed contoured body glistened in the night because of the heated sex you were having. Veiny arms held you tight by your waist you swore you’ll get a bruise after this.

Your hands grabbed the white futon covers as you relished the blissful pleasure. Your back arched and your legs wrapped around Xiao’s waist to pull him closer to you.

Shock ran cold through Xiao’s body to see you awake in such a complicated situation yet he didn’t pause for a moment as the scene of you getting high by his throbbing cock only aroused him more. Xiao had his eyes closed most of the time to feel how tight your pussy is for him much better but he opened his eyelids to check that you were awake.

“You know you’re mine right?” He moaned as you two finally made eye contact. “I’m not letting another man steal you away from me.” Xiao picked up his pace, making your head roll back and moan louder.

Knowing you for years, he knew which places you loved being teased on and he knew the exact part of your neck where even the lightest kiss would make you melt. Without hesitation, Xiao dived down to lay on top of you and sucked on the exact spot that made you cry out his name like it was the only word you know.

His lips unlatched itself from your skin and a light purple hickey appeared. The breath of his moans brushed your body and his sound made its way to your ears, giving you an electric shock that ran down your spine.

“I’m so close, fuck,” he whispered in your ears. “Cum for me. You know you want to.”

True enough. You’ve been holding it for so long and the tight knot in your stomach was unbearable and all you could think about is a sweet release.

Xiao’s hips shuddered against you, his cock plunged deep inside you one last time and thick semen filled up inside. You came undone beneath your boyfriend and euphoria washed over your body once you climaxed.

His tired body lay still on top of you with his head resting on your shoulder. As his high went down, Xiao rolled to the side. Strong arms pulled you closer and wrapped themselves around you. He wanted to be this close to you as both of you fell asleep because he never wants to let you go.

Masterlist

#genshin impact #genshin impact smut #genshin impact xiao #xiao smut #genshin impact x reader #xiao x reader #genshin impact idol au #yandere xiao #roiree red zone

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rainbowsky · 4 months

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#xiao zhan #chongqing beauty #adorkable gg #wtaf gg #idol gg

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nutmegnogart · 1 year

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Uhoh looks like the paparazzi found 4NEMO on their karaoke outing. Hey what are Xiao and Aether doing? Could we get a commen- *Venti slams door* Drew this back when they were just 4NEMO ;w; Maybe I should be an update with 6reeze hmmm

#4nemo #aether #xiao #kazuha #venti #genshin xiao #genshin aether #genshin kazuha #genshin venti #xiaother #xiaoaether #xiao and aether #xiao x aether #idol au #genshin fanart #genshin impact fanart #megsart

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xinilia · 1 year

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A commission for me by @enduracarrotchips! It’s Xiaoven in a modern idol au based on a fic I’ll be publishing soon <33

#thank u for the lovely art endura ❤️❤️❤️#mwah #genshin impact #xiaoven #6reeze #idols au #5wirl #4nemo #genshin impact venti #genshin xiao #commission

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shiro-00s · 10 months

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heaven on earth

40. a dumbass .. !

[ genshin impact smau / idol!xiao x fem!reader ]

heaven on earth - 40. a dumbass

previous | masterlist | next

synopsis ; 🗝️ — in which you befriend your next door neighbour who, unbeknownst to you, was apart of a soon-to-be one of the most popular bands throughout liyue. you're unable to tell if cupid was helping you or not when things with xiao kept going up and down. will he continue to keep his secret from yours truly?

NOTE — new chapter out woohoo (i lied to myself saying ill do it the next day and i procrastinated) mb y'all

TAGLIST#1 [OPEN] — @mikctp @ghostlysyntaxed @kazemiya @nnasv @gojoandelsalovechilde @candy-purple-cyanide @kissingkzuha @zyilas @lunaavity @luminescent-light @mave-in @rizakari @riikyu @kokoscutie @starsxnight @sketcheeee @softlie @izakyun @xiaxilia @the-sweet-madame @rifran @milkwithspiceyicecubes @coffeethoughtsandanxiety @rxkan7 @goodthingimsam @pomeiu @fogturtle @farelady-fate @tzu-scara143 @wonderful-worlds @cianalikesbeans @h3xi2g0n3 @jasxiao2317 @rosaryia

(ask to be added)

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throwaway-yandere · 1 year

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Wound Dressings (Yandere Idol!Xiao/Reader)

a/n: happy lantern rite, everyone!!! here's xiao, hope anyone that wants to pull for him gets him <3 (CW: yandere, implied ptsd, mild violence, scaramouche is fricking foul as hell.)

unreliable synopsis: As the producer of 5wirl's beloved rapper, you found yourself stuck between Xiao and the nefarious fashion stylist/designer- Scaramouche-'s wars.

Alice's note: Producer Starlight, we need to talk. Right now. The CEO is waiting.

Yandere Idol Match-Up Masterlist

------

“Xiao, your face, it's burnt–”

“Don’t.” Xiao huffed. “Don’t come any closer. I’m fine.”

Anyone can tell 5wirl's rapper has a hard time getting close to people and you find that rather tragic. It’s a shame that Xiao chose to be distant when you find his rap music enthralling like no other, and you can tell he pours his soul into each lyric he writes. He sings desperately as though it's his last strip of breath left with voice cracks so raw and heartbreaking. While Venti sounds theatrical and clear, his will always be raspy and hauntingly unique. Every project he’s involved with sheds light on his authenticity, and you yearned for an opportunity to have him talk to you just as honestly.

However, you paid more heed to his need for emotional distance, not wanting to be nosy in this instance. You concentrated on advancing his career without meddling in his personal affairs, staying strictly business. It was not your place to know more and be some uneducated therapist.

At least, you had faith that you could maintain that belief until you noticed his sloppy bandaged cheek. Xiao stumbled forward, his hair untidy. You clenched your jaw. You grasped for his arm, feeling somewhat enraged. Instead of reacting, he simply awaited your inevitable worry.

“Who did this to you, Xiao?” You whispered angrily.

“A firework accident,” Xiao grunted. “My cousin can vouch for me. Yesterday’s lantern rite. Do not worry about me.”

“Is that so…”

You can’t muster the courage to question ADDICKTZ's Mister Zhongli, and that’s precisely why you know Xiao’s hiding a secret. Lying between his molars was not something he could do without a hitch.

Especially not to someone as observant as you.

“Does this have something to do with the stylist?”

While you technically shouldn’t risk your neck for a theory…

… It's better to route the problem immediately.

Xiao shamelessly ignored your question. In any case, you already knew the answer. This was just for confirmation’s sake. He would have stayed as stoic as always had you two been in a space that was any less secluded than the backrooms. No fan was aware of how much Xiao detested 5wirl's main stylist because none of his musings were made public.

Scaramouche, “The Wanderer.”

He’s a big name with a larger-than-life ego. Giving credit where it is due, Scaramouche is a fantastic model, but a patient stylist? He was not. He has an incurable habit of pushing everyone’s buttons that it's almost impressive. You've seen the way he yanked and pulled 5wirl like ragdolls, the only exception was Kazuha and Venti, but the latter to a lesser extent.

To no one’s surprise, Xiao does not like him.

Just a week ago, you've watched him perform “Fallen Leaves” uncomfortably on a Mondstadt Television (MTV) award show. An untrained eye is unlikely to notice how little footwork he displayed considering his constricted jeans. After the song ended, Xiao irritably loosened his belt and rolled his eyes. He didn't bow like the rest of 5wirl, instead, he left immediately without a word— that was something the fans certainly did not miss. To the common stan, it was "hot", to the wiser folks, it was a sign that something was amiss.

—

“He did it on purpose. The Wanderer wanted to prove a point,” these were the only words Xiao told you with bated breaths as he wrenched the buttons off his suffocating attire, popping and dropping them to the ground. He has little consideration for who might enter his room— not when he couldn’t breathe— not when he trusts that you’ll guard the door.

Once his chest was out and he could inhale with ease, a small smile was sighted adorning his face. He favored you with a victorious grin.

“And he failed.”

You’ve known that whenever he’s down, he tends to focus more on his skills. Thus you mistakenly thought this was just a matter of work. You didn’t realize at the time that he was fighting for something else.

It was a gorgeous smile. A rare eye candy enticing enough to make you wish he considered you a companion. But the frown that followed as you heard Scaramouche screeching outside erased whatever joy you felt as you stumbled to lock the door.

You scowled.

“Did he really fail when he still has you wrapped around his fingers?”

Xiao didn't answer. Instead, he pried your hand off and unlocked the door.

“As long as it’s not you, it doesn’t matter how far he takes his tantrums.”

—

You believe otherwise.

That incident stirred a cold war between Xiao and 5wirl’s lead stylist. Scaramouche used to just pepper vulgar phrases but now it appears in every other sentence. None of the fans knew thanks to the AKASHA Device Policy System of disabling screenshots on employee devices. What happens in Teyvat Productions, stays in Teyvat Productions. Scaramouche would have been fired from the company with a hollow public apology from the CEO if they had known even a glimpse of the snark he spews at every 5wirl employee.

”Did he do this?”

You cupped his cheek. Xiao didn't wince from the pain. It's all due to his extended Military Service training, you're sure of it. Thankfully, it doesn't look too bad. Curable, most definitely, but it doesn't change the fact someone attempted to hurt your employer.

“It’s… This is my burden to carry. It has nothing to do with you—”

“But I’m here for you, Xiao. You know I have a strong sixth sense, and something is wrong. You can tell me anything.”

Xiao leaned onto your palm, putting a hand above yours. He felt his chest tighten, but his face did not mark his anguish.

He may not show it visibly, but your touch broke him. On the souls of all his friends and the lives of his family, he can swear with every fiber of his being that this is as honest as he could be.

“He doesn't understand that I lost everything.” He did not look at you, but his sudden grip begged you to stay.

“–that I felt EVERYTHING.”

You stiffened, your spine shook at how concise but oddly oppressive those words were. His words were nothing to write home about, but the way his husky voice and slight growl loomed after a moment of silence was unforgettable.

Instinctively, you knew what this was about.

Bosacius.

You didn't want to pry so you knew little about him other than he accidentally died when he and Xiao were reservists. There is a mandatory Liyue and Inazuman law that stipulates that men must serve their country for about a year or two, no idol is exempted from that. According to speculations and a few hints in the lyrics Xiao composed, the idol likely watched his friend cover up a faulty grenade to save everyone in the vicinity. You did attempt to console him once, but Xiao is adamant that such comments would be an insult to Bosacius' Heroics. He “accepted” his death long before you became his producer. His soul is likely in a better place.

See where this is headed? It's not rocket science. Put “Scaramouche” and “fireworks” together and you’d get something foul. That damn multi-talented designer did something and now Xiao’s uncharacteristically more emotive.

Scaramouche likely used fireworks to reignite Xiao’s trauma.

Perhaps this line of thinking is uncouth, but this would serve as a great opening to finally get to know the person you work for on a deeper level. But for Scaramouche to unearth those memories for the sake of arguing… What a petty man.

“He wanted to “share” something that’s mine to protect,” Xiao muttered. "He insisted that giving them up to him will be a way to absolve my sins. But… I…”

He grunted.

“I don’t want to share them.” Xiao sneered. "Having them around is the last joy I have."

You feel as though the thing or person they’re fighting over is someone related to 5wirl, but you were too tired to listen to your muted intuition.

“Who is “them”?” You asked. “Would you be willing to tell me?”

He shook his head.

“I… can’t.”

“I see, that’s okay. It takes time to open up— Xiao?”

Xiao remained silent. He quickly seized the water bottle you were holding and chugged it down. As Xiao drank, you both moved in the direction of the fans while giving him your famous mask to cover the burn. His followers don't need to be aware of this.

But damn it. You’re tired of this back-and-forth pettiness.

You’ll have to step in.

——

However, your colleagues do not favor that idea.

“Are you certain you wanna approach him?” Venti’s producer frowned. “Knowing Scaramouche’s past… instability, I’m not sure if that’s the brightest idea you’ve come up with.”

It usually takes a long time for you to naturally get close to others but after careful observation, you've deduced that none of your fellow producers were unsavory people. In truth, they were simple to read, particularly Venti and Heizou's producers. As a result, you already knew this was going to happen; you just want to let them know out of respect.

“We never know unless we try,” Heizou’s producer spoke up, somewhat optimistic but with a twinge of demur. “You’re too depressed. Who knows? Maybe you can persuade him to stop. You’re Scara’s favorite, after all.”

Favorite is a bit of a stretch, but that man does tolerate your presence.

Kazuha’s producer chortled, “that kind of hypothetical is next to impossible.”

Heizou’s producer hummed the bridge to 5wirl’s song “Sweet Dream.” You knew your coworker didn't want to prove them right, but the lyrics to that song referred to failed plans– and that's enough information for you to infer that even they think deep down that the idea was stupid.

You closed your eyes. It truly wasn't your best plan— it's straight up walking to the lion’s den, but you have to try….

“… (Y/n)? Hello?”

You blinked. Ah, you've zoned out again.

“It's better than nothing,” you said. “I can't just let everyone here be constantly berated by that narcissist.”

“Even his assistant can be a pain in the neck too, you know?” Venti’s producer chimed in. “Ya better hope you're not dealing with both of them once you get there. You might start a house fire or something.”

There's no point in this conversation. Sighing, you reached for your bag, ready to leave.

“Hmm? Now, where are you going, my ge qin'ai de?”

Baizhu— 5wirl’s creative director— stood, leaning by the door frame. Based on his lax demeanor, you assumed he had just recently taken his medicine. The rest of the producers laughed awkwardly, not knowing whether they should let him in on your plans or not. He usually accepts all forms of communion, no matter how chaotic or personal it is. But this instance urged everyone that omitting some truths was the best option.

“(Y/n)’s on their way to buy some fabric,” Venti’s producer lied. “Scaramouche had been such a pain in the neck lately so, eh, we decided to be more proactive to avoid his stupid wrath.”

“Ahhh, I see! How lovely.” Baizhu laughed, but just as you were about to walk past him, he weakly grasped your arm.

"Far be it from me to pry into my producers’ personal affairs, but once you get there,” he bent down and whispered to your ear.

“Tell that charlatan and his assistant that this will be the last time they hurt one of my kids, understood?”

As you looked up at the creative director's snake eyes, a chill went up your spine. He didn't express it as a threat; rather, he said it as a certain truth. It seemed as though Director Baizhu was determined that this was Scaramouche's final transgression. You made a mental note of that.

Director Baizhu must’ve known something that you didn't.

“Yes, Director.”

“Wonderful,” Baizhu smiled, but his gaze looked distant.

“Be sure to buy wound dressings along the way.”

——

“No way. Nu-uh.”

“Please, I seriously need to talk to him—”

“Do you wanna get stabbed? Just trust me, bro, he doesn’t want to see anyone right now. He’s too busy dressing up that haunted doll of his.” Scaramouche’s assistant trembled burlesquely, putting more pressure on the door that separates you two. “Like, he’s so unhinged right now that– high-key? Working at KFC ain't sounding so bad.”

His assistant sighed, rolling their eyes. They appeared different compared to when you last saw them. Their hair’s significantly shorter and their fingers are red from sewing– and if your eyes weren't fooling you, they're a bit burnt…?

You squinted.

“Those marks… He overworked you last night, right? Forced you to use lighters to cut threads over scissors, didn’t he?”

They glared. Struck a nerve there.

“You have no idea what you’re talking about.”

“Maybe I am just reaching for straws here–” you admitted rather plainly. “But that doesn't change the fact that you don't like your boss, and I don't like him enough that I drove all the way to confront him. What say you to letting me give him a piece of my mind?”

That seemed to work. At least, for a second.

“No… No, I seriously can't.” His assistant shook their head, with more conviction this time. “I don't want a repeat of last time.”

“(Y/n), you’re here as well.”

You both turned to look behind you.

A man wearing a mask and sunglasses— clearly Xiao— stood just a breath away from touching your shoulder. You jolted.

How didn’t you notice that he was right behind you?

“Oh, he’s here too…” the assistant said. They didn’t sound particularly hostile when addressing Xiao. “Sir, you can’t just enter if it isn't urgent.”

“But it is urgent,” You lied. “Just let us in or at least have me go inside alone—”

Xiao gently squeezed your shoulder. The mulish look in his visage beckoned you that he didn't like that idea. You didn’t have time to question what he’s doing here. His opaque stubbornness made you completely forget that he was holding you longer than he usually does.

Time and time again, he’ll remind you that he didn’t want you near Scaramouche.

“Oh my God— bitch. How many times do I have to fucking— HE'S NOT ENTERTAINING GUESTS.” The assistant growled. “Please, just listen to me. I'm honestly saving you both the trouble of talking to that edgelord.”

“Please, this seriously wouldn't take long–”

“Are you deaf or just stupid? What part of not entertaining guests did you not understand?”

Speak of the devil.

The pretentious prick arrived– him and his damn ostentatiously designed hat. He shared your gaze immediately and you swore his face lit up. It was as if he was waiting for you for quite some time now, but you’re not confident in that hunch.

“Ah, it's you.”

You cleared your throat. “Good evening, sir Wanderer–”

He smirked.

“Long time no see, starlight,” Scaramouche said. “Your dog here sure kept dragging us apart from each other.”

Xiao raised an eyebrow. It was the first time he had heard someone call you by that nickname, and while it doesn’t show in his features, he was rather unnerved at how you casually let him call you by such an endearing nickname.

This only matters because Scaramouche rarely addresses anyone beneath him with respect, much less affection.

Xiao glared at him.

Scaramouche continued, “here to give me an answer?”

“No.” You didn't waste a second. “The answer is no. I don't want to be your model.”

Xiao’s eyes widened. He immediately shielded you, but Scara merely tilted his head to maintain his gaze.

“Model?” Xiao spat coldly. “So that’s the card you're playing, Kunikuzushi.”

Scaramouche’s grin widened, “move your head away, insect.”

He doesn’t deserve to see you.

Without much thought, you bit your lip. You weren’t expecting much of a reaction if you told Xiao that Scaramouche wanted to hire you before. He tried scouting you months before he started harassing Xiao. Telling him about it slipped past your mind.

Scaramouche frowned, his eyes gauging his assistant’s reaction, “still, what a shame… With your face, you would've been a fine addition to my runway, Mx. (Y/n).”

“… Huh, so you do know my name.”

“Course I do. Xiao follows anyone who says (Y/n) around like a damn shit-for-brains dog. I’m not stupid enough to miss his owner’s name.”

Xiao made a sound you couldn't quite describe. It bordered on both a whimper and a threat.

You scrunched at the title, “that’s not true.”

“Then that only speaks volumes to how good of a stalker he is,” He clapped. "Bravo, I'm impressed. For once."

Scaramouche scoffed yet there was a genuine smile on his face. Swiftly, he approached you and had his assistant not held Xiao back, the famous designer wouldn’t have had the opportunity to grab your hand and gently kiss it out of nowhere.

You felt absolutely nothing from this gesture. Instead, you unconsciously fixed your eyes on Xiao.

And he’s most certainly pissed.

“You deserve to be working for me instead, puppet,” he muttered. “Honestly, I can’t see why you’re working for him— he's barely aesthetically pleasing. A lower-rate beauty. Do you even give a damn about your skin-care routine, worm? You look like shit. Go back to the fucking military. Muscles are required there, but looks? Not expected.”

Out of the blue, the designer gently cupped your face– your faces now an inch apart as he fixes stray strands of your hair. Strangely enough, you can't feel his breath. His face may be close, but his attention did not belong to you. You can tell from a mile away you’re being used.

As to what you’re being used for? You can’t tell.

Suddenly, Scaramouche’s assistant cleared their throat.

“Hey starlight, can you come outside with me for a sec?” They said.

The assistant held up their phone. You heard Xiao shakily exhale as you pulled away from the stylist.

“Director Baizhu’s calling.”

—-

“Director? Is something the matter?”

“Ah yes, did you buy the wound dressings?”

You did your best to hide your scoff.

Seriously, right now?

“Yes, right now.”

Oh. You didn’t mean to say that out loud.

Scaramouche’s assistant— whom you were borrowing a phone from— laughed softly, bemused. They led you to The Wanderer’s garden for some “privacy”, and yet their ears seemed cleaner than most. You didn’t mind them listening to some "tea." It’s better than being alone in unfamiliar territory.

“Trust me, dear. You’ll need it later.” Baizhu’s laughter echoed.

…

“What do you mean by that, sir?”

“Answer me first, did you buy some?”

“No.”

“Poor choice. You’ll never know when there’s an emergency that calls for it.”

Your eyebrows furrowed.

Something is off.

Baizhu sighed, “nevermind. So, how was your shopping trip? What fabric have you brought, send me the hex code.”

“Sir.”

“Yes, qin'ai de?”

“You called because you wanted to distract me, didn’t you?”

…

You were hoping that you wouldn’t hear his laughter from the other line.

“Oh, Xiao. I’ve tried.”

Slowly, you hung up and lowered the phone down to your thigh.

No… It can’t be.

You started sprinting back to where you came from.

“H-Hey, wait! You still have my phone!—”

You need to go.

NOW.

You already knew what was happening, but at that moment you slipped out a prayer to any Archon that might listen.

Please… Please don’t be right…

—-

… But then again, when has your sixth sense ever failed you?

Xiao’s stony expression crumbled and his more livid countenance shone through. You were too far to cinch his right arm from throwing a punch in the designer’s direction–

But he managed to surprise you by using his left fist instead.

“You will sooner die than lay a hand on them— not even their fucking hair.”

“Y-You—!!!”

Scaramouche was already littered with bruises when you got there, his hanfu torn and his hate discarded and stomped on with abandon.

You trembled at the sight, knees nearly buckling down.

You were too late.

They both appeared unaware of your ghostly presence behind. In a single fast motion, you witnessed your beloved idol punch Scaramouche in the ribs. You winced as a crack reverberated throughout the room before Scaramouche inhaled sharply. The thing that most alarmed you, though, was the sound of Xiao's curt yet stern chuckle, which was a dead giveaway that he wasn't going to stop until the designer was rendered immobilized. Scaramouche made an effort to stand up from the ground using his fist as support, but Xiao quickly grabbed him by the collar like a mother cat would a difficult child.

“Weak,” Xiao spoke. “Why did you even dare to provoke me when you can barely defend yourself? You’re not worthy of calling (Y/n) by any other name.”

“Y-You fucking jealous dumbass. Your career is over once I’m through with you!” Scaramouche coughed up, blood spitting out from his mouth and onto Xiao’s clenched hand. “You fucking worm— I could just release the CCTV recordings and—”

“You won’t be able to retrieve any recordings,” Xiao said in an as-a-matter-of-fact tone.

He dropped Scaramouche and knelt to his level.

You wanted to scream. You wanted to beg Xiao to stop.

But you can’t recognize him, and the words died in your throat.

“You won’t find a single clip.”

Scaramouche’s face softened into a look of dismissive defeat. However, his stony yet smug expression resurfaced.

“Ah, so Tighnari’s in on this too,” Scaramouche laughed, slowly devolving into a mildly hysterical fit. “Of course, of course! You already have Baizhu’s go signal so it’s not surprising you got that genius’ approval too. Only natural that a weak person like you have so many accomplices to back up your obsession—”

“And you?”

“H-hah. And what?”

Xiao dragged him closer.

“Where are YOUR friends, Kunikuzushi?”

…

Xiao breathed in, closing his eyes.

“I am not like you. I am not an easy target simply because I often act alone.”

In a stroke of luck, Scaramouche turned his gaze away— and saw you at the door instead.

Positively mortified.

“D-Don’t—” Scaramouche coughed. “—talk big… H-Ha… Look behind you, insect.”

Once he did, Xiao stiffened.

No, no, no— why are you here?

… Why did you get back inside?

That wasn’t part of the plan— didn’t Baizhu call you?

“(Y-Y/n), I…”

You weren’t supposed to see this.

He took a step forward, you instinctively took two steps back. You cursed yourself internally for letting your fear get the best of you when you knew that despite Scaramouche’s broken nose and bloody lips, it was Xiao who needed your help the most.

His heart dropped.

“Producer, this is…”

His throat dried up.

Why is it so draining for him to open himself up to you?

“D-Did you see that, starlight?” Scaramouche droned. Even when he's losing blood, his silver tongue quips a retort.

“Did you see the monster you were working for?”

“Xiao” pivoted his heels, frowning even now as the mutilated man lost consciousness below him. You could barely recognize Scaramouche from all that blood. “Xiao” took a step closer to you. You couldn't move. Your feet were rooted to your spot.

Fortunately, he moved on auto-pilot, grabbing you by the arm and carefully swerving past Scaramouche’s assistant to head outside.

He didn’t give you a chance to ponder over Scaramouche’s words.

For a moment, neither of you said a thing as you stood at the front gate. It felt like an eternity before you mustered the courage to speak up.

“… You’re bleeding.”

Why aren't you comforting his hand? Please hold his hand gently. Please hold him.

Another voice screamed inside his head, one that sounded similar to Scaramouche.

Can't you see that expression on their face? That's fear. That's betrayal. The person you love thinks you're a monster, Xiao.

“... I bought some wound dressings. They’re inside my car.”

—

“Be sure to buy wound dressings along the way.”

—

Instead of feeling relief, you shivered at how convenient it was for him to keep some in his vehicle. Director Baizhu’s mind echoed in your head almost like an apparition.

In other words: this was premeditated.

And you don’t know what to make of that information.

“(Y/n).”

“Y-Yes?”

You zoned out that you didn’t realize you were already in front of “Xiao”’s car, still holding the assistant’s phone.

He squeezed your hand lightly.

“Don’t leave me.”

His voice cracked.

“Please.”

After a moment of brief silence, you gave him a hesitant frown.

… Your intuition tells you that no matter what you answer, the outcome won’t change.

You squeezed his hand back. If you didn’t, Archons know he would’ve fallen apart.

“I’m staying.”

In a sense, you think you finally understood Xiao better. It’s just as he said yesterday: he lost everything and he felt everything. This overprotective and downright possessive nature must’ve stemmed from what had happened when he was a reservist. He can’t bear to lose another person. While it may sound nice to know he does think of you as someone important, you wish you realized this about him sooner.

Xiao has a crush on you.

He smiled.

It was a gorgeous smile. A rare eye candy enticing enough to make you glad he considered you a companion.

… But why do you feel terrified?

“Thank you. Allow me to protect you from him— from anyone from now on. Just call out my name.”

You could only fake a laugh in response.

‘Xiao, what an awful liar you are. Lying between your molars was still not something you could do without a hitch.

So do not speak as if you haven't been doing that since the very beginning.’