Chapter Text
Ajax can barely think straight on the bus to work that same evening. He can’t believe he actually bumped into the man- Zhongli- again. And he had a full on conversation with him! Although - Zhongli did most of the talking, not that Ajax had minded. He could listen to him talk all day. And, it really was interesting hearing about calligraphy.
Ajax is disappointed in himself. Look at him, studying in a foreign nation and yet knowing next to nothing about such an important part of their culture. Maybe in their next uni break he’d ask Lumine’s roommate Xiangling to tell him a bit more about where she grew up.
Zhongli…Ajax wonders if he would actually come to the café. He didn’t want to get his hopes up - when had he ever had luck with guys? But Zhongli did say he’d like that…well. Only time would tell.
Wait, speaking of telling, he had to tell Lumine what happened!
Ajax pulls his phone out of his pocket and types out a message.
Ajax the Great: LUMINE!!!!?!!!!
Lumi: ?? What is it
Ajax the Great: YOU’LL NEVER GUESS
Lumi: Do I even want to guess
Ajax the Great: I SAW HIM AGAIN
Lumi: Calligraphy hottie?
Ajax the Great: YES
WAIT DON’T CALL HIM THAT
But yes!!! I went to the garden again and he was there!
Lumi: Oooooo
Did you manage to speak to him this time?
Ajax the Great: Yes!! That’s what I’m so shaken about. We talked for a bit about calligraphy and such
His name is Zhongli :)
BUT THEN
I invited him to Angel’s Snare!!!
Lumi: You WHAT?? Omg
I didn’t think you’d have it in you, but I’m proud
Wait
Why did you invite him there? Wouldn’t you want to go somewhere that isn’t work for a date?
Ajax the Great: Ah
Well it wasn’t quite a date
He said he liked tea and so I said we have tea there and he should try it!
Lumi: Only you would stumble your way into asking someone out by telling them to come to your workplace
Ajax the Great: Hey!
Lumi: Hahaha I’m sorry
I’m being mean
That is so good though!! I’m happy for you
Did he say anything back?
Ajax the Great: He said “I’d like that”
Lumi: Woahhh what did you do before that??
You got this guy hooked already?
Damn Ajax I’m impressed
Ajax the Great: Heheheh
Me too, I can’t believe this all happened
Although I shouldn’t jump the gun just yet, he might just really like trying new delicacies or something
He seemed to really like tea
But Lumiiiiiine, he was even more beautiful up close
And his voice …
He was so interesting Lumi, I could have listened to him talk about anything
I wanna know more about him :((
Lumi: Well, maybe he’ll show up to your work soon and you’ll be able to
Ajax the Great: I sure hope so
Ah, also - monday for study sesh?
Lumi: Yep, sounds good
I’m not working mon
You gotta tell me more of the details about this Zhongli guy then too!
Ajax the Great: Of course ;) See you then!
I gotta get off the bus soon, work time ugggh
Lumi: Don’t fall asleep again zzzz
Ajax the Great: That was ONE time!!
See u monday
Ajax smiles and shoves his phone back into his pocket, looking out the bus window to check where he is.
He doesn’t know what he’d do without Lumine, to be honest. She shoved her way into his life a year and a half ago when he knew absolutely nobody and is now his closest friend, and vice versa.
Although, she doesn’t talk much about herself. In the beginning of their friendship, he was worried about it being too one-sided because of it. After all, he’s like an open book, a heart-on-his-sleeve type of person. He’s asked Lumine about her life and family; she tends not to get into it too much. All he can really do is be there if she does want to talk about anything. Archons know he doesn’t like talking about some parts of his life either.
Ajax jumps up from his seat to get off the bus.
The work at the convenience store isn’t his favourite, but it’s in a convenient (ha ha) location, and it’s pretty relaxed. Of course, that also means it’s dead boring, but his manager is pretty laid back and doesn’t mind him studying on the clock - as long as there aren’t any customers, anyway.
Right, work time, five hours, let’s go!
Ajax slaps his face as he walks towards the door.
Then, after work, he can worry about what on earth he’d say to Zhongli if- hopefully when- he shows up to his work.
(He ends up thinking about it all shift, anyway.)
-----
Ajax waves at Lumine as she meets him outside Dawn Coffee the next week for their weekly study-but-not-really-study-cause-they-get-distracted-most-of-the-time session.
“Yo!” He grins at her.
“Heya. How was your weekend?” Lumine adjusts her denim jacket from where she’s tied it around her waist.
“Eh, same old, same old. Work, trying to study, repeat. Let’s go in.”
They try to meet at Dawn Coffee to study together every week. They used to go to Angel’s Snare, but Ajax didn’t really enjoy studying at his workplace; his brain switched into work mode whenever he was there. There was also the fact that the last time they’d been there to study, Lumine, who had gotten more and more annoyed at Venti continually hovering over them and asking questions about what they were doing, had finally snapped and chucked a fork at him. Ever since then they’d decided on Dawn.
The day they meet varies - while Ajax’s schedule is pretty regular, Lumine’s is all over the place. She’s studying Arts and works as a private tutor for high school kids, but the parents are always cancelling and rescheduling sessions at the last minute. It sounds like a pain, but she seems to enjoy the teaching (and the money).
Ajax orders their drinks and they sit at their favourite table, right at the back by the window, with a view of the street outside.
“So…?” Lumine looks at him expectantly.
“Oh right!! So, yes! I went to the garden again and saw Zhongli!”
“Yeah, I know, you said over text. So, what does he look like?” She looks up and thanks the waiter as he places both their drinks on the table.
Ajax spends the next five minutes describing how gorgeous Zhongli was with his hair tied up in a bun, his golden eyes, and how he was taller than Ajax.
“Wait, he’s taller than you ? How is that even possible? I thought you were a giant, unsurpassable by anyone else.” Lumine interjects.
“Ha ha, very funny. But yes, he is taller. I was surprised too.” Ajax smirks. “If we all hung out together at some point, you’d be like a tiny child next to us.”
Lumine picks up an ice cube out of her drink and flicks it at him, but it misses.
“We talked mostly about his calligraphy. He seems to really like it. And tea.” Ajax continues.
“He sounds like an old man.”
“Hey, he isn’t! Well…actually, I don’t know. But he didn’t look that old. No more than twenty-seven, I’d guess.”
“Hmm. So, have you seen him since? It’s nearly been a week, right?”
Ajax’s face drops. “Yeah, that’s correct. But no, I haven’t seen him.”
“Hey, hang in there. Maybe he’s just been busy.”
“Yeah…I hope so.” He looks dejectedly down at his coffee, stirring the ice around with his straw.
“Hey,” Lumine claps both her hands together in front of his face, causing him to look back up, “No being pessimistic! You just gotta be patient.”
Ajax smiles. “Yeah, you’re right.” He pulls his laptop out of his bag, “Anyway, let’s do some work. I’m so behind on my class readings.”
“Are you ever not?”
-----
They’re about half an hour into studying when Lumine’s phone starts ringing.
She looks down as it rings, and with a grimace, rejects the call and puts her phone on silent.
“Aether calling again?” Ajax questions.
“Yep. He’s insistent as always. I keep telling him to quit it, but it’s like my words are just going in one ear and out the other.” Lumine rubs the heels of her hands against her eyes. “Why can’t he just leave me alone? I’ve told him I need time.”
Ajax looks worriedly at her. She’s been stressed over that incident with her brother for a few weeks now. He’s tried to talk to her about it, but she shuts down the topic every time it comes up.
But maybe if he tries again now…
“Lumine?”
Lumine drops her arms back onto the table and looks up at him. “Yes?”
“Are you…doing okay? With that whole situation? I know we haven’t really talked about it, but I’m worried about you.” Ajax nudges her arm with his hand. “Feel free to hit me if I’m wrong, but I’m not sure bottling it up inside will really end well for you in the long run.”
Lumine looks at him for a few seconds, then sighs and turns her head to look out the window.
“I’m fine, I think. I know it might seem like I’m blocking it off, but I’ve got enough to deal with at the moment.” She pauses, eyes following the pedestrians walking down the street outside the shop. “Actually, then, I guess you’re right. But I’m not sure what to do about it. It was his choice to leave, so why do I have to be the one forced to deal with the emotional aftermath?”
Ajax opens his mouth, but shuts it when he finds he doesn’t really know what to say. Gah, what a crap friend he is.
He tries again. “...To be honest, I’m not quite sure how to help. But I am here for you.”
Lumine turns back to look at him, her smile slightly sad. “Thanks. But hey, it’s okay. I’m not really looking for a solution or anything. Having someone to hear me out is enough, at least for now. I’ll get through the midterms next week, then will try to organise my thoughts a bit more.”
Ajax stares at her.
“Ajax.” She says pointedly.
Ajax continues to stare, frozen.
“You forgot our midterms started next week, didn’t you.”
-----
The next day, Ajax is reading some study cards next to the till while there’s a brief break in customers when Venti skips up to him.
“Whatcha doing?” He sings.
Ajax looks up and rests his elbows on the bench behind him, back faced to the entrance. “Just some boring study. I completely forgot that our exams started next week.” He sighs. “Honestly, maybe I should have gone part-time for uni.”
“Aw, cheer up, Jaxie! It’ll all work out!”
Ajax scowls, but there’s no animosity in it. “Don’t call me that. That’s not even how you pronounce my name.”
“But that’s how it looks.”
“Coming from someone whose name is just a number. Maybe I’ll call you twenty.”
Venti giggles and turns to wave at the woman who’s just pushed open the door. He looks back at Ajax and winks, “You can call me anything you’d like.”
Ajax mock throws up. “Ew. You’re way too old for me.”
Venti gasps. “How rude! I’m not that old. Not that you would know anyway. Don’t judge a book by its cover.”
“I don’t think that phrase really works for what you’re trying to say.”
“Hmph, whatever.” Venti rolls his eyes and walks towards the table nearest to the door to grab the dirty cups.
Ajax shoves the study cards into his pocket and turns to take the customer’s order as they reach the counter (black with four extra shots?? Some people are just insane), then presses a button on the coffee grinder to measure out the grounds. Once that’s going, he grabs the washcloth next to the sink and starts to clean the counter as there’s spilled water from somewhere.
He’s got a lot to do in the next week - now that he’s been unceremoniously reminded of the upcoming midterms, he’d better check the requirements for each of his subjects. It is only Tuesday, and his first exam isn’t until Monday the following week, but he’s got to schedule study around his classes and work shifts.
Hmm…Marketing shouldn’t have too much material to prepare, but his Digital Business Management professor is notorious for writing exams requiring knowledge of pretty much every tiny topic brought up in class. Ajax had better write out a study plan for that one or he’d definitely bomb it.
Ajax sighs as he pulls out the portafilter and taps it on the counter to even out the coffee grinds.
When did he last really have time to relax and stop stressing about everything? Archons , he can’t even remember the last time he went swimming. He’d been so excited about the university pool when he was researching the campus, and look at him now, barely using it. What a waste.
Ajax slots the portafilter into the coffee machine and presses the button to start it, then pauses and looks over at Venti. “Venti, what do you do when everything seems a bit too…much?” He asks.
Venti turns from where he’s dumped the cups in the sink. “Too much?”
“Yeah, like…there’s so much you have to worry about and it doesn’t feel like you have any time to do anything at all.”
Venti leans against the sink and grins.
“Well, I don’t really have much to worry about, you know! My beloved baby, Angel’s Snare, is doing so well - thanks to all my lovely employees.” He scrunches up his eyebrows. “Although, there has been something weird the last couple days.”
“Hm? How so?” Ajax tilts his head questioningly.
“Well, there’s been this strange man loitering around the store. He’s not been every day, but he was here yesterday, and…” Venti purses his lips in concentration, thinking, “...hmm, Friday last week as well. Around the afternoon both times. He didn’t come in, but rather just stared through the window for a few seconds before walking away. And I thought I was the weird one!”
Ajax frowns. “That’s a bit strange. He didn’t look threatening or anything, did he?”
Venti hops up onto the counter next to the coffee machine and pouts. “I don’t think so. He just looked lost.” He swings his legs back and forth. “Anyway, to answer your question, if I’m ever really out of it, I take a day off and spend the time doing things I enjoy. I like to write songs, you know.” He winks. “Sometimes I even add them to the playlist to play here!”
Ajax raises an eyebrow.
He’s never really given much thought to the music played in the café (outside of the hellscape that is the music at Christmas time). Venti’s the one that turns it on in the morning, and Ajax tends to just tune it out while he works.
“Music, huh? That sounds fun, but… what if you can’t take a day off?” He asks.
Venti’s eyes soften slightly as he looks at Ajax. “You must be going through it, huh. Well, then instead of a day, you try to find moments where you can relax. Even if just for a couple minutes.”
That sounded a bit familiar…
Ah, that’s right. It reminds him of what Zhongli was saying the other day about resting.
Ajax wonders what Zhongli was up to. Maybe at the garden again…he really didn’t know much about him, did he? They’d spent some time together the week before, but he was still a mystery.
He picks up the washcloth and moves to place it back on the side of the sink, then looks back at Venti again. “Wow, you almost sounded wise for a second there.” And reminded him of a certain someone.
Venti laughs. “Well, I try. Someone has to be responsible here, take care of you young folk.”
Ajax snorts. “Yeah, not so sure about responsible.” He gives him a small smile. “Thanks, though.”
He walks back over to the machine to finish making the customer's coffee order.
Strange about that guy hanging around, though. He’d better remind Thoma later to make sure he’s locking all the doors properly at closing, just in case.
-----
“Here you go! Enjoy your latte.” Ajax smiles as he passes the coffee to the woman from across the counter.
He looks over at where Venti is checking the till and pauses, thinking again of what he was saying earlier. A bit strange to hover around this café; they had their regulars, but it wasn’t like they were bustling with people all the time. Hence there wouldn’t be much motivation to try and rob them or anything. Maybe the guy was looking for someone?
Wait a minute…
“Venti, what did that guy that was hanging around look like?”
Venti turns to look at him. “Hmm…I couldn’t see his face clearly through the window, but he had long dark hair and was wearing this god awful brown suit. I mean, who wears the colour brown?” He pauses and says the next bit more to himself, “Unless it’s that guy…but what on earth would he be doing around here?”
Venti shakes his head. “Anyway, it’s Liyuen spring and nearly thirty degrees outside. Who wears a suit in that heat? He must be insane as well as weird.”
Ah.
Could it be..?
No.
But maybe…?
“Venti, can I have some afternoon shifts next week?” Ajax asks slowly.
Venti looks confused. “I mean, if you want. Sort it out with Thoma and see if you can swap shifts. But why? You never work afternoons.”
“I’ve got a hunch about something.” Ajax pulls out his phone and sends a quick text to Thoma.
Venti makes a face that says ‘that doesn’t explain anything’. “You do you, Jaxie.”
-----
Ajax suffers through his midterms Monday to Wednesday the following week, and thankfully doesn’t have too much trouble with them. There was one long-answer question in his Digital Business Management exam that was pretty terrible, but he managed to bullshit his way through it somehow.
Thoma had agreed to swap shifts Thursday and Friday, but Thursday afternoon at the café was pretty uneventful. No beautiful dark haired men to be seen.
It’s now Friday afternoon, and Ajax is making small talk with Venti (who’s sitting on the bench again, facing away from the door) when something, or rather someone, catches his eye.
Wait a second…is that?
He’d almost given up on seeing Zhongli again, but…is that him walking up to the door?
“Shit! ” Ajax panics and looks back at Venti.
Venti jumps. “What the heck?? Did something happen?”
“Venti, do I look alright?” Ajax hurriedly tries to flatten his extremely out-of-control hair and brushes down his clothes. He’s not in a hoodie (thank god), but his light blue t-shirt definitely has some coffee stains on it, and his jeans are slightly scuffed on the knees.
“You look great. Super sexy. Model material.” Venti drones with zero enthusiasm. “Why do you suddenly care what you look like?”
Before Ajax can answer, the bell at the front door rings and a man pushes through the door. A very, very, familiar man.
Zhongli walks through the door, and he’s just the same as Ajax remembers. Enchanting eyes, a jawline that could cut glass, gorgeous hair…
(He’s being a little dramatic, it hasn’t been that long).
Zhongli starts to walk up to the counter, where Ajax is trying and failing to look casual and not like he’s internally panicking.
Should he lean on the counter with one hand? Or look like he’s working hard doing something?
Of course, he ends up doing absolutely nothing, just standing there like an idiot.
“Good afternoon, Ajax. I believe you might have some tea I could enjoy?”
Zhongli’s golden eyes twinkle as he meets Ajax’s. He’s wearing that same brown suit again (it looks great, as always, but does he own anything else??), and his hair is in a ponytail, reminiscent of the first time Ajax saw him.
Before Ajax can answer, Venti interjects, having turned around, “Oh, hell no. What is this blockhead doing here?”
Ajax freezes. Venti knows Zhongli?
Zhongli’s eyes jump across to where Venti is sitting, and his expression changes to one of surprise.
“Barbatos? What are you doing in Liyue? I had thought you were in Mondstadt, still.”
“That’s old news! And don’t call me that dusty old name. I’m Venti, now.” Venti sniffs. “But- wait a minute, how do you know Jaxie?”
Zhongli’s brows furrow for a split second at the nickname before relaxing. “We are acquainted. Ajax recommended I come to this café to try some of the tea.”
Venti looks back and forth between Ajax and Zhongli and an evil smile grows on his face.
Uh oh. Ajax doesn’t like that look.
“Oh, I see. You’re here for the tea . Of course. I should have known.” Venti jumps down from the counter and skips towards the storeroom up the back. “Well, I’ll leave you two to your tea.”
Zhongli watches him go, looking almost like he wants to say something, but instead blinks and turns back to Ajax, his expression easing.
“Well, I apologise for the interruption.”
Ajax unfreezes from where he’s been standing and waves his hands. “No no, there’s nothing to apologise for!” He clears his throat. “So, you know Venti?”
“Yes, that’s correct. Although, I have not seen him in quite some time.” Zhongli gazes off to the side, “We attended university together.”
“Oh, I see!” Ajax clasps his hands together behind his back, a grin on his face. “What are the chances, huh? He’s my boss here!”
Zhongli looks back at him and raises an eyebrow, “I see. So he has decided to pursue business in Liyue.”
His eyes drift to the side again, thoughts a thousand miles away, before shaking his head slightly.
“So…what can I get for you today?” Ajax asks, still smiling. He can’t believe Zhongli is actually here.
Zhongli pauses for a moment before responding, “What would you recommend?”
He cocks his head to the side, waiting for Ajax’s answer.
Ajax’s face falls slightly.
Ah, shit. Okay. Tea…what did they have again?
“Just one minute, I’ll check what stock we have.”
Ajax hastily opens the cupboard beneath the counter where they keep the tea. People generally don’t order it, and if he’s honest, he’s not exactly sure what they have. There’s a bunch of tea bags, but Ajax gets the feeling that Zhongli is more of a loose-leaf kind of guy, what with his other traditional interests.
English Breakfast…no, that’s a bit boring. Pomegranate? No, for some reason fruity tea doesn’t seem to fit him.
Ajax ruffles around in the cupboard, accidentally hitting his head on the shelf above, before reaching a small box at the back. It’s a green tea labelled Dragon Well . He takes a sniff - it smells rich and fresh, with a slight chestnut aroma.
Perfect.
“How about Dragon Well tea?” He pokes his head back above the counter and grins up at Zhongli, who looks somewhat amused at his dishevelled appearance.
“That would be wonderful.” He answers.
“Alright! That will be two hundred mora, then.” Ajax watches as Zhongli pulls out some coins from his pocket and places them on the counter.
“Thank you! Please take a seat at any of the tables, I’ll bring it to you in just a moment.” He says cheerily.
Zhongli nods and walks to one of the tables on the left, while Ajax tidies the cupboard and stands up with the small box in his hand.
As he looks at the box, he remembers something about specific temperatures with green teas…what was it?
Ah, that’s right, it had to be steeped at a lower temperature than other types of tea.
He looks over at their kettle. It doesn’t have specific temperature boiling options (because of course, that would be too easy), but if he boils the water and leaves it for a couple minutes it should work out alright.
Ajax busies himself around the work space behind the counter, filling up the kettle with water and switching it on, before pulling a small measuring spoon, tea strainer, and teacup out of the drawer. He measures the tea leaves and places them into the strainer, before waiting for a few minutes after the water has boiled to pour the water on top.
Ajax looks over to where Zhongli is sitting - he’s closed his eyes, and is sitting with perfectly straight posture with his hands lightly placed in his lap.
Ajax smiles. He looks so peaceful. His face is relaxed, and Ajax takes a few minutes while the tea is boiling to admire him. His hair is tied up, but a few dark strands have escaped the ponytail and frame his face on either side. From this angle, Ajax’s got a perfect view of Zhongli’s high cheekbones and sharp jawline.
Phew, the man could be a model.
His skin is slightly tanned and extremely clear (seriously, what is his skin routine?). Ajax’s eyes slowly trace down from Zhongli’s ear, moving along his jawline and down his neck, before stopping once he reaches the grey shirt collar. It’s buttoned up to the top, so he can’t see any further.
What a shame…he’s probably got beautiful collarbones too…
Ajax lightly slaps himself in the face as he realises he’s shamelessly ogling and quickly looks away, a blush growing on his cheeks.
Calm down, Ajax. You’re at work . Also, collarbones?? Wow, how scandalous. What is this, the 1800s?
He turns back to the tea after two and a half minutes, lifts out the strainer, and places it into an empty cup.
Okay, time to serve the tea. And to stop fantasising about beautiful skin and mysterious collarbones.
He gently places the cup onto a saucer and picks it up, walking slowly over to where Zhongli is sitting. He takes his time; the thought of spilling the tea, or worse, tripping over , is extremely embarrassing.
He reaches Zhongli’s table and places it down in front of him. “Here you go! One cup of Dragon Well tea. I hope it’s to your liking.”
Zhongli’s eyes blink open and he looks up at Ajax. “Thank you.”
Ajax nods and walks a few paces away, but can’t stop himself from peering over at the table. He has to know if he’s messed this up or not.
Zhongli gracefully picks up the tea cup and blows softly over the tea, before raising it to his lips and taking a sip.
And- oh .
Ajax stares, slightly dumbstruck. Zhongli’s eyes are soft, and he has a content smile on his face.
That definitely can’t be a disgusted look, right?
Zhongli looks over at where Ajax is standing in the middle of the café floor, clearly having been staring.
“Thank you. This is very well brewed.”
Ajax feels fireworks go off in his mind. Thank archons he didn’t do a terrible job.
“I am glad you like it.” He responds with a grin.
Zhongli continues to look at him, tilting his head to the side. There’s something like approval in his eyes, and Ajax is now even more thankful that he seemed to succeed in his tea-making mission.
Zhongli doesn’t say anything, just studies him. Ajax almost misses it, but just manages to catch the man’s gaze flicking up and down his body.
Ajax flushes. Ah…he should have worn nicer clothes today.
Ajax looks around the shop.
He wants to talk more with Zhongli, but he’s still at work. Although, there are no other customers, and afternoons are pretty relaxed, so…
“Do you mind if I join you?”
Zhongli indicates the chair across from his own, “Please.”
Ajax walks over to the table, pulls out the chair, and sits down in front of Zhongli. They’re now face to face, and Ajax has an even clearer view of him than when they’d last seen each other. He feels like he’s being pulled in by Zhongli’s gaze, but Ajax finds he doesn’t mind that so much.
(Out of the corner of his eye, Ajax sees Venti walk back out of the storeroom to the counter, watching them with a smirk on his face. Ajax ignores him.)
Zhongli raises the cup to his lips once more, still maintaining eye contact, and takes another sip.
After a few seconds, he asks, “So, Ajax. How long have you been working here?”
“About a year now! It’s right near uni, so it’s very convenient.” Ajax places his hands in front of him on the table.
“Ah, that’s right. You mentioned classes last time we spoke.” Zhongli places the tea cup back onto the saucer. “So, you are a student?”
“That’s right! I’m a second-year, majoring in Business. I started university a bit late though; I’m turning twenty-two in a couple months.” Ajax grins.
“I see. Why did you decide upon Business?”
“Uh…no particular reason. Just sounded interesting.”
Zhongli cocks his head to the side. “You do not enjoy it?”
“Well…it’s not the most interesting thing,” Ajax scratches the back of his neck with his right hand. “If I’m being honest, I’m not sure what I want to do in life yet. But Business is fine, and there are lots of career pathways from it, so.”
“Hmm.” Zhongli gazes at him, a pensive look in his eyes.
Ajax coughs, breaking eye contact for a second, before looking back. “Well, what did you study? You mentioned you were at university with Venti.”
“Ah, yes. I majored in Geology and Ancient History.”
Ajax whistles. “Wow, double major, huh?”
“That is correct.”
“Impressive. That must have been quite a lot of work.”
“Perhaps, but they were both subjects I enjoyed, so it did not feel like that to me.” Zhongli takes another sip of his tea.
“So, then, when did you get into calligraphy?” Ajax asks curiously.
Zhongli’s eyes drift to the side, staring off into the distance. “Ah, that was…something a friend and I began before my university days.” He looks back at Ajax, a small smile on his face. “I was not so adept at it at first. It took me many days to write my own name.”
“Is your name very complicated to write?”
“Not overly so. But there are quite a few strokes, and it was not easy to learn at first.”
“I see. That’s super cool!” Ajax pouts. “I can’t write my name in Snezhnayan.”
Zhongli raises one dark eyebrow. “You hail from Snezhnaya?” He asks.
“Yep! Long way from home, aren’t I?” Ajax winks.
(Did he just wink at Zhongli??)
“It would seem so.” Zhongli responds, with a gentle smile upon his face.
Ajax laughs. “I’d probably be terrible at calligraphy. I can barely hold chopsticks properly, and I’ve been in Liyue for nearly two years now!”
Zhongli finishes the last bit of his tea, and places the empty cup on top of the saucer. He spins the cup around slightly, seemingly contemplating something.
“Well, if you are interested, perhaps I could show you the basics of how to write in traditional Liyuen.”
Ajax’s jaw drops. “Are you sure? I wouldn’t want to cause you trouble.”
“It would be no trouble at all. I would be happy to teach you; I enjoy sharing Liyuen culture, and calligraphy is a beautiful art. I only worry I would be interrupting your schedule.”
“No, not at all! I’ve just finished my midterms, so I have some time here and there. I would love to learn!”
Ajax cannot believe his luck. This amazing, interesting, gorgeous man wants to spend more time with him!?
Zhongli’s eyes glint as he meets Ajax’s, who has to fight himself to stop his ears turning red again.
Honestly, must his feelings always be so obvious to everyone else?
Ajax squeezes his thighs with his hands under the table, plucking up courage. “Would…I possibly be able to ask for your phone number?” He asks shyly.
“Ah yes, of course,” Zhongli says, “That would be useful to organise a time to meet.” He reaches into his pocket, pulling out a phone.
Ajax gapes. The man has a Nokia. And not one of the new snazzy ones. A brick phone. In this day and age??
“Excuse me for just one moment.” Zhongli holds the tiny phone in his long fingers, fiddling with the buttons, “I will open up the contacts.”
Ajax has to hold back a laugh. Zhongli uses an old-man phone? How unexpectedly cute of him. And yet somehow unsurprising. It suits him.
(How many sides does this man have? Ajax wants to know more of them.)
Zhongli looks up from the phone, and holds it up towards Ajax, “Please, enter your contact number.”
“Sure.”
Ajax takes the phone and squints at it. It’s one of those phones where multiple letters are under the same button. He inputs his phone number easily, then clicks the up button to type his name in.
2 (A)
5 (j)
2 (a)
99 (x)
Ajax smiles as he finishes, and clicks the save contact button.
“Here. All done.”
Zhongli is wearing that soft smile again. “Thank you. Then, I shall be in contact to specify a time soon.”
He stands gracefully.
“Unfortunately, I must take my leave.”
Ajax looks up at him cheerily, “Alright.”
The corners of Zhongli’s lips raise in response, before he looks over at where Venti has been not-so-subtly watching them over the till for the last fifteen minutes.
“Venti, may I speak with you for just a moment?”
Venti jumps, having been caught, then grins and raises an eyebrow, “Suuuure.”
Zhongli walks to the side of the café, and Ajax watches as Venti follows. He can’t quite hear their conversation, but at one point Venti’s cheeky smile falters. He recovers quickly and laughs, although it doesn’t look quite natural to Ajax, then looks off to the side as he responds to whatever Zhongli had just said. Zhongli sighs, and looks slightly off-put, before returning to the table where Ajax is standing.
Huh, he wonders what that was all about.
“Well then, Ajax, I shall see you soon. Thank you once more for the wonderful tea.” Zhongli voices.
Ajax fights to tone down the smile taking over his face (he fails).
“I look forward to it.”