Chapter Text
"Why?" was the singular response that echoed through the room as Zhongli proposed his idea. Meeting Zhongli's intense stare, Xiao sensed an underlying reason.
Unfazed, Zhongli calmly took a sip of his tea before elaborating. "You possess an undeniable talent in music. It would be an undoubtful delight to have you grace my wedding with the elegance of a piano piece."
Xiao carried immense respect for his adoptive father who had rescued him from the depths of despair. Without Zhongli's intervention, Xiao couldn't imagine where he might be today. Yet, despite this gratitude, Xiao harbored an intense distaste for Zhongli's significant other. Typically composed and collected, the mere thought of this person stirred disapproval within him. He harbored a deep-rooted belief that Zhongli deserved someone more suitable. With this in mind, the idea of participating in their wedding was daunting. The suggestion of a new musical venture, requiring him to perform in front of a crowd, only added to his apprehension. Xiao couldn't shake the feeling that the intention wasn't to enhance the celebration, but rather to discomfort him on purpose. This notion lingered in his mind, appearing more plausible than any other explanation.
With a resigned exhale, Xiao attempted to clarify, "I am proficient in the flute, but the piano is entirely foreign to me." He hoped his statement might dissuade Zhongli from pursuing the idea further.
Yet, Zhongli remained steadfast, responding, "Indeed, Xiao. However, I have faith in your capacity to adapt and acquire new skills." Xiao sank back, his gaze drifting to the ceiling, bemoaning his predicament in silence. Despite lacking any desire to comply, Zhongli persisted, proposing a solution. "An old friend of mine possesses remarkable expertise. Surely, he could provide you with the necessary guidance and instruction."
Xiao found it rather curious that Zhongli spoke with such warmth about an old friend he had never mentioned before. Considering Zhongli's choice in his romantic partner, Xiao started to speculate. This friend might be someone he wouldn't particularly enjoy either.
"Wouldn't it be more appropriate for your friend to play the piano?" Xiao ventured, his gaze fixed somewhere beyond Zhongli, anticipating the predictable response. Nevertheless, he felt compelled to voice his suggestion, if only to gauge Zhongli's reaction.
"I hold reservations about his ability to remain sober long enough for such a task," Zhongli remarked with a brief chuckle. His words startled Xiao, causing his eyes to widen in disbelief.
"What?" he blurted out, unable to comprehend the absurdity of the situation. To his surprise, Zhongli wore a faint smile, unaffected by the implication. That he intended for Xiao to receive piano lessons from this supposed drunkard left Xiao completely bewildered.
As Zhongli rose from his seat, patting Xiao's shoulder, he offered, "I'll pass along your contact information so that you two can arrange a meeting." Xiao became even more puzzled by this unexpected twist. The thought of disclosing his personal details to a stranger, especially one labeled as a "drunkard," filled him with unease. However, before he could express his concerns, Zhongli had already left. Leaving Xiao to wrestle with his increasing uncertainty. Sinking back into his armchair, Xiao couldn't help but dread the year leading up to the wedding.
With a heavy heart, Xiao accepted the reality of his circumstances. Zhongli's choices burdened him as he stood up and threw on his jacket. A sense of determination and routine driving him towards the gym. Try as he might, he knew he couldn't dissuade Zhongli from marrying his chosen partner. Nor could he escape the daunting task of learning an instrument he had no interest in, let alone performing it in front of hundreds of people. The thought of a stranger—a supposed drunkard—having his personal contact information only added to his mounting apprehension.
As he stepped outside, the sight of an airplane soaring overhead sparked a fleeting thought in Xiao's mind. Escaping the country might seem extreme, something he would never contemplate out of respect for Zhongli. Yet, in that moment, the notion of 'teleporting' away in a sign of the mounting uncertainties held a certain allure. The idea offered a temporary relief from his troubles.
Changing into his workout attire, he immersed himself in his routine. The rhythmic motions served as a temporary respite from the constant thoughts that plagued his mind. With each repetition, he endeavored to quiet the inner turmoil that threatened to consume him.
Having finished his workout and refreshed himself with a shower, he headed back to his locker. Retrieving his belongings, the weight of the day's occurrences still haunts him. While getting dressed, an unfamiliar number lit up Xiao's phone screen. It carried a playful message that elicited more irritation than amusement from him.
Unknown number: Hey there! Is this Xiao? I'm a friend of Blockhead's. Do I have the right number? >(*-*)>~~
Xiao's frustration simmered beneath the surface. He glared at his phone, contemplating hurling it against the nearest wall. Who was this person, and why did they address him in such a familiar manner?
Xiao: Who's this?
With reluctance, he crafted a response, motivated solely by his respect for Zhongli. With no other acquaintances and considering no one should know his name, he deduced that the contact must belong to Zhongli's friend. Despite his aversion to the circumstances, Xiao opted to save the number under the label "drunkard."
Drunkard: Oh, sorry, Im Venti~ I heard from Blockhead that you want some lessons? *-*
Xiao: Yes
Why "Blockhead"? Did Zhongli truly regard this person as a friend? How disrespectful can he be? Xiao responded curtly, unwilling to engage in more interaction than necessary with this person. Yet, the conversation persisted. The stranger's cheerful tone only served to intensify Xiao's mounting irritation.
Drunkard: Ehe~ awesome! Hello there Xiao! Nice to meet you <(")
Xiao arched an eyebrow, puzzled by the enthusiastic response. Not to mention the cutesy emoticon that struck him as utterly nonsensical. Why would anyone communicate in such a childish manner, especially given the circumstances. What's with this guy?
Xiao: What is <(") supposed to mean?
Drunkard: It's a penguin, of course!
Xiao stared at the screen for three seconds, struggling to comprehend the absurdity of the situation or the person on the other end of the line. This individual was overwhelming. Their response only solidified Xiao's disdain for this unconventional teacher-to-be. With a disbelieving scoff, he stashed his phone away in his pocket. He struggled to comprehend how he could benefit from piano lessons taught by someone so incompatible with him.
As Xiao left the gym, his phone buzzed incessantly with notifications. Each one was a reminder of the persistent presence of the perplexing individual on the other end. While Xiao prided himself on his composure, this constant stream of messages threatened to unravel his calm demeanor. With a resigned sigh, he retrieved his phone. Preparing himself for yet another exchange with the self-proclaimed "drunkard."
Drunkard: Not a fan of penguins, I see. Ehe~
Drunkard: Xiaoo~ it was just a joke! Come on, answer me
Drunkard: :/ It was really just a joke, Xiao. Pls, I promised Zhongli I would help you. Don't ghost me!
The mention of Zhongli's given name took Xiao by surprise, diverting his attention from his irritation for a moment. So this stranger was indeed familiar with Zhongli's real name.
Drunkard: >:-|
Xiao shook his head in confusion. He couldn't decipher the meaning behind his emoticons, further deepening his bewilderment. Why was this person acquainted with Zhongli? It was a question that continued to elude Xiao. Frustrated but driven by a sense of obligation to adoptive father, Xiao typed out a brief response.
Xiao: I'm on my way home, and I don't understand your emoticons
Drunkard: Xiaoo~ I thought you were ghosting me! I'll teach you all the emojis you want, just wait
A silent plea echoed within him as he read the message, dreading what would follow.
Drunkard: But first, let's meet up~ …
Xiao couldn't rid himself of disbelief as he read the message containing what appeared to be an address shared so recklessly. Was this wise to divulge personal information to a complete stranger? The sheer carelessness left Xiao feeling unsettled, leading him to ponder the wisdom of such an act.
Xiao: You shouldn't give your address out to strangers so easily. It can be dangerous
Xiao's concern was evident. Despite recognizing the absurdity of his own actions—engaging in conversation with someone he found irritating—he still felt compelled to warn the person due to his reckless behavior. He couldn't help but feel a twinge of worry for people who might fall victim because of carelessness.
Drunkard: Aww, Xiao! No worries. <(*-*)> And you're Zhongli's son, Silly. So it's fine. When do you have time?
The response, laced with an unsettling familiarity that only served to heighten Xiao's unease. Was this person truly so casual in their interactions with others? With a resigned sigh, Xiao accepted the inevitable.
Xiao: Tomorrow? Which time is good for you?
Drunkard: Is 2 pm fine? :-D
Xiao: Yes
Drunkard: See you then, Xiao~ B-)
He relented, eager to put an end to the back-and-forth exchange and confront the situation head-on. However, his cheerful response, accentuated by an enthusiastic emoticon, grated on Xiao's nerves. He couldn't comprehend it. With another sigh, he prepared himself for the impending meeting, leaving him with a sinking feeling in the pit of his stomach. Despite his efforts to suppress it, a sense of apprehension lingered.