Genshin Impact: Strength Through Bonds

Kamisato Ayaka leaned against the cherry blossom tree, softly humming a tune.

Time passed gently.

"Master..."

The girl slowly closed her eyes, as if about to drift off to sleep.

Quietly, the warmth of the sun faded.

"Hm, the sunlight's gone."

Ayaka paused her song, smiling.

She kept her eyes shut, her smile becoming even more radiant.

The familiar, reassuring presence told her he had arrived.

"I'm here, Ayaka."

A low, slightly husky voice reached her ears.

Her eyelashes trembled as she slowly opened her beautiful eyes.

The figure reflected in her autumn-like gaze wore a mask, his form cloaked in a loose robe.

Standing quietly before her, he greeted her softly.

Ayaka's eyes lit up with surprise and joy.

The next moment, she wrinkled her nose and puffed up her cheeks.

"Master, you're three minutes late."

Her tone carried a hint of playful discontent.

Every second spent with her master was precious.

"My apologies. Something came up on the way."

Her "mysterious master"…

Alright, let's drop the act.

It was just Ren, who had hurried here as fast as he could.

He extended a hand to her, his voice gentle.

"Didn't you want to go out and have fun?"

"I don't care. You're late."

Ayaka huffed lightly.

Usually, she was the noble, dignified eldest daughter of the Kamisato Clan.

She was the graceful and gentle Shirasagi Himegimi, adored by the people.

But beneath all that, she harbored the small, endearing whims of a girl.

These were once only shared with her older brother.

But since meeting—or rather, being "captured" by—Ren, her poor brother had been relegated to second place.

Ren chuckled. "That's my fault. How can I make my little Ayaka forgive me?"

Ayaka tilted her head in thought, clearly planning to make him pay for his tardiness.

"Master," she said, lifting her face with puffed cheeks.

Her bright eyes sparkled, waiting expectantly.

"..."

Ren wasn't surprised.

She'd been like this ever since she was a child.

"Alright, how about forgiving me, little Ayaka?"

As he spoke, he reached out and lightly pinched her puffed cheeks.

"Fine... but don't be late again, Master."

Ayaka squinted contentedly, her voice soft, like a kitten enjoying a gentle stroke.

[Ding! Emotional Resonance from Kamisato Ayaka +1.]

[Points overflowing. Please unlock talents promptly.]

After a while, Ren withdrew his hand.

The sensation had been delightful.

"Master," Ayaka said, standing up and tugging at his sleeve. She tilted her head, pretending to ask casually:

"You're sweating. Was your trip here very rushed?"

"Uh... there were some delays on the way..."

Between the lively fireworks girl and the ninja she brought along, how could there not be delays?

"You must've had a hard time getting away," Ayaka said, her gentle eyes filled with concern.

She knows.

That clueless best friend of hers couldn't stop anyone.

Yoimiya: Excuse me?

Still, it was understandable. After all, he was Master.

Nothing could stop him—Ayaka firmly believed that.

Her small hand brushed against his arm, feeling the warmth beneath.

A faint smile appeared at the corner of her lips.

If I were to "accidentally" tear Master's robes...

And if, by sheer coincidence, I saw something a girl shouldn't see...

Surely he'd forgive me for that, right?

"It wasn't too bad," Ren said casually, sidestepping just enough to avoid her hand.

No way was he giving Ayaka a chance to pull something.

This girl was becoming bolder as she grew older.

If she ever saw his physique or true face...

It'd only be a matter of time before she "rebelled" against him.

There's something off about you, Ayaka. Suspicious, even.

"Is that so?"

Ayaka's hand missed its mark, but she wasn't discouraged.

Instead, she clung to his arm, resting her head contentedly on his shoulder.

Master, how much longer do you plan to keep hiding from me?

If you enjoy this game, Ayaka can play along.

But if you lose... the penalty will have to be doubled.

"Ahem. Where are we going today?" Ren asked, clearing his throat.

For some reason, he had a feeling she was considering locking him in a basement.

He needed to tread carefully.

Ayaka smiled gently. "How about we grab something to eat first?"

Ren had no objections and nodded.

But something felt... off.

By the time he realized, it was too late to back out.

"Then let's head to Komore Teahouse."

Ren's face darkened.

Komore Teahouse?

That's your family's territory!

If I go there with you, will I even make it back out?

"What's wrong, Master?" Ayaka asked innocently, blinking her large eyes.

Ren didn't reply immediately.

Wasn't there a hidden basement there?

"Heh."

Ayaka released his arm and clasped her hands behind her back.

Leaning in close, she whispered softly in his ear:

"It's quiet and comfortable there."

"Even if something happens, no one will know..."

Her gentle voice sent an unfamiliar sensation through him.

The warmth of her breath brushing against his ear made his heart race.

"So, Master... no need to be nervous."

Her words only made him more nervous.

---

T/N: FUCK KOMORE TEAHOUSE also jesus she's crazy

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