「8:13 pm」 "already finished for the evening, master diluc?" you glanced over your shoulder to see your boss approaching with

「8:13 pm」 “already finished for the evening, master diluc?”

you glanced over your shoulder to see your boss approaching with a tired sigh. poor guy, it was clear this social gathering was taking a toll on his energy.

“possibly,” he grumbled, combing his hands through his hair. “i don’t think i have the energy to entertain another stranger’s marriage proposal.”

the extra comment made you giggle. “would you like to retire home early, then?”

diluc stood arms crossed, contemplating the offer. casual chatter was never his strong suit, and if it was his individual decision, he wouldn’t have left the winery tonight. just thinking about the pile of work sitting at home that he had yet to get started on made his head swirl. he was wasting his time, nothing was going to come out of this gathering.

however, seeing as his staff seemed especially enthusiastic about him forming new relationships, he’d feel guilty if he gave up so early into the evening. he couldn’t, not when you were right here accompanying him, after rescheduling your own workload. plus, from what he observed, you seemed to be getting the well-deserved break you needed. who was he to rob you of that time?

“i’ll push another hour and see how it goes,” he decided, moving sluggishly by the table to a group of older men conversing. “would you mind staying nearby, y/n?”

you felt him tug lightly on your sleeve, gesturing you to follow him. “why would there be a need?” you questioned.

“…for the encouragement.”

a smile formed on your lips. although he seemed stiff and hard to get along with, the uncrowned king of mondstat had a youthful, kind heart few had the opportunity to see. this was one of those rare glimpses; his pleading eyes, shy gaze, and gentle brush of his fingers.

“you must forgive me for my next comment, sir. you are truly adorable.”

the flush of his cheeks might have been even more so. “when did you become the flirtatious type?”

“well, flirting was never my intention, but i assume you take some flattery from my comment?” you teased.

“i can’t help but notice you sound like a certain someone is all.”

“if you’re referring to master kaeya, i can assure you i have more tactful approaches in romance than he does.”

the pyro user gave his best attempt at a glare before dragging you along into the sea of noblemen. “don’t push it, y/n. if i go home now, i’m going to blame it on you distracting me from discussions.”

“yeah, yeah. but you know nobody would buy it.”