— Pairing: Kazuha x Yun Jin (Kazujin)
— Tags: event, fluff, first love, secret love
— Summary: The secret love story between the sailor from Inazuma and the most famous opera singer in Liyue during the Lantern Rite festival.
— Word count: 1803
— Requested by Yang Yang
— Ao3
Inspired by Lantern Rite event.
Regulars who came to enjoy tea and drama at Heyu Tea House recently noticed a young man dressed in red maple leaves from a distance, always attentive throughout the performance without saying a word. Then, as the stage closed, he quietly left before the other spectators.
What an enigmatic person. However, if one looked closely, they would discover his particular interest in the main character on stage - Yun Jin. This was reasonable since Yun Jin was talented and charming, not just captivating the hearts of old people who loved to watch her plays, but also of young people who saw her as a role model. Her loyal audience kept guessing to see which lucky boy would win her love. However, Yun Jin devoted all of her time and attention to writing and acting. She did not have time to think about love.
There is a saying, that it is not possible to run away from love when it comes. And Yun Jin's love arrived in the form of a crimson maple leaf.
One night, after the performance was over, Yun Jin went to the dressing room to change her clothes. Her eyes were drawn to the vivid crimson leaf on the dressing table. On the leaf there were several lines praising her play. Already accustomed to compliments, Yun Jin was not surprised. What struck her, was that on the other side of the leaf, the sender questioned what love was for her. In the last play, she transformed into a young girl who was in love and sacrificed herself for love. She had heard love stories from time to time, had seen people's happiness and then suffering because of the word "love". But when had she ever been in love? That was why this person was not convinced by her acting. She felt the same way.
It was the beginning of their love story, the famed troupe director in Liyue and the sailor who roamed the waves from Inazuma.
Perhaps Yun Jin's pride and stubbornness piqued her interest in the man who left the red maple leaf in the makeup room more than ever. She began communicating with this mysterious person. Through the expressed lines, they came closer together. It seemed from the maple leaves she had guessed who he was. Until one day, Yun Jin made a surprising offer: she wanted to fall in love.
Of course, in order to write a play, even to portray a character in love, she needed to know what it felt like. So she ventured to express herself through the maple leaf. She waited for an eternity. There was no response for a long time. Then one day, the man brought the maple leaf in front of her. It was Kaedehara Kazuha.
It had been nearly six months. They continued to correspond by letter because Kazuha was only in Liyue for a short time. Yun Jin did not take anything for granted. On the contrary, she believed that not seeing someone she cares about on a daily basis was... poetic. These emotions and expectations were included into her stories. Then, as spring bloomed at the doorway, her heart sang a gentle song when she noticed a scarlet maple leaf.
The moon paints herself in water,
Luminating the sky in golden sparks,
I dream of beauty's gaze.
Yun Jin beamed. Her guy would occasionally become a poet simply to make her happy. There was a reality that no one could deny: Kazuha's spirit was free to fly and amorous. Yun Jin counted herself fortunate that the wind usually came back to her after his journeys.
"Miss Yun Jin is so neglectful these days!" Hu Tao, the Director of Wangsheng Funeral Parlor, spoke.
The thing was, they were rehearsing for the upcoming big show. However, Yun Jin's mind did not stay in one place, but wandered on the waves in the distance, as if they were chanting her name.
"Looking at the expression on her face, must it be love?" This time it was Xinyan, their rock star said.
"I’m sorry." Yun Jin smiled absentmindedly, "Where are we?"
Throughout the day, the two girls were fascinated by the notion that Yun Jin was dating someone. Of course, she revealed nothing. Kaedehara Kazuha was her own secret, though she also wanted to one day publicize the affair.
On the day of the appointment, Kazuha waited for his muse at the foot of the bridge. The brisk spring air carried the clean, pleasant perfume of Liyue Harbor; lilies, warm food... and the slight scent of flowers on the girl he was waiting for. Despite knowing it, he stayed still, allowing her to sidle up behind him and cover his eyes with her hands.
"Good day, Miss Yun Jin."
Kazuha's lips curved slightly in a grin. He turned around, taking his girlfriend's little hands in his. Yun Jin was dressed in a simple outfit; the color of the sky was light blue in the afternoon sun. She wore only light makeup like previous dates. That way she would not be easily spotted. Her reputation was spread across Liyue, so many people wanted to approach her. But they all saw only one Yun Jin under the thick lipstick and the spotlight. It was easy for them to overlook a normal-looking girl who was just walking down the street with her boyfriend. Their love story was a secret.
Kazuha respected Yun Jin's decision not to go public with her dating life. But many times he only wanted to sail away from Liyue Harbor, and shouted loudly to the heavens, she was his.
They took a stroll through the side streets. Kazuha told her about his journey, and Yun Jin was excited to talk about the idea for the upcoming show. They came to a halt at Wanmin Restaurant, where Miss Xiangling swiftly arranged for them to sit in the secret area. Dating celebrities was difficult, but Kazuha had no issue with it. He treasured every second he spent with his muse, seeing her tilt her head and grin, the way she puffed her cheeks as she savored the still-warm meal... Everything about Yun Jin drew him in an odd way. He wanted to remember everything so that when he went with the Crux Fleet, he could use his memories to re-imagine Yun Jin. It was as if she was always by his side.
After their meal, Yun Jin suggested:
"Shall we go see the xiao lanterns?"
It was just around the Lantern Rite Festival. The residents of Liyue were busy preparing for the new year these days. They let off fireworks and released xiao lanterns in celebration. Kazuha had seen the Liyue night sky before, but today was the first time he had seen it with his dreamt one. He was glad, but equally nervous as he walked with Yun Jin on the street.
They stopped by a stall of lights and firecrackers. While Yun Jin was preoccupied selecting the lighting, Kazuha's gaze was drawn to a lovely Launch Tube. He was reminded of the fireworks at Inazuma. They were far away and faded into the night of memories. Somewhere deep inside he remembered his homeland, like a stone upsetting tranquil water. Kazuha decided to buy the Launch Tube.
When he turned to face Yun Jin, he noticed she was staring at him. He chuckled and held out the thing he had just purchased to show her. She smiled as well and offered him the xiao lantern with a wish scribbled in still wet ink: May we have a peaceful year ahead. May lovers be brought back together always.
On the hill in the distance, the wind blew. The couple sat side by side, watching their lantern mingle with the sea of lights overhead. Kazuha and Yun Jin cherished their laughter and peaceful moments together. After a long silence, Yun Jin spoke up:
"How soon do you have to leave?"
"Perhaps after the new year festivities." Kazuha responded. "Beidou wants to celebrate it in Liyue."
Kazuha felt the same way. But then he stopped. As Yun Jin drew in closer, all of the words vanished.
"That means we're going to be celebrating the new year together, right?"
Kazuha gave a nod. He could smell the flower scent as the wind blew through Yun Jin's hair. She returned to her original position.
"Wonderful! Then we can go see the Iridescence Tour stage together! Xinyan and Hu Tao have been practicing very hard."
"You've been working hard too." Kazuha replied. "You're their beautiful choreographer."
Yun Jin smiled, saying:
"There's going to be a little party after the concert... So... I'm wondering if you'd like to go there, with me?"
Yun Jin's cheeks flushed as she examined the expression on Kazuha's face. He must have looked like a fool.
"Do you mean... everyone will know that we are..."
Yun Jin nodded in confirmation as he dropped the question. Kazuha's heart exploded, even though the fireworks he bought were still intact. He was going to set off firecrackers with her on New Year's, but maybe this time he would be setting off firecrackers with many others, with her family and friends. He was able to get a little more involved in her life.
Kazuha could not be happier. His smile was evident on his face. Yun Jin was overjoyed as well. She stated:
"We've been dating for so long. It's time to let everyone know. And... there's one more thing..."
That day, his muse had given him a lot of surprises.
"Huh?"
"You don't have to keep your distance from me... I mean... Sometimes, I do have a feeling like I'm something made of glass that you don't dare touch..."
Indeed, in his eyes, Yun Jin was a treasure that needed to be cherished and appreciated. Even when they were dating, he only dared to go so far as to let her place her arm around his. Kazuha was confused. She desired more than the gentle touch of their hands.
"You know, there will be a kissing scene in my future play..." Yun Jin suggested, her face flushed with her boldness. "Maybe... Maybe I should practice a little..."
"Don't." Kazuha interrupted her. He drew closer to her without realizing it. Who would want his muse's first kiss to be stolen by someone else?
"Why?" Yun Jin inquired gently. Her breath teased Kazuha's face.
"Because I'd go insane if you kissed someone else."
Yun Jin's peach lips parted slightly as she prepared to speak. Kazuha was mesmerized and couldn't conceal his emotions anymore. He leaned down and placed a very light kiss on her lips.
After what seemed like an eternity, Kazuha noticed the muse's faint smile. She remarked, in a shivering yet teasing voice"
"The truth is, there is no kissing scene in my play…"
-The end-
