***

“Bravissimo, dear Lumine!” Fischl exclaimed, her peculiar manner of speaking still very much intact. “Thou hast verily demonstrated the acumen of a master tactician, and I, Fischl, Prinzessin der Verurteilung, doth offer thee my most profound commendations!”

Lumine’s cheeks flushed with embarrassment at Fischl’s praise, and she quickly waved off the compliments. “Oh no…I-I’m not that smart,” she stammered, her modesty shining through. “I…I was just trying to think like Party leader would in this situation… He’s always so quick to figure things out and reliable…”

Fischl’s eyes sparkled at the mention of Yomite, her own admiration for him apparent. “Indeed, thou speaketh the truth, dear Lumine,” she agreed, her voice taking on a dreamy quality. “Yomite, the unparalleled hero, the zenith of wisdom and might, doth forever hold a special place in the chambers of mine heart. His visage, as radiant as the first light of dawn, and his power, as vast and boundless as the cosmos itself, stand peerless in this world.”

As Lumine listened to Fischl’s poetic praises for Yomite, she couldn’t help but smile, her own admiration for their leader evident in her eyes.

She then turned towards Iris, who was looking back and forth between them, her expression confused.

Fischl’s eyes sparkled as she shifted her thoughts to Iris, “And you, Iris, the pure dragon maiden of valor, the blazing beacon of justice, the dazzling diamond of virtue, have likewise proved yourself worthy of my trust.”

“…”

Iris, somewhat bewildered by the events but recalling the advice Yomite had once given her, decided to act.

He had told her that should she ever receive praise from her friends, she ought to embrace them in a warm hug.

And so, with the usual emotionless face of hers, Iris wrapped her arms around Fischl, who found herself nearly smothered by her ample bosom.

Fischl’s eyes widened, and she struggled to free herself from the unexpectedly tight hug, her voice muffled by the affectionate embrace.

“D-Dearest Iris, I appreciate thine intentions, but please…grant me reprieve! Release me from thy chest!”

But Iris, caught up in the moment and eager to express her gratitude, failed to register Fischl’s discomfort. Instead, she held on tighter, her exuberance bubbling over like an overfilled cup.

“Woah…Paimon thinks Fischl’s being eaten. Should we help? P-Paimon’s a bit scared though…”

As Lumine looked on, she couldn’t help but smile at the scene unfolding before her, touched by the genuine bond her friends shared, even amidst the chaos and uncertainty that surrounded them.

***

Finally, after surmounting the final trial of floor 12, Lumine and her team emerged onto the platform, where Yomite’s team awaited.

The two groups exchanged warm greetings and Lumine immediately approached Yomite, this time before Fischl or anyone else could even say hi to him to make sure she was first.

She was eager to share her experience with the boss they had faced. Similarly, Yomite listened intently, keen on recounting his own team’s encounter with their formidable enemy that annoyed them.

As they conversed, Yomite’s hand reached out to gently hold Lumine’s, as if in silent assurance he was glad she was okay.

As he squeezed it gently, a faint blush appeared upon her cheeks.

Her body language betrayed that she felt relieved and reassured by Yomite’s touch, as well as by his reassuring words.

In a tender moment, he leaned in and pressed a gentle kiss upon her lips, the sensation both thrilling and comforting.

She sheepishly returned his gesture, her heart overflowing with feelings of warmth and affection for him. As the kiss lingered, she closed her eyes and basked in the tranquil moment.

“Come.”

As they settled down, Yomite motioned for Lumine to rest her head on his lap, providing her with a cozy pillow.

“A-Are you sure?” Lumine asked hesitantly, worried she would be perceived as needy and clingy, despite having been intimate with him a couple of times before.

“It’s fine,” he replied, smiling at her, and then added, “You deserve it, Ms. Vice-leader.”

Lumine’s cheeks flushed again at his flattering compliment.

She obliged, her eyes shining with affection as she relaxed into the comforting embrace of her trusted leader.

This wouldn’t be possible without the help of Hu Tao, who dried him off with her pyro vision, after he was blasted by the water attack of Oceanid.

Yomite’s fingers began to play with Lumine’s hair, twirling the golden strands around his finger as he reveled in the simple intimacy between them.

Lumine didn’t mind the casual attention, though. In fact, she rather liked being pampered by him.

She relished every stroke of Yomite’s soft hand, each caress bringing a soothing sense of peace and contentment.

As he continued playing with her locks, Yomite’s hand paused, and he gently took the white flower from Lumine’s hair, careful not to disturb her too much.

He held it up, examining it with curiosity. It was a flower he had seen her wear since they first met, and he couldn’t help but wonder about its significance. It was unusual, as it never seemed to wilt or fade and she didn’t water it either.

“What is this flower?” He asked, his eyes studying the delicate petals. “I’ve been meaning to ask for a while now.”

Lumine opened her eyes and smiled, a hint of nostalgia glimmering in her gaze. “It’s a special flower my brother, Aether, gave me before we were separated,” she explained, her voice gentle and wistful. “It gives me strength to keep going and to never give up on trying to find him. Kind of…like you do.”

She turned towards him, placing her hands atop his own. Her golden eyes shone with an intensity that pierced his very soul.

“There have been moments when I doubted myself, questioned whether he was really out there somewhere and whether I was even strong enough to find him…” Her expression grew grimmer as memories played in her mind like vivid flashes of lightning across the darkening sky.

The harsh realities of life, as well as the pain and loss, made their mark on Lumine’s features.

“But thanks to you, I haven’t lost hope. I genuinely..love you for everything you’ve done for me.”

She stared into Yomites’ eyes, soaking in every detail of his face, committing it all to memory.

He looked at her, bewildered at the sudden turn in the conversation, and delicately placed the flower back in her hair, making sure it was secure.

“…”

Yomite was momentarily speechless, his heart swelling with emotion as he absorbed the depth of Lumine’s words.