Let's go in order.
Xiao hadn't slept all night again and only dozed off toward morning, an hour before his alarm. All the guitarist wanted was to look fresh and rested for at least one day while his uncle was here. But even that Xiao couldn't manage. Neither Hu Tao's attempts to cover his under-eye bags with concealer (pure torture), nor a contrast shower, nor a liter of coffee made the brunet look more awake. Of course Hu Tao tried convincing her brother to stay home, but the guy couldn't allow that: he had to maintain the illusion of stability. At least in studies. So Xiao went to classes anyway and even sat through the first two with a sense of duty fulfilled. But when his uncle called at lunch and asked to meet, the guy tensed. He'd hoped to see Zhongli in the evening over dinner because he'd have time for a couple hours' nap. But he ended up listening to lectures from his uncle already at lunch. Xiao listened respectfully to everything said, but convincing him was extremely hard, and Alatus politely refused help as usual. Especially the kind where Zhongli suggested taking academic leave or at least sick time. Well, his exhausted student-with-insomnia look had made itself known (Zhongli still didn't know about the fainting incident). And the professor would've kept persuading Xiao if they hadn't suddenly overheard young people hiding under the window anxiously discussing their friend's state in a way that couldn't escape Zhongli's keen hearing. His uncle said something like: "There are people here who care about you after all." Xiao doubted Venti for obvious reasons, but the second one…
Xiao had no idea who this person was.
The guitarist tried convincing himself he didn't give a damn about this kid who'd stuck his nose where it didn't belong. The brunet clearly understood his personal boundaries and was ready to call out Venti and this guy for eavesdropping on private conversations—even if their presence had partly convinced his uncle—but…
"…maybe it's better for Xiao to leave? It would be… better for him?"
Why was this someone worrying about him? Was Xiao missing something? Not seeing the obvious? It was hard for the guitarist to decide anything because he didn't understand a damn thing. Until he not only heard but…
…saw the author of that phrase—the "young man in gold." The exact mysterious element who'd seemed like a vision to Xiao during their first encounter.
That's exactly how Alatus had imagined this person: dressed in light tones, a thin shirt, and light blue skinny jeans barely reaching his ankles, emphasizing slightly rounded hips. The guy was short, slim, with even shoulders—one of which held a long light braid. That's the golden hair shine Xiao had seen back at the café. Of course Alatus could've mistaken him for someone else, but Kazuha had told him yesterday about the events after the guitarist blacked out.
This very guy in light gold had shown up in time that dumb Saturday morning when Xiao's condition was, to put it mildly, not great. He'd talked his friends out of calling an ambulance; he'd whispered anxiously to Venti today:
"It would be… better for him?"
Xiao could've sworn he'd never seen this person before. And better if he never had. Because the moment this young man appeared in the guitarist's life, he couldn't calm his own nerves anymore. Who was he? Why did he know so much about Xiao? Did he know something he shouldn't? There were too many questions about this mysterious person. And also…
The moment Xiao glanced at Aether's face, he simply couldn't look away. He had to admit—despite the strange (very strange) circumstances and situations in which Xiao had met this guy—the blond was quite… beautiful. A lot about his appearance was interesting: the shimmer of golden hair, equally sunny eyes, long lashes. Plump lips, straight nose, soft cheek skin. Though it was all spoiled by the overly dejected and depressed look. The young man's gaze was anxious and darting side to side, as if the stranger wanted to ask for something but couldn't utter a sound.
Xiao hadn't even noticed how openly he started staring at the blond, and when he finally met the returning gaze, he turned away immediately.
Yeah… fuck him.
Xiao instantly started convincing himself he just wanted to figure out why most recent events were tied to this…
Yeah, he needed to question the kid, but for some reason Alatus couldn't do it right now. Probably because Aether looked very depressed. He stayed silent, eyes downcast to the floor. Was he that upset over Xiao catching them spying? Logically, yeah. Don't eavesdrop on other people's conversations—and especially don't butt in. But Xiao would've lied if he said he wasn't partly glad. It wasn't just Aether's doing—all his friends' presence had convinced Zhongli. Though Xiao still had to figure that out.
The scheduled café meeting was supposed to clear everything up, so Xiao was partly looking forward to it—though he tried not to show it. Like when he saw the already-familiar golden head in the cafeteria hugged by another guy.
Yeah, Xiao could've assumed something had really happened to Aether if he was openly clinging to someone else right there in front of everyone while the other soothingly stroked his back. Xiao noted all those details and couldn't escape the shorter blond's attentive gaze. It was fun playing stare-down, but it didn't answer "what happened?"
"What time are we meeting?" pretending not to remember, Xiao asked Venti as they sat at the table while the bard ate lunch. "And where?"
"Six," swallowing a bite, he replied. "Dunno, probably the café as usual," the ex-vocalist smiled faintly. "Why?"
"Nothing," Xiao acted completely uninterested—though… was he trying to fool the person he'd dated for almost a year? Even Alatus knew that didn't work. Though he didn't care what Venti thought. "Don't forget to remind Heizou."
And now, sacrificing his free hour before family dinner (the guy had planned to go home and sleep), Xiao headed to the café. In any other situation he'd be very irritated or simply refuse (only if Kazuha allowed), but now it was different. The guitarist hurried to figure out how this unfamiliar "young man in gold" had become too prominent in his life lately.
18:00
Surprisingly, the café wasn't very crowded. Usually closer to evening students filled the many tables and worked on homework, chatted, or relaxed over delicious coffee. But today it was somewhat empty—which was nice. Fewer people staring at another "ANEMO" gathering that would inevitably turn into something gossip-worthy.
Xiao didn't care what they wrote, but completely ignoring reputation (at least the band's) wasn't wise. So Alatus decided if Venti, Heizou, or this "new guy" pulled something he didn't like again—he'd quickly shut down any conflict.
And the brunet started thinking about how none of them would be late—unknown how long the talk would last, and the guitarist still needed to get home and change before the restaurant. When had Xiao started living such a packed social life?
The guy reached the café doors, opened them, and found his bandmates right at the entrance. Venti with Kazuha and Heizou. But before Xiao could speak, a loud voice came from behind the counter:
"Are you kidding me…" It was Kuki Shinobu, the barista, stunned by "ANEMO" showing up in full again. "And during my shift again!" the girl nearly wailed at the impending chaos. Because unlike Xiao, Kuki followed the university gossip channel closely—and because the café's reputation depended on it. And the last "ANEMO" fight had raised more questions than attracted customers. Though some wrote reviews like "felt like I went to the movies, so entertaining…"
"Hey, Kuki," Venti waved. "We won't be long, don't worry," he smiled, hopping to the counter. "Make me a raf? Caramel. As usual."
"Okay," the green-haired girl snorted briefly, noticing the others still standing at the entrance. "Come in already," Kuki's voice softened immediately. "Anything to drink?"
While the guys ordered (Kazuha and Xiao even left generous tips) and settled at their favorite table, Aether arrived at the café. The guy was a couple minutes late (he really needed to work on punctuality) and, quickly apologizing, went straight to the table.
"Hey everyone!"
Aether looked noticeably more energetic and better than earlier. Xiao noted it immediately: no trace of fatigue or worry on his face. And why had it seemed to Alatus that those break-time hugs weren't just friendly? Now Aether smiled softly and seemed overly excited for the introduction. He'd become more… confident? Taking off his light gray bomber, smoothing his shirt over slim shoulders, tossing the golden braid back—everything in his movements was sharp, too jerky. Like he was rushing somewhere or overly hyped. What happened?
"Aether!" Venti scooted closer to the newcomer. "Finally!" the bard clapped loudly like a child, once again drawing café patrons' and Kuki's attention. Xiao rolled his eyes momentarily, starting to regret agreeing to this meeting. The aura from Kazuha beside him was the same. He was clearly already tired of it, having sat less than a minute. Only Heizou was completely calm. More like focused and ready for whatever the former vocalist would spout next.
"As you remember, last time I expressed my desire to leave," Venti started with the unpleasant part.
"Let's skip that," Heizou interrupted immediately. "Who's this?" he nodded at the blond.
"This is…"
"My name's Aether," the blond jumped in right away. "Your new friend and future 'ANEMO' manager," a welcoming smile spread across his face.
"Manager?" Heizou let out a chuckle, arching his thin brows.
"Hm," Kazuha raised his brows in surprise, shifting his gaze between Aether and Venti. "You make staffing decisions for our band solo now, Venti?" Kaedehara's voice was serious, instantly tensing everyone present. Except Xiao, of course.
"Kazuha, what's with the attitude…" the bard shook his head. "And you didn't even let me finish! I wanted to suggest taking Aether on a trial as an assistant… for starters."
"I remind you that you left the band a couple days ago," Kazuha stared intently at the former vocalist.
"Yeah, but I invited Aether long before that," Venti smiled slyly for some reason. "And he was supposed to come Saturday but was late, and well… you know how it ended," the bard took his coffee cup. "Anyway, I thought—since you've got contract work ahead, why not use a manager's help?"
Kazuha sighed. That topic again. Xiao understood him perfectly, but there was no escaping these talks… Alatus himself silently observed, occasionally glancing at the new acquaintance's face. But surprisingly the guy held up pretty well and kept smiling softly—though sometimes his light brow twitched, like right now when Heizou said:
"Okay, if you're our new manager, then answer: why are you always late? This is the second time today," Heizou was quite observant.
"Said the one who remembered the meeting fifteen minutes before it," Xiao unexpectedly spoke up with complete indifference, drawing a chuckle from Kazuha.
"Hey, Alatus, what the hell," Heizou crossed his arms, almost offended, glaring at his bandmate. "I thought we were in the same boat."
And indeed—why had he defended the newbie? Maybe because Heizou was being unfair right now? Or because Xiao was curious to see the guy's reaction—who in turn looked at the guitarist with slight surprise, wide golden eyes framed by light lashes.
"And still, he's right," Kazuha couldn't hold back and started chuckling. "If not for me, you wouldn't have shown up at all."
"Ugh. Screw you all!" the drummer rolled his eyes.
"I just don't get how you could forget…"
"Listen, I just didn't sleep, okay?" Heizou waved them off. "And anyway, we're off topic. Better tell me what… what's your name, Aether, right? What will you do in the band?"
Venti was about to start for the newbie, but the blond beat him:
"I'll handle organizing gigs, rehearsals, and all the boring work you dumped on Kazuha," the blond smiled, looking straight at Kaedehara. "He loves the creative process, loves writing lyrics and songs, so all this organizational routine is hard for him," Aether lowered his gaze to his hands and started twisting a hair tie he'd had on his wrist.
Kazuha raised his brows in surprise, clearly not expecting something so… personal? Where did Aether know that from? Not that Kaedehara was embarrassed, but only close friends could know such things. Right?
"Whoa," Heizou said with a sly smile, elbows on the table, hands in front of him. "This is starting to get interesting! What else do you know about our Kazuha?"
"Heizou!" Kazuha was embarrassed now by the attention. But the drummer seemed to have gotten into it.
"Wait! It's interesting what else our princess knows!"
Aether didn't even react to his new nickname; he just thoughtfully scanned Kazuha's face and finally said:
"You don't want to be the vocalist—as far as I know—because you're not used to too much attention on yourself. Like right now," Aether noted Kaedehara's face lightly flushing. "So I suggest we end this conversation," the young man added.
"No way!" Shikanoin said, eyes lighting up like a kid in a candy store. "Fine, then about Venti!"
"Heizou!" Kazuha jumped in again. "Stop this immediately! What are you doing?"
"It's fine," the former vocalist giggled. "I'm actually super curious!"
Aether blinked in surprise, clearly not fully grasping what was happening, but still answered the request:
"Well, I know you're good on keys but for some reason don't play them in the band."
"Ah, well, it's just too much hassle," Venti shrugged.
"He just sold his synthesizer first year when he was completely broke," Kazuha crossed his arms, smiling faintly. Heizou started chuckling quietly, glancing at the former vocalist who seemed to turn red to his ears.
"Now I know," Aether giggled briefly too, muffling it with his fist. Xiao had been stealthily watching the guy the whole time.
"Anything else?" Heizou wouldn't let up.
"Hm," Aether scanned the bard's face, then shifted his eyes to the coffee cup the guy held. "It's no secret that during her shifts Kuki spikes your raf with liqueur? You call it 'caramel' but it's just…"
"What?" the drummer snatched the coffee cup to check.
"No, stop!" Venti protested immediately, waving his hands, while his friends burst into loud laughter. All except Xiao, of course. He stared intently at Venti like he wanted to say:
"Are you serious right now?"
"Ugh, don't look at me like that," Venti grabbed his coffee back and slumped red-faced onto the table while Heizou and Kazuha kept laughing.
"Sorry…" Aether looked aside, smiling softly.
Venti puffed his cheeks, then asked Aether:
"Fine! Now about Heizou!"
"Haha," he spread his arms. "I have nothing to hide, my friend," he smiled so widely and convincingly like he was ready for anything. "Go ahead, princess, hit me."
"If that's the case," Aether looked thoughtful. "Next time you're losing at cards to Ayato, check his sleeves. You know, once he smuggled a puppy into university there. Bet there are pockets."
Confidence instantly vanished from Heizou's face while his bandmates kept laughing. Now Venti joined Kazuha:
"Oh, our amateur detective couldn't spot cards in Ayato's sleeves—what a riot," the former vocalist teased the drummer.
"Fuck!" Heizou nearly jumped up. "I'm definitely killing him," Shikanoin flushed, completely shocked realizing Aether might be right. How had he missed such an obvious trick playing Kamisato?
"Hmph," a chuckle came from Xiao, covering his mouth with his hand. And that brief reaction was enough to calm everyone. Xiao… smiled? Laughed? This really was an evening of revelations.
"Soo," Venti smiled conspiratorially. "Aether, now about Xiao."
Alatus's face changed immediately, brows shifting slightly.
"Yess," Heizou jumped in. "Alatus, don't break from the group."
The blond's face changed almost imperceptibly—not escaping Xiao's attentive gaze. Aether paused, clearly running options in his head but not daring to voice even one. The guy stole a glance at the brunet, still fidgeting with the hair tie.
"Princess?" Heizou called. "System crash?"
"No, just…" Aether sighed. Several pairs of eyes watched expectantly for an answer. "Xiao, you…"
Me?
"You haven't given autographs since your 'Yaksa' days, don't like complicated food, noisy crowds… You also tried quitting smoking and switching to vapes but couldn't figure it out, and you hate doctors because…" Aether suddenly stopped, realizing he'd said too much. He hadn't noticed how amid mostly innocent facts about Xiao he'd revealed something he couldn't possibly know. The young man tensed immediately, looking at the brunet who sat in complete bewilderment and shock.
The guys exchanged glances, not daring to break the awkward silence.
"Anything else?" Xiao asked Aether in a chilled tone. The blond just shook his head, hastily looking away. Alatus watched the new acquaintance's face shift emotions while his fingers tormented the poor hair tie—which snapped a moment later. The young man sighed and hid his hands below.
Xiao couldn't gather thoughts to understand what he'd just heard. How did this person know so much about him? About "ANEMO" overall? Was he a dedicated fan? Stalking their activities? How did he know about… doctors? Had Xiao ever mentioned that to friends or on social media? Nothing added up in the guy's head…
"Okay, anyway," Venti started. "I think we all agree Aether's a good candidate for our agent?" The question sounded more rhetorical.
Kazuha and Heizou nodded in agreement.
"Then…" Venti pulled out his phone. "Aether, let me add you to our chat."
The blond hurried to get his smartphone and accept the invite to the private "ANEMO" members chat.
While the guys exchanged contacts and Kazuha with Heizou continued casual conversation, Xiao tried distracting his head with thoughts of the upcoming uncle meeting and checked his watch—realizing it was time to go.
"I have to leave," he said, standing. His friends followed, starting to gather and put on outerwear.
"By the way, I wanted to ask…" Heizou began but got distracted pulling out his gadget for a new chat member notification. "Oh, Aether, what's with the nickname?"
"Don't mind it," the blond smiled.
Xiao said goodbye to his bandmates at the café exit and hurried home. He didn't want to think about anything anymore. Not about Aether, not about how he knew more than he should, not about how Xiao still had to figure it all out. Right now the guitarist just wanted to get to the apartment quickly, change, and head to the restaurant.
He needed to occupy his thoughts with something urgently—he was already thinking too much today about…
Xiao wanted another cigarette but got distracted by a phone notification and, opening it, saw a new message in the chat.
"ANEMO" Chat
Sora, 18:39
Thank you so much for the opportunity to work with you! I'll give it my all!
…fuck. Sora?
This is fucked.