Genshin Impact: Strength Through Bonds [127]
On one side of the sea, Ren remained blissfully unaware of the storm brewing elsewhere.
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Inazuma City: Naganohara Fireworks Shop
Within the cozy shop, warm light illuminated the room.
"Excuse me."
A soft, delicate voice accompanied the sound of the door creaking open.
Moments later, the gentle hum of a wheelchair's wheels reached the room as an elegant girl entered. Her striking blue eyes gleamed with curiosity as she surveyed her surroundings.
The room exuded a distinct feminine charm, with scattered clothes lying haphazardly around.
Clearly, this was a girl's personal space.
Toys, meticulously crafted and designed to delight children, were displayed on every shelf.
"Hmm..."
The doll-like girl's expression turned intrigued as she reached for one of the toys to examine it more closely.
"Wait! Stop!"
A flurry of footsteps and a flustered voice shattered the stillness.
Yoimiya burst into the room, arms full of hastily gathered clothing.
Her face turned crimson as she took in the messy state of her room.
Oh no, she saw everything!
Normally carefree, Yoimiya found herself unusually self-conscious in front of such a delicate and refined girl.
"S-sorry about this, Miss Sandrone..."
Sandrone turned her wheelchair slightly, a gentle smile gracing her lips.
"It's fine. I quite like it here."
She glanced around again before murmuring softly, "It feels... familiar."
Her gaze eventually landed on the bedside table, where a photograph sat framed.
In the photo, a group of people stood against the backdrop of brilliant fireworks.
At the center was a boy with a radiant, sunny smile.
Next to him were several stunningly beautiful girls.
Sandrone's smile faltered ever so slightly.
How greedy you are, my partner.
"Huh? Familiar?"
Yoimiya tilted her head in confusion.
She had been chatting with Sandrone for a while now, just the two of them in the room.
But with her naturally cheerful disposition, she didn't dwell on it for long.
"Well, your partner hasn't shown up yet, so you're welcome to stay here tonight," Yoimiya offered warmly, placing a neatly folded set of pajamas on the table.
She had spent quite a bit of time digging them out.
"Thank you," Sandrone replied gracefully, her tone soft.
"Hehe."
Yoimiya beamed, pleased to have befriended someone as calm and elegant as Sandrone.
But then...
"Let me help you change into these," Yoimiya said, glancing at the girl in the wheelchair with a hint of concern.
Sandrone's frail demeanor tugged at her heartstrings.
A girl this delicate, traveling to Inazuma all alone... Who could leave someone so adorable behind? What kind of mysterious partner is that?
"I can manage on my own," Sandrone declined with a shake of her head.
While her mobility was limited, she wasn't helpless.
"Oh, don't be shy!"
Yoimiya knelt beside her, hands braced on the wheelchair as she looked up with a determined expression.
"When I get the chance, I'll help you find your partner!"
Yoimiya's earnestness made it hard for anyone to refuse her.
The distance between the two girls closed in an instant.
Sandrone blinked as she processed Yoimiya's words.
Her gaze drifted to Yoimiya's chest, and her delicate brows furrowed ever so slightly.
How... How is that even possible?
For someone with extensive knowledge of Khaenri'ah's technology, Sandrone had just encountered a mystery beyond her understanding.
Yoimiya noticed Sandrone's gaze and offered a kind smile.
"Miss Sandrone, don't be discouraged," she said confidently. "I have a good friend who struggles with the same issue!"
Be strong! Never back down!
"..."
Sandrone lifted her head, her smile as composed as ever.
"Perhaps your partner prefers someone... petite," she remarked lightly.
In the end, Yoimiya helped Sandrone into the pajamas.
"Phew, all done!"
Yoimiya exhaled and struck a playful victory pose.
Before her stood a girl so adorable it could make anyone's heart melt.
Her delicate features, soft chestnut hair, and pink bear-themed pajamas made her look irresistibly sweet.
Sandrone opened her eyes, her expression calm.
During the process, she had once again experienced Yoimiya's overwhelming enthusiasm.
"Miss Sandrone, your skin is flawless!" Yoimiya said with admiration. "Your partner is sure to adore you!"
"...Mm."
Sandrone nodded as she picked up the photo from the bedside table.
With her slender fingers, she pointed to the boy in the center.
"Is he your crush?"
Yoimiya froze, her face heating up as she waved her hands in a panic.
"N-no, it's nothing like that! We're just friends!"
"Is that so? I suddenly think he's rather charming," Sandrone said, her smile growing slightly mischievous.
Some things can't be hidden, after all.
She turned to Yoimiya, her tone light.
"Could you introduce me to him?"
"Wha—!"
Yoimiya's eyes widened as she instinctively shook her head.
"N-no way!"
"Oh? So you're more than just friends, then?" Sandrone teased, resting her chin on her hand. "Do the other girls in the photo know about your feelings?"
"I—I don't have feelings!"
Blushing furiously, Yoimiya fled the fireworks shop.
There was no way she could share a room with Sandrone—not after how easily she uncovered secrets Yoimiya herself wasn't even fully ready to face.
Sandrone's terrifying!
If she exposes me, my best friend will never let me live it down!
She decided to spend the night at Komore Teahouse instead.
Just as she was leaving—
"Yoimiya, where are you headed?"
A gentle, graceful voice stopped her in her tracks.
Yoimiya stiffened, her heart sinking.
No way...
"A-Ayaka, what brings you here?"
"And Chisato?"
Kamisato Ayaka and Hiiragi Chisato stood together, their elegant forms framed by the evening sky.
The two had been working overtime after hearing rumors of a certain mysterious partner.
"Yoimiya, you seem... flustered," Ayaka said, closing her folding fan with a soft snap as her sharp gaze settled on her friend.
Something about Yoimiya had been... off lately.
"N-not at all! Haha!"
Yoimiya laughed nervously, her hand creeping toward the door to shut it.
"Miss Yoimiya, may I ask..."
From within the shop, a soft voice drifted out.
Sandrone appeared in her wheelchair, gliding silently to the doorway.
"...?"
Ayaka and Chisato's gazes locked onto her immediately.
For a moment, the three women stared at one another, the atmosphere heavy with tension.
"!"
Yoimiya froze, her hand hovering mid-air.
And why?
Because she felt it—a chill emanating from Ayaka.
And from Chisato?
Something even more ominous.
Before Yoimiya could process what was happening, Ayaka stepped forward, her smile warm yet piercing.
"And who might this be?" she asked, her tone polite but laced with unmistakable sharpness.
"..."
Sandrone's lips curved into a faint smile.
Things are getting interesting.
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T/N: forgot to schedule chapters
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