Grudges and Giggles

"Hmph, you're insufferably smug!" Eula huffed, her tone sharp.

"Keep this up, and I'll tally every grudge for a grand reckoning!" she warned.

Her hands dropped from Ye Ruo's eyes, identity unveiled.

She plopped across from him, feigning a scowl.

Her voice carried a bite, but joy simmered beneath.

Ice-blue hair gleamed, framed by crystalline edges.

A noble knight's garb hugged her—elegant, fierce.

Her Cryo Vision shone proud on her chest.

Feathers adorned it, a guerrilla's cape draped right.

Slender legs tucked into sleek knee-high boots.

She radiated allure—sexy, cold, a knightly bloom.

Ye Ruo's "Spray Knight" tag fit her perfectly.

Not water, but waves—her heart's wild yearning.

Seeing his best friend back in Mondstadt lifted his spirits.

"Eula, welcome home—I've missed you," he said warmly.

"You've been grinding out there—try these noodles," he offered.

He slid the steaming bowl over, a peace offering.

His words struck a chord, warmth flooding her chest.

"Missed me" echoed, softening her guarded edges.

Yet her face stayed stern, arms crossed tight.

She mimicked a judge, poised to list his crimes.

"Don't get cocky—I'm here to settle scores!" she snapped.

"You dragged me into your novel—what's that about?" she pressed.

"'Arrogant and coy, cold outside, kind within'—nonsense!" she fumed.

"You're scribbling lies—I'll note this grudge!" she declared.

She glared, hands on hips, indignation blazing.

Ye Ruo just smiled, his gaze soft and steady.

That gentle look pierced her armor, unyielding.

Her eyes darted away, unable to hold his.

A blush crept up her swan-like neck, faint but telling.

Shame tinged her—she scrambled to shift gears.

The steaming bowl beckoned, a handy distraction.

"What's this—'instant noodles'?" she asked, curious.

She peeled the lid, aroma wafting free.

Soup and noodles gleamed, simple yet enticing.

The scent hooked her—hunger stirred fast.

Chopsticks in hand, she shot him a glance.

She twirled a bite, slipping it past her lips.

Even eating, her noble grace shone through.

Her eyes sparked—flavor hit like a revelation.

"Rich broth, unique noodles—this'll catch on," she praised.

"Here, you try it," she said, instinct taking over.

She lifted a chopstick load to his mouth.

Mid-motion, her brain caught up—too intimate.

She froze, poised to yank it back.

Ye Ruo leaned in, snagging the bite cleanly.

His lips brushed the chopsticks—her chopsticks.

Her face flared red, a wildfire of panic.

Indirect kiss—oh no, what have I done? she screamed inwardly.

Mortification churned, but her mask held firm.

She locked her cool facade, hiding the storm.

No way she'd let him see her unravel.

In front of her crush, poise was her shield.

She'd weathered bias—ice her old defense.

Ye Ruo, Amber—they'd thawed her frost.

Outsiders both, they mirrored each other's souls.

He'd stood by her, unwavering, from the start.

When Mondstadt shunned her, he'd teamed up.

Missions together, he'd smoothed her path.

He'd nudged folks to see her heart, not her name.

She'd bristled—why bother with thankless work?

Yet his warmth chipped away her icy shell.

A girl emerged—soft beneath the steel.

He was handsome, reliable—a pillar in fights.

His care never faltered—how could she not fall?

Their banter mimicked lovers, close as kin.

She'd deny it—thin skin, "just friends" her line.

But only Ye Ruo got this near, this dear.

Back in Mondstadt, she'd sought him first.

Amber waited—Ye Ruo topped her list.

Her heart's pecking order was crystal clear.

She yanked the chopsticks back, face still composed.

"Pretty good—when'd Mondstadt get this?" she asked.

"Every return, there's something new," she mused.

The sign caught her—"Yip's Instant Noodle House."

"Wait—not open yet?" she blinked, suspicious.

"You own this, don't you?" she accused.

Ye Ruo's light laugh confirmed her hunch.

"Yep, my gig—noodles I whipped up," he bragged.

"Impressed yet?" he teased, eyes dancing.

Eula stared, caught between awe and exasperation.

The system thrummed, Ye Ruo's fame a rising breeze.

His world spun—Mondstadt ate it up.

***

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