"Thank you for registering at the Adventurer's Guild. Here is your Adventurer's handbook"
You gratefully accepted the handbook from the black haired lady who was always stationed at the Adventurer's Guild counter. "Thanks, Katheryne!"
She nodded at you as a response. "If you have any questions and clarifications, feel free to ask me. I'll do my best to be of service"
Since you've already resigned from Sango's detective agency, you figured that you should start finding another source of income in order to maintain your stable life, and the first thing that came into your mind was the Adventurer's Guild. You thought of joining the Adventurer's Guild back then at Mondstadt, but you were always held back by your doubts and fears since you were not used to fighting and using your vision during those times. Ever since you came to Inazuma, you started to learn self-defense and gained more experience in order to survive because in comparison to Mondstadt, Inazuma's lifestyle felt a bit more harsh and challenging. It's not that you find it as entirely bad, and at least your lifestyle improved due to these experiences.
You rushed off somewhere while feeling giddy. You're happy because of multiple reasons:
First, you just bought your most awaited book sequel that had just been released today.
Second, you finally got yourself registered at the Adventurer's Guild.
Third, Heizou invited you to hangout somewhere and you two will be meeting at the bridge.
And lastly, you heard from Katheryne that the traveler plans to meet you soon, and you figured that it has got to do with the letters you wrote for your friends in Mondstadt.
A few days ago, when you, Heizou, the traveler and Paimon were celebrating at Uyuu Restaurant, you took the opportunity to finally have a closure with the traveler and it ended up pretty well for the both of you. You felt lighter and at ease now whenever you're around them and you asked them if they could deliver your letters to your friends in Mondstadt, to which they gladly accept. Luckily for you, the traveler is already acquainted with your friends so it wouldn't be too hard for them to find the person within those letters.
You soon arrived at the bridge where you and Heizou agreed to meet, you saw the detective leaning by the railings of the bridge then he took notice of your arrival.
"Heizou!" You waved the handbook on your hand while running towards him. You nearly stumbled and tripped but you quickly regained your balance and stopped right beside him. You lightly crouched down and panted for air before looking at the redhead detective with a sheepish smile. Although Heizou felt otherwise as he crossed his arms while looking down on you.
"Now, what did I say about moving around too much and exhausting your body?" He began lecturing you as you just shrugged it off with a sheepish chuckle.
"Sorry- ehe.. just got very excited.."
"You just nearly tripped on the way here. What could've happened if you didn't regain your balance?"
You lightly pouted. "Don't worry so much! Geez.. I already took my medications today so it's assured that my body won't suddenly fall off or freeze a lot in the meantime!" The detective wasn't having it and suddenly flicked your forehead. "Ack!?" You immediately covered your forehead that got a red mark from the flick.
"Don't be an idiot. Your medications were only to relieve the pain of your sudden attacks. Until we finally got a remedy for that poison in your body, you're not allowed to do anything or any work that requires a huge amount of energy or effort, understood?" He raised a finger in front of you. You huffed out, thinking of how much of a killjoy he is.
"You sound like an overprotective parent"
"Then I might as well be" He placed his hands on his hips as he slightly frowned with his eyes squinted at you.
"Ah geez! Fine! Just enough with the lecture and tell me where are we going!"
His frown broke into a light smile and looked at the view. "It's a secret for now~ Cmon, let's head to Kiminami first to buy some snacks" He placed his hands in his pockets and started walking ahead of you. You followed and walked beside him as you both enjoyed your stroll in the city.
After buying some snacks at Kiminami, the both of you went over to the Naganohara residence.
"y/n! Heizou! Glad to see you two!" An energetic woman with peachy-orange hair approached the both of you.
"Ms. Yoimiya! Great to see you again" You greeted back as the both of you held hands and jumped in joy at each other's meeting. You've known Yoimiya since you first arrived at Inazuma city, she sometimes would help you gather supplies and materials whenever you were on an errand for Sango.
"Hey there Ms. Naganohara, we're here to claim the firework I ordered the other day"
"Oh that's right!" She clasped her hands together and giggled. "Luckily I just finished it earlier so now it's ready to go!" The energetic woman went back inside to grab the firework, then she returned and gave the firework to the redhead detective.
You were puzzled for a moment since you have no idea what the firework is for. "Uhm Heizou, what's with the firework?"
"Oh right! You were too busy to celebrate it last year.. as you can see, today's the day for the annual Fireworks show! Everyone in Inazuma are planning to celebrate it tonight! Mr. Shikanoin here even planned—" Yoimiya suddenly stopped talking as she noticed the detective gesturing at her to stop while standing behind you. "I-I mean— Oh right! I forgot I have a couple of deliveries to finish today! Catch you two later!" Your energetic friend suddenly ran off, leaving you confused as you didn't get to hear the end of what she was about to say.
"Ms. Yoimiya was acting strange..." You muttered as you sweatdropped.
"Well, those fireworks aren't going to deliver themselves" Heizou just shrugged. "Cmon, we still have somewhere else to go" He started walking then you followed behind him.
For hours, you and Heizou have been wandering all over Inazuma city, stopping by and buying some stuff that you clearly have no idea what they are for but you decided to keep quiet because you know very well that the detective won't give you a proper answer so you just quietly sighed. The both of you soon passed by Byakko Plain and headed for the small island near it.
"Isn't that Amakane Island?" You muttered while looking up ahead as you followed the detective. He ignored your question which made you pout, wondering what could this sly man be scheming this time.
It was already sundown and the both of you finally arrived at the top-most part of the island. You realized how beautiful the scenery is from up there and sat by the edge.
The sun had finally set and it is slowly getting dark, you carefully got up, praying that your usual attacks wont be triggered all of a sudden. You then slowly turned around and to your surprise, the detective had actually been quietly preparing something behind you this whole time. The set-up appears to be like a picnic with a few candles to light up the area. You were completely speechless as he turned around, seeing your reaction and chuckled.
"You turned around sooner than I had anticipated"
"W-What's all this? You never said it was a picnic-"
He raised a finger and waved it side-to-side as he makes some clicking sounds with his tongue. "Yes, I never said it was a picnic, detective y/n. I said last time that I planned a hangout for the both of us. Is an evening picnic together not considered a hangout?" He gave a sly grin and you were slightly flustered from your cheeks to the tip of your ears. "Now cmon, the fireworks show is about to start" He patted down the empty space beside him and you went over to sit down on it as you looked up at the darkening sky.
[Heizou's POV]
I'm honestly still confused with myself if I should go through with it or leave it as it is for now. This plan could only either turn out perfect or into a huge disaster. I don't know if using this specific event would even be a good idea.
I turned to gaze at her as she was distracted by the sky that is slowly turning dark. I can't help but notice how mesmerizing she seems whenever she's busy gazing up at something. A part of me wished that she would do the same whenever she looks at me, but who am I kidding?
I slowly leaned in to her and gently grabbed a few strands of her beautiful h/c hair. It has become an addicting habit of mine to do this every time we're right beside each other. She doesn't seemed to be bothered by it as I kept caressing on her silky locks with my hands. As I slowly let the strands slip out of my palm, I then turned my attention to the firework in front of us and held it.
"Hey y/n.."
"Hm?" She slowly turned her head towards me.
"..I—"
Our conversation was cut-off as a sudden explosion of light caught our attention. The fireworks show had already begun then I immediately stood up to display our firework near the edge of the cliff and light it up before heading back to my seat. It then started lighting up into the air and let out a beautiful explosion. Both of us were mesmerized at the fireworks and even enjoyed the ones that were lighting up above the city. I can't allow myself to ruin this moment. As much it is a shame that I couldn't proceed as I had intended, I'll let things carry on in its pace.
The fireworks show has soon come to an end then she turned to look at me with a very blissful look in her eyes."That was amazing! Everything was so beautiful, even your firework!" I chuckled at her child-like enthusiasm.
"Also, what were you about to say earlier?" She tilted her head and I just shook my head before looking at the sky. "It's nothing"
There's still plenty of time after all.