I sighed, wiping my tears as they slowly threatened to trickle down the side of my cheek. I looked over to the around south of the Wangshu Inn and approached the Traveler (and Paimon).
I made sure not to look at them directly. Any further eye contact would make me burst into tears. They always had the same look as you, Xingqiu. They reminded me of you. Everything about them was similar to your personality. I wouldn't be able to handle my sadness while talking to them now that you're dead.
Everything that reminded me of you made me cry.
As I headed towards the Traveler's direction, they both noticed me.
"Heeeyyyy, Chongyun! What are you doing h— are you okay..?" Paimon's usual happy mood was replaced with a worried look and tone.
I bet it was because she'd never seen me like this.
"Chongyun? What's gotten you so gloomy all of a sudden?" Paimon tilted her head in question. The Traveler did the same thing, thier minds conjoined in confusion.
"...Traveler.." I stared at the Silk Flower bushes for a long time, hesitating once more.
"..Xingqiu.. he won't be joining either of us on adventures.. anymore."
Paimon seemed a little lost. "Did he move houses or something? He could still visit the Harbour while he's— oh." She slowly covered her mouth, immediately realising why I was so down today. "I'm.. so sorry."
The Traveler shook their head, hugging me tightly. At first, I was surprised, but I really couldn't contain all of it at all. I sobbed uncontrollably, burying my face into his shoulder.
"Shhh, you're okay. You'll be fine." Traveler said. Their voice soothed my cries a little bit. Paimon put a hand on my shoulder, reassuring me just like how Xiangling did.
I wiped my tears as I broke off the hug, finally making eye contact with them.
"We'll always be here if you want to talk about it, alright?" They stated in a worried tone. Paimon was nodding along, agreeing with every word the Traveler spoke.
I nodded. At least, now I know who I can definitely talk to without having to hold in my guilt.