Shajin gently placed his hand on Xiao Bai's shoulder.
"Don't worry, we'll be back soon."
Both their bodies were soon enveloped in a golden glow before vanishing from the spot.
The sun had already set, and the outskirts of Inazuma City began to bustle with activity.
Shajin glanced up and down at Xiao Bai beside him.
Xiao Bai tilted her head in confusion, scratching her cheek and turning away shyly.
"Um… is there something on my face?"
Shajin waved his hand.
"No, it's just that your outfit doesn't quite fit the atmosphere right now…"
He looked around and suddenly his eyes brightened.
Outside a clothing shop hung a variety of yukata.
He pointed at them.
"How about these?"
His meaning was clear.
Xiao Bai touched her chin but shook her head.
"I'd rather not. I didn't bring much Mora with me this time…"
"Eh? Where did you go?"
Xiao Bai turned and realized Shajin had already disappeared.
"Boss, I'll take these two yukata. Send the bill to Northland Bank."
Shajin's voice came from inside, snapping Xiao Bai back to reality.
The shopkeeper enthusiastically replied, "Sure! Would you like to change now? The fitting room is at the very back."
Xiao Bai didn't catch their full conversation, only seeing Shajin approach with two yukata in hand.
One was a black men's yukata trimmed with gold.
The other a delicate blue and white women's yukata, decorated with snowflake patterns.
"Come on, let's change."
Shajin smiled warmly.
Xiao Bai blinked, a bit at a loss.
But refusing now would seem impolite, so she nodded and followed him toward the fitting rooms.
"Eh?! Shiragiku…"
The shopkeeper suddenly exclaimed, but was cut off by Xiao Bai's subtle glare.
He glanced at Shajin beside her and gave a suggestive smile.
Xiao Bai's cheeks flushed bright red.
She wanted to explain but felt it would only make things worse, so she took the yukata from Shajin and hurried into the fitting room.
Shajin stood quietly, thoughtfully stroking his chin with a slight smile.
"So her name is Shiragiku? Not a bad name."
He shrugged and entered another fitting room.
…
"Sorry to keep you waiting…"
Xiao Bai stepped out and saw Shajin sitting on a chair.
His black-and-gold yukata added a lazy elegance to his noble aura.
His golden hair and dreamlike pupils complemented the open collar revealing a defined collarbone and hints of a strong chest beneath.
What caught Xiao Bai's eye was a "Number 35" mark burned onto his neck.
It didn't look like a tattoo, more like a brand.
Shajin's eyes gleamed as he noticed Xiao Bai emerging.
Slightly embarrassed, she placed the fox mask originally hanging by her head onto her face.
Shajin gave her a thumbs-up and donned his own fox mask.
"Let's go, it's about time to enjoy the festival."
…
Shajin and Xiao Bai's figures wove through the lively streets of Inazuma City, their new attire blending perfectly with the festive atmosphere.
Shajin wore a magnificent black-and-gold yukata embroidered with intricate golden patterns, tied with a black sash and paired with black wooden geta.
Xiao Bai wore a fresh blue-and-white yukata.
Her usually tied ponytail was undone, long hair flowing like a waterfall over her shoulders.
Side by side, they walked amid the crowd, drawing many admiring glances.
"Xiao Bai, is there some kind of event here?" Shajin pointed ahead at the brightly lit streets.
The bustling street was filled with calls from vendors, and fireworks occasionally blossomed in the night sky.
Xiao Bai tilted her head, thinking.
"I think there's a fireworks festival going on recently."
Shajin clapped his hands.
"Perfect! Let's check out what's fun."
Xiao Bai nodded obediently.
As night deepened, the fireworks festival grew livelier.
The city was decorated in brilliant colors and dazzling lights, resembling a dreamlike world.
Stalls lined the streets, selling all kinds of snacks, games, and handicrafts, dazzling the senses.
They chatted as they walked.
"Shajin, you're not from Inazuma, right?" Xiao Bai asked curiously.
"Yeah, I'm from Liyue."
"Liyue? I've read about it—it's a beautiful place."
Shajin nodded seriously.
"I'm from Liyue, working part-time in Zhizhong, currently on a business trip to Inazuma."
Xiao Bai: "?"
Shajin pointed to a nearby stall.
"Xiao Bai, what's that?"
The stall displayed colorful goldfish and paper nets.
Shajin observed the game with interest.
Xiao Bai patiently explained.
"This is a game where you use the paper net to scoop goldfish from the pond. All goldfish you catch are yours, but the paper net can break, and if you want to keep playing, you have to pay Mora again."
"Boss, one net please!"
Xiao Bai demonstrated gracefully, dipping the paper net gently into the water and skillfully scooping a goldfish.
Shajin's eyes lit up, finding it fun.
He eagerly got a net and copied Xiao Bai's movements, slowly approaching a goldfish.
But suddenly—snap!—the paper net in his hand broke.
Shajin froze, showing a helpless look.
Then, expressionless, he waved to the shopkeeper, "Boss, give me another hundred nets."
Xiao Bai hurriedly stopped him.
"Shajin, don't get carried away!"
Unable to argue, Shajin settled for fifty nets.
Taking a deep breath, he steadied himself and tried again.
After much effort, his persistence paid off—he caught a single goldfish with those fifty nets.
"Come again next time~"
The shopkeeper waved cheerfully as they left.
Shajin left the stall with a dark cloud above his head.
Xiao Bai stifled a laugh nearby.
Shajin looked at the bag holding the swimming goldfish.
Suddenly turning to Xiao Bai, he said,
"Xiao Bai, give me your goldfish."
Xiao Bai was puzzled.
"Eh?"
Though unsure why, she obediently handed over her goldfish to him.
_
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