The Idol in Teyvat High?!

'Worst Soap Opera Ever'

Venti's smile stretched wider, and for a moment, Xiao felt a sense of relief he hadn't realized he needed. It wasn't loud or flashy like Venti's usual demeanor, but something in the quiet bond between them felt... right.

As they let their hands fall, Venti swung his arm around Xiao's shoulders, casually guiding him back toward the school. "Guess that means I've got someone to drag along to all my shenanigans now, huh?" Venti jokes, his voice teasing but full of affection.

Xiao rolled his eyes, but he didn't shrug off Venti's arm. Instead, a faint smile lingered on his lips as they walked together, side by side.

As Venti and Xiao strolled back toward the school, completely unaware, two pairs of eyes followed them from a nearby window.

Childe leaned casually against the wall, arms crossed, his expression mischievous. His amber eyes sparkled with amusement as he watched the scene unfold beneath the tree. "Well, well, look at that. Our little wind boy made a new best friend. How sweet," he said, his tone dripping with sarcasm, but his smirk gave away that he was genuinely amused.

Next to him, Scaramouche scoffed, leaning on the windowsill. "Tch, don't get too sentimental, Childe. Venti's always been a bleeding heart. He'll probably write a song about it and sing it to the whole school."

Childe snickered, nudging Scaramouche with his elbow. "You sound jealous, Scara. What, did you want to be Xiao's best friend instead?"

"Please," Scaramouche shot back, rolling his eyes. "The last thing I need is another person whining about their feelings." He smirked, clearly pleased with his jab, but there was a flicker of interest in his eyes as he watched Venti and Xiao walking together.

Childe chuckled, pushing off the wall and stretching. "Come on, let's go mess with them a bit. You know, a little 'welcome to the friend circle' gift."

Scaramouche raised an eyebrow, his trademark smirk creeping back onto his face. "You're insufferable, you know that?"

"And yet, you stick around." Childe shot him a wink before turning on his heel and heading down the hallway, his footsteps echoing against the tile floors.

Scaramouche sighed, but there was a glint of mischief in his eyes as he followed. "Only because I enjoy watching you make a fool of yourself," he muttered under his breath, though a hint of a smile tugged at the corner of his lips.

As they walked through the halls together, Childe swung his arm over Scaramouche's shoulders in a mock-friendly gesture. "Admit it, Scara. Deep down, you love my company."

"I'd sooner set this school on fire," Scaramouche deadpanned, shoving Childe off with a huff, though he didn't walk too far ahead. They both knew that despite the banter, they always ended up together anyway.

Childe laughed, loud and carefree. "Ah, you always know how to warm my heart, buddy."

As they rounded a corner, they slowed their pace, catching sight of Venti and Xiao in the distance, still walking side by side.

"Think we should ruin their little moment?" Childe whispered conspiratorially.

...

Scaramouche smirked. "Nah, let's give them a few more minutes. No need to spoil the sap fest so soon."

The two of them trailed behind, keeping their distance, content to watch for now. After all, the fun was just beginning.

—

In one of the quieter corners of the school, a girl stood, her arms crossed tightly over her chest, eyes narrowing as she watched Xiao and Venti walk together. Her long dark hair shimmered in the sunlight, but her expression was twisted with jealousy.