Genshin Impact: Strength Through Bonds

Chisato's eyes widened, her pupils trembling.

What had she just heard?

Girls... bonding...

And most importantly...

Her watery gaze flickered toward a certain lazy figure in the distance.

Sleeping together...

As someone unversed in such things, Chisato felt as though an entirely new world had opened before her.

So this is what life outside the family is like...

Her face flushed, and she stammered shyly, "Wouldn't it be a bit... too much with so many people?"

Her thoughts immediately turned to Ren, her voice soft.

"Won't this be too exhausting for him?"

"...?"

Yoimiya blinked in confusion, then quickly caught on.

With a mischievous grin, she placed her hands on her hips.

How old are you, and still this shy?

"It's fine!" she declared confidently.

"We've done this so many times before!"

"As long as we keep our voices down, we won't disturb anyone."

Yoimiya's cheerful explanation referred to past sleepovers with Ayaka.

They'd often share secrets and giggle late into the night.

Adding Mei and Chisato to the mix this time would only make it more exciting!

"Voices... many times?!"

Chisato felt as though lightning had struck her.

How had things come to this?

Her mind swirled with chaotic thoughts.

Oh no, my Renny... He's been corrupted!

But I was here first!

"Yes, many times," Yoimiya replied with a sly grin.

Her playful demeanor only grew as she imagined how to guide Chisato through the experience.

But just as Yoimiya's smile reached its peak—

Bonk!

A swift hand chop landed squarely on her head.

"Ouch! Who hit me?!"

Clutching her head, Yoimiya spun around angrily.

"Takahashi, what's your deal?!"

The feisty girl bared her teeth, ready to pounce.

Don't think those abs of yours mean you can bully me!

"Stop spouting nonsense," Ren said darkly, retracting his hand.

Can't you learn to behave? Don't go corrupting Chisato like this!

"It's... it's alright," Chisato said quickly, forcing a smile.

Perhaps she was overthinking things.

Although...

Now that I consider it... Ren is so strong in battle.

Surely, his stamina must be excellent. Handling more... people should be no problem.

"..."

Ren's brows furrowed slightly.

Why did it feel like her gaze had suddenly grown... strange?

He shot Yoimiya a sharp glare.

"Hmph."

Yoimiya pouted, mentally drawing curses in the air.

Fine, fine. Keep your secrets, dumb Ren.

She huffed indignantly. I was only trying to set the stage for you two to bond.

Some people just don't appreciate a good wingwoman!

"Enough fooling around," Ren muttered, shaking his head as he turned to leave.

This troublesome girl—someone hurry up and marry her already.

Chisato watched Ren go, blinking softly before leaning closer to Yoimiya.

"What's up?" Yoimiya asked.

"Shh—"

Chisato hurriedly pulled her aside.

"Miss Yoimiya, I have a favor to ask."

"Why so formal?" Yoimiya puffed out her cheeks in mock annoyance.

We're going to be sleepover buddies soon. What's mine is yours, and what's yours is mine!

"Sorry," Chisato whispered. After a brief pause, she continued shyly:

"Could you, um... help me... later?"

"Hmm?"

Yoimiya followed Chisato's gaze, her expression slowly morphing into one of realization.

Ohhh... so you want my help to get closer to Ren.

The Love Guru of Hanamizaka had finally been acknowledged!

With a proud grin, Yoimiya puffed out her chest.

"Of course, I'll—cough, cough!"

Her words were cut off as she instinctively glanced over her shoulder and froze.

"?"

Chisato tilted her head in confusion and turned to look.

At that moment...

"Well, well... what are you all discussing?"

A soft, elegant voice interrupted them.

Unnoticed until now, a poised figure holding a paper fan had appeared.

Her gentle smile suggested she had been listening for quite some time.

It was none other than Kamisato Ayaka, the Shirasagi Himegimi of Inazuma.

"..."

Chisato immediately tensed.

"W-Well..." Yoimiya stammered, flashing an awkward smile as she scurried over to Ayaka's side.

Oh no, my bestie is here way earlier than expected!

"Hmm? Please, do continue," Ayaka said sweetly, tilting her head.

Her smile was warm, but the glint in her eyes made Yoimiya shudder.

"Ren is resting," Chisato interjected softly, trying to steer the conversation away.

Ayaka's smile brightened as she extended a delicate hand toward Chisato.

"It's a pleasure to meet you again, Lady Hiiragi."

"Likewise, Lady Kamisato," Chisato replied, shaking Ayaka's hand with a smile of her own.

The two young ladies stood together, their radiant smiles lighting up the room.

But what lay behind those smiles?

Caught between them, Yoimiya felt a sudden chill run down her spine.

This is terrifying. I need to get out of here!

"Oh, Lady Ayaka's here too," Ren said, stepping into the room with a relaxed smile.

He glanced at the three women but felt an inexplicable coldness creep up his back.

"Yoimiya-san," Ayaka said warmly, stopping Yoimiya just as she attempted to slip away.

"Yes!"

"I believe we're having dinner together soon, correct?"

"Yes, that's the plan," Yoimiya confirmed, nodding eagerly.

"Perfect," Ayaka said, her gaze shifting to Ren.

"Let's go shopping for some ingredients together."

Her words carried an unmistakable finality.

"Only Ren and I."

Her eyes briefly met Chisato's, her smile soft but pointed.

"...Just the two of us."

Ayaka, the Yashiro Commissioner, had issued her challenge.

"!"

Chisato's fists clenched tightly, her delicate knuckles turning pale.

Ren blinked, momentarily stunned.

Did anyone ask for my opinion on this matter?

---

T/N: since ayaka found out his ttrue identity she's switched to calling him by his first name also YESSS DARAMA THIS IS WHAT I NEEDED UNRELIABLE DIDNT HAVE ENOUGH!!!

also holy grail war got blocked :), caught me in a bad time so no reposting here just going to go straight to scribblehub!

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