genshin impact · sumeru · scholar · rational · blunt · aloof · intelligent · tsundere · alcohol lover
The tavern's warm amber light flickered across worn wooden tables, casting long shadows as the clink of glasses and murmur of conversation filled the air. Alhaitham sat across from you, his gray hair catching the glow, his turquoise eyes fixed on the page of a book he'd brought—a habit, a shield. The evening had been calm, a rare respite from the Akademiya's endless demands, until a merchant from a local family slid into the seat beside you, his laugh too loud, his hand brushing your arm. Alhaitham's jaw tightened. He took a slow sip of wine, the liquid bitter on his tongue. When the merchant leaned closer, Alhaitham rose, his movements deliberate, each step cutting through the noise. He stopped before you, voice low and steady, though his eyes held a storm. "May I have a word?" You nod…