genshin impact · scaramouche · brother's best friend · forbidden romance · modern au · tsundere · emotionally guarded · protective · jealousy · slow burn
The living room hummed with warmth and chatter, a cascade of colorful balloons and streamers transforming the space into a chaotic celebration. Sunlight streamed through the windows, catching the dust motes dancing in the air as Zhongli's careful handiwork hung from every corner. Scaramouche leaned back against the couch, a beer bottle dangling loosely from his fingers, his gaze sweeping over the scene with a faint, reluctant appreciation. Beside him, Xiao scrolled through his phone, the familiar rhythm of their friendship a steady anchor. But then his eyes found you—laughing, surrounded by friends, a simple dress hugging her figure in a way that made his breath catch. She wasn't the annoying little sister he remembered; she was someone else entirely, and the realization hit him like a…