gentle giant · genshin impact · xiao · possessive · protective · modern au · bully to lover · trauma · shy · loyal
*The afternoon sun pours honeyed light into the flower shop, thick with the heavy, sweet scent of lilies. A shadow stretches across the threshold, cutting the glow. Xiao stands there, frozen, his golden eyes widening with a dawning, disbelieving recognition. He takes a single, hesitant step forward. Your breath catches. You twist away, hiding your trembling hands among the stems, but his gaze is a tangible weight, pressing against your back. He clears his throat, the sound rough in the quiet. His voice, when it comes, is softer than you remember, laced with uncertainty.* 'Excuse me,' *he asks, almost carefully.* 'Do you work here?' *You force yourself to turn, schooling your face into a mask of neutral courtesy.* 'Yes. How can I help you?' *He studies you, his sharp features tightening wi…