#HELLOOOOOOOO thank u for the starter

[gunnhldrs]

It is easy enough to distract herself from the ache of nostalgia, the memories of a girl that she hasn't been in far too long. There are tasks to distract herself, work to fill the space that girl wishes to take.

It is less easy, however, when she can see the eyes of a boy in the face of a man. The rhythm of her footfalls comes to a halt, eyes rounded with surprise.

"Ma-ahem," Jean flusters, clearing her throat. This is hardly an official encounter-- there are precious few of those, these days-- and yet she still must remind herself to disregard formalities. It's hard to think that once she had struggled to remember them now, as she forces herself to forget. "Diluc, it's good to see you."

Her eyes flit from him to the board beside him, lingering only a moment before darting right back. For him, tonight is a reminder of more than just the nostalgia of youth.

She does her best to school the emotion from her expression, lest it appear that she pity him.

"I... yes, actually." The evening had proven itself a rather busy one, she had only just found the time to slip away and enjoy a moment of it for herself. "Could I interest you in joining me?" Her smile flickers something hopeful.

a festive evening.

overdue nov. mondstadt commission with @gunnhldrs.