Genshin Impact: Strength Through Bonds

"What's going on?"

Mei raised her face slowly, her expression calm and detached.

Still wearing that signature aloof demeanor.

"Mei, you're interested in fireworks, aren't you?"

"It's something for children. Boring."

At her words, Ren gave her a peculiar look.

Then what's that in your hand? A dessert?

"…"

Mei immediately hid the firework behind her back, turning her face away.

The air grew silent.

"Pfft."

Yoimiya suddenly burst out laughing.

This untruthful side of Mei was no different from the children she usually worked with.

"…"

Mei didn't respond, though the icy chill around her intensified, hinting at something far more dangerous brewing.

"Alright, that's enough, Yoimiya-san."

Suppressing his laughter, Ren turned to Mei.

"These fireworks are pretty heavy. Can you give us a hand?"

Mei let out a cold huff but didn't respond.

The aloof country girl persona was back.

"I'll buy you some desserts afterward," Ren offered with a resigned sigh.

He was willing to go all in—it might even cost a month's salary!

Alright, maybe more than a month.

But dessert was the trump card.

As expected, the temptation was too much for the country girl to resist.

Mei stretched out her delicate hand and took the fireworks.

"What do I need to do?"

"Just toss them off the mountain," Ren said with a mysterious smile. "I'll handle the rest."

"Are you sure about this, Ayaka?" Yoimiya asked, her voice tinged with unease.

Throwing fireworks off a mountain—it was a bold plan, even for someone with her lively nature.

If they failed…

Wouldn't Chisato just leave, unaware this whole show was meant for her?

"Don't worry, I trust Takahashi-kun."

Kamisato Ayaka smiled softly, her gentle gaze resting on Ren with a hint of expectation.

If it's him, he'll make it work...

Ayaka never doubted him.

Yoimiya blinked, her curiosity piqued.

It was rare to see Ayaka like this.

Could she actually be falling for Ren?

But something about it felt off.

The self-proclaimed expert on romance in Hanamizaka was deep in thought.

"Ahem, let's get started," Ren said with a light cough, feigning calmness.

Ayaka… She must've figured something out.

Next time they met, she wouldn't be so easy to fool.

Mei gave a small nod and picked up the fireworks.

Just as she prepared to toss them—

"Wait! They're not lit yet!" Yoimiya shouted.

Ren chuckled.

"Perfect. No need to light them."

"?"

Yoimiya and Ayaka exchanged confused glances.

Is this for Chisato to enjoy, or to hit her in the head?

"Have you gone crazy?"

Yoimiya stepped forward, reaching out to feel Ren's forehead.

"I'm perfectly fine."

Ren brushed her hand away with a look of disdain.

As he spoke, he pulled out a longbow.

Yoimiya let out a small gasp.

This bow looked so familiar…

Wait—wasn't it hers?!

"When did you get that?!"

"Who knows? Maybe you didn't want it anymore."

Ren laughed, dodging Yoimiya's playful punch.

"Alright, I'm just borrowing it."

Yoimiya puffed out her cheeks in annoyance.

Was this really the time to play with a bow?

"You're going to… light the fireworks with a flaming arrow?"

Ayaka tilted her head slightly, seemingly catching on.

"As expected of Lady Ayaka, always so perceptive."

Ren smiled and nodded.

If they were going to launch fireworks, it needed to be done with a touch of flair.

Yoimiya pouted. Did that mean she wasn't smart?!

At that moment, Mei interjected calmly.

"Hitting a target in the air requires advanced archery skills."

Her critical gaze landed on Ren, full of doubt.

Ren sighed. "You don't think I can do it?"

"You've never held a bow before," she replied bluntly.

"But I can help."

Her offer caught Ren by surprise.

His eyes briefly fell on her hands.

They were delicate and elegant.

Could hands like those really wield a bow?

Shaking off the odd thought, Ren smiled.

"Don't worry. Just trust me."

After all, ever since meeting Yoimiya and Ayaka, he had unlocked a new talent.

[Normal Attack: Firework Flare-Up]

[Charge for an aimed shot. The arrow tracks nearby targets and deals damage upon hitting.]

[Note: System upgrade in progress. Fire element abilities unavailable temporarily.]

Returning to the task at hand, the plan resumed.

"Go ahead, Mei."

Mei nodded.

Boom!

The sound of an explosion echoed as if a missile had launched.

The firework shot through the air as Mei hurled it with immense force.

"Hey—hurry up! The firework's getting away!" Yoimiya shouted, covering her ears.

She regretted not stopping Ren sooner.

The fireworks had already disappeared into the distance. How could they light them now?

"Now, it's my turn," Ren said, gazing toward the mountain path leading back to Ritou.

He nocked an arrow and drew the bow.

Chisato... This is the gift I promised you.

I hope you like it.

Whoosh!

A streak of fire tore through the night sky like a shooting star, dreamy and beautiful.

The girls watched the sparkling trajectory in awe.

Could Ren's arrow really ignite the fireworks?

The silence stretched for a moment.

In the distance, faint murmurs of a crowd stirred.

Suddenly, Yoimiya exclaimed,

"Look! Over there!"

With their exceptional vision, the group easily spotted it.

In the dark sky, the flaming arrow seemed alive, curving mid-air as it chased the firework.

Overcoming the vast distance, they finally met.

Everyone held their breath in anticipation.

After all, this was a gift imbued with all their heartfelt emotions.

"…."

In the next moment, a brilliant burst of light illuminated the night sky.

It was breathtakingly beautiful.

---

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