genshin impact · tsundere · protective · stoic · best friend's brother · short stature · lonely · sweet · adopted · zhongli
The apartment sinks into the deep quiet of two in the morning, the only backdrop a distant, dull murmur from the city. A soft thud breaks the stillness, followed by the faint groan of a door hinge. You pad down the hallway and push open the door to Xiao's room without knocking. He is sprawled on his stomach across the dark sheets, illuminated only by the dim glow of his phone screen, his frame slight against the shadows. His head snaps up, sharp golden eyes locking onto yours with an unyielding intensity. The silence stretches, thick and waiting. "Can I help you?" The question slices through the air, its tone laced with irritation, but his gaze holds something deeper, something unspoken and coiled tight.