Furina, Please Let Me Steal Your Heart!

These words, never before uttered, tumbled from Luna's mouth.

What did she mean by this?

Navia's face turned beet red as she cautiously asked, "Could it be that, that you... you have a preference for women?"

"For what kind of thing?"

"For, you know... that thing!" Navia stammered, her words muddled.

It took Luna a few seconds to grasp what Navia was alluding to.

"No, not at all," she replied without hesitation.

Desire to kiss ≠ being attracted to the same gender.

If asked whether she felt she was gay, of course she would say no.

And anyone getting flustered over such a question definitely had something to hide.

Given her straightforward, simple, and honest nature, how could she possibly have any inclination towards the same gender?

She was utterly flawless in this regard.

"But why did you suddenly say something like that? Wait, don't answer yet! Let me deduce it!"

The blush lingered on Navia's cheeks as she crossed her arms, closed her eyes, and pondered for a moment, her mind swimming through the ocean of possibilities.

Suddenly, her eyes popped open.

"I get it now! There can be only one truth!"

"It's just a foreigner's etiquette, isn't it!"

 "I'm from Fontaine." Luna said.

"But aren't you mixed-race? Your father is from Liyue, and your mother is from Mondstadt. I've heard people from those places tend to be quite passionate. Maybe that's what you're doing?"

"No, no, it's not like that at all." Luna shook her head.

"Then... then what could it be?"

Luna understood everything, but she simply refused to say it outright.

Her response, however, only served to pique Navia's curiosity further.

Luna reached out to the seat beside Navia and said with a grin, "I just want to do this to Navia. It's nothing to do with some arbitrary social etiquette."

Navia shrank back, her eyes darting about, feeling even more unsure, "Isn't this kind of thing better suited for lovers?"

"I don't think it needs to be lovers, though."

"Huh?!?"

Is that how laid-back Lulu is? Navia wondered.

"It's just a matter of kissing another girl on the cheek."

Navia blinked rapidly. "The cheek?"

"Mm-hmm."

"But... Oh! So that's what you mean! Ha ha ha, you had me all confused for a moment there. I thought you were talking about... that place." Navia let out a relieved sigh.

If Luna had mentioned kissing on the lips, Navia would have had to firmly decline.

If something is unacceptable, it simply won't do.

However, if it's just about faces, that's a different story. It becomes quite manageable.

In fact, partners should strive for a deeper connection, Navia reasoned, for only then could they reach a state of perfect synchronization!

With such harmony and strength, what enemies under heaven could possibly stand a chance against us?

The power of bonds was truly remarkable!

"Go ahead then! You can do it!" Luna exclaimed, clearly surprised. "Are you sure?"

Was she genuinely okay with it?

After all, both Chevreuse and Chiori had declined her request, although the former's reluctance was somewhat understandable.

"Well, we're girls here. A little kiss on the cheek isn't a big deal, especially between good partners and friends. It won't hurt anyone to just briefly touch cheeks," Navia explained, raising her index finger. "But there's one thing I must insist on... or perhaps 'request' is a better word. I hope you'll hear me out."

"What is it?"

"Of course, I'd like to do the same to you!"

To me too? Luna was even more astonished. "How can I put this... Navia, you never fail to surprise me."

"People often tell me that," Navia replied, "but remember, give-and-take is the key to any relationship. After all, it's said that mutual respect and reciprocation form the basis of human bonds."

Navia's smile was radiant. "If you treat me this way, I should be able to do the same for you, right?"

Logically, there was nothing strange about that.

But Luna never thought it would come to this.

"Come on!" Navia said, her hands on her hips, ready to go.

"...Are you really sure?"

There was a strange look in Navia's eyes, as if she was saying: Why are you losing your nerve at this point?

Luna admitted that she was indeed hesitant, but what else could she say? Chiori had never allowed such behavior, so Luna could tease her without any reservations. Chevreuse definitely wouldn't permit it, so Luna could equally torment her with abandon.

And now, here she was, facing someone who actually accepted it.

"Are you just messing around, sweetie?" Navia asked curiously.

"No."

If I was, I'd truly be beyond belief.

Since you've come this far... Luna's fingertips brushed against Navia's cheek, feeling the delicate skin's warmth beneath her touch. Gently, she leaned closer.

Navia felt something pressed against her cheek, wondering if it was a mere illusion, but it was clearly not.

The moment was both tender and prolonged. Typically, wouldn't such things be over in a second?

Alright, alright, it's my turn now!" Navia grabbed Luna by the shoulders, eager to take control.

Wait, there's no need to grab her shoulder, is there?

Then Luna feels something soft against her cheek, fleeting and gone before she can fully savor it. This seems to be the extent of Navia's bold move.

She immediately smiles. "Look, Look! Affection Points +10! Don't you feel our connection has deepened?"

Luna touches her face, a faint blush lingering. "So this kind of gesture adds affection points? Isn't it a bit too easy?"

"It's because we share an incredible destiny," Navia says, her smile genuine. "How can I put it? It's like a stagnant pool coming back to life— now shimmering and sparkling. It's hard to describe this indescribably miraculous feeling."

Luna snickers. "That's a bit much."

"My intuition tells me that my life and what I pursue will undeniably change because of you, Lulu—and my intuition has always been spot-on!"

Suddenly, Navia leans in close.

So close! Is she going to do it again?

"So let's solve the 'Serial Disappearance case' together!"

"...Huh?"

"Huh?"

The two lock eyes for a moment.

"I don't remember agreeing to continue investigating, do I?"

Navia was stunned. "What?! D-didn't you say you didn't mind?"

"I do mind... But my primary job isn't as a detective."

"Then what is your main profession?"

It's being a Phantom Thief.

Luna smiled. "An actress!"

"What about me?"

"Isn't the Spina di Rosula your domain?"

Naviya rushed to clarify. "That's true, but that's not what I meant. Er, aren't we partners!"

"...So it was all in my imagination?"

Navia's expression lost its luster. She fell back against her chair, looking like a once-wealthy young heiress who had fallen on hard times overnight. Her voice was filled with disappointment and loneliness.

Had Luna never found happiness in their partnership?

Luna looked away.

"No one who gets too close to me ever ends up with a good result."

"Hm? What does that mean...?"

At that moment, the door chimed.

"Miss, we're back."

Silver opened the door, but what appeared before Navia's eyes was not only Silver and Melus.

There was also a familiar figure standing behind them.

She immediately pushed away the two men, full of energy as she raised her camera.

"I'm Charlotte from the Steam Bird Newspaper! Could I interview Miss Luna?"