Honkai Diary: Start With Picking Up A White-Haired Treasure

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Through Kiana's relentless labor, a substantial pile of large charcoal chunks accumulated on the ground. Her hands were now pitch-black, and her face bore smudges resembling those of a gray cat, yet her smile remained pure and flawless.

"Wow, I didn't expect to gather so much!" Kiana marveled at the towering stack of charcoal, her voice filled with admiration.

Indeed, it was quite impressive. Even if someone discreetly took a few pieces, it might go unnoticed—a thought that briefly crossed Zeke's mind before he shook his head, dismissing such pointless ponderings.

"Pick out some larger, high-quality pieces; let's hurry down the mountain. It's already getting dark."

"Huh? Just take a few?"

"What else would you suggest? How much can two people burn?"

"But what about the rest? Leaving them here seems like such a waste..." Kiana looked disheartened, but ultimately, there was no other option. She reluctantly selected a portion as instructed and approached Zeke, hoping for a bag or something similar.

As Kiana approached, Zeke took a step back.

"Huh?" Kiana paused, momentarily taken aback.

She looked down and noticed her hands covered in soot, along with her once pristine dress now smudged and dirty from charcoal residue.

Observing Zeke, she saw his expressionless face and impeccably clean appearance. Considering his cool white trench coat, any charcoal stains would undoubtedly stand out starkly.

Kiana's eyes widened with surprise: "(?ω?)!!!"

With a grin, she waved her sooty hands playfully as she cheerfully strode towards Zeke.

"How close are we already? Don't be shy! Come here, let me give you a hug, Zeke~~"

"...Do you think I can't tell what you're up to?"

"Eh hehe! What is Zeke talking about? I have no idea, just wanted to get cozy with him, that's all~~"

"Buzz off."

Zeke's face remained impassive, but his tone clearly conveyed his disapproval.

But Kiana paid no heed and lunged directly at him.

Zeke swiftly spun away, evading her charge, causing her to crash face-first into the cave wall with a painful-looking impact.

"Ow—ow-ow! My nose, ow! Zeke, that's too much!" Kiana protested tearfully, her face becoming even dirtier.

Zeke's expression clearly showed his disdain.

Kiana huffed, gritting her teeth, determined to challenge Zeke further.

"Agh!"

She launched another assault.

Zeke calmly observed her, effortlessly shifting his steps. Despite being within reach, he skillfully dodged all of Kiana's attempts, leaving her unable to touch him.

After persisting for nearly forty minutes, even the tenacious Kiana couldn't help but bend over, hands on knees, panting heavily as she said:

"Stop... Let's take a break."

"Sure," replied Zeke, showing no signs of exertion or discomfort, as if it were just another casual conversation.

Kiana clenched her jaw tightly.

"This is infuriating! How can you be so agile?! During battles, I've only ever seen you rely on your swarm or unleash large-scale incineration with the Cleaver of Shamash. You never use martial arts!"

"Just practice more. Your strength and reckless determination carry you far, but without those traits, B... ahem, anyway, forget it—you won't touch me until after a proper bath."

Zeke nearly mentioned that Bronya's martial arts skills actually surpassed Kiana's, but remembering her request not to bring up Bronya, he quickly changed the topic.

Kiana didn't notice Zeke's abrupt shift in conversation; she merely pouted defiantly.

"Oh no, this young lady isn't giving up! Today, I will definitely catch you, Zeke!"

With renewed determination, Kia launched herself at him once again.

Zeke watched her intently. Amidst his rapidly spinning thoughts, he took in every detail—her dirty appearance, the flaws riddling her uncoordinated movements, and within her sparkling eyes, the pure joy and delight—all crystal clear to him.

Foolish girl.

Zeke silently chuckled to himself, standing still without any movement.

"Thud!"

Kiana collided with Zeke's sturdy chest, her arms instinctively wrapping around him as she looked up, confusion etched on her dusty face.

"Huh? I caught you? Why didn't Zeke dodge this time?"

"Are you satisfied now?"

"Um... yes, but it doesn't feel very fulfilling. It wasn't due to my efforts; Zeke let me win."

"If your hands weren't smearing dirt all over my clothes, I might have believed that statement."

Zeke shook his head wordlessly, extending his arms and disregarding Kiana's messy state, gently embracing her.

Kiana grinned triumphantly.

She knew that Zeke had a slight obsession with cleanliness, and this embrace once again affirmed her importance—placing her above even his fastidious tendencies.

At Mondstadt's small town bridge, where they first met.

The narrow archway had completely collapsed by now; Zeke hadn't specifically repaired it, and Kiana didn't seem to mind either. What mattered was their return here—it signified their shared memories and emotions, not the physical structure itself.

So, beside the ruined bridge, stood a simple yet sturdy mud-brick house.

Inside, Kiana, freshly cleaned, sat on a small stool near the charcoal stove wrapped in a plain white towel. Taking a sip of hot water, she displayed an expression of pure contentment.

"So warm, truly delightful!"

"Go put your clothes on properly!" Zeke gently tapped her head, exasperated.

Kiana stuck out her tongue with a mischievous grin.

"Nope! I'm determined to tempt you, Zeke!"

"..."

"Don't stay silent! With my fantastic figure and smooth skin, there's no way you can resist being smitten!"

"...This has nothing to do with appearance."

It's mainly your carefree personality that makes it utterly unappealing. Zeke stared at Kiana with deadpan eyes, pinching her nose while internally thinking, expressionless.

Kiana gazed intently at Zeke for quite some time, but seeing no reaction beyond him tending to their food on the charcoal stove, she eventually huffed and pouted dramatically.

"You big dummy, Zeke! Do you really expect me to strip naked? I'm still a girl; I need to maintain my dignity!"

"...Can't you stop thinking about such nonsense?"

"No way! That other guy already made his move. If we don't seize this opportunity, in such a meaningful place...what if another vixen appears?! What then?!"

"It's time to eat."

Zeke abruptly changed the subject, placing a bowl of rich and tender meat congee before Kiana.

"Why is it congee? With this fantastic charcoal stove, I'd rather have grilled kebabs."

"Not today, too much heat isn't good for you."

"But I'm an Honkai Soldier, do you think that affects me?"

"Until your physical condition is fully resolved, maintaining a healthy diet is crucial. Don't underestimate small health risks; accumulated over time, they can escalate into serious issues. Moreover, during critical moments, even slight differences...could mean the distinction between life and death. In short, take care of yourself so I won't worry."

Handing a bowl of meat porridge to Kiana, Zeke gently wrapped his arm around her shoulders and softly spoke.

Though devoid of pronounced emotional fluctuations, the tenderness within his words resonated with Kiana.

"Okay."

Kiana obediently nodded, took a sip of the porridge, and her eyes instantly lit up.

Zeke's culinary creations never disappointed her.

Even though she wasn't particularly fond of meat porridge, the taste was incredibly rich and savory, so smooth it made her almost want to swallow her tongue along with each bite.

"Hao Ci~~"

Kiana exclaimed delightfully, her voice slightly distorted, causing Zeke to worry if it might be too hot for her.

"Take it easy, don't burn yourself."

"I know, I know! Mmm, it's so delicious!"

In no time, Kiana finished nearly the entire pot of porridge.

Finally, contented, she leaned back against Zeke's embrace and let out a satisfied burp.

"Burp—"

With a tissue, Zeke gently wiped the corners of Kiana's mouth as she lounged lazily, then held her close while saying:

"You should get some rest soon. Whatever matters we need to discuss can wait till tomorrow."

"Alright... Wait, I have something for Zeke." Suddenly recalling something, Kiana reached inside her shirt and pulled out two tiny white pouches.

"Hmm?"

Zeke accepted the warm pouches, glanced at the deep cleavage revealed by Kiana's movement, and his lips twitched slightly before he asked, somewhat helplessly, "What are these?"

"Just open them and see!" Kiana grinned smugly.

Following her suggestion, Zeke untied one of the small cloth bags. Inside, there were several pieces of jet-black charcoal.

"This is..."

"A keepsake, and also a token of affection! By holding onto this, you must always remember that Kia loves Zeke more than anyone else. So, Zeke has to love Kia just as deeply too! It's our covenant!"

Kiana raised her own little pouch triumphantly, bursting with joyful laughter.

"A covenant...?" Zeke murmured softly.

Zeke murmured, tied the pouch securely, held it gently in his hand, and slowly clenched his fist around it as if grasping a precious treasure. An indescribable emotion stirred within him.

After a moment, Zeke placed the pouch carefully into his pocket, then looked at Kiana, sensing her anticipation on his face.

"I'll remember, and I'll keep it safe."

"Yay! That's what I like to hear!"

Kiana nodded contentedly and tucked her own little cloth bag back into its previous spot—the unmentionably warm abyss of her bosom.

This sight caused Zeke's gaze to flicker slightly.

The reckless, foolhardy Kiana didn't quite pique his interest. But the deeply affectionate Kiana was another story—currently, Zeke felt an unusual sweetness emanating from the girl nestled in his arms.

Kiana also sensed something shift, meeting Zeke's intense gaze, causing her heartbeat to quicken and lose its steady rhythm.

"W-what are you looking at?"

"Nothing, just get some sleep."

"Hey! With this perfect atmosphere, can't you take the initiative?! Just a bit more!"

"We'll talk about it later."

In the end, Zeke did nothing.

Kiana pouted, feeling helpless—perhaps the mood wasn't quite right yet. Next time, she vowed, next time she would surely unleash Zeke's primal instincts!

Kiana mentally cheered herself on, determined.

Just as they were about to get up and head to bed, a worker bee materialized before them, projecting Einstein's 3D hologram.

"Zeke, we need your..."

Einstein's words cut off abruptly, her usually composed expression clearly hesitating for a moment.

Taking in the scene before him—Kiana clad only in a bath towel, with Zeke intimately embracing her—it was obvious that what followed would be unfit for young eyes.

"I... think I might have arrived at an inconvenient time?" Einstein apologetically remarked under their gaze.