The battle had been fierce. The monstrous Durgean, a towering beast of scaled hide and molten eyes, had finally fallen at your feet, defeated by the combined strength of you, Beidou, and Ningguang. Its dying roar still echoed in the night as your team made their way back to the guild's tavern, exhausted yet victorious.

The warm glow of lanterns bathed the wooden walls in a golden hue as drinks were poured without hesitation. Beidou, in her usual fashion, was already several tankards in, her laughter booming as she slammed her mug down on the table. The scent of ale and roasted meat filled the air, and the energy of the victory celebration buzzed around you like static.

"Another round!" Beidou cheered, her cheeks flushed red, her balance already wavering. "C'mon, Ning, you too!"

Ningguang, ever composed, sipped her drink more gracefully, watching Beidou with a knowing smirk. "You should slow down," she advised, though it was clear that Beidou wasn't listening. "You're going to regret this in the morning."

"Bah! Regrets are for tomorrow," Beidou said, throwing an arm around Ningguang's shoulder. "Tonight is for drinking!"

But soon, the weight of exhaustion—and the alcohol—took its toll. Beidou slumped forward onto the table, mumbling incoherently, a contented grin still lingering on her lips.

Ningguang sighed and set her drink down, standing up gracefully. "I'll take her to her room," she announced, brushing a strand of platinum hair behind her ear. Her tone was casual, but there was something unreadable in her crimson eyes.

You nodded, watching as she helped Beidou to her feet. Beidou leaned heavily against her, her head resting against Ningguang's shoulder as they disappeared into the dimly lit hallway.

At first, you remained at the table, finishing your own drink and letting the tavern's lively atmosphere wash over you. But something nagged at you—a strange feeling in your gut. Ningguang's expression before she left...

Minutes passed. Then, curiosity—or perhaps instinct—drove you to Beidou's room.

You approached the slightly ajar door, the flickering candlelight from within casting shadows against the hallway. As you peered inside, your breath caught.

Ningguang was leaning over Beidou's sleeping form, her gloved hand delicately brushing against Beidou's flushed cheek. Her normally composed expression was gone, replaced by something raw, something vulnerable.

Then, slowly, she leaned in.

Your eyes widened as Ningguang's lips pressed against Beidou's in a soft, lingering kiss. Beidou, deep in her drunken slumber, remained still, unaware of the intimate moment unfolding.

Ningguang didn't notice you. Her fingers lightly traced the curve of Beidou's jaw, a quiet sigh escaping her lips as she pulled away slightly, as if debating whether to go further.