Chapter Text
Welcome back to Love Island Teyvat! We’re currently in the middle of the Love Island Talent show, where one boy will be crowned Mr. Love Island! Our girls are discussing the talents seen so far!.
The production team made their way onto the field, setting up the next boy’s talent. As Childe made his way back to the other boys to prepare the next talent, the girls leaned closer to each other, eager to share notes.
Nilou tapped the end of her pen against her chin. “Okay, so far we’ve had Albedo’s chemistry, Kaveh’s architecture, and Childe—” she gestured vaguely toward the stage, still wide-eyed. “Whatever that was.”
Yoimiya let out a low whistle. “Yeah, remind me never to play any kind of aiming game against him.” She flipped back a few pages and grinned. “But Kaveh’s bridge was seriously impressive, too. I mean, it took Mualani smashing it to break it.”
Mualani crossed her arms with a proud smirk as Yanfei leaned forward eagerly. “But did you see Albedo’s experiment? That color change was so satisfying.” She scribbled a little star next to his name in her notes. “It was super cool, and he explained it well. Major points for that.”
Lumine, resting her chin in her palm, smiled. “Everyone’s putting on their best performance. It’s actually kind of hard to rank them.”
Mualani hummed in agreement. “And we still have Lyney, Xiao, Thoma, and Kinich left. And check out this set!” She gestured in front of her. “This looks so intense!”
The girls turned their attention toward the obstacle course that had been set up in the arena. Wooden blocks of various sizes were scattered throughout, some raised high, others hidden behind obstacles. Low-hanging beams stretched across certain sections, while narrow platforms were raised at different heights. There was a stack of blocks piled up high in the center of the course.
“Holy crap,” Yanfei breathed. “I wonder who this is.”
As if on cue, Childe emerged from the side, picking up the microphone. “Coming up next, we’ve got a man of few words but plenty of action. Give it up for Xiao!”
Xiao stepped forward, his face focused as he surveyed the course. He took a deep breath, rolling his shoulders back before positioning himself at the starting point. For a moment, everything seemed still.
Then, he moved.
With a burst of speed, he sprinted toward the first row of wooden pillars. Instead of slowing down, he vaulted off the ground, his body twisting mid-air as he brought his leg down in a sharp kick. The impact sent a wooden block deliberately hanging on the first tower flying, breaking in half and landing on the ground with a solid thud . Xiao landed lightly, only to push off again, this time spinning through the air as he struck another block mid-flip.
A low whistle came from Mualani. “That’s sick.”
Xiao landed and immediately launched himself into the next section. A wooden beam jutted out horizontally in front of him, too low to run under, too high to jump over. Without hesitation, he planted a foot against it and used it as leverage to flip backward, simultaneously kicking another wooden block that had been placed above the beam. The block shot off like it had been struck by a cannon, breaking in half as the shards scattered around the field.
The girls murmured in amazement as Xiao barely touched the ground before gracefully twisting into another jump. He maneuvered through a set of swinging wooden dummies, each one set to knock him off course. Instead of dodging, Xiao moved in tandem. He kicked one mid-spin, using its momentum to propel himself into the next. His body wove between them with an eerie precision, as if he had memorized their movement down to the millisecond.
Nilou leaned forward. “He moves so fast.”
Reaching the balance beam, Xiao didn’t slow— instead sprinting across it without a single misstep. As he neared the end, he jumped in the air, flipping backwards as he kicked another wooden block hanging above him, sending it shattering down before landing seamlessly on the next platform.
The spinning wooden disks awaited him next. Each one was an unstable foothold, shifting chaotically if touched wrong. Xiao’s approach was ruthless. He landed on the first disk, but instead of trying to steady himself, he used the momentum to launch himself higher, and in the span of a few breaths, he was bouncing between them effortlessly. On the last one, he twisted his body, bringing his heel down in a sharp strike against yet another wooden block. Xiao made it look effortless. Every movement was calculated, every strike executed with pinpoint accuracy. The sheer control he had over his own body was breathtaking.
And then came the final challenge: a towering wall of stacked wooden blocks, reaching nearly quadruple Xiao’s height.
For a second, he was completely still. Then, he moved.
Xiao dashed forward, leaping onto the first block, his momentum carrying him upward. He scaled the structure in a blur, each step precise as he propelled himself higher and higher. When he reached the peak, his body twisted mid-air, and with a single powerful kick…
CRACK!
The entire structure shattered. The top half of the tower collapsed in on itself, blocks tumbling like dominoes as Xiao landed with perfect ease among the wreckage.
Silence.
Then, the villa erupted into cheers.
Yoimiya grabbed Nilou’s arm. “Did you see that?”
Nilou was practically bouncing in her seat. “He barely even broke a sweat!”
Childe let out a whistle. “Well, damn. That was something else.”
Lumine was still watching Xiao as he exhaled, straightening from his final stance. As he turned toward the judges’ table, his golden eyes flickered toward her. Their eyes met, and for the briefest moment, Xiao saw the admiration written all over her expression. A warmth stirred in his chest. Lumine, caught off guard by the intensity of his stare, felt her face grow hot. She quickly glanced down at her notebook, pretending to jot something down. Xiao turned around and ran a hand through his hair, shaking off the slight dust that had settled on him, before walking off the stage without saying a word.
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“Xiao is the only guy who can say absolutely nothing while doing the most impressive thing known to man.” Mualani’s eyes were wide. “This guy’s got serious aura.”
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The production team worked quickly, clearing away the obstacle course and the debris and replacing it with a simple table, a black cloth laying on top.
Childe grinned as he made his way in front of the judges, holding his microphone to his mouth as he began to speak. “That was amazing, wasn’t it? But don’t make your verdict just yet, because our resident magician, Lyney, is taking the stage!”
A burst of purple smoke erupted from the side of the field, and when it cleared, Lyney stood in the center, one hand tipping his hat, the other holding a deck of cards between his fingers. The mischievous glint in his light purple eyes was unmistakable as he scanned the judges.
After a moment, his gaze settled on Lumine. “Would you do me the honor of being my volunteer?”
The girls murmured amongst themselves, teasing smiles spreading as Lumine hesitated for a second before sighing in amusement and standing. “Fine, but if you make me disappear, I’m going to haunt you until the end of time.”
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Xiao didn’t say a word, instead crossing his arms as contempt creeped its way into his face. “No, I do not care.”
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Lyney grinned, stepping aside as she approached. “Not to worry, ma chérie . If you vanished, I’d be the first one searching.”
Lumine rolled her eyes, but there was no hiding the slight pink in her cheeks as she took her place beside him. Lyney fanned out the deck with one hand, each card perfectly aligned. “Go ahead, pick a card. Any card.”
Lumine plucked one from the center, but before she could even look at it, Lyney flicked his wrist, and a pen materialized seemingly out of thin air. He handed it to her. “Write something on it,” he instructed. “A word, a phrase, anything to make it unique.”
Lumine studied him for a second before scribbling something down. She handed it back, and Lyney took the card between his fingers, tilting his head as he analyzed it.
“You wrote ‘Top Hats Suck?’” he chuckled, shaking his head. “You’re truly unbelievable.”
Lumine stuck her tongue out at him, giggling.
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Lyney smiled to himself. “Cute.”
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Lyney shuffled the card back into the deck. His hands moved in a blur, deftly weaving the cards together, until he suddenly stopped. A single card sat on top, face-up.
Lumine’s eyes widened. It was her card.
The girls gasped.
Lyney flipped the card over and hovered it above his chest. Then, he blew on it. A shimmer passed through the air, and when he lifted his fingers, the card was blank.
Nilou let out a gasp. “Wait— where did it go?”
But the true surprise came when they noticed something new. Right over Lyney’s collarbone, peeking just beneath the hem of his collared shirt, was a tattoo . As he pushed his shirt down to reveal it, an identical replica of the card Lumine had written on could be seen.
Lumine’s jaw dropped slightly. “What—”
Lyney simply winked. “Impressed? We’re not done yet.”
After he fixed his shirt, he waved a hand in front of his face, and in the blink of an eye, the card reappeared between his lips, the card no longer blank.
Yoimiya clapped her hands together. “Okay, that’s actually insane.”
Lyney took the card from his mouth, twirling it between his fingers before casually sliding it back into the deck. He ran his palm over the stack, his movements slow and deliberate, before snapping. Suddenly, the entire deck changed color.
Except for one card.
He fanned them out, revealing a deck now deep violet, save for a single white card in the center. Lumine hesitated before reaching forward, flipping it over. Her handwriting stared back at her.
The crowd erupted.
Yoimiya leaned forward, staring at the card. “Alright, what the hell . ”
Nilou clapped excitedly. “How did you do that?”
Lyney simply grinned, plucking the hat off his head and bowing deeply. “A magician never reveals his secrets.” His gaze flickered back to Lumine, eyes twinkling as he placed his top hat on top of Lumine’s head. “You may say ‘Top Hats Suck,’ but I bet you couldn’t pull off a trick like this without one. But you sure look cute in them.” He walked away, laughing to himself.
Lumine’s jaw dropped open, a small blush creeping on her face. She grinned and plucked the top hat off her head, throwing it in Lyney’s direction. “You forgot something, idiot!”
Lyney caught it and put it back on his head in a flourish. “Thanks, darling!”
Lumine exhaled, shaking her head, but there was no mistaking the genuine smile on her lips.
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“You aren’t gonna ask me the same question every time right?” Lumine scrunched up her nose in annoyance, though a hint of doubt crept into her voice. “I like Xiao, and I’m happy with the way things are going now.”
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Childe, still laughing, shook his head and stepped forward. “Well, if anyone can follow that act, it’s our next performer: Thoma!”
Thoma stepped onto the field, his guitar slung over his shoulder. He took a deep breath, settling onto the stool placed at the center of the stage.
He let out a quiet breath, fingers grazing over the strings before plucking the first soft chord. The villa, which had been buzzing with energy only moments ago, fell into a hush.
I took the supermarket flowers…
…of a life that's been loved
His voice, low and steady, wove through the afternoon air, each note carrying a quiet, aching sadness.
Took the get well soon cards…
…tear every time that I blink
Yanfei tucked her legs beneath her, hands wrapped around her notepad, though she wasn’t writing. Her eyes were locked on Thoma, lips slightly parted, as if she had forgotten to breathe.
Oh, I'm in pieces…
…that's been loved .
The hurt in his voice struck a chord in Yanfei’s chest, stirring emotions she couldn’t quite place.
So, I'll sing…
…Hallelujah, you're home"
Yanfei felt her grip tighten on the pen she had yet to use. Her jaw tensed as she stared down at the blank page in front of her. She told herself it was just a song. That was all.
I fluffed the pillows…
…from the side of my face
Thoma’s fingers danced over the strings delicately. He wasn’t looking at anyone. His gaze was low, expression unreadable, but his voice carried every unspoken feeling.
And I hope that…
…life that's been lived
Yanfei swallowed, pressing her lips together. The words were soft, yet they landed like stones in water, rippling outward, sinking deeper than she wanted to admit. She lifted her gaze cautiously, sweeping over the villa.
For just a second, she thought he was looking at her.
But his eyes never met hers.
So, I'll sing Hallelujah…
…"Hallelujah, you're home"
Hallelujah
You were…
…Hallelujah, you're home"
The last note hung in the air, gently dimming away into nothingness. Thoma let his fingers slide off the strings, the final chords melting into silence.
For a long moment, no one moved.
Then, the applause started. It was soft at first, as though the trance hadn’t fully broken. But it grew, thundering through the villa.
Thoma exhaled, rolling his shoulders as if shaking off the weight of the song.
Yanfei’s gaze flickered to his, lingering for just a heartbeat.
No words were exchanged. But somehow, none were needed.
Childe let out a heavy breath, dragging a hand down his face. “Well. I was going to make fun of him, but I feel like I’d get beat up by everyone if I did.”
A few chuckles rippled through the group, breaking the tension slightly.
Nilou wiped at the corner of her eye, sniffling. “That was... so beautiful.”
Yoimiya let out a shaky laugh, fanning herself. “Man, Thoma, you really didn’t have to go for the heart like that.”
Thoma chuckled, slinging his guitar back over his shoulder. “If my singing made you all feel so emotional, it must have been good!”
“That was amazing!” Lumine smiled, giving him a thumbs up. “I’m so honoured to have heard that live.”
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“I sang that song to show that I’ve come to terms with how things ended between Yanfei and I,” Thoma revealed, smiling. “I’m okay now, and I mean it this time. There’s no hard feelings, and I’m happy for her and Albedo.”
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As the production team cleared away the stool, leaving the field bare, Childe began to speak once more. “Alright, folks, we’ve had magic, music, and incredible feats of agility. Now it’s time to turn up the heat. Quite literally.” He swept his arm toward the open space in the center of the villa. “Give it up for Kinich!”
Kinich stepped forward, a fire staff in hand. He spun it once, the unlit ends twirling fluidly. Then, with a flick of his wrist, a spark ignited at both ends, causing flames to roar to life. The fire cast flickering shadows over his face, his expression filled with focus.
He started slow, spinning the staff in deliberate arcs around his body, the flames tracing golden trails through the air. The moment the staff spun above his head, he dropped into a low stance and seamlessly flipped the staff behind his back, catching it without hesitation. Then, with a quick motion, he tossed it up before snatching it mid-air and rolling it down his arm in one smooth transition.
The girls watched in awe as Kinich picked up speed. Each movement flowed into the next with precision as he spun the staff behind his back, around his neck, and tossed it under his leg before seamlessly catching it again. Sparks danced along the edges of the arena as he struck the staff against the ground, sending embers scattering in his wake.
“Whoa,” Nilou whispered, leaning forward in her seat.
Lumine glanced at Mualani, whose lips curled into a proud grin. “He’s really good,” Lumine murmured.
“Of course he is,” Mualani replied, smirking.
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“Just for the record, I taught him half those moves,” Mualani grinned, pointing at herself.
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Kinich took things up a notch. He launched the staff high into the air, then spun into a backflip. The moment his feet touched the ground, he reached up and caught the flaming weapon without missing a beat, transitioning into an intricate series of rapid spins. The fire flared brighter as he manipulated the staff, moving it in tight circles around his arms, torso, and even his legs, never once getting burned.
From the side of the arena, a row of unlit torches stood tall. With a flick of his wrist, Kinich angled the staff toward them. One by one, as he moved, he set them alight, creating a blazing arc around him. The flames illuminated his face as he gave the audience a final, confident spin, the staff a blur of fiery motion before he slammed one end to the ground. At the impact, the torches around him went out, the smoke fizzling into the air.
For a moment, there was stunned silence. Then a burst of cheers erupted from the islanders.
“That was insane!” Yoimiya practically jumped out of her seat, clapping wildly.
Kinich, slightly breathless, gave a short bow towards the judges. “I hope you enjoyed.”
Lumine laughed, jotting something down in her notebook. “Definitely unforgettable.”
As the production team tidied away the torches, Childe tapped the microphone to get everyone’s attention. “Alright, ladies and gentlemen, we’ve seen the talents, but now it’s time to hear from our talented gentlemen themselves. That’s right, it’s speech time! Each of our contestants will say a few words about what love means to them.” Childe stepped away from the stage as Albedo walked up behind him. “First up is Albedo!”
Albedo took the microphone from Childe, surveying the group as he began to speak.
“When I think about what drives me, what pulls me forward in life, the answer is always the same: discovery,” he started, his voice steady. “Science is, at its core, about seeking understanding. Breaking down the unknown into something tangible. Predictable. Even in a reaction like the one I performed earlier, there are constants and variables, each a factor that influences an outcome in ways we can study and comprehend.”
He glanced at the girls, his gaze lingering momentarily on Yanfei before continuing. “But in life, relationships and emotions are not always so simple. There are no fixed equations or universal laws to follow. And yet, in many ways, the same principle applies. We search for answers. We adapt to new information. And sometimes, the unexpected is what draws us in the most.”
A small pause. His expression softened. “In that way, I suppose you could say my fascination with chemistry and my time here share a common thread. The process of forming bonds and seeing how different elements interact— it’s not so different from getting to know people, is it?”
There was a murmur of amusement among the group, and a few smiles were exchanged.
Albedo tilted his head slightly, a contemplative look in his eyes. “Perhaps that’s what intrigues me the most. Not simply the idea of connection, but the pursuit of understanding: people, emotions, and what makes one presence stand out amongst the rest.” He gave a small nod. “That is what draws me in. That is what I seek to understand. And that is what I seek to find: love.”
With that, he stepped back, his speech concluded. The air was quiet for a beat before the girls started clapping, some of them nodding in approval at his words.
Mualani whistled first. “Okay, Shakespeare!”
“Well, damn,” Yoimiya muttered with a grin. “He made science sound kind of poetic.”
Yanfei clasped her hands together. “That was really thoughtful.”
Childe whistled. “Leave it to Albedo to make chemistry sound like romance.” He smirked and turned toward the group. “Alright, Kaveh’s up next!”
Kaveh stepped forward, running a hand through his hair as he let out a soft chuckle. “Alright, well… I don’t have science to back me up, and I don’t have anything as elegant as a grand theory.” He glanced around at the group with a warm smile. “But I do know one thing: love, real love, is something you give freely. Without hesitation. Without expecting anything in return.”
His gaze flickered toward the girls before settling on Nilou. “I think, for me, love has always been about giving. About seeing someone happy and knowing that you were part of the reason why.” He exhaled lightly, gathering his thoughts. “I’ve always believed that love is something you pour into the world, into people, and into the smallest details of life. You give it, because you can— because you want to. And if that love makes someone’s day a little brighter, if it builds something stronger, then isn’t that enough?
“I know some people say you can’t pour from an empty cup, and maybe that’s true. Maybe I’ve never thought about my own needs as much as I should.” He let out a small laugh before shaking his head. “But I don’t think love is a transaction. I don’t think it should be about what you get back. To me, it’s about seeing someone’s dreams and wanting to build a foundation strong enough to hold them, knowing you’d tear down every wall in the way, even if it meant a few cracks in your own heart.”
His expression softened. “That’s what love means to me. That’s what I’ve always believed in. And if that makes me a hopeless romantic,” he let out a short chuckle, “then I guess I’ll wear that title proudly.”
The moment he stepped back, the applause started. Nilou looked especially moved, her hands clasped together as she beamed.
Yoimiya elbowed Nilou playfully. “You’re a lucky girl!”
Nilou giggled, her eyes never leaving Kaveh as he walked towards the side of the stage. “I know.”
Childe grinned and turned toward the group. “Alright, up next we have…” He spun around, throwing his hands dramatically into the air. “Me!”
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“I was really curious about what kind of speech he would give.” Yoimiya’s scratched her chin in thought. “He’s so unserious, I was expecting him to just tell jokes the whole time, but…”
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Childe let the silence settle, taking a breath before he spoke, his expression turning uncharacteristically serious. The girls leaned in curiously. “You know, love is a lot like a fight.” He began, a wistful expression in his eyes. “Not the kind where you throw a punch and walk away victorious. No, I mean a real fight. One where you have to keep your stance even when you’re tired. One where you take a hit, but you don’t let it knock you down. One where, no matter how many times you stumble, you get back up because the person standing in front of you is worth it.”
He exhaled through his nose, running a hand through his hair. “I grew up learning that the strongest bonds, the ones that really matter, aren’t easy. They’re tested. They go through hell and back. And love? Love is no different.
“When I care about someone, I don’t do it half-heartedly. If I love, I love with everything I’ve got.” His blue eyes shone brilliantly as they laid on Yoimiya. “That means fighting for them when things get rough. That means standing by them, even when the odds seem impossible.”
His jaw clenched slightly, and for a moment, his gaze flickered away before returning, a little sadder than before. “And sometimes, it means fighting myself too. Love isn’t just about charging forward without thinking. It’s about knowing when to be strong and when to be soft. When to take a step back and let the other person lead. When to listen instead of speak. It’s about learning, over and over again, that the people you love aren’t just something you protect. They’re something you trust. And something you cherish.”
Childe let out a small chuckle, shaking his head. “Basically, if I love someone, I’m all in. I’ll stand by them, even if I drive them— and myself— a little crazy in the process.” His crooked grin returned. “But hey, that’s just the only way I know how to love.”
As he stepped away from the center of the field, the girls broke into applause.
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“... He ended up telling such a romantic speech,” Yoimiya finished. She put a hand to her chest, sighing. “Behind that goofy dudebro is a man with a good heart.”
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Lumine nudged Yoimiya, eyes gleaming with amusement. “Your man really turned a love speech into a battle strategy.”
Yoimiya giggled. “It’s fitting, though. He is a general.”
Nilou rested her chin in her hands, a thoughtful look on her face. “There’s something kind of romantic about it, though. The idea of someone being willing to fight for you, no matter what.”
Yanfei hummed thoughtfully. “As long as no actual bloodshed is involved, I’d say it’s pretty sweet.”
Childe stretched his arms behind his head, clearly pleased with himself. “Well, glad to know I’m making an impression. Now, let’s hear it for Xiao!”
Xiao stepped forward, gripping the microphone tightly. His expression was unreadable, but there was a tension in the way his fingers curled around the mic. He simply stood there for a moment, staring at the ground, as if weighing whether he should even say anything at all.
Then, in a quiet but firm voice, he began.
“Love… is invisible.”
Just three words. Three simple words, yet they carried a weight that made the villa fall still. His golden eyes flickered up, scanning the faces before him.
“It’s not about grand gestures. Or about the words said just to appease. It’s about the things you do when no one’s watching.” He exhaled softly, his gaze steady but thoughtful. “It’s remembering the small details they don’t think matter. It’s standing beside them, even when they think they don’t need anyone.”
Xiao shifted slightly, his fingers easing their grip on the microphone. “Love is quiet. It’s… steady. It’s knowing someone will be there, even in silence. It’s knowing you can close your eyes and not be afraid, because you trust them.” His voice, though calm, held an unmistakable sincerity. “You don’t have to say much. You just have to show it.”
A rare moment of vulnerability flashed across his face before he glanced away, jaw tightening for a brief second.
“I’m not good at words. I don’t always know what to say. But if I care about someone… I’ll be there. Even if I don’t say or show it in the ways people expect, I’ll always be there.” Xiao gave a short nod in conclusion as applause began to resound through the villa.
Yoimiya blinked rapidly, clearly moved. “Wow. That was… really beautiful.”
Nilou pressed a hand to her chest. “I think that was one of the most heartfelt things I’ve ever heard.”
Xiao, uncomfortable with all the attention, shifted on his feet and looked away. “That’s all,” he muttered, stepping away awkwardly.
Before he left the field completely, he turned around, shooting one last glance at the judges table. His gaze found Lumine.
She wasn’t clapping or commenting like the others. Instead, she was just looking at him, really looking at him. Her eyes held something warm, something understanding, something that made his chest feel tight in a way that wasn’t unpleasant. She hadn’t said a word, but somehow, he felt like she had heard everything he didn’t say. Lumine didn’t smile outright, but there was a softness to her expression, a quiet acknowledgment. She lifted her cup ever so slightly, a small, silent gesture in understanding .
Xiao, still feeling uneasy from speaking so openly, hesitated. Then, almost imperceptibly, he gave a small nod in return.
“Our next islander,” Childe gestured towards, Lyney, who was making his way over to the center of the field. “Lyney!”
Lyney took the field, his signature smile already in place as he adjusted the microphone. He swept his gaze across the room, letting the anticipation build for just a moment before he spoke.
“Love,” he began, his voice soft, “is the greatest magic trick of them all.”
The girls leaned in, intrigued.
“It’s unpredictable,” he continued, pacing slowly, his gloved hands moving expressively. “It defies logic, reason, and even the best-made plans. You can’t force it or control it. It appears when you least expect it, in the most surprising places. Love isn’t just about what you see, it’s about what you feel.”
He paused, a soft chuckle escaping. “And let’s be honest, just like magic, it can vanish just as quickly as it arrives. One moment, it’s in your hands, as real as anything you’ve ever known—” he held up a rose, his fingers curling inward, “—and in the next, it’s gone.” With a flick of his wrist, his hand was empty.
A few laughs and murmurs rippled through the girls.
“But that doesn’t make it any less real. Because even in its fleeting moments, love is unforgettable. It lingers. It’s like a whispered secret, a melody you hum without realizing, and the scent of a flower long after it’s gone.” His expression softened. “Love is wonder. It’s trust. It’s standing on the edge of the unknown and believing in something bigger than yourself.”
He took a step forward, glancing at the judges, his gaze lingering on Lumine for half a second longer than the others. “Because that’s the thing about magic. It only works if you believe in it.”
He reached into his coat and pulled out a single, ordinary, playing card. But as he flicked his fingers over it, the card seemed to melt, shifting and blooming until it transformed into a delicate rainbow-colored rose.
Gasps echoed across the stage.
“But the best part of magic and love?” Lyney continued, twirling the rose between his fingers. “It’s meant to be shared.”
He tossed the rose into the air, and the moment it left his fingertips, it seemed to multiply. A cascade of rainbow roses burst forth in front of each judge, materializing out of thin air.
Lumine, Nilou, and Yoimiya exchanged wide-eyed glances before reaching out to touch the flowers, confirming that they were, in fact, real.
Lyney grinned, tipping his hat with a dramatic bow. “Love, like magic, is a wonder we may never fully understand. But if we’re lucky, we get to experience it again and again.”
Thunderous applause followed, but Lyney only smiled before stepping off the stage, casting a wink towards the girls.
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“He definitely gets bonus points for giving us all these roses,” Nilou grinned, twirling the rose in her hand.
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From the side of the stage, Childe rolled his eyes. “If I had known we could incorporate some of our talent into the speech, my speech would’ve been way better.” The islanders laughed and Lyney chuckled, taking a seat once more. “Anyway, onto our next speech, Thoma!”
Thoma gripped the microphone with both hands as he made his way to the field. He exhaled slowly, a melancholic expression on his face. He glanced over the audience, his emerald green eyes soft.
“For me, love isn’t about big, dramatic gestures,” he began, his voice warm. “It’s about everyday life, and the things you don’t even think twice about doing.”
He gave a small smile. “It’s like tidying up before anyone wakes up so they can start their day without stress. Making an extra cup of coffee, just in case someone else wants one. Cooking for people, not because you have to, but because you want to see them smile when they take the first bite.”
“But it’s also about sharing time with someone,” he continued, his gaze thoughtful. “Not just the special moments, but the everyday ones. Sitting together and watching movies, doing chores side by side, grocery shopping, and joking about who has to make dinner.”
He let out a soft chuckle, shaking his head. “I think love is found in the moments people overlook: the ones that don’t seem special until you realize who you’re spending them with.”
His green eyes flickered toward the crowd, his expression sincere. “Because at the end of the day, it’s not just about what you do or how much you spend. It’s about how much you enjoy simply being with them, no matter what you’re doing.”
Thoma smiled. “Because when you’re with the right person, every moment feels like forever.”
The applause began as Thoma set the microphone back down, a knowing expression on his face.
Yoimiya beamed, clasping her hands together. “That was beautiful, Thoma.”
Nilou sighed, pressing a hand to her heart. “You make love sound so warm.”
Thoma laughed, rubbing the back of his neck. “I mean, I’d like to think it is.”
Childe clapped him on the back with a grin. “Alright, you sappy romantic. For our final speech of the day, we have Kinich!”
Kinich stepped forward, his eyes sweeping across the audience, lingering just briefly on Mualani before he spoke.
“For all my talk about everything having its price, I believe some things in this world are worth doing whatever the cost.”
He paused for a moment before continuing.
“I’ve always looked at life through three core principles: value, risk, reward. Everything has a cost. Every choice, every action, it all comes with a price. That’s the way the world works. Every action has an equal and opposite reaction: give something, take something.” He gave a small, knowing smile. “But love… it breaks the equation.” He exhaled softly. “Love makes a person irrational. It makes you stop counting the cost and measuring what you stand to lose. Because when you care about someone, you don’t hesitate. You don’t weigh the risks.”
Kinich’s gaze flickered toward Mualani again before he continued. “I used to think that was reckless. Maybe it is. Maybe love is the most reckless gamble of all.” His lips pressed together for a brief moment before he continued speaking. “Because when you love someone, the cost stops mattering. The sacrifices, the risks, the leaps of faith… you don’t hesitate, you don’t calculate. You just do.”
He glanced toward the judges’ table, where the girls sat listening intently. “Even someone like me, someone who measures every step… even I know that there are things worth being irrational for.”
Mualani, who had been watching him closely, tilted her head slightly. When Kinich finally let his eyes meet hers once more, she gave him a small, knowing smile.
Kinich let out a slow breath. His lips parted slightly like he wanted to say something more, but instead, he cleared his throat and turned back toward the rest of the girls. “That’s all I have to say.”
The girls broke into applause as he stepped back, Childe taking the microphone back.
“Okay girls, you’ve seen and heard what us boys can do,” He grinned, sweeping his arm across the boys. “Now, it’s time to make a decision.”
The girls huddled together, flipping through their notes and whispering their thoughts.
“I think the best way to decide this is to think about who we would pick if we couldn’t pick the boy we’re coupled up with,” Yanfei mused, scanning her notebook.
“That’s a good idea!” Nilou nodded. “I think that other than Kaveh, Lyney would be my second choice.”
“I’m with you on that,” Yoimiya said with a grin. “I mean, did you see that magic trick? And the speech? That was super cool.”
“I have to admit, it was incredibly well executed,” Lumine added, tapping her pen against her chin. “He’s got charm, skill, and a great way with words. That’s a triple threat.”
Mualani laughed. “He is a performer. Makes sense that he has the charisma to go with it!”
“We’re good with Lyney, then?” Yanfei snapped her notebook shut.
Lumine, still holding her rainbow rose from the trick, smiled. “Yeah. I think we have our winner.”
They broke away from each other, looking up to find the boys standing in a line on the field in front of them.
“Well, judges? Have you finally decided to crown me the winner?” Childe asked, pointing to himself with a toothy grin on his face.
Yoimiya giggled as Nilou stood up, clearing her throat dramatically. “After much deliberation, we’ve decided that the winner of the first-ever Love Island Talent Show is…”
The boys collectively held a breath.
“Lyney!”
The villa erupted into cheers as Lyney stood up, pressing a hand to his chest in mock surprise. “Oh? I won?” He flicked his wrist, and suddenly, a small crown appeared between his fingers. He placed it atop his head with a theatrical flourish. “I humbly accept this honor.”
“That’s not the real crown,” Mualani giggled.
Lyney winked. “No, but it’s much more fun this way.”
Childe rolled his eyes in amusement. “Yeah, yeah, enough of that. It’s time for our ceremonious dumping.” In one swift motion, he grabbed Lyney by the arm and hoisted him up.
Lyney’s eyes widened. “Huh—”
Before he could protest, Childe hurled him into the villa’s pool. With a loud splash, Lyney disappeared beneath the water.
The others burst out laughing as he surfaced, coughing and pushing his drenched hair from his face, joining in with the laughter.
“Congratulations, champion,” Childe grinned. “A true magician should be able to escape anything.”
Lyney chuckled as he shook his head, but before he could retaliate, his phone chimed. He blinked and reached for it, still half-treading water. Reading the message, his expression shifted into one of excitement.
Lyney, congrats on being crowned Mr. Love Island. For your prize, you will have the opportunity to talk to some familiar faces from home! Please make your way to the beach hut, where they’re waiting for you! #Homesick #FamilyReunion
“Well?” Kaveh prompted. “What’s the text?”
“Because I won, I get to talk to my family,” he smiled, already making his way inside to quickly change out of his wet clothes.
Lumine smiled. “That’s amazing, Lyney.”
He tilted his head, still catching his breath as he met her gaze. “Yeah,” he murmured. “It really is.”
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“Thank god I didn’t win!” Childe wiped sweat off his forehead. “My family didn’t even know I was coming onto this show. I’m sure they’d give me an earful for just disappearing.”
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What? It’s not polite to peep in on family conversations? Eh, who cares. I’m sure Lyney’s not hiding anything… right? Anyway, we managed to arrange a meeting between his “father,” Arlecchino, his twin sister, Lynette, and adoptive brother, Freminet!
In the beach hut, Lyney sat, staring at the screen in front of him in anticipation, his foot tapping anxiously. The screen flickered for a moment before stabilizing, revealing three familiar faces. Further to the right was a tall woman with white and black hair, her pupils red crosses and her face blank. Next to her was a petite blonde woman, a set of cat ears atop her head. She had a small streak of blue hair across her bangs, similar to the faint red streak in Lyney’s hair. Besides her was a freckled young man, his blonde hair falling just below his ears.
Arlecchino was the first to speak, her sharp red eyes narrowing slightly as she took him in. “So,” she mused, “this explains why Childe requested an extended leave. I thought it was strange for him to disappear without a mission.”
Lyney shrugged. “Yeah, I thought it was strange too. Thank goodness he didn’t recognize me.”
Freminet hesitated before speaking. “It’s… strange seeing you on TV like this. But you seem happy.”
Lyney leaned forward slightly. “It’s been an interesting experience, to say the least. Honestly, I find myself—” He hesitated, choosing his words carefully. “—invested.”
Arlecchino raised a brow. “If I may ask, you never revealed your connection to the Fatui and the House of the Hearth. Why?”
He tapped his fingers against the wooden table before exhaling. “Because of Lumine.” His voice was quieter now. “I don’t know how she’d take it.” He hesitated. “I don’t know if you’ve seen this on TV, but she and Childe… She was very hesitant when he made mention of the Fatui. I don’t want to push her away before I even get a chance to know her.”
Arlecchino hummed, as if considering his words. “So you’re afraid.”
Lyney frowned. “I wouldn’t call it fear—”
“It’s fear,” Lynette interjected.
Freminet shifted awkwardly. “To be fair, she does seem… opinionated about the Fatui.”
Lyney nodded solemnly as Arlecchino began to speak again. “You’re quite taken with this Lumine girl.”
Lyney blinked at her bluntness. “I— well, yes.” He chuckled softly, but there was a weight behind it. “She’s… remarkable.”
Lynette’s ears twitched slightly, taking a sip from her teacup. “She seems kind. Genuine. Unlike you for keeping your true occupation a secret.”
“I will tell her,” Lyney frowned, his brow furrowing. “I just… want to wait for an opportunity when we are closer. I just want a chance.”
Arlecchino studied him for a moment, her expression unreadable, before she finally spoke. “You should know, she’s quite the topic of interest. You and her both.”
Lyney furrowed his brows. “What do you mean?”
Freminet shifted uncomfortably, glancing at the screen. “Last night, we saw something on the broadcast.”
Lynette set down her teacup with a quiet clink. “It was Lumine and Xiao. It looked like he was comforting her.”
Lyney stilled. “What?”
Arlecchino’s gaze didn’t waver. “She was upset over her indecision to choose between you and Xiao. It looked intimate.”
Lyney opened his mouth, but nothing came out. His fingers curled slightly against his knee. “It’s fine,” he finally uttered out. “I knew they were close when I entered the villa. I’m sure if I had more time—”
Lynette interrupted him, her violet eyes narrowed. “She looked comfortable with him. Maybe that’s something to consider.”
Lyney shot her a frustrated expression. “If you’re suggesting backing off, then just know that I’m not. No disrespect to Xiao, but she deserves better than someone who can’t communicate properly. I’ve seen his behavior on the first three days. She deserves better.”
Lynette shook her head. “We’re not saying to back off. We just think you should be aware.”
Lyney fell back into his seat. “Well… thank you for the insight.”
“Speaking of this Xiao, he looks very familiar,” Arlecchino mused. “I feel like I’ve seen him somewhere.”
“I thought the same,” Freminet nodded, looking a little confused. “I don’t know why.”
"He is an Olympic athlete," Lyney shrugged, looking like he would rather rip out his fingernails than continue talking about Xiao.
Lynette studied him for a moment before taking another sip of her teacup “Our time is almost up. Take care of yourself, Lyney.” Arlecchino and Freminet both gave Lyney a small wave as the screen flickered off, leaving Lyney alone in the beach hut, staring at his reflection in the blank screen.
He exhaled sharply, pushing himself to his feet.
He needed to do something.
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“I’m so close.” Lyney tapped his foot rapidly. “I can feel it in the way she blushes around me before turning away, thinking that I don’t notice. I respect Xiao, but I feel their connection is more platonic than romantic. The nature of this island tends to confuse the two.” He clenched his fist slightly. “Like she said on the night we met: Xiao is hot and cold. I want to make sure she never feels insecure again.”
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What a shocking revelation… Lyney is part of the Fatui! I can’t believe he admitted his lie on live television! Maybe he’s banking on the fact that future islanders won’t cue Lumine in before he can? But anyway, thanks for tuning into Love Island Teyvat! Next episode: a recoupling! But before that, a few people get… sneaky. You don’t want to miss it!