[ Ah. Now this. This was something that gives Zhongli more pause, even as he still has Ajax poised in a position meant to further continue their lovemaking. Unfortunately, he will have to wait a little longer as Zhongli presses a kiss to his forehead, his own brow creased, as he says very seriously: ]

I care for you, and unless I am mistaken, you reserve the same fondness for me. There is nothing for you to be jealous of. Each bond a person makes in their life is special and unique. There is no need to compare it to others.

[ It's a dangerous mix — self-loathing mixed with jealousy. Feed into it too much and one validates it like a drug hiding the symptoms instead of the cure. Ignore it, and those unfounded accusations will ring like truths in the person's mind.

Many people had fallen to one of the two ailments. Many more had made poor decisions as a result of them.

Even though Zhongli will not be in Inazuma for long, as Ajax's friend and due to his very godly nature, he cannot leave without at least attempting to change the young youkai's worldview. If he doesn't— is there anyone in Ajax's life who could pick up such a mantle?

Probably not. And isn't that the most lonely feeling of all. ]