[When Ajax suddenly smooths his collar and beams up at him, Zhongli feels his heart skip a beat. The younger man's touch, the confident yet playful tone of his voice, it's all so...bold. Unaccustomed to such overt affection, Zhongli finds himself feeling shy, a soft flush creeping up his neck and bowing his head. Which is a mistake, as he watches those long fingers slide lower down his chest, brushing against his abdomen. The touch is electric, sending shivers down his spine. Being touched so freely, so eagerly, it takes everything in him to maintain his composure.

Zhongli clears his throat softly, a bashful smile tugging at the corners of his lips as he meets Ajax's gaze.]

You flatter me, Ajax. [His voice is soft, a nervous chuckle preceding a touch of playfulness in his tone despite the shyness that lingers in his eyes.] I'm not accustomed to such bold compliments. But I must admit, it's...refreshing.

After all, you're quite the charmer yourself, [Zhongli continues, his voice softening as he reaches up to gently brush a strand of hair from Ajax's forehead.] Handsome, daring, and full of life. [He gently places a hand over Ajax's, his touch light yet steady, a silent acknowledgment that it's not something he's rejecting.]

I'm glad to hear you're having a great time. I am as well. [His gaze softens, his smile growing warmer.] And as for my layers of clothes, well, perhaps it's a good thing I have you to see through them.

[The words come out more flirtatious than he intended, but Zhongli doesn't mind. It's a new feeling, this ease and warmth, and he finds himself enjoying it more than he expected. He doesn't want Ajax to recoil, doesn't want to lose this newfound connection. Instead, he wants to nurture it, to see where it leads.]

Shall we continue our walk? [He suggests, his voice gentle as he looks out over the harbor.]