[Her reaction is more than amusing, grinning from ear to ear at the roll of her eyes to her denial. As if he'd buy that, but he's pretty sure she's really not trying to sell it as much as she's just teasing him at this point. Maybe some other time he'll have to do his own teasing, to see how far he can get her to chase after his lips before she gets fed up with him. It's like a whole new world's opened up in front of him, filled with endless possibilities for the both of them. Twenty minutes ago, he would have never entertained the idea of teasing Lumine into frustration from not getting a kiss.

But what she says next calls for something more serious, something that doesn't have a place for the moment for a little lighthearted teasing. Childe's eyes soften, smiling back at her, taking it as a compliment that he's had the tenacity to worm his way right into her heart.]

I wouldn't be me if I were to back down from a challenge so easily.

[He squeezes her hand back, before letting go of it so that arm can slip behind her to pull her in close, inviting her to rest against his side.]

So, when did you realize you had feelings for me? I've got a feeling it wasn't recent...

[Childe gives her a knowing look, all that affection and acceptance didn't come out of nowhere.]