"Phew, finally done."
Keqing exhaled deeply, leaned back in her chair, and rubbed her temples. Noticing her exhausted expression, Qin Yu moved behind her.
"You've worked so hard, Keqing. If you're tired, let me give you a massage."
Keqing smiled faintly. "Alright."
As Qin Yu massaged her shoulders, Keqing continued to ramble on about her engineering plans.
Since emerging from her seclusion, Keqing had become noticeably more composed, spending more time in deep thought and often losing herself in her own thoughts.
"The more I learn, the more I realize how much I still lack," Keqing sighed. "If it weren't for you and Sister Ganyu helping me, my efficiency would probably be disastrous. Ah..."
Qin Yu dismissed her concerns. "Can't you just forget about work during your break?" She pressed her fingers against Keqing's head. "If you don't let your mind rest, you'll only wear yourself out even more!" She increased the pressure slightly.
"Hisss—ow, ow, ow! Lighter! I get it already! Aren't I resting right now?"
"Then again, if I could clone myself ten thousand times, our efficiency would skyrocket! Seriously, it's the modern era already, why are there still so many slackers?!"
I told her to stop thinking about work! Qin Yu, feeling irritated, tugged at Keqing's cheeks instead.
"What did I just say?" Qin Yu asked.
"I... I only... Oh!" Keqing stammered, her words muddled. "Let go! Let go!"
Evaluation: D
Hmph. Qin Yu inwardly pouted. She'd finally gotten a moment to relax, and she didn't want to spend it listening to Keqing complain about work.
Couldn't we talk about something else?
It was as if their childhood friendship had nothing left to offer beyond reminiscing about the past and discussing work.
Keqing, oblivious to Qin Yu's thoughts, couldn't help but notice that Qin Yu's personality seemed to have softened slightly since regaining her memories.
"Alright, let's take a five-minute break, just as you said."
"At least fifteen minutes."
Keqing frowned. "Fifteen minutes is too long—"
"Fifteen minutes," Qin Yu insisted firmly.
"Fine, fine, fifteen minutes it is..." Keqing had always struggled to resist Qin Yu's stubbornness, so she reluctantly agreed.
Keqing closed her eyes, savoring the massage.
Qin Yu, however, felt uneasy. Was she being overly concerned? But Keqing couldn't continue like this; no matter how hard she worked, ruining her health would defeat the purpose.
So Qin Yu added, "Lady Ningguang often takes a bath and changes into fresh clothes after work."
"Hmm?"
Why bring up Ningguang so suddenly?
Moreover, even though Qin Yu was essentially her secretary, she still addressed Ningguang with formal respect, always referring to her as "Lady Ningguang."
Keqing knew Ningguang had taken good care of Qin Yu, but she still felt a twinge of annoyance.
But if Qin Yu were to call me "Lady Keqing" in private, I think my heart would break. With that thought, the constant "Lady Ningguang" became bearable.
After all, formal titles create a sense of distance, don't they?
"Sister Ganyu treats work as a hobby, but Keqing, you're doing it for your ideals, right?"
"Yes, a hobby... I certainly don't see work as a hobby. It's just a necessity," Keqing replied.
"Then you need to rest properly even more," Qin Yu insisted.
"Lady Ningguang likes to change into comfortable clothes and bathe after work because it helps her switch to relaxation mode and recharge. But you, Keqing, are probably always thinking about work, aren't you?"
Keqing listened in silence.
Qin Yu continued, "Only by balancing work and rest can you achieve your best. It's the same for everyone. I know what your ideals are, Keqing, and I want to witness them with you. That's precisely why I want you to prioritize your own rest."
Keqing sighed, about to respond, when Qin Yu wrapped her arms around Keqing's neck from behind, rested her chin on the chair, and smiled.
"I'll keep improving and supporting you, Keqing. If you don't trust me, just stay as you are. But if you do, then maybe you could occasionally enjoy life outside of work?"
It had been many days since Keqing had seen Qin Yu outside of work.
Why doesn't she ever invite me out to play? Qin Yu grumbled inwardly, fighting the urge to knock Keqing on the head.
Having ideals is admirable, but couldn't she pay more attention to the people around her?
Keqing had no retort. She knew Qin Yu's words rang true, and couldn't help but reflect on her actions.
"Mm, I trust you," Keqing nodded gently. "You're right—running too fast can lead to stumbles. To run swiftly, one must also run steadily."
Qin Yu's eyes lit up. "Then—"
"Speaking of which, tomorrow's a rest day, isn't it? Let me check... Perfect! I have no urgent plans. Shall we go out somewhere fun?" Keqing turned with a smile.
"Yes!" Qin Yu practically leaped with joy.
"Mm-hmm!"
Evaluation: C-
Such enthusiasm! Keqing felt herself caught up in Qin Yu's excitement, her own anticipation growing.
This would be their first outing together since Qin Yu fully regained her memories. Where should we go?
Keqing had a few ideas, but ultimately decided to let Qin Yu choose.
"Qin Yu, where would you like to go?"
Qin Yu pondered. If I had to pick the place I want to go most... A memory flashed through her mind—the first vital memory she had recovered.
"I want to... go to the beach."
Keqing looked slightly surprised. "The beach? The beach... Ah..."
While Keqing puzzled over what there was to do at the beach, she suddenly remembered that memory—the ocean that belonged only to them.
"We promised each other as children that we'd go together next time," Qin Yu said wistfully.
"Yes, I remember it very clearly."
If you didn't, I'd just have to make you remember! Qin Yu thought. Long ago, before she had fully recalled everything about Keqing, they had met at the beach.
But she didn't count that encounter.
Because back then, she had only remembered the promise about the beach.
There had been no handcuffs, no proper conversation... she hadn't recalled the important things. Keqing's feelings must have been so complicated then, and neither of them had been particularly happy.
That's why, now that she had remembered everything, Qin Yu wanted to return to that place with Keqing.
To truly fulfill their promise.
If possible... Qin Yu hesitated for a moment, then walked over to Keqing, leaned down, and, while fiddling with the pendant around Keqing's neck, whispered:
"There's something else."
"Something else?" Keqing asked, puzzled.
"...There's something very important I want to tell you, Keqing."
Confessing to Ningguang would have to wait until the Jade Chamber was rebuilt. The reconstruction hadn't even begun yet, and even once it started, it would take time to complete.
Although Ningguang had spared no expense in hiring numerous skilled workers, including Vision holders, to expedite the process, even with their efficiency, it was impossible to rebuild the chamber overnight.
Until then, confessing to Keqing should be no problem.
Keqing's brow furrowed slightly. What could this important matter be? I have no idea...
"What is it?"
"I can't say yet."
"How important is it? I need to mentally prepare myself," Keqing said.
Her mind raced with possibilities. Could it be that Qin Yu is planning a long journey?
Regardless, she needed to be prepared.
Qin Yu replied, "It's extremely important to me."
"And to me?"
"...Also very important."
Keqing chuckled wryly. "You know, for something so crucial, do you really have to tell me while we're supposed to be relaxing and enjoying ourselves?"
Qin Yu's face flushed crimson, acutely embarrassed.
"I was just joking! Don't take it to heart. I understand. Whatever it is, I'll listen. You don't need to hold back—just say what's on your mind!"
Keqing laughed confidently. "I'm at least a thousand times more reliable than I was as a child."
Hearing this, Qin Yu felt reassured.
"You're certainly much more reliable now, but you also need someone to care for you more," Qin Yu teased with a smile.
"N-no way!" Keqing retorted stubbornly.
As if anyone would believe that.
Qin Yu teased her intentionally, "So you don't want me to take care of you anymore?"
"I've grown up already. Besides, you're the one who needs looking after!" Keqing declared firmly, lightly tapping her chest.
"So that's a no? Fine... then I'll just focus on taking care of Sister Ganyu and Lady Ningguang from now on."
"Eh?"
Ganyu and Ningguang both get taken care of, but I don't?
Keqing's thoughts were in turmoil, but she desperately wanted Qin Yu to rely on her, not the other way around. She stubbornly held her ground.
"Exactly. I don't need it."
Ha? She really doesn't want it? Qin Yu felt a pang of annoyance.
"Because I want you to rely on me, not the other way around," Keqing said earnestly.
Evaluation: C+
Qin Yu's ears flushed crimson, and her annoyance vanished in an instant.
How could Keqing say something like that without embarrassment?
Keqing was naturally embarrassed, but some things, no matter how awkward, simply had to be said.
Fueled by this determination, she leaned close to Qin Yu's face.
"I don't know if you've reflected on our previous talk, but I want you to know that I'll always be on your side. You can rely on me completely. At least... don't go off on dangerous missions without a word to anyone again."
Evaluation: B
Hearing this, Qin Yu shrank back slightly.
"Mhm... I understand. I know you all care about me deeply, and I'm very lucky. That's why I won't make that mistake again."
Then Qin Yu added, "But I want to take care of you too, Keqing."
"B-but I don't need..." Keqing stammered, a blush creeping up her cheeks.
"Are you sure you don't?"
Faced with this probing question, Keqing hesitated guiltily. "Well..."
She had relied on Qin Yu's support countless times, especially with work. Having Qin Yu's help made a world of difference. She couldn't deny it again so easily.
"Keqing, do you really not need me?" Qin Yu asked anxiously.
An indescribable weight forced Keqing to answer truthfully.
"I do. I need you very much."
Evaluation: A-
"That's exactly right."
Keqing turned her face away. "No, that's not the point. Our conversation isn't about whether I need you, but rather—"
"Say it again."
"Say what?"
"That you need me," Qin Yu said, her voice filled with anticipation.
Keqing's face flushed crimson. Again?
"Is that so hard?" Qin Yu asked, her disappointment palpable.
Keqing, who had never been able to refuse Qin Yu, relented. "I need you, Qin Yu."
Evaluation: A+
"So, it's okay for me to continue taking care of you, Keqing?" Qin Yu asked cheerfully.
"Wait, that doesn't mean—"
"It's okay, right?"
Keqing sighed. "It's okay."
That's exactly what I wanted to hear.
"Of course I understand what you mean, Keqing. But I've already been relying on you for a long time."
"Since when?" Keqing asked, startled.
She had no idea this was the case.
"Always. From the moment we first met, and even now. As long as you're by my side, Keqing, I'm completely content," Qin Yu said sincerely.
That's all I need.
Evaluation: S
Keqing blinked repeatedly, momentarily stunned.
When realization fully dawned, she embraced Qin Yu with overwhelming joy.
"Me too."
Evaluation: SS-
These simple words brought Qin Yu immense satisfaction.
Every word she spoke was sincere and heartfelt.
After regaining her memories, Keqing's importance to her had only deepened, as if she had truly entrusted half of herself to the other woman. She needed Keqing, and if Keqing also needed her, that would be the greatest blessing.
She never wanted their bond to break, never wanted them to part.
Qin Yu also hoped their current relationship would endure, especially after confessing everything.
Yet life rarely unfolds as we wish.
The next day.
"Qin Yu."
Qin Yu, whose hand had been grasped, noticed Keqing's hesitant expression and blinked in confusion.
"What is it?"
Keqing took a soft breath. Though a faint blush colored her cheeks, she spoke earnestly, "I like you."
"............... Hmm?"