Qin Yu and Keqing gazed silently at the sea before them for a long moment.
"I really miss this," Qin Yu finally said, breaking the silence.
"Me too," Keqing nodded with a slight smile.
Today was the first day of their break, and as promised, Qin Yu and Keqing had come to the seaside they remembered so fondly.
Listening to the crashing waves and feeling the ocean-scented breeze, Qin Yu's thoughts drifted back to that memory.
But unlike the sea in her memories, this sea didn't shimmer with light, nor did it possess that dreamlike quality. Perhaps that was because this was reality.
People tend to romanticize memories to some extent.
Still, it didn't matter. Unlike last time, she wasn't standing here alone this time.
Instead, she was with the other "owner" of this unique sea.
"The sea in my memory felt like it was shimmering," Qin Yu murmured.
"Mm."
Qin Yu continued slowly, "This is our sea. It's special because we discovered it together. It only becomes truly special when we look at it together."
"But even standing here together now, it doesn't feel as dreamlike as I remember," Qin Yu chuckled.
Keqing nodded gently.
Even reunited with Qin Yu at this spot, the sea didn't shimmer with the dreamy colors she remembered.
Yet, surprisingly, Keqing felt nothing but nostalgia and a faint sense of contentment.
This refreshing feeling was rare indeed.
Keqing stretched lazily, exhaled, and said, "After all, it's essentially just the sea off Liyue Harbor. And it's okay if it's not as dreamlike as we remember."
"Mm, this is nice too," Qin Yu agreed.
It's perfectly normal for childhood memories to fade and change as we grow up, Qin Yu thought.
After all, this place still held a unique significance for them.
A sea-scented breeze swept through Qin Yu's raven-black hair, causing it to ripple. Her hands clasped behind her back, she gripped them together as her knee-length skirt swayed gently.
"It's truly wonderful that my childhood friend is Keqing," Qin Yu murmured, her eyes crinkling into a bright smile.
Evaluation: D
A surge of joy and embarrassment flushed Keqing's cheeks crimson as she recalled the last time they had stood here together.
"I wish my childhood friend had been Lady Keqing."
"It's truly wonderful that my childhood friend is Keqing."
The starkly different words, tone, and smile left Keqing feeling dazed, a warmth blossoming in her chest.
Keqing smiled back. "The feeling's mutual. Meeting you has been my good fortune."
Evaluation: C-
Qin Yu fidgeted with her hair, thinking, What are we even saying?
Ah, this is so embarrassing! Let's change the subject quickly...
"I still remember you saying back then that you wished I had been your childhood friend," Keqing teased.
"Ah, ahahaha..."
Why did you have to bring that up?!
Qin Yu felt a surge of annoyance and decided to retaliate.
She chuckled, "I also remember Keqing crying back then, claiming it was just sand in her eyes."
They both held plenty of embarrassing secrets about each other. It was a game of chicken: whoever couldn't handle dredging them up first would lose.
True to form, Keqing pressed her forehead, looking mortified. "You still remember that? Th-there was nothing I could do about it! I couldn't exactly say what was really happening back then!"
Wow, she's really stubborn.
Having successfully countered, Qin Yu didn't press further, content to watch Keqing squirm.
"We both said some pretty weird things back then, huh? How about we call it even?" Qin Yu asked.
"Let's call it even," Keqing agreed. "I can't take any more of this."
Qin Yu grinned. "Then it's settled! Let's just pretend it never happened!"
And spare me the embarrassment too.
Keqing, oblivious to Qin Yu's ulterior motives, secretly breathed a sigh of relief at her words.
She wouldn't deny those embarrassing memories that still made her squirm when she looked back.
It was precisely because she and the grown-up Qin Yu had repeatedly opened their hearts to each other that they had reached this point, standing side by side today.
But if she thought about it too much tonight, she'd definitely have trouble sleeping.
The past is what it is. What matters is the present and the future! Keqing thought to herself, and said:
"Let's find some places that are just for us in the future. What do you think?"
Qin Yu looked at her in surprise.
Keqing smiled back. "We can't just keep talking about the past. Qin Yu, you've already remembered everything, and one day we'll run out of old memories to share."
"That's why I want to go to more places with you in the future, to create even more memories worth cherishing."
As she said this, Keqing's heart inexplicably began to pound, and she pressed a hand to her chest, feeling a nervous flutter.
"It's up to you, though... what do you think?"
Does Keqing mean she'll take me to special places? To do special things?
Qin Yu's eyes lit up, and she nodded immediately. "Of course!"
Evaluation: C+
This was exactly what Keqing had hoped for.
The past is the past; we shouldn't keep dwelling on it.
If being childhood friends only means sharing stories from the past, then what's the point?
Qin Yu's answer put Keqing's mind at ease.
"Whether it's work, life, or relationships, we always have to keep moving forward," Keqing said, gazing out at the sea.
"Hmm..."
Qin Yu murmured in agreement, finally dispelling her last lingering hesitation.
"Alright, let's get this over with!" Qin Yu patted her cheeks.
"Keqing, about yesterday... do you remember me mentioning I wanted to talk to you about something important today?" Qin Yu tried to keep her voice steady.
Keqing, of course, hadn't forgotten this important matter and had been wondering when Qin Yu would finally bring it up.
"I remember," Keqing replied.
The matter Qin Yu wanted to discuss was crucial to both of them. What could it be? Keqing felt a mix of curiosity and anxiety, fearing Qin Yu might drop a bombshell like, "I have a terminal illness," or "I'm getting married!"
Qin Yu took a deep breath.
"Keqing, are you willing to listen?"
"Always. Tell me," Keqing said with a gentle smile.
"Then I'll say it!"
"Go ahead!"
"Okay! Here I go!"
"Mm-hmm!"
Qin Yu averted her gaze and said stiffly, "I... I've actually been pretending to be someone I'm not this whole time. It was all so you wouldn't dislike me, but it was still a lie. I'm sorry!"
"From now on, I want to be my true self and stay with you, Keqing. If there's anything you don't like about the real me, I'll change!"
Qin Yu suddenly moved closer to Keqing, startling her.
"Wait a moment," Keqing said.
Keqing gestured for Qin Yu to wait a moment, then furrowed her brow, struggling to grasp Qin Yu's meaning.
This is a lot to process. I need to digest this.
After a moment, she confirmed, "So you've never shown your true self to anyone? Everything before was a deliberate facade?"
Qin Yu nodded nervously, awaiting Keqing's response.
Keqing pondered, To hide one's true self to avoid being disliked... She found it hard to grasp. So what if people dislike you? As long as you're doing what's right, isn't that enough?
Ultimately, it's impossible to be universally liked!
Even something as delicious as Golden Shrimp Balls has its detractors. If food can't escape criticism, how could a person?
Despite her difficulty understanding, Keqing wouldn't voice her skepticism. Seeing Qin Yu's earnest expression, she knew how deeply this mattered to him.
In that case, she should try to understand from Qin Yu's perspective.
She's pretending to avoid being disliked... Does that mean she's afraid of being disliked? So Qin Yu really cares so much about what others think?
"...Are you afraid of being disliked?" Keqing asked, a painful knot tightening in her chest.
"Mm... yes, I am. Don't let my outward appearance fool you—my current personality isn't exactly the best. Of course, I'm working on improving it."
Qin Yu's expression turned gloomy. "Still, some things are hard to change. If they slip out unintentionally and Lady Keqing, you grow to despise me, then our relationship will just cool down and break apart—"
A surge of emotion rushed to Keqing's heart, making her grip Qin Yu's shoulders.
"That won't happen," Keqing declared firmly.
Evaluation: B
Though Qin Yu was pleased by Keqing's words, she also wished Keqing would listen carefully to her full explanation and consider it thoroughly before responding. That would give her greater peace of mind.
"Please let me finish. Originally, I just wanted to make you all happy. That way, there would be no problems. But it's become increasingly unbearable."
"...I once wanted to confess to you, Keqing, because you're my precious childhood friend, but fear held me back. The closer our bond, the harder it became to say it."
"However, this wasn't right. What outsiders think doesn't matter, but I can't keep lying to you—to all of you who risked your lives to save me, and especially to you, Keqing, who sees me as family."
"I want to confess this truth, and I hope you can accept me. You mean the world to me, Keqing. Of course, I'll change if I need to... This is the important thing I wanted to tell you."
Qin Yu finished speaking, took a deep breath, her heart pounding with anxiety.
Keqing listened intently, her emotions a tangled mess.
"I never realized..." she sighed.
We were childhood friends, after all.
"That's because my acting was pretty good..." Qin Yu offered in reassurance.
I can't let Keqing blame herself. This is clearly my fault. She has nothing to regret.
Even if she gets angry and scolds me, I'll accept it, Qin Yu thought.
As long as our relationship doesn't break.
But if it does, I'll just have to try to fix it.
Because this desire to stay with Keqing forever would never change.
"...I'm sorry," Keqing suddenly apologized, her voice hoarse.
"Huh?"
"It must be because I wasn't there for you when you needed me most that you feel so insecure now," Keqing said, taking a deep breath and closing her eyes tightly.
Insecure? That's not it at all.
Keqing's words pierced Qin Yu's heart. Qin Yu shook her head and protested, "No, that's not it. I've always had a difficult personality, which is why I acted that way—"
"You can't fool either of us with that lie. I know exactly what you were like as a child. No one knows you better than I do!" Keqing retorted, denying Qin Yu's words. "And what else could have made you go from that to feeling so insecure, besides the Fiend incident and my decision to leave you?"
"That's not it!"
"It has to be. Teacher left you, and I... and ever since you were little, you've always been subjected to cruel rumors and gossip..." Keqing said, her expression conflicted.
Qin Yu hesitated, wanting to speak, but ultimately couldn't bring herself to say the words.
It was true. Ever since Teacher left—since the only family she had at the time had abandoned her—everything had felt hazy and disoriented.
If Keqing had stayed by my side back then, I'd be a completely different person now.
At the very least, I wouldn't be so awkward, so complicated.
But that's just a hypothetical.
It's all in the past now! Qin Yu gripped Keqing's hand, her thoughts drifting back.
"I've always liked you, Keqing, ever since we were little."
Evaluation: A-
Of course, it's just pure affection, nothing romantic. But emphasizing that would be... unwise.
Fortunately, Qin Yu's words had completely captured Keqing's attention.
Keqing's face flushed, becoming almost too red.
"Eh? Ever since we were little?"
"Mm, because you were my first and most important friend, my childhood companion. To me, you're like family, the other half of my soul," Qin Yu said, forcing herself to overcome her embarrassment.
I came here to confess, so why am I the one comforting Keqing now?
This bewildering situation made Qin Yu sigh inwardly.
So that's what she meant... Keqing, thoroughly embarrassed by her misunderstanding, found the joy that had momentarily lit up her eyes quickly replaced by sorrow and frustration.
"It was precisely the me I used to be who made that cruel and callous decision toward you..."
Keqing had never been able to come to terms with this.
Ugh! Seriously, why are you the one acting awkward now?! Qin Yu thought, her mind in turmoil.
"I don't care about that anymore!" Qin Yu declared.
"But the impact I had on you still lingers."
Qin Yu's temper flared.
Don't act like I haven't changed at all!
"That's not true! I was afraid of being disliked, I was insecure... but I've changed. I want to change."
"I want Keqing to accept my true self. I want to interact with you as my genuine self, to be taken to special places and do special things with you."
"Don't dismiss my efforts so easily, and please stop dwelling on this."
"Seeing you like this hurts me too. Please try to understand my feelings," Qin Yu pleaded, pressing her hands against Keqing's cheeks. Her eyes grew increasingly hot as she spoke.
Feeling tears streak down her cheeks, Qin Yu buried her face against Keqing's chest.
"Qin Yu?" Keqing asked, stunned.
"If you get snot on your clothes, it's your fault. Don't come crying to me."
Seeing Qin Yu's reaction, Keqing realized she had made another mistake.
"I'm sorry," Keqing murmured.
"...Take responsibility."
"Responsibility?"
Annoyed by Keqing's repeated apologies, Qin Yu pulled away from her chest, her face twisted with displeasure.
"Since you think you made me like this, then take responsibility for it."
Evaluation: A+
Keqing's expression shifted to surprise.
Take responsibility... Indeed, if it was her fault, she should take responsibility and take concrete action to make amends... no, Qin Yu didn't like amends...
Still, I have to do something.
Regaining some composure, Keqing said softly, "Alright, I'll take responsibility. Whatever you want me to do, I promise."
"...There's only one thing I want you to do."
"What is it?"
Qin Yu grasped Keqing's hand, lowered her head, and stammered, "It's... um, to accept the real me. Then I'll acknowledge you've taken proper responsibility."
Evaluation: S
Feeling the warmth of Qin Yu's hand on her own, Keqing's heart settled into a peaceful, comforting warmth.
Qin Yu's words were like a knife, piercing Keqing's heart with precision, scraping away the grime bit by bit.
Though she had said it was all an act, her concern for Keqing remained unwavering.
Keqing gripped Qin Yu's hand tightly in return, saying, "No matter what you're like, I'll accept you."
Evaluation: SS-
Qin Yu's expression softened.
"Then I forgive you," she said. "This matter is truly behind us now. Don't dwell on it anymore, or I'll be upset."
Only with Qin Yu's forgiveness did Keqing finally feel a sense of relief wash over her.
A whirlwind of emotions tangled within her as she replied, "Mm, I understand."
Qin Yu finally smiled, but then a new worry seemed to cloud her face. With a wavering expression, she embraced Keqing.
"I... I really have many flaws, you know," Qin Yu whispered in Keqing's ear, "though I'll try my best to improve them..."
Keqing hugged her back tightly. "It doesn't matter. I can accept everything about you. Besides, you say your personality is flawed, but is that just your own perception?"
"You just haven't seen the full extent of it yet."
"Then let me see it."
Recalling Qin Yu's earlier words, Keqing couldn't help but think:
Qin Yu had decided to reveal the truth to her, hoping Keqing would accept her. Didn't this mean Keqing had truly entered Qin Yu's heart?
I've entered her heart, allowing her to decide to reveal her true self.
Thinking this, feeling Qin Yu's warmth and breath, Keqing was overwhelmed with happiness and contentment.
The thought that Qin Yu had a side she didn't know only deepened her longing.
I want to understand you.
Let me know what the real you is like.
I want to touch you.
Let me touch the real you and see your reaction.
I want to be with you forever.
Because I...
Keqing's thoughts abruptly froze. Because what?
Because we're family? Because we're childhood friends? No, it's something far more intense, far deeper—something that captures the essence of my relationship with Qin Yu.
Love. The word exploded in Keqing's mind.
I... love Qin Yu? Realizing this, Keqing's entire body flushed with heat, her heart pounding wildly.
This wasn't the affection between friends or family; it was romantic love.
And she had felt this way since childhood, though the feelings had remained vague until now.
I've loved Qin Yu—as a girl—since we were little?!
Keqing suddenly felt dizzy and disoriented, unsure what to do.
While she didn't see anything wrong with relationships between women, Qin Yu was her childhood friend. What would Qin Yu's reaction be if she confessed her feelings?
What if I don't confess? But then, where would I put this longing in my heart?
At that thought, Keqing's desire deepened—to become lovers with Qin Yu.
But to achieve that, she would have to confess and gain her acceptance.
"...Alright, there's nothing left to do here. Let's head back? We can explore Liyue Harbor again," Qin Yu suggested, releasing her hand.
Keqing snapped out of her reverie, momentarily unable to meet Qin Yu's gaze.
"Okay, let's go."
"Your hand."
"Hmm?"
A blush tinted Qin Yu's cheeks as she extended her hand. "You hold it."
Evaluation: SS+
After that, Keqing's memories grew hazy.
She vaguely remembered going somewhere with Qin Yu, sharing a meal, admiring some scenery, exchanging words... Everything felt hazy yet sweet, like a honey-glazed dream.
Throughout their time together, her mind had been consumed by thoughts of her and Qin Yu.
"Time's almost up," Qin Yu said with a hint of regret, drawing Keqing's attention.
Looking up, she saw that it was already dusk.
"We have to go back?" Keqing asked, her heart heavy with conflicting emotions.
"Yeah."
Qin Yu yawned, looking deeply fatigued.
Seeing this, Keqing suppressed the lingering reluctance on her face and tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear.
"Tomorrow... should we hang out again? I can shift my morning and noon plans to the afternoon. That would give us plenty of time to go somewhere else."
"Tomorrow, I have to return to Jueyun Karst with Shenhe for a follow-up checkup."
"A follow-up checkup?"
Qin Yu pointed to her chest, explaining with a hint of resignation, "Shenhe's Master doesn't seem entirely reassured. She wants me to undergo a thorough examination by the Adepti, so I can't."
Keqing's voice fell, "Oh, I see."
Seeing Keqing's dejected expression, Qin Yu felt a strange sense of satisfaction.
This meant Keqing truly accepted her and didn't dislike her.
Keqing then asked, "Then I'll walk you home, shall I?"
"That's not necessary."
Keqing's disappointment deepened. "I see..."
Why is Keqing's mood swinging so wildly? Qin Yu wondered, confused. Unable to bear Keqing's dejected state, she thought perhaps she was being a little clingy and said, "Alright, then... would you mind walking me halfway?"
Keqing finally smiled.
They chatted about various topics along the way. When they reached the halfway point, Qin Yu felt a pang of reluctance to part.
"Want to join me for dinner?" Qin Yu invited.
Keqing felt a flicker of temptation, but she needed to calm down first and properly reflect on her feelings for Qin Yu—to truly consider the nature of love.
Smiling, she declined, "No, thank you."
"Then I'll be going?"
"Mm."
Qin Yu waved goodbye and turned to leave.
Next, she would return to her new home... New home? Keqing remembered Qin Yu was living with Shenhe.
There was no doubt that Shenhe and Qin Yu held considerable affection for each other; otherwise, they wouldn't have bought a house together specifically to live together.
Could they actually be lovers in secret?
No, it doesn't quite feel that way.
But even if they aren't now, they might become so in the future...
"Qin Yu."
Keqing snapped out of her thoughts and realized she had called out to Qin Yu and grabbed her hand.
What am I doing? She froze for a few seconds.
Then the answer surged to the surface:
I want to confess. I want to know for sure. I need to know how Qin Yu feels about me—if she could accept me as her lover...
Qin Yu, her hand held, noticed Keqing's hesitation and blinked in confusion. "What is it?"
But is this right?No, there's nothing wrong with it.
How could expressing your feelings to someone you love be wrong? Since it's not wrong—since it's right—I should just say it openly and honestly!
Keqing had made up her mind.
She took a soft breath, her cheeks flushed but her gaze steady, and said earnestly, "I like you."
"....Huh?"
She likes me?
Qin Yu's face and ears burned crimson. What is Keqing suddenly saying?
"I also..."
To avoid any misunderstanding, Keqing emphasized, "I mean like in the romantic sense."
Qin Yu's mind froze.
Keqing pressed her lips against his, their breaths mingling, their body heat merging.
Evaluation: SSS-
Qin Yu's confusion intensified. His frozen thoughts creaked back to life like rusty gears struggling to turn, but he still couldn't grasp the situation. The lingering kiss, as if conveying Keqing's feelings, grew so intense that Qin Yu felt he might melt.
Naturally, any questions he might have had were scorched away by the overwhelming heat.
Only pure emotion flowed between them.
Keqing gently stroked Qin Yu's cheek, her voice trembling slightly. "I know this is sudden, but... I want to ask you, would you be willing?"
"Okay..." Qin Yu mumbled dazedly.
Evaluation: SSS