"It really doesn't fit anymore."
Having finished work, Keqing couldn't help but reminisce about the time she and Qin Yu made toy rings together and exchanged them. She couldn't resist trying to put hers on again.
The result was obvious: it wouldn't fit.
The sizes were completely mismatched.
Although both she and Qin Yu had slender, long fingers, their hands were now much larger than when they were children. It was only natural that the rings wouldn't fit.
Yet Keqing found this "natural" outcome deeply unsatisfying.
Each ring actually had its own name: the one Keqing held was named "Yu," while the one Qin Yu wore was named "Qing."
By giving each other half of their names, they had shared a part of themselves.
That's why, back then, when they had worn these toy rings—which could also be described as "miniature shackles"—they could clearly feel each other's presence.
It has a soul, the kindly shopkeeper at the general store had said.
Remembering that it was because of this ring that she and Qin Yu had embraced again after so long, Keqing couldn't help but wonder if it might be true.
She had lost the ring back then, but now it felt more like the ring had jumped off her finger on its own.
I couldn't find it because it wanted Qin Yu to find it. And indeed, Qin Yu had been the first to discover it...
But no matter what, it wouldn't fit now. What couldn't be done simply couldn't be done.
Keqing toyed with the ring and sighed softly.
"The 'small shackles' we used to lock each other... I can't even do that anymore."
Keqing shook her head, refusing to sink into this heavy, lonely, and wistful mood.
Speaking of which...
"Qin Yu seems to have returned."
She'd been away for several days. Ningguang had told Keqing that Qin Yu was with Shenhe, having stayed one night at Wangshu Inn before continuing west.
It seemed they'd gone to Jueyun Karst.
Keqing didn't believe the Adeptus Sect would reveal the truth, but she feared that Qin Yu might suddenly remember if triggered.
Now, she'd resolved to rush to Qin Yu's side the moment she remembered, no longer avoiding her or preventing her from recalling the past.
Though, she still didn't want her to remember.
"Keqing... they stole our shackles..." Little Qin Yu had sobbed back then.
It was precisely because this toy ring was so incredibly important to both of them that a series of events unfolded, ultimately leading to this outcome.
Just thinking about it made Keqing's blood boil. Even after all these years, she couldn't find peace.
Better not dwell on it.
She took a deep breath and exhaled slowly. Keqing felt her inner turmoil subside slightly, her gaze involuntarily returning to the toy ring between her thumb and forefinger.
Suddenly, she recalled something Qin Yu had said over ten days ago:
"I'll have plenty of free time this month!"
"...Huh?"
Keqing frowned in confusion, crossing her arms in thoughtful contemplation.
Then, a realization dawned on her.
I understand completely.
Then she was struck by a sudden realization.
Could it be that she kept repeating that phrase because she wanted to ask me out?
If she went to Jueyun Karst with Shenhe, could she be on an extended vacation?
Right, she did mention taking this month off...
Keqing immediately sought out Ningguang.
"Qin Yu? Ah, yes, I granted her a month's leave," Ningguang said, leaning back in her chair. "You should understand the reasons. She seems to be doing quite well, which puts my mind at ease. She'll be returning to the Jade Chamber in a few days... What's wrong? You don't look well."
No wonder Qin Yu kept saying that.
She's been completely free this past month, and her repeated emphasis on that fact was likely a subtle hint that she wanted to go out with me.
And me?
"Why don't I find something for you to do?" Keqing recalled her own words, cringing with embarrassment.
She had thought she understood Qin Yu's intentions, but not only had she missed the mark, she had even suggested Qin Yu find something else to do.
Oh, heavens.
Qin Yu hadn't come to see her once during this time. Is she angry?
Anyone would be angry. Keqing was already furious with her past self—she couldn't imagine how Qin Yu must feel.
Even the best temperament has its limits.
No, I have to apologize to Qin Yu and try to ask her out.
Ever since Qin Yu lost her memories and Keqing gradually outgrew her metaphorical "small shackles," they had been drifting apart, constantly missing each other.
The reason they were able to reconcile today and become friends again was entirely due to Qin Yu's efforts.
It was she who had chased after me, grasped my hand, and forced two lines that would have remained parallel to intersect.
But we can't stay in this state forever.
This time, it's my turn to chase after her.
Let's do it!
There's no need to hesitate!
Keqing had always been decisive and efficient. Once she made up her mind, she would see it through without wavering.
She swiftly arrived at Qin Yu's door. As she reached out to knock, she paused, her hand hovering hesitantly.
Wait, she might not be home right now. Should I come back later? I need to prepare myself too—no, that won't do! I can't hesitate. This isn't like me at all.
Keqing took a deep breath.
No more hesitation!
Knock, knock, knock. She rapped her knuckles against the door and stood silently, outwardly composed but inwardly a bundle of nerves.
The door swung open.
"May I ask who's there... Eh?"
"Qin—Hmm?"
Keqing and Ganyu blinked in unison.
Keqing hadn't expected Ganyu to answer the door. She took a step back, double-checking that this was indeed Qin Yu's current residence, her confusion deepening.
What's Ganyu doing here?
Ganyu ventured cautiously, "Could it be... you're here to see Qin Yu?"
"Yes. How are you..."
"I'll go get her."
Keqing nodded somewhat blankly. As Ganyu closed the door and her footsteps faded quickly away, a subtle unease began to stir in Keqing's heart.
Ganyu's words had given the impression that they were... living together.
Fortunately, the door opened again soon enough, not giving Keqing too much time to dwell on such thoughts.
This time, it was Qin Yu herself.
The moment Qin Yu saw Keqing, she let out a soft "Ugh?"
What a strange reaction, Keqing thought.
Qin Yu's peculiar response left Keqing somewhat at a loss, adding another layer of hesitation to her already conflicted feelings.
But she couldn't remain silent any longer.
"Good afternoon, Qin Yu," Keqing said, feigning composure.
"Ah... Good afternoon," Qin Yu replied, forcing a strained smile.
Why now? Of all times, why now? If she wanted to see me, couldn't she have come earlier or later?
But no, she had to come at exactly this moment.
Qin Yu had just recalled the origins of the ring, her heart still racing when Keqing appeared at her door. Her emotions were a tangled mess, even she struggled to untangle them.
A surge of joy was followed by irritation, which then gave way to overwhelming guilt. Seeing Keqing only deepened her self-loathing—how could she have forgotten something so important? No wonder Keqing stopped reaching out to her.
All she wanted was some time alone to calm down.
After a while, I should be able to act normal again... Though Qin Yu doubted she could ever treat Keqing the same way again.
But I can't let it show. There's no need for Keqing to know.
Nor did Qin Yu want Keqing to worry. I'm the one who broke our promise, why would she care about me? Absolutely not.
Compose yourself.
"What brings you here today?" Qin Yu asked with a smile.
Seeing Qin Yu's smile, Keqing calmed slightly.
She doesn't seem angry. Thank goodness.
Keqing absolutely couldn't bear to see Qin Yu angry with her. But it had been over ten days now—surely she couldn't still be holding a grudge, right?
What was she like back then?
Keqing pondered, then found herself wanting to ask Ganyu why she was at Qin Yu's house.
But that's a private matter. It wouldn't be appropriate to ask, and there's no need anyway. I only came here for one reason.
"Tomorrow... are you free?"
Qin Yu asked, puzzled, "Tomorrow? Yes, I am. Why?"
Is she asking me to do something?
No. I'm not in the mood. Not interested. Find someone else.
"Would you like to go out and have some fun tomorrow?"
"...Eh?"
Keqing spoke earnestly, though her voice trembled slightly, "I'll make time tomorrow! It was my fault for not realizing your feelings sooner. I'm sorry. Ah, it's not exactly a way to make up for it... Anyway, what do you say?"
Go out with Keqing tomorrow?
And the way she's saying it... Ah! She finally gets it! I'm so happy—wait, you thought I'd say that?!
It's been how many days?! I came to see you at the beginning of my vacation, and you only realize now, when it's almost over?!
The more Qin Yu thought about it, the more annoyed she became.
Well, at least she finally reacted, even if her reaction time was absurdly slow. It made Qin Yu wonder if Keqing truly cared about their childhood friendship.
Never mind.
Qin Yu left the house, not really wanting to spend time alone with Keqing during this period.
"This..." Qin Yu hesitated.
Keqing didn't understand why Qin Yu was hesitating. Hadn't she said she'd be free tomorrow?
But now wasn't the time to press for an explanation.
"Let's go on a date," Keqing blurted out.
Ha?!
Qin Yu jumped in surprise, her head practically steaming. "A d-date?" she stammered, her voice cracking.
Evaluation: D (Keqing)
"Why are you reacting so dramatically? It's not a big deal! 'Date' can mean many things. I just meant we should go out and have fun together... U-um, that's all. Please say yes," Keqing said, her face flushing crimson.
She had meant to say, "Let's go hang out," but somehow those words morphed into this.
Evaluation: C- (Keqing)
Then why couldn't you just say "Let's go hang out" normally?! Qin Yu fumed inwardly. Why use such a loaded word that could be easily misinterpreted? And why do you need my permission?!
No way! Absolutely not!
Unless... you elaborate a little more.
"I..."
Seeing Qin Yu still hadn't agreed, Keqing wasn't discouraged, considering it perfectly reasonable.
Keqing suddenly gripped Qin Yu's hand.
Whoa!?
Qin Yu's heart seemed to constrict, her chest tightening in panic. Logically, she should be used to handshakes by now, yet she still reacted this way, leaving even herself puzzled.
Evaluation: C+ (Keqing)
Keqing's gaze locked onto Qin Yu's.
Don't stare at me like that!
"Is there anywhere you'd like to go?"
Nowhere!
"N-no..." Qin Yu mumbled, her face flushing.
"Then, is there anything you'd like to eat?"
Nothing!
"N-nothing..." Qin Yu whispered.
Hearing this, Keqing was at a loss for how to continue.
Why is Qin Yu saying she wants nothing?
This left Keqing completely clueless about what Qin Yu desired.
Wait, now that I think about it, she previously said she "couldn't accept" this room I prepared for her. At that time, her attitude was...
Keqing tightened her grip on Qin Yu's hand.
"I want to be with you, even if we do nothing at all," Keqing said earnestly.
Evaluation: B- (Keqing)
Seeing Keqing speak again, Qin Yu had a bad feeling.
"...What about you?"
I knew it wouldn't be anything good, and it's utterly despicable. Whether considering her character or any other aspect, Qin Yu had only one possible answer—though she desperately didn't want to give it.
Lowering her head, Qin Yu reluctantly replied, "Me too..."
Evaluation: B+ (Keqing)
This is so annoying. Qin Yu's frustration grew.
Keqing's eyes lit up.
"Then?"
Don't look so hopeful.
Besides, what's there to look forward to with a woman like me who even forgot our promise? Well, maybe it's for the best—like trying to make up for things? Though this is something that can never truly be repaid.
"Mm, tomorrow would work."
Keqing let out a deep sigh of relief.
Thank goodness. Just as she was thinking this, Qin Yu asked:
"Keqing, I wanted to ask... can you still wear the ring?"
Understanding that Qin Yu meant the "shackles," Keqing shook her head gently.
"I can't... It can't be helped, I've grown up. The size no longer fits. But I've always kept it with me! I treasure it just as much as you do."
As expected, Keqing's the same.
It can't bind us anymore.
Qin Yu forced a faint smile. "Just as I thought."
After arranging a time and place to meet with Keqing, Qin Yu returned to her room. When Ganyu asked what they had been discussing, Qin Yu candidly replied, "We're going out together tomorrow."
It's not a date!
"I see... I think you should talk to her about it," Ganyu murmured softly. "She'll understand."
Will she? Of course she will, right? In fact, she probably understood and accepted it from the beginning.
Qin Yu felt a surge of admiration for Keqing.
To carry such memories and reality... Wow, she's truly amazing. She's completely different from me.
But Qin Yu didn't actually want Keqing to accept it.
Keqing's words from earlier were still vivid in her mind:
"It can't be helped. We've both grown up." Keqing's attitude was so natural, her thinking so reasonable. Accepting it as inevitable, she refused to dwell on it.
So rational.
And indeed, the reality was unavoidable.
But Qin Yu wanted to keep wearing it. Even if she couldn't wear it, she would still dream of doing so.
Completely irrational.
That's why Qin Yu didn't want Keqing to accept it.
If Keqing did accept it, they would be the same—both wanting to "keep each other chained," even if "it's impossible to chain each other again," at least their hearts would still be aligned.
My personality is truly awful.
I'm even thinking of dragging Keqing down with me.
Isn't it great to move on from the past? Qin Yu thought, convincing herself. Yet deep down, a tiny, almost imperceptible feeling lingered—a persistent sense of discontent.