Keqing was visibly surprised.
"So you've already remembered. No wonder you asked me yesterday if I could still wear the ring." Keqing paused, then replied with a wry smile, "I'm sorry. I completely forgot about something so important..." Qin Yu whispered, mortified.
I'm such a terrible person.
Keqing desperately wanted to comfort Qin Yu, telling her that it couldn't be helped. But if Qin Yu asked, "Why can't it be helped?" she wouldn't know how to answer.
"I don't care"—that was equally impossible to say.
In truth, Keqing did care about this, especially now.
"But... you remembered. That's enough for me. You don't need to dwell on it... What matters most is the present and the future, right?" Keqing forced a smile, trying to sound upbeat.
So, the past doesn't matter?
Everything Keqing said was logical, yet Qin Yu couldn't shake off her lingering unease.
Maybe I'm just too sentimental, Qin Yu mused absentmindedly, pulling a toy ring from inside her collar. She tried to slip it onto her index finger, then her pinky, but it wouldn't fit.
My fingers were so tiny back then.
Watching Qin Yu's actions, Keqing felt a wave of mixed emotions.
"It won't fit," Qin Yu murmured, pouting.
"That's because you've grown up."
Qin Yu rested her hand on the railing, her head bowed. "If only I could shrink back down."
"That's just wishful thinking. It's impossible, you know? People can't turn back time," Keqing sighed softly.
"Can't they?"
Keqing sighed helplessly. "Of course not. Even if we could physically shrink, we can't simply return to that day. Everything has changed. Look, so many shops have changed, haven't they?"
That was true enough.
But even if it was impossible, Qin Yu still longed to return to that day.
Even if she couldn't put on the "shackles," she would keep longing to wear them.
Admittedly, it was more like a childish tantrum born of unattainable desire than genuine resistance.
Yet precisely because of this, Qin Yu felt a pang of melancholy at Keqing's matter-of-fact attitude.
"Keqing... don't you want to go back?"
"It's impossible."
"Just 'wanting' it, though."
Keqing blinked. Wanting? If it's just about imagining... Of course she wanted to go back. That way, she could save Qin Yu, and they wouldn't have ended up like this.
So she answered frankly, "I do."
That single word lifted Qin Yu's spirits considerably.
Evaluation: C+
See? She still wants to go back! Hmph...
"What about the ring? Do you want to wear it?"
"Yes."
Evaluation: B-
Keqing took out the toy ring she always carried, a sorrowful expression crossing her face. "But... I can't."
Her finger wouldn't fit through the ring.
Perhaps this is because these are no longer the "shackles" that bind us now. They belong to our shared past.
Qin Yu felt this truth deeply, leaving her feeling lost and disoriented.
The ring symbolizes each of us as the other's missing half, the other's soul.
If it doesn't fit, doesn't that mean... Qin Yu refused to delve further into that thought. Her only consolation was that Keqing still wanted to wear it.
Qin Yu sniffed. "Yeah, it doesn't fit."
Hearing her say that, a sense of loss welled up in Keqing's heart, followed by a hollow emptiness.
She had been ignoring it for so long.
But now, confronted with their shared past, it resurfaced once more.
"I'm so sorry," Qin Yu's voice grew slightly hoarse. "I forgot how important this was to us..."
Keqing pursed her lips and took a deep breath.
"No, the fault lies with me. Even if I didn't want you to remember, I shouldn't have... just left you like that," Keqing said slowly.
She had always known this day would come—the day they would both have to confront their past.
It seems that day is now, Keqing thought.
"Actually, I attended your adoptive mother's funeral, Teacher's. But I only watched from afar."
So that's how it was, Qin Yu thought, unsurprised.
"And before Teacher passed, she entrusted me with taking care of you."
Qin Yu couldn't help but look up at Keqing, who hesitated, her lips trembling slightly.
Come to think of it, her teacher had never said anything at all.
"But I failed. I was supposed to stay by your side, yet I left and kept avoiding you. No matter the reasons, it was wrong."
Keqing's lips trembled slightly. "...I'm the one who should be apologizing. I'm sorry."
Indeed, Keqing had acted improperly.
If not for a series of events, Qin Yu might never have known she had a childhood friend. And she would have continued to be deceived by Keqing.
The deception itself wasn't the worst part—the most important thing was that it had erased vital memories.
And if Qin Yu hadn't forgotten so much, Keqing wouldn't have acted this way.
So the real fault lies with me! Qin Yu insisted earnestly, "It's my fault. If I hadn't forgotten..."
"You're not to blame. It's my fault."
Ha?
Qin Yu's lips twitched inwardly, a sudden surge of irritation washing over her. I already said it was my fault. Why can't Keqing understand?
This isn't something to be proud of. Why are we arguing about it?
If I could just remember..., she thought resentfully. None of this would have happened. Why can't you understand? Qin Yu wanted to acknowledge her own fault, so the memory would be permanently etched in her heart.
I won't forget it again, she vowed.
Like a dark history, such moments always linger more vividly than happy memories.
If I could have stayed by your side...
None of this would have happened. Keqing knew this to be true. Since it was my mistake, I must accept the consequences with dignity, she resolved firmly.
And never repeat the error.
Ugh, what a stubborn woman... Qin Yu muttered inwardly, but she couldn't let Keqing take the blame for this.
"No, it's my fault!"
"My fault!"
Ha? I said don't fight over it!
-1000!
"Qin Yu, slap me."
"You slap me."
Absolutely not!
"Hurry! The harder, the better. Accepting punishment for wrongdoing is only right," Keqing said resolutely, stepping closer.
Qin Yu's face flushed slightly, and she instinctively took a step back.
Don't shout so loudly! What if someone notices? Honestly... Tsk, fine, I'll punish you a little then! Helpless, Qin Yu raised her hand.
A flicker of unease crossed Keqing's eyes, Qin Yu had never done anything like this before. But she steeled her wavering heart and closed her eyes.
Bring it on! Keqing mentally screamed.
Qin Yu took a shallow breath and lowered her hand.
Snap! Qin Yu's hands clamped down on Keqing's face.
"Huh?" Keqing's eyes snapped open, her expression a mix of surprise and confusion.
You thought I'd actually do it? Hmph... how could I possibly go through with it?
I'm already a hopelessly wicked woman. If I actually struck you, I'd become even worse, downright vicious.
But the punishment has only just begun.
Qin Yu's fingers pinched Keqing's cheeks, tugging them outward.
Keqing's bewilderment deepened. "Qin Yu? Why..."
"This is your punishment."
"No, this doesn't even- Ouch, ouch, ouch..." Keqing winced as the pinching grew painful.
"Doesn't even count?" Qin Yu said with a malicious grin.
Keqing shook her head. "Of course not. I did such terrible things to you..."
"And I did terrible things to you, Keqing."
That couldn't be helped, Keqing protested silently.
"You didn't want me to remember painful things. You said that once, remember? Though it was before we knew each other..."
"Ah..." Keqing's gaze darted away.
A lonely smile flickered across Qin Yu's face.
"But Keqing... don't you feel any pain?"
Pain. I feel it, I feel it, Keqing thought fiercely, but the words caught in her throat.
Qin Yu moved closer to Keqing, their uneven breaths mingling in the air.
"Even if Keqing suffers for just a moment, I... feel responsible. You understand, right? So, do the same to me. Punish me for not remembering you, punish me for forgetting you."
Keqing understood Qin Yu perfectly.
The number of moments Qin Yu suffered reflected the weight of Keqing's own guilt. But could a mere pinch of the cheek truly be considered punishment? Keqing couldn't fully accept that.
Yet since Qin Yu had asked, she would comply.
Watery light flickered in Keqing's eyes as she slowly reached out and pinched Qin Yu's cheek.
Soft skin, strands of hair brushing against the back of her hand, the distinct and familiar warmth... those unchanging amber eyes. So beautiful. Keqing couldn't help but smile.
Evaluation: B+
"This feels so strange."
"What are you smiling at? This is supposed to be punishment!" Qin Yu couldn't help but grin too.
"I know, but... alright then, I'll punish you properly. It might sting a little."
Just... just don't leave a mark.
Keqing applied a little more pressure, sending waves of pain through Qin Yu's cheek. Refusing to back down, Qin Yu continued pinching Keqing's face. But without realizing it, her pinching turned into a gentle touch, her fingers lingering against Keqing's skin.
Keqing felt the same way.
"I'm sorry, Qin Yu," Keqing said softly but earnestly, cupping Qin Yu's cheeks with both hands.
I'm tired of hearing this.
"No, I'm the one who should be sorry, Keqing."
Keqing thought to herself that no matter how many times she apologized, her mistakes wouldn't simply vanish. She wasn't seeking Qin Yu's forgiveness; these words were more for her own sake.
I can't forget this. I need to make amends properly... No, not just make amends. I need to do what's right.
Though she didn't want Qin Yu to relive painful memories, she would stay by her side regardless.
"I won't leave you," Keqing vowed.
Evaluation: A
How can you even say that without a shred of shame? Qin Yu muttered inwardly, her face flushing rapidly. She wanted to believe Keqing's words.
But she couldn't.
Both of them had broken their promises once. Unless Keqing could prove it.
"Prove it... to me," Qin Yu whispered.
Prove it? Keqing pondered, deep in thought.
This was a real challenge. Having already broken her promise once, how could she possibly prove her sincerity now?
Cuff her.
The thought flashed through Keqing's mind.
I want to cuff Keqing. Does Keqing want to cuff me? If we cuff each other, we won't leave so easily.Yes, if we cuff each other, we won't leave so easily.
But the ring wouldn't fit anymore.
They had both grown into adults. There was no going back. They couldn't become children again.
Well... if we can't go back, we can't go back. What matters is now and the future.
Keqing made up her mind.
"Alright, I'll prove it to you. Let's go."
She lowered her hand and instead took Qin Yu's hand.
The sudden touch startled Qin Yu, and she was completely bewildered by Keqing's words.
How is she going to prove it?
Following behind Keqing, Qin Yu couldn't help but ask, "H-how are you going to prove it?"
Keqing stopped.
She turned around, a radiant smile on her face.
"We'll cuff ourselves to each other."
Cuff themselves? But the ring wouldn't fit anymore... Qin Yu was deeply confused, but seeing Keqing's expression and feeling the warmth radiating from her palm, it felt as if she could sense Keqing's very emotions.
So Qin Yu chose to trust her.
"Then... take me there."
To do something special.
Evaluation: A+
The two arrived at a jewelry shop.
"What can I help you with today? Oh—bracelets! We have many styles. What kind are you looking for?"
"What kind of bracelet do you want?"
"One that won't break."
"Pretty."
And...
"One that will always connect us."
Evaluation: S
A pair of bracelets, one named "Qing" and the other "Yu".
"Let's give each other half of our names."
Giving each other half of themselves.
Evaluation: S+
Not bracelets, but shackles.
These shackles were treasures that bound their hearts together. The "shackles" each possessed were actually the other's missing half.
"Not rings, but bracelets, huh?"
"This way, we don't have to worry about them not fitting... unless we get fat," Keqing said.
"Y-yeah, that's true too."
"Well, as long as we exercise regularly, we'll be fine. Here, let me put it on for you."
Keqing fastened the bracelet on Qin Yu's wrist.
A faint click echoed—the shackle had been secured.
The bracelets weren't particularly ornate; Keqing and Qin Yu had deliberately chosen a simpler design. When they put them on, they didn't feel the same intense sense of closeness they had before, the feeling of each other being right beside them.
Perhaps it's because these weren't handmade, Qin Yu thought. They lack the soul I would have infused into them.
I need a magic spell... The absurd thought flashed through her mind. Seizing Keqing's arm, Qin Yu pressed her lips against the bracelet.
A little cold.
Keqing blushed. "What are you doing?"
"Ahaha, enchanting it?" Qin Yu stammered awkwardly.
When she came to her senses, she wanted to jump into the sea from embarrassment. So mortifying.
"Enchanting? Ah—now that you mention it, I don't feel that mystical connection anymore. Do you really think this will work?" Keqing asked, puzzled.
I don't know.
But maybe.
Qin Yu nodded slightly. Seeing this, Keqing hesitated before taking Qin Yu's arm and pressing her own lips against the bracelet.
"Like this... is that enough?" Keqing exhaled a warm breath, self-consciously tucking a strand of hair behind her ear.
I think I feel something now... hazy, faint.
"Do you feel something now?" Keqing asked.
"Mm, maybe a little."
"How curious... but with this, we've essentially chained ourselves to each other again," Keqing mused.
"Mm-hmm."
I suppose it counts, barely.
Sitting on the bench outside, Qin Yu found herself endlessly fascinated by their "shackles." She raised her hand, her palm now much larger than when she was a child, and held it up to the sun. The bracelet on her wrist gleamed clearly, its luster catching the light.
"It won't grow with us, will it?"
"No. And we won't grow any bigger either."
"So we can keep wearing them forever?"
Keqing smiled gently. "Exactly."
"But... what if... I mean, just in case, what if it stops fitting again?" Qin Yu asked anxiously.
Like, if it breaks.
"Then we'll shackle ourselves together again. Whether it's a ring, a bracelet, or a necklace... as long as we're together, we can shackle ourselves again and again. Even if it doesn't fit, I'll stay by your side," Keqing said, her smile tinged with bashfulness.
The important thing is the person.
It's not about the place, the object—it's about the person. That sea, the rings they made as children...
So, as long as they desired it, they could shackle themselves together countless times.
Evaluation: SS-
Qin Yu withdrew her hand and looked at Keqing.
"Even if you catch a cold?"
"Mm-hmm."
"Even if you're injured?"
"Of course."
"Together?"
"Together."
Qin Yu murmured, "I see." Then she leaned her head against Keqing's shoulder.
Keqing glanced at Qin Yu but said nothing, leaning back against her in return.
She blinked, and for a moment, she seemed to see two girls hand-in-hand, walking away step by step until they vanished. Even if she chased after them, she doubted she could ever catch them.
Because that was the past.
But there was no need to hold onto it.
As Keqing felt the familiar warmth, the emptiness in her heart rapidly dissipated, as if the other half of her soul had returned, making her whole again.
So divination was wrong after all. Parallel lines? Nonsense, Keqing thought.
Come to think of it, Qin Yu had said back then,
"When you come back, remember to say 'I'm home.'"
Yes, that was it.
Keqing smiled naturally. "I'm home."
"...Mm. Welcome back."
Score... +20,000 will do. Passing grade.
Their bracelets clinked together.
Evaluation: SS+
-
A few days after Little Keqing left, Little Qin Yu was, as usual, squatting at the crossroads waiting. Just as she was about to doze off, a shout rang out:
"Qin Yu!"
Little Qin Yu jolted awake and immediately stood up to look. Little Keqing came sprinting toward her and instinctively threw her arms around Little Qin Yu.
"I'm back!"
Little Qin Yu grinned brightly.
"Yeah! Welcome back!"