Keqing desperately wanted to ignore the two cups and toothbrushes placed together, but she couldn't help but focus on them.
Qin Yu lived alone. Why were there two cups and toothbrushes?
Could one person use two sets? The idea seemed absurd; no matter how she considered it, it made no sense. Why would Qin Yu do that?
But once she dismissed this illogical notion, the answer surfaced:
Someone else lives here with Qin Yu.
Who is it? How could I not know? Keqing stared at the cups and toothbrushes, noticing they were a matching set, identical except for their colors: one purple, the other icy blue.
Did they buy them together?
Could it be she has a boyfriend? The thought made Keqing's heart race.
As Qin Yu's childhood friend, Keqing felt obligated to vet her partner. What if he's a bad guy?
Unable to contain herself, Keqing stormed out of the room.
"Qin Yu!"
Qin Yu, who was idly responding to Hu Tao's chatter, jumped at Keqing's urgent call. "What is it?" she asked hurriedly.
Keqing strode briskly to stand before Qin Yu.
"Is there something important you haven't told me yet?" Keqing pressed a hand to her chest, suppressing the rising anxiety welling up inside her, and forced her voice to remain calm.
Ha? Why is she asking this so suddenly?
Could it be she's figured out... the truth about my role-playing? Qin Yu instantly grasped the situation. Though her heart raced with anxiety, she forced a smile. She couldn't afford to panic now.
I'll tell you later, so don't ask now! When? Sometime later, that's all.
"N-no, nothing at all."
Keqing frowned slightly, dissatisfied with Qin Yu's answer, and took another step forward.
"Really? Really nothing? Or are you just refusing to tell me? After all... we've both re-shackled ourselves to new chains. As childhood friends, don't I have the right to know?"
If you've gotten a boyfriend, just say so! Such a major life event can't be taken lightly! Keqing thought fiercely.
Ugh, why are you being so aggressive? I know I was wrong to deceive you. I know I'm a bad woman, and you have every right to know. But still, I needed time...
Guilt made Qin Yu shrink back, instinctively stroking her bracelet.
"I... I didn't know how to tell you," she stammered.
Didn't know? Hmm... I see.
It must have been difficult to bring up.
It's not that she didn't want to tell me... Keqing thought, her heart easing slightly. But the muddy, viscous feeling in her chest lingered.
If she has a boyfriend, they'll probably get married someday, right?
Qin Yu getting married... Keqing thought it was wonderful that Qin Yu could find her own happiness—something she deserved.
Yet deep down, a voice whispered reluctance.
Would the chains binding me to Qin Yu pale in comparison to another's ring? Keqing trusted Qin Yu wasn't that kind of person, but she couldn't help these irrational fears. It was only human.
"I'm sorry, I was too hasty," Keqing said with a gentle smile. "But if you ever make up your mind, just let me know."
"Keqing..."
She's such a good person.
Qin Yu's anxious heart finally relaxed after hearing those words.
Evaluation: D (Keqing)
Qin Yu clasped Keqing's hand. "Thank you!"
Keqing felt the sludge-like emotions in her heart slowly melt under Qin Yu's warmth, transforming into a different, nebulous feeling. Her heart skipped a beat.
Evaluation: C- (Keqing)
Even though we're childhood friends, why does this feel so strange?
Keqing thought, slightly embarrassed, but she still managed a smile.
"What are you thanking me for? It's you who needs to think this through properly."
"Ahaha..."
I do need to figure out how to explain things properly. But that's for later.
With her free hand, Keqing fiddled with Qin Yu's bracelet. The most important thing hasn't been said yet. After a moment's hesitation, she decided to be frank:
"And... when are you going to introduce him to me?"
"Huh?"
Introduce? Introduce whom?
Was this some kind of metaphor?
Introduce me to the real you!—Could that be what she meant? No, no, no. It sounded poetic, but it felt completely out of context.
Qin Yu asked, confused, "Introduce whom?"
"Eh?" Keqing was equally taken aback.
Why are you so surprised?
Yanfei and Hu Tao, who had been observing from the sidelines all this time, finally found an opportunity to chime in.
Their bracelets were identical, a matching pair? But if "childhood friends" referred to them, it wasn't surprising that they'd exchange paired gifts.
Still, their bond was remarkable. The atmosphere had been so intense moments ago that it was impossible to interrupt. Yanfei couldn't help but feel a twinge of envy toward such a close childhood friendship.
The only thing that struck her as odd was Keqing's mention of "shackles." It seemed like a metaphor, but to anyone else, it was completely baffling.
"Excuse me, what seems to be the trouble?" Yanfei asked.
Since their conversation was so disjointed, there must be some misunderstanding.
They'd need to start by figuring out why Keqing had suddenly asked that question.
Keqing noticed Yanfei and Hu Tao, slightly surprised by Hu Tao's presence. Awkwardly, she released Qin Yu's hand.
She knew she'd likely misunderstood, but admitting she'd made a mistake at this point would be even more awkward. So, she steeled herself and confessed her misunderstanding.
"I saw two cups and toothbrushes by the washbasin, Qin Yu. Since you live alone, having an extra set made me wonder if you had a boyfriend. I couldn't help but ask."
"But now it seems I was mistaken. I apologize."
Keqing's face flushed slightly with embarrassment and awkwardness.
Ha?!
Unbelievable! All this fuss just because she thought I had a boyfriend? Qin Yu felt a sudden wave of irritation. Here she was, her heart pounding like a drum, and it was all for this?
Yanfei exclaimed in surprise, "An extra toothbrush and cup..."
Regardless, it was now undeniable that Qin Yu had lived with someone before. Otherwise, why would there be two sets of cups and toothbrushes? Who could it be? I'm almost a little jealous, Yanfei mused.
Hu Tao, arms crossed and eyes sparkling with mischief, asked, "So, Fishy Treasure, is it true?"
"No, no, absolutely not! That's impossible!" Qin Yu immediately replied.
I have no such intentions.
"Oh? If it's not a boyfriend..."
No kidding.
"...could it be a girlfriend?" Hu Tao grinned mischievously.
Ha?!