As the final notes of the Iridescence Tour faded away, the crowd dispersed, their faces radiating contentment as they headed home in pairs.
"We should get going too," Keqing said.
Since she and Shenhe lived outside the city and their paths diverged early, they had to part ways first.
Qin Yu understood the arrangement, but...
Reluctant, she gave a soft, somewhat reluctant response: "Mm."
Seeing her dejected expression, Keqing felt a pang of sadness but reassured her:
"Don't look so lonely. We're all meeting for dinner tomorrow, remember? And we'll keep seeing each other, keep being together."
Not long ago, Ningguang had proposed a group dinner for the following day, and Shenhe and the others had readily agreed.
So they would meet again tomorrow.
Yet despite this, the brief separation after such a lively gathering still felt unbearable to Qin Yu.
"Qin Yu."
Ganyu gently placed her hand on Qin Yu's head, stroking it lightly with a warm smile:
"Rest well. We'll see you tomorrow."
"Mm, if you want tomorrow to come sooner, get some good sleep. You've been so busy lately—you need proper rest," Ningguang added with a smile.
Hu Tao grinned mischievously: "How about a sleepover tonight? We can all cuddle with Fishy Treasure!"
Could we? Qin Yu's eyes lit up.
"That would probably keep us up all night," Yanfei said with a resigned sigh.
"Just kidding! See you tomorrow, Fishy Treasure!"
Qin Yu's spirits sank again.
But she couldn't afford to wear such a solemn expression at this moment. This had been the best night of her life, and she wanted it to be just as perfect for Keqing and the others.
So Qin Yu nodded and said, "Mm, see you tomorrow."
After a reluctant farewell, Qin Yu and Shenhe returned home.
Ningguang had been right: if they wanted tomorrow to come sooner, they should sleep!
With this thought, Qin Yu took a bath and changed into her nightgown. After drying each other's hair, they lay down together in bed.
Qin Yu gently kissed Shenhe and whispered, "Good night."
Evaluation: S
"Good night," Shenhe replied softly.
Closing her eyes, Qin Yu tried to let sleep carry her to the tomorrow she so eagerly awaited.
But memories of tonight's lively festivities kept replaying in her mind, and the sudden silence around her made it hard to drift off.
She sighed softly.
"Can't sleep?" Shenhe suddenly asked quietly.
Qin Yu opened her eyes, meeting Shenhe's gaze.
At least I'm not alone now, Qin Yu thought gratefully, pressing closer to Shenhe. She hoped the warmth and comforting scent of her beloved's body would soothe her restless heart.
But the more she tried to calm herself, the more restless she became.
"Mm, Shenhe, what about you?" Qin Yu gently stroked Shenhe's cheek.
"I'm also a little restless. I could usually fall asleep so easily before."
So we're the same, Qin Yu thought.
Staring into Shenhe's eyes, Qin Yu couldn't help but confide, "It all feels like a dream tonight."
"A dream?"
"Mm, because it's too perfect," Qin Yu whispered.
What if it really is just a dream? Qin Yu's mind began to wander.
At that moment, Shenhe grasped the hand that was caressing her cheek.
"It's not a dream. You and I spent this night together, Qin Yu. I feel wonderful too. This is the first time in my life I've experienced such a lively and happy Lantern Rite."
Evaluation: SS-
The warmth from Shenhe's palm warmed Qin Yu's heart.
Happiness. Qin Yu savored the word, the sweetness and contentment it evoked making her realize her own feelings.
"I... me too," Qin Yu said, squeezing Shenhe's hand tightly.
"I'm so happy."
Evaluation: SS+
Reflecting on her past, Qin Yu murmured softly, "I thought I'd never feel this way again, but... reality proved otherwise."
She shifted closer to Shenhe until they could feel each other's breath.
"Shenhe."
"Mm."
Qin Yu didn't blush, but naturally poured out her heart.
"Meeting you, meeting all of you... it's my greatest blessing."
Evaluation: SSS-
Shenhe smiled back. "The same goes for me, Qin Yu. Meeting you has been my greatest blessing. I'm so happy... and I want to stay happy with you forever."
Evaluation: SSS
Forever.
Qin Yu's expression softened even more.
"Mm."
She knew herself well enough to admit she was greedy. She craved Shenhe's affection, wanted to stay with her forever, and yearned for their shared happiness. It was an undeniable greed.
But if greed was her flaw, then so be it.
For her, these things were what mattered most.
So.
Qin Yu pressed her lips to Shenhe's. Shenhe closed her eyes, the warmth and softness between their lips bringing them both profound comfort and contentment.
Then, she pressed her forehead against Shenhe's, closed her eyes, and whispered softly:
"Good night."
And... see you tomorrow.
Evaluation: SSS+