Chapter Text
Keqing was seen as a hard worker, known for her practical approach, and the ability to achieve her goals. She didn't mind this perception; in fact, she embraced it. She was determined to keep a certain secret hidden from everyone: her feelings for Ganyu, which she kept tucked away, afraid of what might happen if they were ever revealed.
As the Yuheng of the Liyue Qixing, she bore the weight of heavy responsibilities. Keqing's days were filled with meetings, negotiations, and endless paperwork. The demands of her position left little room for personal matters, let alone matters of the heart. Her dedication to her duties made it difficult to entertain thoughts of confession. She knew that any sign of distraction could risk the stability of Liyue and undermine the trust placed in her by her fellow Qixing members. She thought she could keep her feelings hidden forever.
Until one day she realized she couldn’t.
Lantern Rite was coming up soon, and she found herself working alongside Ganyu and Ningguang that day. She watched Ganyu gently arranging lanterns, and a smile spread across her face. Despite any earlier unease, she enjoyed these moments with her friends. Working together amidst the Lantern Rite preparations made her happy, and grateful for the chance to spend the day with Ganyu. As they worked, Ningguang complimented Ganyu, causing her to blush and hide her face in embarrassment.
“Ganyu, you handle those lanterns with such grace!”
Keqing couldn't help but feel a wave of discomfort at the sight. She knew they were all friends, and that Ningguang's jest was harmless, but she didn't like seeing Ganyu react that way. It left a lump in her throat and a pain in her chest, stirring up a storm of conflicting emotions within her.
Suddenly, she felt something lodged in her throat, a sharp sensation that made her cough violently into her hand. Ganyu and Ningguang rushed to her side, visibly concerned.
"Keqing, are you okay?" Ganyu asked as she gently placed a comforting hand on her shoulder.
She quickly hid her hand and forced a smile. "It's nothing," she insisted, though her voice trembled slightly. "I just need a moment."
Ningguang observed Keqing’s discomfort, "Perhaps you should sit down for a moment, we can handle things here."
Feeling overwhelmed by their concern, she nodded and made her way to a nearby bench, hoping to collect herself away from their worried faces.
As she sat down, she examined her hand and was startled to find it stained with blood and adorned with a single red petal. Confusion clouded her thoughts as she tried to make sense of the situation.
Could this petal have come from something I ate earlier, causing that strange reaction?
Or maybe it’s a new illness?
She didn't know, but one thing was certain—she couldn't tell anyone about this, especially Ganyu. It looked serious, and she didn't want to worry them.
Keqing wiped her hand with a handkerchief and took a deep breath before heading back to Ningguang and Ganyu. As she walked, she stared at the red petal in her palm, its bright color catching her eye. For a moment, she held onto it, her thoughts swirling with uncertainty.
But then, with a resigned sigh, she let the petal slip from her fingers, watching as it gently fell to the ground.
Hopefully, it’s nothing too serious.