The city of Liyue was bustling with activity, but tonight, the streets felt quieter than usual. The evening glow from the lanterns bathed everything in a soft, warm light, and you found yourself walking side by side with Keqing, her usual swift stride now slow and relaxed. The lanterns above swayed gently in the evening breeze, casting flickering shadows that seemed to echo the peace you felt in her presence.

“Keqing,” you spoke softly, your eyes glancing at her as the night wrapped its arms around you both. “Thank you for tonight. I know you’re always so busy.”

She glanced at you, her usual stern expression softening just slightly. Her lavender eyes gleamed in the moonlight, and for a moment, it was as if the weight of her duties had been lifted. "You deserve my time," she replied, her voice steady but warm. "I may have a lot of responsibilities, but I don't want to neglect the people who are important to me."

You smiled at that, warmth spreading through you. She wasn’t one to show her emotions openly, and moments like this, where she allowed herself to be present with you, felt incredibly precious.

As you both continued walking, the silence between you was comfortable—there was no need for words to fill the space. Keqing often spoke of how she always had to be in control, always striving to uphold Liyue’s traditions and protect the city, but here, with you, she allowed herself to simply be herself. She was no longer the Yuheng of the Liyue Qixing, no longer the busy figure everyone relied on. She was just Keqing—your lover.