After Keyn realized that Ganyu had locked the door and escape was impossible, he gave up struggling.
He still didn't know what Ganyu intended, but as a grown man, he told himself he wouldn't suffer any real loss.
So, he simply lay on her bed, hugged her quilt, and rested his head on her pillow. Everything smelled faintly of Ganyu's scent.
"…Is this Ganyu's idea of a reward for herself?" he thought with a half-smile.
Before long, lulled by her fragrance, Keyn drifted into sleep.
Meanwhile, Ganyu worked late into the night. Occasionally, she turned to glance at Keyn, wanting to speak with him—but seeing him fast asleep, she couldn't bring herself to wake him.
Strangely, her efficiency improved. Simply being able to see him nearby gave her an odd sense of calm.
By midnight, Ganyu had already finished processing the day's paperwork. She had planned to enjoy a brief moment of peace, but since Keyn was still asleep, she could only hold back and whisper to herself,
"…I'll wait until he wakes tomorrow. Then we can heat it up and eat together."
With that, she slipped under the covers too, pulling her pillow close. Though the pillow was wide, she ended up sharing it with Keyn—the two of them lying less than an arm's length apart. No matter who turned over, they were bound to bump into the other.
***
At around two in the morning, Keyn stirred awake after a sound sleep.
The room was dark—the lanterns had long since been extinguished. Groping around in the dark, his hand brushed against something soft.
"…What's this? So tender…" His fingers lingered, and realization struck.
'Ganyu's cheek?!'
He froze instantly, every muscle tensing.
Ganyu was half-adeptus; though she looked delicate, if she decided to punish him, he wouldn't stand a chance.
Cautiously, he withdrew his hand. Her breathing remained steady—she was still fast asleep.
Relief washed over him… and then curiosity crept in. He had heard rumors that Ganyu's horns were especially sensitive.
Tentatively, he reached out and touched one.
No reaction.
He grew bolder. Touched again.
Still no reaction.
Finally, he dared to rub gently. "Hm… the ridges are clear. The texture's firm, matte, a little leathery… surprisingly solid."
Just as he was about to continue, Ganyu stirred.
Her breathing quickened. She opened her eyes to find Keyn's hand on her horn.
Her face flushed crimson. Flustered, she swatted his hand away softly.
"Keyn… please don't do that. I… I don't like others touching my horns."
Caught red-handed, Keyn nearly wanted to dig a hole into the floor. He scratched his head furiously, forcing a laugh.
"Haha… what a coincidence, Ganyu. I just woke up, and you woke up too! Total coincidence, right?"
Ganyu, cheeks burning, sat up and nodded, though inwardly she felt a faint warmth of happiness. At the very least, he hadn't left her.
She remembered the untouched dish. "Keyn, lie down for a bit. I'll warm the Prosperous Peace and bring it back. We can eat together."
"Here? Wouldn't the smell be too strong in your room?" he asked.
"It's fine," Ganyu said gently. She picked up the container and, before stepping out, glanced back at him—then quietly locked the door again.
Alone, Keyn pressed his hand to the place where Ganyu had been lying.
"…Did Ganyu just sleep next to me? Really? Even if nothing happened… did I actually sleep in the same bed as her?"
He rubbed his eyes, still in disbelief. But the warmth lingering in the bedding didn't lie.
"It's true. I could brag about this for a year… and the scent—it's refreshing, almost sweet."
As he was savoring her lingering warmth and fragrance, the door opened.
Ganyu returned with the reheated dish—only to see Keyn pressing his face into her pillow.
Her cheeks turned bright red. Subconsciously, she touched her hair.
"…Did I not wash my hair for too long? Does it smell too strong? I–I'm sorry… I was too busy with work to properly bathe before bed. Did it… bother you?"
She fidgeted, rubbing her hands nervously.
Keyn panicked, waving his arms. "No, no! It's not like that! Listen—I just… I just thought the pillow had a refreshing scent. That's all. It… it helped me stay awake a little. Don't misunderstand, please."
Though shy, Ganyu nodded and didn't pursue it further. She brought out a second set of bowls and chopsticks.
"Come, Keyn. Let's eat together. I'm on a diet—I can't finish this by myself."
Keyn blinked. Ganyu? Unable to finish Prosperous Peace? It was her favorite dish. Still, feeling guilty for earlier, he accepted.
As they ate, Ganyu shifted the topic, her tone light but probing.
"Keyn, why did you suddenly go on an overtime inspection with Lady Keqing during the Lantern Rite? Security patrols were already handled in the day, weren't they?"
Caught off guard, Keyn fumbled for words. "Ah—Keqing just asked for my help suddenly, so I went."
Ganyu's lips curved into a faint smile. "And what exactly did you 'help' with?"
"…I don't know. I just accompanied her around Liyue Harbor."
Her smile deepened, almost teasing. "So… you were shopping, then?"
Keyn scratched his cheek. "…I guess so."
Sharing part of her portion with him, Ganyu spoke softly. "Actually, that evening, I didn't want to work overtime either. I wanted to relax… and hoped you'd accompany me for a walk. In the end, we were both walking the streets—but you chose Keqing instead of me."
Her narrowed eyes and slow-growing smile made Keyn shiver.
"I–I…"
Ganyu propped her chin in her hands, tilting her head. Her voice softened but carried a sting.
"Was it because Keqing wore a new dress that day? I heard it was called 'Nijiu Pianpian'—a skirt patterned like the starry night sky. Perfect for strolling under the lantern lights. Didn't it look romantic, with all the stars sparkling around her?"
Without thinking, Keyn nodded. "Yeah… it felt youthful, energetic, really lively."
"Hm?" Ganyu's eyes widened slightly, her face warming. She lowered her head, twirling a lock of hair between her fingers.
Of course, she thought bitterly. I'm thousands of years old. In the eyes of mortals, I must seem ancient. Compared to someone as young, vibrant, and reliable as Keqing…
But still—that night, you were supposed to be with me.
The thought weighed heavy on her heart.
Finally, she looked up, her voice soft but tinged with a plea.
"…I want to have a new dress made too. Will you stay with me… and talk to me while I wear it?"