Quite frequently, inter-campus exchanges between students from the seven campuses of the University of Teyvat occur. Be it for academic, athletic, or whatever purposes, you name it. Of course, any expenses besides personal expenditures of the student beyond their allowed stipend are shouldered by the university.
"At least our fellow countrypeople's tax money somehow gets put to good use, minus the corruption that happens within the Chamber of Celestia," Yanfei would usually comment whenever the issue of money and the university gets involved. Granted, she majors in philosophy in the Liyue campus with a minor in political science.
One day, the Liyue campus and the Inazuma campus announced that an inter-campus exchange between students would be held for one semester. This happened to be the first ever exchange program between the Liyue and Inazuma campuses, too. Quite an unexpected development following the historical relationship between the two regions, but that's a story for another time.
Yanfei, partly minoring political science, always thought that both regions had to settle their own issues for the sake of peace. When she does pass the bar exam, maybe after taking cram classes in Tongwen Academy — a well-known law studies cram school, she can do something as a lawyer to help soothe these turbulent times.
Going back to the exchange program, only Liyue campus students with a grade of 'A' and Inazuma campus students with an 'S' could participate in it.
Now, Yanfei was also given the chance to participate in said program; she did have superior grades and was often touted to graduate with the highest honors in two years. Though, the program's limited slots and her bestie really wanting to take this opportunity made the philosophy student reconsider.
"Y-Yanyan! Are you serious…? You did say that you wanted to go to Inazuma one day… Heck, this might not happen again in the future. You of all people should know the political crap between Liyue and Inazuma!" Hu Tao, who majors in business management, said to her bestie.
"It's no big deal, Taotao. Really! I never even wanted to participate in exchange programs in the first place." Yanfei rested a hand over Hu Tao's shoulder, smiling to reassure her bestie. "Plus, you really want to go to Inazuma so badly — more than me. I'm quite relieved that Professor Yelan allowed me to switch slots with you at the last minute."
Hu Tao looked like she was on the verge of tears, hugging Yanfei tightly a little later. "Aw, Yanyaaan! You freaking gallant! Thank you-thank you-thank you! I really gotta get you something when I get back here. That, I promise!"
"Just pictures and Inazuma-style tofu'll do."
"I'll get you a hundred — no, thousands of them. You'd like that, hm~?"
Yanfei giggled. "Alright, Taotao. When're you leaving by the way?"
"Let's see…" Hu Tao took her phone out, but the moment she saw the date of her flight, her eyes widened. "Fuck… five days! Fuck-fuck-fuck—"
Yanfei hushed her bestie with her index finger on her lips. "Language, Taotao."
All Hu Tao could do was roll her eyes, earning more of Yanfei's giggles.
Speaking of exchange programs, Yanfei wondered who'll be coming over to Liyue. Hopefully they'll be friendly, but of course, that'll depend if they'll be meeting during the same subjects taken, let alone majoring in the same course.
Now then, going through Yanfei's schedule, her first class for her first day was… Speech 1.
It just so happened that Sangonomiya Kokomi of the Inazuma campus, who majors in political science, was chosen to participate in the exchange program and got the chance to visit Liyue for the first time.
Quite the shocker for her batchmates that a member of the Sangonomiya clan got a chance to leave the region, as Kokomi's clan often had disputes with the main government.
At least, that's what the public media feeds the people of Inazuma.
Nowadays, the Sangonomiya clan and other bigwig clans in Inazuma appear to have cordial relationships. Plus, being part of the upper echelons of society often protected the political science major from unsolicited lambasts from the public.
But for now, Kokomi's main agenda was to graduate from the university in two years. Those political issues can wait once she's able to participate in the so-called 'adult talks' of the major players of the region.
It's not stopping her from having a little fun in her college life, though!
And so, came her first day in the Liyue campus.
Mystical.
Fresh.
New.
It was like entering new, uncharted territory after being caged for so long. Truth be told, Kokomi had never gone out of Inazuma, so she was a bit cautious, being her first day and all.
The Inazuma pol-sci major, holding a fan over her mouth, gingerly walked to the room of her first class, Public and Persuasive Speaking — a general elective with the course code Speech 1. She could feel some stares from the sidelines, but they weren't of bigotry. Rather, it felt more like curious stares. At least, that's what Kokomi thought.
Taking a deep breath, she entered the lecture room assigned to her first class.
Punctuality was deeply ingrained in the citizens of Inazuma; having rather strict parents, Kokomi had always feared getting late. Plus, she was taught at a young age that punctuality on one's first day was auspicious. Perhaps she can draw out some luck from it for her studies.
In fact, she was so early for class that only one student was inside the empty lecture room.
How curious, this student was busy writing something. Just what were they writing on their first day?
Kokomi decided to approach the student a little later after placing her bag on her seat. When that time came, the pol-sci major slowly went to this seemingly diligent student.
What a coincidence, going nearer, this student had a similar hair color of light pink to Kokomi's. But that was the least of her marvels. This student seemed too engrossed with their work to notice that there was someone peeking at their work, so the little devil in Kokomi urged her to study what they were writing more closely.
Kokomi was still shocked! Why in the world was this student writing a series of clauses of what seemed to be the Liyue Civil Code? There seemed to be a few more neatly-written papers to the side.
This student… seemed very interesting.
"Amazing…!" Kokomi unwittingly mouthed out, quite loudly, too.
"Excuse me?" the student replied, spooking Kokomi. "You know it's rude to stare at someone while they're doing something without permission."
"Ah, my apologies. I was just curious, since we are the only ones here in the room." Kokomi nervously chuckled. This was such a faux pas! She had to mend this first meeting, somehow. "Um, that won't happen again, um… and you are…?"
"My name's Yanfei. I major in philosophy. And you?"
"Sangonomiya Kokomi. You can call me Kokomi. Mine is political science."
"Interesting. I'm minoring in political science, too… Hang on, Kokomi? You're not from here, are you?" Yanfei asked.
"No, actually—"
"Eureka!" Yanfei snapped her fingers. "You're one of the chosen ones from the Inazuma campus for the exchange program, right? I do hope you enjoy it around Liyue."
Quite a friendly gesture for a first meeting, indeed… Kokomi sharpened her eyes a little.
"Yes, that's right. I was about to say that, Yanfei," Kokomi replied, a bit of annoyance in her tone.
"Oh, right. Sorry, my bad." Yanfei then looked over at her papers before slamming a hand on them. It's as if she wanted Kokomi to get the message. "Now, if you'll excuse me? I have more writing to do."
"If I may ask, just what are you writing, Yanfei?"
"None of your business." Kokomi raised a brow. "But, if you really want to know, it's got something to do with what I want to do when I graduate. Now, shoo."
Kokomi humphed at Yanfei's rather puffed up attitude. "Okay, Yanfei. Nice meeting you."
Well, that was a rather friendly exchange of acquaintances. The pol-sci major returned to her seat, but for some reason, she couldn't get her eyes off the philosophy major.
That is, eyes filled with annoyance.
Maybe she'll show this student from Liyue just how capable students from Inazuma are, just to let Yanfei know who she's dealing with.
Students filled the classroom one by one, and soon. The introductions were off, and a small ice breaker was held. Students were asked to talk about something that they recently experienced that had a bit of lasting effect on them. Just for around a minute or two and in a manner that would entice the people in the room.
This was Kokomi's chance.
"Retribution finds itself one way or another, Yanfei. Do well to remember that."
Raising her hand, the instructor asked her to begin her speech.
Of course, the pol-sci major took this opportunity to criticize how Yanfei had treated her. However, she worded it in a way that seemed like it was some other experience she had back in Inazuma, so that it wouldn't be too suspicious for any of her classmates. All except for one particular student with an annoying attitude.
Naturally, Yanfei caught on to this and frowned. Seeing the philosophy major frown, though, brought a smile to Kokomi.
Once Kokomi was seated, she felt relieved that she was able to voice out her inner feelings in an articulate and passive way.
Immediately, Yanfei decided to volunteer next for the ice breaker. This time, Yanfei did the same tactic as Kokomi, but used more critical words than passive ones. The students in the room seemed to favor more of Yanfei's speech over Kokomi's, earning the latter's grumble.
Kokomi swore she saw Yanfei smiling smugly at her.
This won't be the end of it for sure, both students thought when they ever meet again.
The classes ended with the instructor praising both Yanfei's and Kokomi's speeches. Soon, the room would be devoid of students for their next classes.
Now, Yanfei decided to stay a little longer just to make sure that Kokomi would leave first before her. Seeing her just ticked Yanfei off.
Although, for some reason, the exchange student seemed to remind her of Hu Tao… intelligent, but with an extremely refined and calmer disposition. At least, from their earlier exchanges.
"No, what am I thinking?" Yanfei muttered as she chuckled. "I just met her. I don't think she's like Hu Tao at all! Far from her, actually."
The philosophy major sighed, but she felt her blood boil just a little bit.
"But one thing's for sure, I won't let her beat me in any area. Not ever!"
Seeing that Kokomi was out of her sight, Yanfei decided to go to her next class.
Could the gods be punishing Yanfei and Kokomi? Or was this just sheer bad luck?
The two kept on meeting in nearly all of their classes! Both the Liyue student and the Inazuma student were seething, seeing their annoying and passively uncouth 'friend' appear before their very eyes.
And this would continue the entire semester.
Yanfei and Kokomi, despite their pride not wanting it, admitted that both their skills were unmatched in the campus.
For the first time in forever, Yanfei finally had an adversary in her studies. The same went for Kokomi. Getting a grade lower than the international equivalent of 98% was unacceptable and a disgrace not to their parents, creditors, or sponsors, but to their pride and well-being.
It was their life's credo to be the best at their craft.
To think that someone who could match the flame and burn deep in their bosoms finally appeared; Yanfei and Kokomi were both blessed and cursed. In fact…
Both students were essentially scholars their entire life.
Both were touted to be the scholars that would change their respective regions, somehow.
Both were extremely diligent and level-headed in what they did.
It was difficult to distinguish them if not for their looks, quirks, and skills. One was clad in scarlet, talkative, and more inclined to speaking and writing; the other was painted in cerulean, reserved, and had an affinity to critical thinking and planning.
So, for either one to stand on top of the other was the most gratifying and euphoric experience either could attain. It was something no one else but the two understood.
One student mentioned that if they were to pair up, they'd be a force to be reckoned with — perhaps putting shame to the other campuses of the university. That's something that'd never happen, both believed, until then.
The time came when the two had to set their differences aside for a final requirement in a certain class.
This time, however, demanded a bit more from the two that may have affected their relationship…
If they, perhaps, had one to begin with.
"A two-person speech?!" Yanfei and Kokomi screamed at their instructor in a certain political science subject.
"Excuse me, no screaming in my room, please," the instructor, Professor Ningguang, remarked.
"But, why the two of us?" Yanfei asked, stealing glares at Kokomi.
"Surely there are other students more… fitting," Kokomi suggested, grinning a little that caused Yanfei to grumble.
"I'm very sorry, but you two were the last ones to find a partner in my class," Professor Ningguang explained. "Let this be a lesson not to have too many extra-curricular activities that slow down your classes. Now, you have two days to prepare."
"That short?!" Yanfei and Kokomi screamed again, with the professor draped in gold threatening a failing mark if they screamed again.
The theme of their speech had to do something with the relationship between Liyue and Inazuma. A very controversial one, too. If someone else unfitting or unknowledgeable about the intricacies of the politics between the two regions was chosen, it may spark some… terrible discourse, both online and in the physical world for a while. Both also knew how heated the citizens of Liyue and Inazuma, especially the youth, could get over controversial topics. Much so to the point of unsolicited toxicity and personal attacks.
Perhaps the professor knew this and entrusted this speech's theme to the two scholars? It was conjecture at best, thought both Yanfei and Kokomi.
But nothing can be done now. To complain or to bargain would be useless.
Now Yanfei and Kokomi, for the first time in their college life, crammed .
Cramming? Yanfei and Kokomi?
Even the professors knew these two students were the least people to cram in their respective works. The two were livid, but nothing can be done but to accomplish their tasks.
They were now on the final night, but they were still in the process of preparing. Perhaps 80% of their speech was now done, but being the absolute perfectionists they were, they had been furiously re-editing their five-minute speech in preparation for the possible questions and snide remarks that may come from their audience.
It was silent, minus the clicking of the keyboards and the ticking of the clock of their shared room. Earlier, it wasn't since both were practicing their delivery.
Since Hu Tao, Yanfei's roommate as well, was still studying in Inazuma, most likely gawking at what the region could aesthetically offer, Kokomi begrudgingly decided to stay the two nights in Yanfei's room.
It was in this silence that Kokomi, perhaps out of the sleepiness that was creeping in, decided to break the silence.
"I guess what they said about college stands true," Kokomi muttered while going through countless documents on Inazima politics in her laptop.
"What is?" Yanfei replied, not taking her eyes off certain news articles of activism within Liyue and Inazuma that had some bearing to both regions' politics.
"Smart or diligent.
You'll eventually cram.
Reason? College work."
"That's true." Yanfei chuckled. Did she really come up with an impromptu haiku out of annoyance? This Kokomi really is something else.
However, Yanfei's irked self returned. "But don't forget. It wouldn't have come to this if you weren't my partner, Kokomi."
Kokomi clenched her fist and bit her lip, but Yanfei didn't see it. "Same thoughts, Yanfei."
Hours passed. It was 3AM.
It won't be long until Yanfei had to break the barriers of their heated rivalry. In fact, just a few moments from now.
Suddenly, a loud thump resounded from behind Yanfei.
"Tsk, what the hell was that…" Yanfei turned around, but her expression did a complete 180 when she saw that Kokomi had collapsed.
"KOKOMI!"
Yanfei quickly but carefully carried Kokomi to her bed. For some reason, Kokomi felt hot. Instinctively, Yanfei felt Kokomi's forehead with the back of her hand — a fever!
That's when Yanfei realized something; both of them have been working too hard on this requirement that it demanded a lot from the both of them. Plus, Kokomi did tell Yanfei in a passing conversation earlier that she never stayed up late at night until now.
Yanfei, on the other hand, seldom made visits to the night bars with her bestie to destress and unwind, so she was used to staying up late.
A little later, Kokomi opened her eyes, but was quick to brush Yanfei's hand off her forehead.
"G-get off me, Yanfei." She coughed a little later. "I'm fine. We need to finish this. I don't want to lug you down…"
"No, you're resting here." Yanfei hurriedly went through her first-aid kit and got a fever pad, placing it on Kokomi's forehead.
"I don't need your help, Yanfei," Kokomi insisted as she forced herself to get up, only for her eyesight to white out for a moment. "Ah…!"
"K-Kokomi! I told you, don't force yourself!" Yanfei quickly reapplied the fever pad that had fallen off. "Please, just take it easy. Let me take care of the rest, Kokomi."
What else could Kokomi do but adhere to her rival's words? She was feeling sick from the fatigue. Any more, and she might end up in the hospital.
Getting Kokomi's temperature, it was clear she had a fever: a little over 38 degrees. Yanfei prepared a warm cup of eucalyptus tea. She was taught by her grandma that it helps with fever.
A/N: 38°C = 100.4°F
"Just take it easy, alright, Kokomi?"
Kokomi was silent after finishing the tea and just looked the other way. Sighing, Yanfei returned to their work.
"Yanfei?"
"Yes, Kokomi?"
There was a slight pause in between, accompanied by a sniffle.
"I'm sorry."
Yanfei turned to Kokomi's direction and saw her still facing away.
"What? Why?"
Suddenly, Kokomi was… giggling?
"I shouldn't have peeked over at what you were doing during our first day at Speech 1. It was rude of me. And… for those times that I made you uncomfortable after that," another sniffle resounded from Kokomi, "I'm sorry, Yanfei."
"You're still hung up about that? It's been four months already." Hold it right there, Yanfei told herself, was that the best response she could muster? Especially to someone who's sick and probably been losing sleep over it?
Hang on… what was Yanfei thinking? Was she actually genuinely concerned for Kokomi?
"Uh, I mean, argh. It's… it's alright. Really, it's alright." Yanfei sighed and felt a teardrop trickle down her cheek. "I'm sorry if I also did the same. It's just that… you were good. As in, scholarly and competitive kind of good. I didn't want to be bested by you that easily. And… y'know… pride."
"I… it's alright, Yanfei. I forgive you."
Silence once more filled the room, but this time, Yanfei had stopped working on their paper and instead fiddled with her fingers. That was the least of her worries now, and perhaps Kokomi's too.
"Well, do you wanna know what I was writing about, Kokomi? I mean, I do owe you an explanation and more apologies for being quite the jerk this semester."
At that moment, Kokomi turned around and revealed her wet and puffy eyes, but accompanied by a soft smile and tender expression.
"That'd be nice, Yanfei. I'd love that."
It was by good fortune that the speech that Yanfei and Kokomi had to make was moved to another day since it suddenly rained hard on the day they were supposed to present it. Adding on to this fortune that Kokomi's fever subsided the morning of the rainy day, much to Yanfei's relief and delight.
"You were worried about me, weren't you, Feifei?"
"What? No! I'd never." Yanfei turned her head around as she blushed. "I was only doing that since I needed you to present the speech with me. Your efforts would've been wasted, so…"
"Whatever you say, future 'Top Legal Expert of Liyue'," Kokomi replied with a soft giggle, earning Yanfei's grumble.
When the day of reckoning came, that was, unfortunately, the first time Yanfei and Kokomi got a grade less than 98%; it was a 95% since there were parts that both Yanfei and Kokomi stuttered more than usual — a rarity from the two — despite defending their points and producing logically substantiated claims on the politics between Liyue and Inazuma.
But for some reason, the score didn't bother them. Mostly since it was already high enough, but partly because there was something far more important than grades that they dawned upon the night Kokomi fainted.
Still, both scholars still retained the flame of their academic competitiveness, despite it burning not as strong as before — still strong when compared to other students, however.
And so, came the day that Kokomi and Yanfei had to bid each other farewell.
It was 1AM, and Kokomi's flight back to Inazuma was around 6AM.
Meanwhile, Hu Tao should be arriving at around the same time, thought Yanfei.
There they were in the airport waiting lounge. With the help of some smooth-talking from Yanfei to the attendants in the airport and just a little bit of persuasion from Kokomi, Yanfei and Kokomi were able to wait together in the boarding lounge. Kokomi's clan did have a bit of influence, though it was just for today.
Definitely not because Yanfei wanted to see Kokomi off, and most especially not because Kokomi wanted Yanfei to be there when they depart.
"Nepotism gets you nowhere, Feifei."
"Hah, that's rich. And, that's coming from you, Sangonomiya-sama." Yanfei chuckled. "I'm entirely against it."
"What a contradiction, and you're supposed to be a legal advocate of sorts. Know that this is just a one-time thing. More importantly, you did want to see me off, right," Kokomi smiled and closed her eyes, "Feifei?"
"Ngh! The prosecution rests…"
The sound of people murmuring and bags being dragged around filled the scholars' ears. A little later, the air conditioning unit near the two suddenly blasted a cold gust of air.
Right there, Yanfei noticed Kokomi left her cerulean jacket back at her room and saw the Inazuma student rattling a bit. Instinctively, Yanfei lent her scarlet one to Kokomi.
"It's my mistake leaving my jacket back at your room."
"It sure is."
"Not even a 'That's okay, Koko-chan' from you, hm?"
"Alright, fine." Yanfei let out an exasperated sigh with a chuckle. "That's okay, Koko-chan. Happy?"
"Not in the slightest, but somehow, yes." Kokomi, getting comfortable with Yanfei's jacket, snuggled into Yanfei's side. "Thank you, Feifei."
"You're welcome," Yanfei wrapped an arm around her shoulders, "Koko-chan."
They came up with more banter from each other until the time for Kokomi's flight arrived. The PA announced that it was time to board the flight bound for Inazuma. They could hear the airplane arriving over the distance. Just as the passengers queued up, Kokomi and Yanfei remained seated until the line dwindled.
"You definitely got this 'wait and see' idea from me."
"You act as if you're the one who promulgated that idea. Why don't you back it up with a source?"
"Give it a rest. The sem's over."
"But is our rivalry over, Feifei? That is the question."
Rivalry, huh.
Both Yanfei and Kokomi laughed. Before Yanfei gave her answer, the line already dwindled.
"Seems like it's time."
"What a cliffhanger, Feifei."
"Cliffhangers often leave you wanting for more, isn't that right, Koko-chan?"
Grinning, Kokomi playfully tapped Yanfei's shoulder with her fist.
"Maybe."
Soon, the Kokomi exited the boarding lounge, but she turned around once more to see the philosophy major in scarlet one last time. At least, one last time in person .
"Our rivalry won't end, that's for sure."
"But, the next time we meet…"
"I hope you'll be prepared for what's to come!"