Happy Birthday, Yanfei!

Posted just in time for Yanfei's birthday. I definitely timed this update for her birthday.

A snug fit, I thought to myself as I studied my reflection in front of me.

A scarlet red top with some designs of yellow and blue, paired with black shorts. This set of sportswears belonged to the original Yu Yanfei when she joined the college varsity for extra credit and some exercise. I also put these warmers around my legs and arms, not to mention tied my hair so it wouldn't be much of a bother.

What interested me was that she chose the number '15' as her jersey number — Hu Tao's birthday. The same birthday as my Hu Tao.

"Ta-da! Whaddaya think, Yanyan?" Taotao asked after literally kicking the cubicle door open.

Presenting herself to me, the design of her sportswear and mine aren't too different, save for her shoes and her jersey number — the number '28', AKA my birthday. She also tied her hair in a similar manner to mine.

Eyeing her for a few seconds, I couldn't help but blush and feel warm inside, a feeling I'm so used to yet gets me every single time, even back in Teyvat when my Hu Tao'd come up to me in a different garb. This must be what people feel when they see their significant other in some appealing outfit.

"Beautiful…" I mumbled.

"Hm? Didn't quite catch that, Yanyan." She inched closer and had a smug face all over. She definitely heard what I just said. "Lemme ask again, whaddaya think?"

"Beautiful, Taotao, that's all I could say." I don't really know what else to say right now.

"Oh really? And you were quietly oogling at me just seconds ago. Are you sure that's all, Yanyan~?" Curses, her suggestive tone and finger tracing my chest caught me off guard. I stepped back and covered my blushing face and chest, turning away from her gaze for a moment. "Hee-hee, cute expression as usual, Yanyan. C'mon, let's take a quick picture and then get back to the court."

Taking not one but probably more than ten photos, we headed straight back to the court to set it up.

"Ngh." I felt the sunlight blind me for just a second. Flinching, my hand instinctively covered my face.

"O-ya? What's up, Yanfei?"

"Just a streak of sunlight." I saw that it passed through some windows of the room.

"Oh, I didn't expect you two to arrive way earlier than the meet-up time," a voice spoke up from the entrance. "Granted, Hu Tao tends to wake up early. Too early, sometimes."

"Good morning, Hu Tao, Yanfei," another voice greeted.

Heh, I was wondering when they'd show up.

Turning to the sources of those voices, two familiar faces walked up to the two of us, with one of them carrying a medium-sized gear bag.

Cheng Keqing. Yang Ganyu. Attorneys at law. Both employed in the Cheng and Co. Law Offices, with Keqing as its head and Ganyu as the co-head. Both are also renowned and seasoned lawyers in Legue, oftentimes butting heads with Legue's Scarlet Prosecutor when either appears as the defense for some defendants. Not too different from me and Liyue's Keqing.

Finally, I get to meet them face-to-face.

"A Happy Valentine's Day to you both as well, hee-hee." Taotao greeted the couple.

Keqing humphed, while Ganyu blushed and covered her mouth. It seems like our hypothesis is right, after all.

Huh, seeing Ganyu without her qilin horns somehow felt out of place. Well, looking at the mirror without my own antlers still feels odd as well. This feeling'll come to pass soon.

"Likewise, to the both of you," Keqing replied.

"Eh…?" Ganyu looked around the court a bit. "You two've already set up the court. W-we're sorry if we didn't get to help out."

"Ai-ya, don't you worry, Ganyu. Just something we ought to do, being the ones to arrive first and all," Taotao replied. I nodded in agreement.

"In that case, you have our thanks, too." Keqing bowed as she thanked us. Looking at her watch, she turned to Ganyu. "Ganyu? Let's get changed, now. Aether and the others'll be arriving soon."

Ganyu nodded. "Alright, Keqing."

With that, the couple left for the CR.

Suddenly, Keqing stopped and turned to me. Ganyu and Hu Tao also looked as confused as me.

"Something the matter, Yu… Keqing?" Almost blurted out her title back in Liyue.

"No, nothing." The couple then resumed walking.

It's unlike her nature to do something without reason. Keqing must have definitely sensed something — maybe something different about me. I did see her along with Eula, Aether, and Hu Tao back when I was about to be transported to this world.

Maybe she knows that… I'm not the original Yu Yanfei?

Heh, that's impossible. I know I'm wrong; Taotao and I have sworn not to reveal this revelation to anyone else. I should curb my overthinking.

"So, so?" Taotao held my shoulders as she leaned towards me. "Were they like the Keqing and Ganyu of Teyvat, Yanyan?"

"Yeah, but just like how I don't have my antlers, Ganyu doesn't have her horns. That is, qilin horns. Other than that, they're the spitting image of those two back in Teyvat."

"Eureka!" Taotao exclaimed. "The truth has been revealed!"

That's got to be the cutest 'Eureka' I've ever heard.

Half an hour passed, and more people came in right after Keqing and Ganyu. I'm willing to bet that all these people here are somehow familiar to either Taotao or Aether. In fact, Taotao said that some of the people here were from Ikazuchi — perhaps the acquaintances of Aether and his wife? If I had questions to ask about them, I could always ask Taotao, too.

Still, I didn't expect that there'd be this much who'd come over. Doing a quick count of heads, perhaps no more than 20 came over. Well, one might as well call this a Valentine's reunion party, considering most of the people here are with their significant other.

Out of the faces here, though, the familiar ones here I could make out were Aether, Shinobu, Xinyan, and Yun Jin. All the rest, I'm not too familiar with them — even with their counterparts back in Teyvat. Maybe Taotao knows more of them?

Still, I wonder. The Faramund siblings' eldest isn't here, surprisingly, so where is she?

Where is Paimon?

Is she coming over or not? For some reason, I just have this need to meet her, coupled with this eagerness. It's something I can't really explain, but at the same time, meeting her feels… unusually important. I should ask Aether before the match—

"Senpai ?" That was Shinobu's voice.

Turning around, I was surprised she wasn't wearing her signature mask. "Oh, Shinobu! How've you been doing?"

"Oh, Boss's giving me the usual headaches here and there, but doing well regardless." Both of us softly laughed. I had an idea that Tehiatik's Shinobu would still be pestered by Tehiatik's Itto . The latter's also here, playing a doubles ping-pong match teamed up with Ayato and against Thoma and Yoimiya.

"Never a boring day with him and his company, I presume?"

Tehiatik's Shinobu works as an defense attorney as well, who apparently also studied law in Legue. With that, Yu Yanfei had also taught her as a substitute teacher back in their law school days.

Meanwhile Tehiatik's Itto's an actor in Ikazuchi, starring in some films and whatnot. He's also the head of his 'group' of fellow actors and actresses, of which is informally managed by Shinobu.

Sighing, Shinobu replied, "Fortunately, or unfortunately. At least he's being less of a nuisance today."

"Gaman shite , Shinobu. Hit me up if any legal issues pop up in your line of work, or if you want to chat, too." Well, that's all I can say now, lest I say something that might sound unusual for Yu Yanfei to utter.

"Sankyū , Senpai ." She smiled, and I returned it with another smile. "Oh yeah, since we're having a volleyball match soon, can I join your team?"

Speaking of volleyball matches, Keqing challenged me to one, and asked me to come up with a team. Why does it feel like a typical occurrence for Tehiatik's Keqing and Yu Yanfei to compete against each other?

When Keqing asked me, though, I saw it in her eyes — the eyes of curiosity mixed with a need to pursue it. These are the usual eyes when I converse with the Yuheng of the Qixing.

Or… maybe I'm letting sentimentality get the best of me.

"No prob, Shinobu," I replied. Shinobu quickly bowed and went back to the ping-pong table, staying near Yoimiya.

Hm, why do I suddenly feel someone's stares piercing my back?

As expected, it's Taotao. She's giving me 'the stare' again. Sighing, I signaled to her that it was just Shinobu I was talking to. Unsurprisingly, she gave me the 'I'm watching you' sign before returning to her conversation with Tehiatik's Xinyan and Yun Jin.

I then moved to Aether, hoping to ask where Paimon was. Aether, with his wife by his side, is currently talking to an orange-haired man, who in turn sat beside a short-haired and tall woman wearing a similar dark-blue get-up as the owner of the stadium. Hm, it seems like I shouldn't disturb them, and that woman beside him just has this menacing aura. Ngh, wouldn't want to interrupt them.

Oh, Lumine doesn't seem to be too preoccupied — she seems to be staring at something, or someone. Maybe I can try asking her.

"Paimon? Oh yeah, you and Hu Tao haven't really met her yet."

Just like what Taotao told me, beyond some fleeting glances, neither Yu Yanfei nor Taotao are fully acquainted with Paimon.

"She said that she had to go somewhere for the rest of the day. I don't think she'll be coming," Lumine replied, with a hint of sadness. It's not my business to pry, but something tells me I should softly press for more info about Paimon.

"You two seem close, too, Lumine. You and Paimon, that is."

Lumine hummed in agreement. "We live together in Sonnenstadt . Before Aether got married, the three of us used to live together ever since I was… reunited with them." Smiling, she fiddled with the lavender-colored amulet of her necklace. "Now, it's just us two, and sometimes, she'd say that she'll go out for work at the random-est of times."

'Reunited', huh. This must be when Yu Yanfei and Agent Lawrence had assisted in their reunion. I think I must have triggered a happy memory. Maybe not happy, 'bittersweet' best describes it, judging the lingering sad air around her. I should uplift her spirits a bit, perhaps by making her describe Paimon in a bit more detail.

"Oh right. I must've forgotten, what was her line of work again?" I don't actually know what she does, and not even Taotao knows. Or likely, she forgot.

"Paimon's a jack-of-all-trades!" Lumine jovially responded. "So cool, y'know? She can do all kinds of stuff. You can even ask her to do anything, and she'll get it done!" A highly adept freelancer, huh. Something tells me that Paimon's currently unemployed, yet at the same time, is miraculously able to make ends meet.

"One time she's busy doing this particular commission, and the next thing you know, she'll be away doing another. I really like how I can depend on her more than Aether — don't tell him I said that," she continued. "Well, he is married and all, hmph. Lucky Ayaka…"

Heh, sibling rivalry. "I won't. I won't. Here's to me hoping to meet her, Paimon, someday."

Lumine snapped her fingers, as if she'd dawned on something. "Actually, Yanfei, I just remembered. She's been dying to meet you, too."

"Really?"

She nodded. "Looks like Aether forgot to tell you. I remember when your name first appeared in the news, and when Aether'd been sharing stories about your 'ace attorney adventures', Paimon said that she wanted to meet you one day. Kinda a bummer that she's busy today…"

What a coincidence. I wonder if she's a chatterbox like the Paimon I know. Maybe even a bit of a jest.

"Well, there's something to look forward to."

"Tell you what, Yanfei. I'll text her that you're here. Maybe she'll come, or not. No guarantees, though," Lumine scratched her nape as she said it. She took her phone out and sent her a message.

"Ah, you're too kind, Lumine."

"Oh hey! Paimon immediately responded. That's a rarity. Let's see…" Wow, Paimon must really want to meet with Yu Yanfei. "Um, think I can send a picture of you to Paimon? She wants proof, and uh, wants you to do your signature pose," Lumine requested while nervously chuckling.

I don't see why not. "Alright."

I flashed a simple pointing pose as per request, with a click of the button, Aether's younger sister thanked me.

"And… she's left me on 'seen'." Lumine pouted as she humphed. "I'll just send you a message if she replies."

"Got it. Thank you so much again, Lumine."

Finally meeting Tehiatik's Paimon, huh. Feels kinda unusual.

While I look forward to meeting the eldest of the Faramund siblings, it's giving me the… what does Taotao call it… the heebie-jeebies. I'm guessing it's just me wanting to acquaint myself with this world's Faramund siblings all at once, coupled with me overthinking things again. Not to mention, neither Taotao nor Yu Yanfei have met her yet. I should compose myself before anything else goes awry.

What a weird sensation, this feeling, but at least.

"Yanfei? I was hoping I'd join your team, as well. For the volleyball match, I mean."

Drat, I almost forgot. "Sure thing, Lumine."

"Gee, thanks! Just between you and me, though," Lumine leaned in a little closer, "Keqing's got 'strict' written all over. I don't wanna be on her team."

I couldn't help but chuckle. "Well, ditto."

I guess that settles it. I wonder who else wants to join—

"Oh, and Yanfei?" She grasped my jersey rather suddenly. "Could I ask something, by the way?"

"What is it, Lumine?"

"You see Tartaglia talking to my brother, right?"

I looked at the same orange-haired man, still talking to Aether. That must be him. Taotao did describe Tartaglia to me. His profession, I forget.

"I do, why?"

"Do you know who that woman is beside him?"

She must be referring to the one with a menacing aura around her. Upon closer inspection, though, it feels as if I'm looking at Eula, but with a choker around her neck and a more foreboding air around her. That must've been whom Lumine was staring at earlier.

Wait.

The person I nearly bumped into earlier.

The air around them just feels similar. It's unlike me to judge one's 'aura', but it just seems to be the case.

No, it's not just those two, but including Tartaglia, too. Could those three be…? Or not?

Drat, I nearly fell into a daze. "I… actually don't know, Lumine. My apologies. I can go ask Tao—"

"T-that won't be necessary, Yanfei." Lumine chuckled nervously. "I-I'll just ask Tartaglia later."

Looks like someone's showing signs of infatuation, heh.

"W-what's that smug look for?!"

I remember the date when something beyond my comprehension occurred.

January 2, 2030. Midnight.

I woke up in a cold sweat and feverish, as if I'd been fearing for something far beyond my imagination. Its cause, I've yet to find.

Worried, Ganyu wanted me to get checked for any illnesses or whatnot, but even after seeing three doctors, their diagnoses were the same; they said I was perfectly fine.

That was perhaps one of the strangest experiences in my life. I've even asked Ganyu if she felt something; she said no. But, for some reason, I felt completely unsatisfied that I had to pursue the cause of that mysterious experience.

That was when four people spontaneously, and with no warning or reason, came into my mind.

Yu Yanfei — Legue's Scarlet Prosecutor.
Hu Tao — the new 77th Director of the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor.
Eula Lawrence — an agent working for Interpol.
Aether Faramund — one of the LCPD's homicide police inspectors.

I initially thought this was something I could brush off as trivial, but no.

There is no such thing as a coincidence.
The methods carved by sound logic will pave the way to the truth.

With that credo in mind, I first contacted Aether, asking him if he'd felt anything off on the date in question. He said nothing happened. It was just a normal day, or night, for him.

Next was Eula. I had to pull a few strings through an acquaintance and former teacher, Ms. Du Yelan, to be able to reach her. After a short argument, Eula divulged that she had a strange premonition about Yanfei before the date in question, and felt that her neck was pricked by something, despite no wound appearing.

Before Yanfei, I talked to Hu Tao. What she told me was the exact same as Eula's, minus the premonition. She told me nothing else, but it felt like she wasn't giving me the entire picture.

With these, a preliminary question arises: why hasn't Aether felt anything? This wasn't my priority, however.

When I was about to contact Yanfei, something in me stopped myself from doing it. It's as if I shouldn't talk to her about it just yet.

No, that's not it. It was more like I had to 'compete' with her, rather than 'talk'. It's what we've been doing since then — as attorneys, as rivals, as friends; mere words couldn't possibly convey what I want to ask. Not to mention, she was on leave for the month of January, making it impossible for us to communicate without me losing face.

The monthly meet-up would eventually be cancelled because of that, and it was supposed to be in the region of Akkadu, too.

When I was her student a long time ago, Ms. Yelan once told me this, "There are many ways to go about the art of deduction. For my purposes, a good way to draw out one's nature is to compete with them. There, if you are observant enough, you can properly gauge their personality." It goes without saying that one has to be with them to ascertain as much.

For the whole month, one could say my curiosity was like a gadfly. All because I was so close to solving this, or at least feel like I was close to doing so. Of course, I had told Ganyu about everything, but she reminded me that I had more important matters to deal with, so I did my best to shelve it away in my mind.

The month went as I managed to keep my thoughts focused on my work, until I finally saw her in person today.

Yu Yanfei.

As Ganyu and I were on our way to change, I stared back and wanted to confirm. It was subtle, but I felt it.

Something beyond reason.
Something beyond the conventional methods of ascertainment.

You're hiding something, Yanfei.

And I intend to dig it out with the best of my abilities, through our volleyball match.

A simple, friendly volleyball match. It's been a while since I last played.

It's my team versus Keqing's; that's me, Taotao, Shinobu, Lumine, and Ayaka against Keqing, Ganyu, Yoimiya, Xinyan, and Yun Jin. Instead of the regular six players per team, it's now five. Surprisingly, all ten of us have some volleyball experience, one way or the other.

The rules of a normal volleyball game apply, with Aether and the woman who was beside Tartaglia — named Arlecchino — acting as the umpires. The first team to reach 20 points wins, without any extensions.

Moments before we began, we did some stretching and strategizing. Primarily, I'll be acting as the libero, Lumine as the setter, and Taotao, Shinobu, and Ayaka as the attackers. We'll be changing roles every now and then, even taking up multiple roles.

The plan was to be on the defensive side, so that we could prolong the game — maybe making it a test of stamina. In reality, I wished to observe not just Keqing and her team, but also how all the players here move and interact. This is the perfect scenario, and I can't waste it.

But, if Keqing and co. do take a more aggressive stance against us, we'll have to sync with them until the last few points, bagging a win if ever.

"Before the game starts, and as a formality, would the players please gather to shake hands and toss the coin?" Aether announced, and we followed.

Each one of us had a partner to shake hands with; I shook hands with Keqing.

The moment I held her hand, and for some reason, my focus on her sharpened just for a few seconds. I became aware of the certain subtleties around me and her.

Her steadfast stare at me. The grip of her hand. The overall poker face she had. She wanted to ascertain something in this match.

There's no mistaking it.

While you are not the Keqing I know, you are no different to Liyue's. Hence, it wasn't just my sentimentality; I really did see your resolve through your eyes the moment you challenged me to this match.

You are determined to see through me. You want to know something, don't you, Atty. Cheng Keqing? Perhaps, if I'm the 'Yu Yanfei' — the one and only Legue's Scarlet Prosecutor — you know?

The moment I thought of that, her brows furrowed, almost as if she read my mind.

This… definitely has to be one more of Feng's tests.

Ngh, so be it.

Only Taotao must know of my identity, lest things possibly go for the worse if I divulge to another soul. But, if you want to know even a bit of the truth, then let this match shed some light that an insane deity sent me here in place of Yu Yanfei's position.

Don't expect me to be obvious with my signs, Yuheng.

"May the best team win, Prosecutor Yu Yanfei," the leader of the opposing team uttered.

"Likewise, Defense Attorney Cheng Keqing," I responded.

The rest of us, including the umpires, huddled together as Arlecchino seemingly pulled a coin out of thin air before tossing it up high. She quickly caught it with one hand and asked,

"Who has their bets on—"

"Heads!" Lumine blurted out. All eyes were locked on Aether's younger sister. "Oops."

That… was quick, but we already decided earlier on to pick heads, no matter what. It is, after all, a 50-50.

"I guess that makes us tails," Ganyu responded.

Arlecchino unclasped her hands, revealing 'heads'. "Your team's serving first, Lumine."

"Alright!" Lumine tapped her palm with her fist while her brother handed me the ball.

Returning to my spot, I smiled at the conclusion I dawned upon. So, it seems that the outcome of this match doesn't matter to Keqing, but rather how I act. You actually used this meet-up to your advantage. Sharp, just like the Keqing I know.

When I arrived at my spot, ready to serve, the sunlight in the room dimmed.

One point after another. And another, and another, and another.

The advantage each team got did not go beyond two points. In fact, it's as if both teams were playing defensively, up until the score was tied at 10-10 when both teams requested for a waterbreak.

It wasn't tiring though, since one of the fans could comment that both teams looked as if they were merely passing the ball, but with extra steps, and that some moves were repetitive and not too dynamic. Either team also seemed like they were holding back.

Well, I did originally intend for our team to observe the opponent, but it seems like they planned likewise.

"Keqing?" Ganyu called me.

"Oh, Ganyu. What's wrong? Nice receives and sets, by the way," I complimented as I drank some water.

"N-no, I just had to do what you told me. Thank you, too." Ganyu bowed as she thanked me. "Um, could I just say something that I observed?"

"What is it, Ganyu?"

"You seemed… to be looking at Yanfei ever so often. Quite keenly, might I add." Uh oh, her frown became more apparent. "Could I just ask why?"

Guess the cat's out of the bag. I don't want any misunderstandings at this point, especially with her.

"Remember what I told you back in the changing room? About what I sensed in Yanfei?"

"That she has a different air about her? Yes, I do."

"Well, don't you feel likewise after having played against her team?"

Ganyu cupped her chin to think. "Now that you mention it… she seemed a bit more serious than usual. The way she and her team played, it's like they're trying her best to defend. Unlike before when she'd usually go headlong into the offensive after testing the waters."

"That's right. And don't forget about Hu Tao." I wagged my finger as I explained. "Those two tend to be quite the fiery tag team when they play volleyball. Even outside of the sport."

If that's the case, then we'll have to take initiative. I've observed Yanfei's defensive actions more than enough; the time to set the stimulus to draw out more of herself has come. We'll have to move accordingly.

I called for my teammates to huddle together to discuss. "Offensive. We'll attack relentlessly and give them no time to rest. With that, let's go with this plan instead…"

It's come to this, huh.

The score's at 18-12, in favor of Keqing's team. Our defensive play isn't as effective now. It doesn't help that Keqing and Xinyan have more aggressive spikes now, not to mention Yun Jin's and Yoimiya's sporadic sets. Receiving the ball's slowly becoming harder. Ngh, the way Ganyu's been serving the ball's annoyingly hard to receive, too.

Naturally, they must've changed plans during the waterbreak.

I chuckled. I only hope Keqing's team wasn't looking down on us, but with only two points more before they win, I can only imagine what's going on in their heads.

While Ganyu was still returning to her spot to serve one last time, I quickly studied the state of the opposing team members. They seemed to be panting and sweating more obviously now. Meanwhile, my team obviously had more zip than the other.

It seems like turtling on a defensive play has its perks, albeit risky.

Now's the time to reap said perks. I snapped my fingers twice, signalling the plan to be put in motion.

With that, we deliberately arranged ourselves to set up our bait — a spot where it would seem like the opposing team could easily score a point.

And as expected, Ganyu served the ball to be shot into said spot.

I quickly got into position and received the ball, with Lumine setting it. Then, Shinobu feinted spiking the ball — Keqing, Ganyu, and Yoimiya falling for it, followed by Ayaka spiking the ball into a free spot.

"Time for a grand turnabout, eh, Yanyan?"

"You said it, Taotao."

We alternated the feint plays and defensive plays, so as to throw off the opposing team. It seemed to be working, landing us into a tie one last time, only with one point left for each team before victory.

The play came with a cost however; both teams were now tired. Surprisingly, neither team budged for a waterbreak. Just from reading the room alone, I could tell that each one of us in the match wanted to push ourselves to the limit until the very end, and this 'very end' is just a point away. Keqing, though, was starting to eyeball me more furiously.

She really won't stop pursuing me, huh. By now, and judging the serious faces she's been flashing at me, she knows that my movements and quirks are of my own, and not Yu Yanfei's.

You're not the only one who's been doing her fieldwork, Keqing. Just from this match alone, A certain difference comes to manifest itself between you and Liyue's Keqing. Unlike how my Hu Tao and the Hu Tao beside me share the same mind and soul, you are more relentless in your methods.

That six-point advantage earlier revealed it all, but this manifested difference would naturally be bolstered by now.

Truly, I look forward to when we finally face each other in court.

"Just one. One more point. We can do this. I just have to watch out for Keqing." As I mumbled that line, the sunlight started to shine throughout the room once more.

Not just that, it shone through a particular spot in the net area.

Wait a minute. We can try that.

But, I have to be the spiker for us to pull it off.

Drat, it's now or never!

I quickly signaled my teammates by tapping my fist on my palm twice before Ayaka served the ball.

Out of the blue, Keqing's team sent the ball back after two hits — that was on purpose! Fortunately, Lumine was able to recover it at the back, but sent it flying back to the opposing team.

Taotao and I slowly inched to the spot in question as both teams struggled to return the ball back and forth for Morax-knows-how-long. This match's victory is, of course, determined by the one who makes the first mistake.

Then, we were now in position, ready to put our plan into motion. Keqing and Ganyu, however, took notice of Taotao and my movements.

Everything around me seemed to move slowly as I focused and steeled myself. Now, the moment of truth. Who'll be the one to make the mistake?

The ball was spiked hard by Ganyu from the other side.

Shinobu was able to receive the ball.

Taotao successfully set the ball for me.

Just then, and perhaps reading our movements, Keqing ran to the sunlit spot.

There, I saw it: the line, the movement, and where I'll hit the ball. Everything's moving according to plan.

I leapt and drew my right hand back, preparing to spike, as if I was preparing to strike my third summoned fireball.

For a split second, I saw Keqing attempting to block my spike.

Then, it happened — Keqing flinched and shut her eyes, leaving the opening we expected!

The ball was spiked hard with a harsh slap towards a spot where Ganyu, despite receiving it, had the ball flung beyond the line of my team's court.

And that was when the match was decided.

When I landed, my arms instinctively stretched towards the sides, discreetly sticking my tongue out. Old habits die hard. A rather loud and boisterous applause from the spectators resounded in the room seconds later.

"That's enough! And the winner is… Team Yanfei!" Aether announced.

I… was careless!

To think the sunlight searing my eyes would cost us our win. As a volleyball player, this is such a disgraceful loss.

"K-Keqing!"

That's Ganyu's voice. At least hearing her makes me feel all the less stressed. I was soon hoisted up by her, and the rest of my team huddled.

"You alright there, Keqing? I saw your face pucker up 'n' all," Xinyan commented. "Things were heatin' up at the last moment, too!"

"Yeah, I'm fine. I just got blinded by sunlight, that's all," I replied, crossing my arms. So, that was their trap laid out for the one who'll block Yanfei, i.e., me. And, I took the bait. "Sorry, guys. I should've been more careful."

"No, no, it's alright! We fought really hard up to the end, so it's all good!" Yun Jin cheered.

"Yup! I gotta say, I was on the literal edge just by setting and receiving the ball. That adrenaline rush sure was booming!" Yoimiya flashed a V-sign at us.

Ganyu nodded, undoing my crossed arms and then holding my hands. I felt a delightful and soothing warmth from her. "They're right, Keqing. Reaching a point away from victory and having a close fight do mean something."

I should really stop beating myself up for things that don't go according to plan. C'mon, Keqing, it's just a game, and you already got what you wanted: Yanfei's demeanor. This has still been a fruitful excursion, in the end, and truly, she still hasn't lost her touch.

Speaking of Yanfei, I peaked over the other side to see what the other team was up to.

"H-hey, put me down! D-don't make me file a restraining order!" Yanfei squealed while being hoisted up by Hu Tao, Shinobu, and Lumine. Ayaka and those around them seemed to laugh and smile at their theatrics.

I couldn't help but chuckle as well. "You guys noticed too, right?" I asked my team.

"Notice what, Keqing?" Yun Jin asked.

"Yu Yanfei…" I smiled. "Something seemed different about her, even if it's by a little bit. I'm not sure you get what I mean, but I noticed it while playing against her and her team."

Well, their counterattack and final strike proved to me that a majority of Yanfei's still there. Maybe Ganyu's right, I shouldn't think too much about it, especially today. The next chance to pursue this conundrum will present itself, one day. In the meantime, What's important is that Yanfei's alright.

I discreetly gripped my fist. This still doesn't mean that I won't uncover the bare truth behind this discrepancy of your demeanor, Yanfei. One day, I'll have the answers, and I won't relent until I get them in the end.

"Y'know? I think you're right. I can't really point it out, but somethin' was definitely different 'bout our good ol' Yanfei," Xinyan answered.

"But, at the same time, she's still the same Yanfei we know," Yun Jin continued.

"Yeah, that's right," Xinyan replied.

Yoimiya nervously smiled and scratched her nape. "I, uh, dunno what it was honestly, but I'll prolly ask Shinobu-chan more about her."

"Well, in any case, shall we shake hands with them once more?" Ganyu suggested. We all hummed in agreement.

Slowly but surely, the taste of defeat slowly turned sweet. I'm sure my other teammates felt it as well.

Prosecutor Yu Yanfei. I look forward to our next battle in court.

Profiles:

Hu, Tao (27, F)
↪ The 77th Director of the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor. My mischievous yet amazing and knowledgeable girlfriend. Currently teaching me the essence of 'dating'.

Cheng, Keqing (28, F)
↪ Defense attorney from the Cheng and Co. Law Offices. Relentless in her methods.

Yang, Ganyu (28, F)
↪ Defense attorney from the Cheng and Co. Law Offices. Hardworking and extremely supportive of Keqing.

Faramund, Aether (31, M)
↪ Legue City Police Department homicide police inspector. Apparently has a number of acquaintances.

Faramund, Ayaka (28, F)
↪ Wife to Aether. Apparently works in Ikazuchi with an esteemed position.

Faramund, Lumine (25, F)
↪ University of Tehiatik, Legue Campus student taking up economics. Currently in her last year.

Faramund, Paimon (35, F)
↪ Busy freelancer and unemployed. 'Dying' to meet Yu Yanfei.

Kuki, Shinobu (26, F)
↪ Defense attorney and informal manager of Itto's 'group'.

Tartaglia (?, M)
↪ Apparently Judge Zhong's acquaintance. Foreboding air around them.

Pantalone (?, M)
↪ Owner of the Hukong Stadium. Bears an uncanny resemblance to Dr. Bai. Foreboding air around them.

Arlecchino (?, F)
↪ Lumine was staring at her for a prolonged period. Bears an uncanny resemblance to Eula. Foreboding air around them.

Translation notes:

麒麟 (Pinyin: "qílín")
↪ a Chinese mythical beast; the blood of this runs through Ganyu

先輩 (Romaji: "senpai")
↪ upperclassperson, senior

我慢して (Romaji: "gaman shite")
↪ "Hang in there"

サンキュー (Romaji: "sankyū")
↪ Japanese pronunciation of 'thank you'

ちゃん (Romaji: "chan")
↪ Japanese name suffix indicating endearment or close relationship