Latte Art, or Latte Break Apart? | Ganqing

☕️ 1/1

3/3/22

Busy days are always bad. Busy days stress everybody, busy days over work everybody. Busy days can lead you into situations like having a latte spilled on your coat while going home.

"Ah! Im so sorry I-" The girl said, face flushed in embarrassment and tears in her eyes.

A sigh followed by a scoff echoes through the hallway. "Whats your name?"

"Ganyu."

"Keqing."

"Oh, um, Keqing, i'm so so sorry I didn't see you.." Ganyu stammers. Keqing smiles. "Ah.. its fine. I don't mind, but.. do you want me to buy you a coffee?"

Ganyu's eyes widen. "Oh! I can't possibly accept that, its too much trouble!"

"Its okay. I really dont mind." Keqing beamed.

"Okay." Ganyu warmly smiled back.

Maybe busy days aren't so bad. The day ended on a nice note, peacefully drinking coffee with a new friend. That day, Keqing had a new number in her contacts.

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3/20/22

The two were walking to Keqings's office. Its a few blocks away from the flower shop Ganyu works at. Its more minimalistic, compared to the floral and lively shop. The tones are dull, but its nice. Its comforting. Nonetheless, the tones are dull. Ganyu doesn't like dull.

Could the colorful complicated florist make a change to the accountant's dull, simple life?

Maybe. Maybe not.

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4/13/22

"Happy birthday!!" The small crowd shouted. Ganyu was overjoyed- to the point her eyes were tearing up. She really hadn't expected a surprise birthday. Everyone was there, her co-workers, Zhongli, her friends, even her boss Ningguang stopped by. (Which was dragged by her girlfriend Beidou). The most shocking thing though, was someone holding a beautiful latte cheesecake covered in white icing, edible golden pearls adorning the sides. On top, in elegant cursive read "Happy Birthday Ganyu".

The one holding it? Of course, its Keqing. She was beautiful. Her and her silly little cat ear pigtails, her stupid serious face, the face Ganyu fell inlove with- grinning at her. "Happy Birthday. I hope you like it..?" The moment he set down the cake, she lunged at her and gave her the strongest hug her arms could achieve. "I love it! Thank you! Thank you everyone! I'm so happy!"

A tear rolled down her face. It was the best birthday she had. It was lively. It was warm. She was happy that people celebrated her birthday. She was happy Keqing celebrated her birthday.

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7/16/22

Ganyu waited infront of the vending machine patiently. Few moments passed by. *clunk*, she heard. She picked up the canned latte, opened it, and walked to the nearest park. She looked at the sky, painted in a beautiful red and a graceful purple.

Too mesmerised by the sunset, Ganyu didnt see the figure she ran into. "Ah!" She exclaimed. She bumped into Keqing. A sense of deja vu lingered in her heart. "Ganyu, going for a walk?" Keqing asked.

"Mhm."

"Well, can I join you?" Ganyu only smiled wider. "Of course."

The two ended up settling on a bench near the river bank. Ganyu's beverage was going cold, but its okay. Keqing's warmth makes up for it. They spent time talking about mundane topics, laughing at side comments, listening to one another rant about their stressful day.

"You know Ganyu, youre fun to be with." Her heart skipped a beat. "I feel the same way." She replied. Everything was blurry, but those words wear crystal clear. Soon enough, Ganyu gave into the darkness, and closed her eyes.

It was a peaceful sight. A young maiden's head on a another's shoulder, and her head resting on hers. It was as if they were lovers. As if they were meant to be.

If only that was true.

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12/24/22

The breeze was cold. The two were going to a local stargazing event. They set up the quilt and chairs, Ganyu even bringing their favorite beverage; coffee. At 8 pm, the sky was filled with white dots, everywhere. Like latte art, it was beautiful. Ethereal. They stared in awe, pointing out the bright stars and attempting to make out constellations. They even named stars here and there.

Ganyu took a sip of her latte. Everything was so peaceful. It was perfect. She thought, 'this is it. Its the moment, it has to be.' Franchesca shuffled in her coat, facing Keqing who was focused on the sky.

"Keqing." She called out.

"Yeah?" She responded, still looking at the blanket of stars.

"Keqing, look at me."

Keqing tilted her head, face wearing confusion. Ganyu was silent.

"What is it?"

Ganyu internally hyped herself up, and then moved forward to give a quick peck on Keqing's lips. They were soft, they were amazing. Keqing's expression, however, was not soft nor amazing. She jolted back instantly, hand covering her mouth. Ganyu creased her eyebrows. She studied Keqing's expression, but all there was were shock and disgust.

Ah, now she gets it.

She really is bad at reading the room, huh?

Moments of silence pass by. Keqing manages to mutter four words, "I need to go." Ganyu's eyes widen, "Wait!" she calls out to her, but she already got her backpack and walked away. Her expression faltered, and it seemed like everything just stopped. Knees to her chest, she silently sobbed. Regret. That was all she could feel. She looked up at the stars, they looked dull. Like her.

What happened?

Just a moment ago, they were close. Very close.

Another second passes, and suddenly they return to strangers. Strangers with memories.

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12/25/22

It was gloomy. Depressing. Even coffee couldn't cheer her up. Coffee reminded her of him. Coffee reminded her of the time she spilt her coffee on her. Coffee reminded her of the time she went to the vending machine for her. The coffee cake she made. Coffee reminded her of how his lips tasted. Her. Her. Her.

Before, she would joke about how all she wants for Christmas is coffee. This year, all she wants is for Keqing to come back.