Kevin sighed deeply. "Now you sound like a philosopher again."
Mei smiled. "Science and philosophy share common ground when exploring the universe's nature."
Their eyes met.
"I'm curious about something," Kevin said.
"What is it?"
"You don't seem like someone who'd care for these topics, yet you listened until now. Did you truly find value in our conversation? Be honest."
Kevin scratched his head sheepishly. "I can't say. I barely understood half of it—maybe less. But... the way you speak so earnestly captivates me. That's why I wanted to keep listening."
Mei blinked. "Just for that?"
"Yeah."
"Why?"
Kevin laughed helplessly. "I don't know either. In fact, I'd like you to teach me how to find the answer."
"Pfft—" Mei suddenly giggled.
Kevin's face lit up. "You finally smiled! It suits you."
-----
Teyvat's Reaction
The people of Teyvat stared, aghast.
Had they not witnessed Kevin's icy tyranny, this sweet scene might've been believable. But now?
Unthinkable.
Nahida clutched her chest. "This is Kevin?! Where's the merciless overlord I imagined?!"
Yet the memories continued.
-----
Mei gazed at Kevin fondly. "This summer, I'll attend a physics seminar in Mu Continent. Scholars worldwide will be there. I want to meet those who shape our world—and become one of them."
Kevin pumped his fist. "You'll do it! I believe in you."
"What about you?" Mei asked. "Any dreams?"
"Nope." He leaned back, watching the sunset. "Changing the world? Too grand for me. I'd rather cherish friends, enjoy moments, and live freely."
Mei tilted her head. "No plans at all?"
"Why fret? The world's vast. Something—or someone—will always need me. But if I only look ahead, I'll miss who's beside me now." He grinned. "I'm just a kid! Let me be happy."
Mei chuckled. "How carefree. But I hope your wish comes true."
"Ours both will!" Kevin sat up. "Hey, why don't I go to Mu with you—"
-----
ThePresent—
The memory shattered.
Kevin stood amidst the glowing ruins of Changkong City, the sky a tapestry of dying stars.
In each flicker of light—lives ended and began.
Every person he'd loved, every laugh and tear, every promise kept or broken...
All of human history, all its legacy...
Reduced to embers.
He didn't know why these thoughts surfaced now.
Why memories of her haunted him.
But his eyes, unbidden, found Mei Yi's retreating figure—her resolve mirroring Mei's, yet...
She wasn't Mei.
He watched not out of nostalgia, but to witness her choice.
-----
Teyvat Continent —
Rain drummed louder, drowning Mei Yi's footsteps.
Venti finally broke the silence in the chat:
[Venti]: "I spoke rashly earlier. Kevin... loved Mei deeply."
[Zhongli]: "Took you long enough, drunkard."
[Venti]: "Ehe~"
[Nahida]: "Strangely, this Kevin feels more human than the tyrant I recall."
[Ayaka]: "Agreed. The memory's Kevin seems almost... relatable."
Yet as more voiced this, unease grew.
A seed of doubt took root—one they ignored, focusing instead on the screen.
-----
Kevin's Perspective—
From afar, he saw Mei Yi reunite with Kiana.
"Kiana?! Why are you—" Mei Yi gasped at her wounds. "You left Helios in this state?!"
Kiana glared. "Me?! You vanished! Everyone panicked! Do you know how scared I—" She winced, catching her breath. "Forget it. Enemies are everywhere. Return to the doctor."
"And you?" Mei Yi gripped Kiana's bloodied sleeve. "What will you do?"