The Things Remain, But The People Have Changed

"By the way, you still haven't told me your name," Qiao Xiaoqing said with a smile, squinting her eyes as she watched the police load the thugs into the car and take them away.

"My name is Kaguya," Kaguya replied, smiling slightly, though her thoughts were difficult to discern.

She had known Qiao Xiaoqing since childhood, as they grew up as neighbors. Kaguya was two years older, and they attended the same school from elementary through high school. However, due to the age difference, their time in the same school wasn't long, as whenever Qiao Xiaoqing advanced a grade, Kaguya would soon graduate.

When they were young, Qiao Xiaoqing's parents were often away, leaving her alone at home. Kaguya's parents were also frequently absent due to work, so the two lonely children gradually grew close. Qiao Xiaoqing called Kaguya "big brother," and Kaguya treated her as a younger sister; they were often inseparable.

Because nearby kids frequently bullied Qiao Xiaoqing, Kaguya got into countless fights, even once ending up bloody in a brawl with older students. Perhaps Kaguya's wild fighting style intimidated the neighborhood kids, so eventually, no one dared trouble them anymore.

But their good times didn't last long, as Qiao Xiaoqing had to move to another place, although they still attended the same school. As they saw each other less frequently, their relationship gradually became distant.

In his memory, Qiao Xiaoqing was a gentle, quiet, and demure girl, so much so that she would sometimes blush and shy away even in front of someone she'd known for years.

Kaguya couldn't reconcile the violent girl before her with the quiet young girl she remembered.

Moreover, Qiao Xiaoqing wielded a gun, something ordinary citizens couldn't have. Even the police chief treated her with respect, even deference, which surprised Kaguya. It made Kaguya wonder about Qiao Xiaoqing's identity—could she have had some adventure like Kaguya had?

Truly, things have changed, Kaguya thought to herself.

"Kaguya?" Qiao Xiaoqing tapped her chin with a finger. "That's quite an unusual name. Where do you live? I'll take you home."

Kaguya gently shook her head, saying nothing. In her current form, how could she go home? Even if she did, her parents wouldn't recognize her and might think she was a scammer, likely barring her from entering the house. Besides, even if they recognized her, what then? She couldn't stay in this world forever; she only had a month.

"What's wrong? Don't want to say?" Qiao Xiaoqing asked curiously, then seemed to realize something. "Did you have a fight with your family and run away from home?"

Kaguya couldn't think of a better excuse and just wanted to get rid of her to go home and check on her family, whom she still worried about.

Seeing Kaguya nod slightly, Qiao Xiaoqing's eyes lit up, and she couldn't hide her smile. She quickly said, "Don't want to go home? Come to my place. There are lots of bad people out there, and it's not safe for you alone."

"Wait—"

Before Kaguya could respond, Qiao Xiaoqing took her hand and led her away. Being familiar, Kaguya didn't forcefully pull her hand away and let herself be led.

Soon, they reached a large motorcycle, nearly twice the size of a regular one, with black paint and a streamlined shape, looking very impressive and clearly expensive.

Kaguya paused upon seeing the motorcycle. Wasn't this the one she had long admired? She never cared much for cars but loved motorcycles, especially this model, one of the most expensive and best in the world. She had longed for it, but back then, she knew she could never afford such a motorcycle.

But to her surprise, Qiao Xiaoqing owned one. This piqued Kaguya's curiosity about her identity. In her memory, Qiao Xiaoqing came from an average family, much like her own, not wealthy or powerful.

Clearly, things weren't so simple. Qiao Xiaoqing was only seventeen, perhaps not even an adult yet, and this motorcycle was too valuable for a high school student. Considering what Kaguya had just witnessed, she became even more curious. Initially planning to slip away when Qiao Xiaoqing wasn't looking, Kaguya now wanted to see what secrets she held.

"How about it? Pretty cool, right?" Qiao Xiaoqing said proudly.

"Yes." Kaguya nodded slightly, unable to resist stroking the motorcycle's sleek lines—something she had once dreamed of owning.

"Come on, I'll take you for a ride," Qiao Xiaoqing said, pulling out two helmets and placing one on Kaguya's head.

Qiao Xiaoqing mounted the motorcycle, looked back, and couldn't help but chuckle as she saw Kaguya.

"What is it?" Kaguya's voice sounded muffled inside the helmet. "Is something wrong?" She adjusted the helmet, checking for anything amiss.

Unaware of how cute she looked with the oversized helmet on her petite frame, Kaguya made Qiao Xiaoqing smile even more.

"Nothing, nothing," Qiao Xiaoqing coughed, trying to suppress her laughter. "Hop on."

Kaguya lightly leaped, her graceful body tracing a perfect arc, landing gently on the motorcycle's back seat with elegance and poise.

"Did you study dance?" Qiao Xiaoqing asked in surprise, catching Kaguya's fluid movements in the rearview mirror.

"Sort of," Kaguya replied vaguely, realizing she had gone a bit overboard. Such a move wasn't typical for ordinary people, and Kaguya reminded herself to be more careful next time.

Fortunately, Qiao Xiaoqing didn't press the matter, allowing Kaguya to relax. She didn't want to resort to illusions unless absolutely necessary.

"Hold on tight; here we go!" Qiao Xiaoqing shouted excitedly, revving the throttle. The wide motorcycle roared loudly and sped off like a black lightning bolt.