Girl Band, Gravity Capture

Page 92

The tenth Yilinqi Bar 4 Qi Siwu Lijun, Yang Zhang Fengchuan Xiangzi: You must come back...

As dusk settles and the evening breeze blows, the sun sets in the west.

After getting off the pleasure boat, Nagasaki Motoyo, who gently put her arm around Genjiro's arm, seemed to be in a very good mood. Her steps were noticeably lighter as she pulled him into a secluded alley.

A dozen minutes later, a few blushes appeared on her delicate face, and the girl, whose slender waist was a little weak, leaned tightly against the boy beside her. She walked out of the alley with unsteady steps, supported by him.

Although such a scene seems a bit too strange, making it hard not to suspect that something beyond a simple kiss happened during those ten minutes or so—but that's not actually the case.

At most, during the kiss, he might have lightly touched those full, rounded, and relatively sensitive areas. The reason it looked so strange was mostly because the thrill of kissing in such a semi-public setting made the girl, whose body was at least pure and whose mind was conservative towards others, feel a little giddy.

The tip of my tongue, slightly numb, felt as if it were soaked in a sweet taste, with a faint tactile sensation remaining.

Fortunately, with the help of Genjiro, Nagasaki Motoyo's weak legs were still able to walk with normal steps, so she wouldn't stand out.

In this situation, neither of them had the energy to visit each restaurant individually and choose a place to have dinner. Genjiro Toru simply found a Japanese restaurant nearby that had good reviews online and solved their dinner problem.

After all, we're going to visit the cherry blossom festival later, so we need to save some space for the food stalls in the shopping street.

Walking along the cherry blossom-lined corridor, the streetlights along the roadside illuminated a soft, non-glaring glow. Colorful neon lights flickered on the shop signs, and amidst the interplay of light and shadow, the bustling crowds moved about like a winding stream with countless tributaries.

Bathed in the glow of the lantern lights, the fallen cherry blossoms, compared to their vibrant and dazzling appearance in the morning, possess a more hazy and delicate quality, like pink and white butterflies fluttering in the air, light and fragile. Through the veins of the petals, the internal patterns are clearly defined, intricate and soft.

The two strolled down the corridor to digest their food, occasionally pressing their cheeks together and whispering intimate words, looking no different from the other couples around them.

Before they knew it, their steps drew closer and closer. What started as a relaxed hand-holding had now progressed to their feet touching and their shoulders pressed tightly together. Nagasaki Motoyo's soft brown hair gently draped over Genji's shoulder.

As they walked, they came into view of the bright red flames hanging high above, indicating that they were about to enter the area of ​​the festival.

Gen Xudou felt Nagasaki Motoyo's soft hand, which was clasped in his, suddenly tighten slightly. He squeezed the girl's palm reassuringly and spoke with concern.

"Su Shi, haven't you been to the festival before?"

"...I went there when I was a child."

Before her parents divorced, young Nagasaki Motoyo also enjoyed watching such a lively festival with her family.

However, since the family tragedy... her father left, and her busy mother naturally didn't have time to accompany her to the festival again. She also had almost no friends she could truly connect with and who would invite her out...

Several years later, Nagasaki Motoyo, who is rebuilding her ideal stable and happy family, came to this place again, where bright red lights were flashing and a joyful atmosphere was swirling around her. For a moment, she felt a little dazed.

Seeing the girl's stunned expression in those azure eyes, Yuan Xudou remained silent for a moment before taking her hand and walking forward.

"Let's go, Sushi."

He turned around and smiled gently at the girl who had unconsciously followed his steps.

"Now, I'll go with you to the festival."

"……Um!"

The gloom brought by past memories was swept away by her clear and bright voice. The smile on her beautiful face shone like warm sunshine straight into her heart.

A happy, satisfied smile bloomed on her gentle face. Nagasaki Motoyo grabbed his hand tightly and followed closely without hesitation.

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

Meanwhile, in the Roppongi area, at the home of Genjiro Todoroki.

Having just finished a day's work, Toyokawa Shoko dragged her weary steps into the unlit living room and collapsed heavily onto the sofa.

Xu Dou and Su Shi both went out today... so no food was cooked at home.

The down-on-her-luck girl, who was reluctant to spend money, casually ate some fast food on the street to fill her stomach. The inferior ingredients, which she had never tasted before, made her stomach feel like it was protesting, and the taste of cheap seasoning lingered in her mouth.

'Xu Dou... he must have gone on a date with Su Shi...'

She wasn't stupid. The two people who were always at home had disappeared at the same time today, and they were a man and a woman who were already close... She didn't even need to think hard to know what had happened.

Looking back now, Nagasaki Motoyo must have been living with Xu Douban back then, and I often invited the boy out to play on my days off... Now it seems like the tables have turned.

When your mind is consumed by exhaustion, even feelings of envy and jealousy rise very slowly.

"Money...it's so hard to earn..."

After lying on the sofa for a while, Toyokawa Shoko got up and turned on the light. She took out a small, crumpled "Fukuzawa Yukichi" note from her wallet and stared blankly at the amount that used to be only enough for a small fraction of her monthly allowance.

This was all she managed to save while living at Xu Dou's house, where food, water, and electricity were all provided, and she didn't even have to pay rent. If she were left alone outside, she probably wouldn't be able to save any money, and even the little balance she had left in her bank account would gradually shrink.

...How exactly did Xu Dou manage to move into this apartment all by himself?

The price of this apartment is not something that can be achieved simply through accumulation.

Only when you truly begin to work do you realize how difficult life is. She and Nagasaki Motoyo were able to live a wealthy life thanks to the blessings of their elders, while Minamoto no Koto had only himself from beginning to end... He was a true genius, far superior to her.

Without Xu Dou's help, I would definitely be in a much worse situation... At least now, after a hard day's work, I have a clean and tidy room to rest in, a warm bathtub to soak in, and clothes to change into promptly.

Compared to the most difficult time, she is much more relaxed now, and can even talk to Xu Dou every day.

But... how can I keep clinging to him like this...?

Despite living here, Genjiro didn't make any demands on her, and the relationship was merely a form of support from an intimate person, not a "sugar baby" arrangement that would hurt her self-esteem... but Toyokawa Shoko still felt very uncomfortable.

She wanted to prove that she didn't need to depend on the person she liked, and that she could stand shoulder to shoulder with him, offering him help and support.

However, ideals are often wishful thinking, while reality often falls short of expectations.

...At this rate, when will my wish ever come true?

How can I... hold him with the same confidence as before...?

And now, the issue that Toyokawa Shoko is most concerned about is right before her eyes.

"Xu Dou...when are you coming back..."

In the somewhat deserted living room, the soft, helpless murmurs of Toyokawa Shoko echoed. She knew perfectly well that the boy she liked was going on a date with another girl, but she could do nothing about it and could only pray that the two of them wouldn't do anything out of line.

Chapter Eleven: What I Want to Do for You (Part Two)

"Xu Dou~ See you tomorrow."

Under the completely darkened night sky, even the glow of the streetlights appeared somewhat dim.

However, this did not affect Nagasaki Motoyo's bright mood at all.

She tiptoed, embraced Yuan Xudou by the back of the neck, and planted a long, loving kiss on his lips. With each rise and fall of her body, the pale gold necklace on the girl's slender, fair neck swayed slightly, gleaming coolly in the bright moonlight.

After what felt like the umpteenth kiss of the day, Nagasaki Motoyo, her breathing quickening, finally released his hand, gently holding the gift that Genjiro Tou had given her for this date, and smiled with immense happiness.

Her gentle and sincere voice seemed to contain her unreserved tenderness and love.

“Okay, see you tomorrow,” Yuan Xudou replied in the same gentle tone.

After bidding a reluctant farewell to Nagasaki Motoyo downstairs at the apartment, like a couple deeply in love, Genji quickly returned home alone.

After changing into his indoor shoes in the entryway, he looked up and suddenly noticed that the living room lights seemed to still be on.

I looked down at the time displayed on my phone: it was almost midnight.

He remembered that Toyokawa Shoko, as a well-mannered former rich girl, did not have the habit of staying up late. Like Nagasaki Motoyo, she usually went to bed before eleven o'clock, adhering to the principle of not staying up late.

With a vague suspicion in mind, Yuan Xudou quietly put away his belongings and quietly walked into the living room.

"..."

The room, illuminated only by a small chandelier, remained mostly dark. Yuan Xudou stepped into the light, looked around, and quickly located his target.

On the sofa, Toyokawa Shoko leaned back peacefully, her slightly bulging chest rising and falling subtly and evenly. Her eyelids weren't completely closed, and you could even see the whites of her pure eyes through the tiny gaps.

Her usually elegant, rounded, and approachable face now showed a rare hint of relaxation, and even her delicate cherry-colored lips were slightly parted, vaguely revealing her white teeth and pink mouth.

Just as he had expected, Toyokawa Shoko... was sleeping peacefully on the sofa in the living room.

Are you tired?

No. Yuan Xudou quickly dismissed his own thought. Xiangzi wasn't wearing the simple outfit of a long-sleeved shirt and plaid pleated skirt she had worn when she went out; instead, she was wearing her home clothes after showering... If she had the energy to shower and dress, she couldn't possibly not have the energy to go to bed afterwards.

So... she waited there for him to come home until she was too tired to stay awake any longer and then fell asleep there...?

The excitement and laughter of the date faded, and Yuan Xudou returned to his calm demeanor, his eyes now filled with complex emotions.

He walked up to Toyokawa Shoko, who, like Sleeping Beauty in a story, had a relaxed and calm expression but was still undeniably beautiful, and gently nudged her shoulder.

Seemingly exhausted from work, the girl slept soundly and did not wake up.

"Mmm..." she let out a soft moan, but her eyelashes showed no sign of trembling.

...She was probably too tired. I wonder what time Xiangzi waited.

In this situation, it goes without saying what should be done.

After hesitating for a moment, not wanting to forcibly wake her from her deep sleep, Yuan Xudou first carefully closed her half-closed eyes with his hands, and then gently supported her soft shoulder.

With his other hand under her legs and a slight adjustment, he lifted Toyokawa Shoko up in a princess carry.

Shoko Toyokawa, asleep, was so limp and boneless that it was difficult to hold her securely. Fortunately, the girl was very light, so it wasn't too strenuous to lift her.

Placing his arm under her head, and keeping his breathing and movements soft to avoid disturbing her, Genji walked steadily toward Toyokawa Shoko's room.

As she walked, Toyokawa Shoko's body suddenly moved slightly. Sensing this, Genji Koto immediately stopped and looked at her.

She didn't wake up; she merely turned her head slightly, tilting her face towards Yuan Xudou. Then, as if she had caught a familiar scent, a sense of relief appeared on her delicate yet somewhat weary face.

There was no unexpected incident where Toyokawa Shoko woke up midway. Minamoto Koto then smoothly delivered the girl to her bed and even thoughtfully covered her with half of the blanket.

Just as he finished doing all this and turned to leave, he suddenly felt a tugging sensation on his clothes.

Feeling that familiar touch leave her side, even though she was still dreaming, Toyokawa Shoko instinctively reached out and tightly grabbed the hem of Genjiro's clothes.

“Xu Dou…”

Faint murmurs drifted from her lips, carrying a deep-seated vulnerability and unease.

Driven by that overwhelming sense of loss, the girl's eyelids and eyelashes trembled simultaneously.

In just a few seconds, Toyokawa Shoko opened her golden eyes and looked at the boy whose clothes she had been holding with a hazy gaze.

"...Xu Dou, you're back...?"

"One order to abandon" was what Qi J fed Wu Liu said this time when he was conscious.

Toyokawa Shoko rubbed her eyes with her other free hand, as if her vision, which had been fogged up, was finally clearing. She quickly realized that she was no longer in the living room where she had been before falling asleep, but was lying comfortably on her bed in her own room, and she also noticed that she had been holding onto the hem of Genjiro's clothes.

Combining the lingering sensations from being touched, the girl quickly understood the situation. "Xu Dou... did you carry me inside...?"

“Yes.” There was nothing to deny, and Yuan Xudou nodded frankly.

Having just woken up, Toyokawa Shoko, still somewhat groggy, looked at her pajamas and noticed only a few shallow wrinkles, clearly from being moved. Rather than feeling relieved, she let out a sigh of disappointment.

...Yes, Xu Dou isn't the type to take advantage of someone in distress.

Now it was her turn to look at the boy with a complicated expression.

Even after clarifying the situation, he still didn't let go of the hem of her clothes, and even gripped it tighter.

"...I thought you wouldn't be coming back tonight."

Perhaps because she had just woken up and couldn't quite control her emotions... a few of the feelings hidden in her heart were inadvertently revealed, and Toyokawa Shoko's tone, like unripe fruit, carried a slightly bitter sourness.

That was undoubtedly a complete lie. If she really thought the boy wouldn't come back today, she wouldn't have waited in the living room facing the entrance until she couldn't stay awake any longer and didn't go back to her room to rest.

So... those were just words spoken out of spite because of feeling upset and wronged.

Knowing full well that she was still waiting for him at home, she only thought of going home so late... Rather than being angry, curled up on the sofa, Toyokawa Shoko felt more worried and uneasy.

What if Xu Douzhen doesn't come back tonight and spends the night outside with Nagasaki Motoyo?

What if he really gives up on himself and completely sides with others?

...What if I lose him...?

Toyokawa Shoko understood that her current worries were unreasonable, like wishful thinking. Minamoto no Koto didn't truly belong to her; ever since she said and did those things, she had no right to constrain or demand anything from him in any capacity.

Besides, Su Shi and he had a good relationship before, so he had no right to interfere in their relationship.

However, when faced with that possibility, she still felt an overwhelming sense of resistance and sadness, and was unwilling to accept this fact.