Tokyo Three Generations

143, The Descent of Mary

"But... please listen to my story, maybe it will make you feel better."

Nagasaki Motoyo's sudden action caught Aine off guard. She instinctively wanted to pull her hand back, but faced with the other person's sincere eyes, she couldn't bring herself to do it.

Honestly... even though they're from "that side," there's just no way I can dislike them.

She sighed inwardly, but also felt secretly frustrated.

Miss Toyokawa's friends are all such "high-quality" people, making her feel even more inferior in comparison.

I can't compete with her in terms of personality, and I can't compete with her circle of girlfriends either... Sigh, apart from a stubborn pride, it seems I can't change my situation of being subordinate to others.

"What is it?" She softened and stopped struggling, asking softly.

"It's about Jun and me." Seeing that the other party had relented and was willing to listen to her, Nagasaki Motoyo finally breathed a sigh of relief.

"It's a long story..." she sighed softly, then looked to the side. "Why don't we sit down and talk about it slowly?"

Having said that, Aine could only nod silently.

So the two of them walked to the railing in the corridor, where there were benches to sit on, and sat down together.

"Actually, my life was stagnant until the end of last semester... and then suddenly I had to face life and death."

Motoyo Nagasaki used this sentence as her opening remark.

Then, with a touch of relief and nostalgia, she recounted how she met Jun Takasaki and how they spent time together afterward.

Of course, to be considerate of Aine's feelings, she concealed any overly intimate scenes.

From her mother's near-death experience, to Jun Takasaki's act of mercy in sparing her and her daughter, to their subsequent life in hiding, and their trip to Akita... for Su Shi, this is not just a story, but also a recollection of the most thrilling and unforgettable experiences of her life.

She was happy to have someone to confide in.

Chihaya Aine listened quietly. When she heard that the mother and daughter were in danger, she was shocked and felt a little sorry for them. She breathed a sigh of relief when she heard that Takasaki Jun had found a way to save them.

It wasn't until she heard the other person's story that she understood what kind of person her Jun-nii was in Nagasaki Motoyo's eyes.

...Then, she felt a mix of emotions.

Although Chun-gege became a hero, which made her feel very proud and thought he deserved it, seeing him become a hero in someone else's life inevitably brought a bittersweet feeling.

So, without her knowledge, Chun-gege had already done so many things... Since he graduated from high school, the two of them were no longer in the same school. The physical distance slowly brought about a rift in their lives. She always felt that she and he had become quite estranged. Nagasaki Motoyo's incident was proof of that—Chun-gege hadn't told her anything about it.

She knew this was normal, because she couldn't help in this matter anyway, and it concerned Chun's own family affairs, so he wouldn't have revealed it to her on his own initiative.

However, even knowing all this, she still felt unwilling.

She didn't want to see two people who were once "inseparable" slowly separated by time and eventually become strangers; that would be a disaster she couldn't even imagine.

I want to know more about him, and help him more... she kept telling herself.

Similarly, she roughly understood the other party's purpose in coming to find her.

Sure enough, the other person was also secretly in love with Chun-gege (or rather, openly in love with him), so they came to get closer to her.

Girls who liked Chun tried to get close to her. This had happened to her more than ten times back at her alma mater, but this time was different. She felt that she couldn't disrupt or ignore it.

After all, this girl named Nagasaki Motoyo had gambled with the weight of fate...

Moreover, because of her experiences, Aine could not deny this affection at all.

If you were in that situation, wouldn't you also find yourself drawn to your savior?

Of course, the primary prerequisite is that the savior is really handsome.

Damn it... One young lady from Toyokawa was already a headache enough, and now there's this gentle and kind Nagasaki Motoyo... Should I marvel at Jun-nii's good fortune? Or should I lament my own bad luck?

Just as Aine was still feeling uncertain and anxious, Nagasaki Motoyo spoke up again.

"Chihaya-kun, I'm so sorry to have made you laugh. I've wasted so much of your time listening to my experiences..."

“No, there’s nothing funny about it.” Chihaya Aine quickly shook her head. “In fact, I’m actually very happy for you… Nagasaki-san, you’ve really worked hard. Even though none of this was your responsibility, you had to endure so much danger.”

Faced with Chihaya Aine's comforting words, Nagasaki Motoyo simply smiled nonchalantly, "It's all in the past, it's alright. Besides, I've relied on my mother since I was little. If she's in danger, isn't it only right that I go through life and death with her? I don't feel like I'm being dragged into this unjustly. On the contrary, I'm glad that I can always be by my mother's side and do my best to provide her with some comfort... Although if my mother had to choose, she would definitely prefer that I run away first."

At this point, her smile faded, and her tone hardened considerably. "Of course, it's impossible to say I feel absolutely no regret. I don't hate what happened to my mother; after all, she chose that profession, and she only has herself to blame for what happened. What I hate is my own powerlessness. When facing life and death with my mother, I was completely helpless, unable to do anything, and could only watch as their lives hung by a thread... Although I was lucky this time to meet a benefactor, I absolutely never want to experience that again."

So, I hope that I can become stronger in the future, able to protect myself and my mother, and even, to put it more boldly, protect my benefactor and all the people I love... Although I am still very, very far from this goal, I will strive towards it, and I am working towards it right now..."

When Nagasaki Motoyo said these words, her face shone with a pure white light, as if she were possessed by the Virgin Mary. Aine was completely stunned.

Damn it, we're the same age, so why does she look so much more mature than me?

She couldn't help but feel a little ashamed of herself.

But I can't bring myself to dislike this person.

Previously, Toyokawa Shoko's excellence had put immense pressure on her, causing her to "react" and adopt a confrontational attitude; however, now, facing Nagasaki Motoyo, who is full of maternal love, she simply cannot adopt the same attitude.

Is there really anyone in the world who can hate Nagasaki-kun like this?

"So, Chihaya-san, this is why I came here..." After saying these heartfelt words, Nagasaki Motoyo's gaze returned to Aine's face. "I just want to get to know you, become your friend, and then try to mend the relationship between you and Shoko... If possible, I even hope you can put aside your past grievances and become good friends, so everyone can get along peacefully. Although you may think this idea is absurd now, I will try my best for it, and please believe in my sincerity—"

“We’ve never met before, and you’re saying you want to be friends…” Perhaps because the other person’s words were too confident, Chihaya Aine couldn’t help but protest softly.

"Does becoming friends mean you have to meet a lot? Aren't there stories of instant friendships?" Nagasaki Motoyo posed a difficult question to answer.

Then she gave her own answer: "For me, since you are his best friend since childhood, you are also a friend to me. I want to take care of the people he takes care of. I know this is a bit presumptuous, but whether you admit it or not, this is what I think."

"You're really confident..." Ai Yin muttered softly.

Although she was speaking against the grain, looking at Nagasaki Motoyo's maternal and smiling face, she found it hard to say anything sarcastic.

She asked herself honestly, was she really that reluctant to be friends with her?

no.

Chun-gege's matter is one thing, becoming friends with her is another; the two are not necessarily in conflict.

Because of the "London deserter" incident, Chihaya Aine no longer dared to contact her former classmates, so her previous circle of friends had been completely destroyed, making this the loneliest time of her life.

As a Japanese girl, how could she not long for friends?

However, because the matter was so sudden, she hadn't quite processed it yet and didn't know how to reply to the other party.

Seeing her bewildered and conflicted expression, Nagasaki Motoyo roughly guessed what was on her mind.

"Chihaya-kun, I know that my arrival today was too sudden, and my words were too abrupt, so you can't accept me right away. That's okay, I completely understand how you feel. I don't expect you to open your heart right now. I believe time will tell..."

Before that, I implore you, could you at least exchange contact information with me? Would you grant me that honor? Even if we're not friends, please at least give me a chance to contact you in the future… I beg you.”

Since she had already put it that way, Aine naturally found it difficult to refuse, so she nodded blankly.

The two picked up their phones and exchanged contact information.

"Now that we've exchanged contact information, calling each other by our surnames seems too formal... Chihaya-kun, how about we address each other by our first names from now on?"

Chihaya Aine felt as if she were being led forward step by step, but she couldn't bring herself to be angry.

Rather, now that things have come to this point, it's time for things to fall into place naturally.

"Okay, sure." So she nodded again.

"Aine?" Nagasaki Motoyo called out tentatively.

“Su Shi,” Chihaya Aine replied softly.

“Yes, that’s how it should be…” Nagasaki Motoyo smiled again, her azure eyes sparkling. “Please take care of me from now on, Aine!”

Chihaya Aine didn't answer, because she felt a little shy and embarrassed at the moment.

However, deep down, she was still a little happy because, after a boring period of new campus life, she finally had a "friend" who couldn't yet be called a friend.

Chun-gege's act of kindness is truly wonderful.

After adding each other as friends, Nagasaki Motoyo checked the time again; lunch break was almost over.

“Aine, I’ve already taken up so much of your time today, let’s keep in touch again later~” Nagasaki Motoyo bowed slightly to Aine again, “It was really nice to meet you.”

At this point, she changed the subject again, "Have you made any progress on the band's exchange?"

Aine, who had been in high spirits, suddenly deflated as if doused with cold water.

"There's not much progress so far, but I won't give up. Since we've already agreed to spar, I won't give up halfway. Even if I lose, I'll do my best before I lose."

Nagasaki Motoyo quietly looked at Aine, sensing the determination within her.

She's quite stubborn after all; even with slim hopes, she's unwilling to give up early.

"Well, then I wish you all the best. Also, I'll try my best to talk to our team members. Everyone should just keep it brief and absolutely not do anything excessive—including Xiangzi. So, Aine, don't feel guilty. Just treat it as a club activity. Winning or losing isn't important; what's important is the time we spend together..."

Su Shi's words of comfort brought Ai Yin a great sense of relief. After all, her biggest worry right now was forming a band.

If everyone just stops short of losing face, the situation will naturally be much better.

However, although she spoke so easily, could she really command Miss Toyokawa? Aine was still a little hesitant.

“Xiangzi isn’t as bad as you think. Sure, she has a bit of a spoiled princess attitude, but she wouldn’t intentionally torment others. Not only me, but everyone who has interacted with her can guarantee that.” As if seeing through her thoughts, Nagasaki Motoyo took the initiative to explain, “She’s just… just used to being the center of attention. There’s nothing she can do about it, isn’t there? After all, she’s been the center of attention since she was little, so of course she can’t imagine herself becoming someone else’s foil, let alone accept it.”

So... that's what I dislike the most.

Why should someone she's only just met be so "natural" to trample on her? Thinking of this, Aine's previously dormant anger reignited.

Even if she's a young lady from a wealthy family, she shouldn't be so unreasonable.

However, since they were in front of Nagasaki Motoyo, she didn't want to say anything bad about Miss Toyokawa.

“Yes, maybe you’re right. I also believe she’s not a bad person.” After a moment of silence, Ai Yin replied softly, “But even so, I won’t accept her condescending attitude towards me. Su Shi, you’re a very good person. I respect you, and I won’t make things difficult for you. In short, I’ll be careful with my words and treat her the way she treats me.”

After hearing Aine's words, Nagasaki Motoyo could only manage a bitter smile.

These two people appear humble and generous, but deep down they both share a similar stubbornness and pride.

Xiangzi said, "Just acknowledge that I am the older sister," while Aine said, "I will never accept her condescending attitude." Aren't they just at odds?

It seems these two are going to have a lot more to argue about in the future...

Now that things have come to this, I can only try my best to mediate.

Well, this can be considered part of "repaying a debt of gratitude." It might be tiring, and she might even endure some grievances, but she has no regrets and even finds some enjoyment in it. After all, sacrificing for those you love is a kind of pleasure...

144, A Tale of Ice and Fire

As the bell rang, the lunch break ended, but Chihaya Aine still hadn't recovered from the strange experience she had just had.

Motoyo Nagasaki, who came from the Moon Forest, gave her an unexpected encounter and inexplicably became her "friend".

Logically speaking, no one would refuse to be friends with a beauty and intelligence like Nagasaki Motoyo, a top student at Tsukimori.

In any other situation, Chihaya Aine would definitely be happy to agree, but the problem is... it's just this particular situation.

The thought that she was Toyokawa's best friend made Aine unable to feel happy.

Although Nagasaki Motoyo kept saying she wanted to ease the tension between the two, emotionally she definitely favored Toyokawa. If she had any conflict with Toyokawa, she would definitely take Toyokawa's side.

So... what's the point of having this kind of friend?

However, we shouldn't be so pessimistic. After all, Su Shi doesn't seem to be a mean person. Perhaps this is an opportunity for me to rebuild the destroyed network of relationships.

With a mix of anxiety and uncertainty, Aine gathered her thoughts and then realized that although Nagasaki Motoyo had left, Takamatsu Akari was still there, watching her nervously.

"Chihaya-san..." Seeing that Aine had noticed her, she quickly and timidly asked, "Are you alright?"

Although she didn't understand why she asked that, Aine nodded gently. "Yeah, I'm fine..."

"That's good." Gao Songdeng breathed a sigh of relief. "I was worried you would be unhappy. After all... it was me who took the liberty of bringing someone from another school in to see you. If you were unhappy about it, I would feel really bad."

"It's okay, I don't mind." Chihaya Aine finally understood why the other person was nervous. "Takamatsu-kun, you don't need to worry about me."

Although she's on Toyokawa's side, she's also an honest girl.

It's really strange. Although I had a conflict with Miss Toyokawa, none of her friends and teammates I've met so far have made me feel uncomfortable.

With a friend like that, Miss Toyokawa probably isn't a bad person... Aine thought to herself.

However, many things cannot be defined by "good" or "bad". No matter how good the other party is, you can't give in - because if you give in, you will have nothing left.

"Takamatsu, you're such a nice person. You're just too quiet, so people don't really notice you... You could try to be more outgoing in the future. I think everyone would really like to be your friend." Afraid that Takamatsu would overthink things, she cheered herself up and comforted him instead.

Then, she coughed lightly, "Although you declined my invitation, I understand your reasons and there won't be any resentment. Let's get along well from now on... after all, we're classmates."

Eh?

Chihaya Aine's words surprised and delighted Takamatsu Akari, as she was rarely praised to her face like that.