Green plums cannot become lovers.

The group hugged for a long time before slowly separating. Xiao Ai, still reluctant to part, tugged at An and Feibiao's sleeves and whispered, "So... what's our relationship now?"

Marina and Shizuka also looked at him.

An and Asuka thought for a moment, then said somewhat shyly, "If... if you're willing, I'd like to date each of you with marriage in mind. Of course, this requires Kaoru's consent, and also requires cooperation from you both..."

“We’re fine with it!” Marina immediately raised her hand. “Actually, we’ve already talked about this—if Asuka ultimately chooses one of them, the others won’t leave. We’ll stay together like family. In a way, this outcome is even better!”

Shizuka nodded: "Indeed. Rather than having one person have it all to themselves, it's better for everyone to share it."

Xiao Ai tilted her head: "Shared flying bird? It sounds a bit strange, but... I like it!"

As An and Asuka looked at them, a warm feeling welled up in their hearts. How lucky he was to have met these girls who understood and accepted him.

“However,” he suddenly remembered something, his expression turning serious, “this must be told to Kaoru first. We cannot…”

"Okay, okay!" Marina patted his shoulder. "We're not ignorant kids. I'll go to the hospital with you tomorrow and talk to Kaoru in person!"

Shizuka said gently, "I'll go too. This is something we all need to face together."

Xiao Ai raised her hand: "Me too!"

An and Asuka looked at them and finally showed their first relaxed smile in days: "Thank you."

The next day was a sunny autumn day.

In her hospital room, Kaori Miyazono was packing her things—her recovery was going well, and the doctor had cleared her for discharge next week. Hearing a knock, she turned around and paused slightly when she saw An, Asuka, and the three girls enter together.

"You're all here together," she greeted with a smile. "Come in and have a seat. Marina, Shizuka, Ai, don't you have school today?"

Marina nervously scratched her head: "Um... we've taken the day off. We have something very important to tell Kaoru."

Kaori Miyazono blinked, glancing at An and Asuka, then at the three girls with their varying expressions, and seemed to understand something. She put down the clothes she was holding, sat down on the edge of the bed, and patted the spot next to her: "Sit down, all of you. What's so serious?"

An and Asuka took a deep breath, sat down beside her, and took her hand: "Kaoru, there's something I have to tell you."

"Hmm." Kaori Miyazono nodded, her expression calm, as if she had expected this.

An and Asuka recounted what had happened the day before and their feelings without reservation. They spoke slowly and earnestly, every word coming from the heart. Marina, Shizuka, and Ai chimed in, frankly expressing their feelings for An and Asuka and their willingness to accept this special relationship.

Throughout the entire process, Kaori Miyazono listened quietly, her expression shifting from initial surprise to deep thought, and finally to a gentle smile.

After they finished speaking, the ward fell into a brief silence.

Then, Kaori Miyazono spoke softly: "So... Asuka likes me, and she also likes Marina, Shizuka, and Ai. And the three of you are willing to accept this kind of relationship, right?"

All four nodded at the same time.

Kaori Miyazono was silent for a moment, then suddenly burst out laughing.

"What is it..." She laughed until tears streamed down her face. "I thought it was something serious."

An and Asuka were stunned: "Kaoru, aren't you angry? I did this..."

"Angry? Why should I be angry?" Kaori Miyazono wiped away the tears that came out of her laughter, her amber eyes sparkling. "I've said it before, Asuka deserves to be loved by many people, and she deserves to love many people."

She looked at the three girls and said gently, "Moreover, you took care of me and stayed with me during my hospital stay. I know you are all very good girls, and it would be a blessing for Asuka to have you."

Marina was surprised that Kaori Miyazono accepted so easily, and felt a little embarrassed: "Um... Kaori, are you really not bothered? About us like this..."

"I do mind," Kaori Miyazono said playfully, tilting her head. "Of course I mind. But—"

She squeezed An and Asuka's hands: "More than caring, I want Asuka to be happy. And..."

Her gaze swept over the three girls, a sly smile playing on her lips: "With you guys here, if Asuka dares to bully me in the future, I'll have three helpers, won't I?"

These words broke the last bit of tension. Ai was the first to rush over and hug Kaori Miyazono: "Kaori is the best!"

Marina also breathed a sigh of relief: "You scared me to death. I thought you were going to yell at us."

Shizuka smiled and handed her a tissue: "Kaoru, thank you."

Kaori Miyazono took the tissue, wiped her eyes, and then said seriously, "However, there are some things I must say beforehand."

Everyone became serious.

“First,” Kaori Miyazono held up a finger, “Asuka must treat each of us fairly and without favoritism. Of course, exceptions may be made, such as when someone is sick or in trouble, in which case we can show more concern.”

An and Asuka nodded solemnly: "I promise."

“Second,” she held up a second finger, “we must not have suspicion or scheming between us. We must speak frankly about whatever we are thinking. If anyone feels wronged or unhappy, they should not keep it to themselves.”

Marina immediately raised her hand: "I agree! I hate guessing games the most!"

Shizuka nodded: "Good communication is the foundation for maintaining a relationship."

Xiao Ai nodded vigorously: "Yes!"

“Third,” Kaori Miyazono held up her third finger, her face slightly flushed, “that…we need to discuss some practical arrangements for the future. For example…where we’ll live, how to tell our families, and…the wedding, and stuff like that…”

As she finished speaking, her voice grew softer and softer, and her face became increasingly red.

An and Asuka held her hand tightly and said earnestly, "I will consider all of this carefully. I will give everyone a complete wedding and will try my best to gain your family's understanding."

“You said it,” Marina nudged his shoulder, “No cheating!”

"Will not."

An and Asuka looked around at the four girls, their hearts filled with an unprecedented determination.

On this autumn morning, in a hospital ward, five young people made a promise that seemed unbelievable to outsiders.

Having resolved a major concern, An and Asuka felt much lighter. He glanced at the girls beside him and suddenly felt the world had never been so bright. However, he didn't notice the fleeting, complex emotion in Kaori Miyazono's amber eyes as she looked up at him.

She's not actually that magnanimous.

Sometimes, in the quiet of the night, she would imagine how wonderful it would be to have that tenderness all to herself; sometimes, seeing him close to other girls would stir a little bitterness in her heart. But more than those little feelings of jealousy, she didn't want to make this boy feel awkward or sad.

Moreover... Kaori Miyazono's gaze swept over Marina's lively profile, Shizuka's gentle smile, and Ai's cheerful back, and a corner of her heart softened.

With their company, even if I really can't hold on anymore one day, I won't be too lonely, right?

The thought brought her both relief and a touch of sadness. But quickly, she shook her head, banishing those gloomy thoughts—didn't the doctor say her recovery was going very well?

Perhaps, just maybe, a miracle really will happen?

She gripped An and Asuka's hand tightly, feeling the warmth from his palm, and her heart was filled with hope again.

After establishing a relationship, the girls, having fulfilled their long-held wish, not only did not restrain themselves, but became even bolder because they had received "official recognition."

Marina sneaked into An and Asuka's room with a pillow for two nights in a row.

"The air conditioner in my room seems to be broken..." That's what she said on the first night.

An and Asuka looked around at the pleasantly warm room, then at Marina's innocent big eyes, and finally sighed, moving to the other side of the bed.

The next night, she didn't even bother with excuses and declared confidently, "I want to sleep with Asuka!"

Happiness came so suddenly that even two days later, the girl would still lie in bed and giggle from time to time.

That night, after An and Asuka finished washing up and returned to their room, they found Marina sprawled out on their bed, her long golden hair spread out on the pillow, her eyes fixed on the ceiling, and a suspicious smile on her lips.

"What are you grinning about again?" An and Asuka turned off the light helplessly. As soon as they lay down on the bed, the girl rolled over and climbed on top of them.

In the darkness, Marina's eyes shone brightly, like stars in the night sky.

"Bird." Her voice sounded especially soft in the quiet night.

"Well, what happened?"

"Kiss."

As soon as he finished speaking, the girl leaned in and kissed his lips perfectly.

This kiss was different from the impulsive one in the hospital corridor; it was gentler, more lingering, carrying the sweet scent of strawberry toothpaste and the youthful, innocent passion unique to young girls. Marina wrapped her arms around his neck, her entire body almost pressed against him.

An and Asuka were stunned for a moment, then returned the kiss. His hand gently stroked her back, feeling her slightly trembling body and her increasingly rapid heartbeat.

After a long while, Marina finally stepped back a little, panting, her forehead touching his, her voice filled with shyness and satisfaction: "Asuka's lips... are so soft."

Anhe Feibiao chuckled and ruffled her hair: "Are you satisfied now?"

"Not satisfied!" Marina said immediately, then kissed him again. "I need lots and lots of them to be satisfied!"

"Greedy devil."

“It’s just greed!” Marina declared righteously. “We’ve waited so many years for this, of course we have to make up for it all at once!”

As she spoke, she tried to move closer, but An and Asuka gently held her back.

“Marina,” his voice sounded especially gentle in the darkness, “we have plenty of time, there’s no rush.”

Marina paused for a moment, then went limp, burying her face in his neck, her voice muffled: "Hmm... I was just too happy. Sometimes when I wake up in the middle of the night and see Asuka next to me, I think I'm dreaming."

Anhe Feibiao's heart softened, and he hugged her tightly: "It's not a dream, I'm here, and I'll always be here."

“It’s a promise,” Marina looked up and held up her pinky finger, “pinky promise!”

"Pinky promise." An and Asuka hooked their little fingers together, and the two smiled at each other.

A warm atmosphere spread between the two, but then the girl changed the subject: "Then let's continue."

What else do we need to do?

"Of course, it's something lovers should do!"

"Huh? Wait a minute!"

"I can't wait any longer!"

Silent all night.

However, the next morning, when Shizuka finished making breakfast and saw the two people coming out of the same room, a barely perceptible tremor flashed in her eyes.

"Good morning," she greeted with a smile, her tone as gentle as ever.

Marina felt inexplicably guilty and scratched her messy hair: "Good morning, Shizuka."

Hoshino Ai poked her head out from the kitchen, blinking her eyes: "Did Marina have another nightmare last night?"

"Ah, yes, yes, yes!" Marina rubbed her lower back and nodded quickly. "I had such a terrible dream!"

An and Asuka looked at them and suddenly found this kind of daily life quite interesting.

"Marina, you should get some rest. You must have been tired last night."

He raised an eyebrow, and those words instantly made the other two girls' eyes turn dangerous.

"Maria, what did you do last night?!"

"Huh?" Marina panicked even more upon hearing this, and quickly waved her hands, saying, "No, nothing!"

You're lying!

Hoshino Ai quickly came to her side and sniffed up and down.

"You smell strange! You little philanderer!"

"I'm not a cat that steals fish!"

Marina immediately retorted, "We are lovers!"

"Maria~~~" Shizuka Kuze's lips curled into a dangerous smile as she said, "Do you know what price people who run away pay?"

"No, no!"

An and Asuka watched the three girls getting along so well, and a smile crept onto their faces.

With just a little trickery, this seemingly unbreakable alliance was easily shattered.

Volume 1: Chapter 183 I'm Back! [Edited]

On the second night, it was Shizuka Kuze's turn.

As night deepened, only the occasional sound of cars outside the window and the regular ticking of the living room clock remained in the apartment. An and Asuka had just finished arranging the sheet music for their new piece when the door was gently pushed open.

Shizuka wore a light purple silk nightgown, her long hair cascading down her shoulders, and held two cups of warm milk in her hands. Moonlight filtered through the gaps in the curtains, casting a soft silver glow on her.

"Still not asleep?" Her voice was softer than usual, with the languidness unique to the night.

An and Asuka took the milk: "You're working on ideas for the next album. Why aren't you resting yet?"

Shizuka didn't answer immediately, but simply sat down beside him and sipped her milk. For a moment, only the soft sounds of swallowing and their breathing filled the room. The air was filled with the sweet scent of milk and the faint aroma of her lavender shower gel.

After a long silence, Shizuka suddenly spoke: "Asuka."

"Ok?"

"You and Marina..." Her gaze fell on the milky white liquid swirling in the glass in her hand, "...have done everything, haven't you?"