Green plums cannot become lovers.

Page 206

She knew perfectly well that he had a girlfriend.

She knew perfectly well that she was a loser.

I know perfectly well that I shouldn't get involved anymore.

but--

"I love you."

The same thing came through my headphones again.

She closed her eyes, letting the voice echo in her mind.

Tonight.

Let her hear it again tonight.

Just as she was engrossed in listening, a jarring notification sound suddenly came through her earphones.

"Well!"

Eriri was startled and hurriedly picked up her phone.

An unrealistic expectation popped into her mind—

Could it be him?

Why would he send a message at this time? But what if it is? What if?

The moment she opened her phone and saw that name, the anticipation in her heart deflated like a punctured balloon.

An Yilun also.

A new message appeared on the screen:

Aki Tomoya: Eriri, are you free tomorrow? I want to talk to you about something, please? Please, please say yes.

Eriri stared at the line of text, her brows slowly furrowing.

An Yilun also.

She hadn't thought of that name in a long time. Ever since his game, which was supposed to "surpass 'Where the Stars Are,' flopped, he seemed to have disappeared, rarely showing up in front of them, let alone contacting her.

Why are you suddenly appearing now? What are you trying to do?

She originally intended to refuse directly, replying "no time" and then blocking her.

But after hesitating for a moment, she still typed two words:

Eriri: What time is it?

Fine, I'll listen to what he has to say, just for the sake of our past relationship.

The next day was Saturday, and the sky was overcast.

Eriri arrived at the place she had agreed to meet Aki Tomoya—a fast food restaurant on a street corner. She had been to this restaurant a few times before; it was ordinary and nothing special. But today, the atmosphere in the entire restaurant had become oppressive because of the person sitting across from her.

Aki Tomoya was sitting opposite her.

It had only been a little over a month since I last saw him, but he looked completely different. His hair was disheveled, his eyes were sunken, and his face showed obvious fatigue and dejection. Compared to the spirited—no, arrogant and conceited—he was a completely different person from a year ago.

At that time, after learning that Anwa Asuka was going to make a game, he shamelessly declared that he would create a "masterpiece that surpasses 'Where the Stars Are,'" and even challenged Anwa Asuka in front of everyone.

现在

Eriri looked at him like that, and she couldn't quite describe the feeling in her heart.

"What is it?" she asked bluntly, not wanting to waste any more time here.

Aki Tomoya raised his head, his eyes filled with an almost humble plea.

“Eri,” his voice was hoarse, “I would like to invite you to join my game research club.”

Eriri paused for a moment.

"what?"

“My game…” He paused, a flicker of pain crossing his face, “failed. I reviewed it for a long time and realized the problem was with the artwork. If only I had a better artist, if only someone could help me draw more exquisite characters and scenes…”

He leaned forward, his tone growing increasingly urgent.

"Eri, your drawing skills are the best in our grade, no, the best in the whole school! If you'd like to join us and help me with the art, we're sure we can make a really great game!"

Eriri looked at him.

There was a few seconds of silence.

Then she spoke, her tone calm yet firm:

"I refuse."

Aki Tomoya's expression froze.

"Why?" he asked incredulously. "Aren't you even going to consider it?"

"No need to consider it," Eriri said calmly. "For both personal and professional reasons, I will not join your club."

For her personal reasons—she had the "Praise Music" band to practice with, the "Small Town Family" game project to participate in, and a goal to work towards with An and Asuka. Her time, energy, and talent had all been invested in that team.

For personal reasons—

Looking at the dejected young man before her, she suddenly felt a pang of emotion.

This guy is worlds apart from that boy.

They are far behind in both talent and action.

When An and Asuka play games, An never tries to do it alone. He listens to everyone's opinions, leverages everyone's strengths, and maximizes the team's power. His success is not his own, but the success of the entire team.

And what about Tomoya Aki?

All he does is say "I want to make a masterpiece," and then he does nothing. He has extremely poor initiative and no good plan. When he fails, he blames this and that, and never reflects on his own problems.

How could someone like that possibly join?

"Eriri!" Aki Tomoyuki persisted, standing up and following behind her. "Please! Aren't we childhood friends?"

Eriri paused in her steps.

Childhood sweethearts.

This is the last thing she wants to mention.

Yes, she and Aki Tomoya were indeed childhood friends. They often played together when they were very young. Back then, Aki Tomoya wasn't as annoying as he is now; he was just an ordinary boy who liked anime.

But then something happened.

After that incident, they gradually drifted apart.

"Get out of the way," she said, her tone turning cold.

Aki Tomoya blocked her way, preventing her from leaving.

"Please say yes, Eriri, I'm begging you!" His voice grew louder, drawing the attention of the other customers in the shop. "I really have no other choice! Only you can help me!"

I said no!

"Why?" Aki Tomoya's voice carried a hint of accusation. "Are you still angry about what happened back then? That was clearly your fault!"

Boom—

A muffled rumble of thunder came from the horizon.

Eriri's expression changed instantly.

"Don't mention that!" Her voice suddenly rose.

"Get out of the way!"

Her voice was trembling.

"I won't give in unless you agree!"

The two were locked in a standoff at the entrance of the fast food restaurant.

The sky grew darker, and the thunder grew closer.

Just then—

"Yinglili."

A familiar voice came from the side.

Eriri suddenly turned her head.

Under the eaves of the fast food restaurant stood a figure she knew all too well.

Black hair, dark brown eyes, and slightly furrowed brows.

Peace and birds.

He stood there, his gaze passing over Aki Tomoya and landing directly on her.

Eriri was stunned.

What is he doing here?

What did he see?

Could he be misunderstanding something?

Countless thoughts exploded in her mind, and her heart suddenly started racing.

wow——

The sky finally gave way, and a torrential downpour began.

Large raindrops pounded on the ground, splashing up sprays of water. Pedestrians on the street rushed to take shelter under the eaves, but Aki Tomoya remained blocking the doorway, refusing to move aside.

An and Asuka walked straight over and put their hands between the two.

His movements were calm, yet possessed an undeniable power.

Aki Tomoya was forced to take a step back, looking at the suddenly appearing boy with a complicated expression.

“Let’s go,” Anwa Asuka said to Eriri.

Eriri stared at him blankly, her mind completely empty.

An and Asuka didn't say much, they just held Eriri's hand. Eriri was stunned for a moment, but didn't try to pull away.

The two hid back inside the fast food restaurant.

Rainwater streamed down the eaves, forming curtains of water. Through those curtains, you could see Aki Tomoya standing in the rain, soaked to the bone, but he didn't chase after you.

"you......"

Eriri opened her mouth, wanting to say something, but didn't know what to say.

She was very flustered.

Will he misunderstand her relationship with Aki Tomoya?

Would he find it suspicious that she went out to meet other guys on the weekend?

Will he...?

"Are you wet?" Anne asked.

"Huh?"

An and Asuka looked at her, their gaze lingering on her shoulder.

Eriri followed his gaze and looked down—her shoulder had been soaked by rainwater that had drifted in during their standoff at the door.

"N-nothing..." She subconsciously covered herself with her hand.

Anhe Feiniao nodded, and didn't ask any more questions.