Loneliness and Rock and Roll with Band Observer

"..."

Aine said nothing.

She took the opportunity when Qiu Hui looked around to lock the door of the room.

Chihaya Aine, do you really want to do this?

She asked herself a silent question.

Of course. She then gave a silent answer.

If you always care about whether this is appropriate or not, or whether that is appropriate or not, then wouldn't you become like Qiu Hui?

I like the way Qiu Hui is so cautious and careful, always taking other people's thoughts into consideration, but suppressing her own emotions.

Because I'm not that kind of person.

I am very selfish.

Even if it's something I shouldn't do, I...

"...Akie."

"Hmm?" Qiu Hui looked over.

Her current appearance caught Aine’s eyes. Her neatly combed hair shone like crow feathers, and her well-maintained skin glowed with moisture.

This reminded Aine of the day she and Akie first met. At that time, Akie was recruiting a guitarist for the band. She was wearing a half-tidy school uniform, with messy hair, and looked haggard and dirty.

“You’ve really changed a lot.” Aine said with a smile.

"Compared to what time?"

"When we first met."

"That's true. But why do you suddenly bring up these things?"

Facing Akie's question, Aine did not answer, but just kept saying what she wanted to say.

"When we first met...Akie said that since she had few friends, she wanted to cherish every opportunity to make new friends."

“Aine actually still remembers it.” Akie smiled sheepishly.

“I still remember it. I remember it very clearly.” Aine nodded, “But, now Aki has so many friends that I can hardly take care of them all.”

Qiu Hui was startled, then nodded helplessly. It seemed to be true.

"I don't want this."

Aine walked up to Akie with a smile, then put her hand on her shoulder.

"Akie has been trying to please me. In that case, I would like to ask you for a favor."

"...What?" Akie asked uneasily.

“You can’t make any noise, okay?” Aine smiled brightly, “If mom notices, I’ll be troubled.”

"Huh? Why... um!"

Qiu Hui's unclear voice came to my ears.

In such a hurry, the other side seemed completely unable to organize effective resistance.

I actually did it.

It’s not as difficult as you imagine.

Chihaya Aine laughed silently in her heart.

I like Qiu Hui the most.

So I don’t want to worry about it anymore.

So, the final step was taken.

Even if there is an abyss ahead...

…It doesn’t matter.

Chapter 149 Window Paper

It is Togawa Aie's instinct to act according to the rules.

Appropriate and inappropriate, should and should not, right and wrong. This web of endless binary judgments supports her daily life.

She might not like it, but at least she has gradually gotten used to this lifestyle.

The threads that make up this web sew up the wounds left on her body by past mistakes; they are woven into gorgeous clothes to cover up the scars and bruises, allowing her to deal with the challenges that come one after another in life in a decent way.

One point for one effort, one point for one gain. This way, you can achieve neither merit nor demerit.

Gain one point, give two points. This way people will like you more.

As long as you stick to your principles, you will gain something and become someone who is worthy of being loved by everyone.

What's wrong with this?

Nothing bad.

But now someone is cutting, chopping and tearing this comfortable and tough web into pieces.

There is no such thing as appropriate, no such thing as should, and no such thing as right.

Norms and etiquette, everything that was common and taken for granted, were thrown aside by this rude intruder.

“Aine… what… what are you doing… um…”

It was difficult for Akie to mount an effective defense of her situation.

Because Aine was rudely retorting to her in some silent way.

There are layers of barriers between people's selves, and the gaps between them are winding and long, forming a complex maze that makes people's scalps numb.

Starting from one side and ending at the other, there were countless twists and turns and obstacles in between, but Chihaya Aine ignored them all.

She was using reckless means to dismantle all obstacles that stood in her way, just like Alexander the Great swinging his sword to cut off the knot that could not be untied.

What are you doing? Togawa Akie asked.

I want to possess you. Chihaya Aine replied with a smile.

Are you kidding me? Qiu Hui asked in disbelief.

This is not a joke. Aine shook her head seriously.

You can't do this. Qiu Hui said righteously.

I already knew that. Aine smiled meaningfully.

So why do this?

Because I regretted it. I like Qiu Hui the most.

Then, on the boundless wasteland, the two armies formed their battle arrays and faced each other.

Having said that, Togawa's side didn't seem to have much fighting spirit from the very beginning.

The square formations in line marched in unison to the sound of drums, while the riders on both wings launched a charge aimed at harassment.

Their own formation was at a disadvantage in the charge. Qiu Hui closed her eyes and had no intention of giving orders. Her heart was in a mess.

In the end what happened?

Why does this happen?

Akie wants to help Aine solve the chess game that she has been trying to figure out but can't figure out.

But Aine didn’t appreciate it and instead flipped the chessboard over.

Qiu Hui tried her best to suppress the urge to shout, because she knew that at this moment, even the slightest sound could be heard by each other.

Please, don't do this, Qiu Hui persuaded.

If you find it annoying, just shout for help? Aine said with a self-deprecating smile.

You know I can't do that. Akie glared at Aine.

That was also Akie's own fault. Aine smiled bitterly and shook her head.

Silence. The two sides did not use words, but continued the confrontation on another level.

Qiu Hui was always at a disadvantage. She felt that she was a little overwhelmed.

However, it could also be the other way around: the mind is preventing the power from being exerted.

I'm sorry. I'm sorry, sorry, sorry, sorry.

Don't say such things while doing such things. Qiu Hui frowned.

I was wrong. I was wrong I was wrong I was wrong I was wrong I was wrong.

If you really think so, don't go on. Qiu Hui didn't know whether to laugh or cry.

Aine remained silent. She just continued with the work at hand.

This silence lasted for quite some time.

Why don't you resist? Aiyin asked. I'm obviously hurting you.

I don't know. Qiu Hui answered truthfully.

She didn't know how to describe the feeling.

She has become accustomed to sitting upright behind the counter of her heart, receiving all visitors through a layer of glass.

Now Chihaya Aine smashed the glass, jumped into the work area, and hugged her.

And she wasn't actually sure whether Aine had smashed the barrier or the iron window.

I don't know what to do. Qiu Hui said tremblingly.

I think this isn’t a bad thing, but I also think it shouldn’t be like this.

In fact, I don’t know what to do either. Aine wiped away the tears from her eyes.

I made a mistake, but now I am very happy. Really.

Then Qiu Hui's tense nerves relaxed, or maybe even broke.

You did make a mistake. But I don't blame you. Qiu Hui shook her head.

You should blame me. Aiyin insisted on her opinion.

Is this a strategy? Qiu Hui shook her head helplessly. Are you trying to stimulate my sympathy in this way?

No, I'm going to provoke you in another way. Aiyin retorted angrily.

Then there was a very noisy silence.

Until Aine broke it again.

I want to confirm one thing, she said. Why don't you hold me responsible? Is it because you still like me, Qiu Hui?

Akie began to subconsciously weave a response that would be as easy for Aine to accept as possible.

Aiyin snatched the unfinished product from Akie's mouth, crumpled it into a ball, and threw it aside.

Yes or no, just say what you think. Aiyin said seriously. I did something so outrageous that I don't deserve your consideration.

"Okay. Because I like you." Qiu Hui nodded.

After saying this, she felt an unprecedented sense of relief.

Aine smashed her armor to pieces.

As the deep self is revealed, the burden on me is relieved as never before.

That's not right. Qiu Hui thought about it and thought, you should have known about this a long time ago, right?

It's different. Aine smiled. I'm happy to confirm Akie's thoughts again.

I am such a hopelessly selfish person, she whispered to herself.

Don't you know what to do? she continued.