Girl Band, Gravity Capture

Page 68

Finally, the gaze settled on the boy who, with a look of helplessness in his eyes, flipped open the cards in front of him.

Seemingly surprised by this outcome, her voice faltered, and a hint of panic appeared in her eyes.

"Number three... is number three Xu Doujun? Then... who is number six...?"

No one answered.

Everyone looked at the girl with pity, her face showing a wavering expression as she realized the situation.

Yuan Xudou sighed and helped her turn the cards in front of her over.

It's the 6 of Hearts.

—They reaped what they sowed.

This is the unpredictable game of fate—by the second round alone, some people had already gotten themselves caught in it.

"Su Shi."

Once again, he sighed helplessly at this strange coincidence, pressed his slightly twitching eyelids, and spoke to Nagasaki Motoyo.

"Eh, eh...? Am I... am I number six?"

She had only intended to escalate the game, but she never expected it would backfire so badly. She blinked in surprise and panic, uttering a hesitant question.

—Is Xu Doujun really hiding something from me? If not, then won't he be punished...? Because of me? Please don't do this, I don't want to put him in a difficult position—

"...If we're going to talk about it, we don't need to do it in front of everyone, right?"

Upon hearing this, Nagasaki Motoyo paused for a moment, then immediately understood what he meant.

Then, she nodded repeatedly with a sense of relief.

"It's okay, it's okay... just tell me in secret."

"Su Shi, come with me for a moment."

Under the regretful gaze of the other girls, Yuan Xudou successfully found the optimal solution by relying on his quick thinking.

Discussing this topic in front of everyone is undoubtedly an embarrassing thing to do, but when it's moved to a private setting, it becomes an opportunity to be candid.

As for keeping it from Su Shi... he needs to think carefully about which one to say.

Although he always answered the girl's questions and never lied to her, he was also not the type of person who liked to share what happened. After living together for a long time, there would always be some things that he hadn't told her.

With the girl's head bowed, the two walked into the shadows at the edge of the room and spoke in hushed tones.

—The voice was so soft, like a student whispering to their deskmate during self-study, that it was impossible to hear.

After listening intently for a long time, Shiina Tatsuki reluctantly gave up the idea of ​​eavesdropping.

A moment later, the two returned to their original spot, and Yuan Xudou calmly announced the continuation of the game.

But this time, under the dim light, she noticed something amiss with Nagasaki Motoyo.

—With a calm and natural expression, but their ears were as red as if they had been burned... What exactly did these two say in just a minute or two?

Unfortunately, Shiina Tatsuki obviously couldn't get the answer directly from the two of them. She could only swallow her doubts, frown, and continue reaching for the shuffled deck of cards.

...In any case, winning is still the most important thing right now.

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.

'finally--!'

Staring at the ace he had seen in other people's hands several times before, Shiina Tatsuki couldn't hide his excitement as he flipped it over.

The ten-minute time limit was up, and Su Shi and Xiang Zi both removed the cushions from their heads. After the previous rounds, everyone's positions had changed somewhat—one of Deng's requests when he was the king was to switch seats.

Now, she is sitting directly opposite Yuan Xudou.

...We finally got the King card, and now it all comes down to this.

It wasn't that she wanted to target Xu Dou—but without a doubt, this guy who everyone cared about so much, yet always managed to keep a tight rein on himself, was the only person Shiina Tatsuki wanted to see do something.

Whether you call it caring or concern... Yuan Xudou holds a special place in the hearts of all five girls.

However, with only a one in six chance, it's best to be cautious... Shiina Tatsuki doesn't want to end up like Nagasaki Motoyo, where her proposed conditions backfired, leaving her in an awkward position and ultimately needing a boy to save her.

If you're going to make a suggestion, it should be one that you can handle and that is very useful to a specific person.

She bit her soft lower lip and thought intently for a while.

"...Number five."

Taking a deep breath, with piercing eyes, she firmly issued the order.

"Tell me your thoughts on other people."

Will it succeed?

After saying those words, Shiina Tatsuki's eyes darted nervously over everyone.

Who is number five?

She watched as the other girls peered around, checking the numbers of the girls next to them.

...Could it really be me, Ying Ling Qi Ba Si 7 Su Wu 6?

After a few seconds, seeing that no one came forward to claim it, Shiina Tatsuki subconsciously clicked his tongue in his heart, disappointed that such a great opportunity had been wasted.

She took the playing cards from under her knees and flipped them over—

— It is the square "A".

"...Number five is me."

After the delay, a familiar, calm, and steady voice rang out in the room.

Shiina Riki abruptly raised her head, looking directly at the boy opposite her, whose eyes were lowered, and saw that he was indeed holding the card marked with the "5" of hearts. Only one thought remained in her mind:

"I won... the jackpot!"

Before she could recover from her daze, the other girls who had reacted first swarmed forward and took up all the spots next to Yuan Xudou.

—This is an important occasion where Yuan Xudou will publicly reveal his impressions of everyone! Forget about King's Game and the night party for now.

"...Hey! You guys should at least leave me some room!"

Belatedly realizing what was happening, Shiina Tatsuki quickly followed and squeezed into the gap left by the others who had heard her words.

Like children waiting for praise from adults, all five of them looked up at him expectantly.

Is it mostly just joining in the fun, or is the desire to hear the other person's opinion stronger...? In this close, intimate, and chaotic environment, Yuan Xudou couldn't quite tell.

However... I'm just expressing my thoughts on them, there's nothing to hesitate about.

He wasn't the type to feel ashamed and awkward when praising others; that's his proud and aloof personality—he couldn't speak properly that way. He'd already done direct encouragement and motivation countless times before… Yes, there was nothing to doubt.

Having prepared himself mentally, Gen Xudou first turned his dark gaze toward Toyokawa Shoko, who was closest to him and almost shoulder to shoulder.

"Let's start with Xiangzi."

"Mmm." The sky-blue girl nodded repeatedly, her hair swaying in the air like lively waves.

He closed his eyes.

What kind of person is Toyokawa Shoko in his own heart?

Self-centered, willful, spoiled, and pampered—these words instantly came to mind.

Strong, tolerant, sunny, selfless, reasonable, and incredibly beautiful and lovely, she is like a pearl carefully carved by the gods, with every smile and frown radiating dazzling brilliance.

—They are the kind of people who will become family.

Yuan Xudou opened his eyes, his gentle pupils shimmering with light and shadow.

In the light, it is a deep, dark lake; but in the darkness, it will transform into a guiding star.

"You are the center of our community; it is because of you that we have gathered here."

The concept of "community of shared future" was proposed, establishing the band's goals and significance, and painting a bright and beautiful future for everyone—all of which could only be accomplished by her cheerful and pure heart.

If Genjiro Toru is the cornerstone that holds CryCHIC together, allowing it to truly become a family that relies on and trusts each other, then Toyokawa Shoko is the bright moon that determines its direction and starting point, guiding it with her radiance.

"Xiangzi, you've helped me a lot."

"Thank you."

He said those words sincerely and gently.

No words were needed; their thoughts were already in sync. The moment the boy's feelings for Toyokawa Shoko arose in his heart, the girl saw through his eyes and clearly understood all his thoughts and affections.

So, Xiangzi quietly pressed down on the hem of his clothes, slowly lowered his eyes, and softly hummed in agreement.

The vibrant crimson patterns, like those spreading on pebbles, quietly crept up the girl's collar to her cheeks and ears, concealed by the dim yellow light.

"Next up, let's go with Su Shi."

After he said those words, not only Xiangzi, but all the other girls fell silent.

Sincere and earnest, calm yet clear... not forced by the so-called "King's Game" requirements, but genuinely wanting to take this opportunity to clarify their understanding of each other.

It was like a trial, and also like a confession... but the way he said it struck a chord with people.

When Nagasaki Motoyo was called on, her delicate shoulders trembled slightly. Her hands, which were placed in front of her abdomen, rubbed her thumbs back and forth. Her soft, low voice revealed a hint of timidity and retreat.

"Xu Doujun, what I have to say..."

She wanted to know her place in his heart, but was afraid that reality would deliver an unwelcome blow... In this contradictory and conflicted state of mind, the girl subconsciously tried to escape.

—Anyway, we're already in a very close relationship, so even if we didn't know about this, well…

He saw through her thoughts, but Yuan Xudou didn't think so.

Since we've already prepared to be completely honest, we can't afford to lose even one person.

"To me, Su Shi, you are a very important person."

"...You should be the first person to support me like this."

The first person to express love so passionately was also the first person to bet the rest of their life on her.

Although it is heavy, oppressive, and always worrying... it is also very reassuring.

From this perspective, perhaps he has gradually come to enjoy the feeling of being loved by someone.

I've gotten used to having the other person sticking to me, and I've gotten used to the feeling of having another person in my life... It's not so bad.

The girl's one-sided dependence and admiration from the beginning of their relationship had disappeared.

She had already personally overturned the statement, "You don't need me," after being with me day and night, all the time.

He needed Nagasaki Motoyo, this girl who was completely devoted to him. He needed her gentle greetings every day, her constant thoughtfulness, and simply her presence by his side.

“I felt very at ease when Su Shi was around.”

He gave a gentle smile to the dazed Nagasaki Motoyo.

His handsome face was reflected in his light blue eyes, and his restless gaze overflowed like a clear blue lake.

It felt as if my internal organs were being constricted, sending waves of bittersweet ache through me.

The joy of finally being accepted and recognized made her want to show her brightest smile, but as soon as she raised her head slightly, tears welled up in her eyes.

Finally, the girl pursed her lips, covered her cheeks with her hands, and let out short, sobbing breaths through her fingers.

"Did you cry?" he asked gently.

Read-Yi (7) 23 ling4 诌7 Shandong Normal University "...only not".

...I would never shed tears in front of anyone other than you.

Swallowing back all the emotions brewing in her heart, the girl with red eyes stubbornly raised her head.

"...Is that so? Then let's assume that's the case."

He didn't expose her trembling voice, which couldn't maintain its softness and delicacy, nor did he care about her stubborn act of putting on a show.

Not wanting others to see you lose your composure, not wanting to embarrass yourself in front of someone you like, resisting things you don't want to do instead of blindly agreeing with others... this is a healthy mindset.

Having confirmed that his thoughts had been fully and accurately conveyed to Nagasaki Motoyo, Genjiro Toru turned his gaze to the next girl.

"Light," he called softly.

As if startled, Takamatsu Akari's frail body swayed slightly.