Chapter 238. Why Perform
As the fireworks show was about to start, the crowds on the street began surging toward spots with better views.
In just a few minutes, the whole street was almost deserted; aside from vendors who had to watch their stalls, there were hardly any tourists left.
Because of that, after Xander Masato came down from the party venue and headed off to look for Seele, the road was perfectly clear.
He quickened his pace and passed by stall after stall.
But when his gaze skimmed past a little booth where you could shoot prizes with toy guns, his steps suddenly paused, and he stopped in front of the vendor.
This place, he remembered, was…
"Yo, kid, wanna give it a go?"
Seeing Xander stop, the boss—bored from having no customers—immediately plastered on a smile and asked.
Xander shook his head, his eyes drifting to a guitar on the wall.
The memory in his mind stirred, and a hint of nostalgia flowed into his eyes.
Seeing Xander shake his head, the boss instantly lost interest.
But very quickly, he heard Xander say, "Boss, can I take a look at that guitar?"
"Guitar?"
The boss waved his hands at once. "No, no. That's not a prize. It's my personal instrument."
"Personal?"
Xander blinked and asked curiously, "But as I recall, three years ago that guitar was still one of your stall's prizes, right?"
"Three years ago? How do you know that!"
At that, the boss's eyes widened.
He finally took a good look at Xander's face.
Compared to back then, Xander hadn't changed much.
The boss thought for a moment, then quickly remembered and exclaimed with delight, "So it's you, kid!"
"Mm. It's been three years already. Didn't expect you'd still be here."
"Heh~ The businesses on this street are all handed down from our forefathers. Forget three years—give it thirty and not much would change."
Having recognized Xander, the boss got a lot chattier. "Back then, the way you played the guitar really left an impression on me. After that I wanted to give it a try myself. By now, guitar's become a part of my life~"
"That really is congratulations."
Saying so, the boss slowly stood and took the guitar down from its stand.
"If it were anyone else, I wouldn't let them touch my treasure. But if it's you, kid…"
The boss smiled happily and handed the guitar over. "Go on and use it. I haven't heard you perform in ages~"
"Then thanks, boss. But my friend's waiting for me down by the river. Is it really okay if I take it to use?"
"Hey, no problem, no problem. It's a pity I can't hear you, but the famed Old Thief Masato wouldn't covet my little guitar, right?"
Being recognized left Xander a bit speechless.
The boss wasn't all that old to begin with; if he liked video games, recognizing him wasn't strange.
"It's getting late, boss. I'll head over first."
"Oh! When you come back, can you give me a signature?"
"Relax."
With a smile, he gestured no problem, then Xander quickly headed toward the agreed-upon spot by the river with the guitar in his arms.
Watching Xander's figure disappear into the distance, the boss sat down again, heart full of joy.
As he mulled over how to have Xander sign his guitar—and how best to brag to his friends—a petite, purple-haired silhouette appeared on the road.
Sirin had run all the way here, and years of shut-in living meant her stamina ran out fast; soon she was bracing her hands on her knees, panting hard.
She slowed her steps, her eyes scanning all around, searching for that familiar figure.
The boss had just recognized Xander and his head was still full of memories from years ago. Now, seeing Sirin, he quickly felt a sense of familiarity.
He froze for a beat, then recognized her and asked in puzzlement, "Little miss, why are you still here?"
"Huh?"
Not expecting the stall owner to suddenly greet her, Sirin was startled.
She took a few steps away and looked at the boss a bit warily.
"Your boyfriend already left. Why are you still here?"
"B-boy… boyfriend? I don't have any boyfriend!" Sirin frowned and said coldly.
What was this boss even talking about—so weird. Could he be a scammer…
"Huh? Did I remember wrong? Isn't Old Thief Masato your boyfriend?" He scratched his head, looking confused.
No, that couldn't be right. As he remembered it, Old Thief Masato had played the guitar for this little miss back then, and the two of them even walked off hand in hand in the end. Weren't they a couple?
"Yes, he is my boyfriend!"
Sirin blinked, her cheeks reddening as she gave a firm answer.
Her impression of the boss instantly changed. This was a very good person—definitely not a scammer.
"Sorry, boss. I lied to you just now."
"Eh, it's fine, it's fine. It's good for a young lady to have a little vigilance. My own girl never learns…"
After a few words of small talk, the boss suddenly remembered the main point.
He hurriedly patted his head and said, "Chit-chatting made me forget. You're looking for your boyfriend, right? He just took my guitar and went to the river. See—this way."
Pointing in the direction Xander had left, the boss spoke with a smile.
"Guitar?"
"Forgot? Three years ago, the guitar your boyfriend played was borrowed from me. He borrowed it again just now. Go on—if you're late, you'll miss the fireworks."
In an instant, Sirin's heartbeat sped up.
That scene buried deepest in her memory began to surface in her mind.
That a cappella carried by a lovely guitar—
It was her most unforgettable memory.
"Thank you, boss!"
"Mm, hurry along~"
After a quick thanks, Sirin felt she'd caught her breath.
She once again set off running in the direction the boss had pointed.
Her long, purple hair fluttered with her motions.
The bright flowers on her yukata, viewed from afar, looked like butterflies dancing in a bed of violet blossoms.
"Youth is truly wonderful~"
Sitting at his stall, the boss smiled and sighed.
...
"Yo, been waiting long, Seele~"
This stretch of the riverbank, blocked by a small grove, allowed only the highest fireworks to be seen.
Because of that, almost no one was here.
From far off, Xander at once saw a dainty figure standing quietly on the riverside path.
"Nope, Seele just got here too~"
Hearing her brother's voice, Seele turned around, her face full of a gentle smile.
Today Seele wore a light-blue yukata with pink-and-white blossoms sprinkled across it, exuding a pure and lovely air. A black striped sash wrapped her waist and tied into a big bow at the back. A red flower hairpin adorned her head. A faint touch of makeup lent the cute little face a hint of maturity. Both arms hung naturally at her sides, her hands overlapped and resting naturally in front.
If he hadn't been holding a guitar, Xander might have rushed in to hug Seele the moment he walked up.
"Brother, what's this?"
Her curious little eyes glanced toward the guitar in his hands as Seele asked.
"A borrowed guitar. Well? Want to hear me play a couple of tunes right now~"
"Really?!"
Delight bloomed on Seele's face.
She took light steps forward, her eyes filling with expectation.
"Why would I lie to you? I'll just test the tone first."
Looping the strap over his neck, Xander adjusted his posture and began to gently pluck the strings.
The boss had probably tuned it just now; the strings were in great shape.
After a simple test of a few chords, Seele immediately clapped happily.
"I haven't even played yet. You're flattering me too early."
He shot Seele an amused look.
She didn't answer—just stuck out her tongue at him cutely.
Boom!!!
Right then, the blooming fireworks lit the world bright, and the rumbling declared the start of the show.
"What a pity—this spot isn't great."
The grove blocked most of the display, and Seele shook her head with a touch of regret.
Ting—
Before long, a bright guitar tone rang out.
The light, cheerful melody instantly drew Seele's attention.
Turning back, she found her brother had already begun to play.
Xander hadn't touched a guitar in a while.
Before the real performance, he planned to warm up with a song.
As for which song—under fireworks, that hardly needed saying.
On the other side, Sirin had gotten a bit lost.
She looked at the empty riverside path, a little afraid as she kept walking.
Didn't the boss say Xander was over here?
Why hadn't she seen him yet… He couldn't really have lied to her, right?
The pitch-black grove at her side teased out her fears.
She dreaded something might suddenly pounce out from within.
Uuuu… Xander, where are you… I'm so scared…
As she cried out in her heart, a bundle of fireworks bloomed at that very moment.
The bright world made her quickly notice a familiar silhouette not far away.
Her eyes instantly sparkled.
Over there!
Joy surged in her heart and she immediately quickened her steps.
But after just two steps, she saw Seele standing at his side.
All of a sudden, she didn't quite dare go over.
She'd imagined who-knows-how-many meet-cute scenarios just now, and in this instant they turned into a jumbled mess.
After the next blossom of fireworks, Sirin suddenly realized she had, without noticing, walked into the grove.
With her back against a tree, she found herself very, very close to Xander and Seele.
When she'd rushed out, she hadn't thought that far.
But once she drew near, tangled feelings flooded her heart.
Sirin bit her lip, wanting to step out—but she just couldn't make her feet move.
If Xander asked why she'd come, what would she say?
Would Seele get angry that she interrupted their date?
And if even Xander got angry, what then?
Her fluttering thoughts rolled on and on, adding shackles to her legs bit by bit.
What do I do… how can I be such a coward…
Rage, anxiety, dejection—negative emotions filled her almost to the brim.
And just then, the familiar guitar flowed into her ears—followed by an even more familiar, melodious singing voice.
"Even now I still recall, the ocean I surveyed that day…"
The instant she heard it, she was stunned.
These were lyrics she secretly listened to every day, long since etched into her heart.
This was the treasure she would take out in secret whenever she felt lonely.
When she realized what Xander was doing, an unsuppressable panic rose in her heart.
Wait—no, that's not right… this isn't right…
Why—why perform this song…
Wasn't this meant for her to hear?
Clearly—clearly this was her treasure, hers and theirs—how could it…
The feelings that had supported her for three years quietly cracked open a thin seam.
She couldn't help wanting to rush out and question him—ask him why he was singing this song.
But thinking carefully, he had never actually said this song was for her…
Her anger was doused in an instant.
Realizing it might just have been her own wishful thinking, Sirin suddenly felt her legs go weak.
Her hands fell powerlessly against the trunk, her eyes hollowing out.
The voice that once made her grin like a fool for ages now sounded so harsh to her ears.
Leaning against the tree, Sirin wanted to cover her ears.
Maybe she shouldn't have come tonight.
If she hadn't, at least she could have stayed immersed in the beautiful dream of her fantasies.
She let out a self-mocking laugh and closed her eyes.
When she got back, she'd just send that video to everyone.
Since it didn't mean anything anymore—tonight, she'd listen one last time…
The song ended quickly, and Seele clapped with bright delight.
This time it wasn't flattery—she truly thought it sounded wonderful!!
Also, those lyrics…
Ah—was it sung for Seele? How embarrassing~
Human sorrows do not interlink.
To Sirin, Seele just sounded noisy.
"Brother, was that song especially for Seele?!"
Hearing Seele's voice, Sirin's heart leapt into her throat at once.
"Who else? Other than you, are there any other listeners here?"
"Hehe~"
Their words flowed into Sirin's ears, not a single syllable missed.
Her expression dimmed in an instant.
She'd clearly decided not to care—so why was she starting to hope again… how embarrassing, herself…
"But I only sang it for you to hear. I gave that song away a long time ago."
Xander flexed his fingers and said with a smile.
"Eh?!!! Brother!!!"
Seele puffed up, leaning in to act spoiled.
Off to the side, Sirin's eyes suddenly widened.
The body that had felt powerless burst with boundless energy.
Her heartbeat quickened as she pricked up her ears, desperate to hear a certain answer.
With Seele tugging on his arm, Xander could only say helplessly, "I never lie in front of you girls. I can only tell the truth!"
"Brother could just say nothing!"
Seele was huffy, eyes fixed on her brother's face, itching to take a bite.
"Weren't you the one who asked first?"
"Mm…"
Seeing Seele puff out her cheeks so adorably, Xander couldn't help poking them with a finger, then dipped his head to kiss her on the cheek.
"Alright, alright. What's next is especially for you, Seele. The other Seele gets a share too. Wait for it~"
"Really?!"
"Mhm~ I need a little motivation right now~"
Lifting her chin and bending down, Seele naturally leaned in with a cheerful "mua," but Xander, still unsatisfied, pointed to the other side. "What about the other Seele? Can't leave that out."
"I'll call—"
Before she could finish, Veliona impatiently took over.
Without a word she leaned in for a quick kiss, and as she pulled back, maybe realizing she'd been a tad unreserved, she hurriedly added, "This is a reward for your hard work. Don't read into it!"
"Alright, alright~"
His perfunctory tone brought a flush to Veliona's face.
She couldn't help reaching out to pinch him, but when her little hand touched his waist, she couldn't bear to really squeeze. She just pressed twice lightly and let go.
"R-right—just now you said that song wasn't for me and that idiot Seele, so who was it for?"
With that, she put on what she thought was a ferocious face—actually very cute. "You jerk, don't tell me you've been flirting with someone we don't know!"
"What are you thinking? You know her very well."
"Very well?"
"It's Sirin."
"That idiot who's gone almost three years without daring to confess?"
Veliona blurted in surprise.
In that instant, when Xander spoke her name, Sirin wanted to beam with joy—happiness and every kind of beautiful feeling surged up.
But Veliona's line made her face flush scarlet at once.
W-what do you mean, "doesn't dare to confess"—s-she was just proceeding step by step, letting feelings naturally deepen, okay!
"Don't think of it that way. We were still kids back in high school. It's normal that kind of feeling faded. After all, we've been living together for a while now, and it's long been clear I'm not much of a good guy."
Xander had never quite pinned down Sirin's feelings.
Back in high school she had been quite aggressive in pursuing him.
But after moving in together at college, Sirin seemed to hit pause.
By now, their interactions were practically no different from friends, leaving him completely at a loss.
"Hearing you say that, I guess it makes sense. You're such a scumbag—only that idiot Seele would be fooled by you." Veliona nodded in agreement.
"Aren't you also a Seele?" he teased.
Veliona instantly huffed, "I— I'm not the same as that idiot Seele!"
"Oh? Then I don't like you anymore."
"You wouldn't dare!!!"
Leaving aside Xander and Veliona's banter—behind the tree, Sirin, who'd been overjoyed a moment ago, started to panic again.
N-no, that's not right. Has Xander really misunderstood her this badly?!!
She didn't want to be just friends!!!
She peeked out, noticing that the more Xander and Veliona bickered, the sweeter the mood became. Just as they were about to kiss, she couldn't hold back any longer.
Clenching her teeth and her fists, she shut her eyes and charged out.
Veliona, still being tsundere and waiting for Xander to properly verify how soft her lips felt, suddenly sensed a bump.
She staggered back two steps.
"What are you— huh?"
Her angry scolding cut off halfway as the scene before her left her gaping.
The leading lady they'd just been discussing appeared in front of them all of a sudden.
Rising on tiptoe, with both hands around Xander's neck, her long purple hair falling down, she kissed the unprepared Xander.
The bliss of a first touch sent shivers through Sirin's whole body like an electric shock, and she soon drew back.
She looked straight into Xander's eyes and, with a voice so shy it trembled, said, "That kiss I owed you under the fireworks—I'm returning it to you now."
Bang!
Brilliant fireworks burst in the sky, painting the alluring blush on Sirin's face.
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