As the simulation system presented the choices, everyone in the live stream once again transformed into armchair theorists.
Elysia: 「At a time like this, of course you choose C~ What girl could ever refuse a warm embrace from the one she loves when she's feeling down~」
March 7th: 「Um... isn't that a little too forward? If I remember right, their affection level is only at eighty—more than friends, but not quite lovers yet. I wouldn't call that "the one she loves," would you? A hug right now... feels a little sudden, don't you think?」
Sparkle: 「Listen to this twenty-year-virgin theory~ Physical touch will always be the fastest way to boost affection~ Feel all of him, accept all of him~ Become everything to him, and then... make him obsessed with every part of you!!」
Stelle: 「Oho! Now that sounds like fun!」
Kiana: 「Is it really fun? I kinda feel like... isn't this giving off yandere vibes...」
Firefly: 「As for Bai Heng... I don't think he'll choose any of the options above...」
Silver Wolf: 「Oh, you know him that well? Or is this what they call being on the same wavelength?」
Firefly: 「N-Not at all!! It's just a feeling, that's all...」
--+--
The live chat buzzed with speculation over what choice Bai Heng would make.
On screen, after sharing her story, Firefly's gaze drifted cautiously toward Bai Heng, studying his expression.
She was worried.
Worried that her secrecy had displeased him. Worried that the bond they'd built might shatter because of it.
But she didn't see a trace of disgust on his face. He was still smiling, reaching a hand toward a shooting star streaking across the sky, as though trying to grasp that fleeting beauty.
"I see... so that's your story, Firefly..."
"I'm glad you told me all this."
His voice carried emotion, and something else Firefly couldn't quite place... satisfaction?
Yes, she didn't understand.
Others had heard about her past before.
Ordinary people showed pity. The proud condemned her weakness. The kind offered comfort.
But this sense of satisfaction—
She'd never seen it before.
What was this feeling? And why did he feel it?
Staring blankly at Bai Heng, Firefly felt puzzled. She couldn't find an answer.
Noticing her gaze, Bai Heng turned to her and offered an apologetic smile.
"Sorry, maybe it'd be better if I said something to comfort you right now, but... I just can't bring myself to do it."
His eyes and smile softened. Gently, he brushed his fingers against her cheek, his tone even gentler than usual.
"There's no doubt those were incredibly heavy burdens to bear. You carried them all this way, strong and determined. What you went through along the way—I can't imagine it, wouldn't even dare try. But you made it here on your own strength."
"If I held you in my arms now and comforted you, I'm sure you'd fall hopelessly for me~"
As if realizing how conceited that sounded, he chuckled awkwardly. But just as quickly, the laughter faded like sand scattering in the wind, and his usual gentle expression returned.
"But wouldn't that be a little too deceitful?"
"You're the one who fought your way here. You did all the work. And then I, who did nothing, would just swoop in and steal the credit?"
"I could never do something like that."
[His words were calm, yet utterly sincere. Just as he said, he wouldn't offer comfort for the hardships she'd endured—he knew he had no right to. The only thing he could do was acknowledge the effort she'd poured into her journey till now.]
[But he was happy. Happy to have learned these things about her. Happy to understand her just a little more.]
--+--
Stelle: 「Sniff... he's just too good!」
Elysia: 「My, my~ If options A, B, and C were worth 60, 70, and 80 points, then Bai Heng's answer just now must be a full hundred!」
March 7th: 「Wow... just watching this is making my heart race. I can't even imagine how Firefly must be feeling right now!!」
Silver Wolf: 「No need to imagine. I'd say she's already wrapped around his finger~」
Yae Miko: 「No "I'd say" about it. Firefly's affection for Bai Heng just rose from 80 to 90—that's outright admiration~」
Kiana: 「And he didn't even choose C! A full 10-point boost! Quick, take notes! This is a prime learning opportunity!」
Raiden Mei: 「Oh? And where exactly do you plan to use this knowledge, Kiana?」
Kiana: 「It's better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it! RighteousEmoji.jpg!」
Pela: 「Speaking of Firefly, I'm really curious what she's thinking right now. I'd love to interview her!」
Silver Wolf: 「As for Firefly... well, see for yourselves.」
--+--
As Silver Wolf spoke, she posted a video in the chat.
In it, Firefly wore a bright, joyful smile, hugging a pillow as she rolled back and forth across her bed.
--+--
Lumine: 「Well... that's about what I expected.」
Stelle: 「Dear viewer, please refrain from squirming on your bed grinning like a lovesick fool while watching this stream.」
Firefly: 「Ahhh!!! Delete it, delete it! Hurry up and delete that video!」
--+--
The atmosphere in the live stream was warm and cheerful.
On screen, Bai Heng's words gave everyone a new perspective on this young man from the Starfolk.
To them, it seemed Bai Heng also held special feelings for Firefly.
But those feelings were utterly pure.
He didn't take advantage of her vulnerability when she showed her wounds. Instead, he affirmed the strength she'd shown in carrying her burdens alone.
He felt genuine joy at understanding her better—as if simply knowing more about her was enough to satisfy him.
If this feeling was friendship, it was the most sincere kind.
If this feeling was love, it was the purest form of love.
On screen, Firefly's eyes shimmered as she gazed at Bai Heng, at this young man who seemed to carry a light within him. Without even realizing it, her heartbeat began to quicken, little by little.
And then, Bai Heng spoke again.
"Since you've shared so much with me, Firefly, it's time I kept my promise."
"I'll tell you everything about me, too."
--+--
T/N: While I am an inexperienced Translator, I have a Patreon! While it may seem empty as of now, webnovel will get 2 Chapters Every Day, and advanced chapters will be uploaded on Patreon.
It may not seem worth it now, but maybe in the future. Who knows!
[email protected]/AspenTL
If you guys wanna check it out.