Gazing at the young man before her, Firefly's eyes held an undisguised sincerity and longing.
She yearned for his response, longed to hear the answer she desired.
She wanted to see him smile gently at her, to watch him nod slowly.
If this were before, Firefly might have already fled in embarrassment, too shy to meet those dark brown eyes.
But now, she did not.
There was no reason to be shy—her love for him was undeniable.
Nor was there any reason to fear, for from that day onward, she had made her decision: she wanted to know everything about him.
And yet.
"I'm afraid I can't."
For the first time, or perhaps it was rare indeed, Bai Heng spoke the word "can't" to the girl.
Even the smile on his face carried a tinge of bitterness.
"You want to see my true form—that makes me happy. In fact, I want nothing more than to show you…" Bai Heng lowered his head, the light in his eyes dimming slightly. "But still, I cannot."
"The Star Children cannot offer others a future. Their beauty is an addictive poison. When you're with them, you lose yourself in the immense joy they bring, but once the star falls…"
"That joy turns into agony that eats away at your bones and soul, clinging to every inch of your being."
"So… I cannot grant your wish."
[The girl's love burns like fire; the boy's love is restrained and cautious.]
[When those words were spoken, did the boy also lament the fate he must bear? Did he feel the injustice of destiny? Had he ever wondered whether things might be different, if he were not one of the Star Children?]
[That is a question we may never know the answer to.]
The moment the system subtitles appeared, everyone in the livestream felt their hearts clench.
It wasn't just the sense of powerlessness in those words—it was also because, for the first time, they saw an expression of pure pain on Bai Heng's face.
Before this, his features had always been gentle, touched by a soft smile, hardly changing no matter what happened.
But now, as Bai Heng spoke those words and refused Firefly,
The depth of his anguish pierced through the screen and struck deep into every heart.
--+--
Yae Miko: 「As expected… I suppose this was the only answer he could give.」
Himeko: 「I have to say, if it were anyone else, options A or C might have been possible. But for Bai Heng… it could only ever be B.」
Kiana: 「Bai Heng wanted to nod and respond—he wanted to smile at Firefly like he always does—but he just couldn't bring himself to…」
Stelle: 「Sniff... Just go ahead and put me out of my misery! This is like death by a thousand cuts! Are you trying to break our hearts on purpose?!」
Lumine: 「I really don't get why everyone's so upset. I'm not feeling a thing. sunglasses.jpg」
Silver Wolf: 「Maybe take off the sunglasses and say that again?」
Lumine: 「tearingup.jpg」
--+--
The mood in the livestream chat grew heavy. As viewers, they could all see how much courage it had taken for Firefly to lay her feelings bare.
And yet, the answer she received was one of such helpless resignation.
Almost everyone sighed unconsciously, thinking this scene would end on such a tragic note—when suddenly, Firefly on screen began to move.
[You refused the girl's request because you know your life has already reached its end. You cannot promise her a future—you cannot even make her the simplest of promises.]
[You lower your head, not daring to meet Firefly's earnest, longing gaze, afraid to see the disappointment in her eyes. You can already picture her turning away, heartbroken.]
[Yet, that isn't what happens.]
[In your downcast vision, you see those pure white boots take a step forward.]
[Then another.]
[And another.]
[It isn't until you catch the faint, sweet scent of osmanthus on the evening air that you look up in surprise. There, barely three inches away, is the girl's gentle, serene face, clearer than ever.]
[She smiles softly, her beautiful eyes reflecting your slightly flustered expression, and speaks in a tender voice:]
"I knew it. If it were you, Bai Heng, this is exactly what you'd say."
[That's right—Firefly wasn't deterred by your words, nor did she turn and run. Just as you understand her completely, she understands you just as well.]
[From the moment she asked the question, she already knew what your answer would be.]
[But she asked anyway, because she doesn't care—or rather, no matter what your answer was, it wouldn't change what she intended to do.]
"So I wasn't asking for your permission, Bai Heng. I was telling you what I'm going to do."
As her words faded, her slender, pale fingers gently brushed against Bai Heng's neck.
There hung an object like a fragment of starlight— dazzling and mysterious.
The Tear of Stars.
A symbol of the Star Children's identity, but also a device that restrains their allure.
Firefly knew.
If it were undone, the blessing of the Aeon Idrila the Beauty would bloom like a flower, and the one before her would reveal his true form.
And she herself would fall utterly, irrevocably in love with him.
But just before that, Bai Heng grasped her hand. His composure returned as he gazed at the girl.
"Are you certain?"
"Certain."
Her reply was soft but clear.
"Even if the future is dark and bleak?"
"Even if the future is dark and bleak."
"Even if the future is surrounded by pain?"
"Even if the future is surrounded by pain."
"Even if you're tormented by longing, heart and soul, with no relief in sight?"
"Heh." Firefly suddenly smiled. "That's already how it is, even now."
"I told you before—I want to know everything about you, even if the price is heavy. And to me, none of those costs matter~"
Bai Heng released her hand and smiled helplessly.
"I never knew you could be so willful."
"Even I have my moments of acting spoiled and stubborn. What, are you disappointed?"
"Not at all~ As I said before, I also want… to know everything about you."
The moment his words faded…
*Snap!*
A clear, delicate sound rang out as the crystalline thread tethering the Tear of Stars snapped.
In that same instant, while Bai Heng was still caught off guard, the girl rose on her toes and left a warm, lingering touch upon his lips.
--+--