[Time remaining until Bai Heng's life reaches its end: 18 hours, 13 minutes, 54 seconds.]
The moment this countdown appeared before everyone's eyes—
The anticipation and joy that had been building in their chests shattered like bubbles in an instant, replaced by a chill that seeped deep into their bones.
The past thirty days had been too beautiful, so beautiful that they had almost forgotten.
The scythe of death had long been hanging over the head of that gentle-smiling, slightly cunning young man.
In an instant, the entire chat group fell into a deathly silence.
Even Stelle, who usually spouted nothing but nonsense, and Kiana, who always looked on the bright side with her optimistic attitude, were uncharacteristically quiet this time.
There was no helping it. Long before they learned that Bai Heng had only a month left to live, they had already discussed every possibility of reversing his fate.
But even Jing Yuan, hailed as the General of Divine Foresight, could not provide an answer. In his view, not even an Aeon as powerful as Yaoshi, the Aeon of Abundance, could likely change Bai Heng's outcome.
A shadow gathered over the hearts of every viewer in the livestream.
To them, Bai Heng was a complete stranger.
Their only connection to him was through the screen before them.
But after two full months of day and night companionship, they had come to know this young man named Bai Heng well.
He was gentle yet resilient, steady and kind-hearted.
He would use little tricks to create more opportunities to interact with the girl he fell for at first sight, yet he remained calm and restrained when faced with her affections.
Such a vivid person had long stepped out of the screen and left an indelible mark on the hearts of everyone in the livestream.
And now, this very person was about to be taken from them by death, unable to even put up a struggle.
How were they supposed to accept that?
A silent heaviness filled every corner of the livestream. Just then, the screen slowly brightened.
Everyone in the livestream knew: the final chapter of the story had begun.
[As always, you wake from sleep. After washing up, you deftly tie up your medium-length hair—a skill you've mastered over time.]
[Just before leaving the mirror, a tiny white speck of light clinging to your fingertip catches your attention.]
[You know it isn't residue from any cosmetic—you've never used any. That speck of light is a sign of your impending dissipation.]
[But you pay it no mind. As always, wearing a soft, gentle smile, you push open the door.]
[Outside, a silver-haired girl is waiting for you, as she often does.]
[You smile at her and say: "Let's go~"]
[Time remaining: 17 hours, 39 minutes, 21 seconds.]
[Today, your destination with Firefly is the Dreammerse Shopping Street, located in the lower levels of the shopping district. 'Peppy Pepeshi's Salon' is situated there, serving delicious drinks to its petite and adorable patrons.]
[Even on this last day, everything seems unchanged.]
[You still walk hand-in-hand with the girl through Penacony, the Planet of Festivities.]
[If there's any difference, it's that your steps are a little slower than usual, because you want to take in as much of the girl beside you as you can.]
[Firefly's steps are a little quicker than usual, because she wants to take you to more places.]
--+--
[Time: 17:38:42.]
[Time remaining: 10 hours, 01 minute, 51 seconds.]
[Your day of journeying has come to an end. As usual, you arrive at the observatory in the Dream's Edge—Firefly's secret base.]
[Or rather, it should be called your secret base now.]
[Every time you come here, the refreshing breeze seems to wash away all weariness, as though soothing your very soul.]
[Sitting side by side on the observatory platform, you take in the view of the Golden Hour.]
[The breeze gently tousles your hair. Neither you nor Firefly speaks, as if unwilling to break the serene beauty of the moment.]
[The light of the setting sun slowly fades from your eyes. The great solar disc is about to sink below the horizon, its final rays setting the clouds ablaze. As the night grows deeper, the girl's voice breaks the silence. She says:]
"Today... is the last day, isn't it?"
There's a touch of loneliness in her words. She smiles wistfully, though the expression seems a little forced.
Firefly knew.
Or rather, how could she not know?
Over this past month, she had carefully planned every moment, selecting each destination, all so she could take Bai Heng to as many places as possible and spend a little more time with him.
She immersed herself in the joy of being with him, even as she felt death drawing closer to him with each passing day.
"Mmm... do you regret it?" Bai Heng asked, gazing at the meteors beginning to streak across the twilight sky.
"Are you talking about plucking the Tear of Stars?"
"No. I mean meeting me."
Firefly shook her head firmly, her silver hair swaying like a rattle drum. Her tone was resolute: "I don't regret it. I don't regret anything that has to do with you."
"On the contrary, I'm happy."
"These past two months, we've been to so many places, eaten so many things, seen so many sights."
"I've learned so much about you, Bai Heng—like how you can be clumsy sometimes, struggling with your own hair."
"And how you can be a little mischievous too, like that time you sweet-talked me into spending 30,000 credits on a limited-edition Clockie medal that was only worth 5,000."
As she said this, a hint of indignation flickered across Firefly's face, as if she were genuinely upset. But soon, her expression softened into a smile again, and she continued:
"But most of the time, you're gentle. You're always there for me when I'm at a loss, chasing away rude performers. You play along when I'm drunk to keep me from feeling embarrassed. When I'm with you, I always feel inexplicably at ease."
"So, I don't regret meeting you at all!"
As if all the beautiful memories had surfaced in her mind at once, the girl's smile blossomed brilliantly as she spoke.
Yet, the very next moment, scorching tears began to stream uncontrollably from Firefly's eyes. Her voice grew choked with sobs:
"But... I just..."
"I still can't accept it."
"I want to stay with you a little longer..."
"I want to go out with you again tomorrow..."
"I want to hold your hand like it's the most natural thing in the world..."
"I want to eat more and more delicious food with you..."
"I want to know even more about you..."
"I want to see you always by my side..."
"I want you... to live..."
Each word was both a longing wish and a soliloquy from the depths of her heart.
--+--
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.