Girl Band, Gravity Capture

Page 91

Nagasaki Motoyo now sincerely wants to thank Toyokawa Shoko, who is probably still working hard at her part-time job. If it weren't for her annoying actions, her crush, Xu Dou, wouldn't have been freed from his band duties and would have had so much time to spend on dates with her; nor would he have shown this vulnerable and soft side of himself, allowing her to take a deeper root in his heart.

Thank you, Xiangzi-chan. Although I still somewhat dislike that you're living in Xu Dou's house, I can forgive you for what you did before.

The thought that flashed through her mind was like a victor's condescending pity for the loser. Nagasaki Motoyo quickly put Toyokawa Shoko out of her mind and waited with a smile for Genjiro to tell her where they would meet today.

Genjiro wasn't clueless about girls' feelings or a hopeless blockhead when choosing a date location. On the contrary, despite his unassuming appearance, he was actually quite good at understanding girls' little thoughts and creating a relaxing and romantic atmosphere—something Nagasaki Motoyo, who had known him for a long time, knew all too well, which was why she trusted him to choose the location.

Yuan Xudou's choice certainly did not disappoint her. In fact, it could be said that it was the best scenario in the girl's mind.

"Flowers in spring, wind in summer, moon in autumn, snow in winter—you should go see them every year." His clear voice carried a touch of soothing tenderness, like a gentle breeze brushing past your ear. "Su Shi, we met too late last year, and I missed it once."

In the past, he didn't care much about these things, but now he's become somewhat interested.

The feeling of having someone by your side is indeed completely different from the experience of being alone.

"I plan to go to the Meguro River to enjoy the cherry blossoms along the riverbank. There are also flower boats there, and I've already booked the tickets."

Yuan Xudou smiled and reached out his hand to the girl whose eyes were filled with joy.

"Let's go."

Then, Nagasaki Motoyo, with an incredibly beautiful and happy smile on her face, held his hand tightly.

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.

Early April is the perfect time to admire cherry blossoms.

The fluttering, vibrant blossoms were swept by the wind into the clear river, turning the winding waters into ribbons of bright pink, rising and falling with the waves. On the grassy bank, people sat around the cherry blossom trees, children running and playing among the swirling petals, and couples sat together, gazing at the cherry blossoms on the riverbank, silently thinking of each other.

Sensing the faint fragrance, Nagasaki Motoyo gently raised her hand, and a miraculously intact petal swayed and landed lightly in her palm.

The girl, somewhat surprised and delighted, carefully picked it up and handed it to the boy beside her, whose hands were clasped tightly together, their fingertips intertwined.

It was such a small thing, but I couldn't help but want to share it with him.

Perhaps it wasn't about sharing something so trivial... but rather about wanting to tell him about the overwhelming joy that was welling up inside her.

After receiving a gentle and uncompromising response from Genjiro, Nagasaki Motoyo's smile became even more satisfied.

It's like the emptiness in my heart has been completely filled, leaving no corner untouched... The loneliness and emptiness that once lingered in my heart have now vanished without a trace, leaving only a heart full of joy and happiness that is more beautiful than a dream.

I love it so much, I really love it.

Humans are truly amazing. How can someone like another person to such an extent, even more than they like themselves?

I love his smile, his tranquility, his seriousness, his calmness when he's thinking, his gentler eyes than anyone else's, his handsome face no matter how I look at him, his occasional relaxed moments, his more sincere heart than anyone else's, and his unwavering commitment to himself to stay entangled forever...

She considers him more important than anything else, and just thinking about him makes her incredibly happy.

Those heavy thoughts, those feelings that couldn't be revealed to others, that obsession with being seen as a strange person... all of them were accepted by Xu Dou. He transformed the selfish and dark "Nagasaki Motoyo," who only thought of herself, into a girl who could finally be satisfied and found the best solace.

All those feelings of loss and melancholy... were completely filled by the feeling of liking.

...Love is truly a thing that is both incredibly lovable and incredibly terrifying. Even though I only think of myself, I genuinely feel that I wouldn't mind giving my life for Xu Dou.

It's a bittersweet feeling that can make you feel both distressed and heartbroken, yet also bring you unbridled joy... like a tiny flame that both burns and warms the heart of the one who possesses it.

Now, Xu Dou, who is holding my hand tightly, with the sound of our heartbeats connected through our pulses... does he feel the same way I do?

If possible, I hope he can think of me at night.

When I feel lonely, I rely on her to relieve my loneliness.

'Because...that's how I am, I fall asleep every night thinking of you, okay?'

Chapter Nine: A Date Overflowing with Cherry Blossoms (Part Two)

The gentle young woman beside him was lost in thought, sitting quietly on a cushion on the lush green grass covered with cherry blossoms, her free palm supporting her chin, gazing peacefully and gently at the endless spring scenery in the distance, unaware of what was happening.

But actually, there's no need to deliberately notice it.

Nagasaki Motoyo never seriously concealed her feelings and affection for him. This girl with gentle, sky-blue eyes possessed emotions that were not a tranquil lake, but rather a seemingly calm and peaceful surface masking a deep, unfathomable ocean of turbulent undercurrents.

Accepting her feelings means letting yourself be drawn into that vortex, bound and pulled by Nagasaki Motoyo's desires.

...Yuan Xudou knew that she wanted a lasting family. She didn't need great achievements or many material desires; all she needed was a place where she could fill the deep emotional void in her heart, a place where she could laugh when she wanted to laugh and cry when she wanted to cry. Nagasaki Motoyo would then feel content and happy.

Moreover, due to past family misfortunes, she developed a morbid obsession with her "first" possession... or more accurately, a deep-seated attachment to what she already possessed. Nothing that followed could replace its place in her heart.

He had wanted [CryCHIC], just as Toyokawa Shoko had told him, to become something that could fill Nagasaki Motoyo's longing for "home"... but in the end, it seems he failed.

Genjiro Tou failed to continue the band and underestimated the girl's obsession with him. Nagasaki Motoyo always regarded the band as a diversion in their lives, not their final destination.

However... thankfully it failed. Otherwise, there would have been one more person to feel guilty about.

It's good that Su Shi wasn't too hurt by the band's disbandment; it makes him feel a little better—after all, she was the only one in the entire band who joined entirely on her own. The others were either recruited by Xiangzi or joined voluntarily, so Yuan Xudou's feeling of betrayal is relatively lighter.

His plan to fill the void in her heart with a band failed... So let Su Shi do what she wants to do. They've kissed, hugged, and even had secret rendezvous at night. Now, to talk about being irresponsible or pretending not to know her feelings—although he's a bit more sentimental than normal, harboring feelings for several girls who like him and not wanting to let go of any of them, he's not a real scumbag.

With her long flaxen hair and beautiful blue eyes, Nagasaki Motoyo is very beautiful by any standard. She is also gentle and considerate, and good at taking care of others. Although she always seems to feel that she is not really gentle, and occasionally shows some jealousy and darkness in front of him, in reality, she is a kind and gentle girl with an almost maternal tolerance.

For Minamoto no Koto, who genuinely wanted to be good to her, even after she had dropped her pretense in front of him, she would subconsciously take care of and show concern for him—ah, although Nagasaki Motoyo herself didn't seem to realize this yet, always feeling that she was actually a bad woman.

I'm not very good at expressing my feelings, which makes me seem a little clumsy and troublesome... but actually I'm quite easy to handle.

That genuine and adorable quality that blossomed amidst her awkwardness even attracted Yuan Xudou, who willingly took on the vision of family affection and became immersed in her tenderness.

Now, he can naturally and sincerely tell Nagasaki Motoyo, "I like you." Their feelings are no longer the one-sided, unwavering devotion of a young girl, but a mutual and reciprocal journey.

Yuan Xudou only needs some time to sort out the frustration and depression that has accumulated in his heart after the band disbanded, and return to the carefree and sunny days of the past—just like he once promised Su Shi that they would exchange their first kisses after he relearned how to laugh, and to completely accept the girl's love with a flawless attitude.

...If Nagasaki Motoyo couldn't help but do something out of line during that time, he wouldn't blame her.

Yuan Xudou was aware that his clothes would sometimes inexplicably become very new, and that Nagasaki Suze would buy things online that students would never normally need—but in order to protect the delicate balance in their relationship and to avoid upsetting her, he turned a blind eye and pretended not to know.

Although he felt that it was probably just a momentary impulse from a girl's pent-up desires, like the inexplicable thoughts that often arise during adolescence, and that it would never be put into practice, for his own safety, keeping it out of the open was probably the best choice.

However, since Toyokawa Shoko moved in, at least the clothes have been replaced less often, which is a good thing.

Moreover, Nagasaki Motoyo usually behaves quite normally.

Having regained his composure, Yuan Xudou's beautiful eyes, as dark as the night sky yet clear and bright, calmly gazed across the riverbank, admiring the pink petals fluttering down from the trees in the pleasant spring breeze.

"The petals fall like rain... Cherry blossoms are indeed very beautiful." He offered a frank compliment.

When I lived alone before, I had no interest in appreciating scenery. Even when I read the haiku and poems about cherry blossoms written by famous poets, I couldn't empathize with them or understand their emotions and feelings.

Beside her, Nagasaki Motoyo's gentle face also showed a look of affection.

"Yes... I also want to have my wedding at this time, under the cherry blossoms..." With beautiful expectations, the girl's voice was soft and delicate, like light white clouds floating in the sky.

“Okay.” Yuan Xudou’s reply was tinged with a smile, without the slightest hesitation. In his dark, deep eyes, a gaze brighter than the stars shone with utmost seriousness.

"……Um."

The hint in her words was clearly understood by the person she liked beside her, who gave such a firm reply—Nagasaki Motoyo, whose palms were burning from her racing heartbeat, gave a soft "hmm" and squeezed the soft hand that was clasped with his even tighter.

...Am I too easily satisfied?

But... I'm so happy... I guess it's because I like Xu Dou so much that I'm so happy just because of one sentence from him?

I have this feeling that if things continue like this, he'll be able to take advantage of me completely...

...But, that wouldn't be bad either...?

With such complicated yet sweet worries, the girl, whose mind was a little dazed, finally came back to her senses when Yuan Xudou led her onto the flower boat and she stepped onto the swaying boat planks.

"Next, we'll pass by a shrine and some other attractions." Knowing that she had been distracted earlier, Gen Xudou quietly summarized the key points that the boat owner had mentioned that she hadn't quite heard. "It will take about an hour. We'll stop next to the hotel, and then we'll have dinner after we get ashore."

"Hmm... I'll do whatever you say, Xu Dou." Nagasaki Motoyo nodded gently. "Any plans after dinner?"

This question was obviously no challenge for Gen Xudou, who had made thorough plans in advance. After a moment's thought, he answered clearly, "There is a cherry blossom promenade. We can walk there for a while and then visit the Meguro River Cherry Blossom Festival when it opens."

"After that, it was almost midnight, let's go home together."

His plan was very logical, and there was nothing that needed to be corrected... except for one thing that Nagasaki Motoyo was slightly concerned about.

"After visiting the festival, should I go straight home...?" she murmured softly.

Her hands, which were resting on her lower abdomen, unconsciously came together. The girl subconsciously rubbed the tip of her other thumb with the pad of her right thumb.

Whenever she is struggling with her thoughts, she unconsciously makes this gesture—a small habit that the two, who have lived together for a long time, know very well.

"...It was already very late by then." Yuan Xudou's voice became somewhat helpless.

"Ok, I know……"

...But shouldn't a date end with them sleeping in a hotel? That's how it should be according to the stories I know...

Hmm... As expected, reality isn't as simple as it is in books...

"...No, no, I understand. It must be because Xiangzi is at Xu Dou's house that Xu Dou insisted on going back late at night out of concern."

'Toyokawa Shoko, you ruined my plans... I guess I still don't like you.'

With this thought flashing through her mind, Nagasaki Motoyo hesitated briefly before finally offering no objection. "Then let's proceed according to Xu Dou's plan."

Despite the slight disappointment, she was not too discouraged and forgiving of the other party's difficulties, choosing to accept Yuan Xudou's proposal.

Against the backdrop of fluttering cherry blossoms, the gentle girl once again revealed her sweet smile.

"I'm really looking forward to our next date!"

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.

The slowly moving flower boat parted the fallen petals floating on the water, and the sweet fragrance of flowers wafted into our noses. The passing breeze carried a pleasant dampness, and the bright sunlight brought a touch of warmth to our bodies.

Without having to move, one can feel the fluttering cherry blossoms rushing towards them like pink waves from the ocean, eagerly slapping against their cheeks. Occasionally, a few petals will linger on the hem of their clothes, and the two people, who are always watching each other, will pick them off by hand.

As it is a relatively high-end flower boat with few passengers, the deck space is quite spacious, allowing the two people to enjoy the beautiful scenery undisturbed in an open area.

Nagasaki Motoyo reached out and caught a petal that flew by. Her light blue eyes silently gazed at the tattered cherry blossom in her hand, and the girl fell into deep thought.

It withers at the height of its bloom, transforming into a dazzling yet fleeting glimmer of light... Such a beautiful and awe-inspiring sight can only last for less than a month before fading into obscurity.

That was the ultimate bloom, after which only dull remnants remained. Yet that moment of brilliance was so beautiful, as if it was the sacrifice of everything in the future that brought about its dazzling display.

That's why people admire "mono no aware" so much. To end one's life at its most fulfilling moment is, in a way, a kind of eternity...

Nagasaki Motoyo loosened her grip, letting the withered flowers in her hand be swept away by the wind that passed through her fingers.

...She didn't like that kind of aesthetics.

The young girl hoped for an eternal entanglement and companionship, hands that would never let go... She believed that married life would be even happier than the moment of her wedding. The aesthetic of committing suicide to preserve a fleeting moment of beauty is simply absurd.

Only someone with an extremely empty and devoid of inner world would want to do that, right?

Although she often felt empty and lonely before meeting Xu Dou, not to mention that the abyss had been filled with her love for Xu Dou, her desire was not so shallow, a momentary falsehood, but something much more greedy, a lifetime of satisfaction.

However, her disagreement with the concept of "mono no aware" (the pathos of things) did not prevent her from appreciating the beauty of cherry blossoms. Nagasaki Motoyo was always very adaptable.

Presumably, Xu Dou wouldn't approve of that kind of aesthetic. He... is probably someone who values ​​the present moment more, someone who carefully cherishes everything he likes. Quite similar to myself.

The boat rocked, splashing water.

The shrines we saw along the way had their solemn red-tiled roofs covered with a layer of pink that wasn't so serious. The shrine maidens who presided over the shrines stood outside, their shrine maiden outfits, which had been modified several times over, looked quite playful, making Nagasaki Motoyo a little tempted. She wondered if Minamoto no Koto beside her would like such an outfit.

However, I've never been a shrine maiden... Would it be inappropriate to buy a set?

Amidst the crisp tinkling of the wind chimes, the shrine maidens who had come to join the fun waved their gohei (ceremonial coins), offering insincere blessings as they watched the pleasure boat depart. A few young shrine maidens, presumably there to work, boldly winked mischievously at the handsome young man leaning against the railing, only to be chased away by Nagasaki Motoyo's somewhat frightening glare as her face instantly darkened.

...Now that I hate shrine maidens, I guess I shouldn't buy the shrine maiden outfit. She thought through gritted teeth.

To prevent this from happening again, a slightly jealous Nagasaki Sosei pulled Genjiro's hand and moved him from the bow to the stern. Genjiro, who probably understood her thoughts, couldn't help but chuckle, but still followed the girl's wishes and left.

Seeing that he gently tolerated her little bit of willfulness, and after embracing her tightly for more than ten minutes at the stern, Nagasaki Motoyo, who was very easy to coax, was satisfied and casually put her jealousy behind her. She even planned to find a secluded corner when they went ashore to do some bodily fluid exchange behavior that was beneficial to physical and mental health and was very normal for lovers.

There were quite a few people on the ship, and there wasn't a place to avoid being seen by others. Nagasaki Motoyo, who was rather shy, still couldn't bring herself to kiss in front of strangers, especially with her tongue sticking out.

She can do very bold things when she is alone with Yuan Xudou, but she is still a girl with a normal sense of shame. She hides those behaviors and only shows them to the person she likes.

...I kind of want to get ashore soon. ②印III呜〒*奇镹留卅【s〡an弍@?

Lost in these thoughts, the flower boat moved forward leisurely at a constant speed.