"Mobius, huh..."
Hearing that name, Fu Li felt a headache coming on.
Based on his understanding of her, he knew that while she might seem cold, sinister, and terrifying, she was actually a very cute and gentle woman.
At the same time, however, she also had a cautious side. It was only to be expected that she would investigate the identity of someone providing sudden and seemingly inexplicable funding.
After thinking for a long time, Fu Li decided to just lie flat and accept it. "Forget it, Uncle Li. If she wants to investigate, let her. But if there are any other developments, be sure to let me know."
"This... very well..." The voice on the other end hesitated but ultimately said no more.
After hanging up the phone, Fu Li absentmindedly cleaned up the things left over from the barbecue.
It would be a lie to say he didn't want to see Mobius, but now was not the time for a reunion. Besides, in this simulation, he had no intersection with her.
A snake's guard is always up around strangers.
[You feel uneasy about Mobius's prying, but you do not regret helping her.]
[Moreover, you can't tell if it's just your imagination, but you feel that Mobius likely bears you no ill will.]
Summer nights always seemed to stretch on for an eternity. After waiting for several hours, a crisp knock finally sounded on the door.
Fu Li sat up in bed and opened it to see Eden standing there with her guitar.
She had changed into a long, black and red dress. The tailored cut cinched at her waist, and the full skirt accentuated her figure beautifully.
The night breeze blew gently, lifting the hem of her skirt to reveal a glimpse of two slender, fair legs. Paired with long boots edged in black, red, and gold, she exuded an air of nobility and elegance.
Seeming a little shy, Eden cleared her throat and pressed down her skirt, using her other hand to adjust the guitar on her shoulder to conceal her inner emotions.
Even Fu Li couldn't help but be slightly dazed by the sight. When he came to his senses, he marveled inwardly. As expected of Eden.
"Are we going to practice?"
"Mhm, it's getting late, isn't it? And the weather is nice, just perfect."
"Ahem, you're right."
Since he had already agreed, Fu Li, despite having things on his mind, kept his promise and slung his own guitar over his back.
The suburbs at night were free from the clamor of the day. Most students had returned to their lodgings, with only a few, like them, still wandering outside.
However, almost all the boys and girls who were out together at night were couples. Pairs like him and Eden, who were just friends, were practically nonexistent.
But why did Eden suddenly change into a long dress tonight?
Perhaps it's just that all girls love to look beautiful...
Fu Li followed closely in Eden's footsteps.
By the time they reached the top of the hill, the night was perfect. The gentle moonlight caressed Eden's profile.
Fu Li placed the lantern on the ground and sat directly on the grass without putting anything down first.
Eden, without a word, sat down beside him, leaning lightly against a tree trunk and cradling her guitar in her arms, a smile playing on her lips.
"Are you ready?" Fu Li's voice was soft, but it sounded exceptionally clear in the night air.
"Hah... of course." Eden let out a light breath. Her fingertips hovered over the strings, and her previously tense body slowly began to relax.
This was perhaps her unique talent. In the realm of art, she was the supreme queen.
Clear, crisp notes leaped from her fingertips, like a whisper in the night, yet they concealed a mysterious emotion.
Following the guidance of the notes, Eden's voice slowly began to sing.
Hold me like a friend, kiss me like a friend,
Say we'll never end,
Searching for the colors of the rainbow,
Melody, never say goodbye,
I'll be near you,
Hold me like a friend, kiss me like a friend.
...
Some people handle love and never try,
I can almost fly with your wings to set me higher,
Someday we'll see the world and through the gray have faith in our hands.
...
Fu Li closed his eyes, allowing his soul to be drawn along by Eden's voice, to fall into the phantom dream she wove with her song, and to feel her emotions.
Eden's face was of a pure, indescribable beauty, and her voice was even more melodious and elegant. Beneath the low, gentle singing lay an emotion as scorching as fire.
...
Melody, never say goodbye,
I will believe you.
When the river flows,
Off to part us both,
Only HEAVEN knows,
I will be a boat to sail around you.
Melody, never say goodbye,
I will be near you.
Some people handle love and never try,
I can almost fly with your wings to set me higher,
One day we'll see the world and through the gray have faith in our hands,
'Til the river ends...
The song concluded. Neither Fu Li nor Eden spoke. Both closed their eyes, slowly savoring the melody.
After a long while, the familiar sound of applause that had appeared so often in Eden's life since that first banquet echoed in her ears.
The applause wasn't loud, but it had forced its way into her life, constantly soothing her heart.
"Eden, you sang beautifully."
It was the same praise as always, yet for some reason, Eden felt a little unhappy. She shot a resentful, sidelong glance at Fu Li.
This blockhead...
---o---
Author's note:
ps: The song is from the anime, Fireworks.