Does gravity make me stronger?

Page 113

"Ha, why?"

"I have some private matters to discuss with you."

Shiina Riki gave Hachiman a strange look, then glanced at Takamatsu Akari. After the latter nodded slightly, Shiina Riki followed Hachiman outside, muttering to herself.

"What's wrong...?"

"I want to confirm your attitude towards Nagasaki Motoyo." Without any pretense, Hachiman went straight to the point.

"What's there to confirm?" Shiina Tatsuki squinted, looking very confused. "It would be best if she could come back, but if she can't, there's nothing we can do about it."

Is there no other way?

It sounds like they don't care.

In Hachiman's view, Shiina Tatsuki was the most eccentric member of the entire band, firstly because he treated Akari with excessive favoritism, and secondly because he didn't care at all about Souse's future.

As for her habit of putting pressure on her teammates, it's not surprising at all; from a certain perspective, it's just her awkward way of showing concern for the band.

"If you can't come back, are you going to find another bassist?"

"What exactly do you mean?" Shiina Riki was somewhat angry, thinking of the words Su Shi had used to threaten her that day.

"The band that Touka wants is not the one that Nagasaki Motoyo is no longer with; you should understand that."

"So you mean I should beg that woman to come back? How can I forgive her for talking to Deng like that? Besides, she's been using Deng all along..."

Shiina Tatsuki gritted her teeth, becoming more and more agitated as she spoke, but Hachiman interrupted her in time, saying, "When did you realize that Nagasaki-san was using the lamp?"

“I found it strange from the first time you and Xiangzi stood together at the RiNG performance.”

"Not long after, Su Shi took it upon himself to try and recruit you into the band."

Shiina Ritsuki took a deep breath and said with a dark face, "Su Shi has always been obsessed with Xiangzi. She would do anything for Xiangzi."

She saw things very clearly; given Nagasaki Motoyo's personality, she would never form a band on a whim.

However, it was quite a coincidence that if Xiangzi hadn't unexpectedly appeared during the performance and provoked Nagasaki Motoyo, she probably would still be in the dark.

Are you satisfied with what I've said?

After saying this, Shiina Tatsuki looked at Hachiman with hostility.

How dare you ask me if I'm satisfied?

I'm so angry at you women fighting amongst yourselves!

Hachiman couldn't help but facepalm.

This small five-person band has assembled such a lineup: a rookie guitarist who's just there for the ride, two scheming girls who play mind games, an introverted little girl, and a cat.

What, you guys also think that being in the top nine is better than staying at home, so you insisted on forming a team to come and join the fun?

Dengbao, maybe we should just forget about it?

At this moment, Hachiman truly felt that he was better off without this troublesome group.

"Whether I'm satisfied or not is not important. It's just that if things continue like this, even if Nagasaki-kun comes back, this club will disband sooner or later," Hachiman said coldly.

"So what? As long as there are lights, that's fine."

Shiina Tatsuki clenched his fists in front of his chest.

That's right, as long as there's light, she doesn't care about anyone else.

As long as there are lights...

"I wonder what would happen if Akari herself knew about your thoughts," Hachiman sighed helplessly and suddenly said.

“The lamp won’t know,” Shiina Riki said firmly.

Hachiman shook his head, then turned around and said, "No, she already knows..."

"what?"

Shiina Riki looked up blankly and saw Takamatsu Akari emerge from the shadows behind the door.

It was only then that she realized that Hachiman had just been trying to trick her into revealing information.

...What a treacherous fellow!

Chapter 131, page 129: Season 1 begins.

"Light, did you hear that?"

After a brief moment of surprise, Shiina Tatsuki regained her composure, but her lips still trembled involuntarily.

Calm down, Lixi. You didn't say anything wrong, so there's no need to feel guilty.

The more Shiina Riki thought about it, the more she trembled, feeling as if she had done something wrong and been caught in bed with another man by her husband.

"Lixi, are you lost too?"

The lamp didn't blame her, nor did it show any displeasure. Instead, it reached out its small, white hand and gently cupped her face.

The slightly cool sensation touched her skin, and Shiina Ritsuki immediately blushed. (8)

The lamp's touch feels so comfortable.

Despite her earlier excitement, Shiina Tatsuki calmed down considerably and stared at the other person intently before lowering her head.

"Sorry, light."

"Lixi did nothing wrong."

"No, I disappointed you, but you have to believe me, I never intended for the band to break up!"

Worried that Takamatsu Akari might misunderstand his thoughts, Shiina Tatsuki hurriedly explained.

Gao Songdeng simply shook his head, his tone as calm as ever: "I understand, everything Lixi did was for me."

"lamp...!"

Shiina Riki looked at the lamp with a hint of unfamiliarity, her eyes momentarily glazed over.

That weak, silent child who never uttered a word when faced with setbacks has grown so much...

"Xiangzi's departure and Crychic's disbandment made everyone very sad, but that's all in the past now. Now, I just want to form a band again with Lixi and everyone else."

Shiina Riki felt a fog in her vision, and her breathing became heavier and heavier: "Tokyo, I'll listen to you, I'll do whatever you say."

"Lixi, I don't want to lose anyone else."

Tears streamed down Takamatsu's delicate face. Under the soft light, she appeared exceptionally vulnerable, stirring within Shiina Tatsuki an urge to embrace her.

"Light, please don't cry."

Ignoring Shiina Ritsuki, who was completely flustered because of her, Takamatsu Akari continued, "I know, Ritsuki, you've always been protecting me, but if I'm always loved and protected, I'll never grow up."

“It’s okay if I don’t grow up…” Shiina Tatsuki gritted her teeth, forcing back her tears. “It’s fine as it is with you, Akari.”

She knew in her heart that if Gao Songdeng could stand on her own, she probably wouldn't have any reason to stay by her side forever.

But birds must eventually soar.

"No." With tears welling in her eyes, Gao Songdeng shook her head with a smile.

Shiina Ritsuki's heart skipped a beat, and her eyes completely lost their light.

"However, could you please have Lixi watch over me until I grow up?"

Takamatsu lowered her hand and then hugged the distraught Shiina Ritsuki tightly, warming her with her own body heat.

"lamp..."

"Lixi, I want to take on the responsibility of the band, so can you entrust your entire future to me?"

"Okay, it's all yours..."

"Me too!"

Aine, who rushed out of the lounge, had tears in her eyes, pursed her lips tightly, and stared at the two people hugging each other, while Kaname, who was chewing on a gummy candy, was still holding her hand in her right hand.

She overheard their conversation and immediately became unhappy.

"You two, don't even think about sneaking away!"

"Aiyin".

Lamp stretched out his arms to Aine, who rushed over crying and snuggled into his arms, rubbing against him boldly.

"Aiyin, move aside a bit, leave me some space."

"No, Riki, you idiot!"

Beside her, Kaname tilted her head, swallowed a gummy candy, and silently walked to Hachiman's side, opening her arms and saying, "Hug."

"..."

If you want a hug, go find your mom.

After being rejected, Kaname frowned unhappily, then walked towards Takamatsu Akari with her head down, clinging to her like a koala.

"So comfortable~"

Watching the beautiful girls' intimate contact, Hachiman smiled knowingly, then sighed with relief: "Next, only Nagasaki Motoyo's side is left."

...

After leaving the apartment, Nagasaki Motoyo wandered aimlessly.

She had clearly made up her mind to leave that band full of lies, but for some reason, she ended up near Shimokitazawa again.

So, deep down, she still harbored a sliver of hope?

Wake up, Nagasaki Motoyo. The band doesn't need you, and neither does Shoko. As for Hachiman, the person he needs is Shoko, not you.

but.

She still couldn't accept it.

She won't give up unless she sees what Xiangzi and Hachiman do look like.

That's right, as long as we go to the stars, there's still a glimmer of hope.

Then she can continue to study and chat with Hachiman, and slowly develop feelings for him, eventually defeating Shoko and becoming the only one in his heart.

As her goal gradually became clearer, Nagasaki Motoyo raised her head and strode forward.

but.

It's not advisable to rush over there like that.

She needs a reason.

A perfectly legitimate reason to get close to Hachiman.

And the reason is very simple.

Returning to the band and finding an excuse to keep Hachiman by his side would be enough.

"Perhaps my feelings for the band are fake, but the feelings are real."

Nagasaki Motoyo clutched her chest, feeling the steady heartbeat in the touch of her palm.

When she sees Hachiman, her heart always races involuntarily, making her unable to extricate herself.

If a falsehood could win Hachiman, then she would rather become the falsehood itself.

As they approached the gate, the sound of drums emanating from within the Starry Sky could be heard, their thunderous beats reverberating in Nagasaki Motoyo's heart.

He raised his right hand, grasped the doorknob, and turned it with all his might...

In an instant, a lively atmosphere filled the performance hall.

However, Nagasaki Motoyo felt a chill run through her body, and the dam she had just made was gradually collapsing.

She gripped her arm tightly, took a step forward, but then nervously pulled back halfway.

"You've finally arrived."

A familiar voice rang in her ears, and Nagasaki Motoyo turned her head sharply, only to see Shoko leaning against the wall, staring intently at the stage.

"Xiangzi..."

Seeing that Xiangzi was indeed there, Nagasaki Motoyo didn't know what expression to make, whether she should be happy or uneasy. So she lowered her head dejectedly, only the cold ground could soothe the anxiety in her heart.

"Unfortunately, the performance has ended..."