Girl Band, Gravity Capture

Page 79

That's why Yuan Xudou went to the stern to fish, leaving the deck near the front for their gathering.

"And what about you, Xu Doujun?"

Using a pre-prepared tray, Nagasaki Motoyo placed the tender white fish meat on it. Nagasaki Motoyo, who was also skilled in cooking, did not feel uncomfortable at all about what the boy was doing. She simply asked him gently and with concern.

He put his finger under his nose and sniffed it slightly, making sure he could barely smell any blood, then picked up the fishing rod again.

"Let's catch another one. It's not easy to get out to sea like this, so this opportunity is rare."

The Toyokawa family's yacht is very advanced. The boy, who spent about ten minutes studying the entire operating manual, had already set the course. Even without anyone operating it, it would drift slowly on the sea according to the predetermined instructions.

The heavy rain of the past two days was a rare occurrence, and the seas around here are usually calm and safe. There was no possibility that a sudden storm would sweep away the six people adrift at sea along with the yacht. Otherwise, the Toyokawa family would not have chosen this location for their residence.

Although the yacht wasn't large, it was fully equipped with food and utensils. He was simply there to enjoy fishing and would meet the girls on the deck later. When it was time to return, he only needed to press a few pre-set instructions, and the navigation would safely take them back to shore.

With a pleasant sea breeze and perfect sunshine, it's time to do something leisurely—I wonder if they're interested in fishing.

"Well, I'll deliver this over, and then I'll come keep you company, okay?"

"Yes, thank you for your help, Su Shi."

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.

"Don't panic...don't panic, this is quite simple. Lixi, you've ridden a bicycle before, right?"

"How could I not panic?! Hey... wait, Xu Dou, don't let go!"

With lightning speed, he pulled Shiina Tatsuki, who had almost fallen into the sea from the surfboard because he had briefly relaxed his support, back to safety. Genji continued his instruction with a relaxed expression.

"In short, it feels similar to riding a bicycle... Maintain your balance, feel the movement of the surfboard, and you'll get the hang of it quickly."

"Not everyone can be like you!"

Abandoning her girlish reserve, Shiina Riki clung tightly to Genjiro's back as if grasping at a lifeline, her rounded curves flattened by the pressure. With her purplish-red eyes closed, she complained loudly in despair, but her arms tightened around him, afraid that she would be led to let go by the boy's gentle voice again, just like before, and almost be thrown into the sea by the surging waves.

Xu Dou is a genius. He was able to master surfing completely in just a few minutes without any instruction, which is something I can't do!

The swimsuit, which offered little coverage, revealed large swaths of smooth skin that clung tightly to the boy's body due to Shiina Ritsuki's actions.

Sensing a slightly dangerous distance between them, Shiina Ritsuki swallowed nervously and excitedly.

'Wait...we've already encountered this, haven't we...?'

'I feel... a bit bad...'

However, for reasons she herself couldn't quite explain, and after convincing herself that it was just to prevent herself from falling into the sea, Shiina Ritsuki felt at ease and made no changes.

"Yes, could you teach me something others can understand..." Her ears flushed, and her voice softened considerably. "I've ridden bicycles before, but the feeling is completely different..."

“It still depends on your own feeling…” Yuan Xudou was also a little embarrassed. He really wanted to teach Shiina Riki to surf in the simplest way, but the most important thing was habit and adaptation. Everyone’s center of gravity and instincts are different, so it’s not easy to synchronize.

"Okay, this time I'll slowly loosen my grip, and you can try to get used to it."

Seeing the obvious resistance and unease on the girl's face, he gently comforted her.

"It's okay, even if you fall into the water, I will save you."

"...Okay, I believe you, Xu Dou..."

Despite still being incredibly nervous, Shiina Ritsuki's absolute trust in the boy gradually helped him overcome his instinctive resistance and slowly let go.

Then, Yuan Xudou supported her waist, and removed his hand, which he had used to stabilize her, with a very slight movement.

The splashing water on my cheeks brought a refreshing coolness that soothed my restless anxiety and the lingering heat on my face.

Taking a deep breath, Shiina Tatsuki shakily steadied herself.

"Not bad, you learned it very quickly, didn't you?"

"Hmm... I guess so."

"So, how about we try surfing alone next?"

"No!" Shiina Ritsuki suddenly grabbed his hand, her voice rising. Faced with the boy's confused "Why?" expression, she, contrary to her usual decisive and aloof demeanor, stammered and avoided his gaze as she answered:

"Let me get used to it a little more."

“Alright.” Without much thought, Yuan Xudou readily agreed.

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.

"I want to learn how to make a guitar produce sound...?"

Upon hearing Wakaba Mutsu's incomprehensible words and request once again, Gen Xudou, who was already quite adept at handling such situations, quickly understood what she meant.

"So, you want to develop your own unique playing technique?"

Yiqi Liu/Yi3Renerwajiu Erruoyemu nodded obediently in agreement.

'...As expected, only Xu Dou could understand so quickly...'

Compared to the girl's undisguised joy, Yuan Xudou, who was pressing his brow, had a slight headache.

Mutsu's technique is undoubtedly very high, even reaching the professional level... but she always plays by pressing the sheet music with rigidity and precision, which the boy understands very well, but because he doesn't know Mutsu's own opinion, he doesn't point it out deliberately - being able to ensure that there are no mistakes is already enough for the band at the moment.

But since she wanted to improve herself, Yuan Xudou had no reason to refuse.

...Speaking of which, Lena seems to be the kind of guitarist with a very strong personal style...So, I guess I have some experience.

Thinking this way, the boy, who hadn't originally intended to reject the idea, nodded slightly.

"Well, when we get back, I'll learn some improvisation skills."

"Mutu's talent can be learned very quickly."

Chapter 113 "I want to quit [CryCHIC]"

"A new piece of music... so it really won't be finished so quickly?"

"We can probably start working on it once we get back."

"Whew... I'm really looking forward to our second song, [CryCHIC]..."

In the bright, deserted room, a beautiful girl in sky-blue affectionately embraced the arm of a black-haired boy, their breaths soft and expectant as they whispered sweet nothings into each other's ears.

……

"Chirp...chirp..."

"Gurgle... Ha... Ha..."

The humid air, thick with a lingering ambiguity, swirled, and silvery threads stretched between their parted lips.

With a flushed face, Toyokawa Shoko held onto Genjiro Tomo's distinct and slender fingers, her rapid, light breaths like a signal of surrender, softly brushing against her ear.

Her fair legs lost their support, and she could only lean on the boy in front of her to keep herself standing.

“…Xu Dou…”

Like a soft whisper in a dream, yet carrying boundless love and anticipation.

She clenched her intertwined hands, her golden eyes misty with emotion.

"After we get back... let's officially start dating, okay?"

"it is good."

Reflected in his black pupils was a faint, intimate light, indistinguishable from one another; there was not a trace of hesitation in Yuan Xudou's answer.

Smiling happily, she tilted her head back again and brought her cheek closer.

……

It should have been a smooth journey.

I already have everything.

Clearly... eternal happiness is right before my eyes...

"Why...why did it turn into this state..."

……

Toyokawa Shoko: "Tomorrow, everyone, let's go to our usual spot for rehearsal!"

Shoko Toyokawa: "It's been a long time since I've been to RiNG, it's time to reappear in front of the audience!"

Shiina Tatsuki: "@Toyokawa Shoko, why didn't you come to rehearsal???"

Leaning against the balcony railing, Yuan Xudou, whose brows had been furrowed for the past three days, silently scrolled through the chat history, letting the howling wind lash his cheeks, bringing an unbearable chill.

The low breaths condensed into a white mist in the cold wind, disappearing into the distance with the empty, aimless gaze.

Xiangzi last spoke in the group three days ago.

That is, the day the seaside retreat ended.

"I'll come find you when I get home!"

This was the last private message Toyokawa Shoko sent him. Judging from the time, it was probably sent when everyone had just returned to Tokyo and were taking taxis home.

As she waved goodbye, the smile on her face was as bright and dazzling as the sun, just like always.

She even boldly gave him a tight hug in front of others, and then quickly left before they could react.

But since then, Toyokawa Shoko has lost contact.

The phone went unanswered, messages were read but not replied to, and she was nowhere to be found, as if she had vanished into thin air; no one could contact her.

—What exactly happened?

Everyone is wondering.

Yuan Xudou had considered many possibilities. The not-so-naive boy could imagine numerous scenarios: a power struggle within an aristocratic family, with Xiangzi caught in the entanglement and unable to extricate herself; or the elders in her family disapproving of Xiangzi's choice of him as a partner and wanting to arrange a marriage; or perhaps some trouble had entangled her, forcing her to temporarily disappear to avoid implicating her friends…

He thought of many things, but he ruled them out one by one.

Because… if those were the reasons, Xiangzi wouldn't have ignored his private messages. They were practically engaged, their hearts intertwined; they should face anything together. Even if they were caught in the middle of a crisis, cut off from all communication, she would definitely find a way to contact him.

If Xiangzi had any intention of asking for help, he should have noticed it.

...Unless, she doesn't even want to tell herself about this.

　San Si Ling Qi Ren Er E Si! i' Ba Si - But what... could that be?

The question "What happened?" received no reply, even though it was clearly marked as read.

why?

Yuan Xudou couldn't find the answer, but for him, a strong sense of unease, which was already quite unfamiliar, weighed heavily on his brow like a lead weight, making his pent-up frustration almost impossible to dispel.

Xiangzi? What exactly happened to you?

No one answered his question; his breathing grew increasingly cold, and only the swirling wind continued to add to the desolate chill.

“Xu Doujun…”

With her lips pressed together, Nagasaki Motoyo looked worriedly at the boy who was frowning, seemingly expressionless, but whose hands were gripping the railing so tightly that they had turned bloodless. Finally, she made up her mind to take a few steps forward and grab his arm.

"You'll catch a cold if you stay outside in the wind all the time..."

She didn't bring up the somewhat sensitive topic of Toyokawa Shoko, but instead found a pretext to pull Gen Xudou, who was alone on the balcony, back inside.

Facing Nagasaki Motoyo, whose gentle brows were full of concern, the boy suppressed the gloom in his eyes and tried to make his expression appear more relaxed.

"Ah."

Without resistance, he unusually allowed Nagasaki Motoyo to take his hand and help him sit down on the sofa.

...Actually, he wasn't so fragile that he needed someone to take care of him, but seeing the worry and unease in the girl's light blue eyes, which were similar to his own, and understanding that she was also troubled by this matter, Yuan Xudou thought that accepting Nagasaki Motoyo's kindness might make her feel better.

They sat quietly together, their bodies gradually warming up from the chill of the wind.

Yuan Xudou, who had been breathing quietly with his eyes downcast, suddenly spoke.

"Su Shi, there are only a few days left before school starts in Tsuki no Mori, right?"

“…Hmm.” Having understood Gen Xudou’s thoughts from that question, Nagasaki Motoyo nodded gently. “Xudou-kun, do you want me to look for Shoko-chan at school?”

>Er Yi]氵鷗旗（九〃 ）溜③迩“Yes. Xiangzi suddenly lost contact...I'm a little worried.”