The Final Volume: Tiny Worlds in the Dust, Chapter 640: Forever Friends

"Actually... I wanted to tell you... um, I'm sorry."

"...Sorry for what?"

"It's about that cave on the deserted island. I... I was in a bad mood..."

"Throwing a tantrum?"

"Who was throwing a tan—hey, fine. I was throwing a tantrum back then, and then... then I ran off, haha... Pretty childish, huh? Anyway..."

"..." "..."

"..."

"Anyway... um..."

"So what are you trying to say?"

"...Huh?"

"You've been talking to yourself this whole time, but I don't remember you doing anything you need to apologize to me for."

"Eh, eh? So you forgot... Uh, no, never mind. Pretend I didn't say anything!"

Xiao Wu froze for a moment, then immediately wore an expression of relief—which, of course, didn't escape Haoyue's notice.

"Is that so?"

"Yeah..."

"Now you're suddenly going soft? Who was it that yelled, 'Can't you pay attention to your companions besides Ye?' and 'Don't you feel even the slightest grief or regret for them?'"

"That was me, okay... Wait!?"

"Hehe, you're only just catching on? No wonder you're such a slow-witted delinquent girl~"

"What are you talking about? You remember it perfectly!"

"Of course I do. You said it to me, so no matter how unpleasant it was, I'd remember."

"...Huh?"

Haoyue narrowed her eyes slightly, resting her head on her arm as she watched the view of outer space grow clearer. Then she spoke slowly.

"I know, too. I know better than anyone what a terrible person I am."

"Why bring that up?"

"I just felt like saying it... Ever since I was little, I hated being restrained. I was sick of everyone around me, sick of everything. To me, it was all so boring... Maybe, deep down, I just wanted to be the one in control of my own life?"

"That sort of thing... isn't