518 It Was Never Meant to Work Out / 519 Sales Breakdown

Mai: "..."

She couldn't resist grabbing a cup of coffee and splashing it at Shuya.

Section 557, Chapter 518: Destined to have no outcome.

Shuya got splashed with coffee.

"..."

He calmly pulled out a tissue from the table and wiped his face.

He and Mai had been talking for so long that the coffee had long since gone cold, so it posed no threat.

"Why didn't you dodge?!"

Before Shuya could speak, Mai became anxious.

She took out a handkerchief and dried Shuya's hair.

"Didn't I say my body hadn't fully recovered yet... Well, although I could still hide if I wanted to, but..."

Shuya paused, looking at Mai who came over to dry his hair, and said, "I think I'd feel better if someone scolded me right now. Sorry for making you my tool."

Mai said irritably, "What are you apologizing for? It's like you're using me as a tool for the first time."

Then she frowned and asked, "Since you know it's wrong to say that, why did you still say those things to them?"

Shuya calmly replied, "To be honest, the situation at that time was completely unexpected. I panicked for a moment and blurted out my thoughts without thinking."

"Both men and women lose their IQ when they're in love. Please forgive me this once."

Shuya wiped his face clean, but his head and clothes were still a little wet.

He didn't care, because he really wasn't in the mood.

... The point is, it's no use even if I try to understand you.

Mai was speechless.

She had never been in a relationship before and was unaware of his feelings.

Her mind went blank; she had absolutely no idea what to say to Shuya.

Mai felt that every second she spent there was torture.

At this moment, Shuya let out a long sigh of relief, "Phew, I feel much better after talking to you, thank you."

"So, what do you plan to do next?"

"What can we do? We'll just keep trying to win over Rena."

"Well... that's quite straightforward. Are you confident?"

Mai asked hesitantly.

"No, it's probably 90% hopeless."

Shuya readily answered.

"And you..."

But I've already fallen for her, what can I do?

Shuya was quite philosophical about it. "No one can stop me from pursuing Rena, not even the Quintuplets."

His tone softened, and his voice finally betrayed a hint of sorrow. "Sister Rena doesn't have much time left... I can't let this precious time slip away."

Even if this relationship is destined to fail, I won't hesitate; instead, I'll dedicate all my energy to pursuing the person I love.

This was a love affair destined to have no happy ending, but---

So what?

Shuya knew from the beginning that his feelings for Rena were highly questionable, and even his parents, who had never cared about his future, were openly and secretly trying to stop him.

Age gap, social status... many people repeatedly emphasized this kind of menstrual topic to him.

Do you really think he doesn't know these reasons? Do you really think you're the only smart one, the only one who thought of this? That's really great, wanna be lifted up high?

It's just an old, tired truth.

He knew this perfectly well from the very beginning.

They just never took these bullshit principles to heart.

He fell in love with Rena, so he pursued her.

That's all.

To all other grand principles, he would only reply with one word... Get lost!

Shuya's mindset was already very firm, and today it is even less likely to be interfered with.

Because... all he and Rena have left is now.

There is no future.

At this point, the thoughts of those around him, and even the thoughts of the Quintuplets, are no longer important to him.

Just go for it.

Shuya didn't tell Mai about these thoughts; he felt there was no need to share them with anyone.

At that time, Mai never asked Rena how much longer she could live, even after Shuya left.

However, she was still very concerned about how Shuya was pursuing Rena, and would occasionally ask him about the progress, and also offered some advice that she didn't know if it was useful or not.

Then... less than a year later, she received news of Rena's death.

"Call..."

Mai, with a complicated expression, exhaled and slowly returned to the present from her memories.

Mai was quite deeply involved in the affairs between Shuya and Rena.

However, at the very last moment, it wasn't her by his side, but his Little Senior Sister.

Mai wasn't quite sure what exactly happened on the day Rena died, or how Shuya reacted.

Shuya and his Little Senior Sister never told anyone about those things.

Mai- chan, are you alright?

Seeing that Mai's expression was complicated, the Little Senior Sister asked her a question.

"I'm fine."

Mai really wanted to know what happened between Shuya and Rena, but she never asked.

It always feels like rubbing salt into someone's wounds...

While Mai was thinking, Shuya leaned over and asked with concern:

Why do you look like you're on your period?

"..."

Mai's eye twitched, and she grabbed a disposable water cup and splashed it on him.

"Huh?! So easily angered?"

Shuya casually pulled Motoko over to block her.

Motoko was startled, but she quickly recovered and used her breath to bounce the water back into the cup.

"Tsk."

Shuya made no attempt to hide his malice.

Motoko exploded. "Inoue- kun, I'll endure it!"

Shuya mouthed "novel" to him.

"Endure, endure... I'll endure it!"

Motoko changed her mind at the last minute and sat back down on the sofa.

Seeing how well-behaved she was, Shuya decided not to tease her anymore.

He glanced sideways at Mai: "You didn't have to splash water on me, it was just a joke."

Mai didn't want to admit that she had instinctively splashed him because she was thinking about the past, so she angrily retorted, "That was sexual harassment! What's wrong with me reacting a little more strongly?"

"Well, it's nothing really..."

Shuya a little surprised by her tone.

Could it really be her period? That can't be right. She's a superhuman; she shouldn't have any issues with blood loss.

Shuya scratched his face, deciding to ignore Mai.

He sat down next to his Little Senior Sister and started chatting with her.

"Little Senior Sister, have you finished writing your new song?"

"No, I'm still not entirely satisfied."

The Little Senior Sister said regretfully.

"It's alright. Little Senior Sister's meticulous attitude is a blessing for the fans. It's only right to make them wait."

Shuya showered her with praise, "I think your fans also want to hear their Little Senior Sister's best music, and they're happy even if it takes a little longer."

"Haha, Junior Brother, you're still as eloquent as ever."

Seeing Shuya's smile, she couldn't help but reach out and pat his head.

"Little Senior Sister, don't be fooled by him! Quickly see through Shuya's true colors!"

Mai delivered a backstab.

She felt heartbroken just thinking about it.

Shuya had talked to her about all sorts of trivial matters since they were little, but he never told his Little Senior Sister these things, saying that he couldn't affect Little Senior Sister mood...

Ugh! The more I think about it, the angrier I get!

Mai glared intently at Shuya.

"Oh... Mai- chan? What did I do to offend you? Why are you glaring at me like that?"

Shuya asked, puzzled.

"You still have the nerve to ask? Think about all the mess you've made! How many times have you tricked me since I was a kid!"

Mai's cheeks puffed out.

Section 558, Sales Distribution 519

"Wait, don't suddenly make that face, it's kind of adorable."

Shuya clutched his chest and said with difficulty.

Mai's action reminded him of her when she was a child; Mai was truly adorable as a little girl back then.

He wasn't saying Mai isn't cute now, just that the focus is different.

So—he didn't want to peddle porn. (Important)

"Cough cough."

Mai realized her actions were a bit childish and coughed a few times, embarrassed.

Shuya then said, "As for how many times I've tricked you since we were little... that's strange, have I ever tricked you?"

He felt utterly wronged and was completely baffled.