Chapter 357

Chapter Ninety: Cutting Ties!

Lei had a crush on someone, originally just a small, bittersweet feeling that made her heart flutter, but everything changed when she discovered a secret of her dear friend—Erika was also harboring feelings for the very same person.

Erika was incredibly important to Lei; regardless of the reason, Lei didn’t want to lose this friendship in any way.

So to maintain their bond, Lei decided it would be better to step back for Erika’s sake.

These feelings of giving up surfaced multiple times, especially since the manager seemed unaware. It was clear to Lei that she was rather ordinary next to Erika, whose liveliness made her more appealing to people. Self-aware as Lei was, she knew this all too well.

Just give it up. This wouldn’t be the first time; it was better for her infatuation to remain unspoken like before.

She could even turn herself into a “Cupid” for love to help Erika and the manager get together. That way, everyone would smile again, and she, Erika, and the manager could remain friends, which would be much better than the current awkwardness.

It should be fine like this. It should be fine…

But why couldn’t she accept letting go? Why was there this resistance inside her?

“…”

Lei, lost in thought at the rooftop of Nasta Café, noticed Erika’s arrival and moved aside, leaving an empty space for her friend.

Silently, Erika moved closer. They both felt the same gentle breeze from above, sharing a moment where they said nothing and avoided looking directly into each other’s eyes, afraid of seeing anything that might reveal sorrow.

Once inseparable, the two girls were now so awkward they couldn’t even greet each other properly.

“Are you really serious about him?”

“I don’t know,” Erika’s answer halted Lei, but then she continued. “However, if it wasn’t serious, you wouldn’t act like this.”

“Yes…”

Understanding Erika’s sincerity, Lei felt tears welling in her eyes.

To think Erika felt the same way about the manager… This was truly perplexing.

“Lei, I’m sorry…”

“Overdoing things, you’re overdoing things!”

Lei hastily wiped away her tears, but as she did, more tears fell like rain. She wanted answers far different from these.

She thought Erika would always be supportive as her friend.

Why did Erika join in?

“What do you think, Lei?!”

Lei trembled, startled by Erika’s loud voice even behind the blur of her tears.

“It’s not wrong to like someone. Ash is no one’s possession, and I have every right to express my feelings!”

“But… But…”

“And Lei, all you ever do is talk about liking him. You don’t take action. Isn’t that right?”

“In these early stages, do you really think you have a claim on this?”

No one will know until you show your true feelings!

Erika’s words hit Lei like a thunderbolt, shocking her. Eyes wide with rare anger, she glared at Erika.

“Erika, how can you speak so harshly?!”

“I’m just stating the truth… Is that too much? I think you’re not being honest with yourself.”

“Fine!” With tears blurring her glasses, Lei, despite sobbing, screamed in defiance.

“If that’s the case, then—”

“Cut ties!”

Outside, the door to Nasta Café burst open. Eddie darted inside urgently and pressed himself against the closed door, peering out cautiously through the crack under its edge.

“He hasn’t chased us… Thank goodness…”

Noticing no policeman as expected, Eddie leaned against the door and sat on the floor in relief, still clad in his blue jacket.

Typical! Was it really worth all the trouble just because I appeared in the parking lot without clothes in the middle of the night? Aren’t you all busy with other criminals or something?

“Ah, hello there? Everyone, hi!”

Unaware of the tense atmosphere, Eddie greeted those gathered, yet all glanced at him but ignored him completely. Not reporting him immediately was the greatest sign of respect for his freedom.

“May I have a coffee, please?”

No one responded. Everyone besides Ash remained frozen.

Now puzzled, Eddie wondered, What’s with the attitude here?

“Coffee is fine,” finally, Ash spoke up. “But do you have money?”

“Uh, I don’t…”

Caught mid-sentence, Eddie realized he’d used up most of his “exchange points” in SCSO headquarters for non-essential luxuries and hadn’t exchanged them for currency here. Not wanting to break another law or engage in illegal work, he had lived off scraps in parks like feral cats.

“Maybe you should consider turning yourself in.”

Ash knew the local police station offered conditions far better than Earth or Light’s prison and even served pork cutlet for lunch.

“I’ve not broken any laws—this was an accident, I swear!” He actively defended himself and brandished a scroll from behind that bore numerous signatures.

“I’ve helped dozens in town, many who say I’m innocent! Once the majority believe in me, I’ll prove myself and become a hero.”

Humiliated by Timons’ beating, humbled by lessons learned from younger girls, and guided by small deeds each day, Eddie found hope in today’s progress leading toward tomorrow’s leap.

“Pity, though. Nobody has reached out after all.”

Taking note, Ash, slightly touched, patted Eddie’s shoulder.

“You might find more help at the botanical garden, perhaps from its mysterious head gardener.”

“Really?”

“Can’t you hear your brother’s heart, Ash?”

Let this be your reward for recognizing my efforts.

As if on cue, Ash’s phone rang.