[8. Dragonfly Void]

In the morning, the small park looked more empty and lonely under the pale gray clouds, and Zhaohua sat on a bench under the willows, staring at the gray still water.

This time it's really irreparable, the demon in the body is rampage again, and the self is further lost, it should be ...... I can't be trusted anymore.

What should I do, and how long can I escape......

In the depression, he suddenly heard a crisp bell, Zhaohua looked back, and a bicycle was dangling under the shade of the trees-

No one is on it!

Zhaohua immediately jumped up and gathered the wind veins: "Who?"

Hearing his voice, a hearty laugh came from the other side of the bike: "Scared, right?

It's the sound of a dragonfly in the ghost mountain. The white figure of a dragonfly wrapped in a fog slowly appeared on the bike.

"It's you......" After settling down slightly, Zhaohua looked at him suspiciously, "What kind of technique is this?"

"It's fun to change the refractive index of light in the air to achieve an invisible effect, right? I'll teach you when I have time!" Seeing him slowly disarming himself, the dragonfly rode over familiarly, parked the car to the side and came to sit.

"You've made the bike invisible...... Although he still doesn't know the details of the dragonfly, Zhaohua still feels very relieved, maybe it is this bland relationship between acquaintance and strangeness that makes him feel comfortable.

"What's wrong with you?" asked the dragonfly idly.

"How could you not know what happened last night. Zhaohua picked up a small pebble and threw it into the lake, looking at the series of ripples.

"Just because of Brother Pony?"

"Brother Xiaoma......" After being stunned for a moment, Zhaohua couldn't help laughing, "That's not someone who can shout so kindly." ”

"Nothing is wrong, is his name spelled 'mask'? ”

"Probably, I don't know him that well. ”

"Then you have to pay attention, you know yourself and your opponent," Dragonfly pulled out the food box again, "Eat it?" ”

"Thanks, but no more. ”

"I'm not blaming my uncle, I didn't do anything. ”

Before he was in the mood to eat, Zhaohua just shook his head: "You can eat." ”

The dragonfly suddenly pulled up the mask exaggeratedly: "Don't be grinning, do you want to peek at my handsome face?"

This man is really ...... Zhaohua couldn't help laughing: "Who wants to see it......"

The dragonfly also laughed and looked at the lake: "Do you feel better?"

"Sort of. Just ......"

"After all, it's my own people, I don't think there's anything to be afraid of," Dragonfly reassured him, "it'll be fine." ”

Could it be that simple...... Zhaohua did not respond. At this time, he felt a faint fluctuation coming from the lawn, a probing aura, and judging from that faint reaction, it should be Abel's "sensory extension".

"It's so fast...... Our friend is here, and I'm going to shy away from it," Dragonfly got up neatly and rode her bike, "and I'll stand with you one day." ”

Watching the dragonfly ride away slowly, Zhaohua turned around, and the flamboyant brilliant blonde hair quickly appeared on the path, it was indeed Abel.

"Zhaohua!" Abel beckoned to him from afar and strode over, "The aura is so well hidden, it frustrates my confidence with Cedar." By the way, I'll tell Cedar first, he's worried about you. ”

"I'm sorry for the trouble you came to me. ”

Abel smiled and spoke slowly, "Don't be sad, it's okay." ”

"I said something very hurtful...... Harden, he's not going to forgive me anymore, is he?"

"No, he'll also understand that he's wrong, no problem. Abel sat down too, and spoke as gently as a soft, green wicker.

That's why I don't want to be found at this time, unlike dragonflies, Abel and they know better what is going on, so they will inevitably discuss deeper issues, they want to escape first, but they will also want to confide and ask for help, and the fact of weakness has to be exposed......

Even so, I couldn't help revealing my broken thoughts: "I want to apologize, I care a lot, that's why I ...... I'm always afraid of upsetting others because ......"

Because...... What the?

"I know it's my fault, and I'm willing to admit it, but what about the more practical approach...... I can't save Harden's eyesight, but even apologizing and thinking about taking care of him will only bore him...... But if I run away, he'll think I'm not reflecting in the slightest, right? I can't make him feel more uncomfortable...... So I still incurred his anger and rejection......"

Even if you feel that there is little hope, even if you feel unreasonable, you really hope that Harden can say "It's not your fault", because I am uneasy, I don't want to be alone, I don't want to be so alienated from anyone, not to mention that it is still the brave man I am longing for.

Looking at the dragonflies flying on the reeds, Zhaohua smiled bitterly and thought, I am really envious.

Tough insects, although their bodies are so fragile, also have strong wings, and they can continue to bear the weight of water vapor under the gray sky, even if they just fly low, they can also fly under the challenging sky......

Disgusted with his incompetent self, Zhaohua's fluttering gaze followed the dragonfly: "Is this good, to be blamed and suffer the corresponding pain?" But why am I more uneasy and angry, as if I felt that my previous actions had become flattering and weak...... Obviously, I shouldn't have done it to move him, but ......"

"Actually, it's because I have too few friends, so I feel uncomfortable and don't dare to show anger...... I'm just ......" said and even felt sad to himself, Zhaohua felt that his eyes were sour, and the scenery in front of him began to ripple and turbulent.

Is there something wrong with wanting to be forgiven? Why can't you bear or even hate Harden when you know you can't force forgiveness? Why do you suddenly give autonomy to Musk and escape reality like this? He clenched his fists, his nails digging into his skin: "I hate myself for being weak and incompetent!"

My heart was so uncomfortable, I wanted to scream, but all I could do was a trembling cry: "I will review what I did wrong, but I hope to ......"

I can't go on any more, that's enough...... He looked up and blinked vigorously.

"Zhaohua ......" Abel listened quietly, revealing a complicated and embarrassed look.

Don't comfort me...... Zhaohua wanted to say this, just because he didn't want to be comforted, so he was willing to say this to the gentle and taciturn Abel, right?

"Harden may not have any ill intentions, just say something uncomfortable, tell him about your pain, communicate with him, let him and you understand each other's feelings and thoughts. ”

"But ......"

"It won't be worse than now, right? Friends should be at ease when they get along, don't force yourself if you feel uncomfortable, what does Harden think, how do you know if you don't ask clearly?" Even the quiet Abel will still say comforting words.

His eyes couldn't help but sour again, and Zhaohua felt tears gushing out uncontrollably, and even wanted to sob......

No, it's going to look very weak...... But even though he was ashamed, he wanted to cry in front of Abel.

Abel spoke slowly: "I have very few friends. Now that you're feeling uncomfortable, then take one last chance to make it clear to Harden face to face, whether the result is salvage or continue to be cold, you've done your best, haven't you?"

Such calmness is indeed Abel's style. But their own words......

"Zhaohua, in fact, in your heart, you don't think we are your real friends, do you?"

Being asked so directly, Zhaohua couldn't help but smile bitterly and replied softly: "Maybe that's it...... I don't want to be on my own, even if it's just a few words, I want to stand with others......"

"But you don't want that to be the case, do you?"

What is the relationship between the "...... I want"?

"Is it the kind of existence where you can laugh and understand each other without any fear?"

"Yes, that's what I hoped for......"

Abel showed a look of surprise: "For you, isn't this kind of existence for Cedar?"

"Cedar can give me peace of mind, but there is always a gap between us, and there is always little talk between us......"

"Because you're pushing yourself, isn't it? Cedar may not have noticed your estrangement, he may have thought that the one who should say a few words from time to time is the real you...... Did you tell him about topics you really like and things you're really interested in?"

“...... No, he would say that he wouldn't be interested, would he'd think I'd be more boring, and ......."

"Zhaohua, express it, even if you are very good friends, just like Mr. He and Mr. Jean, don't they also have different interests? Don't think that this is an obstacle to communication first, let the people close to you know your preferences, right? Gains and losses should not be calculated at all times in equal communication, don't worry. ”

Can it be done, with such a cowardly self......

"You still want to be friends with Harden despite the pain, right?" Abel asked, "I think...... Harden has a straight temperament, so make it clear to your face anyway, and if you don't reveal the truth, how do you know if he's someone who can be your friend?"

"But I'm afraid—"

"Let's get to know each other again from today?" Abel smiled, his encouraging eyes calming people, "Zhaohua, although it's a shame to say it...... But I want to be your friend, and everyone must be the same. ”

"Abel ......"

"It doesn't matter, there's nothing to be afraid of, everyone is equal, you don't need to be accommodating or afraid all the time, you don't owe anything. ”

"But I'm at fault!" Zhaohua couldn't help but shout.

"Whoever isn't at fault, it's okay to correct it, isn't it? Don't feel inferior to others because of this, come on, tell Harden about your confusion?"

Seeing his hesitation, Abel laughed again: "Don't think about it so complicated, we are boys, sometimes it only takes one sentence or one action to reconcile." ”

Is that so, can it be that simple......

"Alright, come on?" Abel held out his hand.

“...... Good. ”

"I'll be on the sidelines, it'll be fine. I also want to have a good communication with him, and we are together. ”

They walked all the way back to the mansion and went straight to Harden's room. As soon as he entered the door, he saw Harden turning his head sideways, and Abel immediately spoke: "Harden, Zhaohua he thinks-"

"Thank you, but you've done enough, I'll have to do the rest myself!"

“...... What's wrong?" Harden looked up at them in confusion.

"Harden, I want to talk to you...... Maybe it's going to be annoying, but I want you to know what I think!"

“...... Huh?" Harden paused, stunned for a moment, and made a "stupid" sound that he would never normally make, which also made Clio chuckle on the side.

Encouraged by Cleo and Abel's smiling eyes, as if he had opened up, Zhaohua whispered: "It's because of my fault that you became like this...... I know, but I want to make amends for my mistakes......"

He suddenly raised his head and stared at Harden, although the other party couldn't see his expression for the time being: "If you feel uncomfortable, please tell me what to do to make you feel acceptable!"

"......" Harden froze.

"Tell me, because even if I make a mistake and make you angry, I still want to be friends with you!"

In the face of such a direct inquiry, Harden was silent for a while.

In the silence, Abel also spoke slowly: "Harden, I think you are not very sensitive to this kind of thing, but Zhaohua has been confused and worried about your attitude for a long time, so you can also speak frankly, your feelings." ”

With a hesitant look at this, Harden turned his head away and didn't say a word.

"Harden, remember what I just said?" Cleo reminded faintly, which made Harden purse his lips.

"I ...... I should apologize," Harden's hard voice was overwhelmed, "I'm not used to that...... Well, hypocrisy...... I never apologize......"

Although he was looking forward to it, he was still not used to hearing Harden's soft words, and Zhaohua looked at Abel at a loss, to which Abel chuckled.

“...... I'm angry with everybody," Harden said slowly, keeping his head down, "I'm not really mad at you, I'm ...... It's just a tantrum at yourself that doesn't work. ”

"You ......" I don't know why I felt that my eyes were sour again, and Zhaohua couldn't help but cry again.

“...... You...... What's going on, I've said it all-" Harden was a little confused when he heard the sound of sniffing.

"You're not kind, little Harden. Dimon interjected.

"Shut up...... Zhang Zhaohua, I don't really want to be angry with you, eh...... I'm sorry...... Abel too. ”

"I'm sorry, it's too stingy to divide it between two people like this!" Dimon laughed, "But this is really rare, Xiaohua and Little Pineapple should accept this sentence reluctantly!"

"I'm sorry so seriously!" Harden looked annoyed.

“...... Is pineapple already a uniform name?" Abel began to struggle with another question.

His thoughts were taken away all of a sudden, and Zhaohua looked at Abel's hairstyle and smiled for a while before sniffing: "...... So, now...... We're all right, right?"

"Probably...... It's okay. Harden finished awkwardly, burying his face in the pillow.

"Forgive me...... I'll be careful," he said sullenly, "and I won't lose my temper." You cried before you came in, didn't you......? Why do you still make boys cry...... I know I'm grumpy and I'll change it. ”

That's enough...... Feeling heartfelt comfort, Zhaohua smiled, and then asked softly, "Harden, do you think we are friends?"

I thought Harden would think about it carefully, but Harden blurted out as always: "Why not?"

This made Zhaohua unable to reply, and Harden's natural response was really unexpected, after all, this is the person who seems to be the most fierce and least careful.

"Because it's reassuring, that's why I offend casually...... But I don't really want to curse," Harden's voice lowered, "but I've been ...... lately Disqualified. ”

“...... Eligibility?"

"I know, I'm as straight as a wasp and have a bad mouth...... So it's only the advantage of being able to fight. If you can't fight now," Harden smirked self-deprecatingly, "it's completely useless, right?"

"Not really," Abel began, "and though I'm not qualified to say anything, I don't think friendship in its purest form is supposed to be based on strength or profit from the start. ”

"From the very beginning, you were precocious and cooperated on the premise that we were an interest group, and there was no way to ......," Dimon sighed, "Only Komatsu was communicating straightforwardly, and you were wary of each other...... If it weren't for the urgency of the dead, you would probably be able to get along slowly. ”

Yes, to this day, Yueming and a few other magicians from ordinary teams are still used to acting together, Ivan Tya and they are often together, Alicia prefers to act alone, Abel is not salty or light with everyone as a latecomer, only Cedar is quite compatible with all parties.

"It's not too late. Abel said.

"Of course, it's not difficult for children to bridge the gap between them," Dimon agreed, "Harden, let's make it clear to Komatsu as soon as possible." ”

"I got it......"

"And Mr. He. Clio added evilly.

"You're so annoying!"

Relaxed, smiling Abel came to the window again and closed the window a little smaller: "The wind is so hot......

"The air is stuffy, isn't it? But it looks like the weather is getting erratic again. There will probably be rain tomorrow and the day after tomorrow. Clio responded.

"It's been a lot of rain this year...... "Abel said to himself as he looked at the clouds with a little distress.

"Ryuo has only recently passed over, but a new tropical cyclone will soon form and make landfall, and the typhoon season has just begun. Clio said disapprehantly, continuing to flip through the book.

Is this the prophecy of the Heavenly Punisher's strongest prophetic ability...... A new storm is accumulating, and in the near future, it will surely come as scheduled, right? By that time, will the hands that have not been clasped today clasp each other......

Looking at Harden's much softer silhouette, Zhaohua's restless heart regained some courage-

At that time, at least I want to reassure everyone. At least what he has to bind is the darkness in his heart, the rain demon who resides in his body and yearns for the dim sky realm.

-

Preview: The cicada knows the summer. When the cicadas sound, the distant seasons overlap again in obscurity. The thoughts that have never been dissolved, the hatred that has never been eliminated, the grievances that have never been resolved...... How many emotions can the fragile cicada carry, often hate shallow words, if you can, vent all the strong love and hatred in your heart, and throw the indelible cry of the river of time to the sky.

Part II, Song of the Swarm of Insects (Finale): The River of Cicadas.