Honkai Star Rail Simulation: I'm Surrounded By Characters

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After observing him closely, Jingliu concluded: You do love me, but you still haven't forgotten your ex-girlfriend.

Su Qing felt somewhat helpless.

Without uttering a single word, Jingliu seemed to understand everything he conveyed through their sword exchange. Their emotions were palpable within each strike and parry.

As they stood close, expressions, gazes, even the rhythm of their breaths allowed them to grasp each other's thoughts effortlessly.

[Stelle: Is this what it means to be true allies?!]

In her heart, Jingliu harbored a hint of envy towards Su Qing's ex-girlfriend.

The notion that Su Qing's ex was a bad woman was merely Bai Heng's speculation and jest.

Jingliu, however, had keen insight. Though she didn't know or understand his ex-girlfriend personally, she understood Su Qing well.

Observing Su Qing's reactions now, Jingliu surmised that anyone who could leave such an indelible mark on him must also be gentle and kind-hearted, much like Bai Heng.

This was the highest praise Jingliu could muster for someone of the same gender.

[Himeko: ...]

[Himeko is at a loss for words.]

[Clara: Yes, Big Sister Himeko is truly nice!?]

[Sparkle: Wow, Clara has learned to use emojis too?]

[Seele: Oh no, corrupted already! It's all Stelle's fault!]

[Stelle: Ah??? Why am I suddenly being blamed?!]

However.

Praising her ex-girlfriend didn't mean Jingliu would give up. Instead, she needed to consider how to make Su Qing forget his past relationship.

The most straightforward approach was...

Overwriting.

As Jingliu had previously stated, she intended to be by Su Qing's side. Anything his ex-girlfriend could do or provide for him, Jingliu believed she could as well.

It wasn't about replacing but overwriting, leaving her own mark upon him. Gradually, through her constant presence, she aimed to help Su Qing slowly forget his ex-girlfriend, piece by piece.

[Qingque: Wow! Not just replacing, but directly overwriting—Jingliu knows exactly what she wants!!]

[Himeko now has something to say.]

[Himeko: @Jingliu, is this what you meant by not forcing anything??]

[Jingliu: @Himeko, if Su Qing doesn't like me, of course I wouldn't insist or force it. However, since he does have feelings for me, should I abandon my own heart's desire just because of a girlfriend he dated a thousand years ago?]

[Jingliu: Such a thing, I cannot do.]

[Himeko: These are all excuses! If he truly said he doesn't like you, you'd undoubtedly find more reasons to justify your actions!!]

[Sparkle: ?? Ha ha ha ha ha, even Himeko sees right through it!]

[Sparkle: Should I say, you've already experienced having your home raided by a silver wolf before?]

[Seele: Interesting.]

[Silver Wolf: Interesting?!]

Following this line of thought...

"Like with your ex-girlfriend, what do lovers typically do together? Let's try some things to see if you dislike them," Jingliu suggested. "Firstly, holding hands perhaps?"

Her delicate hand, which was previously resting on Su Qing's, now moved slightly and gently took hold of his.

When Jingliu held her sword, her grip was firm, but at this moment, her touch felt incredibly soft to Su Qing.

"And then..."

Jingliu paused, realizing she had a significant lack of knowledge in this area. Beyond holding hands, she couldn't think of any other activities that newly dating couples might engage in.

So, taking a leap forward:

"Next, would it be... kissing?" asked Jingliu.

[March 7th: Suddenly saying such bold words!!!]

[Silver Wolf: What about hugs?! At least start with a hug, right?!]

[Stelle: It's all-out direct now! Taking things step-by-step is outdated!]

Indeed, it was quite bold.

Su Qing was still pondering how to respond to holding hands when, in the next moment, as he momentarily lost focus, Jingliu's serene and exquisite face leaned closer.

Their lips touched gently, just briefly.

Then her breathtakingly beautiful visage pulled back slightly.

Could this be considered a kiss?

It was more akin to a dragonfly skimming water.

Nevertheless, it was enough to gauge Su Qing's reaction.

At such close proximity, Jingliu softly asked, "...Do you dislike this?"

Observing his expression, Jingliu smiled contentedly. "You don't dislike it; your breathing has quickened. Do you enjoy me doing this?"

She had always been reserved, with smiles being rare occurrences. This genuine display of pure joy was even less common.

[March 7th: Aaaaaahh!!?!]

[March 7th: (Faints from excitement on the spot!)]

Su Qing felt somewhat stunned.

Wait...

What just happened???

I was still thinking about maybe holding hands?!

Although Su Qing had experienced one romance before, it was entirely gradual and slow-paced.

Jingliu's aggressive approach rendered his previous experience completely irrelevant!

[Himeko: @Jingliu, what exactly are you doing?!]

[Himeko: Who goes straight for a forceful kiss right after confessing?! Do you even understand how dating works?!]

[Sparkle: ??? Wow, chat flooded with red messages—seems like things got really intense.]

[Jingliu: @Himeko, indeed, I don't fully understand love.]

[Jingliu: But Su Qing didn't dislike my kiss; he seemed to enjoy it quite a bit.]

[Direct critical hit!]

[Himeko: (deep breath)(leaning against a wall)(almost faints)]

"Wait!" Seeing Jingliu contemplating another attempt, Su Qing, whose left hand was still held by her, hastily extended his right arm and gently placed it on her shoulder.

While Jingliu could sense his feelings from his reaction, mere resonance between friends wasn't enough. Some sentiments needed to be clearly expressed through words first.

Su Qing began speaking.

Although Su Qing's relationship with Himeko lasted only a year, it was his first love and an exceptionally perfect one, leaving deep imprints on both their hearts.

He responded to Jingliu's earlier request to "forget her."

While some lies might sound appealing, there was no way he could truly forget his feelings for Himeko.

Hearing Su Qing's words, Jingliu slightly furrowed her brow. The usually intimidating sword leader now appeared somewhat vulnerable and endearing.

[Himeko let out a sigh of relief, her mood brightening, and the dizziness from before vanished.]

[Himeko: @Jingliu, can you finally give up now?]

[Jingliu: ...]

Jingliu fell silent, lost in thought. She didn't press further, accepting Su Qing's assertion that he couldn't forget.

After a moment, Jingliu clarified her emotions and spoke again, "Even if you cannot forget, it's alright."

[Firefly: Ah?]

[Kafka: ?]

[Himeko: ?????]

[Silver Wolf: @Jingliu, should you not reconsider what you're saying?!]

Jingliu expressed her well-considered sentiments, "You once mentioned the importance of remembering the beauty of a moonflower."

"Just like remembering the moonflower, you've held onto her memory and have no intention of forgetting it. For that... I am truly envious."

Jingliu gazed intently at Su Qing.

His countenance held immense allure for her as well. She studied him closely, as if trying to etch his image into both her eyes and heart.

"However, I also want you to remember me. When I asked you to forget her before, looking back now, perhaps it was somewhat greedy of me.

"Life is fleeting; merely meeting you and becoming your confidante is already incredibly rare and precious.

"If there's a chance to take it further, to have you cherish my memory too, after thinking about it, then... then that would be all I desire."

As Jingliu looked at Su Qing, every word she spoke came from her genuine feelings: "So, even if you can't forget her, it doesn't matter.

"As long as you acknowledge me and hold my memory dear, that alone suffices."

[Silver Wolf: Can you believe she went this far??]

[Silver Wolf: Oh no, oh no! It's over! All is lost! This is finished!!]

[Firefly: @Silver Wolf, little Silver Wolf, shut up quickly! Don't be such a defeatist strategist!?]

[Jingliu's words indeed carry tremendous impact.]

[Kafka: ...Is this even possible?]

[This perspective has deeply shaken Kafka, opening a new world to her.]

[Himeko is equally stunned.]

[Putting herself in Su Qing's shoes, she couldn't fathom how to respond.]

[Thus, the ever-elegant, intellectual, and composed Himeko can only...]

[Himeko: Hang in there, Su Qing! You must hold on!] 😱

[Sparkle: Ha ha ha ha!!]

[Sparkle: Witnessing the Astral Express navigator live? This stream was truly worth watching!]

[Seele: But against Jingliu's relentless approach, how can he possibly resist?]

[Qingque: Th-this-this... She already said it's fine if not forgotten; is there any room left for resistance?] 🤔

Jingliu wasn't just any young woman.

As Luofu's sword leader, she had grown indifferent to matters of life and death.

She wouldn't obsess over every nuance of affection, demanding that she be the sole presence in someone's heart.

To Jingliu, not having met Su Qing before his previous relationship was indeed a great regret.

However, it was not something she found unbearable.

If there could still be a place for her, then so be it.

Before expressing her feelings, Jingliu first asked herself what she truly desired.

After deep reflection, she realized:

The battles against evil creatures were fraught with danger, and the arrival of the Demonic Yin Body was unpredictable at any moment.

It would be profoundly sad if a flower never had a chance to bloom before wilting away.

What she sought was merely to reveal her genuine heart.

Thus, before fading, she wanted Su Qing to remember her deeply, just as she wished to cherish him in return.

"So, it doesn't matter." Jingliu leaned closer again, whispering softly, "Even if you can't forget her, that's alright."

"All I hope for, all I pray for, is for you to embrace me now, to accept me."

"Perhaps this request... isn't too greedy?"

Having reached this point, Jingliu had bared her emotions without reservation.

Her serene, exquisite face drew nearer, but Su Qing found his hand on her shoulder lacked strength.

Just before those soft, petal-like lips could touch him...

A fleeting red figure once again flashed through Su Qing's mind.

This red silhouette seemed to struggle momentarily...

Yet ultimately, it couldn't withstand the boundless moonlight and tenderness, being engulfed by its glow.

Su Qing indeed found himself unable to resist such affection and sincerity.

He sighed inwardly.

Although Jingliu took the initiative, Su Qing wasn't one to have his cake and eat it too. Having made his choice, he must bear the consequences.

Su Qing understood that accepting Jingliu's gift today would sow seeds for future consequences, which he inevitably had to face and repay.

However...

He glanced once more at the exquisite sword leader standing close by, who entrusted her entire heart to him without reservation.

Regardless of what outcome awaited, he realized, there was only one path left—to accept it...

With this thought, Su Qing loosened his grip on Jingliu's shoulder and gently placed his hand on her arm.

Sensing his change, Jingliu's beautiful eyes sparkled with an entrancing allure, gradually emanating from within her.

From this moment, like a moonflower, Jingliu truly began to bloom, unhindered.

Without further delay, Jingliu leaned in for a kiss.

The tender affection, combined with the boundless glow of the moonlight, left no room for Su Qing to ponder anything else.

The flying sword hung before the full moon.

Earlier, when Su Qing stood alone against the eaves with sword light swirling around him, he resembled an impossibly elegant sword immortal. Now, as the bright moon rose over the sea, their slightly overlapping silhouettes before its radiance evoked the image of legendary celestial lovers.

***

[March 7th: (Just woke up)(Glanced at this scene)(Immediately faints again from shipping overload!)]

[Stelle: No! March 7th!!!]

[Himeko: ...]

[Himeko: (Frozen for two seconds) (Then collapses face-first)]

[Stelle: No! Sister Himeko!!!!]

[Stelle: @Bailu, Doctor! Help! Quickly, save her!]

[Bailu: Ah? Who should I help first?]

[Stelle: Save Sister Himeko! March 7th just fainted; she'll wake up on her own soon!]

[Bailu: (Checking Himeko's breath) (Wagging tail) (Expression solemn) It's too late, she seems gone.]

[Stelle: No! Sister Himeko!!!???]

[Himeko: ?]

[Stelle: Aaaaaahhhhhh! It's over, Sister Himeko has already ascended to heaven!!]

[Sparkle: Surely it was peaceful and serene, right?]

[Qingque: Peaceful my foot! She must've been overwhelmed by shock, refusing to accept reality!]

[Firefly: Why though? I haven't even had a chance to appear yet, and Su Qing is conquered again. ???]

[Silver Wolf: I can only say, I'm not the least bit worried, upset, or envious. After all, as the reigning champion, I have plenty of confidence. ?]

[Qingque: Take off those sunglasses before you speak!]

[Kafka: ...(Gained another formidable rival)(Contemplating how to handle this)]

[Seele: Hmm? Firefly's usual lamenting, Silver Wolf's typical bravado, and Kafka hasn't even said much.]

[Seele: Why does it feel like no one else is reacting as strongly as Himeko?]

[Firefly: Uh, that's an interesting question...]

[Firefly: Maybe, Sister Himeko already expressed our anxiety for us?]

[Silver Wolf: Indeed. Seeing her so anxious actually calmed me down.]

[Kafka: Initially, I couldn't accept it either.]

[Kafka: ...But then again, well, since Himeko has already ascended to heaven...]

[Sparkle: ?? Wait, Kafka: If Himeko's gone, never mind then, I'm not going either.]

[Seele: Ha ha ha, can you just replace someone like that?!]

[Stelle: Mostly because everyone else was sneaking into 'home base,' right? Naturally, the most anxious would be Himeko, the defender!]

[Himeko: ???]

[Stelle: Aaaaaahhh!! Is Sister Himeko truly ascending to heaven, leaving forever without return?!]

[Stelle: @Huohuo! Help! Quick, save her! This time, it's your expertise needed!]

[Huohuo: I-I'll give it a try...]

[Huohuo: (Waving flag)(Chanting incantation)(Commencing ritual)]

[Huohuo: O soul, return home...??? O soul, return home... With whip extended and reins held high...??? O soul, return home... Climbing mountains to sing... Return... O soul, return...]

[Stelle: Arise—my—Sister Himeko!]

[Himeko: ...]

[Huohuo: Ah! It worked! (Wipes sweat) (Breathes a sigh of relief)]

[Huohuo: Should I wake up Miss March 7th as well then?]

[March 7th: (Awakens) What happened? What just occurred?]

[Stelle: Seems like there's no need; once March 7th passes out enough, she wakes on her own.]

[March 7th: Huh?! Even though I don't know what went down, that's quite rude, Stelle!]

***

Initially, Jingliu had been assertive, taking the lead in their kiss. Her knowledge in this area was limited; their previous kisses were mere gentle touches, brief encounters barely registering before parting. She hadn't even had time to fully comprehend them.

But when Su Qing lowered his defenses and reciprocated...

This kiss felt entirely different. Perhaps it was truly Jingliu's first meaningful kiss.

Jingliu didn't fully understand; still, it remained only a touch of lips.

Yet how come everything felt so distinct now...

Even the gentle touch of Su Qing's hand on her waist felt inexplicably warm.

What exactly was this sensation?

Jingliu had faced countless dangerous battles without fear. Yet now, experiencing a true kiss, she wanted to resist, but her entire body seemed electrified, tingling and weak.

Their date under the moonlit sea appeared to have only just begun.

Realizing belatedly, a blush spread across Jingliu's lovely face. Her body softened as she leaned into Su Qing's embrace.