Shooting Stars: Chapter 5
Later that night,, it seems I had fallen asleep while leaning on Xavier. When I wake up in my bedroom the next day, it is already almost noon.
I decide to see if Xavier is already up. When I reach his bedroom door, the door is half open, and he is already dressed in formal attire before his mirror.
MC: Xavier? This get-up is…
I walk over to his side and recognize that this is the formal suit he only wears when meeting the King.
MC: You decided to go back?
Xavier: There is no use in always avoiding it.
Xavier: This time, I'll return to see him.
MC: If you don't want to, you also shouldn't force yourself.
Xavier doesn’t say anything; he only picks up the sword that is hanging beside the mirror.
Seeing the star pendant on the hilt, my heart sinks a little once again.
Once he goes back this time, I have no clue when we'll see each other again.
MC: Before our duel, I said I also had a request.
MC: So, before you leave, can you answer me one question?
Xavier: Ask away, you can even ask ten.
Having made up my mind, I lift my head and open my mouth—
MC: That star tassel, who gifted it to you? The person you like?
Xavier looks at me for a moment and suddenly smiles.
Xavier: You finally asked.
Xavier: Mhm, it's from the person I like.
Though I already expect this to be the case, he actually calmly admits to it, making me grow unsettled.
MC: Then— Then she, is she someone you really like?
Xavier: Mhm.
MC: …How much do you like her?
Xavier: All along, she has been the person I’ve liked the most.
I quickly twist the corner of my clothes, beginning to regret asking this stupid question.
MC: So you like her that much…
Xavier: But a long time ago, she already left me, so I have been looking for her ever since.
MC: So every time you join the patrol team, it's also to look for her?
Xavier: Ah? That's not it…
MC: Then you always keep the tassel close to your person; is it so that you don't forget her?
Xavier: Actually I've never forgotten her.
Xavier: She was the one who forgot about me.
MC: How could she forget about you?
This is clearly a sorrowful matter, but for some reason, Xavier doesn't seem too sad when recounting this.
Xavier: Yeah, even though we’ve met again after that, she doesn't remember me at all, nor does she remember having gifted me this tassel.
Xavier: And frequently looks at me, with an expression that—
As he speaks, he glances at me, with a hint of unexpected dissatisfaction.
Xavier: Is full of ignorant surprise.
MC: She even acts that way?!
This version of Xavier, seems a little pitiful…
I don’t regret asking any more. Instead, I feel courage welling up from furious indignation for him.
MC: …Xavier, I want to give you some advice.
Xavier: What is it?
I grit my teeth, making up my mind.
MC: You… should stop liking her!
Xavier: Why?
MC: Because… Since she already doesn't remember you, you can also go and pursue your own happiness.
MC: There are many girls who like you in the School, for example in my School, there's Lillia, Joanna…
MC: There's also the junior from your School, Sarah… They're all pretty decent choices.
Xavier: Oh, so you actually want me to , and fall for another person…
Xavier takes a step closer to me.
Xavier: Then aside from them, is there anyone else?
MC: There's… the aunties who help out at the dining hall, the big sister at the bakery outside…
Xavier takes another step closer.
Xavier: —Anyone else?
MC: You want more? Are you dissatisfied with all of these?
I am forced to move back and sit on the edge of the bed. Xavier leans over and supports himself with one hand by my side.
Xavier: They're all good, but coincidentally, none of them are my type.
MC: …Oh, then there’s nothing we can do.
I lower my eyes to avoid his gaze, looking elsewhere with a guilty conscience.
MC: But, I heard Jeremiah say, the royal family is already selecting a princess… are they choosing for you?
Xavier: No idea.
MC: But Jeremiah also said…
The already close distance between us is further shortened by Xavier, until he is almost touching my nose.
Xavier: You like Jeremiah?
MC: Ah?
Xavier: Everytime you open your mouth, it's to talk about him. If you like him, I'll go see him before I leave.
MC: See him for what?
Xavier: A chat.
Hearing his tone of voice, this likely isn’t a , but one that uses violence! I rush to hold Xavier back.
MC: Don't you hurt him! I was the one who forced him to tell me those rumors.
Xavier: You're so concerned about him.
MC: He doesn't have bad intentions, and he's dim-witted and always needs my help, so it's only right to be a little concerned…
Xavier: So you like the dim-witted kind who’s always asking for your help.
MC: …How did you come to this conclusion?
Xavier narrows his eyes and looks at me for a while, then sits on the edge of the bed beside me.
Within my line of sight while I’m still confused, he takes off the brooch that was on his chest.
Xavier: Help me put it on.
MC: Weren't you already done putting it on earlier?
Xavier: I put it on myself, but couldn't see its position clearly, and put it on crooked.
Xavier: Help me out.
MC: …Then don’t move.
I take the brooch and move closer to Xavier.
Xavier: Can you see its position clearly?
MC: Of course…
Having known Xavier for so long, it seems like this is actually the first time I’m in such close proximity to him.
Maybe the clasp of that brooch was designed to be really tight; it even makes me a little nervous.
Xavier: Aren’t you also putting it on badly.
MC: …You and I aren't even the same.
MC: …You're so foolish, and can't even put on your brooch properly; what will you do if your princess you in the future?
Xavier: Who knows, the princess could be as foolish as me, and also not know how to put it on.
My hands tremble for a moment, and there’s a brief prick of pain on my fingertip.
MC: Ha—!
Xavier: …And even have her finger pricked by the brooch.
Xavier’s hand, clad in a white glove, gently pinches my fingertip.
Xavier: Why are you always getting injured.
MC: The cause of all this trouble is now acting all innocent?
The bleeding stops, and I retract my hand, pretending to be unaffected as I stand up.
MC: Being royalty is so troublesome, it's still best to be a knight.
MC: In a few days, you'll officially be the crown prince, and eventually, you'll become the King of Philos…
MC: So I have to work hard too. If I pass the Lightseeker selection next month, I can become a real knight.
MC: When that time comes, it'll be my turn to protect this King right here from any harm.
Xavier: Is that so…
Xavier: Then if I really become King, what gift will you give me?
I give it a thought…
MC: …I'll also give you a little star, how's that?
Xavier: A little star?
I tap the hilt of Xavier's sword.
MC: Yesterday, during our duel, I think I accidentally broke your tassel…
MC: I'll compensate you with another one, alright?
Xavier: Then I want a handmade one.
Without waiting for my answer, Xavier gets up and fastens his sword.
Xavier: Time’s up, I should leave.
MC: In such a hurry?
Xavier: Originally, I should already be at the palace by now, but because I was waiting for a certain someone to wake up after oversleeping, a later departure can’t be helped.
MC: Wait! Your cape—
Xavier, who is already at the door, turns back to look at me, his outline soaked in the gentle afternoon light.
Looking at his face, I suddenly realize with unprecedented clarity that the person standing in front of me, Xavier, the young Prince of Philos, the future crown prince—
Is the person I will swear to forever protect.
I pass the cape into his hands.
MC: This time, when will you be back?
MC: Or should I say, this time, will you still be coming back…?
He drapes the cape over his forearm and smiles at me.
Just like he always does every time he leaves me.
Xavier: When you wish to see me, I'll be back.
Later that night,, it seems I had fallen asleep while leaning on Shen Xinghui. When I wake up in my bedroom the next day, it is already almost noon.
I decide to see if Shen Xinghui is already up. When I reach his bedroom door, the door is half open, and he is already dressed in formal attire before his mirror.
MC: Shen Xinghui? This get-up is…
I walk over to his side and recognize that this is the formal suit he only wears when meeting the King.
MC: You decided to go back?
Shen Xinghui: There is no use in always avoiding it.
Shen Xinghui: This time, I'll return to see him.
MC: If you don't want to, you also shouldn't force yourself.
Shen Xinghui doesn’t say anything; he only picks up the sword that is hanging beside the mirror.
Seeing the star pendant on the hilt, my heart sinks a little once again.
Once he goes back this time, I have no clue when we'll see each other again.
MC: Before our duel, I said I also had a request.
MC: So, before you leave, can you answer me one question?
Shen Xinghui: Ask away, you can even ask ten.
Having made up my mind, I lift my head and open my mouth—
MC: That star tassel, who gifted it to you? The person you like?
Shen Xinghui looks at me for a moment and suddenly smiles.
Shen Xinghui: You finally asked.
Shen Xinghui: Mhm, it's from the person I like.
Though I already expect this to be the case, he actually calmly admits to it, making me grow unsettled.
MC: Then— Then she, is she someone you really like?
Shen Xinghui: Mhm.
MC: …How much do you like her?
Shen Xinghui: All along, she has been the person I’ve liked the most.
I quickly twist the corner of my clothes, beginning to regret asking this stupid question.
MC: So you like her that much…
Shen Xinghui: But a long time ago, she already left me, so I have been looking for her ever since.
MC: So every time you join the patrol team, it's also to look for her?
Shen Xinghui: Ah? That's not it…
MC: Then you always keep the tassel close to your person; is it so that you don't forget her?
Shen Xinghui: Actually I've never forgotten her.
Shen Xinghui: She was the one who forgot about me.
MC: How could she forget about you?
This is clearly a sorrowful matter, but for some reason, Shen Xinghui doesn't seem too sad when recounting this.
Shen Xinghui: Yeah, even though we’ve met again after that, she doesn't remember me at all, nor does she remember having gifted me this tassel.
Shen Xinghui: And frequently looks at me, with an expression that—
As he speaks, he glances at me, with a hint of unexpected dissatisfaction.
Shen Xinghui: Is full of ignorant surprise.
MC: She even acts that way?!
This version of Shen Xinghui, seems a little pitiful…
I don’t regret asking any more. Instead, I feel courage welling up from furious indignation for him.
MC: …Shen Xinghui, I want to give you some advice.
Shen Xinghui: What is it?
I grit my teeth, making up my mind.
MC: You… should stop liking her!
Shen Xinghui: Why?
MC: Because… Since she already doesn't remember you, you can also go and pursue your own happiness.
MC: There are many girls who like you in the School, for example in my School, there's Lillia, Joanna…
MC: There's also the junior from your School, Sarah… They're all pretty decent choices.
Shen Xinghui: Oh, so you actually want me to , and fall for another person…
Shen Xinghui takes a step closer to me.
Shen Xinghui: Then aside from them, is there anyone else?
MC: There's… the aunties who help out at the dining hall, the big sister at the bakery outside…
Shen Xinghui takes another step closer.
Shen Xinghui: —Anyone else?
MC: You want more? Are you dissatisfied with all of these?
I am forced to move back and sit on the edge of the bed. Shen Xinghui leans over and supports himself with one hand by my side.
Shen Xinghui: They're all good, but coincidentally, none of them are my type.
MC: …Oh, then there’s nothing we can do.
I lower my eyes to avoid his gaze, looking elsewhere with a guilty conscience.
MC: But, I heard Jeremiah say, the royal family is already selecting a princess… are they choosing for you?
Shen Xinghui: No idea.
MC: But Jeremiah also said…
The already close distance between us is further shortened by Shen Xinghui, until he is almost touching my nose.
Shen Xinghui: You like Jeremiah?
MC: Ah?
Shen Xinghui: Everytime you open your mouth, it's to talk about him. If you like him, I'll go see him before I leave.
MC: See him for what?
Shen Xinghui: A chat.
Hearing his tone of voice, this likely isn’t a , but one that uses violence! I rush to hold Shen Xinghui back.
MC: Don't you hurt him! I was the one who forced him to tell me those rumors.
Shen Xinghui: You're so concerned about him.
MC: He doesn't have bad intentions, and he's dim-witted and always needs my help, so it's only right to be a little concerned…
Shen Xinghui: So you like the dim-witted kind who’s always asking for your help.
MC: …How did you come to this conclusion?
Shen Xinghui narrows his eyes and looks at me for a while, then sits on the edge of the bed beside me.
Within my line of sight while I’m still confused, he takes off the brooch that was on his chest.
Shen Xinghui: Help me put it on.
MC: Weren't you already done putting it on earlier?
Shen Xinghui: I put it on myself, but couldn't see its position clearly, and put it on crooked.
Shen Xinghui: Help me out.
MC: …Then don’t move.
I take the brooch and move closer to Shen Xinghui.
Shen Xinghui: Can you see its position clearly?
MC: Of course…
Having known Shen Xinghui for so long, it seems like this is actually the first time I’m in such close proximity to him.
Maybe the clasp of that brooch was designed to be really tight; it even makes me a little nervous.
Shen Xinghui: Aren’t you also putting it on badly.
MC: …You and I aren't even the same.
MC: …You're so foolish, and can't even put on your brooch properly; what will you do if your princess you in the future?
Shen Xinghui: Who knows, the princess could be as foolish as me, and also not know how to put it on.
My hands tremble for a moment, and there’s a brief prick of pain on my fingertip.
MC: Ha—!
Shen Xinghui: …And even have her finger pricked by the brooch.
Shen Xinghui’s hand, clad in a white glove, gently pinches my fingertip.
Shen Xinghui: Why are you always getting injured.
MC: The cause of all this trouble is now acting all innocent?
The bleeding stops, and I retract my hand, pretending to be unaffected as I stand up.
MC: Being royalty is so troublesome, it's still best to be a knight.
MC: In a few days, you'll officially be the crown prince, and eventually, you'll become the King of Philos…
MC: So I have to work hard too. If I pass the Lightseeker selection next month, I can become a real knight.
MC: When that time comes, it'll be my turn to protect this King right here from any harm.
Shen Xinghui: Is that so…
Shen Xinghui: Then if I really become King, what gift will you give me?
I give it a thought…
MC: …I'll also give you a little star, how's that?
Shen Xinghui: A little star?
I tap the hilt of Shen Xinghui's sword.
MC: Yesterday, during our duel, I think I accidentally broke your tassel…
MC: I'll compensate you with another one, alright?
Shen Xinghui: Then I want a handmade one.
Without waiting for my answer, Shen Xinghui gets up and fastens his sword.
Shen Xinghui: Time’s up, I should leave.
MC: In such a hurry?
Shen Xinghui: Originally, I should already be at the palace by now, but because I was waiting for a certain someone to wake up after oversleeping, a later departure can’t be helped.
MC: Wait! Your cape—
Shen Xinghui, who is already at the door, turns back to look at me, his outline soaked in the gentle afternoon light.
Looking at his face, I suddenly realize with unprecedented clarity that the person standing in front of me, Shen Xinghui, the young Prince of Philos, the future crown prince—
Is the person I will swear to forever protect.
I pass the cape into his hands.
MC: This time, when will you be back?
MC: Or should I say, this time, will you still be coming back…?
He drapes the cape over his forearm and smiles at me.
Just like he always does every time he leaves me.
Shen Xinghui: When you wish to see me, I'll be back.
I fell asleep while leaning against Xavier. When I woke up in my bedroom the next day, it was almost noon. I checked to see if Xavier was awake. As I neared his room, the door was open. Fully dressed, he was already standing in front of the mirror.
MC: Xavier? Why are you…
I approached him. His garb was for meeting with His Majesty.
MC: Are you planning to return to the palace?
Xavier: I cannot run away forever. I shall personally visit him this time.
MC: You shouldn't go if you are unwilling.
Xavier stayed quiet. He picked up his sword by the mirror. My heart sank as I noticed the tassel.
Who knows when we'll see each other again…
MC: I mentioned having a request before our duel. May I ask a question?
Xavier: You can ask ten if it pleases you.
I tried to cheer myself up. And…
MC: Who gave you that tassel with the star-shaped charm? Your lover?
Xavier: …
Xavier looked at me for a moment. He suddenly smiled.
Xavier: At long last, the time is come. Yes, it's from the person I like.
MC: …!
I knew it to be true, yet I felt uneasy he confessed so easily.
MC: Then… She… Is she truly someone you like?
Xavier: Yes.
MC: …Are you very fond of her?
Xavier: Unlike any other, her brilliance holds a special place in my heart.
MC: …
I clench the hem of my coat. The regret of having asked such a question was tangible.
MC: You fancy her…
Xavier: She deserted me years ago. I've sought after her ever since.
MC: For such a reason you accompany the expedition team? To seek her out?
Xavier: Ah? No, not at all…
MC: Do you keep the tassel to remember her?
Xavier: I've never forgotten her. She was the one who forgot me.
MC: How could she?
Despite this being a sad matter, Xavier wasn't in the least bit upset for some reason.
Xavier: We've crossed paths, but she has no memory of me. She can't even recall the time she gifted me this tassel. There's a certain expression she uses whenever we meet.
As he spoke, he glanced at me, seemingly dissatisfied.
Xavier: It is one of blissful ignorance and wonder.
MC: How dare she?!
Seeing Xavier like this, I pitied him. I no longer regretted asking. I could only feel indignation for what he's suffered through.
MC: …Xavier, I need to tell you something.
Xavier: What is it?
I gritted my teeth, deciding to be honest with him.
MC: You… should give up on her!
Xavier: …? Why?
MC: She doesn't even remember you… Leave her and find your own happiness! Many girls admire you at the Academy. The Moonchasers have Lillia, Joanna… We also have Sarah from the Starhunters… They're all lovely ladies.
Xavier: I see. Do you want me to pursue someone else? Chasing another skirt…
Xavier took a step toward me.
Xavier: Is there anyone else you'd recommend?
MC: The… staff at the dining hall. The young miss at the bakery…
Xavier took another step.
Xavier: Is that it?
MC: Are they not enough?
I had no choice but to sit on the bed. Xavier leaned down, his hand resting near me.
Xavier: They are wonderful, but I don't like them…
MC: …It's no use, then.
I sheepishly avoided his gaze, looking elsewhere.
MC: I heard Jeremiah say your betrothed had been selected… Have you met her?
Xavier: I don't know.
MC: But Jeremiah also said…
Xavier closed the distance between us. He was a breath away, our noses almost touching.
Xavier: Do you fancy Jeremiah?
MC: Huh?
Xavier: You always speak highly of him. If he's your suitor, I'll pay him a visit before I leave.
MC: For what reason?
Xavier: … He and I should have a discussion.
It didn't seem like he wanted an afternoon tea, but a duel. I tried to hold Xavier back.
MC: Don't you dare! I asked him to inform me of the rumors.
Xavier: You are concerned about him.
MC: He's not a bad person. He's foolish and always needs my help. Of course I'd be concerned if…
Xavier: So you fancy fools who request your aid.
MC: What makes you say that?
Xavier narrowed his eyes, then sat down next to me on the bed. While I was perplexed, he took off his brooch.
Xavier: Put this on for me.
MC: You were wearing it seconds ago.
Xavier: I believe it was crooked. I’m not capable of putting it on properly by myself. I need your assistance.
MC: …Don’t move.
I took the brooch and moved closer to Xavier.
Xavier: Is it on?
MC: Yes.
Having spent a lot of time with Xavier, this was the closest I had ever gotten to him. Maybe the brooch’s clasp was designed to be tight. I was nervous.
Xavier: You can’t put it on either.
MC: You… and I aren’t the same… What if your betrothed dislikes your inability to wear your own brooch?
Xavier: My betrothed could be as much a fool as I am. She’ll be incapable of putting on a brooch for me.
I accidentally pricked my finger.
MC: Ah!
Xavier: …She could even prick her finger in the attempt.
Xavier, his hand in a white glove, gently held my finger.
Xavier: Why are you and injuries always a pair?
MC: You should ask yourself…
The bleeding stopped. I quickly took back my hand and stood up, pretending nothing happened.
MC: The palace halls are too troublesome. I’m better off as a knight. In a few days, you’ll officially be the crown prince. And eventually, King… I have to work hard. If I join the Lightseekers next month, I’ll be a true knight. I will protect you.
Xavier: Is that so? Are you sending me a gift if I take the throne?
I thought about it…
MC: …Can I also give you a little star?
Xavier: A little star?
I poked the hilt of Xavier’s sword.
MC: I think your tassel was ruined during our duel yesterday. I’ll buy you a new one. Fair?
Xavier: I want it handmade.
Before I could respond, Xavier stood up and attached the sword to his waist.
Xavier: I must take my leave.
MC: Already?
Xavier: I should already be at the palace, but someone overslept. There was a delay.
MC: Your cape.
Xavier stood at the door and looked back, his silhouette basking in the soft afternoon light. I met Xavier’s gaze. It dawned on me that this person, the Prince Philos and future crown prince… He would be the one I would swear to protect. Forever.
I handed him the cape.
MC: When will you return? Should I even be asking…
He put on the cape and smiled. He always did whenever he would leave.
Xavier: I’ll return when you wish to see me.
昨晚后来，我似乎倚着沈星回睡着了，第二天在卧室醒来时，已经快到中午。
我打算去看看沈星回有没有起床，来到他房间门口，门半开着，他已经衣着整肃地站在穿衣镜前了。
玩家: 沈星回?你这一身是……
我走去他旁边，认出那是觐见国王时才会穿的正装礼服。
玩家: 你打算回去了?
沈星回: 总是逃避也没有用。
沈星回: 这次，我回去见他。
玩家: 如果不想去，也不要勉强自己。
沈星回没有说话，只是拿起挂在镜子旁的佩剑。
看到剑柄上的星星挂坠，我的心又微微一沉。
这次他回去，还不知下次见面会在何时。
玩家: 比剑之前我说，我也有一个要求。
玩家: 所以，你走之前，能不能回答我一个问题?
沈星回: 你说，十个也行。
在心底打定了主意，我抬头开口——
玩家: 那个星星剑穗，是谁送给你的?你喜欢的人?
沈星回: ……
沈星回看着我片刻，突然笑了。
沈星回: 你终于问出来了。
沈星回: 嗯，是我喜欢的人。
玩家: ……！
虽然早想到是这样，但他竟然坦然地承认了，反倒让我忐忑起来。
玩家: 那——那她，是你很喜欢的人吗?
沈星回: 嗯。
玩家: ……有多喜欢?
沈星回: 是我一直以来，最喜欢的人。
玩家: ……
我飞速地绞着衣角，开始后悔自己问了这个蠢问题。
玩家: 这么喜欢啊……
沈星回: 不过很久以前，她就离开我了，所以后来我一直在找她。
玩家: 那你每次参加巡游小队，也是为了找她?
沈星回: 嗯? 那倒不是……
玩家: 那你挂着这个剑穗不离身，也是为了不忘记她?
沈星回: 其实我从来没有忘记过她。
沈星回: 是她把我给忘了。
玩家: 她怎么会把你忘了?
明明是很悲伤的事，可不知为何，沈星回说起时并不太伤心。
沈星回: 是啊，虽然后来也见过面，但她完全不记得我，也不记得送过剑穗的事了。
沈星回: 还经常看着我，露出一副——
说着，他轻描淡写地扫了我一眼，竟有三分不满。
沈星回: 一副无知的惊讶表情。
玩家: 她居然还这样?!
这样的沈星回，好像还有点可怜……
我又不后悔问这个问题了，反而还生出一股义愤填膺的勇气。
玩家: ……沈星回，我想劝一劝你。
沈星回: 什么?
我将牙一咬，心一横。
玩家: 你……不要喜欢她了!
沈星回: ……？
沈星回: 为什么?
玩家: 因为……既然她已经不记得你了，那你也可以去追求自己的幸福。
玩家: 学院里喜欢你的女孩子那么多，比如我们学院的莉莉娅，乔卓娜……
玩家: 还有你们学院低年级的萨拉……她们都是很不错的选择。
沈星回: 哦，原来你希望我移情别恋，喜欢上别人……
沈星回朝我靠近一步。
沈星回: 那除了她们，还有呢?
玩家: 还有……学校食堂帮厨的阿姨们，外面面包房的大姐姐……
沈星回又靠近一步。
沈星回: ——还有呢?
玩家: 还要?这些你都不满意吗?
我被他逼得后退，坐在床沿上。沈星回俯下身，单手撑在我身边。
沈星回: 她们是很好，可碰巧都不是我喜欢的。
玩家: ……噢，那就没办法了。
我垂下眼睛躲避他的视线，又有些心虚地看向别处。
玩家: 不过，我听邱诺亚说，王室已经在选王妃了……是给你选的吗?
沈星回: 不知道。
玩家: 可邱诺亚还说……
本就近在咫尺的距离又被沈星回缩短了三分，他几乎贴在了我的鼻尖前。
沈星回: 你喜欢邱诺亚?
玩家: 啊?
沈星回: 开口闭口都是他，要是喜欢，我走之前去见见他。
玩家: 见他干什么?
沈星回: ……
沈星回: 谈谈。
听这语气多半不是文谈，是武谈!我赶紧把沈星回按住。
玩家: 你别伤害他!那些流言都是我逼问他的。
沈星回: 你这么关心他。
玩家: 他没什么坏心眼，还傻乎乎的，总得要我帮忙，关心一下也是应该……
沈星回: 原来你喜欢傻乎乎，总找你帮忙的。
玩家: ……怎么得出这个结论的?
沈星回又眯着眼睛看了我一会儿，然后也在我身边的床沿坐下。
在我不解的视线中，他把胸口的胸针摘了下来。
沈星回: 帮我戴上。
玩家: 你刚才不是都戴好了?
沈星回: 自己戴的，看不清位置，戴歪了。
沈星回: 帮个忙。
玩家: ……那你不许乱动。
我接过胸针凑近沈星回。
沈星回: 看清楚位置了吗?
玩家: 当然……
认识沈星回这么久以来，这似乎还是我第一次离他这么近。
也许那枚胸针的卡扣设计得是真的很紧，弄得我也有些紧张。
沈星回: 你不是也戴不好。
玩家: ……我和你又不一样。
玩家: ……你这么笨，连胸针都戴不好，以后被你的小王妃嫌弃了怎么办。
沈星回: 说不定，小王妃和我一样笨，也不会戴。
我的手一抖，指尖一痛。
玩家: 嘶——!
沈星回: ……甚至还会被胸针刺破手指。
沈星回戴着白色手套的手轻轻捏住我的指尖。
沈星回: 你怎么总是受伤。
玩家: 罪魁祸首反倒装起无辜了?
血止住了，我抽出手，装作不在意地站起身。
玩家: 做王室的人好麻烦，还是做骑士最好了。
玩家: 等过几天，你就会正式成为王储，再以后，你就会成为菲罗斯星的王……
玩家: 那我也要努力，要是下个月通过逐光骑士团的选拔，我就能成为真正的骑士。
玩家: 到时候，就轮到我保护你这个王不受伤害了。
沈星回: 是么……
沈星回: 那如果我真的成为王，你送什么贺礼给我?
我想了想……
玩家: ……我也送你一颗小星星，怎么样?
沈星回: 小星星?
我点点沈星回的剑柄。
玩家: 昨天比剑的时候，好像不小心把你的剑穗弄散了……
玩家: 赔一个给你，好吗?
沈星回: 那我要你亲手编的。
没等我回答，沈星回便起身系好佩剑。
沈星回: 时间到了，我该走了。
玩家: 这么急？
沈星回: 本来现在，应该已经在王宫里了，但为了等某个人睡醒懒觉，不得不晚点出发。
玩家: 等等！披肩——
已经走到门边的沈星回回过头来看我，轮廓浸润在午后柔和的光线里。
看着他的脸庞，我忽然前所未有地清晰意识到，站在我面前的这个人，沈星回，菲罗斯星年轻的王子，未来的王储——
就是我将要发誓永远守护的人。
我把披肩交到他手上。
玩家: 你这次走，什么时候回来?
玩家: 或者说，你这次走，还会回来吗……?
他将披肩搭在小臂上，对我笑笑。
就像往常每次离开我时的那样。
沈星回: 你想见我的时候，我就回来了。
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