Chapter 114: Hugging
From that day on, daily life at Tree Garden became exceptionally interesting.
"Orion, over here!" Every morning, Castorice would always arrive early to reserve a seat in the classroom, leaving the spot to her left for you.
But just as you sat down— "Orion-kun~" Hyacine squeezed to your right with a grin. "Good morning!"
"Hyacine…" Castorice said helplessly. "You're much earlier than usual."
"Hehe, the early bird gets the worm!"
Two girls, one on your left and one on your right, sandwiched you in the middle. Such scenes frequently played out afterward.
"Brother Orion…" Phainon stood at the classroom doorway, looking at your side where there were no empty seats, and scratched his head. You looked at him apologetically.
"It's fine, it's fine!" Phainon immediately waved his hand, even secretly winking at you. "I'll sit in the back!" After speaking, he tactfully walked to the back row of the classroom. ('Big brother's luck with women is really good…' he sighed in his heart.*)
Lunchtime arrived. "Orion, I made a bento," Castorice said, blushing, as she handed over the carefully prepared lunchbox.
"Wow, Butterfly Baby's cooking is getting better and better!" Hyacine's eyes lit up. "But I prepared something too!" She magically produced another lunchbox. "Orion-kun, try the new dish I learned!"
Looking at the two bentos, you smiled gently. "Then let's eat together."
The three of you sat around under a tree, sharing lunch. In the distance, a group of male students watched this scene enviously.
"Why him…"
"Exactly, Castorice and Hyacine are both the 'Garden Flowers' of Tree Garden!"
"But they spend all day just revolving around Orion… it's too unfair!"
But when they saw your profile as you turned your head, a face so handsome it seemed inhuman, they immediately quieted down.
"…Forget it."
"I'm not worthy."
"Given how he looks, it's normal for him to be surrounded by beauties…"
The male students walked away dejectedly.
Later, in the library at night, Castorice carefully pushed a book in front of you. "Orion, this question…" Just as you were about to explain, Hyacine squeezed over. "I want to listen too!"
So, you sat in the middle, with the two girls on your left and right, listening intently to your explanation. Occasionally, Castorice would blush from being too close. Occasionally, Hyacine would 'accidentally' touch your thigh. But you always remained composed, treating both of them equally.
"It's getting late, go back and rest." It was always you who suggested ending the study session.
"Then… see you tomorrow." Castorice was reluctant to part.
"Good night, Orion-kun!" Hyacine waved.
You watched them leave. Year after year, such days continued. Everyone in Tree Garden knew that Orion, Castorice, and Hyacine were an inseparable trio. Some said you were the best of friends. Some said it was a love triangle. But only those involved knew the bitterness within. The two girls, knowing they wouldn't get a response, still persisted. They would bring you hot tea when you were tired. They would accompany you on walks when you were troubled. They would always be there for you when you needed them. And you, always maintained an appropriate distance, neither giving them hope nor allowing them to despair. You just gently kept them by your side.
Until… At 900 years old, your time in Tree Garden finally ended. "Phainon," you said, patting his shoulder. "Time really flies."
"Indeed." Phainon stood at the entrance of Tree Garden, a little reluctant. "However, this is just the beginning. Next, we're returning to Ohema."
"The true Journey of Chasing the Flame is just about to begin," you said.
Phainon looked at you and smiled. "I'm ready, Brother Orion!" Over the years, under your influence, he had come to completely trust you. No matter what you said, he would believe it. No matter what you wanted to do, he would support it.
"Orion," Anaxa's voice sounded. You turned and bowed. "Teacher."
The one-eyed scholar scrutinized you, as if trying to see through your soul. "Remember, truth always has more power than lies."
Meaningful words. "This student will bear that in mind," you respectfully replied.
Anaxa glanced at you and Phainon, said nothing, and turned to leave.
Before your departure, Hyacine came to see you off. "Orion-kun, take good care of yourself when you return to Ohema." Her eyes were a little red.
"I will," you said gently. "You should also work hard."
"Mm…" She bit her lip. "Orion-kun, these past years… thank you. It's truly been wonderful knowing you and being your friend." She looked at Castorice and Phainon. "And Butterfly Baby and Sir Phainon, you both take care. We will meet again later." Hyacine said with a forced smile.
"Mm, goodbye, Hyacine." Castorice softly replied.
Phainon watched from the side, a warmth in his heart. It was truly good to have made so many friends in Tree Garden. Especially Big Brother Orion, who had always looked after him and supported him all these years.
"Brother Orion, let's go!"
"Okay." You took one last look at Tree Garden, then turned and left.
Castorice, however, remained standing where she was, not immediately following you.
"He's gone, and as expected, he didn't choose anyone…" Hyacine's tears finally fell.
"Mm," Castorice responded. "But at least… we had it."
The two girls looked at each other in silence. Although there was no outcome, they had no regrets. Because the time spent with you all these years had become their most precious memories.