"E-Eh? E-End our relationship?" Feng Mian echoed, unsure of what she just heard.
I nodded. "Yeah. I've been acting all friendly with you guys up until now, but it's about time to drop that facade."
"H-Huh? W-What are you talking about, Big Brother Xuan Kai...?"
Qing Yue's usual cheerful demeanor was nowhere to be seen, and her expression was full of false hope. I couldn't bear to look at her like that, but...for the sake of the girls - their own safety, I have to endure it. Even if it means making the little sister I have always protected sad.
I sighed, and cleared my throat. "Let me make things simpler for you. Starting tomorrow, the four of you and I, are total strangers. Now then...can you please leave my room?"
I know I'm being heartless. I know I'm being ungrateful. I know...I know, and yet-
Heya guys! Cyclxne here.
This chapter was the first truly 'sad' moment in this novel. Yes, Xuan Kai's parents got killed, that was pretty tragic, but that wasn't really...sad. It was more anger in that scene than anything else.
But in this scene, no emotion could describe how Xuan Kai felt (and how I felt while writing this) except for sadness. The ending I used there? I don't know if my fellow weebs out there get the reference, but it was inspired by Your Lie in April - "A spring without you, is coming."
I just changed it up a bit...but honestly, that phrase just seemed so perfect there. That's why I used it. The situation in Your Lie in April and this novel currently is kind of different, and it is hard to say which is sadder. If you don't want spoilers for Your Lie in April, stop reading this afterword here, since I'm going to analyze a bit.
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Okay, beyond this point contains spoilers for Your Lie in April. Read at your own risk.
In Your Lie in April, the main heroine died at the end. That's why the protagonist said 'a spring without you, is coming'. However...currently in this novel, the four girls are all still alive and in good health. But Xuan Kai still used 'a new year without you four, is coming'.
Which one is sadder? In the first example, the heroine died. On the surface, of course, that seems to be the more tragic, sadder scenario. But what if you look at it from a different perspective?
The heroines are all still alive...but the protagonist is separated from them, and of his own will too. His contradictory heart and feelings have placed him in this situation, where the heroines are right there, but out of his reach. That aspect of longing and uncertainty...I think in my opinion, makes this second scenario sadder than the first.
You tell me what you guys think in the comments.
This is my first attempt at writing something 'sad'. I tried making it as emotional as possible, but honestly, when you guys read it it'll probably just come out as 'cringey' or 'cheesy'. So be it. I'm still improving as a writer, after all. If you have any tips...let me know in the comments (or via Discord. Server link in the book synopsis).
Anyway, that's all from me for now. I ranted for a long time today, apologies.
And as always, I'll see you guys in the next chapter.
- Cyclxne <2
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