Space station 36: Asta's Remarkable Tolerance??

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"Time seems tight again, could you help me with my hair?"

Asta, her hair loose and uncombed, knocked at Su Qing's door with anticipation.

[Seele: Yet another "again"?]

[Bronya: Her intentions are becoming quite obvious.]

Su Qing didn't refuse. As he brushed Asta's hair, she secretly observed him.

Recently, Asta had grown very fond of watching Su Qing closely. She noticed significant changes in his gaze and demeanor, as if he had just returned from months-long travels or experienced an entire lifetime within moments. Sometimes, when looking at her, there was a subtle hint of affection; he would want to take photos with her, even attempting gentle embraces!

Other times, his eyes conveyed warmth and indulgence, ready to gently fulfill all her whimsical requests!

And now, it seemed...

Hmm, Asta felt that Su Qing's gaze today was somewhat complex. She couldn't fully understand it yet, needing more observation time.

[Silver Wolf: While your observations are accurate...]

[Silver Wolf: But can you guess why his demeanor and gaze have changed so drastically?]

[Asta: This transformation in Su Qing must be due to falling in love, right?]

[Qingque: It's connected!]

Su Qing had been staying at the space station the entire time without going anywhere else. The only plausible explanation for his change must be a shift in mindset.

And people in love often undergo significant transformations.

Combining these observations, Asta deduced that Su Qing's transformation was undoubtedly due to a girl! He must have fallen in love!

As for whom Su Qing might fancy within the space station...

Feeling the gentle strokes of Su Qing brushing her hair from behind, Asta covered her face with both hands and slightly lowered her head, her adorable cheeks flushing with shyness.

Oh my, who could it be that Su Qing likes?!

No way, no way—it couldn't be me... right?!

It has to be me, doesn't it?!

[Sparkle: No way, no way!!! You don't seriously think it's you?]

[Himeko: (gently twirling her long red hair) (no response)]

[March 7th: There it is! Sister Himeko exuding the confidence of a winner!]

[Kafka: She hasn't won yet.]

[Firefly: At least compared to Asta, she seems quite ahead...]

[Kafka: ...Can't argue with that.]

[Stelle: Oh no, Asta! This is dire!]

Asta: Eek, what should I do?

If Su Qing becomes utterly infatuated with me, unable to eat or think of anything else, how will I handle it?

Asta covered her face, blushing and lost in her daydreams.

Confessions... Dating... Holding hands... Embraces...

Kisses... Meeting each other's families... Weddings... Honeymoons...

[Seele: She sure knows how to fantasize.]

[Bronya: Indeed, she indulges in wild dreams.]

[Stelle: Can't take it anymore—I've caught the disease where just seeing Asta's face makes me burst out laughing!]

[Bailu: Let me try curing you... Ha-ha-ha, seems hopeless! Looks like I'm infected too! (rolling on floor laughing) (dragon tail wagging wildly)]

[Stelle: Wow, even Bailu understands now?]

[Bailu: Don't underestimate me! (stands up instantly, hands on hips) This isn't as challenging as deciphering late-night soap operas at eight o'clock!]

[Qingque: That's true.]

[Black Swan: Alright, alright. While Asta observes Su Qing's new developments, let's invite Himeko to share her feelings on this occasion.]

[Black Swan: @Himeko, feeling better now?]

[Himeko: Thank you for your concern, yes, I'm doing much better.]

[Himeko: Let me think where to begin...]

[Himeko: Since my relationship with Su Qing has spanned across all four seasons, perhaps I should narrate it by spring, summer, autumn, and winter.]

[Himeko: Starting with spring, when we first entered school, it wasn't love at first sight for me with Su Qing. My attraction towards him grew gradually as we spent more time together.]

[Himeko: However, once I realized my feelings, that accumulated emotion bursting forth instantly... might have been even more impactful than a typical love at first sight.]

[March 7th: Great, great, great, tell us more Sister Himeko!? That's exactly what I love hearing.]

[Kafka: @Himeko, but honestly, the speed of your descent into infatuation seemed not far off from love at first sight.]

[Himeko: As for the summer, it's somewhat embarrassing to admit, but indeed, I became quite overly absorbed in our romance...]

[Himeko: The feeling was truly exquisite, light and airy, with every moment filled with sweetness. As long as I could be with Su Qing each day, the whole world seemed fresh and brimming with joy.]

[Himeko: Those who haven't been in love probably wouldn't understand.]

[Himeko: @Kafka.]

[Seele: Ha! I thought Himeko wasn't going to respond.]

[Kafka: @Himeko, indeed, I don't understand that part. But similarly, I can't comprehend how you'll feel after your mysterious actions lead to a breakup.]

[Himeko: ...]

[Himeko: ?]

[Sparkle: Ha ha, direct hit on her sore spot.]

[Himeko: ...Never mind, let's get back to the topic.]

[Himeko: Reflecting now, it was thanks to Su Qing during the summer. If he hadn't been so dependable, I might have really let romance consume me, neglecting my studies entirely.]

[Himeko: Of course, that kiss we shared under the pavilion upon returning from the Astrology Hall also completely swept me off my feet...]

[March 7th: That period does sound blissful.]

[Himeko: As for autumn, it was when I began to truly realize the need for balance between love and academics.]

[Himeko: At that time, being... quite young (blushing slightly), I even came up with the idea of having Su Qing give me rewards after studying for certain intervals.]

[Stelle: Rewards! I just love rewards; I want one every day!]

[Kafka: @Stelle, what kind of rewards are you referring to?]

[Stelle: The Stellar Jade from daily quests, why do you ask?]

[Kafka: ...Nothing, never mind.]

[Himeko (smiling): Seems like someone doesn't know Stelle as well as they thought.]

[Kafka: Heh.]

[Himeko: By winter, my relationship with Su Qing had become incredibly perfect.]

[Himeko: I often wonder, if on another timeline, we could have continued down that path together, maybe it would've been a good life choice.]

[Himeko: Well, that's about all I'll share for now.]

[Kafka: @Himeko, wouldn't you like to talk about how you felt during your final breakup?]

[Himeko: There's no need to discuss that.]

[Kafka: Deliberately avoiding the topic isn't flattering at all, Himeko.]

[Firefly: Deliberately avoiding the topic looks quite unbecoming, Himeko.]

[Stelle: Hey, Firefly exudes the charm of a classic female protagonist.]

[Stelle: But right now, repeating yourself makes you seem like a silly villain sidekick~]

[Firefly: N-no way, I'm not just a sidekick! Just watch me, Stelle—I can take charge too!!]

[Stelle: Oh wow! Firefly's fired up!]

[Himeko: @Kafka, if you really want to hear it, there's no harm in sharing.]

[Himeko: In the end, it was merely a small misunderstanding between Su Qing and me.]

[Himeko: Relationships aren't always smooth sailing, after all. Some minor bumps along the way are inevitable.]

[Kafka: "Small misunderstandings" and "minor bumps," leading to a breakup.]

[Himeko: ...In any case, @Black Swan, that concludes my thoughts.]

[Himeko: Watching this simulation has been a remarkable experience; thank you.]

[Black Swan: You're welcome, and thank you for sharing, Himeko.]

[Black Swan: Actually, I'd also like to express my observation—during the stream, everyone's interactions have become increasingly "lively".]

[Black Swan: Should we consider this a good thing or a bad thing?]

[Stelle: Absolutely fantastic, all good things!]

[Black Swan: Yes, increased engagement is indeed positive. I just hope everyone...doesn't actually come to blows.]

[Bronya (glancing at the tense standoff between Kafka and Himeko): That's hard to predict.]

[Sparkle: What's the point if they don't fight it out?]

[Sparkle: Kafka and Himeko, now becoming bitter rivals, huh?]

***

After observing for several days, Asta reached a conclusion.

Su Qing's demeanor recently resembled someone who had spent a long time with their loved one only to end up separating.

His eyes also carried a hint of melancholy and sadness.

Based on these observations, Asta suddenly formed an unsettling suspicion.

No way! How could this be?!

Could it be...

[Fu Xuan: Oh? Is she about to uncover the truth?]

Is it because I avoided Su Qing for some time, making him feel heartbroken?!

What should I do?!

[Fu Xuan: ...What can I say, child? You truly are invincible in your misunderstandings.]

[Silver Wolf: Impressive!]

[Sparkle: Wow!]

[Seele: And here we go again with that same train of thought!!]

[Natasha: She's truly beyond help.]

[Natasha: Asta has fallen into a pattern of thought. Unless something powerful confronts her with reality, she won't awaken from it.]

Asta felt somewhat distressed.

She was merely shy, after all. Running away at the meeting room door that time was simply due to embarrassment.

What should she do now?

Asta wanted to explain herself to Su Qing but couldn't quite bring herself to speak...

After much deliberation, Asta decided to find an appropriate moment to ask him directly.

One evening, she suggested to Su Qing, "Would you like to stargaze together?"

Upon hearing this proposal, there was a noticeable change in Su Qing's expression.

It seemed as if... just like he had heard about "the interests of the person he likes"!

[Qingque: Asta is truly remarkable; every time, her interpretations are spot-on.]

[Stelle: No wonder they call her a master at filling in gaps.]

Indeed!

Asta once again affirmed her judgment.

Interests of the person he likes = Stargazing.

My interests = Stargazing.

The person he likes = ...Me!!

Perfectly logical!

[Qingque: Absolutely not logical at all!!!]

[Bronya: The process is correct, yet the conclusion is entirely wrong—impressive in its own way.]

[Seele: What's wrong with it? I don't see any issues.]

[Sushang: Yeah, yeah, I agree. It seems perfectly fine to me.]

[Silver Wolf: Well then, these two have met their match.]

[Sparkle: If you both think there's no problem and Asta also thinks there's no issue, that means your standards align with Asta's.]

[Sparkle: Congratulations! You're now qualified to become directors of the Herta space station!]

[Seele: Uh, now I'm starting to feel like something might be off...]

[Sushang (excitedly): Really? Are my standards that high? Too bad, though; I still need to serve as a Cloud Knight, so I can't go!]

[Herta (expressionless): Is that so? How truly—regrettable.]

[Guinaifen (facepalm) (sorrowful): Shuangshuang...]

[Stelle: Ha ha, Sparkle is too mischievous.]

Standing before the massive floor-to-ceiling window of the space station, equipped with an expensive telescope, Su Qing and Asta spent some time stargazing.

After hesitating for a while, clutching her clothing nervously, Asta mustered up the courage and stuttered, "Su Qing... wh-what kind... what kind of girls do you like?"

Just asking this question had turned Asta back into Steam Princess; her face flushed red, and steam began visibly rising from her head.

Hastily waving her hands after posing the question, she added, "D-don't misunderstand me! I've just been researching this topic recently, it's nothing serious, really!"

Initially leaning slightly forward to peer through the telescope, Su Qing straightened up upon hearing the question and gazed out at the vast cosmos beyond the window.

After a moment of quiet contemplation, he replied, "I admire girls who love the stars and universe, those who courageously take steps towards pursuing their dreams..."

[March 7th: Isn't that describing...?]

[Himeko: Hmm?]

"Oh, so th-that's what you like," Asta managed to respond calmly before adding, "Well then, please continue stargazing while I attend to something briefly."

With stiff movements, Asta turned on the spot and swiftly walked away, her footsteps echoing as she rounded a corner.

She immediately crouched down, covering her face tightly with both hands.

A powerful surge of emotion welled up within her heart!

This was Asta's most certain realization yet.

Asta: Oh my goodness! What Su Qing described is practically me!

[Herta: ...I must say, that description fits Asta perfectly.]

[March 7th: Really?! How can it match so well??]

[Sparkle: It's amazing, I've realized—Asta's compatibility as a substitute is truly unparalleled.]

[Sparkle: As a childhood friend, she embodies both Firefly's youthful charm and Kafka's enduring companionship. Most crucially, just like Himeko, she shares a love for the starlit sky!]

[Qingque: Hmm, now that you mention it...]

[Sparkle: Asta is indeed an incredibly versatile childhood friend!]

[Sparkle: Remarkably, her character combines distinct traits from several different individuals, all seamlessly blended together!]

[Sparkle: So we can conclude that Asta was born for this role! She's practically tailor-made to be a substitute—a queen among substitutes, a prodigy of replacements!]

[Stelle: ? Ha-ha-ha-ha... "born for this role"? What kind of nonsense is that...]

[Bronya: ? A prodigy!]

[Qingque: Ha! Absolutely a prodigy!!!]

[Silver Wolf: Asta, not just any substitute? The ultimate replacement!]

[March 7th: Asta: You guys, seriously! Who wants to be born as someone's substitute?!]

[Seele: Laughing.]

[Guinaifen: Laughing too.]

[March 7th: No way, this is too much. You can't just...you really can't do this!?!]

[Seele: Haha, even March 7th can't hold it in anymore.]

[Kafka: (Laughing) It's indeed quite amusing.]

[Herta: Struggling not to laugh.]

[Silver Wolf: ??? I'm about to burst from laughter, she fits the role perfectly, ha ha ha... Initially, I only thought Asta shared some traits with Himeko, never expecting her to embody so many similarities!!]

[Stelle: She truly reigns supreme now! I declare Asta as the unbeatable substitute—no one can challenge her position!]

[March 7th: ? Such a mix of tragedy and humor, I can't take it anymore. Sorry, Asta, but I just can't help laughing...]

Around the corner, after finally managing to compose herself,

Asta returned, visibly delighted, her steps almost skipping with joy, back to Su Qing's side to continue stargazing together.

Asta: "Huh? Since when did you become so knowledgeable about telescopes, Su Qing?"

"Indeed, this is how one reads star charts!"

"Wow, impressive! Everything you said was spot-on!"

Suddenly, Asta realized that Su Qing had a deep understanding of the night sky. As he gazed at the stars, his expertise shone through, coupled with genuine interest.

Asta's heart fluttered; it turned out she and Su Qing shared a common passion. Was this always the case, or had he intentionally cultivated it...?

While adjusting the telescope, their hands inadvertently brushed against each other.

Asta swiftly withdrew her right hand, clutching her left tightly.

Oh...oh wow!

I held hands with Su Qing?!?!

[Seele: Holding hands—meaning just a brief accidental touch.]

[March 7th: Asta, such a young maiden vibe! Despite being sly and somewhat emotionally intense, she truly is an adorable little girl!]

[Kafka: @Firefly, doesn't her tendency to overthink like a teenager remind you of someone?]

[Firefly: Enough already! Guess why I didn't laugh along with everyone else earlier? Because I felt mortified enough to curl my toes inside my shoes!]

[Himeko: (subtly expressionless)]

[Bronya: Won't Himeko get jealous seeing this?]

[Himeko: How should I put it...]

[Himeko (hesitant): Asta's situation was truly pitiful, so I didn't really feel jealous or angry.]

[Himeko: Instead, I felt sympathy for her.]

[Sparkle: Ha ha ha, too funny!]

[Qingque: Gaining sympathy from your rival in love!]

[Bronya: Now that's the ultimate tragedy!!]

[Seele: Asta, oh-so-miserable-Asta, I must write "miserable" on your forehead!]

[Stelle: Hahahahaha, a genius substitute meal, hahahahaha...]

[March 7th: Why are you still laughing about this?]

[Herta: My reaction time is just a bit delayed.]

Before the massive starlit window, Asta and Su Qing gazed at the stars together.

Even passersby from afar could see the station director's joyful smile.

After their conversation ended, still feeling captivated, Asta entered Su Qing's room to discuss more about the stars with him.

Su Qing sat in his chair.

Asta leaned against the table, animatedly gesturing with her fingers as she spoke to him.

[Bronya: ...Just saying, isn't the drawer Asta's leaning on where Himeko kept her love letters?]

[March 7th: Really?!]

[Qingque: I dare not imagine how Asta would react if she found those love letters now...]

"Ha ha ha ha, you're absolutely right."

Asta found Su Qing's words quite amusing; even his casual remarks could make her laugh for ages.

With her delicate white hands resting on the table, she leaned gracefully against it, her flowing sash gently brushing past the drawer handle.

Each of her small movements captivated the hearts of the viewers watching the live stream.

[March 7th (anxious): Will Asta notice?]

[Silver Wolf: Will she notice? Yes, she will!]

[Silver Wolf: When a gun appears in a story, it must eventually be fired.]

[March 7th: Don't scare me! Real life isn't like a drama, is it?!]

[Stelle (clutching stomach)(laughing so hard it hurts): Ha ha ha, Asta has such a tolerant nature as a childhood friend, ha ha ha I can't take this anymore...]

[March 7th: Stelle, stop laughing! This situation is extremely dangerous!!!]