They Hated Me in My First Life, But Now I Have the Love System

Chapter 413: Comparison with Carl

He was projecting again, and it left a bitter taste in his mouth.

It made him feel a quiet kind of shame.

Nnenna had at least become a friend, if nothing more, to him. And it wouldn’t be fair to her if their renewed bond was poisoned by ghosts and grief. She deserved more than to be a stand in for someone he had lost.

He remembered how he had left Lionara months ago without saying a word to her. He had been too wrapped up in his own disappointment and urgency. No farewell. No explanation. Just silence.

Arthur glanced at her again, his expression unreadable.

He didn’t know if she would forgive him this time, or if he even deserved it.

“Nnenna,” he called out.

The cold edge in his voice was still there, but dulled. Not many would notice the change, but it was there. Subtle. Almost hesitant.

Nnenna turned slightly, her face composed, polite. She wasn’t sure what to say to this unreliable friend, if he even considered her a friend. So she simply gave a small nod in greeting. Civil. Distant.

Arthur’s frown deepened, just a shade.

It wasn’t the kind of greeting she gave Carl.

Carl got smiles. Questions. The kind of warmth that made Arthur feel like an outsider even when he stood right in front of her.

What did Carl have that I don’t? The thought was bitter, uninvited.

version of himself appeared on his shoulder, dressed

“You vanished

his expression to

you anything,” the voice went on. “And you’re acting like

like him

being polite. Maybe she really didn’t care

did that bother him so

of himself was persistent. It popped

be around him?” the mini Arthur in white said matter of

stunned. What was this

to shake the voice off, literally gave his head a sharp jolt, but before he could even recover, another version of himself appeared on

are you the negative side

second version didn’t answer. The first one, still in white, waved its tiny hands rapidly like it had been waiting for that

suppressed,” he said proudly. “You’ve been doing better lately, haven’t you? The more good choices you make, the weaker he gets. That’s how

really being lectured

it up. Do better.

second, unsure whether he was losing his mind, or if his conscience had just

know you’re imaginary, right?” Arthur muttered, side eyeing the tiny version of himself still perched stubbornly on his

yourself. Just don’t complain the next time she treats you like you’re a

jab, the little guy and the other one vanished, poof, like they was

only to realize the hallway was completely

He stood there, speechless.

he could understand

That stung more than he expected. It wasn’t like Somto to just leave him hanging like that. Then again, he had been