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.

tiny version of himself appeared on his shoulder, dressed in pristine white, arms

said flatly. “You vanished without a word,

his expression

“And you’re

wasn’t like him to dwell.

just being polite.

why did that bother him

little version of himself was persistent. It popped right back onto his

want to be around him?” the mini

stunned. What was this

shake the voice off, literally gave his head a sharp jolt, but before he could

“What… are you the negative

in white, waved its tiny hands rapidly like it had

guy? Already 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

being lectured by a chibi version

the little voice continued with all the seriousness in the world, “you’ve got to keep it up. Do better. Be better. That way I can stay stronger… and he won’t come

long second, unsure whether he was losing his mind, or if his

his shoulder. “You don’t even exist. So why should I make you more real

Just don’t complain the next time she treats you like

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

and looked up, finally snapping out of his thoughts… only to realize the hallway was completely empty.

He stood there, speechless.

he could understand that. He deserved

like Somto to just leave him hanging like that. Then again, he