Losing to My Substitute (Katerina and Joshu)
Substitute 65

Chapter 36

Those inexplicable feelings of affection, those overly deliberate encounters, those emotions that

seemed to come from nowhere.

In his cars, Linda's earlier words echoed-

"Ivan, why do you think the protagonists in novels drift apart? Is it because of their own choices, or the novelist's merciless manipulation?" Ivan... why did we drift apart....

No, Linda... no...

We didn't drift apart, Linda, I never wanted to drift apart from you...

A fierce desire to live surged within him, like a final spark igniting in the depths of despair.

He opened his eyes suddenly, swimming with all his might toward the light, toward his moon.

Toward that faint glimmer of moonlight.

He kicked his legs forcefully, his arms thrashing through the water, trying to break free from all the chains and restraints.

But every effort felt so insignificant.

The river's cold embrace coiled around him, turning his struggles into futility.

His movements slowed, each breath a fight against fate and the predetermined ending.

As the air in his chest depleted, icy water flooded in, filling his lungs.

Ivan's vision blurred, his consciousness fading..

In the final moments of his life, images of his past with Linda appeared before him. Laughter and tears, promises and betrayals, love and pain.

All of it transformed into a warm force, wrapping around him, numbing the agony.

At last, his movements ceased entirely, his body sinking slowly into the depths. Losing to Mu Substitute

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Chapter 36

His eyes remained open, their unfocused gaze reflecting the moonlight above.

faint smile lingered on his lips.

Was there regret? Yes, there was.

No matter the reason, the fact remained-his moon must remain pure, untouched by any stain.

Whether it was the plot, destiny, or his own choices no longer mattered at this moment.

Just before he sank completely into the darkness, his eyes fixed on that faint glimmer of light, and he whispered softly-

Linda, I love you. Only you. Forever...