6

The outdoor projection hall was, in reality, the college's back-mountain playground.

At night, under the vast sky scattered with stars, students from all grades gathered, carrying small benches to sit in rows in front of the large projection screen.

The atmosphere was lively, filled with endless chatter:

"Which photography group won first place?"

"I heard it's a freshman group. Can you believe that?"

"What? No way! Who could be that talented right out of the gate?"

Some envious and skeptical voices chimed in:

"I don't know how good The Forest of Fireflies is supposed to be. A newcomer winning first place? Sounds suspicious to me. Probably got there through connections."

"Right? I mean, just the name alone sounds boring. Probably some artsy nonsense."

Amid the crowd, Lucas Nolan, Julia James, Bella Carter, and the rest of their team sat together.

Hearing the murmurs around them, Julia crossed her arms and smirked confidently.

"Just wait until they see The Forest of Fireflies. Then they'll know how amazing we are!"

As more students settled in, the screening finally began.

The audience quieted as the screen lit up.

The film opened with stunning shots of a serene mountain landscape.

The camera slowly ascended the moss-covered stone steps, gliding over lush greenery, rivers, and hills before settling on the lone figure of a boy in white, his back to the camera.

This introductory scene exuded an incredible cinematic quality. The system-rendered visuals gave the scenery a refreshing vibrancy, mesmerizing the audience.

The screen then transitioned to a voiceover by the short-haired girl, played by Julia:

"The first time I met him was when I was six years old...

It was a scorching summer day, and I got lost in a forest said to be home to monsters..."

The story officially began, and the title The Forest of Fireflies appeared in the clear blue sky.

The screen shifted to a flashback of young Hotaru—Julia's character—lost in the forest.

She cried, sitting on the ground, until a boy in white wearing a mask appeared.

He introduced himself as Gin, a spirit who could not touch humans, or he would vanish.

Lucas's portrayal of Gin immediately captivated the audience. His subtle expressions and calm demeanor drew everyone's attention, especially the girls in the crowd, whose eyes sparkled with fascination.

The story, lighthearted yet novel, unfolded effortlessly.

Every summer, Hotaru returned to the forest to meet Gin. Over time, they became close friends.

The warm, tender moments, paired with the breathtaking forest scenery, left a deep impression on the audience. The playful exchanges between the two characters drew laughter from the crowd.

However, the tone shifted when Hotaru, in a mischievous attempt to tease Gin, climbed onto a tree trunk but accidentally fell.

Gin instinctively moved to catch her but froze, remembering he couldn't touch her.

Hotaru sat up, teary-eyed, and pleaded, "Gin, no matter what happens, you must never touch me, okay? Promise me."

Gin, hidden behind his mask, stood silently, watching over her.

The audience felt a pang of sadness, sensing an ominous undertone beneath the playful friendship.

Seasons passed.

Hotaru grew into a beautiful young woman, but Gin remained the same—a boy trapped in time.

As they walked side by side, their height difference gradually diminished.

One day, Gin revealed his tragic backstory: he had once been a human child but was abandoned in the forest.

Moved by pity, the Mountain God cast a spell, allowing Gin to survive as a spirit. However, the curse prevented him from touching humans—otherwise, he would disappear forever.

"Hotaru," Gin said softly, "you should forget about me."

But Hotaru shook her head. "Disappear if touched... just like snow. Gin, I'll never forget you. So don't forget me either."

This seemingly calm exchange left the audience with a heavy heart.

Many silently hoped for a miracle, a twist, or a happy ending—anything to save them from the looming sorrow.

The story entered its climax during a summer festival.

Gin and Hotaru, wearing white ribbons on their wrists, strolled through the festival together, their joy palpable.

"Hotaru," Gin said, "I can't wait for next summer anymore. If we ever part, I'll push through the crowd just to see you again..."

Removing his mask, he gently placed it on Hotaru's face and leaned in to kiss her forehead.

The playground erupted with gasps and murmurs of awe.

Lucas's and Julia's acting shone, their emotions conveyed so powerfully that the audience couldn't help but feel a surge of goosebumps.

Just as the scene seemed perfect, a group of children ran by, nearly tripping. Gin instinctively reached out to steady one of them.

The child ran off, unaware of what had just happened.

Gin, however, froze. His hand began to dissolve into a cascade of glowing blue particles.

The music swelled, foreboding and heart-wrenching, like the prelude to a storm.

The audience watched in stunned silence, their hearts clenching.

Some girls broke down, covering their mouths as tears streamed down their faces.

Gin's expression transitioned from shock to acceptance.

Smiling softly, he opened his arms and whispered, "Come here, Hotaru... I can finally touch you."

Hotaru ran to him, embracing him tightly as his body disintegrated into glowing fragments, rising into the starry sky.

The image on the screen was breathtaking, yet devastating.

The nuanced performances of Lucas and Julia left everyone in awe.

Julia's transition from joyful laughter to heart-wrenching sobs as Gin vanished was so raw that many aspiring actors in the audience felt chills.

The girls in the crowd were inconsolable, crying openly. Some boys wiped their tears discreetly, their hearts heavy from the tragic love story.

Gin and Hotaru's untouchable love culminated in a single embrace, searing itself into the audience's hearts.

As the credits rolled, the screen showed Hotaru leaving the forest, now wearing Gin's mask.

Her summer remained frozen in time, yet she bravely moved forward, carrying the memory of Gin with her.

Lucas remained calm, though Julia and Bella were once again in tears.

Sniffling, Julia muttered, "Why am I crying again? This is the second time I've watched it!"

Bella wiped her eyes and complained, "It's your fault for acting so well!"

Julia nodded and added, "Actually, it's Lucas's fault. He wrote this heartbreaking script."

Lucas sighed, speechless, as the girls pinned the blame on him.

The audience, however, was left in awe of The Forest of Fireflies, a film whose beauty and heartbreak would linger in their minds for a long time to come.