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V4 Chapter 25: Soyo, I Love You.
🕑 Added 2025-06-03 14:18:59 +0000 UTCThe sweltering heat at the end of July still lingered into the quiet of night.
Yet, thanks to yesterday's rainfall, the air carried a touch of coolness. The mist that had blanketed the night sky had silently vanished, and now, the silver river of stars glittered clearly above the city's skyline.
Plip...
A girl with soft chestnut-brown hair walked beside Kazami Haru, smiling brightly.
It was summer break, so Nagasaki Soyo wasn't wearing her usual navy Moon Forest uniform. Instead, she had on a light blue, off-shoulder summer dress. A delicate silver necklace shimmered around her snow-white neck, and the elegance and maturity in her appearance made her seem far older than her age.
"So that's how it is~"
"I didn't think you'd enjoy walking through Shimokitazawa's vintage clothing district during your break. That kind of retro atmosphere sounds so romantic. I'd really love to try it sometime~"
She laughed softly, lips gently pressed together, and her waist-length chestnut hair swayed gracefully with her movements.
A faint blush bloomed across her fair cheeks like blossoming flowers. Her gaze, as calm and deep as autumn water, focused intently on the boy beside her.
"But going alone... I don't know, it just feels a bit awkward."
Gone was yesterday's broken and desperate Soyo, before him now was a fresh and gentle girl-next-door, Soyo, full of youthful charm.
If Haru hadn't seen her drenched in the rain, sobbing in his arms just the day before, he might not have believed this graceful and elegant young woman was the same person.
"In that case, how about I take you next time?"
Seeing her so interested, Haru smiled and offered the invitation without hesitation.
Soyo was only just beginning to step out from the shadow of CRYCHIC's disbandment.
Maybe a change of pace, something lighthearted, was what she needed. Haru hoped a casual date would help bring out a new kind of smile from her.
"Eh? Really? You mean it?"
She seemed to have been waiting for that response. Her already soft smile brightened into something radiant. At some point, the corners of her lips had curved into a lovely arc.
The anticipation and emotion swelling in her heart spilled out clearly on her face.
"In that case... when the time comes, can we... hold hands?"
"Huh?"
A flicker of surprise crossed Haru's deep black eyes, but Soyo didn't give him time to respond.
Tokyo may lack the quiet charm of the countryside, but tonight, with a cool lake breeze and starlight twinkling like fireflies in the sky, even the city seemed to hum with a natural rhythm.
With each step she took, the summer night gained a new melody.
"I like you."
Soyo had moved ahead of him without him realizing. Now, she turned fully to face him, hands behind her back, her words filled with sincerity.
Her soft, elegant fragrance lingered in the air. Her sapphire eyes curled into gentle crescents with her smile, and her beautiful face glowed with unreserved tenderness.
Even in the darkness of night, the pale moonlight revealed her blushing cheeks. Her face, fighting back the bashfulness, now shone with radiant joy.
Both their hearts were pounding.
That simple, direct confession echoed like the deep, resonant thrum of a bass guitar, swirling like smoke around Haru, looping endlessly in his mind.
"Can you... stay by my side?"
…
[She just confessed to you.]
[Faced with this sudden surge of emotion, you decide—]
[1. Accept]
[2. Refuse]
[3. Enter virtual reality, simulate in person]
In just a heartbeat, Haru snapped out of the memory fragment.
"Huh?"
Wait, what was that just now?
The confession scene had been fed into his mind the moment he hesitated at the choice screen. It was a recorded memory, a simulation of Soyo's scenario, so vivid that he was left stunned.
That gentle girl, standing beneath the night sky, smiling with all her heart, had confessed with such courage and affection.
It wasn't fake.
There was no time to hesitate, Haru selected "Accept" without a second thought.
[You didn't expect Nagasaki Soyo to confess her feelings so suddenly. But you could sense it: her love was genuine, not some illusion or pretense.]
[After only a few seconds of hesitation, you accepted her confession.]
[You and Nagasaki Soyo are now in a relationship.]
When those bold words flashed on the simulator screen, Haru's breath caught in his throat.
He'd actually been debating whether to confess first during this run, but before he could even move, Soyo had launched a surprise attack.
She caught him completely off guard.
It was a limited-time "special event" choice, no room for further deliberation.
But honestly, even if there had been time, Haru doubted he'd have chosen anything else. Who could possibly turn down such an earnest confession?
"This is... kind of insane, isn't it?"
He'd never had a start like this before.
At first, he'd assumed Soyo, being so emotionally complex, would be one of the hardest characters to win over in the simulation.
Compared to someone like Takamatsu Tomori with her straightforward nature, Soyo felt like she belonged to the final boss tier, only top-tier contenders like Misumi Uika or Yahata Umiri could match her.
Yet the moment the simulation began, Haru didn't capture Soyo...
Soyo captured him.
Looking back on the earlier scenes: the subtle hints, the way she invited him to dinner that wasn't just dinner, the way she "coincidentally" ordered too much food to make room for a walk afterward, the quiet moment alone when she confessed—
It had all been in her plan.
"Wait a sec... does that mean the real Soyo's planning the same thing?"
That realization hit Haru hard.
After all, the "simulation" was essentially a glimpse into a possible future.
If Soyo in the simulation confessed the very next day, then in reality... Soyo had probably already made up her mind to ask him out tomorrow.
Hold on—
Did the real Soyo like him?
"This..."
That was a lot to process.
He knew Soyo was a handful when it came to CRYCHIC, and sure, she had her manipulative moments, but her kindness and warmth were real. Anyone in his position, even someone like Sakiko, would've felt something.
So maybe it wasn't surprising that she'd fall for him...
Still, no matter how he planned to respond to Soyo tomorrow, he had to stay focused on the simulation.
[Your agreement brought a joy to Soyo's face like never before. Eyes glistening, she hugged you tightly, though she tried not to hold on too hard.]
[But she couldn't hide her longing for you.]
[You two sat together on a bench, holding each other for a full ten minutes before she reluctantly let go.]
[When she left, her face wore the sweetest, most natural smile. Neither of you could fall asleep easily that night, hearts full of your first love's excitement.]
[No one could've expected you and Nagasaki Soyo to become a couple.]
[You didn't make it public to the band. Soyo noticed this and respected your feelings, never acting overly affectionate in front of others.]
[But after every practice, she would embrace you tightly, asking for her "girlfriend reward."]
[And on days without rehearsal, she would passionately invite you on dates.]
[Even though it was your first relationship, she always chose perfect spots and restaurants, as if she knew exactly what you liked. Every date left you feeling incredibly happy.]
[You noticed that even with light makeup, Soyo's dark circles couldn't be fully hidden. That's when it hit you, she had stayed up late meticulously planning each outing.]
[You were moved by her efforts. But since the relationship was still new, you weren't sure what kind of gesture would feel appropriate.]
[Feeling conflicted, you decide—]
[1. Love requires funds. Time to work harder.]
[2. Secretly ask friends for ideas. Wakaba Mutsumi might help.]
[3. Love is mutual. Ask her directly.]
[4. Enter VR to test it out.]
The four choices appeared once more.
"Geez... they're really laying it all out, huh?"
Haru stared at the screen, conflicted.
After everything returned to a "normal" simulation, every choice became a potential pitfall. Any misstep in decision-making could drastically alter his mindset and the outcome.
Especially in this so-called "classic romance simulator," where traps were hidden around every corner.
If things ever got too complicated, he wouldn't hesitate to simulate it himself.
"For now... option three seems best."
For someone like Nagasaki Soyo, who grew up in a broken family and had barely known a mother's love, lacking a sense of security and affection was to be expected.
That's why Haru wanted to give her more of himself: completely, without hesitation.
So, he selected the third option.
[You believe love is built on mutual effort.]
[Soyo considers you in every decision: dates, conversations, small gestures. You decide it's time to reciprocate her love. But since your relationship is still new, you're not sure what she truly wants right now.]
[After careful thought, you choose to ask her directly.]
Once again, memories surged through his mind—fragments of warmth, connection, and budding love...
When Kazami Haru opened his eyes again, he saw their fingers tightly intertwined: her delicate, fair hand resting in his palm, their linked left hands constantly transmitting the subtle rhythm of each other's pulse.
Nagasaki Soyo wore a light, chiffon-like dress that swayed gently with each step. As his girlfriend, she unabashedly enjoyed her "spoils of victory," gripping his hand as if showing off their bond.
They were close, so close that the air between them practically radiated intimacy.
Haru took a deep breath.
"Soyo, I love you."
Prepared and earnest, he spoke clearly and firmly.
"E-Eh?!"
"W-Why are you suddenly saying that?"
Caught completely off guard by Haru's sudden confession, Soyo's composed smile faltered, replaced by flustered surprise. Even her soft, watery-blue eyes began to dart away uncontrollably.
Her cheeks flushed a brilliant red in an instant. She nervously fiddled with the curled tips of her hair, her heart pounding fast and loud in her chest.
"H-Haru... is something wrong?"
Despite the nervous flutter in her chest, she couldn't hide the happiness blooming inside. Still, she asked carefully, cautiously.
"It's a 'thank you.'"
"You've been so thoughtful, planning every date and doing so much for me. But I want to show my feelings too, I don't want to just sit back and receive everything from you."
Hearing this, Soyo smiled softly and gently placed her free hand over her chest.
She'd spent her whole life working hard to maintain a place where she could belong, constantly offering herself to others without expecting anything in return. But here was someone, this boy, who didn't take her efforts for granted. He cherished her just as deeply.
That warmth of being understood seeped into her heart.
"Soyo... is there anything you want right now?"
Haru looked seriously into her slightly dazed eyes, gently tightening his grip on her slender, delicate hand.
Soyo had lost CRYCHIC, her "home", but now, there was someone by her side who couldn't be replaced.
For someone who had always lived to fulfill the needs of others, she'd never truly asked what she wanted. Perhaps that "something" used to be CRYCHIC, but now, she had finally come to understand her own heart.
Not to meet someone else's needs, but her own.
"What I want, huh~"
Soyo touched her cheek with her finger, her voice soft and syrupy.
Right now, there was probably only one thing she truly wanted.
A quiet smile played on her lips as she made up her mind.
Still holding his hand, she gently tugged so he'd face her properly. Then, catching him in a moment of confusion, she rose up on her toes and softly pressed her delicate lips to his.
Warm. Sweet.
"To me... this is the one thing I want most right now."
…
[Nagasaki Soyo, who was always the giver, never expected that you would be so serious about returning her affection. But now she knows, being with you is where she truly belongs.]
[Overwhelmed by her growing emotions, she couldn't hold back any longer. With her eyes filled with love, she gently kissed you.]
[The sudden kiss caught you completely off guard. In that moment, she took the lead.]
[Less than a week into your relationship, you already shared your first kiss.]
This girl… is way too powerful.
In real life, Nagasaki Soyo was always calculating, wearing a mask to protect her relationships with others.
But now that she was in love, it was as if she'd turned into Dio Brando with the Stone Mask, her hidden feelings now fully unleashed.
And with a personality that was naturally gentle, understanding, and thoughtful, she was a dangerously ideal girlfriend.
That kiss etched itself into Haru's mind.
He had experienced many memory fragments before from simulated scenarios, even firsthand ones like in the Ijichi Nijika route, but this... this was on a completely different level.
In those runs, he had always been the one doing the pursuing.
Now, he was the one being pursued.
[With summer break being the peak of the band's live performances, and preparations complete, you decided to host your second live show next month. Now that she has you, Soyo is fully focused and no longer distracted.]
[Her serious attitude earned her recognition from Shiina Taki.]
[MyGO's rehearsals were going strong, and your relationship with Soyo deepened steadily.]
[Without realizing it, the walks home after practice became a cherished routine between you two. She would hold your hand, her steps light and joyful. Sometimes she'd rub her chin against your shoulder playfully as you chatted.]
[You noticed she never brought an umbrella on rainy days, she always chose to share yours.]
[The goodbye kisses became deeper, to the point she sometimes forgot to breathe. Faces flushed, you'd part only reluctantly. This was your passionate, fiery honeymoon phase.]
[Soon, just spending short moments with you wasn't enough for her.]
[When she learned you were surviving on frozen meals and instant food, she firmly decided to start cooking for you herself. She even openly asked for your address.]
[This time, the usually accommodating Soyo was shockingly assertive.]
[Eventually, she started spending more time at your place than her own. She would cook new dishes for you every time, until one day, you simply gave her a spare key.]
[With that key, she sometimes came over early to make breakfast, gently waking you up like a newlywed wife. You'd laugh together over your morning meal.]
[You had both grown used to this life, and your love was steadily deepening.]
[It seemed like your future together was bright and certain.]
This… is basically marriage.
Haru couldn't help but complain in his heart. How long had they been dating again? Wasn't this pace a little insane?
Even the bold Anon had taken her time before getting this close. Sure, she'd stolen a kiss the moment they started dating, but it was nothing more than a gentle peck.
But Soyo?
Barely a month in, and their kisses had already evolved to another level.
He shuddered to think what might happen if they went on like this.
[Of course, your intense relationship with Nagasaki Soyo didn't stay hidden for long.]
[Maybe because she was so immersed in her feelings, she let her guard down. Wakaba Mutsumi noticed things between you two weren't ordinary anymore. Though quiet, she didn't show any outward change.]
[You still remembered the date you promised her, but now that you had a girlfriend, being alone with other girls was off the table. Mutsumi understood this and never brought it up again.]
[One day, Mutsumi approached you and asked if you had time to talk.]
[You decided—]
[1. You're in a relationship now. It's best to set boundaries and politely decline.]
[2. Hear her out. See what's going on.]
[3. Ask Kita Ikuyo for advice.]
[4. Enter VR to test it out.]
"This one's not simple…"
Haru frowned, eyes locked on the choices.
Option three made some sense. After all, Kita had offered her help in the past. But choosing that might trigger her route.
And rejecting Mutsumi outright?
If he wanted to stay on a pure love route with Soyo, shutting out others was the safest bet. But option one seemed like a trap. Drawing boundaries with Mutsumi could be interpreted as distancing himself from everyone, including the band.
What about the band?
For Haru, the band was part of his dream. Soyo, too, treasured the band dearly. Giving it up now would leave a scar on their futures.
"Simulate it myself?"
Didn't seem helpful here either.
"If it goes wrong, I'll just revive the save."
Resolved, he chose the second option.
[You agreed to Mutsumi's invitation. For the first time, you saw a faint smile on her face.]
[As Soyo's boyfriend, you naturally told her where you were going. She smiled and agreed, though her tone was a little off.]
[At the café, you found not just Mutsumi, but Togawa Sakiko too.]
[Turns out Mutsumi was asking on Sakiko's behalf.]
[She had already realized you and Soyo were dating, and she'd told Sakiko as well.]
[Sakiko didn't react much when she heard the news, but when you confirmed it yourself, she showed unmistakable disappointment before quickly recovering.]
[She didn't mention Soyo again. Instead, she got straight to the point: she was forming a professional band and wanted you to help as a composer or manager.]
[You decided—]
[1. Accept]
[2. Refuse]
[3. Enter virtual simulation]
"Ave Mujica, huh?"
Haru hesitated.
It sounded like a career move, but getting involved with Ave Mujica meant constant contact with Sakiko and Mutsumi, both emotionally entangled with him.
The system didn't allow much time to choose.
After a moment's thought, Haru decided—
He would refuse.
