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Chapter 247: She Chases, He Runs—But He Can’t Escape
🕑 Added 2025-03-31 16:50:41 +0000 UTC"Hmm…"
Minami Shouji lowered his finger from the simulation page and let out a thoughtful hum.
Truthfully, he hadn't expected that doing a rare good deed would land him in a situation like this.
There was a high chance that Satou Matsuzaka was a girl with serious psychological issues—that much was obvious.
Pushing the thought further... she might actually be the textbook definition of a yandere in this simulation.
Unlike the typical anime protagonist who panics and flails when things go wrong, unsure of what to do—
Minami Shouji didn't show a hint of panic. In fact, from the moment he'd felt something was off until now, he'd already regained his usual composure.
After all—
"Panicking won't change a thing."
He popped another slice of mandarin into his mouth, propping his head on one hand as he thought.
What's done is done.
Now, he had to figure out how to handle it.
Running or freaking out wouldn't help one bit.
Let's be real, yandere sounds terrifying, but in the end, it's just a girl with some mental issues.
That's the reality—no changing it.
So...
"No need to overreact."
He moved his finger away from Satou Matsuzaka's name.
Minami Shouji had no plans to remove her from the simulation list just yet.
After all, keeping her in the list meant he could still rack up Heartthrob Points.
If something bloody and unexpected did happen...
He could instantly redeem those massive points from Satou Matsuzaka for a [Universal Healing Potion] to handle it.
The Universal Healing Potion was one solution.
But more importantly...
"I've got to keep my distance."
He muttered to himself.
Yeah.
From every angle, staying away from Satou Matsuzaka was the safest play.
There was no reason to risk getting close to her.
It wouldn't just protect him—
It would also keep Kessoku Band, LycoReco... well, LycoReco probably didn't need him to worry. Both Chisato Nishikigi and Takina Inoue were protagonists from Lycoris Recoil, a gun-slinging action anime.
Chisato's superhuman reflexes and intuition, Takina's cool-headed logic—
There's no way Satou Matsuzaka could take on either of them.
So the real concerns were Kessoku Band, Akane Shinjo, and Ryo Futaba.
As long as he didn't make the first move—
The girls should all be fine.
"Alright... that's the plan."
Minami Shouji perked up.
Sure, getting tangled with a yandere girl caught him off guard, but as long as he kept his distance and waited for the heat to die down... things should stay manageable.
But that's just the ideal case.
Minami knew he had to prepare for the worst too.
What if the obsession didn't fade? Then what?
He fell back into thought.
…
He miscalculated.
Seriously miscalculated.
Standing in front of Shuka High, Minami Shouji furrowed his brows as he faced a poised, pink-haired girl—and the blue-haired one at her side.
His plan had been simple: don't contact Satou Matsuzaka, don't even give her a chance to connect with him. Let time work its magic and make her forget about him.
But reality has a nasty way of crushing good intentions.
Even if he didn't want contact—
That didn't stop her from showing up uninvited.
Her determination was unnerving.
Minami sighed internally.
They had only met yesterday.
And yet, today... she'd already found his class.
Isn't this a bit much...?
Frowning, Minami shook his head and calmly said:
"Can I help you with something, miss?"
"Ah... Minami-senpai."
The pink-haired girl smiled gently, her soft eyes fixed warmly on him. "I'm Satou Matsuzaka, a first-year. I just wanted to thank you for your help yesterday."
She stepped a bit closer, as if trying to reduce the distance.
But Minami had a simple tactic.
Expressionless, he took a step back, then feigned confusion.
"Sorry, Satou-san... What help yesterday?"
His tone was calm, laced with a bit of doubt—as if he truly had no idea what she was talking about.
Since he couldn't avoid her, he'd play dumb.
It was an easy enough move.
Most girls, seeing such a reaction, would probably start second-guessing themselves.
But Satou Matsuzaka wasn't most girls.
Even seeing his confused face, her serene smile didn't waver. In fact, she answered without the slightest doubt:
"Maybe you don't remember clearly, Minami-senpai, but I do. You're the one who brought me to the clinic, right?"
Her voice was steady, no hesitation.
Minami took note.
Clearly, basic bluffing wouldn't work on her.
She was the type who clung tightly to her beliefs.
In that case... time for a new approach.
Minami considered for a moment, then replied, "I don't recall much, but I did take someone to the clinic yesterday. That was you, Satou-san?"
He tilted his head slightly as he asked.
A small gesture—but for some reason, Satou Matsuzaka found it utterly captivating.
Her hand instinctively went to her chest.
Her heart was racing.
Heat surged to her face, a flush she couldn't control.
Just being able to talk to Minami Shouji like this—
Was pure bliss.
Steadying her breath, she gave him a smile—clear and sincere, like the open sky.
"The person you brought was me, Minami-senpai. I heard it from the doctor at the clinic... This is 15,000 yen for the treatment. Please, take it."
"Alright."
Refusing her now would seem odd.
Minami took the 15,000 yen without hesitation and said, "Well then, Satou-san, I have some things to take care of, so I'll be going."
"Ah... wait... Minami-senpai, could you hold on a moment?"
"Hm?"
Satou Matsuzaka could feel it—this black-haired young man was completely different from the boys in her class.
With her looks and figure, classmates would eagerly approach her.
But Minami was different.
His tone was calm, his gaze indifferent, completely unaffected by her appearance.
Different...
Minami-senpai really was different.
Her heart beat faster. Lifting her head, she spoke—
For the first time, inviting a guy herself.
"I was wondering if you're free this afternoon, Minami-senpai. I'd like to treat you to a meal—to thank you for yesterday."
Her tone was natural, expression sincere, as if she truly just wanted to show her gratitude.
But—
"Sorry."
The same calm, detached voice.
Minami Shouji turned around, speaking in an even tone without the slightest hint of emotion. "I've got things to take care of this afternoon, Satou-san. I won't be able to join you."
"Ah... it's really okay, Minami-senpai."
His rejection didn't discourage Satou Matsuzaka in the slightest.
She stepped forward again, closing the gap. "It won't take long, I promise. I just wanted to treat you to a simple meal…"
Her voice was sincere, heartfelt—and by the end, it even carried a faint note of pleading.
Any average guy, faced with this kind of earnestness from a girl blessed with both beauty and figure, would probably falter, maybe even cave in.
But Minami Shouji just shook his head. "Sorry, I already have plans. I really don't have the time today. Please, don't trouble yourself over it, Satou-san."
A meal?
Was she kidding?
He'd already decided to keep his distance from Satou Matsuzaka.
There was no way he was going to sell his soul for something as trivial as food.
With that in mind, Minami even added:
"Besides, we're schoolmates, that's all. I only helped you because of that, no other reason. So there's no need for you to overthink it."
He pulled out the 15,000 yen she had just given him. "You've already covered the clinic bill. We're even now. You don't owe me anything. No need to carry any sense of obligation when speaking with me… Well then, I'll be going."
With that, Minami was ready to turn and leave—didn't even plan to say goodbye.
But—
"Wait—!"
The blue-haired girl, silent until now, finally couldn't hold back as she saw him begin to walk away.
Her name was Shouko Hida, Satou Matsuzaka's close friend at school.
She was usually gentle, carrying herself with grace and poise.
Even so, even she couldn't keep calm anymore.
Because Minami Shouji's attitude had been way too cold.
Yes.
Way too cold.
From the conversation to now turning his back to leave—
That dismissive, emotionless demeanor.
It made Shouko Hida feel like they were... what? Man-eating spirits?
Otherwise, why was he so cold, so quick to brush them off?
She couldn't help it. She called out to stop him.
But what she didn't expect—
She said "Wait"—and Minami Shouji sped up.
He didn't even pause.
That level of rudeness... was the last straw.
She dashed forward and blocked his path.
"…"
Minami Shouji.
He'd intended to walk away and pretend he hadn't heard a thing.
But that plan ended in failure the moment the blue-haired girl jumped out in front of him.
No choice.
He had to stop and speak, calm as ever. "Is there something else?"
"Something else"…?
How could he seriously ask that?
Shouko Hida couldn't believe her ears. "Minami-senpai, you heard me ask you to stop, didn't you? And yet you just kept walking—don't you think that's rude?"
"I was lost in thought. Didn't hear you."
Minami delivered the lie as naturally as breathing.
"Didn't hear me—?"
Shouko Hida nearly choked.
Her voice had been loud enough.
He wasn't that far.
There was no way he didn't hear her.
How could someone lie so blatantly... while looking her dead in the eye?
She wanted to press him on it.
But glancing back at Satou Matsuzaka, Shouko Hida took a deep breath and let it go.
"Fine, you didn't hear me. Whatever. But Minami-senpai, it's just a meal. Isn't it a bit much to reject her so coldly?"
She looked up at him, her violet eyes sharp. "It wouldn't take much of your time. Just a meal—fifteen, twenty minutes tops, right?"
Exactly.
Shouko Hida's thinking was straightforward.
After school, they'd casually find a restaurant and have a quick meal.
Then, Satou Matsuzaka could properly express her gratitude to Minami Shouji.
That was it.
It wouldn't even take long.
There was no reason for him to reject it so coldly and thoroughly, right?
"..." Minami Shouji stayed silent.
Seeing his lack of response, Shouko perked up and quickly pressed on:
"This is the first time I've seen Satou actually invite a boy to eat with her. Minami-senpai, surely you wouldn't have the heart to turn down a girl's first-ever invitation to a meal with a guy?"
That wasn't a lie.
From what Shouko knew, Satou Matsuzaka had never once invited a male classmate to a meal before.
Whenever she went out, it was always with a group of friends.
That's exactly why Shouko stepped in to stop Minami Shouji—
She couldn't just watch her best friend be shot down on her first-ever try.
"If it really won't work... um, Minami-senpai... would this be enough?"
Seeing that his expression still hadn't wavered, Shouko seemed to make up her mind. She boldly took out the bills from her wallet and showed them to him.
Unlike Satou, who worked part-time, Shouko came from a wealthier background—this amount of money was nothing to her.
No matter what, she had to help her best friend get Minami Shouji to go out with her today.
Even if it meant resorting to financial temptation.
But—
"Sorry, Hida-san, I'm not a host. And I really can't spare the time."
Even with the money right in front of him,
Minami Shouji's refusal didn't hesitate for a second.
And with that, he promptly straightened up and walked toward his classroom.
"..." Shouko Hida.
She genuinely couldn't wrap her head around it.
She and Satou Matsuzaka were both rare beauties.
And they'd even humbled themselves to this degree.
So why was Minami Shouji still so utterly unmovable?
She couldn't help but mutter, "That guy... sure, he's an upperclassman, but isn't he being way too cold?"
From the start of the conversation to now—
Minami Shouji had only responded with calm, indifferent words.
Not once did he even consider their feelings.
She glanced at Satou Matsuzaka beside her—
Who was still standing there, blankly watching the direction Minami had walked off in.
Shouko couldn't help but offer comfort:
"Hey, don't take it too hard. He said he got your message of thanks loud and clear..."
Then, with a little bitterness, she added, "Honestly, any guy who turns us down—even if he's handsome and top of the class—there's no way he has a girlfriend. He clearly doesn't understand women at all."
Exactly.
Before meeting Minami Shouji in person—
Shouko had never believed someone like him even existed.
A guy completely oblivious to girls' feelings, unable to adapt.
With that kind of rigid personality, what girl would ever fall for him?
She spoke with confidence, as if it was a given that Minami Shouji didn't have a girlfriend.
Her words seemed to stir something in Satou Matsuzaka.
She tore her gaze away from where Minami had vanished and turned to ask:
"Is that so, Shouko? You really think Minami-senpai doesn't have a girlfriend?"
Her tone was serious.
That delicate, pretty face of hers was now touched with a determination that could only be called... fixated.
Her sudden turn and earnest question caught Shouko completely off guard.
Because in her mind—
Satou Matsuzaka was the soft, gentle beauty who always smiled quietly.
Her calm, serene face never once showed an expression like this toward anyone.
"Eh? Wait... Satou...?"
"Shouko, do you really think Minami-senpai doesn't have a girlfriend?"
Ignoring her best friend's surprise, Satou tilted her head, asking again.
"..."
Shouko didn't know what to say.
Whether Minami Shouji had a girlfriend or not was just something she'd made up—to cheer Satou up, nothing more.
In the end, she nodded. "...Yeah, at least that's what I think."
"Is that so...?"
Under Shouko Hida's gaze, Satou Matsuzaka simply gave a soft reply before turning her head back again, eyes fixed on the direction where Minami Shouji had disappeared.
Her gaze was distant.
As if she could still see Minami Shouji's silhouette lingering at the corner where he'd disappeared...
"What is it…? Satou?"
Something wasn't right with her friend.
But Shouko Hida couldn't quite pinpoint what was off about Satou Matsuzaka's mood, so she tried asking gently, "Did I say something wrong?"
"No."
Satou shook her head softly. "You didn't say anything wrong, Shouko."
"...Really?"
"Mm." Satou nodded with a smile.
Yes.
Shouko hadn't said anything wrong.
Minami-senpai didn't have a girlfriend.
That's all.
Since Minami-senpai didn't have a girlfriend...
Then this feeling swelling in her chest...
This emotion she'd never experienced before...
She pressed her delicate, pale hand against her chest again.
The pink-haired girl closed her eyes.
So sweet...
It felt so sweet...
Was this... love?
She didn't know.
But right now, she felt as if she had finally found a reason to keep moving forward in this aimless, hollow life of hers.
"..." Shouko Hida didn't say anything more.
She simply glanced at her friend, whose mood had clearly improved, and quietly let out a breath of relief.
She didn't understand why Satou's emotions had fluctuated so wildly.
But as long as she was feeling better—that's what mattered.
No point thinking about it any further.
It's not like her usually calm and composed best friend had actually fallen for that Minami Shouji guy, right?
The thought popped into Shouko's head, but she quickly laughed it off.
No, no way.
Her friend was the type to stay detached and serene, at most she probably just wanted to express her gratitude to Minami Shouji.
After all, Satou Matsuzaka—always composed, gentle, and kind to everyone—
How could she possibly fall for someone who had nothing going for him besides his face and academic scores?
Shouko was sure of it, thinking optimistically as she walked with Satou back to their first-year classroom.
Meanwhile—
On the other side—
"Definitely miscalculated."
Seated at his desk, Minami Shouji let out a sigh.
Truth be told, he didn't have any so-called "urgent matters" to attend to.
He'd just used that as an excuse to avoid further contact with Satou Matsuzaka.
But...
"I've got things today, tomorrow, the day after... I can't drag this out forever."
Minami felt helpless.
He couldn't just keep finding excuses every day to dodge Satou Matsuzaka, right?
The pink-haired girl wasn't stupid.
From the speed and precision of her actions, Minami already knew that much.
Excuses might work now, but they couldn't hold her off forever.
He glanced at the 15,000 yen that had returned to his wallet, but there was no satisfaction in it.
Her speed had been terrifying.
The very moment he decided not to contact her again yesterday—
Satou had already found his class and approached him directly.
That kind of fast, relentless action... and the way she kept such a perfect mask on her face.
If it weren't for the simulator's status warnings about her, he probably wouldn't have noticed how off she really was.
"What a pain… seriously, what a pain."
Minami sighed again.
In every sense—
Satou Matsuzaka was the toughest simulation subject he'd ever dealt with.
But toughest didn't mean impossible.
Minami rubbed his chin thoughtfully.
Judging from what he'd seen today—
He already had a decent grasp on this pink-haired girl.
She didn't seem quite like the typical yandere...
