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Chapter 211: Morning Kiss?
🕑 Added 2025-03-21 15:42:50 +0000 UTCMinami Shouji didn't particularly mind girls getting cozy with other girls.
But he had a vague sense of realization.
The true meaning behind the "Special Option" likely wasn't about some yuri route, but rather—
The deepening relationship between Rio Futaba and Chisato Nishikigi represented nothing more than Rio gradually integrating into the LycoReco café circle.
Whether her bond with Chisato would evolve beyond that…
Minami figured that was pretty unlikely.
Sure, Chisato hailed from the yuri anime Lycoris Recoil, but in reality, her preferences weren't that skewed.
After all, if Chisato were truly into girls…
The first one to suffer would've been Takina Inoue.
"Guess we'll see how this plays out."
Minami murmured, eyes fixed on the pale blue system screen.
He'd already analyzed the situation, but Rio's rapid integration into LycoReco's world had piqued his curiosity about what would happen next.
Especially with the Special Option boost.
He kept reading carefully.
[You watched the interactions between Chisato Nishikigi and Rio Futaba unfold, feeling genuinely pleased to see Rio fitting into LycoReco's atmosphere so quickly.]
[Not just Chisato—Takina Inoue, Mizuki Nakahara, Kurumi, and even the manager Mika all welcomed the bespectacled girl with warmth and kindness.]
[Once reclusive and withdrawn, Rio Futaba now smiled more each day, thanks to Chisato's influence.]
[Gradually, she found herself enjoying life at LycoReco far more than the cold, empty space she called home.]
[Her work at the café, her exchanges with friends—these slowly unraveled the knots in her heart.]
[She began to gain courage, slowly accepting her own flaws.]
[Her previous self-loathing began to subside, thanks to your support, Chisato's encouragement, and Takina's quiet care.]
[And through it all, she never forgot—it was you who brought her into LycoReco, you who gave her the courage to take that first step on that autumn night.]
[She wanted to repay you.]
[But she was uncertain, unsure of how to start.]
[Because no matter the challenge, you always seemed to handle everything perfectly, no matter how difficult the situation.]
[There was little she could do to truly help you.]
[In that moment of doubt, Chisato—smiling as always—offered her a suggestion.]
[She told Rio that, due to your hectic schedule balancing work and study, your ability to manage daily life had taken a hit. Maybe Rio could help by looking after you a bit.]
[Of course, this was just an excuse. Your self-sufficiency was perfectly fine.]
[This was simply an assist from Chisato Nishikigi.]
[Following her suggestion, Rio began preparing freshly brewed coffee for you after every shift, and would even take your chef's uniform home to wash it carefully.]
Hm?
Minami's eyes flickered with interest.
A setup assist from Chisato was bound to accelerate his relationship with Rio.
But what puzzled him was why Chisato had stepped in like this.
Even within the simulation, Chisato should have significant affection for him, shouldn't she?
Offering him an assist... it was like she was actively playing matchmaker between him and Rio.
That didn't match Chisato's usual behavior at all.
What was she up to?
Minami closed his eyes, letting the simulated memories rise to the surface.
Minami Shouji really wanted to understand why Chisato Nishikigi was acting this way.
Unfortunately...
Even with the simulated memories, he couldn't figure out what went on in the mind of that golden-haired girl, always smiling brightly and full of whimsical, off-the-wall ideas.
"Could it be… she wants Rio Futaba to join her and Takina Inoue?"
Minami frowned, the thought suddenly popping into his head.
If it were Miss Nishikigi, that might actually be possible.
After all, Chisato had always hoped that she, Takina, and Minami himself could be together.
As long as that goal was achieved, the golden-haired girl was the type who would do anything.
And now, with how quickly Chisato's relationship with Rio had developed in this simulation…
As Rio's friend, could Chisato be thinking about making Rio part of her and Takina's... group?
A trio plan?
It seemed very possible…
"So that's the meaning behind the Special Option…?"
Minami mulled it over, then shook his head.
In the end, it was just a theory. He didn't have enough information to confirm it yet.
All he could do was keep reading.
[Rio Futaba's initiative proved effective.]
[Her diligently practiced coffee-making skills helped ease your work fatigue.]
[Then, following Takina Inoue's suggestion, she began learning massage techniques.]
[After each shift, she would have you lie down and give you a massage.]
[Her refined technique left you thoroughly relaxed, prompting you to quietly praise her.]
[Sometimes, you even took the initiative to request it.]
[Your requests, gentle as they were, left the soft-hearted Rio unable to refuse.]
The simulated memory stirred.
Images connected—familiar scenes took shape.
Minami closed his eyes, sinking into the memory.
Scene: LycoReco café, right after work.
Minami leaned against the counter, smiling as he approached Rio Futaba.
"Keep me company for a bit, Rio."
Feigning exhaustion, Minami smiled.
"Eh...? But I'm still cleaning up..."
Rio, tidying the tables, replied softly.
"Don't worry about it." Minami stepped closer. "Let Kurumi or Mizuki take care of that. They're the queens of slacking anyway."
"B-but..."
Minami stood far too close now.
Rio could smell his scent, hear his gentle breathing.
Her cheeks flushed red.
Seeing her reaction, Minami narrowed his eyes, lips curling into a faint smile as he leaned in to whisper in her ear:
"You're the one who spoiled me, Futaba-san. Now you're just leaving me hanging—don't you think that's a little cruel?"
[Your words were a bit of a stretch, twisting the truth.]
[But she had no defenses against your playful teasing.]
Gazing at Minami's clear, gentle eyes under the warm lights, seeing his elegant smile—
"Okay... okay... Minami... stop saying weird things."
Flustered, Rio glanced around quickly, making sure no one was watching.
Seeing the coast was clear, she let out a small sigh, her pale face tinged with red.
[You lay down gently on her lap—an overly intimate move. She trembled at first, surprised, but seeing your eyes closed in peace, she quickly regained composure.]
[Her pale fingers pressed expertly at pressure points, sometimes firm, sometimes gentle.]
[She genuinely enjoyed this closeness and felt thankful for Chisato Nishikigi and Takina Inoue's suggestions.]
[Your bond with Chisato, Rio, and Takina deepened.]
[Days passed.]
[Seeking to grow even closer with Rio, you began visiting the science prep room more frequently at school.]
[There, you quietly listened to her troubles—a silent companionship.]
[Once withdrawn and alone, Rio cherished your presence deeply.]
[School, once a place of isolation, now felt warm with you around. Her loneliness vanished.]
[She was no longer content with your current relationship.]
"Well, well..."
In reality, Minami blinked at the screen.
Miss Futaba, I thought you were the shy, reserved type, just waiting for me to make all the moves.
Turns out, you've got some boldness in you?
You're taking the lead?
[What Rio always lacked was simply the courage to step forward.]
[With support at her back, she could charge forward in love without hesitation.]
[And in this area, Chisato and Takina proved to be excellent advisors.]
"Damn."
Minami chuckled. Rio sure knew how to pick her support team.
Takina was one thing... but to involve Chisato Nishikigi as her strategist?
You're gutsy, I'll give you that.
[Who knows what exactly Chisato and Takina filled her head with.]
[Regardless, spurred on by Chisato's encouragement, Rio grew bolder, more proactive.]
[When you walked alone together, she'd quietly watch your expression, then slip her hand into yours.]
[When you needed rest, she'd guide you to the shop's tatami rest area, gently massaging you.]
[And in her boldest moments, she'd lean in while you slept in LycoReco's break room... and kiss you.]
"...Huh?" Minami blinked.
Let's unpack this 'kiss you' part.
Was it like... a morning kiss?
Minami's interest piqued.
But what surprised him more—what kind of spell did Chisato Nishikigi cast that turned this introverted, stoic girl into someone bold enough to initiate a kiss?
And more importantly—
"At this point... even if Futaba-san were clueless, she'd have to realize this isn't just 'friendship' anymore, right?"
Almost as if to confirm his thoughts, the simulator text continued without pause.
[She had already sensed it—this growing closeness was far beyond friendship.]
[Yet, even knowing that, she savored the deepening bond between you.]
[You realized this, and you decided—]
[1. The one-year mark has arrived! Affection level maxed out! Time to confess! ]
[2. Wait and observe the development—seize the initiative by catching the carnivorous glasses girl off guard, then force her to accept your confession!]
[3. Miss Nishikigi has given everything for me—I can't betray her! Boldly confess to Chisato Nishikigi!]
[4. Simulate it yourself!]
The options suddenly popped up on screen, drawing Minami Shouji's full attention.
Aside from the "simulate it yourself," there were the usual three choices.
Using the process of elimination, Minami quickly discarded Option 3.
It had the same vibe as the previous "fail-safe Yamada Ryo" option—clearly a fallback route leading to a mediocre ending.
Which left Options 1 and 2.
And their meaning was simple.
Option 1: Recognize Rio Futaba's feelings and confess immediately.
Option 2: Wait for the right moment, catch her off guard, and secure a high-success-rate confession.
Both had their merits.
But from Minami's point of view...
"Option 2 is the safer bet."
He swiped his finger toward Option 2.
As the protagonist in the simulation, he could feel it.
Though Rio had cast off much of her emotional baggage and was actively developing their relationship...
There was still something she was holding onto.
That something—was her bond with Chisato Nishikigi and Takina Inoue, the friends who had always been there for her.
And the simulation made it clear:
Chisato and Takina's feelings for Minami hadn't changed.
As their close friend, Rio couldn't possibly be oblivious to the affection they held for him.
Hence the earlier line in the simulation:
[She secretly enjoyed the growing closeness between you.]
That word—secretly—likely meant that Rio still hesitated deep down.
She feared that confessing might damage her friendships with Chisato and Takina.
If that was the case...
An immediate confession (Option 1) might lead Rio, out of consideration for her friends, to reject him.
That's just who Rio Futaba was—a girl deeply mindful of others' feelings.
"Then Option 2 is without a doubt the better choice."
Minami didn't hesitate and selected Option 2.
[You noticed Rio's growing affection for you, and you knew the reason she hadn't confessed was because this glasses-wearing girl deeply valued Chisato Nishikigi and Takina Inoue's feelings.]
[You chose to wait, to seize her weakness, and force this woman—who dared steal a kiss while you slept—to confess!]
[That chance... wouldn't take long to come.]
Within the simulation, memories surged.
The setting: still LycoReco, but this time not the front counter—the staff rest room in the back.
After a busy day, Minami greeted everyone and slipped into the rest room.
He yawned.
Then collapsed onto the table.
Exhausted, he quickly began to doze off, soft snores filling the quiet room.
And entering with those snores...
Was a small, delicate figure, tiptoeing in.
"Minami... Minami?"
She whispered softly, twice.
No reply.
Rio Futaba's tightly clenched heart relaxed just a bit as she exhaled.
She knew.
Minami was a heavy sleeper.
Once asleep, he wouldn't wake up unless it was something urgent.
And this… gave her an opening.
Quietly, she approached.
Staring at Minami's peaceful, sleeping face, a look of affection shimmered in Rio's eyes.
This man—whether at work or in life—was always proper and unyielding.
"No wonder he's so tired..."
She leaned down, gently brushing aside his messy bangs.
To avoid her long hair brushing his face and waking him, she carefully tucked it behind her ear.
Then, lowering her head, closing her eyes, her pink lips softly touched the side of his face.
But then—
Rio froze.
Something felt off.
The sensation on her lips…
It wasn't the texture of his cheek.
It was softer, warmer... and wetter?
Her golden eyes widened in shock.
And there, just inches away...
Minami's eyes, now open, met hers.
Their lips—had met.
Right on the mouth.
Seeing her utterly flustered face,
The young man smiled.
