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Chapter 204. The Two of Riko-Riko
🕑 Added 2025-03-17 14:23:37 +0000 UTCThe data displayed by the [Data Scanner] wasn't far off from what Minami Shouji had expected.
In particular, the traits "Need to Be Needed" and "Self-Loathing" had already reached the same levels as Gotoh Hitori's past issues with social anxiety and low self-esteem.
But aside from those two traits, there was one more entry that Minami knew he had to pay close attention to.
That was—
"Feeling Heart Flutter."
In other words, at this point, Rio Futaba already harbored a certain level of affection for him.
In fact, according to the simulator's evaluation, if he just maintained his current pace, it wouldn't be difficult at all to make Rio genuinely fall for him.
And thinking about it, that made sense.
Over the past two days, Minami had listened to her personal struggles, helped her resolve her long-standing issues with Yuuma Kunimi, and—just earlier today—stepped in at the perfect moment to rescue her from Saki Kamisato's relentless harassment.
Not only that, but during all of this, he'd used his signature move—"Shouji Akane's, Perfect Enchanting Smile"—twice.
With a 10-point boost in appearance stats, it was equivalent to activating a "love at first sight" buff.
After going through that whole process...
If Rio Futaba still remained completely unmoved...
Minami would honestly have to admire her self-control.
But if things continued like this...
And Rio really did fall for him...
That would spell trouble.
He hadn't even sorted things out yet with Gotoh Hitori, Akane Shinjo, Yamada Ryo, Chisato Nishikigi, or Takina Inoue.
And after completing their personal simulations, there was a chance Ijichi Nijika and Kita Ikuyo, like Takina Inoue, now possessed memories of their happy endings.
Having been busy with Rio Futaba these past few days, Minami had only been able to communicate with Kita Ikuyo and Nijika online. For now, he still wasn't sure if they had their simulation memories.
But if they did...
And now Rio Futaba joined that group...
That would just be complete chaos.
Eight girls tangled together like that—
It wouldn't just be drama. It would be a full-on war.
Just imagining the scene was already giving Minami a headache.
But he'd already started the simulation with Rio.
And not only that, he'd actively stepped in—learning about the fears and self-loathing she'd kept bottled up for so long.
Now that he'd gotten involved, if he simply backed off just because it was inconvenient...
That would be far too irresponsible.
Thinking this, Minami pressed a hand to his brow.
At this point...
"I'll just have to take it one step at a time."
Setting aside the problems he couldn't solve yet, Minami focused on what was in front of him.
Meanwhile—
Silent the entire way.
Rio Futaba, having boarded the train with Minami, subtly turned her head to glance at him.
Minami had mentioned earlier...
The place they were heading to now...
Was a café where he occasionally worked part-time.
According to him, the café was so busy that even someone like her, with no experience, would be needed to help out.
Could it be... the place they were going... was one of those famous cafés in Tokyo?
Rio's curiosity was piqued.
She often brewed coffee in the science prep room for fun and had always been interested in the craft. She regularly read coffee-related magazines in her free time.
If Minami was taking her to a well-known Tokyo café, maybe she could help out and watch professional baristas work their craft.
With a small sense of anticipation, Rio followed Minami off the train as they headed into a residential area.
Then—
Rio Futaba stood frozen, stunned by the scene in front of her.
There were no bustling crowds, no steady stream of customers.
Nor was it some famous café that popped up on search engines.
What met her eyes was a modest, thoroughly average café nestled in a residential neighborhood.
On the quiet, cross-shaped street, there weren't even many pedestrians, let alone patrons.
The atmosphere was so dead it made her frown.
Rio stopped in her tracks.
She couldn't help but look at Minami Shouji.
Now, she truly didn't understand what he had meant earlier.
This kind of deserted café…
There was absolutely no need for her help, right?
Minami could probably handle the entire day's work alone without breaking a sweat.
Could a place like this really have that many customers coming to dine or enjoy coffee?
It seemed unlikely.
From Rio's perspective, a café in such a poor commercial location was probably only still operating thanks to a few loyal locals barely keeping it afloat.
And the current situation reflected that.
She'd only seen a few scattered customers so far.
If there was anything worth noting, it was that the café's decor was at least charming.
Whitewashed walls, black pillars, a small ornate wooden door, and a softly ringing welcome bell.
Above it hung a refined wooden sign engraved in elegant cursive: "LycoReco." (Riko-Riko)
"Come on, we'll be busy soon," Minami said, walking ahead.
"..." Hearing this, Rio couldn't help but glance at him.
Seriously?
Just judging from the dead atmosphere, there was zero sign of any "we'll be busy soon."
But since Minami had said so...
She didn't want to dampen his mood and simply responded with a soft "Mm."
With that, Rio followed Minami into the café called LycoReco.
And the moment Minami pushed open the door—
"Yo! Shouji-kun! Is that you?! You're here to help today?!"
A sudden cheerful voice startled Rio so badly she took a step back.
Snapping her eyes toward the source, she saw a golden-haired girl in a red-and-white uniform, similar to those from traditional inns, vault over the counter.
Yes, vaulted over the counter—completely unconcerned about whether her skirt might flip in front of Minami.
Her sunny energy and dazzling smile were so overwhelming that Rio, who usually hid away in the science prep room, felt almost scorched.
If she wasn't mistaken, this girl was one of the students linked to Minami from the Cultural Festival.
The blonde girl, brimming with enthusiasm, greeted Minami.
Then turned with curiosity to Rio. "And who's this?"
"Rio Futaba, a classmate of mine."
A simple introduction.
"Ooh—?"
Drawing out her tone mischievously, the blonde girl narrowed her eyes, sizing Rio up.
Her scrutiny was blatant, especially the stare at Rio's chest... making her feel uncomfortable.
But considering they were both girls, Rio didn't say anything.
Until...
After examining her for a while, the bubbly blonde suddenly said, "So, Rio-san is Minami-kun's latest addition to the harem, huh?"
"Huh?"
Minami didn't even have to react—Rio's face was already red as she shouted.
She stared at the blonde girl in disbelief.
Harem?! What was this lunatic talking about?
"I'm not."
Rio took a deep breath, suppressing the flurry in her heart. "I'm just here because Minami asked me to help."
"Oh...? That so?"
The red-eyed blonde blinked, then laughed, patting Rio on the shoulder. "Well, it's all the same! No difference!"
"There's a huge difference!"
Rio quickly glanced around to ensure Minami had moved ahead and hadn't heard, then lowered her voice. "I don't like Minami!"
At least... not now!
Her tone was firm.
But the blonde girl seemed completely unfazed.
Resting her cheek in her hand, she hummed, "Everyone says that at first, but in the end, they all fall for Minami-kun. I'm used to it."
"..."
Rio couldn't find the words to refute her.
What was this girl's deal?
She sounded just like Yamada Ryo.
Rio couldn't help but think of Ryo—they both had the same unshakable certainty that she'd fall for Minami.
That absolute confidence seriously rubbed her the wrong way.
Fall for Minami...?
Who said that? Who decided that?
Who would fall for him...?
She was only here to repay Minami for helping her!
She wasn't thinking any of those ridiculous thoughts! As she silently fumed—
Rio stole a glance at Minami.
He was speaking with a middle-aged man who looked like the café's manager, wearing a calm smile, listening attentively.
Maybe because of what the blonde girl had said earlier... just watching him like that made Rio's heart beat faster.
"Knew it." The blonde girl laughed softly.
"..." Rio didn't bother to respond.
But her silence didn't stop the girl.
Smiling, she extended her hand. "Talked so much and forgot to introduce myself. Nice to meet you, I'm Chisato Nishikigi. By harem ranking, you're the newest, so calling you Rio-chan should be fine, right?"
"..." Rio really wanted to argue with that "Rio-chan should be fine" nonsense.
But…
Forget it.
This girl was obviously like Yamada Ryo—not the type to listen to reason.
So she shook Chisato's hand. "I'm Rio Futaba."
Simple introduction.
Then Chisato asked curiously, "So Rio-chan, how'd you meet Minami-kun?"
"...Just call me Futaba or Rio."
Trying to correct her, Rio sighed. "Technically, I approached Minami first."
"Eh? Glasses and assertive? Didn't expect that. You went straight for Minami-kun, huh. Gotta say, great taste—spotting the guy I like right away."
Chisato grinned.
"I! Did! Not!"
Rio took a deep breath.
Just talking to Chisato for a few minutes had already raised her blood pressure.
"I had personal issues, so I asked Minami for advice! We don't have the kind of relationship you're imagining!"
"Eh...? That so? Ah, Takina! Perfect timing! I was just chatting with our newest harem member Rio-chan—come listen!"
Chisato perked up, waving over someone behind Rio.
Instinctively, Rio turned.
And saw...
A girl with jet-black hair, refined and graceful like a valley orchid, stood behind her.
Another girl Rio had seen beside Minami at the Cultural Festival.
The girl's cool gaze bore into her in silence.
Unlike Chisato's blazing presence, this quiet intensity nearly stole Rio's breath.
But then—
After sizing her up, the girl softened her gaze and gave a small nod. "Hello, I'm Takina Inoue."
"...Hello. I'm Rio Futaba."
Simple and polite.
Takina seemed to lose interest, turning to Chisato. "Chisato."
"Hmm?"
"That pot of coffee by the counter—how long has it been heating?"
"Eh...? Eh!!"
Chisato whipped around.
She realized the pot she'd left heating was now steaming.
"My coffee!!!"
She shouted, abandoning Rio and rushing behind the counter.
"Sorry about Chisato," Takina said politely.
"Ah... it's fine."
After Chisato's barrage of bold questions, Takina's formality left Rio unsure how to respond.
She could only nod awkwardly.
At least not everyone here is insane, she thought.
There are decent girls like Takina around.
But then—
"Chisato can be impulsive... but I also have a question for you, Futaba-san."
Takina's voice was calm, but serious.
Her amethyst eyes narrowed.
"Do you really not like Minami-kun? Not even a little?"
In that moment, Rio felt a chill completely different from Chisato's fiery presence.
Takina's words carried weight—a heavy seriousness.
And for the first time, Rio fell silent.
Did she like Minami...?
Even a little...?
That answer—
She wasn't so sure anymore.
