I_LOVE_RICE+
patreon
Chapter 76: Your Tailing Talent Exceeds That of Ordinary People
🕑 Added 2025-02-06 08:43:22 +0000 UTC[Your relationship with her has progressed by leaps and bounds.]
After seeing this line, Minami felt a little relieved.
Although he had given up on the more cautious "boiling frog" approach, the more aggressive choice seemed to be working quite well.
At least, in his previous run, although he had steadily built his relationship with Chisato Nishikigi, there was no progress like this.
Let's continue reading.
[Although becoming friends with her happened naturally, just like in the regretful dream, you and she are still only friends.]
[You understand clearly that beneath her cheerful, carefree beauty, there are still hidden secrets unknown to anyone.]
[She remains unwilling to share that hidden secret with you, or anyone for that matter.]
[You didn't lose heart, nor did you give up because you've already secretly made up your mind to figure everything out this time.]
[You continue to study tailing, tracking, and other techniques, while also keeping up your research in film and music.]
[Your grades have slightly declined, but due to your exceptional intellect, your talent in tailing and tracking has exceeded that of ordinary people. Your tailing and tracking skills have greatly improved, and your knowledge of film and music has slightly increased.]
"..." Minami.
Ignoring the line about 'Your talent for tailing and tracking exceeds that of ordinary people,' he once again immersed himself in the simulation.
[Because you specifically researched the blonde girl's hobbies, every time you discuss with her, you can always throw out some perspectives that surprise her.]
[She always curiously asks you various questions about music and movies, and your rich expertise makes her admire you.]
[She began to frequently talk to you on LINE.]
[Your relationship with Chisato Nishikigi has deepened.]
[You have become an important friend to her.]
[Watching the girl step by step deepen her relationship with you and slowly fall into the trap you've meticulously set is quite satisfying.]
[Because everything is going according to your plan.]
[Now, the timing seems ripe, and you've decided—]
[1. Tailing and tracking is indeed a crime, as a perfect young man, I shouldn't be doing this. I should focus on preparing the performance and rely on the right way to win her over.]
[2. The woman, Yamada Ryo, actually secretly took me out for a meal while I was researching music and film. I guess I should tie her up and correct her properly?! (BRUTAL SEGGS)]
[3. Since the plan has progressed this far, there's no turning back! I must win over Chisato Nishikigi's heart! Even if it means tailing and tracking her, so be it!]
[4. Simulate it myself!]
Three options appeared.
The content of these choices could be described as increasingly absurd.
Also, Yamada Ryo, who came from such a wealthy family, was now extorting money from him, a poor man.
Was this person serious?
Minami couldn't help but twitch his mouth.
Could it be because he extorted 1000 yen from her using his guardian spirit last time, so she's trying to get revenge now?
"No way...?" Minami muttered, unsure.
Considering the personality of Yamada Ryo in the simulation, she really might do something like this.
"Forget it, forget it."
Thinking about the 1000 yen's fate in the simulation didn't matter.
Minami focused on the third option. After hesitating for a while, he finally chose it.
[Yes, the tailing plan has already been prepared to this point, how can I give up easily? Although you hesitated, you still decided to carry out the plan.]
[Through days of outdoor performances, you now have some extra money—this money was given to you by a very enthusiastic older sister fan during one of your outdoor performances.]
[Since you've always felt that the money came from somewhat inappropriate means, you haven't used it.]
[But now, you can't care about that anymore. You decide to invest this money into the plan.]
[You purchased a miniature tracker online.]
[At the same time, knowing Chisato Nishikigi's interests well, you also bought a small bear doll from a nearby toy store, about the size of your palm.]
[You hide the miniature tracker inside the bear doll, preparing everything seamlessly.]
[Given how close you are with her now, she definitely won't refuse if you give her a small gift.]
In the simulation, the memories of buying the bear doll and the miniature tracker flashed through Minami's mind.
He couldn't help but gasp.
Wait...
This is my first time doing something like this, why does the version of myself in the simulation seem so experienced?
He even considered Chisato Nishikigi's personality, as well as his relationship with her...
Could it be that I really have a talent for this?
That thought crossed Minami's mind.
But the next second, he shook his head in denial.
"No, no, no, how could that be?"
The version of himself in the simulation couldn't be compared to his real-life self, could it?
Moreover, considering a girl like Chisato Nishikigi, who keeps everything hidden deep inside and silently endures, if he didn't take such actions...
The chances were high that it would end up like last time, full of regret.
He found a random excuse to convince himself, and the simulation continued.
The next day, after the performance, you took out the little bear doll in front of Chisato Nishikigi with the flair of a magician.
In the simulation, the scene of the memory flickered like a light spot.
"Wow—"
Her golden-white hair swayed as Chisato Nishikigi cutely took two steps to the left and glanced at the little bear doll sitting in Minami's palm.
Then, she tilted her head, took two more steps to the right, and looked at it again.
The doll's exquisite craftsmanship and cute movements completely captured her attention.
"So cute..."
She couldn't help but murmur to herself, reaching out to touch the little bear doll in Minami's hand.
But Minami's palm skillfully pulled back, causing her fair, soft hand to miss.
"Hey—? Minami-kun, you're so stingy. I just wanted to touch it."
The girl puffed her cheeks in anger and started to act coquettish toward Minami.
At the same time, she was a bit surprised in her heart.
Because, apart from the coffee shop owner who raised her since childhood, she had never acted so coquettish toward other men.
But since she had already done it, she wasn't embarrassed.
She boldly reached out her hand: "Let me see."
"1500 yen, please."
Minami spoke calmly.
"Hey... What's that number? So expensive! You black-hearted Minami-kun"
Chisato Nishikigi pouted and complained, then completely ignored Minami. She grabbed his hand and forcibly shoved the little bear doll into her own hands, inspecting it closely.
"Let's sit on the bench over there."
Minami suggested.
"Okay—"
She responded while carefully examining the details of the little bear doll, not bothering to look up.
She reached out her other fair hand toward Minami.
Her meaning was simple enough for Minami to understand with just one glance—hold my hand.
Without saying a word, Minami naturally took her hand, leading her to the bench like a blind person guiding the way, and they sat down.
They sat in silence for a while.
"Ah, Minami, pervert!"
Chisato Nishikigi pulled her hand out of Minami's, and with a bright blush in her eyes, she glared at him: "Why wouldn't you let go? Are you reluctant?"
"Yes."
Minami nodded and answered.
"You guy—"
After putting the bear doll down, Chisato Nishikigi put her hands on her hips, pouted, and teased Minami: "So, holding my hand makes you feel good, huh?"
It was meant as a joke, something she often said in daily life.
But—
"It does feel quite nice."
To her surprise, Minami replied after some serious thought.
Huh—!?
The unexpected directness made Chisato Nishikigi, who had just been teasing, lean back dramatically.
Usually so cheerful, she couldn't help but gape, seemingly flustered, and waved her hands in front of her chest: "Wait, Minami-san, you must have misunderstood, I was just joking!"
"Really?"
Minami tilted his head and blinked: "But I'm not joking."
His tone carried no trace of humor.
Huh!
"You guy..."
Facing the direct hit, Chisato Nishikigi had no resistance at all. She could only cover her flushed face and let out a final dissatisfied sound: "If your girlfriend finds out that you're tricking other girls like this, you'll be in big trouble."
"What are you talking about?"
Minami looked at her curiously: "I don't have a girlfriend."
"Eh—?!"
Her voice rose in pitch as Chisato Nishikigi jumped up from the bench, her face full of disbelief as she looked at Minami.
'Is that true?'
That's probably what she wanted to say.
"Really."
Minami responded, then thought for a moment before speaking: "Or I could compromise and have you be my girlfriend. I wouldn't mind."
"Why are you acting like it's so natural? And what do you mean by 'compromise'?"
Chisato Nishikigi, still angry, reached out and pinched Minami's nose: "Is being my boyfriend really that much of a sacrifice for you?"
"Do I look like I need a girlfriend?"
Minami's voice was muffled because of the pinched nose.
"Well... not really."
Chisato Nishikigi blinked.
Every time Minami performed outdoors, a group of older sisters would always gather around to greet him warmly.
If Minami wanted...
He could probably find a few girlfriends in one day.
"Right?"
Minami spoke naturally: "I'm not lacking in girlfriends, and being the great guy I am, if I were to lower myself to be your boyfriend, isn't that a sacrifice?"
"Yes, yes, yes."
After releasing his nose, Chisato Nishikigi rolled her eyes and then gave a small bow: "Mr. Minami, if you're willing to lower yourself and marry this humble girl, it's truly my great fortune."
"So, how about we try it?"
Minami suggested tentatively.
Given their close relationship, it shouldn't be an issue for them to transition into a romantic relationship.
But—
In Minami's gaze, Chisato Nishikigi's eyes showed some hesitation before she shook her head.
"Mm... I think I'll pass."
She smoothed the wrinkles in her skirt, smiling as she tilted her head: "I think Mr. Minami is right, it's me who's not good enough for you."
"...Is that so?"
"So, it really doesn't work after all?"
He felt a slight regret in his heart, but quickly returned to his usual self: "I think so too. It's better not to let you, silly woman, delay me."
"Ah—?! You actually said something like that! Chisato-sama is really going to be mad now."
In the setting sun.
She stood up and pounced on Minami, tumbling with him in a playful manner.
[Your relationship with her is still progressing.]
[Similarly, you can clearly sense that Chisato Nishikigi is quite curious about relationships between men and women.]
[But for some unknown reason, every time you bring up this topic in a tentative manner, she always finds some cheerful excuse to avoid it.]
[For this relationship, which only stays at the level of friendship, you now know what you must do.]
[Slow and steady may work well, but a more aggressive approach might also break the situation open.]
[You gave Chisato Nishikigi the little bear doll.]
[She was very happy to receive this unexpected gift.]
[At the same time, her already close relationship with you allowed her to completely relax and not inspect the little bear doll as carefully as she might have otherwise.]
[She even said that she would keep the little bear doll in her backpack and carry it with her.]
[The little bear doll, which had a tiny tracker inside, was happily and cheerfully placed into her bag by her, with no worries at all.]
[You feel a bit guilty, thinking you've taken advantage of her trust, but you've been eager to understand why she disappeared without a word in your dreams.]
[Why does she, despite seeming optimistic and cheerful, keep her heart closed to everyone?]
[When you returned home, you opened your phone, and the map showed her location.]
[You know that place, and it isn't far from your rented apartment.]
[It could be said that everything is aligned perfectly.]
[At the same time, you clearly realize that your plan has already succeeded to a great extent.]
[Next, it's just a matter of slowly digging out the secrets she's hiding deep within her heart.]
[This may be a long-term strategy, but patience is something you're not short of.]
[Lying in bed, you wait for tomorrow to arrive.]
[Time will not stop flowing because of anyone's thoughts.]
[The next day arrives just as expected.]
[But this time, unlike usual, you deliberately change the direction of your morning run.]
[Following the guidance of the tracker, you quickly find yourself near a residential area, seemingly aimlessly jogging.]
[And this happens to coincide with meeting the golden-haired girl running down the stairs.]
[You "bump into" Chisato Nishikigi.]
