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Chapter 18: A Decision with a Life-Changing Consequences
🕑 Added 2025-02-03 12:41:25 +0000 UTCAfter experiencing the simulations from the first two playthroughs and interacting with Gotoh Hitori in reality today,
Minami had gained a fairly good understanding of the girl.
She was someone who was both strong and weak.
These two traits were not contradictory.
Because Gotoh Hitori's strength never showed on the surface.
In the second playthrough, she was hurt and saddened by rumors, yet she silently endured it for Minami. And after he left, she fell into a period of sadness.
But before long, she picked up her guitar again, practiced relentlessly, and led "Kessoku" through thick and thin, ultimately reaching their peak.
At the same time, Gotoh Hitori was also incredibly weak.
When it came to social interactions, she would instinctively place herself at the very bottom.
She would even go as far as doing a deep bow apology just because she couldn't come up with lyrics due to a lack of inspiration.
She always tried to please others, fearing that she might lose the friends she had worked so hard to make—without realizing that caring too much about others can lead to losing oneself.
She constantly humbled herself before others, not even daring to meet their gaze.
Strong yet fragile—this was Minami's evaluation of Gotoh Hitori.
And now, seeing his relationship with other girls progressing so rapidly, how would she feel?
Something didn't feel quite right to Minami.
He poured himself a glass of water and continued the simulation.
[Building deeper relationships with the members of Kessoku Band and the staff at Starry Club is certainly good.]
[But from beginning to end, you have never forgotten her—the one who had always earnestly guided you in learning the guitar, the one who stood in your shadow all along.]
"[Recently, your relationship with other girls has been improving, which seems to have caused a growing distance between you and her. Lately, you haven't even managed to exchange a couple of words with her.]
[Having spent so long with her, you naturally know that she is a delicate girl lacking in self-confidence, and she has always longed to communicate with others. Instead of waiting, it's better to take the initiative.]
[You decide to ask Gotoh Hitori out.]
Well done. Minami thought to himself as he watched the simulation. You must say, he truly lives up to his name; his self-discipline is indeed strong. Even when facing the end of the band and the numerous beautiful girls among the stars, he can still hold on to his original intention.
[Inviting Gotoh Hitori is not difficult for you; it's just a matter of a phone call, and she agrees. You can tell from her voice on the phone that your invitation made her happy.]
[On the day of the meeting, Gotoh Hitori's outfit makes you stop in your tracks.]
[You never expected that she would look so beautiful when she put in effort to dress up.]
Her fair and translucent skin complements her hair, which resembles cherry blossom petals. The well-proportioned light white laced shirt pairs with a black mid-length skirt, making Gotoh Hitori particularly charming today. But what's even more captivating is her figure, which is fuller compared to the average high school girl, making it impossible to look away.
[Due to her usual slouching and the extremely loose sportswear, her beautiful figure has never been fully revealed in front of others; the overly flashy outfit recommended by Kita Ikuyo made her feel even more uneasy. This is her first time showing her appearance to anyone outside of her family.]
[Yet, seeing your gaze drawn to her, she can only lower her head, feeling both happy and shy.]
[Since you don't have much money, you can only take her for a simple walk and sit in the park.]
[But even without a decent gift or a proper date location, she is still very happy to be following you; just being with you is enough for her.]
[In the end, you chose to eat in a roadside family restaurant.]
[During dinner, to avoid an overly silent atmosphere, your talkative self does not forget to liven things up. However, as you speak, you suddenly notice that Gotoh Hitori has unknowingly started to cry.]
[Under your concerned gaze, she finally speaks softly about the reason.]
[In the past two weeks, your relationship with the band members has improved, which should have been a reason for her joy, but amid her happiness, she has been tangled in distress, feeling overshadowed by your dazzling presence among them.]
[Touching the sun will only leave one burned and scarred.]
[She is very kind and has never complained or doubted your relationship with the other members of the band, but she feels an immense loathing for her own dark and negative thoughts.]
[You say nothing, only gently patting her back to help her breathe, quietly listening as she vents all her insecurities and negative emotions from the past two weeks. She feels like a fragile piece of porcelain, and you protect her well.]
[You help Gotoh Hitori untangle the knot of anxiety she has always felt, handing her a guarantee that can effectively alleviate her worries—a marriage registration form with your signature and seal.]
[Although you are not yet of legal age and your signature on the marriage registration form currently has no legal effect, you keenly notice that Gotoh Hitori's worries have significantly diminished.]
[From then on, she feels much lighter, but the day of the official performance gets closer and closer. The members of the band are also increasingly engaged in practice.]
[Nijika informs you that their hard work has its reasons; performing on stage has always been their dream.]
[You understand the effort Gotoh Hitori and the others have put into preparing for their performance, and you harbor no complaints about it.]
[Nijika has always admired you. She specially borrowed an old guitar that her friend hadn't used in a long time and gave it to you, who didn't have a guitar, to practice with.]
[Although you lack Gotoh Hitori's guidance, you learn quickly on your own, and you are not shy at all; often, when time permits, you perform on the streets. Your outstanding appearance and excellent solo singing and playing skills attract numerous girls to stop and watch.]
[Your understanding of the guitar deepens, and occasionally, you fill in for Kita Ikuyo during rehearsals when she cannot find the time. Your exceptional guitar skills impress Ijichi Nijika and Yamada Ryo.]
[As days go by, the date of the band's first official performance approaches.]
[And this is also the most important moment for the band.]
[You have witnessed the efforts of the band members all along.]
[You have always wanted to help but couldn't find the opportunity; perhaps this time is when you can shine, so you decide—]
[1. Do nothing and go with the flow.]
[2. You have gathered a small fanbase from your street performances. Perhaps you could invite them to help boost the atmosphere at the concert.]
[3. Prepare for the worst—practice their setlist in case something goes wrong.]
[4. Simulate the performance yourself.]
These options suddenly catch Minami's attention.
Without a doubt, this is a decision with life-changing consequences.
