My Simulation… Why Is It Turning into a Real Romance?!-Chapter 92 - 30: Easy to Win Over Woman

W-What now?!

Even Sakiko Togawa couldn't keep her usual cool in this situation. Her calm amber eyes flickered with panic as she stared at the utensils like they'd betrayed her.

This was an indirect kiss!

She'd gone to all-girls schools her whole life and never really interacted with boys.

She hadn't even had her first kiss or even held a guy's hand!

And now... this?

She skipped every stage in between!

Of course she froze!

If she stopped eating now, it'd look like she was overthinking things. That might make Haru feel weird, and she didn't want that at all. But if she kept eating...

It'd basically be like they were dating!

...And somehow, she didn't really hate that idea.

That realization stunned her.

She shook her head hard to chase away the strange thoughts, taking a deep breath to steady herself.

But a blushing girl never lies.

Her face betrayed her heart.

After a long pause, Sakiko made up her mind.

She put on a cool expression and calmly continued eating in small bites.

But the air between them had shifted, now awkwardly silent.

Haru raised an eyebrow at her 'indifferent' look and casually scanned her up and down.

"By the way... isn't this, like, an indirect kiss?"

"Pffft—! Cough, cough...!"

Sakiko choked violently and shot him a furious glare.

Idiot! Why would you say it out loud?!

You were supposed to pretend it didn't happen!

Her whole body tensed up. Her pale face flushed crimson, the red spreading across her cheeks and all the way down her neck.

"I'm full!"

"Thanks! For! The! Food!"

Sakiko gave Haru a sharp, burning glare.

She brushed back a strand of her tousled light blue hair, gave a tiny hmph, and stood up with her bento in hand.

Even in such a flustered state, Sakiko Togawa couldn't forget the etiquette and poise ingrained in her as a refined young lady. Forcing herself to suppress her embarrassment, she bowed her head and thanked Kazami Haru, then fled with her bento in hand like she was running for her life.

Watching her return to her usual self, Haru finally let out a breath of relief.

She'd seemed on edge lately, which was why Haru had decided to tease her a little—just enough to lift some of that pressure.

It wasn't because he thought it was fun to mess with her, seriously. He really just wanted her to relax a little!

That said, he could guess where some of that pressure was coming from.

Probably stress from daily life... or maybe from other things. Like that former bandmate constantly stirring up drama, or her childhood friend now reduced to being a message courier...

"...You could've left me a few bites."

Haru sighed, looking down at the nearly empty bento box on the table.

After packing it up, he got ready to head back to class.

Now that both bands had finally been formed, things were about to get busier. But his piano skill level hadn't improved much. He could already feel himself falling behind once real practice began.

He needed to level up.

The fastest way? Use the simulator to get a direct upgrade.

He only had three simulation attempts left, but it was probably time to use one.

"Meeep↑ Meeep↓!"

A soft, pouty voice called from behind. Turning around, he saw Anon Chihaya standing with hands on her hips, glaring at him suspiciously. Her lovely gray eyes kept darting toward his bento box like she was trying to uncover some clue.

That doubtful little expression clearly said, I don't trust you.

"Where'd you sneak off to eat lunch?"

He'd promised to practice guitar with her over lunch, then ditched her with a casual "got something to do."

She was actually looking forward to showing him how hard she'd practiced last night, hoping for a few words of praise and that jerk ran off!

She was not happy about it.

No way was he getting away so easily. At the very least, he owed her an ice cream.

Faced with her questioning eyes, Haru was momentarily lost for words.

What was he supposed to say? Sorry, ditched you for lunch with another girl?

Say that, and she'd probably tear into him with those sharp little fang-teeth.

As Anon stormed closer, Haru's survival instincts kicked in. His eyes scanned her quickly and then he noticed something.

"Hey, Anon, did you change your makeup today?"

"Eh? You noticed?"

Anon blinked in surprise. She had changed it up a little today.

She'd used a new eyeshadow and lip tint this morning, nothing major, but it made her features stand out more. She hadn't expected him to pick up on it so fast.

So he really has been paying attention to me...

That made her a little happy~

"It really suits you. You look cute."

"Hehe~ Really?"

Shy now, Anon tilted her head and started running her fingers through her cherry-pink hair out of habit. The soft smile on her lips made her delight obvious.

Seeing her like that, Haru finally felt like he could breathe again.

What an easy girl to deal with...

"Anyway, it's almost time for class. Let's head back."

"Eh—?"

Seizing the moment, Haru dashed back into the classroom, leaving the pink-haired girl with no chance to react. Anon, who'd just been glowing a second ago, froze.

That guy... he changed the subject!

"Wai—!"

Just as Anon was about to call after him, something made her pause.

She furrowed her brows slightly.

When Haru passed by just now... she caught a faint scent of shampoo. Gardenia?

That wasn't his usual scent.

Did he change brands?

...Or was it from someone else?

...

Meanwhile, back in the classroom, Haru let out a breath.

Crisis averted.

He'd just barely managed to dodge Anon's questions. If she'd figured it out, things could've gotten messy.

Now was a good time to begin his fourth simulation.

Available Simulation Attempts: 3

Available Targets: Ryo Yamada, Tomori Takamatsu, Sakiko Togawa, Anon Chihaya, Ikuyo Kita

Available Item Cards: 'Random Identity Card,' 'Nijika Ijichi IF Route Card'

With only three attempts, including the initial trigger, that left just two revives.

No room for careless trial and error like before.

So far, he hadn't tried Sakiko, Anon, or the IF route with Nijika. Who should he pick?

He was tempted to just marry Nijika-mama already, but with only two revives left, it felt too risky.

He wanted to aim for a clean, perfect run.

Ideally one that'd score him a top-tier "Excellent" rating.

Ever since that surprise success with Ryo, he'd been failing hard. Tomori and Kita's routes were rough; he hadn't even survived.

Better to play it safe—

"Find someone easy to win over..."

Haru's eyes landed on Sakiko Togawa. Remembering her reactions earlier, his heart skipped a bit.

Back in Tomori's simulation, he'd accidentally ended up on Sakiko's route. He'd even had a secret affair with her in Kita's simulation.

Clearly, his compatibility with Sakiko wasn't bad.

But going after her seriously? That was another challenge entirely.

Should he pick her?

Thunk!

A crumpled paper ball hit him square in the head.

Snapped out of his thoughts, Haru looked back and saw Anon smirking mischievously. She tapped her desk and motioned for him to read the note.

He had a bad feeling.

Opening the crumpled paper, he saw neat handwriting:

As punishment, you owe me ice cream after school.

What kind of one-sided deal is this?

Damn pink fluff!

Expression blank, Haru set the note down. Anon gave him a puzzled look, but he'd already made his choice.

In real life, he couldn't do anything to this pink menace. But in the simulation?

Time to make her see stars.

Simulation Target Confirmed: Anon Chihaya.

Use item?

No.

The Random Identity Card was more useful for unfamiliar targets.

But Anon already had some real-world affection toward him, a strong starting point. No need to sacrifice that for stats.

Simulation Begins

Remaining Attempts: 2

[Like a real-life Superman, you've formed two all-girl bands in just one month and earned the admiration of several top-tier beauties. One word from you and your harem ending is within reach!]

[Today, you've prepared a handmade lunch for Sakiko Togawa, keeping your promise to let her taste your cooking. But during the lunch break, you're suddenly intercepted by Anon Chihaya.]

[Apparently, she was looking forward to your guitar session and came to invite you personally.]

You decide to:

1. "My heart belongs to Sakiko. Scram, pink fluff."

2. "It's not like I only get one shot, go practice guitar with Anon."

3. "Why wait? Just confess to her!"

4. "Enter VR mode. Personal simulation."

Haru stared at the screen.

As expected, the simulation began from the current timeline.

In real life, he'd gone with Sakiko. Now, he had the chance to choose differently.

From what he knew about the simulator, each choice deeply influenced his simulated self's path.

Choosing wrong meant crashing into a wall.

If he picked Option 1 again, like in real life, he'd likely end up on Sakiko's route.

If his simulated self caught feelings for her, Anon would be left in the dust.

"Option 3..."

Haru winced.

Why did these damn sims always give him a confession option right away?

Thanks to the trauma from Tomori and Kita's failed sims, he had PTSD about confessions.

Those options were bait. Pick them, and he'd drop dead on the spot.

Let him guess: choose Option 3, and they'd become "more than friends, not quite lovers," like last time. Looked promising, but in reality? Total disaster.

Once the girl caught wind of his romantic interest, she'd put up her guard. Cue misunderstandings, distance, and eventually... game over.

Better to play it safe.

[You decide to go with Anon's request. Lunch with Sakiko can wait, but Anon's rare show of affection is something you can't turn down. Unable to resist her pleading, you accept.]

[She lights up with joy.]

[You even call in Hitori Gotoh, a guitar expert, to help with training. Her sharp eye pinpoints Anon's weak spots, which stings Anon's pride a bit.]

[Still, Anon shows off her hard work from last night and to your surprise, she nails everything you taught her.]

[You praise her with genuine admiration.]

[Thanks to your and Bocchi's intensive midday training, Anon manages to master most of "Haruhikage" in just one afternoon, just in time for the band session.]

[The results speak for themselves. Anon looks at you with a tenderness in her eyes.]

What the—?

Wait. Does Pink Fluff... like me?

Haru narrowed his eyes in suspicion.

Could it be... that this damn simulator was tricking him for not choosing the "confession" route?

Good thing he was cautious!

[Though Anon Chihaya has temporarily overcome her crisis, her overall guitar skills still haven't matured. She needs consistent guidance and training from you to reach the average skill level of the band.]

[Because of your involvement, she's working incredibly hard.]

[During a training session, you introduce Kaname as a new member of the band. The "stray cat" displays exceptional guitar skills far beyond her peers, and everyone is impressed, there are no complaints.]

[Everyone except Anon, who's always been cheerful, she now looks visibly dejected.]

[Her sadness catches your attention, and you decide to:]

1. Give her space to cool off and think alone.

2. Money's tight, so go to work first and then ask her out when you've saved up.

3. Confess to her on the spot—blitz attack!

4. Virtual reality: Personally Direct simulation.

I've seen these plotlines before...

Another suspiciously well-placed "Confess Now!" option. Typical of the simulator to drop it in as a trap.

At this moment, Anon's sadness was clearly due to feeling inferior after seeing Kaname's insane guitar talent, a harsh gap that left her flustered and downcast.

And on top of that, it was you who brought Kaname into the band. Of course she'd be frustrated.

But ignoring her now would only make her feel neglected!

"So... Option 2 it is?"

Working part-time, saving money, and then taking Anon on a relaxing date seemed like the most balanced solution.

[You realize just how broke you are, not even able to afford a proper date.]

[So, you decide to work hard for a few days and invite Anon out after saving up, a gesture that will show how much she matters to you.]

[You begin working nonstop over the next few days, all with the goal of asking Anon out.]

[During one shift, Sakiko Togawa accidentally scalds herself with hot coffee. Fortunately, you're there to treat her injury immediately.]

[Despite the pain, she stubbornly insists on finishing the day's work, which tugs at your conscience.]

So, you decide to:

1. Respect her decision and let her continue.

2. Insist on tending to her wound, no matter what.

3. Virtual reality.

A rare special choice?

Kazami Haru froze for a moment. These urgent decision points left no time to weigh pros and cons.

Was he really supposed to just let injured Sakiko keep working?

Even if this wasn't her route, he couldn't do that.

There wasn't time to hesitate, his instincts kicked in and he chose to help her.

[Sakiko Togawa's affection toward you increased.]

Haru had confidence in his charm, sure, but... was that really enough to make Sakiko fall for him just from a simple favor?