How can my simulation be a real love?

"...Just as I guessed, the 'node' that ends the time loop is indeed on Ming."

"Is the reason I was able to escape from the dream because the final 'victor' is...me?"

The girl, who was muttering to herself, suddenly pressed her dry, thin lips together tightly. Her eyes welled up with tears, and she could only tilt her head back slightly to avoid crying. But she couldn't suppress the joy that came from the bottom of her heart.

She could only let out a few cute whimpers, tossing and turning in bed while clutching her pillow.

Did I win?

In this endless cycle of the 'dream,' I've been repeating myself nearly a hundred times. No matter how hard I try or what seemingly perfect strategies I employ, I always end up with a series of crushing defeats.

Even Wakaba Mutsu, whom she considered to pose no threat, easily shattered all of her courage in a direct confrontation.

Who knew that in the end, because of his own self-destructive behavior, he inexplicably accomplished the victory conditions that he had never achieved before.

"...But I clearly didn't properly confess my feelings to Ming until the very end!"

"Not only did I become so embarrassing, but in the end, it was Ming who pulled me out of it..."

The excited girl gently clenched her pink fist, the intense emotions of resentment and shame surging through her mind; but Toyokawa Shoko felt no anger, and instead, a slight smile appeared on her beautiful face.

Toyokawa Shoko knew, of course, that he was just putting on a brave facade of 'resoluteness,' and that he was actually ugly, weak, and cowardly. Even when this side of him was exposed to Naru, he still smiled and faced her completely.

The only one who could pull her out of such a weak state was Kazami Naruto!

"I can accept being weak in his arms, but I can't accept continuing like this... I can only be weak in front of Ming! But I also want to be able to walk side by side with him!"

Toyokawa Shoko has no regrets or complaints about entering this 'dream'. In fact, she is very grateful for the trials this dream has given her, because now she can fully face the overflowing love in her heart.

No matter what, she had to tell him how she felt in person.

In real life, Toyokawa Shoko would never give up Mei to another girl!

Having made up her mind, Toyokawa Shoko quickly stood up, almost rushing towards the entrance to head straight for the "Chicken and Dog Chaos Apartment".

But when Toyokawa Shoko put on her white lace socks and opened the door in her little leather shoes, she suddenly realized that the outside world was pitch black. Only then did she realize that it was 5:30 in the morning, no longer the endless daytime in her 'dream'.

"Seriously... what am I in such a hurry for?"

Kazami Naruto would definitely be asleep by now, so Toyokawa Shoko wouldn't actually go over and disturb him.

If I rushed over now, she'd probably think I was weird before I even got a chance to confess.

"..."

Toyokawa Shoko pressed her hand to her chest, using her breathing to suppress the pounding in her heart.

Calm down, calm down!

How many times did she fail in the 'dream' because she was too hot-blooded?

How many suitable opportunities has she missed because of her lack of composure?

What Toyokawa Shoko should do now is get some sleep. If she's going to see him tomorrow... as a girl, she has to keep her skin in top condition. With that thought, Toyokawa Shoko lay back down on the bed and covered her face with the small blanket.

"Now that things have come to this, I have nothing to fear anymore."

……

When faced with something you've already decided is inevitable, you never hesitate to act.

[The self-destructive Toyokawa Shoko hid in her room, too afraid to leave. But you forcefully pulled her away with all your might. You thought she might be angry or smile, but to your surprise, she just buried her face in your chest and cried her heart out.]

In just a few minutes, her tears soaked the front of your clothes, but you simply comforted her by gently combing her hair and wiping her red and swollen eyes with a handkerchief. The constant flow of her tears made you sigh in your heart, 'Girls really are made of water.'

Regardless of the process, you still successfully led her out of the room.

[Toyokawa Shoko's feelings for you have deepened, and your relationship has become more intimate.]

"call……"

The letters that appeared on the simulation panel made Kazami Naru let out a long sigh of relief. He was a little tired from just getting out of the [personal simulation], but the joy of finally getting results out of his hard work still overwhelmed him.

He relaxed completely and slumped into the chair.

If nothing unexpected happens, the next step will be to proceed according to the normal route.

After all, Kazami Mei knows himself best. When he saw how cute Ooshiro-sensei was, crying like a little kitten, during his "personal simulation," he couldn't believe that he wouldn't fall completely for her in the simulation.

"However, we can't let our guard down completely; we have to complete the simulation properly until the very end."

Rubbing his temples, Kazami Mei gradually perked up and focused his attention back on the simulation panel.

Since that incident, your interactions with Toyokawa Shoko have become more frequent. You've noticed yourself becoming increasingly concerned about her, and her extremely irresponsible work attitude towards her health makes you constantly uneasy.

So you started to help her with her band work, take the initiative to look after her daily life, and share her burdens.

You initially thought that the proud and self-respecting Toyokawa Shoko might not allow you to make one-sided sacrifices.

But you never expected her attitude towards you to be so unexpected. Even if you get up early to prepare lunch for her, she will happily accept it with a smile. She won't refuse even if you offer to help with the chores.

[That tense face, which I always saw on ordinary days, is now melting away like early spring snow.]

Her smile became more and more frequent.

[It was only at this moment that you truly realized that this might be her most authentic self.]

Your relationship with her is getting closer, so you decide—

[1. Go high jump under the sunset to attract her attention]

[2. Play the 'Happy Sachiko' game with her. It's said that this game can keep two friends together forever.]

[3. Find an opportunity to make advances towards her, using this as a way to test her attitude.]

【4. Virtual Reality, Personal Simulation】

"...options with unclear meaning."

The four options presented before him made Kazami Mei's face stiffen. Whether it was jumping high under the sunset or playing the 'Happy Sachiko' game, there was something strange about it, as if something was wrong with her.

If we use the process of elimination to choose, the most reliable option among these three is actually eating tofu?

After a moment's thought, Kazami Naruto chose the bottom option.

You absolutely must eat tofu!

Kazami Mei is aiming for a "from school uniform to wedding dress" and "from dating to marriage" relationship with Sho. Games that allow friends to stay together forever are completely unsuitable. If they're going to play a game, it should be a game for lovers!

Furthermore, his relationship with Xiangzi may have now transcended ordinary friendship; the two, who can talk about almost anything, don't need to attract any attention.

All things considered, taking advantage of her is the best option!

Testing the waters is a good way to determine the relationship and feelings between two people, so you decide to try making a little advances towards her.

On the empty rooftop, there was only a bench large enough for two people. A girl with long, azure hair and a perfect face sat calmly beside her.

She held a delicate and brightly colored bento box in her arms. The dignified and elegant young girl used only the wooden chopsticks in her slender fingers to pick up the dishes. Every time she took a bite, she would gently squint her crystal-like mysterious eyes.

In a daze, gentle, light praise kept coming from the girl's mouth—

"It's delicious today too! It's like magic~ How does Naru make the food so delicious?"

"The catalyst was last year's baseball game..."

He instinctively responded and saw that Toyokawa Shoko looked puzzled. He just coughed lightly and said casually, "You'll naturally learn if you practice more. Besides, I don't have a bento box every day."

Toyokawa Shoko's teasing words made the girl blink gently.

"Huh? But I want to eat it every day."

The girl with long, sky-blue hair gently raised her swan-like neck. The warm, bright sunlight pierced through the air, reflecting a glimmer in her eyes. Her radiant and dazzling smile was like a gentle breeze, as pure and beautiful as a poem or a painting.

Seeing her reaction, Kazami Mei simply raised an eyebrow.

"How can someone be so greedy? A boss shouldn't treat his employees like that!"

"...But, but I really want to eat Naru's cooking every day."

Unconsciously, the girl reverted to her dignified verbal tic as a 'young lady'. This strange tone, when spoken by her, not only didn't seem odd, but actually had an inexplicable charm, making Kazami Mei prop her chin up with a half-smile.

"In that case, how about a lap pillow as payment?"

"Eh?"

The girl sitting next to him was instantly bathed in the glow of the setting sun. Shy and at a loss, she remained silent for a moment before nodding slightly and carefully placing the bento box in her hand beside her.

Under Kazami Mei's gaze, the girl revealed her light, willow-leaf-like skirt and soft black over-the-knee socks.

But he just looked at her without saying a word.

Having waited for so long, Toyokawa Shoko saw that Kazami Mei hadn't made any move on her. Her ears burned with embarrassment, and she forced herself to suppress her shyness, only managing to muster her courage to speak in a barely audible voice—

"Please feel free to use it."

It takes a genius to be able to endure that.

Without hesitation, Kazami Mei gently lay down on the girl's slender and soft thighs. The delicate touch of the cotton socks, accompanied by a faint fragrance, made him subconsciously raise an eyebrow. Then, without giving the girl any time to adjust, he casually grabbed her small hand that was playing the piano and held it in his arms.

Toyokawa Shoko was stiff and dared not move, but a faint smile appeared on her face.

"Ming, is this enough?"

"What else can I ask you to do? Give me a kiss?"

As soon as Kazami finished speaking, a delicate fragrance of bellflowers wafted to her nose.

The girl, her face flushed, quietly reached out and straightened his head, then leaned down quickly, afraid he would realize what was happening.

The empty rooftop was filled with two hearts nestled together.

……

You, who always flirted with her, probably never imagined that you, who always had the upper hand, would have your first kiss stolen by her.

From the moment you took the initiative to 'test' the other person, the thin membrane between you two was gently broken, and from now on, you will no longer be limited to the actions that can be taken within the scope of a 'friend' relationship.

The emotions within you have already become intertwined.

You and Toyokawa Shoko became lovers.

Kazami Mei slowly opened her eyes, the memory of what had just happened still lingering in her mind.

"No, isn't this Xiao Xiang?"

From the very beginning, she had been subtly and overtly hinting at him. After he moved forward even slightly, she couldn't hold back and charged straight at him. It was hard to imagine that the girl in his memory was actually the same Xiao Xiang who always had a stiff face and dared not tell the truth.

Isn't this a bit too big a difference from before?

He couldn't help but sigh inwardly.

It seems that he may not have much of a memory of the previous 'options'. Even if he takes the initiative to back down, the other party will keep getting closer. It is already a foregone conclusion that he and Toyokawa Shoko will become 'lovers'.

It's simply a matter of how long or short it takes for this relationship to be revealed, all because of their own choices; perhaps from the moment Kazami pulled her out of the room, their fates were already completely intertwined.

After you became a couple, the way you interacted changed drastically.

[Toyokawa Shoko has completely let go of her 'pride'. Without the protection of her sharp shell, she is as gentle as water, and her beautiful smile, like a spring breeze, often makes you lose your mind. She also often seizes this opportunity, looking around and then quietly tiptoeing to exchange the love in her heart with you.]

She's incredibly bold, bolder than you'd expect.

Despite having never experienced romance before, and even learning about love through shoujo manga, this young lady is far bolder than you imagine. Even if it's just waiting with you in an elevator for a few seconds, she'll launch a passionate offensive.

The changes in your relationship will naturally attract the attention of others.

[The entire Mygo group, who were preparing for their next live performance, seemed to have been affected. Although they were still persisting with their basic training, they were often secretly saddened when you couldn't see them.]

You thought they might bury their feelings deep inside, but they still surprised you.

[At their debut live performance hosted by Mygo, all of them confessed their love to you.]

what?

Kazami Mei was slightly taken aback; he really hadn't expected this.

In previous simulations, if he established a relationship with someone, others would basically not dare to reveal their feelings.

But now all of them are confessing their love to Xiangzi. Isn't this clearly an attempt to go against Xiangzi?

They seemed to have planned to confess their feelings to you in turn, but you knew you could no longer reciprocate their affections. After sincerely apologizing and rejecting them one by one, they all readily accepted this fact, yet still insisted they wouldn't give up.

If Toyokawa Shoko does anything to betray you, they will definitely take you away from you openly and honestly.

When Toyokawa Shoko learned of this, she personally went to apologize sincerely to everyone at Mygo and declared that she would accept their 'supervision'.

Kazami Mei was both amused and exasperated.

In the simulation, Teacher Da Xiang was indeed as docile as a clingy kitten in front of him, but in front of her 'love rivals', she always put on a strong and serious attitude. She told everyone in Mygo everything about herself, apologized to them, and then grabbed his hand in front of everyone.