How can my simulation be a real love?

"Eh?"

Why was this decision made so suddenly? Was there some triggering event?

Toyokawa Shoko's expression suddenly froze. Whether it was from the cold air or simply her own inner turmoil, her cheeks flushed a delicate blush at a visible speed. Noticing this, she slowly tucked her face into her scarf.

However, being stubborn by nature, she suddenly raised her delicate and charming eyebrows.

"Because we're already eighteen, I have to... take on enough responsibility!"

"That's right, it's my responsibility as a wife!"

The girl's amber-like eyes were like a sliver of moonlight in clear water, and her pure white, snow-like face was as beautiful as a celestial being. She simply stretched out her jade-like, slender left hand and pressed it against her chest, as if making a declaration.

It seems that there is no shame whatsoever when it comes to things related to Toyokawa Shoko.

Kazami Mei slowly widened her eyes, speaking with a hint of surprise in her voice—

"Xiao Xiang, are you... proposing?"

The next moment, the girl nodded seriously.

"That's right, it's a marriage proposal!"

"Laundry and cooking are just the basics. I will take care of all the household chores and life in the future perfectly, including... serving my husband as a wife and the knowledge of raising children. I have already learned all of these in a serious manner."

As she spoke, Toyokawa Shoko took out a piece of white paper from her pocket, on which the words 'Marriage Industry' were clearly written in large characters. She also took out a ballpoint pen and a stamp. It was hard to imagine how long she had been carrying these things with her.

Seeing her serious expression, Kazami Mei couldn't help but chuckle.

"...Isn't this kind of proposal a bit too unromantic?"

"We are lovers bound by fate, and my future is irreplaceable by Ming."

Kazami Mei smiled, then spoke meaningfully—

"Is it because you're worried the Toyokawa family will obstruct us?"

"...!"

The girl froze slightly, clearly struck by his words.

Seeing her lower her head with a pitiful look, Feng Jianming simply smiled and said, "Shakespeare said, 'The road to true love is never smooth.' Even if your grandfather really wants to stop you, I will still marry you openly and honestly."

"So cunning!"

"Only Ming is showing off."

Toyokawa Shoko took a deep breath, and the next moment she gently pressed her fingertips against her chest.

"My desire to marry Ming is stronger than ever before."

"I will prove to you my love—"

Without any hesitation, the girl took Kazami Naruto's hand and pulled him towards home with a slightly forceful gesture.

I won't be able to sleep tonight.

104

Chapter 104 Her petals are resilient.

In just three short years of high school, you relied on your increasingly exquisite piano skills to win first place in piano competitions of all sizes with an absolute advantage. Your musical talent has led to a continuous stream of awards.

[Finally, at the age of eighteen, after graduating from high school, you won first place in the Hamamatsu International Piano Competition.]

Your reputation as a pianist is gradually spreading throughout the country, and no one among contemporary young people can compare to you.

As you continue to improve yourself, Toyokawa Shoko, who was initially more skilled than you, can no longer keep up with your pace. The more stubborn she is, the more she feels the gap between you.

Your hands seem born to press the piano keys; the way you sit at the piano is so profound that she can only look up to you in awe.

However, despite the setback, Toyokawa Shoko did not become discouraged. While it was natural for her to feel somewhat frustrated that her talent could not match yours, she was more than happy for your excellence and genuinely proud of you.

The woman who is weak only in your arms is willing to be your supportive 'wife'.

Having won numerous international piano awards, you have already made a name for yourself on the world stage. As a result, the Curtis Institute of Music, one of the world's most prestigious music schools, has extended an invitation to you. Known as the "cradle of soloists," the Curtis Institute excels in composition, conducting, vocal performance, orchestral instruments, and keyboard instruments, and has nurtured many top musicians.

What is your decision regarding this?

[1. Study abroad to further your education, until you have developed sufficiently outstanding abilities]

[2. Give up this opportunity; you need to spend more time with Xiangzi.]

Special options?

Kazami Naruto was still thinking that the simulator was constantly advancing the plot, and logically, no more options should appear.

Who knew that in just a brief moment of distraction, this special option would suddenly appear before my eyes.

If Kazami Mei fails to react in time, the time-limited 'special option' will run automatically, potentially rendering all the hard work put into the simulation of Shoko's route futile.

Without hesitation, he made his choice immediately—

Of course, he couldn't go abroad; how could he leave Xiao Xiang alone here?

……

On the flashing phone screen in front of me, a brief message was clearly etched.

【I've finished showering. Can Ming come to the room early tonight?】

I have something I want to tell you.

Kazami Mei stared at the message in her hand and couldn't help but let out a long sigh of relief.

Miss Toyokawa has been living with him for almost three years now. Although the rented apartment has far more than two rooms, Toyokawa Shoko insists that the two of them, as 'lovers,' must sleep together at night.

In her words, it would be something like, "What kind of logic is it for us to sleep in separate beds when we're going to be husband and wife?"

Kazami Mei, of course, couldn't resist her stubbornness and readily agreed to her small request.

Go upstairs and open the door.

As soon as Kazami entered the bedroom, she saw a blue-haired girl sitting on the bed. The girl, wearing a pure white shirt and hugging a soft pillow, raised her head with slightly flushed cheeks.

The room was dimly lit by only a faint light, but the two of them could still make out each other's faces with that sliver of light.

The girl's usual elegant braids and ponytail tied with a hairband were all undone, transforming into a waterfall of smooth and delicate azure straight hair that cascaded over her flawless white shoulders. The loose white shirt could not conceal the girl's exquisite figure, and a blush like cherry blossoms appeared on her pretty and beautiful face.

"...Please, please sit down."

Despite feeling shy, Toyokawa Shoko still raised her head and met his eyes.

Seeing her reserved demeanor, Kazami Mei couldn't help but smile. Then, she skillfully sat down on the edge of the bed. At that moment, the faint scent of bellflowers drifted through the air along the girl's soft, long hair.

Miss Toyokawa, her face flushed, remained silent, as if she wanted to say something but hesitated.

Seeing that she seemed a little nervous, Kazami Mei couldn't help but smile and say—

Why did you wear my shirt today?

"...because it has a scent I like, and the size is just right as pajamas."

Shoko Toyokawa suppressed her shyness and quietly turned the pillow she was holding over.

Kazami Mei looked along the edge of the soft pillow and saw a big 'YES' written on it. For the two who had already become lovers, the meaning was self-evident.

However, Kazami blinked in confusion, as he vaguely sensed something from her.

"Should I go get that? There should be some left over."

"...No, no need! Let's skip that today."

Toyokawa Shoko seemed a little anxious, leaning forward slightly. This 'unusual' reaction immediately made Kazami Mei raise her eyebrows meaningfully.

"Xiao Xiang, what exactly do you want to say?"

"I advise you to tell the truth!"

Seeing that her observant boyfriend had noticed her immediately, the girl sitting on the edge of the bed pursed her crystal-clear cherry lips slightly, and a trace of disappointment gradually appeared on her fair cheeks, which were originally stained with crimson.

However, this negative emotion lasted only a moment before being immediately replaced by determination and resolve.

She took a deep breath before explaining—

“I saw the Curtis acceptance letter you hid. This is a great opportunity for you, Ming.”

"Being able to study there as a specially invited student will definitely give you the best treatment and teaching... In just a few years, when Ming graduates from there, with your talent, you will surely become a world-renowned musician. Your future is limitless!"

Kazami Mei looked at the girl in front of him in surprise, a hint of realization gradually flashing in his eyes.

"Is it really okay for you for me to leave Xiao Xiang's side?"

As soon as she finished speaking, Toyokawa Shoko excitedly raised her little head.

“I can’t bear it when Ming leaves me… but I’m not that willful! As Ming’s lover, as your future wife… I should consider Ming’s future. I can’t let myself become a mere ornament that holds you back!”

“I can stand on my own now! I can manage Ave Mujica on my own now. My talent can’t keep up with Ming… but Ming shouldn’t worry about me. You can go very, very far.”

"You should pursue a better future, and wait until we meet again in a few years..."

Before he could finish speaking, Kazami Mei's hand chopped down lightly.

With tears welling up in her eyes, Miss Toyokawa instinctively covered her forehead, her soft, pudding-like face being pulled to both sides by the expressionless black-haired boy.

The slight pain made her whimper involuntarily, but she had no way to resist and could only let her face be attacked.

When he had pinched the girl's face until it was bright red, Kazami Mei, with a furrowed brow, slowly let go.

"Xiangzi, you are really selfish."

"Huh? I...I'm selfish!?"

The girl, who was covering her face, stared wide-eyed in disbelief. She had been willing to endure the loneliness of not being able to see Kazami Naruto for several years for the sake of his future, but the person she liked the most actually said she was selfish. Feeling wronged, the girl raised her beautiful eyes with a resentful look.

Didn't you ever consider my feelings?

Kazami Mei's nonchalant remark left the girl in front of him speechless.

Seeing Toyokawa Shoko lower her head with apology in her eyes, Kazami Mei simply sighed and replied, "My feeling is that I don't intend to leave you. I would rather give up what you call a 'better' future than leave you."

"You're making me doubt whether Xiangzi actually likes me anymore."

“…Yes, I’m sorry.”

Tears streamed down the girl's face, but she pursed her lips, trying to suppress her emotions.

Seeing her pitiful appearance, Kazami Mei couldn't bear it, so he sighed helplessly and leaned out slightly.

He reached out and pulled the girl's head into his arms, then spoke in a gentle tone: "Besides, Miss Xiangzi, aren't you underestimating me too much? Do you really think that without studying at the best universities overseas, I wouldn't have a better future with my talent and abilities?"

The girl paused for a moment, then nodded with tears in her eyes.

"……I see."

"Ming is still... best to stay by my side."

The girl, who was gradually becoming a crybaby, nestled in his arms and whispered. After saying so much, she gave up on letting Kazami Naru leave her side. Besides, she was extremely reluctant to part with him in the first place. She only spoke up because she didn't want to be a burden to him.

Now, all she can do is continue to snuggle in his arms.

"Ming, can you hold me while we sleep tonight?"

"No."

"Eh?"

Kazami Mei's indifferent refusal caused the girl in his arms to widen her eyes in surprise.

"You were just saying those things and you're still thinking about sleeping? You'll see if I don't teach you a lesson."

When faced with the selfish and self-serving Miss Toyokawa, the only course of action is to strike hard!

……

You believe that with your talent, you can succeed even without studying abroad, so after careful consideration, you decide to decline the school's invitation. To others, your behavior may seem extremely arrogant.

[But only Toyokawa Shoko, who is closest to you, truly understands that you possess such absolute confidence.]

[You gave Toyokawa Shoko, who had given up on letting you go abroad, a good beating. She was forced to practice playing and composing all night long. Even when she cried and begged you for mercy, you still didn't let her go. Instead, you subconsciously increased the frequency of ensemble practice because her pleading was so cute.]

Your composing ability is steadily improving, and you're making solid progress.

News of your rejection of the Curtis Institute of Music naturally reached the industry.

Many people have begun to question your status as a "once-in-a-century" genius, believing that your excessive arrogance will lead to regret. Even some media outlets have seized this rare opportunity to exploit the situation and gain attention from you.