Chapter 10

Somehow, I managed to survive today, and on my way back, I came to a variety store that sells household goods with Nanami.

To be precise, I had fled from the swarm of boys... but... I'm a bit worried about going to school from tomorrow.

No, with Nanami by my side, there's no way I can be gloomy. Just thinking about the warmth of our clasped hands, there's no way I can feel gloomy.

The purpose of our visit was, of course, to buy a larger bento box for me... We discussed the bento box selection, saying things like, "What about this?" and "What about that?" and, to be honest, while imagining what newlyweds might be like, we went about it.

Right after that thought,

"It feels like we're newlyweds, doesn't it? This is crazy,"

Nanami said, and I thought I was going to die. The combination of her blushing and her embarrassed face was incredibly powerful. Thank you.

"I was thinking the same thing,"

I countered with a weak voice, and Nanami, with a bright red face, started hitting my back. What a comfortable pain... No, it's not like I'm into M or anything, but it made me feel kind of happy...

So, while I was aware that we were being overly affectionate, we finished selecting the bento box...

"I'll get this one, so I'll go to the register,"

When Nanami started heading to the register, I panicked and stopped her.

I can buy my own bento box, and I even wanted to pay for today's lunch ingredients.

But she refused to let me pay for the ingredients... She firmly declined, saying it was something she wanted to do.

So, I told her that I would at least buy my own bento box, and I handed the purchased bento box to her.

No, it's only natural. If I let her buy a bento box for me when she's making it for me, what kind of boyfriend would I be?

Even I know that's not right.

But when Nanami took the bento box from me, her face lit up.

"It feels like I got a present."

Holding the bento box carefully, she said, and I thought, if I were a handsome guy, I could probably come up with a good response at a time like this... but unfortunately, I couldn't.

The best I could do was, "Thank you, and please take care of me from tomorrow," while bowing my head.

She didn't make a single unpleasant face and replied with a smile, "I'll take care of it."

Then, she asked me what I wanted for tomorrow's bento.

I thought anything she made would be fine, but I heard that saying "anything" is the most troublesome, so I requested the first dish that came to mind.

"Um... How about hamburger steak?"

"Hamburger steak, got it. Oh, can you eat bell peppers?"

"Of course... I can eat anything except for strong-smelling herbs like coriander."

"I don't like coriander either. But I was hoping you'd say, 'I can eat anything you cook.'"

...So, that's what I should have said. I learned something.

Her smile made me repeat the words, even though I knew it was too late, but I was laughed at. Well, I'll take it as a win since I tried.

After that, we talked and went home together, still holding hands.

We parted ways at the station where we had met in the morning.

As we parted, she said she would contact me again at night, and I nodded in agreement. I'm frustrated that I can't come up with a clever line, but there's nothing I can do about it.

After all, I end up being conscious of it.

Because she's only dating me as a penalty game.

"And that's what happened today."

"No, you're being too negative. But in her case, the penalty game is already irrelevant, right? She's totally head over heels for you."

When I consulted Baron while playing a social game after returning home, he immediately gave me an answer that seemed to dismiss my struggles. I denied his words, thinking it was ridiculous.

"Clearing the hand-holding to school, which I thought was impossible this week, and even getting a homemade bento, and even an 'ahn'? You were asked out yesterday, right? That's impossible under normal circumstances."

You thought it was impossible this week...

Well... I won't nitpick about that. Since I'm the one asking for advice, I'll assume he set a high goal for me.

"Is that so? No, even if it's a penalty game, she's dating me to get used to men, so she's probably just using me as a simulation partner, right?"

"No, a penalty game relationship is more formal... I thought she'd say something like, 'Since I'm dating you, don't get too cocky, and don't talk to me at school.'"

"She's not that kind of person."

Even though I'm the one receiving advice, I can't help but feel a bit annoyed by Baron's words. I know he doesn't mean it maliciously, but it's a bit unpleasant to hear negative things about her, even if it's just imagination.

Well, this is probably a nuance that can't be conveyed through text. I know Baron doesn't have any ill intentions.

"Anyway, here are the possible scenarios for her current state."

Baron then analyzed her state.

"Scenario 1: She's a little devil who takes pleasure in toying with men... like a beauty who brings down a kingdom or something?"

"I don't think so. Her friend said she's not used to men... that's why I was chosen, a grass-eater, or a fasting type."

That's why I was chosen. Besides, if she were that kind of person, she would have actively dated the many handsome guys who had confessed to her.

I can confidently say that Scenario 1 is impossible.

"Scenario 2: Since it's already decided that they'll break up in a month, she doesn't mind being disliked and is trying to create her ideal girlfriend image using you."

I see... So, that was Nanami's ideal girlfriend image... I thought it was strange that she was so proactive despite not being used to men, but if she was just acting, it makes sense.

...If that was really acting, women are terrifying. I've thought this before, but she could probably make a living as an actress.

She's beautiful, cute, has a good figure, a good personality, and is just plain adorable.

"Scenario 3: She's already head over heels for you because you helped her on the day she confessed."

"I don't think so. All I did was shield her from the water. Is that enough to make someone fall in love?"

Well, putting aside the outdated expression... That's something anyone could do. Is it really enough to make someone fall in love?

I can't really say that, given how I've been toyed with by her all day... But still, as a reason for her to like me... it's hard to believe.

"Scenario 4: You're actually a reincarnated cheat from another world with the ability to make women fall in love with you."

"Isn't that ability too specific?"

Making women fall in love with you... Well, if you're already in love by the time they confess, it's not really a useful ability... Baron, you're bringing up a weird ending.

"Well, I think Scenario 3 is the most likely."

"I think it's Scenario 1. You should break up with her as soon as possible."

Peach joined the conversation but quickly left after saying that. She's always tough on Nanami. She probably can't stand the idea of playing with someone's heart. She's a strong-willed person.

"I think it's Scenario 2. I'm probably just a practice partner who she doesn't mind being disliked. That's why I can do various things and act without worrying about others."

"Well, whether it's Scenario 2 or 3, it doesn't really change what you need to do next."

Earlier, Peach advised me to break up with her soon. It's probably out of her sense of justice, but in terms of playing with someone's heart, I'm not much different.

During this penalty game, if I can make her like me... and after she likes me... what will I do?

"So, did you do anything to thank her for the bento?"

"Oh, no... I thanked her, but I didn't do anything else..."

That's right, I received a bento and even an 'ahn' with chicken, but I only said thank you. Since she refused to let me pay for the ingredients, I didn't know how to thank her.

When I told him this, Baron gave me a disappointed answer.

"About the ingredients... You're not dealing with a bento shop, you know... Instead of that, you should have treated her to some sweets or something as a thank you."

Ah, I see... I didn't think of that... I was too flustered to think of it...

No, we went home together, so there were plenty of opportunities... This is my fault.

"Then, from tomorrow, I'll..."

"Wait, Canyon. Because you didn't do anything today, I have a new mission for you. This Saturday, you should ask her out on a date."

"Date?!"

I panicked at the sudden command. Asking her out on a date is a big step, and I don't think I can do it... He's giving me such a difficult command.

She said today's after-school time together was a date, but since she invited me, and it was an extension of going home together, it was okay... But asking her out myself... the difficulty level skyrockets.

"You don't need to overthink it. She probably wants an equal relationship, so a moderate return is necessary as a thank you for the bento. ...How about going to a movie together? It's a classic."

A movie date... The unfamiliar sound of it... I don't think I can do it, but Baron is telling me to.

"It might seem a bit old-fashioned, but it's a good idea to pay for the entire date. As a thank you for the bento, she'll probably accept it easily. Since you get your lunch money from your parents, you should save it up."

Indeed, she said she would make a bento for me every day. Just accepting it feels... wrong, and it's far from the equal relationship she talks about.

To continue our relationship, I need to do what Baron says and give her appropriate returns. I want to stay equal, especially since this is a penalty game relationship. No matter what happens in the future.

"Today, you only talked about yourself... That's probably because she's a good listener... From tomorrow, you should learn about her interests and preferences. Find out what kind of movies she likes."

"...It's a bit of a high bar, but I'll try my best."

"Once you decide on a movie, it's a good idea to book the tickets in advance. If you buy them on the day, it might be hectic, and she might offer to pay for her own ticket. If you buy them in advance, that won't happen."

"I understand... By the way... that information...?"

"Of course, it's all from the internet. It's apparently smart to do that for a movie date. For the bill, it's a good idea to pay it quickly when you stand up from the table."

...Even though it's from the internet, it's useful advice. I'll keep it in mind.

"Remember, the important thing is that you ask her out on a date. You can't always be on the defensive. You need to show her that you're very interested in her. Otherwise, you won't be liked... Well, I think you're already liked a lot."

"Thank you, Baron."

"You're welcome. I'm hoping it goes well. And... Canyon, it's important to be liked by her, but you should also try to like her. If you can continue the relationship like that, I'll be happy, as someone who didn't have a good youth in high school."

"Yes, I understand. I'll try to like her more."

I said I would try, but I actually think I'm already doing fine.

After all, in just one day, I've started to be attracted to her, even though I know this is a penalty game relationship.

No, to be honest... I already like her a lot. I have that much awareness...

...I'm so easy...

Just as I thought that, I received a message on my phone. The sender was... Nanami. It read:

"...Can I call you now?"

Interlude: Nanami before sending the message

I was staring at my phone screen, wondering whether to contact Youshin or not.

Will it be a bother? But I want to hear his voice... What should I do...

...Alright, I'll do it!! I don't have the courage to call directly, so... I'll start with a message!!