[You received a "Good" rating.
As a reward, 'Guitar LV1' has been upgraded to 'Guitar LV2'.
Choose two of the following three simulation rewards:]
1. Song "Snowwind" — [Composed for you by Toyokawa Shoko during this simulation, filled with her genuine feelings.]
2. Skill: 'Endurance LV2' — [Improves stamina and tolerance. At the very least, you'll survive a car crash a bit longer.]
3. A completely ordinary red bento box — [Ikuyo Kita's heartfelt, custom-made lunchbox. Exceptionally sturdy. Won't spill even if dropped.]
[Side effect of using the "Infatuation Card": Random reward acquired —
Nijika Ijichi IF Route Card. (Maybe she's the right choice after all. Using this will shift the simulation to a solo pure-love route with Nijika.)]
Wait, you get bonus items for using the "Infatuation Card"?
Looking at the unexpected reward that popped up, Kazami Haru's earlier frustration faded quite a bit.
Yeah, the "Infatuation Card" was broken-level overpowered. But with high risk came high reward, not only did it boost simulation scores, it could even trigger random item drops.
Still… "Infatuation" into a "pure-love route"? That felt a little too ironic.
"This bento box… isn't this just spiteful?"
He glanced over the three reward options. Only the first one, the score composed by sensei Sakiko, felt remotely normal. The other two were so weird it made him sweat.
In past simulations, the rewards were usually special-effect items gifted by the simulated character, or skills they had. Sometimes, there'd be a keepsake.
But this time, with Ikuyo's route, he got two bizarre items?
"I'll take one and two."
After some thought, he selected the song and the endurance skill.
Even if the description of 'Endurance LV2' was a bit ridiculous, better stamina and resilience were valuable. In a way, it was even good for his actual health.
At the very least, he'd be able to stay up later now.
And who knows—if he ever really did get hit by a car again, maybe this skill would save his life.
Still, this simulation via "Infatuation" made one thing clear: building a harem was no joke. If only he'd been stronger, more decisive, maybe things would've ended differently.
But right now, Haru faced a bigger problem.
After using "VR," he had zero simulation attempts left.
Even though he now held the Nijika Ijichi IF Route Card, without any simulation credits, he couldn't use it.
That meant he had to find new ways to earn more simulations, fast.
First on his radar: his current simulation targets—Ryo Yamada, Tomori Takamatsu, and Sakiko Togawa.
Ikuyo was also a target, of course, but after everything that just happened, Haru wasn't quite ready to face her. He decided to shelve that plan for now.
…
"Uu~"
Little Tomori, still fiddling with her penguin-patterned bandages, looked up happily as Haru returned to the classroom. She stood up immediately.
Compared to earlier, when he'd looked pale and shaken, Kazami Haru now looked completely back to normal. That alone made Tomori truly, visibly happy.
"Sorry to keep you waiting."
"Not at all."
She quickly shook her head and packed up her bandages, slinging her tiny backpack over her shoulders like a loyal sidekick.
Just walking next to Haru and chatting like this, it was enough for Tomori.
Forming a band with him again? That was a dream too big to wish for.
Sure, she wanted to rebuild their band. She still longed to bring everyone back together. She hadn't forgotten the stage they once stood on. She hadn't forgotten the warmth of those bonds between her, Haru, and Taki.
But she didn't dare to ask for that much.
She had to think of what was best for Haru.
If someone more suitable invited him to start a band, then she'd accept it, even if it meant letting go.
PIC: Tomori[1]
"Mm..."
Takamatsu Tomori pressed her cherry lips together slightly, her amber eyes narrowing as her delicate brows furrowed. A trace of unconcealable reluctance and sorrow flickered in her gaze, while her right hand pressed firmly against her chest, as if stifling a suffocating ache.
Is this really okay?
"Tomori, hold my hand."
"Eh?"
Takamatsu Tomori, who had been lost in guilt just moments ago, looked up in astonishment at the right hand Kazami Haru had extended toward her.
With his schoolbag slung over his left shoulder, Haru offered his hand as if it were the most natural thing in the world, his expression unchanging. Yet his voice carried a strange, soothing reassurance that inexplicably put her at ease.
"Is... is this really okay?"
"We're about to enter the shopping district. It'll get crowded, and I don't want you getting lost."
A soft, slightly dazed smile bloomed on Tomori's face as she slowly reached out and clasped his hand—tightly, even. Her grip was so firm that Haru, the one who had initiated it, stiffened slightly in surprise.
He had only offered because she'd looked so vulnerable and lonely.
Just seconds ago, her expression had been filled with sorrow and isolation. Yet now, she was smiling—even boldly returning his grasp without hesitation.
Her mood swings are almost as fast as Ryo's...
Even though they were friends now, Tomori, who normally struggled to connect with others, shouldn't have opened up to him so easily. It was genuinely unexpected.
But at this moment, Haru wanted to summon every beautiful word he'd ever learned to describe how it felt to hold her small hand.
Yet his mind refused to cooperate, leaving him with just one simple thought:
Tomori's hand is so soft.
She probably didn't even notice, but Haru felt a flicker of shame for taking advantage of the situation to indulge in her touch. He'd been completely disarmed by her cuteness.
Well... it's not just about that. This is for simulation points!
Last time, even the slightest contact had rewarded him. There was no way holding hands this long wouldn't trigger anything, right?
[1] https://imgur.com/5bzWKfW