[Though Nagasaki Soyo had unusually poor stamina and was easily knocked down by you, it was as if she was born with a supernatural ability to recover, just a short rest and she could resume playing.]
[As her experience with performing increased, she began to actively experiment with new strategies and flourishes.]
[Gentle by nature, like a model wife, Nagasaki Soyo made full use of this talent that was hers alone. Though she didn't go to school, she still wore the Tsukinomori uniform, pairing it with a soft, cream-colored apron. She didn't seem to care at all that the expensive uniform might get dirty.]
[For three whole days, she only left the house once, just to make sure the two of you didn't starve.]
[But taking too many days off school would eventually have consequences. Not wanting to face a lecture from her mother, Soyo reluctantly suppressed her inner feelings, choosing instead to shift that energy toward planning dates and other things.]
[And that's when you began to truly realize the quiet power behind her gentle demeanor.]
Wait a second, girl—
Kazami Haru couldn't believe it. The version of himself in this simulation was completely at the mercy of Nagasaki Soyo. He couldn't resist her at all. Under her intentional, strategic advances, he kept giving in—crossing lines he once thought firm until he became... this!
So depraved!
Get it together, man!
Sure, maybe you're freeloading and avoiding real work, but at least put your energy into composing and music! Keep going like this with Soyo, and you'll ascend to some kind of spiritual plane at this rate.
[With her heart fully open to you, Nagasaki Soyo began to change in visible ways.]
[She no longer seemed to mind when you got a little too close to your bandmates. Instead, while sipping her Darjeeling tea, she'd 'accidentally' let her engagement ring catch the light, just enough to shatter the hopes of any weak-willed, pink-haired rivals.]
[Though Soyo could still get jealous.]
[When she did, after returning home, she'd leave her 'marks' on your neck and shoulders: gentle in all things, except this. She would not allow you to cover them.]
[You knew this was just a small show of possessiveness from a loving fiancée. You didn't mind at all. In fact, you found it endearing and chose to go along with it.]
[You were completely absorbed in the haven of warmth she had created for you.]
[The wheel of time continued to turn—]
[At 18, you passed the entrance exam for Tokyo University of the Arts with outstanding results.]
[With remarkable musical talent and a strong theoretical foundation, you breezed through assignments. A renowned professor took a special interest in you, offering personal mentorship.]
[You absorbed everything like a sponge, and within just two years, demonstrated such skill that the professor wrote you a recommendation for overseas study.]
[It could be the opportunity of a lifetime.]
[When your fiancée, Nagasaki Soyo, heard the news, she smiled brightly and encouraged you to go. She said what you wanted to do was what mattered most.]
[But you knew—if you made that decision, you wouldn't see her for years. That distance, oceans apart, would be too vast. You wouldn't even be able to sense her sorrow anymore.]
[You knew how easily Soyo grew lonely, how she needed to hold you to fall asleep at night. You couldn't even imagine what she'd become without you there.]
[So, after much thought, you gave up the chance to study abroad.]
[Maybe she couldn't return to a life without you. Knowing this, you told her your decision. It moved her so deeply, she cried on the spot.]
[Though Soyo longed for a relaxed life, you, as her fiancé, couldn't let her bear everything. After graduating, you used your advanced knowledge of music theory to become the lead music producer at an entertainment agency.]
[Your talent quickly earned the respect of your colleagues, even at a young age. And in this position, you were now in charge of managing the band MyGO.]
[Your presence allowed MyGO to pursue a professional path while still having the freedom to run the band on their own terms.]
[At 22, you proposed to Nagasaki Soyo on her birthday.]
[Your relationship had always been in perfect harmony.]
[She had dreamed of this day ever since your engagement. But when you finally proposed to her on the Ferris wheel, she still cried, overcome with emotion.]
[News of your upcoming wedding spread quickly among friends and family.]
[The girls of MyGO, who'd been fed a steady diet of couple content for years, weren't all that surprised. Still, your keen eye noticed some complexity behind their well-wishes.]
[Shiina Taki, who was usually all about work, had taken the rare day off and dragged Chihaya Anon to a bar. The two reportedly drank until they couldn't stand.]
[Even the usually cheerful and bright Chihaya Anon cried her heart out that night.]
[In the end, both were completely smashed. It took a call from Takamatsu Tomori to bring you over and carry them home.]
[As you carried Shiina Taki on your back, she suddenly mumbled in a soft, drunken voice, "Haru, I've always liked you." You didn't know how to respond.]
…Huh?
Kazami Haru stared at the text scrolling across the simulation panel, his expression increasingly subtle and conflicted.
"I can kinda understand Anon, but... Taki, huh…"
He was surprised that Chihaya Anon had kept things so restrained. He'd half expected her or Tomori to confess, just to get it off their chest.
But no, it was Shiina Taki who'd made the most direct move.
In a previous simulation featuring Anon-san, Taki had even been invited to be a bridesmaid. Back then, Haru had started to sense that something about their "brotherly" friendship had changed.
Still, he hadn't expected Soyo's simulation to take such a direct, emotional shot.
He couldn't even imagine what Taki's face looked like when she said that line.
[You and Nagasaki Soyo decided to hold the wedding at a Western-style chapel. Soyo, elated, sent invitations to every friend she had. With all the industry contacts you'd made as a music producer, the event was set to be grand and unforgettable.]
[Soyo busied herself with preparations, dashing around to handle every little task. Though you were both exhausted, neither of you showed even a hint of complaint.]
[In your hearts, there was only joy and anticipation.]
[On the day of the wedding—]
...
A pure, elegant white chapel radiated with a sacred, solemn atmosphere. Gentle sunlight poured through stained glass, casting warm hues across sheer veils that adorned every corner.
In the soft green grass outside, rings of deep purple glasswort—the flower of eternal love—encircled the venue.
Every corner of the venue was arranged with meticulous care, like a scene from a painting, full of artistic beauty.
Wakaba Mutsumi sat expressionless in a corner of the guest seats, dressed in formal attire.
Her golden eyes flicked briefly toward Togawa Sakiko, sitting beside her. That calm glance held an unreadable weight, making the equally well-dressed Sakiko fidget with discomfort.
"Sakiko, aren't you going to be a bridesmaid?"
Takematsu Tomori, seated nearby, seemed nervous as she tried to make conversation.
"…I don't think I need to."
Togawa Sakiko shook her head slightly, her expression weighed down by emotions too complex to hide.
Over the years, her relationship with Nagasaki Soyo had eased somewhat. Of course, she received a wedding invitation for the big day, and Soyo had even asked her to be a bridesmaid.
But just attending the ceremony was all Sakiko could manage. If she stood as a bridesmaid, it would feel like admitting she'd lost, completely. And Togawa Sakiko couldn't bring herself to accept that.
She loved Kazami Haru.
Maybe that love would never fade, not even with death.
The chapel echoed with the sound of bells and piano, notes weaving through every corner of the space.
Accompanied by the elegant music, the groom Kazami Haru made his entrance. Flanking him were the bridesmaids—Shiina Taki and Chihaya Anon—each holding a box with the wedding rings and a bouquet of white roses.
"Wishing you happiness."
Shiina Taki's heart was a tangle of emotions. A tightness pressed against her chest as she felt something clogging her throat. She handed over the rings and quickly turned away, leaving Chihaya Anon standing there, eyes wide, wanting to say something but holding it in.
Even though her heart ached with loneliness, Anon still smiled cheerfully.
And then, with Nagasaki Soyo's entrance, the entire mood of the chapel transformed.
She wore a pristine white wedding gown, its flowing skirt trailing gracefully over the crimson carpet. A veil like gossamer floated over her silky hair. Her beauty, already breathtaking, became divine in the gown's embrace. Her deep blue eyes shimmered with affection and tenderness.
Elegance and maturity radiated from her, yet blended perfectly with her gentle, pure charm. She took the bouquet of white roses from Anon with a sweet smile. Her flawless, luminous skin glowed, making her seem like a goddess untouched by the world.
With a bright and blissful expression, she and Kazami Haru recited their vows of eternal love.
Hand in hand, they descended the chapel steps.
A breeze caught her white veil, carrying it high into the endless blue sky. It was like a symbol, this chapter had ended. But the bouquet soaring through the air, thrown by the bride, felt like the blessing for a brand-new beginning—
[You and Nagasaki Soyo are now husband and wife.]
They had finally made it.
Fragments of the simulation flickered in Haru's mind as he lay in bed, exhaling deeply.
The romance with Soyo had been bumpy at times, but thanks to his careful monitoring, the simulation had run smoothly all the way through.
Unless something went off course, the perfect ending was close at hand.
Still… once this ended and he returned to reality, he'd need some time to process these emotions.
[Two weeks after the wedding, Kazami Soyo became pregnant.]
[Having officially bound her life to yours, she fully gave herself to your love, clinging to you day and night. Only when the pregnancy was confirmed did she finally smile with joy.]
[To take care of her, and with finances no longer a concern, you resigned from your role as a music producer and stayed home to support her completely.]
[Soyo, as your wife, saw every effort you made, and her eyes often shimmered with warmth and affection.]
[At age 23, you and Soyo welcomed a daughter into the world. You named her Kazami Ruri.]
[Your friend Wakaba Mutsumi brought the finest cucumbers as a gift and, upon seeing Ruri, showed a gentle smile you'd never seen before. Normally emotionless, she held the baby delicately, and from that day on, she visited frequently with gifts.]
[Maybe thanks to her mother's refined upbringing, Ruri displayed perfect poise from a young age. She was smart, graceful, and almost adult-like in her behavior. In public and private, she'd formally address you as "Father, sir."]
[But once she confirmed no one was watching, she'd abandon that formality, run into your arms, and snuggle up close, revealing the sweet innocence hidden within.]
[You noticed, though: she never acted that way with her mother.]
[Time flowed on.]
[Ruri blossomed into a beautiful young lady, elegant and dignified, just like her name, Ruri, meaning "glazed crystal." She shone with the proud, serious nature of someone born to nobility, sparkling like a gem in the night sky.]
[She admired the confident and graceful Togawa Sakiko, but her strongest bond was with her "godmother" Wakaba Mutsumi, who had pampered her since she was little.]
[Perhaps because of you and Mutsumi, Ruri also developed a deep interest in gardening and plant care.]
[Soyo's love for her daughter could never quite compare to the love she held for you.]
[Even after years of marriage, she still acted like a girl in love. When you kissed at home, Ruri would shoot you a disapproving look, often scolding you for being 'undignified.']
[Despite being married for so long, you and Soyo still occasionally performed live shows with the MyGO members, reigniting sparks of your youth in joyful performances.]
[At one such Live, Wakaba Mutsumi brought Ruri along. For the first time, the typically poised young lady let loose, waving glowsticks from the crowd.]
[From that moment, Ruri fell in love with bands.]
[Though she stayed a bit cool toward Soyo, Ruri didn't hesitate in choosing to follow her mother's footsteps, becoming a bassist. Despite her young age, she picked up skills shockingly fast under your casual instruction. Her talent surprised even you.]
[But neither you nor Soyo would ever stand in the way of her interests. Her future would be hers to decide.]
[Time marched on—]
[You grew old. Both you and Soyo could no longer escape the wear of time. Your body grew weaker by the day, but you didn't mind.]
[You remained close as ever: tightly bonded, like newlyweds still lost in each other's warmth, savoring every moment of your time together.]
[The purple glasswort you and Soyo planted in your garden on your wedding day has now bloomed across the entire yard. The two of you sit quietly on the bench, leaning against each other, surrounded by flowers overflowing with love—]
[Just like the days when you went on dates, romantic and beautiful.]
[In the sunlight, your fingers interlocked gently. It feels like returning to that first confession, when the girl who had gathered her courage expressed the love she held inside. That was the start of your story.]
[Even in the very last moment of life, she still smiled like she always did, soft and radiant.]
[Simulation complete.]
"Phew…"
Kazami Haru stared at the panel, the words "Simulation Complete" glowing on screen, and a flood of indescribable emotion swept over him.
He had worked hard all the way to the end and this was by far the smoothest simulation he'd ever done. He hadn't even used a single revive token this time.
Out of sixteen total simulation attempts, this run with Miss Soyo had used up seven. He still had nine left, maybe enough to pursue another route, but for now, he figured he was done for a while.
"That went really well, huh…"
Soyo's love… ran so deep.
The weight of her affection had been almost overwhelming.
But Haru could feel it— the deeper his bonds with people in the real world grew, the more obstacles would appear in the simulations. Someday, if he truly fell in love with someone in real life, the simulations might no longer work at all.
Still, there wasn't much point thinking about that now.
"Alright, let's check the score."
He turned to the results screen, a little hopeful.
[Score: 96]
[Evaluation:
"Of all the seas I've seen, none move me but you. Of all the clouds I've watched, none compare to your skies."
The love between you and her is like the bloom of glasswort: fragile and clear, yet glowing with strength. Her heart, like glass, is delicate and slender. But happiness and love became her courage. You sealed time with love and responsibility, turning your bond into eternity.]
[She once wore a mask of maturity and understanding. Her loneliness and emptiness could not be filled by anything material. The "home" in her heart had already quietly crumbled. She was wandering a hollow road.]
[Your arrival changed her fate. Maybe, at first, she was only using you to replace someone else. But as time passed, she became addicted to your selfless care and love. You were the only one who truly accepted the abandoned her. You became her haven.]
[You have achieved a "Perfect" score!
You've earned the bonus: "Soyo's Recon and Counter-Recon Lv.3."
You may now choose five of the following seven simulation rewards:]
[Musical Prodigy Ruri – Bass Lv.3]
(The bass skills of Kazami Ruri at age 12, a child genius in music. Despite her age, her talent shines with maturity.)
[Soyo's Perfect Wife Cooking – Lv.3]
(Originally survival cooking skills, now infused with love and warmth as a wife. Her meals can heal both body and soul.)
[Soyo's Engagement Ring]
(The ring symbolizing eternal love, worn constantly until marriage. Holds immense sentimental value.)
["Forget-Me-Not"]
(An original song written by Kazami Haru for Soyo. It helped MyGO make their debut at a major music festival. A cherished memory.)
[Custom Mechanical Watch from Ruri]
(A birthday gift from your daughter, who saved up her allowance to order it. Deeply meaningful.)
[Management and Operations Lv.2]
(Gained from your experience as a music producer. Lets you find band development paths and plan effectively.)
[Barista Lv.3 Upgrade]
"96 points…"
Still not a perfect 100, but the highest score Haru had ever achieved in any simulation.
Even in the pure romance "IF" route with Nijika, the smooth, blissful ending had only earned 95. But Soyo's scenario went even further, maybe because he cleared it in one run?
This simulation was the only one where he never failed, not even once.
Maybe it was because Miss Soyo was just that gentle and devoted. No matter how many issues arose, she never thought of breaking up with him, giving him the space and trust to solve things.
"This reward though… what is 'Soyo's Recon and Counter-Recon' supposed to be?"
He wasn't planning to become a secret agent for Tsukinomori. What good would that even do him?
And why did Miss Soyo have that kind of skill in the first place?
Still, a reward was a reward, he couldn't exactly turn it down. Haru skimmed through the other six options. With five choices out of seven, this haul was a big one. He had to choose carefully.
"Hmm… what to pick…"
He immediately ruled out the barista skill—Lv.2 was already more than enough. He didn't plan to go any deeper into that field. The other options had more lasting value.
The daughter's gift and skill were a must-have, irreplaceable mementos.
As for the original song, Forget-Me-Not, it was once called a "singable love letter" by Shiina Taki. Since everyone in that simulation already knew about his relationship with Soyo, even in real life, there wouldn't be any awkwardness sharing it.
But the engagement ring…
Haru hesitated, then decided to pass on it. A ring like that would have their names engraved, just like that painting "Summer" in the simulation with Miss Nijika. Too many potential complications.
Best to skip mementos that might raise eyebrows. The operations skill, though... that would be very useful. It could make him a natural-born band manager.
"I choose 1, 2, 4, 5, 6!"
["Soyo's Perfect Wife Cooking" Lv.3 has combined with "Cooking of Love" Lv.4 to form the skill: "Ultimate Wifey Cuisine" Lv.5!]
Wait, is this some kind of Se—Seto Kaiba moment?
Three wife-infused cooking skills merged into the "ultimate" dish?! What is this, Blue-Eyes White Dragon fusion?
If someone tastes the food and their clothes explode, should he shout something like "Burst Stream of Destruction" too!?
[Multiple musical instruments detected: guitar, bass, piano, drums. "Musical Prodigy" Lv.1 has leveled up to Lv.2.]
Haru had seen what Lv.1 could do, songs he used to fumble through a few times, he could now play perfectly after just a glance. It was almost photographic memory-level.
Now that it had leveled up, he wasn't sure what to expect next.
Still pondering, Haru suddenly felt dizzy. The fatigue from finishing the simulation hit all at once. He rubbed his temples, there was still a faint stinging pain.
"Ugh… my temples are throbbing. Didn't feel this out of it last time…"
Maybe it was because this time, with Soyo, he ran two simulations in a row.
It had taken a toll.
Too tired to think any more, Kazami Haru lay back on the bed, letting his mind digest everything that had happened today.
- - -
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