He didn't want to stay at Mai's house anyway, and you are really pretending.
Seeing the message from Mai, Shinra was immediately speechless. With Futaba Rio present, he certainly couldn't stay at Mai's house.
After all, he had to avoid suspicion.
And was it necessary to remind him specially?
Is he some very, very perverted person?
Of course, Shinra could also understand why Mai would instruct him like this. As the saying goes, guard against fire, theft, and girlfriends. Although Futaba Rio was Mai's good sister, precautions were still necessary. At least it was impossible to say she was on a business trip and allowed her best friend to be alone with her boyfriend.
How big of a heart would one need to do such a thing.
After warning Shinra, Sakurajima Mai informed Futaba Rio of some precautions in the apartment via online video, such as WiFi password, guest room location, location of bedding and bed covers, etc.
After explaining everything, Sakurajima Mai asked Futaba Rio to pass the phone to Shinra; she had something to say to Shinra.
Shinra took the phone and stated directly: "Don't worry, I'll go back soon."
"That's not what I want to talk about." Sakurajima Mai knew Shinra wouldn't stay in the apartment for long; the previous reminder was just in case.
She wanted to ask about the situation of the other Futaba Rio. Just as Shinra needed to contact Surface Futaba through Sakurajima Mai, Sakurajima Mai needed to contact Inner Futaba through Shinra.
Because according to Surface Futaba's theoretical basis, the other Inner Futaba was also a real existing Futaba, not a fake. As a friend, Sakurajima Mai naturally cared about her.
"She should be doing okay over there?"
"What do you mean by okay?"
"Mm... at least no need to worry about wandering the streets like Surface Futaba."
After all, Inner Futaba was now happily changing into different outfits in a big villa. The quality of life was worlds apart compared to Surface Futaba.
"I am not wandering the streets." Futaba Rio beside them retorted immediately upon hearing Shinra's words.
She just made concessions to avoid accidents. Moreover, she had internet cafes as a foothold and money on her, so it wasn't wandering the streets at all.
Even if she couldn't stay at Mai's place, she could still go to hotels or inns for the night.
Leaving aside other things, at least in terms of money, Futaba Rio was genuinely rich.
Although her parents couldn't give her company, they gave her plenty materially.
Even Miura Yumiko, who was also a rich girl, didn't have as much pocket money as Futaba.
"Almost the same, almost the same." Shinra indicated that his words just now were just a metaphor. Metaphor, understand? Don't mind these details.
"Then will you go see her later?" Sakurajima Mai asked again.
Since he saw Futaba here, should he also go see the other Futaba?
Hearing Sakurajima Mai's words, both Shinra and Futaba Rio beside him fell into silence coincidentally.
See... see her?
Futaba Rio thought of the other self's performance these days. It was already like this online; if offline... she feared it would be difficult to face Mai-senpai in the future.
Seeing both silent, Sakurajima Mai was puzzled and asked: "What's wrong?"
"N-Nothing. You're right; indeed should go see her." Shinra shook his head.
Feeling the gaze projected by Futaba Rio beside him, Shinra said to Sakurajima Mai on the video without changing his expression: "Anyway, I will handle it. Speaking of which, you are coming back on Wednesday, right?"
"Yes, the schedule is almost finished. The company probably won't arrange anything for the next period. After all, I also have to start preparing for the national exam."
Sakurajima Mai had already entered the second semester of her third year of high school. There was less than half a year left to prepare for the Center Test, which is the university entrance exam.
Although Shinra could help Sakurajima Mai take the recommendation admission route and directly exempt her from the exam, Sakurajima Mai wanted to try it herself.
After all, her academic performance was indeed good. Although not comparable to Shinra, she was among the best in Minegahara High School, a rare academic talent in the entertainment industry.
"Indeed should study hard."
Although Shinra was Sakurajima Mai's boss, he didn't expect Sakurajima Mai to earn much money for him.
The Japanese entertainment industry market was only so big. Even if monopolized, the revenue obtained was just that much. Compared to the real industries Shinra cared about, it was simply nothing. Moreover, it was impossible to monopolize it.
Therefore, for Shinra, if Sakurajima Mai wanted to be an actress, she could be an actress. If she really didn't want to, she could learn from her mother and transform into a manager directly, or simply engage in related management work.
"Need my help tutoring?" Shinra asked.
"Always feel underestimated." On the video, Sakurajima Mai rolled her eyes beautifully. Although she had been working these days, she hadn't fallen behind in her studies at all.
Even if not comparable to Shinra, this freak, getting into a university was completely effortless.
Of course, the universities here didn't include top universities like the University of Tokyo or Kyoto University, but relatively lower-tier ones like Yokohama National University or Yokohama City University.
Futaba Rio beside them looked at Shinra a few more times upon hearing his words. Help tutoring... If Futaba Rio remembered correctly, Shinra should be in the second year of high school.
Second year tutoring third year, so Shinra's grades are very good?
Good grades, handsome, nice personality, no wonder I...
Wait, what am I thinking!
Futaba Rio hurriedly shook her head. Adolescence Syndrome is too scary; always making me think nonsense.
"Okay, let's talk about anything else when I come back."
Sakurajima Mai seemed to be starting work again. After a simple farewell, she hung up the phone on her own initiative.
Returning the phone to Futaba Rio, Shinra looked at the time; it was almost time to go home.
He gave the key to Mai's apartment to Futaba Rio and said: "This key is temporarily entrusted to you for safekeeping."
"Oh, okay."
Futaba Rio took the key with both hands, then whispered 'Thank you', and then showed an expression of hesitating to speak.
Seeing this, Shinra asked directly: "What's wrong? Anything else?"
Futaba Rio's pretty face turned slightly red. Holding back for a long time, she asked: "After this, are you going to find her?"
Obviously, the 'her' in Futaba Rio's mouth referred to the other self.
Given the current state shown by the other self, if Shinra went to find her, something that would make her shy would most likely happen.
How to put it? Futaba Rio actually didn't reject this, even secretly looked forward to it a bit, but mostly felt guilt towards Mai, feeling sorry for her.
The self here lived in her house, while the self there plotted against her boyfriend.
Anyone with a little moral sense would feel ashamed, let alone a very traditional and kind girl like Futaba Rio.
Directly suppressed the child into splitting into two.
"Definitely going to find her."
After all, to solve Futaba Rio's problem, it was impossible to solve it only through online talk therapy.
Moreover, Futaba Rio's problems were not all concentrated on Inner Futaba. Although Surface Futaba was no different from the previous Futaba, Shinra inexplicably felt that Surface Futaba's problem might be more serious than Inner Futaba's.
At least Inner Futaba's problem was visible, while Surface Futaba's problem was completely hidden by her. Maybe even she herself didn't know where her problem lay.
More importantly, if he didn't meet Inner Futaba, Shinra couldn't accept this wish-power commission.
[Futaba Rio's 'Quantum' Paradox] (Color) (Unlocked 1/2)
Looking at the '1/2' icon displayed behind the wish-power commission, Shinra knew he had to meet the other Futaba Rio to obtain the missing part of the commission from her.
From here, it could also be seen that in the eyes of the wish-power system, both Surface Futaba and Inner Futaba were Futaba. This also indirectly confirmed Futaba Rio's guess—neither of them was a fake.
Both real, no fakes.
Seeing the girl's lips move but making no sound, Shinra knew what she was worried about.
He immediately guaranteed: "I won't do anything to 'you'."
"Actually, it doesn't matter if you do..." Futaba Rio's voice was as faint as a mosquito's; if not listening carefully, one couldn't hear it at all.
"What?" Shinra actually heard it, but at this time he had to pretend not to hear.
"Nothing." Futaba Rio reacted quickly and skipped this topic.
She said: "If possible, please help me pass a message to the other me."
"What message?"
Honestly, Shinra really didn't expect the operation of passing a message to oneself.
"..." Futaba Rio stared at Shinra for a while, then suddenly changed her mind.
"Forget it."
"?"
"Feel like even if I say it, the other me won't listen."
After all, they split into two because of incompatible ideas. Her opinion might be no different from waste paper for the other self; saying it would be a waste of breath.
And it wasn't guaranteed whether doing so would cause quantum collapse.
"What did you want to tell her?"
Shinra asked curiously. From the dialogue between the two Futabas, he might find the key to solving her Adolescence Syndrome.
Futaba Rio raised her eyes to look at Shinra, then said: "Just wanted to ask her not to go too far."
No matter what, making a move on someone with a girlfriend is morally unjustifiable, not to mention that the girlfriend is her best friend.
Even if really making a move, at least turn off the lights. Doing it openly like this is a bit too ugly.
Futaba Rio didn't understand why the other self would do this. Could it really be a retaliatory rebound after being suppressed for a long time?
"Maybe it's because of Adolescence Syndrome?" Shinra guessed.
Futaba Rio pursed her lips. Can't blame everything on Adolescence Syndrome.
Although she thought so, she didn't refute Shinra.
Because once refuting Shinra, it would mean the original 'she' actually wanted to do this long ago.
"You can go back." Futaba Rio issued an eviction order. It wasn't early now; the other Futaba Rio's club activities should be almost over.
Although she is the only member in that club...
Fortunately, she was the only member, and she usually didn't interact with people much; otherwise, it would be really hard to explain her changes to people around her.
Maybe this is the benefit of simplified social interaction? Futaba Rio thought self-mockingly.
Shinra left Mai's apartment. He didn't go back to his own home directly but planned to explore the other Futaba's side.
No matter what, accept the wish-power commission first. After accepting the commission, maybe he could see some clues from the information given by the commission.
As for whether Inner Futaba would do something to him... Shinra could only say he would endure it with willpower like steel.
—If he really couldn't endure, there was no helping it; he tried his best.
Thinking about some inexplicable yellow waste (erotic thoughts), Shinra arrived at Futaba's house.
Futaba's house wasn't far from Mai's apartment; both were in the urban area. Futaba's house might be closer to the city center. It was a very modern-looking villa, not the traditional Japanese architecture or European-style villa.
Overall presenting black and gray colors, with distinct edges and corners, full of technological modernity, and occupying a large area. Shinra suspected there might be a swimming pool inside.
Walking to the door, Shinra rang the electronic doorbell and received a response quickly.
"Who is it?" Inner Futaba's voice was a bit distorted in the doorbell phone.
"Me, Shinra." Shinra glanced at the camera on the doorbell, thinking she should be able to see him inside.
"Wait a moment."
The call was hung up. Before long, Futaba wearing a school uniform walked out.
Separated by an iron fence, Futaba pressed the button to open the door from the inside.
"Can't you open the door directly from inside the house?"
Generally speaking, such electronic doorbells have unlocking functions, right?
"I can, but I wanted to come out to open it." Futaba Rio felt this showed more respect for Shinra.
After all, this was the first time her family welcomed a male friend. If she didn't open the door personally, she felt something was missing.
If it were the previous her, she probably wouldn't do this but open the door directly with the electronic doorbell.
Adolescence Syndrome split Futaba into two. Just as humans are composed of rationality and sensibility, maybe the division standard for the two Futabas is rationality and sensibility?
Surface Futaba belonged to the rational part, while Inner Futaba's personality leaned more towards sensibility.
"Click."
Accompanied by the mechanical unlocking sound, Shinra stepped into Futaba's territory.
"Slippers are here. If you want to keep your shoes on, there is a shoe cover dispenser here." Futaba Rio took out a pair of brand new men's slippers from the cabinet and indicated that if Shinra didn't want to take off his shoes, there was also a shoe cover dispenser available.
Shinra chose to wear slippers.
After changing shoes at the entryway, Shinra looked at the layout of Futaba's house.
How to put it? If the first impression of the Yukinoshita house layout was having a profound cultural heritage, then the impression of the Futaba house was simplicity.
There were no miscellaneous ornaments in the house. The furniture color scheme was mostly black and white. Only a small amount of green plants embellished it, making the house not so monotonous and depressing.
Simply put, there was no trace of life (smoke and fire), giving a very cold feeling.
"Please sit." Inner Futaba wasn't as aggressive as she appeared online. After leading Shinra to the sofa area, she ran to the coffee machine to prepare drinks for hospitality.
"Latte or Americano?"
"Latte is fine."
"Need ice?"
"Yes."
If Shinra and Futaba swapped genders, adding ice would feel like some amazing sexual innuendo.
After all, when relatives (period) come, it's inconvenient to eat cold things.
Unfortunately, Shinra is a man. Whether he can eat cold drinks only shows his current preference, not his current physiological state.
Taking the coffee from Futaba Rio, Shinra glanced at the coffee in her hand by the way.
OK, Iced Americano.
"Sugar cubes are here." Futaba Rio thoughtfully prepared a saucer with sugar cubes for Shinra.
Shinra didn't drink coffee much usually, but if he did, his taste should be similar to Hachiman's; both liked sweet.
Adding three sugar cubes to the cup, Shinra slowly stirred the coffee with an iron spoon, thinking about how to open the topic.
"Did she ask you to find me?"
Okay, no need for him to open the topic.
"Not really." Shinra shook his head, indicating he came by himself.
Speaking of which, why do both Futabas seem to know each other's existence?
"It would be problematic not to notice, right?" Facing Shinra's doubt, Futaba Rio appeared very calm.
If there really was another self in the world, as the person involved, it should be easy to notice.
"So what did you hear from that 'fake'?" Futaba Rio continued to ask.
When she mentioned 'fake', there was obviously a teasing tone in her voice. Clearly, Futaba Rio didn't really think the other party was a fake; it was more like having a kind of... expecting better from her but disappointed?
It felt a bit like Surface Futaba's dissatisfaction with Inner Futaba's 'indecent' behavior. In short, both Futabas expressed disapproval of each other's actions.
Obviously the same person.
"She didn't say anything."
"Didn't she ask you to tell me not to go too far?"
...Maybe this is telepathy?
He hadn't said a word yet.
"Uh... probably said it?"
Shinra answered vaguely.
Futaba Rio changed the subject: "Then do you think I went too far?"
As a beneficiary, Shinra felt that answering either 'too far' or 'not too far' would appear hypocritical. He didn't hesitate when saving those photos back then, so he decided to tell the truth.
"...The photos look quite good."
Hearing Shinra's outrageous answer, there was still no expression on Futaba Rio's face. Unknown if it was Shinra's illusion, he felt the shade of her cheeks was slightly redder than just now.
"Is that so."
Her voice was still as flat, without any emotion, like a robot.
"..."
"..."
After a moment of silence, Futaba Rio put down the coffee cup in her hand, and Shinra followed suit.
"Want to watch?"
"...Watch what?" Shinra's mouth was a bit dry.
"TV." Futaba Rio pointed to the 80-inch LCD TV in front of them. Finally, a ripple appeared on her originally flat expression. "What else could it be?"
"TV, ah. I also thought it was TV."
"Watch or not?"
"Watch."
Having TV as background noise was better than the two staring at each other dryly.
"You are usually home alone?"
"Mm, they generally don't come back much."
The 'they' in Futaba's mouth should be her parents. Obviously parents, but it felt like talking about irrelevant people.
This was just a feeling. From the feedback of Emotion Perception, Futaba was far less calm than she appeared. That faint sour loneliness was enough to explain the problem.
Shinra wasn't in a hurry to confirm the commission with her but prepared to learn more about her.
"Your parents are busy?"
"Busy."
"What do they do?"
Felt like checking the household register, but fortunately, Futaba Rio seemed to want to pour out these issues to someone and didn't feel Shinra was offensive.
"Father is a doctor."
"Feels okay. So your family runs a hospital?" Shinra looked at the layout of Futaba's house. The income of an ordinary doctor couldn't support such a home.
"Not a private practitioner, working in a teaching hospital."
"Management position?"
"Not sure, but there seem to be factional struggles."
Factional struggles too?
Then it seems the interests involved are indeed huge.
"Mother?"
Since the father was so powerful, the mother, who was also a busy person, shouldn't be bad either, right?
"Running an imported brand clothing store."
"President?"
"Should be."
This family composition in Japan, a capitalist country, properly counts as the upper class. Doctor father, president mother—it can be said that 90% of the suffering in the world is insulated from Futaba Rio.
Of course, as a child of a chaebol family, Shinra was not qualified to talk about Futaba. His birth was even more privileged than Futaba Rio's.
"So what do you want to say?"
"Just purely wanted to know why Futaba's family is so rich."
"Nothing compared to you, right?"
Futaba Rio knew that most of the shares of the agency company where Mai-senpai belonged were under Shinra's personal name. It was said to be a small gift from his family elders.
The value of this small gift alone was similar to her mother's industry.
Compared with Shinra, her family's assets probably looked no different from ordinary people in his eyes.
"Can't say that." Shinra corrected, "Comparing money is endless and boring."
"Mm, so what do you want to say?" Futaba Rio brought the topic back to the main point.
"Have you thought about how to solve your Adolescence Syndrome?"
No choice, Shinra had to go straight to the theme.
"Although I really don't want to say this, I indeed have no better way." Futaba Rio sighed, "So I can only ask you."
...Much easier than expected. Shinra thought he would have to spend some saliva or pay something to successfully persuade the other party.
But looking at it now, it seemed completely unnecessary?
Pity...
Maybe he should have done this earlier instead of talking about irrelevant things.
Looking at the unlocked commission in the system commission column, Shinra couldn't help falling into contemplation.
Accepting this commission was much easier than accepting Mai's commission before.
Compared to the golden wish-power commission of the Yukinoshita sisters where the commission name was still unclear, it was effortlessly easy.
Anyway, let's see what information the unlocked commission can give first.