Minami wasn't in a rush to start the simulation.
As usual, before beginning, he first checked his remaining Heartthrob Points.
Remaining Heartthrob Points: 660
Thanks to today's interaction with Rio Futaba, his total Heartthrob Points had increased, reaching 660.
"Plenty."
Satisfied, Minami nodded at the total.
With 660 points, even if this simulation went sideways, he'd still have enough to run it again and make things right.
In that case...
"No need to hesitate."
He tapped Rio Futaba's name.
[Simulation Target: Rio Futaba | Status: Holds affection, somewhat attentive]
Minami nodded silently.
The tag "Desires to be Saved" had vanished from her profile without him noticing.
That meant his efforts today hadn't been in vain.
[Start Simulation? Yes / No]
Yes.
He confirmed, letting his consciousness sink into the simulation.
[On a late autumn night, she asked if the two of you could become friends.]
[It was her first step forward, an effort to move past the shadows of her junior high years.]
[You could never truly imagine the amount of courage it took for this reclusive girl to simply say she wanted to be your friend.]
[In her period of self-loathing and inner conflict, your willingness to reach out made you far more than just an ordinary friend in her eyes.]
[You gave her courage, and she naturally wants to return that sentiment.]
[Your relationship with Rio Futaba has deepened.]
[You and Rio Futaba have become friends.]
"Starting off as friends already."
Watching the relationship progression with Rio Futaba, Minami couldn't help but nod approvingly.
Compared to the lukewarm starts of the first three timelines, this was lightning fast.
And just from the simulator's descriptions, he could tell this friendship status wasn't superficial.
But he couldn't get complacent.
Though Rio Futaba's emotional burden had been partially lifted with the help of Chisato Nishikigi, and she was beginning to accept herself, it wasn't over yet.
Minami knew all too well how tricky this simulator could be.
To completely untangle the knots in Rio Futaba's heart, a single heart-to-heart wasn't going to cut it.
It would take time.
With that in mind, Minami continued reading.
[Deep down, you understand clearly—this is no time to let your guard down.]
[This delicate and sensitive girl, though beginning to accept herself under your influence, is still a ticking time bomb of adolescent emotion.]
[To fully defuse the 'bomb' in her heart, time is essential.]
[To avoid rushing things and to accelerate her healing steadily, you decide to seek outside help—]
[This is a special option, life-changing choice. Please choose carefully.]
1. Rio Futaba seems to get along with Chisato Nishikigi. Girls bonding with girls is the best! Choose Chisato Nishikigi and Takina Inoue as support!
2. Nothing opens hearts like the power of music! Even someone like Hitori Gotoh found her way! Choose Kessoku Band as support!
3. Healing takes time, and where do you spend the most time with Rio Futaba? School. Choose Akane Shinjo and Rikka Takarada as support!
4. Simulate it Yourself!
"Huh? Special options? What the hell is this?"
Minami frowned at the label "Special Option."
Since he got the simulator, it had only ever presented two kinds of choices:
Normal options—some influence on the simulation.
Major options—huge influence, sometimes causing total failure if chosen poorly.
But this "Special Option" was new. He had no clue what it meant.
"Still, just from the text... it's clear this is serious."
Lying in bed, eyes locked on the simulation screen, Minami realized something.
For the first time, the simulator had explicitly warned him: Please choose carefully.
This was no small decision.
So he had to think it through.
Though feeling under the weather from the cold, Minami's brain was running at full speed.
First off, Option 2: Kessoku Band—he could cross that out immediately.
He hadn't forgotten the last simulation where he forced Rio Futaba into socializing, which led to a mediocre ending.
Back then, the group he had her join? Kessoku Band.
Sure, Nijika Ijichi and Ikuyo Kita could light up a room.
But shoving Rio—who had no knowledge of or interest in music—into their world? Unrealistic.
Strike that one out.
Same logic applied to Option 3: Akane Shinjo and Rikka Takarada.
Lately, Akane and Rikka had truly become close friends. As neighbors, Rikka often visited to watch tokusatsu shows.
Apparently, after the cultural festival, she'd gained an appreciation for acting and wanted to explore that world.
Their bond was tight.
Inserting Rio into that duo? Forced.
Besides, tokusatsu wasn't even something Rio liked.
Which left, by process of elimination...
"Option 1 it is."
Minami turned his gaze to Option 1: Chisato Nishikigi and Takina Inoue.
The work environment at LycoReco was genuinely pleasant.
Chisato Nishikigi was warm and outgoing, while Takina Inoue, despite her reserved demeanor, clearly cared for others.
Plus, Rio Futaba herself was quite interested in coffee and got along very well with Chisato.
Choosing Option 1 seemed like a safe bet.
"It should be fine to choose Option 1… but what's really bothering me is the meaning behind that 'Special Option.'"
Minami muttered to himself.
What exactly did the simulator mean by "Special Option"? And what was the implication behind it?
Honestly, Minami couldn't quite figure it out.
But sitting on it wouldn't help the situation.
Reaching out, Minami tapped Option 1.
[You think LycoReco's work environment is an ideal fit, and the energetic Chisato Nishikigi could definitely help untangle Rio Futaba's inner struggles. After some thought, you invite Rio Futaba to work part-time at LycoReco.]
[But to your surprise, since Rio was already interested in coffee and Chisato had previously extended an invitation, joining LycoReco was a natural progression.]
"Nice."
Minami was satisfied with this development.
Just as expected—LycoReco was the perfect place for Rio Futaba.
He continued reading.
[Your judgment was correct.]
[The warm, people-focused environment of LycoReco was ideal for someone like Rio Futaba, who tended to be withdrawn.]
[Regularly interacting with customers and meeting all kinds of people was a gradual but effective remedy for her reclusive nature.]
[Under Chisato Nishikigi's sunny guidance, Rio quickly adapted to the busy pace of LycoReco, leveraging her natural attention to detail.]
[Rio Futaba and Chisato Nishikigi's relationship has deepened.]
[Rio Futaba and Chisato Nishikigi have become friends.]
"Hmm?"
Minami raised an eyebrow at the sudden relationship update.
Friends already...?
Chisato really moved fast.
But then again, it made sense.
Her social skills were practically Level 4—a true social dynamo.
Rio didn't stand a chance against that.
Minami shrugged and kept reading.
[To help Rio integrate faster, Chisato made extra efforts behind the scenes, introducing her to more people.]
[This greatly improved Rio's personality and helped her feel at home in LycoReco's circle.]
[Rio Futaba and Chisato Nishikigi's relationship has deepened.]
"…Huh?"
Again?
Another relationship deepened prompt?
Something felt... off.
Minami couldn't put his finger on it, but he sensed something wasn't right.
He continued reading.
[As Rio gradually settled into the group, LycoReco's staff began accepting the quiet, glasses-wearing girl you had introduced.]
[Given her natural interest in coffee, Rio eagerly learned brewing techniques from the shop owner, Mika.]
[In her free time, she practiced the skills taught by Mika, and sometimes, even during work, she would absentmindedly start brewing coffee.]
[At those moments, Chisato would step in to help smooth things over as the experienced senior.]
[Rio Futaba and Chisato Nishikigi's relationship has deepened.]
Hissss...
Minami exhaled sharply.
Something was definitely off now.
This was his simulation with Rio Futaba, right?
So why was it Chisato and Rio stacking affection points like some loyalty program?
Where the hell am I?
Is this... a yuri route?!
Minami stroked his chin and scrolled on, unable to look away.
[Mika, the owner, wasn't always at the shop due to his commitments to the orphanage.]
[During his absence, Rio would often ask Chisato for brewing advice.]
[As a LycoReco staff member, Chisato had mastered Mika's techniques, and under her detailed instruction, Rio's skills improved rapidly.]
[Chisato's unwavering support left Rio, who often leaned on her for help, filled with gratitude.]
Minami closed his eyes.
Memories from the simulation began flooding in—
Scene: LycoReco counter, shortly after work.
Chisato rested her cheek on her hand, watching Rio brew coffee, her lips curved in a sweet smile.
"Ahh... Not like that, little Rio. When pouring, do it like this—keep your wrist steady, pour the hot water first onto the filter paper…"
Steam drifted from the kettle as water flowed over freshly ground coffee.
Chisato, leaning on the counter, whispered gentle reminders, her golden hair bouncing under a bright red ribbon.
Under her guidance, Rio nodded softly, pressing the kettle and circling her wrist.
"You're really all thumbs, huh?"
Chisato giggled, covering her mouth, inching closer. Her fair fingers touched Rio's pale hand.
"Don't be nervous. Remember the 226 method I showed you? Like this… until the coffee grounds bloom, then swirl the pot a bit... get the flavors to mingle."
From behind, Chisato guided Rio's wrist, gently moving it.
"Mmh..."
Rio responded quietly, breath catching as warmth tickled her ear.
Her pale face, kissed by the reddish hue of sunset, blushed faintly.
Two girls laughing behind the counter, the moment glowing soft and serene.
[Rio Futaba and Chisato Nishikigi's relationship has deepened.]
[Rio Futaba and Chisato Nishikigi have become close companions.]
"?" Minami stared.
Huh?
Wait a minute...
Miss Futaba, Miss Nishikigi… what are you two doing?
Minami blinked in disbelief.
All those repeated relationship deepened notifications had already seemed off.
Now, with this vivid scene from the simulation flooding his mind, it felt completely absurd.
Was this what the "Special Option" meant?
Is this seriously a yuri route?!
Even Minami, normally calm and collected, couldn't keep a straight face.
This was way too "special option," wasn't it?
And where's my role?
Aren't I the male protagonist of this simulation?
"..."
Minami shook his head.
This unexpected twist had truly caught him off guard.
But thinking it over...
The bond between two girls, blossoming naturally...
Well...
Maybe...
It wasn't so bad?