"Hoshimi, let's meet."
In the dream, the first words Utaha Kasumigaoka said after appearing made Hoshimi slightly pause.
He looked at the calm expression on Kasumigaoka's face and asked, "Why do you want to meet?"
"Why?" Kasumigaoka crossed her arms and calmly looked at Hoshimi, asking, "Do we need a reason to meet?"
Hoshimi thought for a moment and replied, "Maybe we don't need a reason, but I'd like to know what you're thinking, Utaha. What do you want to do after we meet?"
Kasumigaoka averted her gaze, looking out at the endless blue sky in the dreamscape, and said softly, "Hoshimi, dreams are still just dreams. No matter how real they may seem, they are different from reality. I want to meet you in reality to confirm something."
She turned back to look at Hoshimi, her wine-red eyes slightly brightening. "Hoshimi, I think you know what I'm trying to confirm without me having to say it."
Hoshimi nodded slightly. Indeed, there was no need for Kasumigaoka to elaborate; the only thing she wanted to confirm was the issue of physical contact and the release of dopamine.
"Hoshimi, do you know how I felt after leaving your dream yesterday?"
Hoshimi nodded again. "I can guess."
Based on Kasumigaoka's previous experience with depression, it's likely that she developed a kind of dependence on him due to dopamine-related issues.
It's similar to the dependency modern young people have on their smartphones. If you suddenly take away a smartphone from a young person, they might initially feel irritable and not know what to do.
With a phone in hand, there are countless ways to entertain oneself—short videos, social media, novels, games—all of which can stimulate dopamine production and create a sense of satisfaction.
Losing that satisfaction suddenly can cause discomfort, which can be masked by engaging in other activities. Over time, one might adapt to life without a phone.
However, Kasumigaoka's dependency on him was far more serious than a young person's dependency on their phone. When people use their phones, the dopamine released in the body is within normal limits, merely leading to satisfaction and happiness. Reaching the point of addiction isn't easy.
But when Kasumigaoka came into contact with him, the dopamine levels surged to the maximum the body could handle, potentially causing side effects if not managed carefully.
In this context, Kasumigaoka's dependency on him could be said to have reached the level of addiction.
This was evident from her depression after leaving his dream.
Initially, Kasumigaoka's depression had been alleviated through treatment by a psychologist, and her dependency on him had significantly decreased.
Over time, Kasumigaoka might have been able to completely overcome the impact he had on her.
But yesterday, he had pulled Kasumigaoka into his dream, and they reconnected...
After several months, the dopamine levels surged again, and the dependency resurfaced.
For Kasumigaoka, this was a case of "old habits die hard," and all the progress she had made was undone.
What reignited was her reliance on him, and what was undone was the progress she had made in treating her depression.
After considering all this, Hoshimi could roughly guess Kasumigaoka's psychological state after leaving his dream yesterday.
Restlessness, anxiety, fear that he would suddenly disappear again—under these circumstances, it was predictable that Utaha would propose meeting.
After thinking it over, Hoshimi looked at Kasumigaoka and asked, "Utaha, when do you want to meet?"
Kasumigaoka's eyes brightened as she said, "Tomorrow."
"Hmm? Tomorrow?" Hoshimi raised an eyebrow and asked, "Utaha, are you sure about tomorrow? Tomorrow is Wednesday; we both have classes, don't we?"
"We can take the day off." Kasumigaoka stared intently at Hoshimi, her wine-red eyes shimmering with clear anticipation.
"Tomorrow, huh...?" Hoshimi felt a headache coming on.
Due to attendance issues, he couldn't easily skip classes. If his attendance fell below the minimum threshold, it would be a problem.
He definitely didn't want his guardian, Aunt Arisugawa, to be called in. Although she appeared gentle and kind, she had a much darker side beneath the surface.
If she were called in, Aunt Arisugawa would undoubtedly seize the opportunity to impose conditions on him—not seeking his parents' inheritance, but making demands regarding his future.
Aunt Arisugawa was quite responsible, and based on their previous interactions, she clearly treated him like her own son.
Now that he had successfully emerged from the shadow of his parents' deaths, Aunt Arisugawa's methods were unlikely to remain as gentle as before. If she found an excuse and a reason, his carefree daily life would be over.
"Hoshimi, can't we do it?" Seeing Hoshimi hesitate, Kasumgaoka's wine-red eyes dimmed slightly.
Hoshimi sighed inwardly and tentatively asked, "What about the weekend?"
Kasumigaoka shook her head firmly. "I want to meet tomorrow."
She had her plans. She wanted to catch Hoshimi off guard. If it were just about meeting, she would have suggested the weekend from the start.
"Tomorrow, huh... Fine, I understand."
Hoshimi calculated that his current attendance rate was still sufficient to allow him to take a few days off.
Taking a day off to meet Kasumigaoka wasn't impossible. After all, he was guilty...
Oh, the clever Miss Kasumigaoka was clearly taking advantage of this, but there was nothing he could do. After all, he was guilty.
But it's okay; he's keeping track of every little thing Kasumigaoka does. Once he atones for his sins, he'll settle the score with her slowly.
Taking a day off tomorrow to meet Kasumigaoka? That should account for about 30% of his atonement. Yesterday's small compromise adds another 5%.
With his mind made up and plans for future payback in place, Hoshimi felt much more at ease.
He looked at Kasumigaoka and casually asked, "Utaha, where do you want to meet tomorrow?"
Kasumigaoka lowered her head, avoiding Hoshimi's gaze as she softly replied, "I... I haven't decided yet..."
But in a place where Hoshimi couldn't see, Kasumigaoka's eyes gleamed with a hint of satisfaction at her successful scheme.
"Hmm? You haven't decided yet?" Seeing Kasumigaoka with her head lowered, Hoshimi faintly sensed that something was amiss.
From what he knew about Kasumigaoka, she wasn't the type to impulsively rush into something without a plan.
Normally, Kasumigaoka's actions followed a clear plan or a well-thought-out agenda. It was rare for her to do something without being prepared.
"Hoshimi, at first, I didn't expect you to agree so easily... I thought you would try to delay... to postpone our meeting..."
Hearing Kasumigaoka's explanation, Hoshimi was left somewhat skeptical.
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