[Karl Marx once said in 'Capital' that with sufficient profit, humans become bold; with 50% profit, they can be a reckless personn; with 100% profit, they will trample all human laws; and with 300% profit, they might commit any crime.]
[Aki isn't a capitalist, but he's very short on money.]
[You spotted this weakness in Aki.]
[By casually offering a job with a seemingly good daily wage, you managed to make him willingly back out of the trip, derail his plans, and even feel deeply grateful to you.]
[You were happy because, on this trip, there would be no one in the way, and you could focus on getting closer to Eriri.]
[Aki was happy because this high-paying job could solve his urgent financial need for his game development.]
[Your mom and dad were also happy because a young worker would help out on the farm, lightening their load in exchange for a reasonable wage.]
[But one person wasn't happy—Eriri.]
[She had been looking forward to this trip for a long time because she wanted to spend time with someone she cared about.]
[But now, that person had voluntarily withdrawn, and her excitement evaporated like a receding tide.]
[You were well aware of this but didn't mind much. You knew that during the trip, you would find a way to make her happy again.]
For some reason, as Chisato Chisato watched events unfold like this, he began to feel a subtle sense of delight, and his anticipation for what would happen next grew stronger.
Could it be that deep down, he has a hidden 'blonde villain' side?
Usually, it's kept in check by social norms, but during this simulation, all these wicked scenarios keep bringing it out?
He couldn't help but wonder.
[On the morning of the trip, Aki arrived at your house.]
[Your mom drove him out to the countryside to the farm. You stood at the door, waving goodbye to them. Once the car was out of sight, a bright smile spread across your face.]
[Walking towards the school, you thought about your plan to get closer to Eriri. Most things had been confirmed; only the timing needed to be carefully considered.]
[After some thought, you finally made up your mind…]
[1. Implement the plan early in the trip.]
[2. Implement the plan midway through the trip.]
[3. Implement the plan near the end of the trip.]
Now it's a matter of timing.
Too early or too late doesn't seem right. The middle of the trip sounds just right. That way, if anything unexpected happens, there's still time to adjust.
Chisato was now all about playing it safe.
[In the first few days of the trip, the school organized many mandatory group activities. You realized it wasn't a good time to act, so you patiently waited.]
[On the fifth day of the trip, you invited Eriri for a walk on the beach.]
[You splashed water at her playfully. Under your careful actions, her previously heavy mood lifted, and for the first time in days, a genuine smile appeared on her face.]
[On the sixth night, you mysteriously told Eriri to close her eyes and not peek. You led her by the hand to the top of a hill behind the hotel.]
[You found a flat patch of grass, laid down a small camping blanket, and guided her to lie down. Then you told her she could open her eyes.]
[Eriri opened her eyes and was stunned. Above her was a breathtakingly beautiful starry sky.]
[The sounds of birds and insects filled the air, making the world seem pure, as if it was just the two of you.]
Switching to a first-person view.
Chisato raised his arm and pointed to the southeastern sky.
"That's Vega, and over there is Altair and Deneb. See how clearly they form the Summer Triangle?"
"Yeah, I can see it clearly," Eriri responded, her eyes wide with wonder as the stars reflected in them.
"I told you before, right? My hometown is in the countryside."
"Mhm."
"When I was a kid, I'd often climb onto the roof when I was feeling down and lie there like this, staring at the stars. No matter how many worries I had, they'd all disappear in an instant."
"Yeah, nature is really amazing."
"So, Eriri, it's our rare chance to go on this trip. I hope you can enjoy it a bit more."
"Um... no, I..."
"I've always understood, you know."
"Understood what..?"
"Eriri, I know exactly what's been troubling you, and I know what's been making you feel down because I'm going through the same thing right now."
Eriri looked over at him. Chisato lay beside her, with just a small gap between them.
"Chisato..."
"But it's okay. I'm really happy with the way things are now. We see each other whenever we want, and we laugh together every day. Isn't that enough?"
"I'm sorry, Chisato..."
"Why are you apologizing, Eriri? If anyone should be apologizing, it's me."
"After what I did back then, I acted like I didn't regret it at all and even made it seem like it was no big deal. I never realized how much I hurt you."
"Chisato! That's all in the past, and I really don't care anymore."
"No, please let me finish. You only realize how much something means to you after you've lost it."
"I don't think I'm a weak person, but during those days when we weren't in touch, I was anxious and scared every single day." Chisato spoke calmly, without any hint of emotion in his voice.
"But it wasn't that I was afraid our relationship would stay the way it was."
"I was scared that if this continued, I might actually start to accept the fact that Eriri Sawamura wouldn't be in my life anymore... "
"and I feared that if I could become so indifferent, then I might turn into someone I wouldn't want to be."
"..."
"The one thing I don't want to forget is how much I like you, Eriri."
"!!!" Eriri felt a soft spot deep inside her being gently touched by something invisible.
___
20+ advanced chapters on patreon.com/SenatusTheta
[Mission Progress]
[We Are Popular!]
1. Reach top 30 in power rankings. (?/30)
2. Recruit more believers to (Harem Advocate). (8/20)