Chisato's unexpected retreat made Utaha feel pleased.
In their dreams, Chisato was often the aggressor, a villain who would bully Utaha, who found herself in a submissive position most of the time.
Only rarely could she turn the tables and briefly experience the thrill of being on top, but those moments were fleeting.
Now, the situation had reversed, and she was experiencing a pleasure she hadn't felt before.
She thought this approach might be quite nice.
Perhaps in the future, she could continue interacting with him as the proactive, somewhat villainous older sister and enjoy maintaining control. That seemed interesting.
Chisato didn't know what Utaha was thinking, but his eyes conveyed clear information.
The girl's flushed cheeks and rapid breathing were just the beginning!
More importantly, her overall demeanor was evident.
Although her expression remained composed and elegant, her wine-red eyes showed a hint of confusion.
Her lips were slightly parted, and she was nibbling her lower lip with her sharp little canines.
She had bent forward, resting her hands on the sofa cushions and knees, and was slowly crawling towards him.
Outside the side window of the living room, a black crow that had been still and staring in was now silently turning away, its head lifted to look at the sky.
Even crows couldn't handle it!
Let alone Chisato, who was in his teens and could probably punch through ice when excited!
"Please wait a moment, Kasumigaoka! I have something to say!"
Chisato extended his right hand to block Utaha's advance.
At this moment, he needed to stay calm and not forget why he had come today!
Although what she had said seemed persuasive at first glance, making one almost want to nod in agreement, everyone's situation is different!
"Tsk—"
Utaha clicked her tongue in dissatisfaction.
She had felt that the atmosphere was good and was about to move closer, planning to remove the tie around his neck as a memento of their first real-life meeting.
"What do you want to say?"
She straightened up but didn't move farther away.
But this was enough; as long as she could calm down and stop looking at him with those dangerous, predatory eyes, it would be fine.
Chisato took a deep breath to steady himself.
"It's about the unnatural dream we had."
Utaha smiled easily.
"Even after hearing what I just said, do you still think our dream is false?"
"No, after hearing what Kasumigaoka…"
"Call me Utaha."
"…After hearing Utaha's words, my thoughts have changed slightly."
"Only slightly?"
"Yes."
Utaha tilted her head.
"I'm not surprised. You've always had strong opinions and aren't easily swayed by others."
"However, even someone like you, I'm confident I can change your mind."
"After all, I can be considered one of the people who understands you best in the world…"
"Well, maybe one of them. Give me a little more time, and I believe you'll fully accept my perspective."
Chisato shook his head.
"It's not that simple."
"Huh? What do you mean?"
"It's not about you; it's about me."
"…"
Upon hearing this serious statement from Chisato, Utaha's once confident and beautiful face showed a look of fear.
She almost immediately turned her sharp gaze towards Chisato's lap.
"You… It's not what you think!"
After hesitating for two seconds, Chisato realized and used his hands to block Utaha's gaze.
"Phew…"
Utaha closed her eyes, gently patting her chest with her right hand, and slowly exhaled.
Don't show that obvious look of relief!
"I mean, my situation is a bit different from Kasumigaoka…"
"Utaha!"
He had already corrected her multiple times, and his expression was now slightly annoyed.
"…My situation is different from Utaha's."
"What exactly are you referring to?"
"You mentioned before, Utaha, that you gained abilities from the dream, like cooking skills and child-rearing techniques and experiences."
"That's correct."
"I'd like to ask, how much do you remember about what happened in the dreams?"
"…"
This question made Utaha fall silent.
Seeing her frown in thought, Chisato wisely remained quiet, allowing her the space to think.
This was something he had anticipated before coming, and in a way, it wasn't a lie.
If things went as he had predicted, what he was about to say might shift Utaha's thoughts, who seemed excited.
"I experienced two complete dreams, both very happy but entirely different lives."
"I can't remember many small details, but some important things are etched in my mind and will probably stay with me until I die."
Meeting Utaha's suddenly resolute gaze, Chisato thought, as expected.
"The difference between Utaha and me is right here."
Chisato remained rational throughout, and this was especially true when he spoke these words.
For the first time after meeting him, Utaha felt uneasy.
"What's different?"
"Utaha has fully experienced the dreams and gained the skills and experiences from them, but I am different."
"…"
Utaha's unease grew as she looked at him.
"What I told you about my experiences in the dreams isn't a summary of what happened. It's really all I remember."
"That's it."
"Besides that, unlike Utaha, I haven't gained any corresponding memories or abilities from those dreams…"
Chisato stopped speaking.
His eyes showed some helplessness, and Utaha, looking a bit flustered, clearly understood the deeper implications of what he was saying.
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