After Utaha finished speaking, a faint smile lingered on her lips, making her look charming and alluring.
She understood Chisato's feelings and the extent of their relationship, so after careful consideration, she made what she believed was the best choice.
"…What about me?"
As the two of them leaned in close, lost in each other's gaze and feeling the hormones between them intensifying, Eriri who was sitting nearby, clumsily broke the mood with those three words, instantly ruining the atmosphere.
Yes, she did it on purpose.
Although Utaha's earlier words couldn't strictly be considered a breach of conduct, it still left her feeling oddly annoyed.
Hadn't they agreed to form an alliance to support each other against outsiders? What did it mean that she was getting closer to Chisato while pushing Eriri away?!
"Ah, I almost forgot, Eriri feels the same way as I do."
The smile faded from Utaha's face as she placed one hand on Chisato's thigh and pointed at Eriri, speaking earnestly.
"Heh."
Eriri didn't bother responding to her seemingly well-meaning but actually dismissive comment.
However, the small conflict between them gave Chisato a huge sigh of relief.
Even on a normal day, Utaha's charm was undeniable, not to mention the fierce confidence she exuded now. Every smile and frown from her was enough to make one's heart race.
While it might be a bit exaggerated to say that he wanted to push her down and go all out, there was indeed a moment when Chisato thought that simply being with her for the rest of his life, without anyone else, didn't sound so bad.
Utaha, in full bloom, was genuinely a bit intimidating.
"Chisato, you don't have to listen to what this guy is saying."
After Eriri spoke, Chisato looked at her.
She, like Utaha earlier, stared directly into his face, resting her hands on her thighs and leaning forward slightly.
She smiled too, but her whole demeanor felt less aggressive and more inviting.
Her smile was warm and comforting, much like her golden hair, radiating a soothing energy.
"Chisato, you don't need to overthink things. Just maintain your usual mindset based on your own thoughts."
"Regardless of the outcome, I hope our relationship won't become distant because of this; that's enough for me."
Though Eriri and Utaha had privately formed an alliance, their inner thoughts were entirely different and opposing.
Utaha, having experienced a less-than-perfect dream life and having faced loss, felt the need for stability in love without unexpected intrusions.
This longing drove her to approach things more aggressively.
For her, the importance of the outcome of her romance far outweighed the process.
Eriri, on the other hand, was entirely different.
In her dream life, everything had gone smoothly, and she always felt confident because of the favor she received.
She desired a more romantic development, hoping for a natural flow of affection and warmth, much like a gentle snowfall.
Having never faced loss, she felt no fear and didn't want to put too much pressure on Chisato, thinking that taking things step by step was sufficient.
The current way they interacted was just fine.
It wouldn't be fair to say either of their thoughts were right or wrong; they both made the best choices within their respective ranges.
In response, Utaha propped her chin on her hand, yawning in boredom, clearly unimpressed.
She didn't agree with Eriri's strategy, but judging by Chisato's dazed expression, Eriri's approach had proven to be quite effective.
But what would happen after this? How would he change in ways she couldn't see?
Without a solid relationship established, there would be no constraints. Blind indulgence could only lead to tragedy.
It was merely a temporary effect; while emotions of being moved were nice, they definitely wouldn't play a key role in improving their relationship.
If she truly wanted to get closer to Chisato, she needed to follow her instincts and express her feelings openly; that was the best strategy.
Utaha thought this way and had expressed similar sentiments to Eriri before, but she simply wouldn't listen.
She had done her utmost, but if the other party refused to listen and wanted to work ineffectively, what could she do?
So she couldn't be blamed for making a move; she'd find a chance that evening to invite Chisato for a walk in the hotel garden, enjoying the breeze and stargazing.
Everything would fall into place.
Even if they couldn't become a couple, it would leave him with an unforgettable night, allowing her status in his heart to rise dramatically.
If the atmosphere was right, they might even kiss.
Imagining that beautiful scene, Utaha picked up her fork, poking a piece of fruit and bringing it to her mouth, her smile becoming even more captivating.
"Mm—"
Eriri, leaning forward, felt the warmth of Chisato's chest as he held her.
"…"
Watching the transparent thread connecting their lips as they pulled apart, Utaha's eyes went wide with emptiness.
She glanced at her phone's timer, a sardonic smile creeping onto her face as she spoke in a dangerously calm tone:
"Two minutes and thirteen seconds… Heh, why don't you just kiss until the restaurant closes?"
___
This is why I like Eriri more than Utaha.
Utaha's attractiveness is off the charts, making her the most wanted girlfriend.
But as someone you wanted to be your wife, Eriri is the best. Her gentleness is just like the warmth of a blanket you used in your bedroom with AC turned on while its raining outside.
But personally, I'll take both.
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