Ryosuke repeated the question in his mind: "What kind of woman do I like?"
It wasn't something he had ever seriously considered. In his past life, he'd had relationships, sure, but those memories felt distant and hazy, like they belonged to someone else entirely. Before regaining his memories, he was just an ordinary teenager, avoiding complicated feelings. He remembered those awkward school days, especially the quiet crush he had on his classmate—she was always kind, lending him her notes with a smile that brightened his day. But he never mustered the courage to confess. That memory seemed so far away now.
Closing his eyes, Ryosuke tried to clear his thoughts. The seemingly simple question left him feeling vulnerable, but he knew her aunt was waiting for an honest answer.
Taking a deep breath, he finally spoke, his words slow and hesitant. "Well…" he began shyly, still avoiding Yuki's piercing gaze. "I guess… I like women who have gone through difficult times. Those who have been broken by life, who've suffered and don't know how to move forward anymore." He paused, diving deeper into his thoughts. "Maybe because… I want to be the one who gives them something they've lost. Being seen as their savior... it's a feeling that's hard to resist."
He scratched his head, embarrassed by his own words, before continuing with more confidence. "The more a woman has been hurt or broken, the more attractive she seems to me. It's like seeing mud and wanting to be the one to turn it into a diamond." He gave a small, awkward laugh. "I guess... that's the kind of woman I like."
When Ryosuke finally looked up, Yuki was staring at him, her eyes wide with surprise.
Then, suddenly, she burst into laughter, the sound echoing through the clearing. Ryosuke froze, his embarrassment growing as he watched her laugh uncontrollably.
Yuki, wiping tears from her eyes, tried to calm herself, though a smile still lingered on her lips. "Oh, Ryosuke," she said, shaking her head. "You really surprised me there. I was actually worried about you, but now I see there was no need for concern."
Ryosuke frowned, confused. "What do you mean, Auntie?"
Still chuckling, Yuki gave him a mischievous look. "When you first said you liked kind, caring girls, I was a little hesitant, honestly. I thought, 'Oh no, he's giving me the boring, typical answer.' But then…" She took a breath, her smile widening. "Then you went on about broken women and wanting to save them, and I realized—wow, Ryosuke, you're a real weirdo!"
Ryosuke's face flushed with embarrassment, and he looked away, trying to escape her teasing gaze. "What? No, that's not what I meant… I mean, maybe a little, but…" He stumbled over his words, trying to explain himself.
Yuki didn't let him finish. She waved a hand dramatically, her grin still mocking. "Oh, don't worry! I'm not judging you. Everyone has their preferences, right? But it sounds like you must really like prostitutes or mean women—they've probably been through all sorts of things that 'broke' them, right? Is that what you mean?"
Ryosuke, now completely flustered, couldn't believe what she was saying. "No! That's not what I meant at all!" he exclaimed, throwing his hands up in frustration. "I mean… Ugh!" He buried his face in his hands, realizing he was only making things worse.
Yuki laughed again, clearly enjoying his discomfort. After a moment, she softened, walking over and placing a gentle hand on his shoulder. Her smile was still there, but her eyes were kinder now. "Relax, Ryosuke. I'm just teasing you."
He glanced up at her, still feeling awkward but curious. "So... what do you think, Auntie? About what I said, I mean."
Yuki took a moment, crossing her arms and looking at him thoughtfully. "Honestly?" she said, tilting her head slightly. "It's the touch of madness I was hoping for. I wanted to see if you had that spark, that thing that makes you a little different from everyone else. And I have to say, you delivered." She gave a small laugh before her expression turned more serious. "But I'll be honest, your answer makes me think you're either a genius... or a monster."
TO BE CONTINUED!
Next Chapter: Never knew It would be so Powerful