Volume 1 - CH 10

Episode 10: “For Tomorrow”

“I see, a hamburger, got it. Oh, can you eat bell peppers?”

“I can eat them… I can eat anything except for strong-smelling herbs like cilantro.”

“I’m not a fan of cilantro either. But, in that case, I wanted you to say that you can eat anything when it comes to my cooking. Or something like that?”

…I see, so I should answer like that in these situations. It’s a learning experience.

Despite knowing that it’s too late, I tried repeating those words, but she ended up laughing out loud. Well, I’ll take it as a good response.

After that, we walked home together while chatting. Of course, our hands were still held together.

And then, we parted at the station where we had arranged to meet in the morning.

As we said goodbye, she told me that she would contact me again at night, so I nodded and agreed. It’s frustrating that I can’t come up with clever lines, but there’s nothing I can do about it.

Because I become aware of it in unexpected moments.

Because it’s a punishment game, she’s dating me.

“Well… that’s the summary of what happened today.”

“Hey, you’re giving off a negative monologue, but isn’t it already unrelated to the punishment game in her mind? She’s definitely head over heels for you now.”

After coming home and starting up a mobile game, I consulted with Baron-san and he immediately responded as if to say that my dilemma was pointless. I denied his words, thinking he was being foolish.

“I thought it would be impossible within this week… Holding hands and clearing the hurdle of going to school together, receiving a homemade lunchbox, and even feeding each other ‘aah’? Didn’t she confess to you just yesterday? That’s not something that normally happens.”

You thought it would be impossible within this week…

Well… let’s not dwell on that. I’m the one seeking advice, so let’s just assume that he set high goals for me.

“Is that so? Well, even though it’s called a punishment game, she’s dating me to get used to being with guys, right? So maybe she’s just simulating being in a relationship with me?”

“No, when it comes to confessing as part of a punishment game and then starting a relationship, it’s more like a professional arrangement… I actually expected her to say something like, ‘I’m dating you, so don’t get carried away and don’t talk to me at school.'” (TL notes: yeah most of the times.)

“She’s not that kind of person.”

Even though I’m the one seeking advice, I couldn’t help but feel a bit irritated by Baron-san’s choice of words and countered him.

Since it’s just text, my discomfort might not come across, but even though it’s just imagination, I feel slightly uncomfortable when she’s spoken of in a negative way.

Well, that’s probably the nuance that doesn’t come across in text. I know that Baron-san doesn’t mean any harm.

“Anyway, let’s consider the following possibilities regarding her current state.”

With that, Baron-san starts discussing her situation.

“Possible scenario 1: She finds pleasure in playing with men, like a seductive type… Is it called a femme fatale?”. (TL notes: femme fatale – an attractive or seductive woman who causes distress to the man involved with her.

“I don’t think so. She’s not used to being with men… Her friend mentioned that when they decided on the punishment game.”

That’s why I, who was considered to be herbivorous or even fasting, was chosen. And if she were that kind of person, she would have actively dated numerous handsome guys who confessed to her in the past without hesitation.

I can confidently assert that there is a one-in-a-million chance for possibility 1.

“Possible scenario 2: Since she knows that she’ll break up with you in a month anyway, she doesn’t mind being disliked and is using you to create her ideal girlfriend image and testing it out.”

I see… so that was acting out her ideal girlfriend image for Nanami-san… Even though she’s not used to dealing with guys, she came on quite strongly, so I found it strange. But if she was forcing herself to act, then it makes sense.

…If that was really acting, women are terrifying. I’ve thought about it before, but she could definitely make a living as an actress.

She’s beautiful, cute, has a great figure, and a good personality… she’s just adorable.

“Possible scenario 3: On the day she confessed, she fell head over heels for you because you helped her. She’s already smitten with you.”

“That’s the least likely, I think. I mean, all I did was shield her from getting wet with water. To be smitten with someone because of something like that… Is it even possible?”

Well, setting aside the outdated expression… It’s something anyone could have done, not just me. Can someone really fall in love with someone that easily over something like that?

Well, it’s not really my place to say, considering I’ve been completely manipulated by her all day… But still, as a motivation for her to like me… it feels unbelievable.

“Possible scenario 4: You actually reincarnated from another world as a cheat character with the ability to make women fall head over heels when they confess to you.” (TL notes: all isekai’s I watched till now flashed in my mind)

“Isn’t that too specific of an ability?”

If making women fall head over heels when they confess is the ability, it’s pointless since they would already be head over heels when they confess… Baron-san, you’ve come up with a strange twist.

“Well, personally, I think possibility 3 is the most likely.”

“I think it’s possibility 1. It would be better to break up quickly.”

Peach-san joins the conversation but quickly disappears after saying that. She consistently criticizes Nanami-san. She must have a strong sense of justice and can’t tolerate playing with people’s hearts.

Suddenly faced with this command, I panic. Asking her out on a date is a leap that’s too sudden, and I can’t possibly imagine myself doing it… And yet, that’s the instruction given to me by Baron-san.

She mentioned after school that today’s events were like a date, but she was the one who initiated it, and it was an extension of walking home together… But if I were to ask her out on a date myself… the difficulty level would skyrocket.

“You don’t need to overthink it. She probably wants an equal relationship, so it’s necessary to offer a moderate return as thanks for the lunch… Yes, going to the movies together would be a good idea. It’s a classic.”

A movie date… what is that unknown sound? I can’t possibly do it, but Baron-san is telling me to do it.

“It might seem a bit old-fashioned, but it would be good if you cover all the expenses for that day’s date. As thanks for making you lunch, she would probably accept it smoothly, don’t you think? You said you receive lunch money from your parents… if you save that, you should have enough, right?”

Certainly, she said she would make me lunch from now on. To simply accept that without offering anything in return… it feels unfair and far from the idea of an equal relationship she mentioned.

In order to continue dating her from now on, I’m sure I have to follow Baron-san’s advice and give her a reasonable gesture of gratitude. Otherwise, I will continue to feel indebted to her.

Because it’s a punishment game, I want to at least maintain an equal footing. Regardless of what happens in the future.

Well, to be honest… I really like her. I have that level of self-awareness… It’s quite evident.

…I can’t help but think I’m a bit shallow.

Just as I had that thought, a message arrives on my smartphone. The sender is… Nanami-san. And it says the following:

“…Is it okay to have a call right now?”

Interlude: Nanami-san before sending the message

I’ve been staring at my smartphone screen for a while. I’m hesitating about contacting Youshin…

I wonder if it would be bothersome? But I want to hear his voice… What should I do…

…Enough, I’ll go for it! I don’t have the courage to call him directly… so I’ll take an intermediary step for now!