Chapter 144: In Each Other’s Eyes, A Gaze Reserved for One

The simulation continued.

[Kaijin Black Sun concluded with a perfect finale.]

[To celebrate, you arranged a grand banquet for the entire cast and crew.]

[Among them, the one most deserving of recognition was Rikka, who played the human protagonist.]

[Knowing she wasn't fond of alcohol, you specifically instructed the staff not to serve her any alcoholic drinks.]

[Yet, for the first time, Rikka—who usually never turned down your considerations—took the initiative to request a small cup of sake.]

[As the lead of Kaijin Black Sun, if she refused the team's celebratory toasts, it would no doubt dampen the atmosphere.]

[Respecting her choice, you simply reminded her not to push herself too hard.]

[You weren't much of a drinker yourself—only occasionally sharing a few glasses with Akane.]

[After a few rounds of drinks, you stepped away to the lounge, hoping to ease the dizziness from the alcohol.]

[To your surprise, someone was already there.]

[It was Rikka. Unable to handle the constant toasts from the others, she had quietly slipped away.]

[Seeing that it was you who entered, she had initially straightened up, but upon recognizing you, she relaxed again, lazily slumping back down—just as she always had around you.]

[You sat down beside her, poured her a cup of tea, and struck up a conversation.]

[Over the years, the once laid-back and carefree girl had put in immense effort to chase her dreams. Whether it was honing her acting skills or refining her line delivery, she had worked tirelessly.]

[That was why her performance in Kaijin Black Sun had been nearly flawless.]

[The two of you reminisced about the past.]

[Back in high school, she would always lounge on the sofa behind you, playing on her phone, casually tossing you snacks to eat.]

[As she recalled those long-gone, yet precious memories of youth, her deep blue eyes curved into a gentle arc.]

[She wanted to return to those simpler days—where there were no worries, where the wind blew past as you and Akane walked ahead.]

[You understood the sentiment well. Nostalgia had a way of beautifying the past, making youth seem even more radiant in hindsight.]

[The two of you continued talking, sharing amusing stories from recent days.]

[Perhaps due to the alcohol, a faint blush dusted her cheeks, contrasting against the serene night.]

[Or perhaps it was the influence of the alcohol that made her finally voice the thoughts she had kept buried for so long.]

The restaurant where Minami hosted the celebration had a Kyoto garden aesthetic.

Red maple leaves drifted gently in the breeze.

Sliding doors half-opened, allowing glimpses of the tranquil night beyond.

Exquisitely arranged stones, winding pathways, and quiet corridors—all creating an indescribable atmosphere.

After their conversation, Rikka lay sprawled on the table, her black hair spilling across its surface. She turned her head, gazing at the view before her.

Tonight, there was no moon in the sky.

White paper lanterns hung along the veranda, glowing with a soft orange light that cast a warm glow over the scene.

Rikka stared at the landscape.

Her eyes followed the crimson and white walls beyond the rock garden.

Beyond that—only the vast, empty night sky.

"I probably liked you before, didn't I, Minami?" she murmured.

A little like a question.

A little like a conclusion.

"Maybe."

Minami propped his chin on his hand, following her gaze to the moonless, starless sky.

No matter how beautifully decorated Tokyo's night was, stars would never be visible.

"Maybe I still like you now."

Rikka spoke again.

"…Maybe," Minami replied.

The quiet night enveloped them.

Neither said another word.

Only Rikka, resting her chin on her hand, gazed up at the sky.

"If my heart never had a moon to begin with… then why do I feel like I've lost something now?"

She didn't understand.

"How can you feel regret for something you never had… something you could never have?"

Rikka stared into the vast, empty sky, lost in thought.

Yes.

If you never had it, you shouldn't feel regret.

If you never considered it, you shouldn't feel a sense of loss.

Rikka rested her head on the table again.

Maybe it was the alcohol.

With her eyes closed, she murmured softly:

"Maybe… for a long time now, I've held a kind of admiration for you."

After saying that, she fell silent.

Because she couldn't say anything more.

Whether for Akane's sake or Minami's—

All she could do was let it pass, like the drunken ramblings of someone speaking nonsense.

Hoping he wouldn't take it to heart.

But also… hoping he would.

[Long ago, from the moment you helped Akane step out of her darkness, Rikka had already started to notice you.]

[She was happy for her friend's change.]

[At the same time, she also realized you had done something she could never have achieved.]

[Perhaps it was then that a vague admiration for you took root in her heart.]

[Later, your conversation about life changed her perspective forever.]

[That admiration deepened.]

[She felt that being with you wasn't so bad.]

[As time passed, that feeling did not fade—it only grew stronger.]

[But she knew, deep down, that this was an emotion she should never have for you.]

[Yet tonight, under the influence of alcohol, she finally voiced that thought aloud.]

[And that was all it would ever be—just words.]

[As always, she remained quiet, easygoing, and by your side. Close, but never too close. That was enough.]

In reality, Minami opened his eyes, lost in thought.

Rikka was different from the other heroines he had encountered on various routes.

She clearly held strong feelings for him.

Yet she never actively pursued him.

And perhaps it was that very distance that made her feelings all the more poignant.

Minami shook his head and continued reading.

[Your relationship with Rikka seemed to have taken a step forward… or perhaps, a step backward.]

[Even with your usual sharpness, you couldn't quite figure it out.]

[The only thing you knew for sure was that her attitude toward you remained the same.]

[So, you set those thoughts aside for now and focused on your career.]

[Kaijin Black Sun concluded with a legendary success.]

[A 30.1% viewership rating—something only the finest tokusatsu series from the Showa era had ever achieved.]

[You and Akane gained massive support from tokusatsu fans.]

[Rikka, with her outstanding acting and flawless delivery, was now regarded as one of the strongest tokusatsu actresses of the new era.]

[With this, Minami & Shinjo Tokusatsu had officially cemented its place in the industry.]

[Capitalizing on the momentum, you launched a theatrical movie for Kaijin Black Sun.]

[With your direction and Akane's marketing expertise, the teaser PV showcased the same cold-toned cinematography, Black Sun's stunning suit design, and the triumphant return of Rikka—stirring immense anticipation among tokusatsu fans.]

[Meanwhile, as you worked on the Kaijin Black Sun movie, you and Akane also began preparations for your next project.]

[She designed the character concepts while you handled the screenplay.]

[Unlike Kamen Rider or Ultraman, your works did not share a common universe.]

[Kaijin Black Sun was a standalone world, and all your future projects would follow the same pattern.]

[In these new stories, Rikka would once again play a key role.]

[With years of experience in writing, your creative well never ran dry.]

[You effortlessly penned Demon! Demon! and Echoes of the Phantom, each with its own unique vision.]

[The first was a dark hero tale featuring a protagonist who gained demonic abilities, while the second was a supernatural hero story revolving around spirits and phantoms.]

[Your brilliant storytelling continued to bring success after success, bringing immense revenue to Minami & Shinjo Tokusatsu.]

[With these funds, you expanded even further.]

[The renowned film critique magazine Ishibashi commented: "With exceptional prop design and masterful storytelling, the success of Minami & Shinjo was no coincidence. Anyone hoping to replicate their path must realize—these are individuals of unparalleled talent. More than that, they have proven to the world that tokusatsu is far from dead in the Reiwa era."]

(TL Note: Reiwa period, in Japan, the imperial reign period that began on May 1, 2019, following the abdication of Emperor Akihito and the elevation of his son Naruhito to the Chrysanthemum Throne.)

[In just two years, Minami & Shinjo Tokusatsu turned into a mainstream success as Shinjo and Shouji became a household name.]

[Not only children, but even adults found themselves captivated by your dark hero tokusatsu.]

[People began calling your company the "National Tokusatsu Giant."]

[As its star heroine, Rikka's fame skyrocketed.]

[Not only was she in high demand for tokusatsu roles, but even major film studios began inviting her to audition.]

[She hesitated at first, but with your encouragement, she began exploring roles beyond tokusatsu.]

[In your free time, you wandered the city with Akane. She was never one to sit still, always dragging you along to explore new stores and check out the latest trends.]

[Sometimes, fans would recognize you on the streets and ask for photos.]

[In those pictures, you and Akane always wore radiant smiles.]

[By now, she had completely adapted to living alongside you.]

[Cooking breakfast together, handling work matters side by side, returning home together in the evenings—sometimes even offering each other both physical and emotional comfort.]

[To you, she was always warm and passionate.]

[Often, you would hold her in your arms while watching the tokusatsu stories you had both brought to life. She always looked so content in those moments.]

[Her dream had come true, thanks to your shared efforts.]

[Now, it was time to look toward the future.]

[That year, you both turned twenty-six.]

[Minami & Shinjo Tokusatsu continued to grow.]

[Every year, your innovative ideas injected fresh energy into the tokusatsu industry.]

[Even as new productions emerged, your IPs always stood at the forefront.]

[With this strength, you never compromised your storytelling for the sake of commercial interests.]

[Your influence expanded beyond the tokusatsu genre.]

[Some began calling you the "God of Tokusatsu for the New Era."]

[Meanwhile, Rikka's acting continued to mature.]

[Many studios and talent agencies attempted to lure her away with high-paying contracts.]

[She rejected every offer.

[Because, in her eyes, nothing was more valuable than her life with you and Akane.]

[She still visited your home often, watching tokusatsu with you, discussing films, just as she always had.]

[Time never stops. Like a river, it flows ever forward.]

[Minami & Shinjo Tokusatsu continued to produce outstanding works. Unlike its early days, the company had now stabilized, with every department running smoothly.]

[Aside from writing scripts and developing character designs, you and Akane were finally free.]

[And as you looked back, you realized—you weren't young anymore.]

[After discussing it with her, you took Akane home to meet your parents.]

[They were beyond pleased with her elegance and confidence.]

[Before long, a wedding date was set.]

[That year, you both turned twenty-nine.]

[Hand in hand, you strolled along the riverbank of your hometown. She listened as you reminisced about the past, a soft smile on her lips.]

[She squeezed your hand and murmured—"Meeting you was the luckiest thing to ever happen to me."]

[You gently cupped her cheek.]

[At twenty-nine, in each other's eyes, there was only each other.]

[Everything seemed to be moving in a good direction.]