Chapter 194: I Took Precautions, Minami 

Minami's appearance stat was at 9 points, but the moment he smiled, it reached 10 points—the absolute limit of human attractiveness.

At that level, a single smile was enough to create the kind of instant love at first sight, the zing that only existed in novels and TV dramas. 

And right now—

Minami smiled.

It was a magnetic expression that perfectly matched human aesthetics from every angle, a smile that effortlessly captured the gaze of anyone who saw it.

Just one look—

And it was impossible not to fall for him.

At that moment, Futaba Rio finally understood why Yamada Ryo had so casually said, "Liking Minami is perfectly normal."

Because—just seeing this smile—

Was enough to wash away all her stress and frustration from the day.

It even made her think—maybe reliving today all over again wouldn't be so bad.

Her heartbeat… so fast…

Beside her, Yamada Ryo locked her amber eyes on Minami, a strange glimmer flashing through them.

Even the waitress nearby had unconsciously stopped moving.

And then—

Minami took a step forward.

Lowering his voice, eyes full of sincerity and warmth, he whispered:

"Go out with me, Rio."

His voice was soft—

But the words seemed to echo directly inside her heart.

Normally, if Minami got too close, Futaba Rio would instinctively retreat like a startled hamster, her face blank.

But right now—

She couldn't even think about that.

Because her entire attention was captivated.

It was like being pulled into a vast ocean of charm, unable to resist the waves.

And when Minami spoke—

Futaba Rio's lips parted slightly, her heartbeat quickening, though some fragment of rationality remained:

"I..."

"Please, Rio."

He spoke again, leaning in just a little closer.

His dark, pearl-like eyes were so clear, so earnest—

So full of genuine emotion.

At that moment, Futaba Rio's last shred of rationality crumbled.

It was just like in a fairy tale where the protagonist confesses,

And the heroine—inevitably says yes.

Her face flushed red, her heart racing,

She nodded.

"Okay... I..."

Right now, she truly felt that—

Going out with Minami might actually be really nice.

Because he looked so serious.

Because his eyes held not a trace of deception.

And really...

Could someone this good-looking even lie?

Feeling strangely guilty for ever doubting him,

Futaba Rio was just about to fully accept his confession.

And then—

"Alright. That's enough."

A calm, almost indifferent voice broke through the moment.

In the next second—

Minami's smile faded.

Everything that had felt frozen in time suddenly resumed.

"Futaba, with a personality like yours, you really need to stay away from host clubs when you're older. Otherwise, you're definitely going to get scammed."

The playful tone of his voice snapped Futaba Rio back to reality.

Still lost in the aftershock of that smile's magic, she stared at Minami, her mouth slightly open, utterly dumbfounded.

The Minami in front of her wasn't the same person from a moment ago—

Gone was the gentle sincerity, replaced by a mischievous smirk, his expression carrying a teasing glint.

That teasing smile—

It was exactly like the "incubus" from European folklore.

Futaba Rio's face turned crimson.

What did she just say?

She agreed to go out with Minami?

Why?!

Why had she done something so stupid?!

Just thinking about it made her want to curl up and disappear.

Agreeing to date someone after only meeting them twice?!

Her flawlessly pale cheeks burned with a flush as vivid as a sunrise, and she couldn't even lift her head to meet Minami's gaze.

And then—

Minami casually sat back down beside Yamada Ryo and spoke again:

"I think now you understand what I was trying to say earlier, right?"

"The blush on your face, the feelings you thought were attraction—it's nothing but a momentary impulse. Just your brain overheating. Once you calm down, do you really think this is love?"

"..."

Futaba Rio placed a hand over her chest, unsure how to answer Minami's question.

Just now, she had genuinely felt her heart skip a beat.

Even now, her racing heartbeat hadn't settled.

Only when it finally began to calm down—

Did Futaba Rio nod, deep in thought:

"I think I understand."

The phrase "I think I understand" was intriguing.

It meant she kind of got it—

Yet, at the same time, not really.

But Minami didn't push her for an answer.

Because as far as he was concerned, today's progress was enough.

Forcing her to make a decision or continue overthinking would be pointless.

That said—

Since the conversation had already reached this point,

Minami didn't hold back his next words.

"Honestly, the answer is simple. There's no need to struggle over it. Futaba, you just need to take off the filter and look at him again. Then, you'll know if your feelings are admiration or love."

"Take off the filter?"

Futaba Rio lowered her head, as if carefully digesting Minami's words.

"Yeah. Take off the filter you've forced upon yourself, the one called [love]. Calm your mind and look at him again—do you still feel your heartbeat racing? The key is to approach it with a neutral mindset."

"...I understand."

This time, Futaba Rio didn't reject the idea like before.

After carefully considering it, she nodded.

"Then, that's that."

Minami spoke lightly and turned his head—

To see Yamada Ryo, who had completely set down her utensils, no longer eating.

"Are you done?"

"Not even close."

Expressionless, Yamada Ryo shook her head.

"It's not as good as what you make."

Since she frequently visited Minami's tiny apartment for meals,

Her taste buds had been completely spoiled by his cooking.

She rarely ate out anymore.

And even when she did, it was usually with her parents at high-end restaurants.

But despite that—

She still felt that even professional chefs didn't cook as well as Minami.

So—

"Minami, let me eat at your place."

"Ryo, do you remember that you called me here because you wanted to mooch a meal off someone else?"

"Minami, let me eat at your place."

"Stop ignoring what I'm saying."

The two talked as they stood up, seemingly about to leave.

And just as they got up—

Futaba Rio suddenly spoke up behind them.

"Um... excuse me, Minami, can I ask you one last question?"

Minami paused and turned around.

"What is it?"

After hesitating for a moment, Futaba Rio finally asked:

"Minami, why are you helping me like this?"

She had always known that her personality was difficult.

Even she was aware of that fact.

She was stuck between admiration and love,

Uncertain whether to move forward or step back.

Indecisive. Hesitant.

A personality like hers was nothing but troublesome.

Yet Minami kept helping her, over and over, listening to her concerns so seriously.

She really didn't understand.

Why would someone like Minami go out of his way to lend a hand to a difficult woman like her?

After all, she was just a…

A stubborn, troublesome, and introverted science girl.

Under her gaze—

Minami's handsome features softened into a refreshing smile.

And then, he replied—

"I don't know. I just felt like helping. No deep reason, really."

Yeah. Even Minami himself couldn't explain why.

Maybe it was because in the simulation,

He had seen her walking in and out of the science prep room alone, every day.

Maybe it was because when he greeted her, she never knew how to respond and could only awkwardly make coffee as a distraction.

Or—

Maybe it was because he saw a shadow of Gotoh Hitori's past self in her.

All alone.

Appearing strong on the outside, yet fragile inside.

A girl like that—

Minami wouldn't go out of his way to protect her,

But he wouldn't hurt her either.

There were many reasons.

But if asked to pick just one—

Even Minami couldn't say for sure.

With a smile, Minami walked off with Yamada Ryo.

Watching his retreating figure,

Futaba Rio slowly placed her hand over her chest.

For some reason—

Even though she was completely calm now—

Her heart…

Started pounding all over again.

Later—

Since he had already left Shuka High,

Minami had no intention of going back.

After all, there was nothing left for him to do there,

And Shuka Festival was just an optional weekend event for students.

Skipping it wasn't a big deal.

Besides—

Yamada Ryo kept pestering him to cook.

So Minami had no choice but to feed her first.

Thirty minutes later—

"Ugh. I can't eat anymore."

Setting down an empty plate,

Yamada Ryo let out a completely flat, emotionless sigh of satisfaction.

"Wash the dishes."

Minami didn't even bother looking up.

"Okay..."

Yamada Ryo stood up, barely managing to clean the plates.

Then, under Minami's watchful eyes—

She flopped straight onto his bed.

"...You've already eaten. Shouldn't you go home now?"

Narrowing his eyes, Minami voiced his obvious thoughts.

"Nope. Can't move."

Clearly, Yamada Ryo had zero intention of leaving.

She lay on his bed, curling up under the blanket, her small frame completely wrapped up—

Leaving only her eyes peeking out.

With a lazy yawn, she mumbled:

"I'm gonna nap. Wake me up later, Minami."

"You're not even worried I might do something to you in your sleep?"

Minami teased.

"I already bought the necessary precautions. They're in my right pocket. Minami, make sure to use them."

Without a hint of hesitation, Yamada Ryo turned her face toward him,

Her amber eyes as calm as ever.

"Gotta be prepared, right?"

"..." Minami.

"Do you even know what you're saying, Ryo?"

Minami had always known that common sense wasn't her strong suit—

But he never expected it to be this bad.

"Hmm? You mean about the precautions?"

"..." Minami.

"I'm sleeping."

Hearing no further response,

Yamada Ryo closed her eyes.

For a brief moment—

Minami genuinely had the thought—

Of just pinning her down and proving her words right.

Didn't she say she had everything prepared?

Then maybe he should just use them right now.

Did she really have no sense of danger?

This was a guy's apartment.

And she—a small girl—was just sleeping there, trusting his self-control?

Was she serious?

Of course—

That was just a thought.

If something like that were to happen,

It would only be when she was awake.

After all—

Just imagining what kind of expression she'd make at that moment was already entertaining enough.

As for his seventeen-year-old body—

Minami was confident in his self-control.

Watching her peacefully dozing off,

Minami shook his head and pulled out his phone.

12:00 PM.

It hadn't taken long to go to Shuka High and back.

Normally, on a Saturday or Sunday,

Minami would just sleep in, wake up later, and review his study materials.

But now, with Yamada Ryo hogging his bed—

Sleeping on the floor wasn't an option.

So, after thinking for a moment,

Minami decided to open the simulator.

After what happened earlier—

Both Yamada Ryo and Futaba Rio had probably gained some affection points, right?

With that in mind—

Minami checked the stats.

Current Affection Points: 660.

"...Huh?"

Seeing the sudden spike in points,

Minami was completely caught off guard.

How did it shoot up like a rocket?!

Wait—

"...Could it be because of that?"

Minami recalled—

The smile he had given them at the restaurant.

A 10/10 attractiveness-level smile.

It made sense that Futaba and Yamada would be charmed.

But—

"Hold on..."

If just one smile could give him 400 affection points—

Then if he kept smiling at them...

Wouldn't he be able to grind affection points endlessly?!

This...

Could be terrifying.