[So, you decide—]
[1. Let's do this!]
[2. Not the time—hold back.]
[3. Virtual Reality—Enter personally.]
A sudden special choice appeared before him, catching him completely off guard.
But from the earlier simulation text, Kazami Haru already knew exactly what this was about.
Special choices like this carried unimaginable weight. Nagasaki Soyo wasn't just some ordinary girl. She was insecure, emotionally starved, and yet had been preparing meticulously for this moment, clearly intent on making it hers.
If he rejected her now, she would definitely fall into an anxious spiral of overthinking.
"…Really, Miss Soyo, already pushing this far and we've only been dating a short while…"
Haru was starting to wonder if her decision to move into the apartment next door was ever just about going to school together.
Given how much this choice would impact the future, there was no way Haru would refuse.
Let's do this.
[You understand that Soyo is someone who craves emotional security. Refusing her in this moment might hurt her deeply. Since you've already resolved to take responsibility for her future, you agree to her request without hesitation.]
[Soyo, surprised things went so smoothly, couldn't hide the joy in her already beautiful eyes.]
[It was as if she had prepared in advance, she pulled out a "safety item" from her pocket.]
[As you teased her for being too naïve, she grinned and opened the bedside drawer like it was all part of her plan.]
[Gentle by nature and weak in stamina, Soyo was determined not to lose tonight. She had held back her emotions for long enough and now she was ready to unleash them all at once.]
[You had no idea how someone with zero training could have such astonishingly good "wind instrument" technique.]
[As a bassist, she somehow managed to perform a full-body, three-part harmony attack with flawless timing and rich bass resonance. Her watery softness enveloped every part of you.]
[Using your superior stamina and endurance, you claimed victory.]
[Still, you could feel it. Next time, she might be the one who overpowers you.]
Terrifying!
Haru truly hadn't expected that the seemingly frail Soyo, the one who couldn't outrun him, who always lost in a footrace, would flip the script and completely take the lead. Her combat power now even surpassed his own.
If she got more "practice" in, wouldn't she just steamroll him next time? Would he be left kneeling, completely unable to fight back?
[Your bond with Soyo deepens significantly.]
[Soyo's emotional state rises dramatically; your physical condition, meanwhile, starts to decline.]
[From this point forward, your relationship enters a new phase.]
[Soyo now knows. She has claimed all of you, body and soul. Both of you wholeheartedly recognize each other as your one and only, and you exchange serious vows to be together for life.]
[Exercising her girlfriend privileges, Soyo cancels your tiny apartment lease and, using her wealth, rents a luxury condo closer to her family's home.]
[Having already grown deeply familiar with each other, you both naturally begin living together.]
[Life together feels like a newlywed couple. With her girlish heart, Soyo buys matching towels, toothbrush cups, slippers—she even insists your accessories be a pair.]
[She manages everything perfectly on her own. Before you know it, she's completely taken over your daily life.]
[You start to realize, Soyo might be trying to spoil you into becoming totally dependent on her.]
So strong. Too strong.
Looks like he really had been fully captured by Miss Soyo. Without even realizing it, she had taken total control.
[Soyo no longer flaunts your relationship like before. Instead, she casually talks about your shared home life with a soft smile. You two now act more like a married couple.]
[This shift, however, starts to affect the rest of the band.]
[Shiina Taki doesn't show much outward change, but she now dedicates more time to practice and composing. Takamatsu Tomori sometimes seems dazed, though she brushes it off when asked. Even Chihaya Anon, usually cheerful, occasionally falls silent for no reason.]
[Only "stray cat" Raana stays the same. She doesn't seem to care who you're dating.]
[Soyo, of course, notices. Her emotional radar is sharp, she senses the feelings others have for you. And when she thinks you're not looking, you sometimes catch her looking worried.]
[During one rehearsal, the band's performance suffers. With everyone distracted, mistakes pile up. Shiina Taki, already on edge, starts asking what's going on.]
[Tomori, visibly shaken, can't sing a word. She just clutches the mic and stands in silence.]
[Seeing Tomori's unusual state, you decide—]
[1. You can't ignore this. Go try to comfort her.]
[2. Ask Soyo to talk to her—it might be better.]
[3. You don't think it's your place. Let it play out naturally.]
[4. VR mode—Enter personally.]
The sudden appearance of these options left Haru in silence.
This time, the choices were clearly not simple. To Kazami Haru, it was obvious that his relationship with Soyo was making everyone else in the band start to keep their distance.
Tomori, who relied heavily on him emotionally, no longer dared seek comfort from him and that led to the situation they were in now.
If this wasn't handled properly, the band could very well fall apart.
"As expected, the more reality shifts, the harder these simulations get."
Haru took a deep breath and forced himself to shake off the chaotic thoughts spinning in his head.
The most important thing now was solving the issue at hand.
The third option, "Let it play out naturally", was clearly a trap. With the others so emotionally shaken that they couldn't even rehearse properly, there was no way future activities, especially live performances, could continue.
Left unchecked, this path would lead to MyGO's disbandment.
As for the second option having Soyo comfort Tomori, it seemed suitable at first glance, but it was unlikely to work. Tomori was clearly keeping her distance because of Haru's relationship with Soyo. Which meant, ultimately, it was his responsibility to fix it.
That left the first option: he had to comfort Tomori himself.
Right now, it was the best choice to preserve the band.
But the problem was, he was Soyo's chosen partner for life. If he got too close to another girl, especially in front of her, it could trigger deep insecurity and that would be a huge problem in itself.
Even if he used another VR mode, it would be hard to find a better solution.
"I'll just have to try."
Haru lifted his eyes, exhaled a long breath, and made his decision.
Soyo would probably be upset, maybe even hurt. But he had already decided to dedicate his life to her. No matter how much insecurity or fear she felt, he would give her everything she needed. He would show her that he wasn't going anywhere.
[You chose to comfort Tomori yourself. The familiar, warm head-pat immediately eased her unease. Her eyes widened, lips trembling, unsure what to say. Everyone else was just as surprised by your action.]
[Even Raana, who usually looked bored, perked up and stepped into your arms with interest. The stray cat's sudden move pushed Chihaya Anon over the edge, and she demanded head-pats too. Even Shiina Taki's stiff expression began to relax.]
[The tension that had built up vanished. Everyone was drawn back in, gently and naturally.]
[Only Soyo stood apart, lightly fidgeting with her fingers, eyes lowered and brows faintly furrowed.]
After practice, she walked beside Haru, her expression dim.
She tried to smile the way she always did but it was forced. He could tell.
She said, "I think I'll head back to calm down a bit. You don't need to worry."
[So you decide—]
[1. Grab her hand, explain, and apologize right away.]
[2. Let her go cool off on her own.]
[3. VR mode.]
"Can this simulator give me a break with these nightmare choices?"
Without hesitation, Haru went straight for VR mode.
"Sorry, Haru," Soyo said quietly.
"I'm just feeling a little off. I'll be fine after I rest."
She frowned slightly, her soft brows drawn together. Even though she understood Haru's actions were for the band's sake, seeing Raana hug him like that…
Even though she thought she'd prepared herself…
Her heart still clenched.
She didn't want to cause trouble or make Haru feel torn. So, forcing a smile, she reached out and took his hands gently.
Her palms were cool to the touch.
Still reeling, Haru inhaled sharply.
Then, he pulled her into a hug.
Soyo's love was one of the purest emotions. She could lose her composure for the sake of love but she could also bear anything, just to protect it.
She always did everything she could, just to keep Haru by her side.
She was afraid because she cared too much. She was insecure because he mattered so much.
Even she knew, her love was a little overwhelming.
She knew it probably burdened him. And still, she couldn't help worrying.
"…Haru?"
Held suddenly in his arms, Soyo was stunned.
The smile she'd tried so hard to maintain disappeared. The two simply stood there, wrapped in each other's embrace, listening to each other's hearts beat.
All their memories flashed through Haru's mind.
"You didn't say anything in front of Tomori, even though you were hurting inside. Soyo, that's honestly amazing."
She had changed. Back then, she'd blown up right after the CRYCHIC performance. But now, she swallowed it all, for his sake.
"But now it's just us."
"So you don't have to hold anything back anymore."
It was like a dam broke.
Tears rolled down her flushed cheeks. Her already beautiful face now bore shimmering streaks of sadness and love. She buried her head in his chest and cried softly.
She remembered that first night, when she had sobbed in his arms.
"…I'm sorry I didn't think more about how you felt."
"…I—I should be the one apologizing… I was selfish…"
The moment Haru apologized first, Soyo couldn't hold back anymore. Her voice softened, cracking with emotion.
That hug, simple as it was, dispelled all the fear and doubt she'd been holding inside. Words couldn't give her the same security this embrace did. Their emotions finally synced.
"I told you before, right? I love you, Nagasaki Soyo."
"And now—let me say it again."
Haru smiled, his black eyes locking with hers.
"No matter what happens in the future, I'll always be by your side."
The soft scent of her perfume lingered in the air. Her ocean-colored eyes glistened with tears. Their faces were close enough that they could feel each other's breath, heat swirling between them.
She never wanted this moment to end.
[You fully embraced her emotions and offered a promise that gave her absolute trust. You're no longer just "important" to her, you are her "everything." You now have the mutual right to shape each other's lives.]
[The road ahead is long and you'll walk it hand in hand.]
[Even though you're still ordinary high schoolers, you've already made a life-changing decision. You choose to meet Soyo's mother and express your determination to stay by her side.]
[Your sudden, serious words shocked her mother, though not entirely.]
[She had long suspected the nature of your relationship but never said anything. Still, she hadn't expected you to declare it so soon.]
[With her blessing, nothing now stands in your way.]
[You are now Nagasaki Soyo's fiancé.]
Engaged…?!
Although he had long anticipated this development, Kazami Haru didn't expect it to happen so quickly, becoming engaged. Both he and Soyo-san are still high school students, yet they agreed to an engagement without hesitation. Mrs. Nagasaki's acceptance is remarkably strong.
It's no wonder she's Soyo's mother; their decisiveness is strikingly similar.
[Since becoming engaged, Nagasaki Soyo has changed significantly. She no longer minds the other band members being close to you, as she has now made a lifelong commitment with Kazami Haru.]
[She wears a pure white engagement ring and never takes it off.]
[Even though Nagasaki Soyo rarely uses Twitter, she proudly posted a photo of the two of you holding hands with your engagement rings. Shiina Taki and Takamatsu Tomori were both surprised but warmly congratulated you.]
[However, Chihaya Anon and Kita Ikuyo, who usually interact frequently on Twitter and post various photos, haven't posted anything for a whole month. Chihaya Anon even stopped updating the band's promotional content.]
[You learned from Nagasaki Soyo that Chihaya Anon has been spending a lot of time with Kita Ikuyo and Gotoh Hitori, claiming to practice guitar together. But what they're actually doing remains unknown.]
[Your relationship with Nagasaki Soyo has deepened.]
[Despite the engagement, both of you continue to prioritize the band, striving with the other members of Mygo to fulfill the promise of "forming a lifelong band." Your training has progressed rapidly, and everyone's skills have improved from amateur to professional level.]
[You heard from Wakaba Mutsumi that a major music festival is about to take place in Tokyo, featuring a large venue that can accommodate tens of thousands of spectators. Many well-known rock bands will be performing live.]
[You realize this could be a significant opportunity for Mygo.]
[So, you decide—]
1. Keep applying for live performances; the path will continue to unfold.
2. Temporarily hold back and wait for the right moment; perhaps your current skills aren't enough to compete with popular bands.
3. Use financial resources to secure a spot; sometimes, cunning methods are necessary.
4. Simulate the experience through virtual reality.
Kazami Haru glanced at the four options and immediately dismissed the idea of "simulating the experience."
A major music festival is indeed a rare opportunity. If the performance goes well, it could catapult the newcomer band Mygo to fame. However, such festivals aren't like regular live houses where all bands perform on the same stage in turn.
Due to the large venue, there are main stages and several smaller stages surrounding it. Popular bands naturally get to perform on the main stage, but a newcomer band like Mygo has no chance of being placed there.
"Should we use financial resources?"
With Soyo's assistance, he could indeed use financial means. But doing so has obvious drawbacks.
Firstly, they definitely can't get on the main stage. If a newcomer band forces their way onto the main stage through financial means, even a successful performance might attract criticism and backlash. It's common for bands that didn't make it to the main stage to cause trouble behind the scenes.
Even if Kazami Haru can withstand the pressure, the other members of Mygo might not.
Just considering the pessimistic and sensitive Tomori made Kazami Haru abandon the idea.
"Given that, it's best to apply openly and honestly."
Giving up is not an option; Mygo will have to take this step eventually.
[You share your idea of applying for the music festival with the others. Shiina Taki, always focused on training, is the first to agree. Your fiancée, Nagasaki Soyo, naturally supports your decision unconditionally. Takamatsu Tomori and Chihaya Anon also agree to perform after careful consideration.]
[Determined to give it your all, you devote almost all your energy to composing new songs and band practice.]
[Although Nagasaki Soyo can't assist with composing, she supports you by bringing you perfectly brewed hot coffee during your late-night sessions and carefully wiping the sweat from your face with a towel, offering silent and gentle support.]
[Even though you spend a lot of time practicing the electronic keyboard and composing, inevitably neglecting her as your fiancée, Nagasaki Soyo is understanding and says she doesn't mind. She plans to make it up to you after the live performance.]
[You notice and appreciate Nagasaki Soyo's support, strengthening your resolve to complete the composition and perform.]
[A month before the music festival, after two weeks of intense training and composing, you finally complete the new song to be performed. Shiina Taki, who assisted with the composition, sincerely praises you as a true genius after listening to the song.]
[However, you can clearly sense the complex and melancholic emotions in Shiina Taki's eyes. Having collaborated with you for so long, she can easily tell that the song is deeply emotional and written for someone special.]
[You name the song "Forget-Me-Not."]
(Now playing: Sword Art Online Alicization ED 2 FULL - Forget-Me-Not)
[Time passes, and soon the long-prepared major music festival begins successfully.]
[As the performances are about to start, dozens of bands compete fiercely for the limited audience attention. The combined audience at the smaller stages doesn't compare to the main stage's crowd, causing anxiety among your band members.]
[Especially for bassist Nagasaki Soyo, who, despite rigorous training, feels a lack of confidence as the performance approaches. Nevertheless, she comforts and encourages everyone, hiding her own nervousness.]
[Understanding her worries, you gently kiss her forehead before going on stage and softly tell her to believe in herself.]
[Even a simple forehead kiss brings out the gentlest expression in Nagasaki Soyo.]
[That night, the music festival performance finally begins. As a newcomer band, you struggle to attract a large audience. Only a few dozen people are present when you start, but you give it your all to deliver the best performance for them.]
[Takamatsu Tomori, holding the microphone, musters the courage to shout passionately. The band's soulful performance seems to make the entire sky tremble. Your diligently practiced electronic keyboard skills shine, drawing more spectators and energizing everyone present.]
[The results of your intense training are fully displayed as you deliver the most rock-filled performance under the night sky.]
[Your relationships with Shiina Taki, Takamatsu Tomori, Chihaya Anon, and Kaname Raana have deepened.]
Seeing the successful performance, Kazami Haru finally relaxes.
He had been worried about potential issues during the music festival. In such large-scale live events, excellent performance alone isn't enough; popular bands can attract more audiences even with lesser skills.
This significant disparity could have been a heavy blow to Mygo.
After this music festival, things should get back on track.
[The perfect conclusion of the performance brings immense joy to everyone in Mygo. Even the usually reserved Shiina Taki can't hold back her tears, prompting Nagasaki Soyo to comfort her with a smile and suggest everyone take a well-deserved break.]
[Aware that you've neglected your fiancée due to the live performance preparations, you propose daily dates for the upcoming week to make it up to her. However, Nagasaki Soyo gently smiles and shakes her head.]
[Because she feels she received her compensation from the very beginning.]
[To her, the song "Forget-Me-Not" you wrote is like a love letter she can sing.]
Too embarrassing—
Kazami Haru can't help but cover his face with one hand. It's understandable that Shiina Taki could sense the emotions in the song, but even Miss Soyo recognized it. Just how blatant was the song?
It's practically a public confession!
[However, after that, Nagasaki Soyo, who claimed she didn't need "compensation," found her own way to receive it.]
[On Saturday, you spent the entire day together in your room.]
[On Sunday, the apartment's balcony and bathroom were left in disarray by the two of you.]
[On Monday, both you and Nagasaki Soyo took a day off. She hummed "Forget-Me-Not" as she went out to buy several days' worth of groceries and replenish safety supplies...]
- - -
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