For Soyo, being with her beloved husband had already become a non-negotiable part of her life. She couldn't even imagine a future where she wasn't by Haru's side.
Even after hearing his outrageous "harem" declaration, the kind of thing only a shameless womanizer would say, Soyo's feelings for him didn't falter in the slightest. Instead, her jealousy and possessiveness surged to new heights.
Because, in that moment, she had heard the one word that mattered most.
"…Soyo, what exactly do you mean by that?"
What is this woman up to now?
Haru's expression shifted as he tried to gauge her intent.
He could tell Soyo wasn't still sulking over the cultural festival performance. No, her mood had shifted to something else entirely, something strange and oddly intense. That soft, gentle smile of hers was starting to put him on edge.
This can't be right…
Soyo agreeing to a harem?
No matter how you looked at it, a girl as possessive as Soyo should never have accepted such an idea. At best, he had hoped she would just not reject him outright. For her to agree, that was absurd.
Which meant one thing: she was definitely plotting something.
"Haru, do you think I'd willingly share my boyfriend with girls like Mutsumi and Tomori? Of course not… What girl would want to divide up her love and hand it out like that?"
She twirled a strand of chestnut hair around her finger, her eyes showing a hint of melancholy.
"But I just love Haru so much… So maybe I can make a small compromise."
There was no sign of deception in her expression at least, not one Haru could detect. And that made him feel just a little guilty for doubting her.
"You… do love me too, right?"
Soyo's brows furrowed slightly as she looked at him, seeking reassurance that his feelings weren't just lip service. She wasn't the type to tolerate lies. And Haru had never lied to her before.
"Of course I love you, Soyo. I'm not halfhearted about that."
"…Is that so?"
Her lashes lowered, eyes downcast, and her fingers trembled ever so slightly. Even hearing those words was enough to make her heart race wildly.
Being loved by the one you love, it was a feeling as smooth and sweet as warm milk laced with honey. Just one taste left her breathless.
She was happy. So incredibly happy.
But she wasn't so blinded by affection that she forgot one very important fact, there were still plenty of sneaky cats and cunning foxes lurking around her beloved husband. They needed to be dealt with.
"That said… I can't just compromise completely. At the very least, I want Haru to give more of his love to me."
There it was.
The knife behind the smile.
Haru exhaled quietly, now understanding what Soyo was really aiming for.
Just like any jealous girlfriend, she wanted to be the one who got the lion's share of his affection. She was trying to tip the balance in her favor. And honestly, that was very on-brand for Soyo.
Haru liked to believe he loved all the girls in his life equally. He never wanted to show favoritism.
But with Soyo… well, she didn't make it easy.
"If it's a matter of compensation… I suppose I can agree to a few small requests, as long as they're not unreasonable."
Draining the last of his tea, Haru let out a resigned sigh and offered her a helpless smile, the kind only a cunning girlfriend like Soyo could extract from him with such ease.
"Really?"
A glint of mischief flashed through Soyo's soft blue eyes.
A subtle, almost imperceptible cunning crept across her lovely face as she tilted her head slightly, lips curving into a bright, elegant smile. Her fingers absentmindedly played with her hair.
Just as she expected, Haru would agree.
"Haru, we're already dating now, aren't we?"
"If we're in such a close relationship, then maybe… we could…"
Seeing her act so coy, clearly wanting something but refusing to say it outright, relying solely on hints to get him to make the first move, Haru's eye twitched.
Just say you want my body, you clingy woman!
He sighed and beckoned to her.
"Soyo, come sit over here."
"Okay~"
With a cheerful smile, Soyo got up and slid into the seat beside him. In no time at all, the two of them were sitting shoulder to shoulder.
Her delicate shoulder pressed against his; she could faintly smell that familiar scent of sunflowers and essential oils.
She was starting to lose control…
Her fingers trembled slightly as she held her tea. Even trying her best to mask her inner fluster, it was getting difficult.
Because now, she was officially Haru's girlfriend. She had every right to cling to him, to dote on him, to show off.
She wasn't like Anon-chan anymore, a loser too embarrassed to even look him in the eye.
"Haru, can I lean on you?"
Before he could answer, Soyo had already leaned into his shoulder.
"…Can I get even closer?"
Still no reply. She simply slid in even more, like a declaration, not a request.
"I want to hold your hand…"
You pushy little woman, don't get carried away!
Haru still wanted to grumble, but at this point, he couldn't really stop her increasingly bold displays of affection. She had earned the right to be clingy now.
Anything Mutsumi or Tomori were allowed to do, Soyo was allowed too.
And Soyo, being the clever girl she was, had picked up on that. So she was testing him, slowly, to find out just how far she could push his boundaries.
"Hmm?"
Maybe noticing how stiff Haru's posture had become, Soyo's bright blue eyes sparkled even more. She gazed up at him, her smile growing as she sensed his nervousness.
She was trying her hardest to keep her impulses in check.
If only she had invited him to her house instead of meeting at a café…
"…"
Haru had no idea what Soyo was planning next. All he knew was that his left arm was currently being smothered in the softest, warmest embrace imaginable.
If he didn't distract himself soon, his so-called self-control was going to crumble.
Who could survive the full force of girlfriend privileges like this?
Bzzz!
A faint vibration from his pocket, his medallion was humming.
Grateful for the interruption, Haru grabbed the chance to check his phone. But even that small distraction made Soyo's brow twitch.
Your phone is more interesting than your girlfriend sitting right here?
Unacceptable.
"Mn…"
Soyo suddenly leaned in and bit his neck. Gently, but firmly. The mix of pain and soft lips sparked a strange, electric reaction through his nerves.
Having spent decades living with her in the simulation, Haru instantly understood her intent. This was her way of expressing jealousy and staking her claim.
Smack~
A faint red mark now bloomed on his neck. One that definitely wouldn't fade for a few days.
Just as she prepared to move to the next "territory," Haru finally reacted and turned to her with a quick apology. That seemed to satisfy her, and she pulled back with a look of smug triumph in her eyes.
Soyo didn't press her advantage. She gave him a moment to breathe.
After all, they'd just officially become a couple. No need to be too eager.
"Sorry… I just love Haru so much, I couldn't help myself…"
"If you didn't like it, you could've just said so, you know?"
That sweet voice, just slightly higher than normal, was her most powerful weapon. The way she could seamlessly flip between assertive and bashful left Haru totally defenseless.
She was good. Too good.
Haru could already feel himself being played like a fiddle. Soyo seemed to know exactly how much he could take before resisting and she danced perfectly on that line.
Before, she hadn't dared push too hard without knowing his feelings. But now that she had confirmation, she could unleash her full power.
"Haru?!"
But Soyo didn't expect Haru to suddenly reach out and interlock their fingers tight, warm, undeniable.
That charming, slightly mischievous smile lit up his face as he spoke softly.
"Come on. How could I ever hate you, no matter what you do?"
"…Haru, you're too unfair."
Although she was the one who grasped his hand, it felt like an inescapable bond. Soyo's face burned bright red as she averted her gaze, distant, blue eyes brimming with tears.
Feeling his warmth and breath through that handshake, she struggled to suppress her racing heart.
Even Soyo, so pure and innocent had switched tactics entirely.
"You're the cunning one, Soyo," Haru teased gently.
Soyo said nothing, but the glow of happiness on her face was unmistakable. Yet the more she felt his affection, the tighter she held on needing Haru to fill the void of her recent loneliness.
Did he kiss someone else already? If he hadn't, then she...
"Haru, later… could you come to my place?" she asked, her tone fragile and pleading. "I have so much I want to tell you. I'll make your favorite coffee and those chocolate swirl pastries... just for today… can you stay with me for a while?"
Looking down with forlorn eyes, she seemed so small like a child craving his presence. How could he say no?
But he knew agreeing to be alone at her house, after confirming their relationship, was risky, especially in public now. If he agreed:
It wouldn't end with just a cup of coffee.
Ding–ding!
The café's bell jingled as someone entered. Soyo barely noticed, her gaze locked on Haru. But his eyes darted toward the entrance, Soyo followed his line of sight.
At the door stood Wakaba Mutsumi, petite and statue-still. Her long pale-green hair gleamed in the light, and her expression was unreadable as she stared at Haru.
"Mutsumi?" Soyo's warm smile froze instantly, replaced by an icy chill. The scene mirrored the very first time she invited Haru for coffee, then Mutsumi appeared and ruined everything.
Why was Mutsumi here?
Mutsumi, dressed in a light blue dress and ribbon collar, approached and sat calmly to Haru's right.
Soyo forced a polite smile. "Mutsumi, what are you doing here?"
She was seething, twice now Mutsumi had intruded on her time with Haru. But since she'd already 'allowed' this poly thing earlier, she could only keep her anger in check.
"I saw Haru inside, so I just came in," Mutsumi said simply.
She had messaged him earlier to meet tonight; Haru, preoccupied, had asked her to wait. But Mutsumi, obedient and hopeful, came early and ran into Soyo instead.
"Mmm…" Mutsumi leaned toward Haru. She'd noticed Soyo gripping Haru's left hand clearly, things had changed. She had no ill will toward Soyo, even apologized earlier. If Soyo truly wanted to rebuild CRYCHIC's friendship, Mutsumi would stay friends.
Just then, Soyo clapped her hands in a syrupy smile. "Oh, let me order you a mango juice, Mutsumi. It's your favorite, right? I didn't realize you liked Haru too~"
Mutsumi's calm blue gaze stayed fixed on Soyo. She nodded.
Soyo pressed on, voice syrup-sweet but cold underneath: "So… how long have you two been seeing each other? Have you… kissed yet?"
Terrifying.
Haru felt sweat break out. Their private date was being invaded and Soyo's possessiveness flared.
He needed to defuse this before it turned into a full-blown clash.
Before he could, Soyo tightened her grip around his left hand with a deceptively innocent smile: "Haru, why are you looking at me like that? Is there something you want to say?"
"I have nothing to say," Haru replied calmly.
Soyo's air was suffocating, barely restrained rage. Haru knew better than to interrupt now.
Mutsumi watched Haru's left hand held tight by Soyo. She reached out and gently took his right hand. She was lonely too, after days without seeing him. Ordinarily, Haru would stroke her head. Now he couldn't with Soyo gripping him so firmly.
Seeing this, a flicker of something sharp flashed in Soyo's eyes. Her smile stiffened slightly as she spoke. "Mutsumi, what are you doing?"
"…I'm also Haru's girlfriend," Mutsumi replied, her golden eyes lifting with a blank, calm expression.
"Oh?"
Soyo had already been informed by Haru beforehand, so she had mentally prepared for this, but seeing it with her own eyes stirred a fierce and unplaceable wave of negativity inside her.
That emotionless, taciturn Wakaba Mutsumi had really made a move on her husband behind her back.
The silent confrontation between the two girls made Haru, caught in the middle, start to sweat. No matter whom he sided with, it would be a fatal mistake.
As the petite blonde waitress nervously brought over the cake and drinks, the tension between Soyo and Mutsumi shifted into a new kind of battle, over desserts and sweet praise. The waitress, catching the vibe, gave Haru a helpless look before fleeing.
Surrounded by sweets and subtle tension, Haru was bombarded by the two girls. Fortunately, as time passed, both girls gradually backed down, finally allowing Haru a moment to breathe.
"I suppose that's enough for today. It's getting late," Soyo said at last, releasing a quiet sigh.
She had spent a long time close to Haru and had been hoping to take him home afterward, maybe turn their alone time into something more intimate. But Mutsumi's interference had ruined that plan entirely.
With the emotional battlefield finally cooling, Haru rubbed his temples, exhaustion creeping in. Mutsumi stood quietly at his side, her gaze holding a trace of apology.
Before she could say anything, Soyo gently folded her hands together with a smile.
"I'll go to RiNG tomorrow to train and apologize to everyone properly. You don't have to worry about me anymore, Haru."
"But Mutsumi and I didn't get much time to talk today~ Since I'm heading that way, I'll walk her home. Just us girls, we can have a proper chat."
Just the two of you? Haru's brow twitched with a sense of foreboding. "Should I walk you both home? I'd feel better that way."
"You've had a long day, Haru. You should go home and rest. Besides, this is girl talk now."
Her flawless logic and gentle delivery made it impossible to refuse. Haru could only bite his tongue. After all, he was the one juggling multiple girlfriends. Being held by the leash a little was the price.
Turning to Mutsumi, Haru caught her subtle nod, signaling that she was fine with it. With a sigh, he said, "Alright then, I'll head back. Be careful, you two."
"See you tomorrow~" Soyo replied cheerfully.
Once Haru's footsteps faded into the distance, Soyo finally exhaled and smiled gently. She traced her fingers across her palm as if wiping something invisible away.
"Mutsumi, shall we go?"
"Mm…"
Golden light filtered through the buildings, wrapping the two girls in a soft dusk. As cars zipped past, Mutsumi calmly walked beside Soyo, deep in thought.
Intuitive as always, Mutsumi could feel something fundamentally different about Soyo.
She hadn't come to see Haru today just for a date, she had also planned to talk to him about Misumi Uika's feelings. But with Soyo present, she'd decided not to bring it up.
Mutsumi didn't trust Soyo's intentions. She had a gut feeling and Soyo's past behavior didn't help.
"Mutsumi, why do you like Haru?"
The soft question reached her ears, and Mutsumi looked up slightly. Walking beside her, Soyo wore a gentle, elegant smile.
The question caught Mutsumi off guard, and her silence betrayed her. Soyo immediately picked up on it.
"Could it be… you think Haru reminds you of Saki-chan?" Soyo asked sweetly. "That you can lean on him the way you did her? He's gentler, more patient, so you developed feelings for him. But if you're mistaking dependence for love… that wouldn't be good, right?"
Mutsumi quickly shook her head, her tone suddenly anxious. "That's not it."
Watching Mutsumi react just as she expected, Soyo softened her voice with a look of apologetic concern.
"Sorry, Mutsumi, maybe I spoke too much. Don't let what I said bother you."
"We'll still get along, right? The two of us… beside Haru…"
For a moment, something stirred behind Mutsumi's still expression.
Soyo's words had shaken her. But when she thought about them carefully, she realized the manipulation, Soyo was deliberately trying to distort her feelings, trying to make her doubt what she felt for Haru.
And even Mutsumi, who rarely got angry, felt her patience thinning.
She had been right, Soyo's intentions with Haru weren't pure.
But then… what was she supposed to do now?