CRYCHIC's farewell Live, polished through relentless training, finally came to a perfect close. Perhaps because their "new song" had just been completed, the members of MyGO threw themselves into practice with even greater focus, preparing in full force for the post-New Year Future World Fes.
And then, in the blink of an eye, several days slipped past...
Of course, long stretches of band rehearsals always required breaks and adjustments. Following their usual rhythm, MyGO paused training for a day. Coincidentally, it happened to fall on the very same day that Haru had a date arranged with a certain girl.
A thin morning mist lay draped over the streets like a veil of silk. Distant buildings and the outlines of trees blurred behind the curtain. Snow, light and delicate, still drifted down from the sky, dissolving instantly upon touching the warmth of his palm.
"…Haa."
Wrapped in a pure white scarf, Haru shook the melting flakes off his hand. His breath, rising like wisps of smoke, drifted around his cheeks and ears. Feeling the bite of the cold, he instinctively hunched his shoulders.
Cold as hell.
My life is like walking on thin ice, when will I finally reach the end…?
Before Haru could lose himself any further in his bizarre inner monologue, the "modern-day Witcher medallion" in his pocket gave a faint buzz. He didn't even need to check to know who had messaged him on Line.
[Gentle & Pure Lady: Haru, have you left home yet?]
[Gentle & Pure Lady: It's snowing outside, so make sure you wear enough layers… Oh, and when you're nearby, send me a message, okay? I'll come downstairs to meet you~]
God, she really...I'm gonna cry.
Haru knew well that Soyo was exactly that kind of worrywart. Outwardly, she came across as sly, calculating, and coolly aloof. But her true nature was gentler, kinder, than anyone else's.
He could already picture it: Soyo, probably still in pajamas, hurriedly throwing on a coat before rushing outside. And if she ended up catching a chill because of it, Haru would be the one feeling guilty.
[Future Fertilizer: Don't worry, I'm already downstairs.]
[Future Fertilizer: You don't need to come get me, Soyo. Just buzz me in from upstairs, it's not like strangers can wander into a luxury apartment like this anyway.]
[Gentle & Pure Lady: I see… then the door's already unlocked~ Just come in, Haru.]
At her reply, Haru began to walk again. Counting the MyGO group sleepover, this would already be his third time visiting Soyo's home.
But this time was different...
This time he was coming as her boyfriend. And unlike before, when Soyo's mind had been consumed with reviving CRYCHIC, she was now genuinely opening her heart to him, exchanging feelings with honesty and warmth.
"…Every time I come here, it still blows me away."
Stepping off the elevator at the very top floor, Haru muttered to himself. The sight of the nearly forty-story luxury duplex was overwhelming, a tension crawling up from the soles of his feet.
It felt like after seeing something this grand, nothing else could ever truly shock him again.
"Welcome~"
Before he could even ring the bell, a voice like honey drifted out as the iron door opened, the sound mixing with the cold air.
The girl who stood there lifted the corner of her lips in a soft smile. Joy glimmered in her bright azure eyes. On her usually reserved and elegant face bloomed a gentleness so disarming, as though she were born to inspire the urge to protect her.
"Soyo?"
Haru's eyebrows shot up, his face freezing in place.
The sweet, gentle girl before him wore only a loose white robe. Her figure, so mature that many would never match even after another decade, was boldly framed by the open collar, lace tracing patterns that flickered in and out of sight at her neckline.
This outfit, daring beyond imagination, stood in stark contrast with the innocence of her blush-tinged smile.
"The heating's already on, you know~? If you wear too much you'll start to overheat. Haru, why don't you hand me your coat and scarf? I'll hang them up for you… In the meantime, just sit on the sofa and relax~"
"Oh, and...will black tea be alright?"
Noticing his stunned expression, Soyo raised her lashes shyly, her already lustrous tone now brightened by a touch of giddiness.
Before Haru could answer, she stepped forward, gracefully loosening his scarf, then slid his coat from his shoulders with practiced gentleness, cradling it against her chest. The image of a perfect Yamato Nadeshiko radiated from her in every gesture.
Haru, meanwhile, felt nothing but sheer impact.
"…Sure!"
After holding it in for far too long, the only answer he could manage came out stiff and awkward. Seeing this, Soyo giggled into her hand, her blue eyes narrowing into a smile as she produced a pair of obviously "reserved" indoor slippers for him.
Who taught her this combo move?
It was literally impossible to refuse.
Haru couldn't help but remember those first days of dating Soyo, when she had dropped subtle hints about inviting him over. Thinking back on it now, cold sweat trickled down his spine. If he'd actually accepted back then, he'd have walked straight into the tiger's den.
With Soyo's personality, once she got her hands on something… there was no way she'd ever let go.
....
He stared up at the same familiar yet strange ceiling, the same jaw-droppingly spacious 300-square-meter room, and the ring-shaped sofa big enough to seat more than ten. Even the tea in his hand was the same first-class Darjeeling he had tasted countless times before.
Everything seemed nearly identical to his previous "visit", yet in truth it was fundamentally different.
"…Soyo, isn't this a little…"
Right now, Haru was lying sideways with his head resting on Soyo's smooth, slender thighs, enjoying the far-too-gentle, far-too-comfortable sensation of her cleaning his ear. His head felt stuffed with cotton, and no matter how hard he tried, he couldn't calm down.
"Today… is a date just for me, right?"
Her voice was as soft and light as ever. Combined with the careful movements of her hand, the effect was devastating. His gaze fell on her graceful profile, her eyes as serene as autumn water, and all he could smell was the subtle fragrance unique to her.
"I heard, you know? When you went on dates with Sakiko and Anon, everything was always according to what they wanted, wasn't it? All their requests… I wonder if you really fulfilled them properly, Haru~"
Who's the devious woman here? I'll put an end to her minion wave control, Laneside Top Soyo, skill ready with the charm!
"…You're right, my dear Soyo."
"…Smooth talker."
Her reply was delivered with her usual composure, like how she so often handled Anon. But the flush burning at the tips of her ears and the way her eyes narrowed with a helpless softness betrayed her true feelings.
"Still, I don't want to become the kind of woman who 'threatens' you."
"If there's something you don't want, Haru, I'd never force you…"
Her silken hair shimmered under the warm glow of the lamp as she set the ear cleaner down, then brushed her hand softly along his cheek. A trace of sadness lingered in her voice.
She looked just like a neglected wife, quietly enduring in silence, pitiable and lonely. The sight made it impossible for Haru to voice even half a word of rejection. He could only take a deep breath and answer slowly...
"It's fine. There's no way I could ever turn down a request from you, Soyo."
"…Really? That makes me so happy~"
Her sorrow vanished instantly, replaced by radiant delight. As if she had sent out some spirit of negative emotions just to lure in his stand, and now had effortlessly fooled it away.
"And since that's the case, I've already spoken with Mutsumi~"
"…Spoken? About what?"
Haru instinctively lifted his gaze, only to feel her hand stroke his head.
Even though the fluffy "pillow" of her lap blocked most of his view, he could still clearly see her flushed cheeks, her eyes filled with gentle light, and the teasing smile on her lips.
"I told her… that I wanted to monopolize you for the entire day."
"You've been working so hard for everyone, Haru. As your future wife, I should take responsibility, take care of you completely… and let you really rest while we're on this 'date' together."
"When I told Mutsumi that seriously, she immediately agreed to let you stay over at my place tonight~"
Wait, and you said you weren't scheming?
Realizing Soyo had already prepared everything in advance, Haru's eyes flickered with a subtle look. The girl who had just claimed she didn't want to be seen as manipulative was in truth playing a thoroughly sly game.
Not that this little touch of cunning didn't make her all the more adorable.
But cute or not...
"…Even though I promised that I'd grant any request you made today…"
"…You really made all these plans without asking me first, didn't you?"
His voice, tinged with meaning, made Soyo blink in surprise. She furrowed her delicate brows, about to apologize, but in the next instant she found herself pressed back, the advantage she had held crumbling away in a heartbeat.
"Ah—?!"
She let out a startled cry as she toppled onto the sofa. For all her perfect poise and seemingly mature composure, Soyo was even more fragile than Anon. Just a light hold left her unable to resist.
"I'll deal with Mutsumi when I get back. As for you, Soyo..."
Haru arched his brows, a mischievous grin flashing in his eyes.
Of all his girlfriends, Soyo was the one most impatient, the one most desperate to deepen their bond beyond the level of "soul". And yet she was also the purest, the gentlest, the softest-hearted. In moments like this, she was shockingly weak.
But even so, she had tempted him plenty of times already.
If back then he had been ready to take responsibility, had the resolve to cross that final step, he probably would have devoured her without hesitation, leaving her crying in his arms day after day.
"…?"
Normally Soyo would counter anything he said. But now, she chose silence. Like a general who had secretly switched sides, throwing open the gates and quietly awaiting the enemy's invasion.
Her white robe slipped loose around her waist, revealing the embroidered dark cornflower lace beneath.
"Ahem~ court is now in session. Defendant Nagasaki Soyo, do you have anything to say for yourself?"
"…Nothing at all~"
Her long, light-brown hair spread out across the sofa as she answered with practiced calm, though her face burned crimson like the evening sky. With her hands pinned above her head, she made no effort to defend herself.
Her posture, so bewitchingly submissive, might have been intentional, or perhaps simply unguarded. Either way, she somehow still maintained the upper hand in her own way. Haru couldn't help but lift his brows at the sight.
Well then, that makes her Fourth Dan in the art of the rod. (1)
"It's almost noon. Before lunch…"
Murmuring the words, Haru's lips curved as he slowly lowered his gaze. He pressed a seal onto the white lace shell, and the last thing to linger in the air was her soft, trembling call of his name.
....
Noon.
Bright sunlight streamed through the window, scattering rainbow patterns across the wooden floor. Outside, in the cold air, silent snowflakes drifted down like cotton, settling on the windowsill in a layer of pure white.
For this "date," Soyo had gone shopping just the day before. True to her role as a real rich lady, she spared no expense, and the high-grade ingredients she bought filled the entire counter with ease.
At first, Haru had offered to cook, but Soyo had firmly stopped him.
In her words, it was something like: I promised Mutsumi myself that I'd take care of you all day today. All you have to do is enjoy yourself, leave the rest to me.
And the fact she could say it aloud like that proved her confidence.
Before long, dishes began to fill the table....
Salmon sashimi sliced as thin as cicada wings, arranged on a dark ceramic plate like the reflection of Mount Fuji. Tempura shrimp bent gracefully, tails dusted with flakes of snow salt. Chawanmushi trembled softly, hiding within it extravagant chunks of shrimp and seafood…
"…Whoa."
Haru couldn't help but let out a sound of admiration as he gazed at the spread. Every single dish was Soyo's handiwork.
She really was deserving of her reputation as one of the three wielders of the Lv. Skill [Ultimate Cooking]. Her ability in the kitchen was nothing short of astonishing. No wonder her simulated self had once led him so far astray.
"…Please enjoy, my mischievous husband."
Her cheeks were still faintly flushed. Sitting at his side in her fresh set of sleepwear, Soyo gave a tiny huff, her voice carrying both a hint of complaint and a touch of embarrassment. Even her gaze seemed tinged with shame.
After all, she had said those words earlier, yet he had still gone and teased her.
What stung most was how powerless she had been against him. Even if their souls hadn't fully merged, she had already learned firsthand what it meant to feel the difference between them, to be soundly taught a lesson in every sense.
"Hah. And what exactly makes me mischievous?"
"You know perfectly well why I'd say that!"
Soyo furrowed her brows, exasperated, yet her chopsticks didn't slow. She carefully picked up a piece of tempura, supporting it with her other hand, and gently brought it to Haru's lips.
He bit it in one clean mouthful, then spoke with mock seriousness. "I was just thinking I hadn't eaten lunch yet, that's all! Besides, it's still broad daylight. I was worried you wouldn't have the strength to eat later."
"And next, I want salmon."
Rolling her eyes, Soyo obediently lifted a slice of sashimi to his mouth. Afterward, she even dabbed the corner of his lips with a tissue, her movements tender and graceful. But her expression remained tight with embarrassment, her brows drawn.
Honestly, it only made her even cuter.
Perhaps sensing his thoughts, her expression sharpened. She raised her brows and said in a wary tone, "I bet Husband just wants to see me make a fool of myself, don't you?"
"Lies! Do I look like that kind of man?!"
This time she didn't bother answering. She simply kept feeding him with her gentlest motions, and when she sensed his thirst as if reading his mind, she picked up the teacup, cradled it in both hands, and held it to his lips.
"Too hot?"
Her voice, warm as honey, seeped into his heart. Haru instinctively tilted his head back, his gaze drifting past the white ceiling, reaching for some fragment of memory hidden in the clouds.
He had once laughed at the simulated version of himself, for being so easily charmed by her. But now, he realized he owed that self an apology. He understood perfectly well, because here he was, falling for her just the same.
It had only been a single day, and already he was this far gone. If it were like this every day, who could possibly remain whole?
"Soyo, my dear, I really love you."
"…Flattery won't work on me right now."
Her lips pressed together as she kept up her calm, unruffled facade. Yet she inched closer to him, her flawless face tinged faintly pink at the edges.
Seeing her like this made Haru smile faintly.
"Soyo, my love… could you feed me with your mouth?"
"…."
Her brows drew together, and she let out a helpless sigh.
Slowly, she brushed aside the light-brown strands at her temple, revealing the reddened tips of her ears. She glanced at him with a mix of reproach and shyness, then gently raised her chopsticks.
"…You really leave me no choice."
---
(1): "Dan" is a Japanese ranking system (like black belts in martial arts). Haru is joking that Soyo has reached a high level of skill in teasing or seducing him.