It was supposed to be a love simulation, so why are they also players?

"it is good."

When Xia Mu handed over the paper bag, her fingertips brushed against the back of Goto Ichiri's hand.

She carefully bit open the soft outer shell, and the scalding hot red bean filling, with its honey-like aroma, spread out, making her tongue tingle, yet she couldn't help but swallow it in small bites.

good to eat.

The pink-haired girl in the yukata looked more gentle and cute than her usual sportswear and long skirt outfit.

"Let me try it..."

very quickly.

Xia Mu's smile froze.

The taste... well, it's hard to describe.

We've tasted enough duck eggs and oysters, enough of that already. Hurry up and take it away...

Sigh, I bought it myself, so I have to finish it even if it hurts. I can't waste it.

Director Koji Tadokoro once said that we should save food and avoid waste.

Smack smack...

I barely managed to finish it.

The person is still here, but they've been gone for quite a while.

"Xia Mu, if you don't mind, please have some more..."

While eating, Goto Ichiri observed Natsume. When she noticed something was wrong, she thought for a moment and made a bold decision.

Mustering her courage, she broke her portion in half and handed it over, her fingertips burning hot: "I'll share half with you..."

Ok.

It should be fine.

The side I bit off is still in my hand.

"Thanks, Yili."

Xia Mu did not refuse her kindness and accepted it without hesitation. The moment she took a bite, her eyes lit up. The sweet red bean filling slowly dispelled the stimulation brought by the Masala earlier.

He has fully recovered.

reproduction!

Then, he raised his hand to wipe the red bean paste off Goto Ichiri's lips, the action as natural as if he had done it countless times.

"Let's go back, we can eat as we walk."

"Ah."

Goto Ichiri felt as if the lights of the entire street were blurring into spots of light before her eyes, and when he took her hand again, even the sound of her wooden clogs tapping on the stone slabs became lighter.

Let's hold hands and go back together.

The streets on the way back suddenly became crowded, with crowds surging in like a tide. She subconsciously tightened her grip on Xia Mu's hand.

I'm a little scared...

However, Xia Mu is there.

There's nothing to worry about anymore.

Xia Mu immediately turned to the side, shielding Goto Ichiri in his arms, using his back to shield her from the crowded flow of people, the warm fabric of his yukata brushing against her wrist.

"Hold on to me."

Xia Mu's voice, mixed with his breathing so close to hers, reminded Goto Ichiri of the obsession he held when he made his wish.

It turns out that getting close to someone doesn't mean standing in the shadows and looking up at them, but rather being led by the hand and step by step into the light.

"I finally understand."

"It shouldn't be too late yet, Xia Mu."

The path we walked together felt surprisingly wide for some reason.

The two, holding hands, joined everyone with warm taiyaki (fish-shaped cakes).

"Xia Mu, over here, over here—"

When Kita Ikuta saw her companions in the distance, her hand holding the takoyaki froze in mid-air. Her gaze swept over their clasped hands, her eyelashes fluttered twice, and she quickly put on a smile again.

The burning passion in his eyes suddenly cooled down.

The two returned like lovers.

Something seemed to have happened somewhere she was unaware of.

Why……

Will it turn out like this?

First it was Senior Liang, then it was Yili...

Only I am still at the starting line, standing still.

Kita Ikuyo, it's going to be Ikuyo.

Thankfully, Senior Hongxia was always there and didn't sneak away.

This gave her a slight sense of comfort.

Thank you, Taylor.

Otherwise, Kita would be even more depressed.

"Here you go, Kita, it's red bean paste flavored, it's 10 out of 10, even 9 out of 10 delicious."

"Okay, thank you, Xia Mu."

After receiving the still-warm taiyaki and offering her thanks, Kita Ikuyo's thoughts drifted northward.

So far, she hasn't been able to do anything.

"Here you go, it's cool."

"Hey! I'm digging in!"

Yamada Ryo took it and began to eat it with relish.

"Hongxia, this is for you."

"Thanks."

Hongxia took it and winked at Xia Mu, her golden ahoge swaying in the night breeze with a warm arc.

Touching.

Goto Ichiri took the last bite of red bean paste, his eyes filled with Xia Mu's profile outlined by the streetlights.

My heart is beating very fast.

But this time, she was no longer afraid of that flutter of the heart.

Chapter 244 Xia Mu, you don't want Hong Xia and the others to find out, do you?

[My last night in Kyoto.]

You originally had the option to travel alone with Xia Mu, but you chose to come with the rest of the group.

[Miss Nijika is so kind.]

Ok……

Hongxia's considerations are actually more comprehensive.

9:00 pm

After strolling through the food street, the group returned to the hot spring hotel.

Sure enough, as soon as Xia Mu stepped into the hot spring pool, a blue figure attacked like lightning.

“sa↑ka↓na→”

A massive, chilling impact!

The two fell into the hot spring, recreating yesterday's famous scene.

Xia Mu, the force that pushed him down.

Scored twice.

"cold!"

quack!

You cunning woman, what are you going to do to the innocent Xia Mumu?

Facing Yamada Ryo is even more terrifying than facing a billion-strong army of Himeto!

"Shh—Xia Mu, you don't want Hong Xia and the others to find out, do you?"

Yamada Ryo put his index finger to his own lips and then pressed it to Xia Mu's lips with a mischievous grin.

She wanted to do it yesterday.

"Liang, something's wrong with you."

He turned his head away.

I have to say, my good buddy does have some skills.

Don't look at what you shouldn't see, meow!

"We're all good buddies, what's so strange about going to a hot spring together?"

Yamada Ryo tilted his head, a sly glint in his eyes.

Brother, you smell so good.

“Zun Du is fake? Don’t bully me, Xia Mumu. Even though I haven’t been to school for several years, I’m actually incredibly clever.”

Xia Mu stared warily at Yamada Ryo, afraid that the other party would push her down again.

"Xia Mu."

Yamada Ryo's tone suddenly became serious, and a hint of earnestness flashed in his eyes.

"Ok?"

Have you ever liked something so much that you didn't want to let it go?

They were unwilling to give it up to others.

Even if the other person is your best friend.

"Let me think, there should be."

As far as Xia Mu is concerned.

There are many like that.

For example, Sleepy Black Tea, Wild Beast Rice Crackers, Uncle's Premium Membership...

And then there's his absolute favorite, Nijika.

"If you like someone, you should hold on to them tightly. Even if they don't belong to me now, I won't give up."

"Hmm... Hmm? Liang, your comments are dangerous~ I, the famous detective Xia Mumu, can't ignore this."

Just kidding!

Yamada Ryo playfully stuck out his tongue.

in fact.

She means it.

The truth is often hidden within lies.

Because she resembles Xia Mu, she might be able to get away with it too.