My Love Simulation with Them-Chapter 208: Your Relationship with Rio Futaba Deepens

Gourmet Captive.

This was the phrase that came to Rio Futaba's mind.

The dishes prepared by Minami were simple, everyday home-cooked meals: a five-ingredient mushroom soup, tempura, and meticulously pan-fried Pacific saury with a crispy, golden skin.

These were dishes so common that Rio Futaba could easily recreate them herself.

Yet, these ordinary home-cooked meals had an entirely different taste.

The fish meat was delicate and tender.

The five-ingredient mushroom soup was fresh and devoid of any earthy smell.

The shrimp tail tempura was thin and crispy.

With just one bite, savoring it,

Rio Futaba felt an indescribable warmth rising from her heart.

The gentle flavors enveloped her tongue, accompanied by a sense of joy welling up in her chest.

Rio Futaba finally understood why Ryo Yamada, after ordering a large spread at the restaurant that day, remarked before leaving, "It's not as good as Minami's cooking."

This taste was in no way inferior to the high-end cuisine she had previously experienced; it was even more exceptional.

She simply bit off the shrimp tail, then took a sip of the flavorful mushroom soup along the rim of the bowl.

The umami seemed to pour over her heart, making her involuntarily squint her eyes, immersed in this comfortable state.

Delicious food always has a way of making people subconsciously forget their stress.

And the creations of Minami seemed to possess this kind of magic.

The self-loathing, pressure, psychological burdens, and adolescent troubles she had previously felt, seemed to dissolve into nothingness after this 'working meal,' disappearing without a trace.

No wonder those customers came in an endless stream, willing to dine at 'LycoReco,' a seemingly obscure little shop, despite its high prices.

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Rio Futaba finally understood the reason.

A restaurant that can alleviate one's stress and bring a little happiness...

Who would be unwilling to pay a slightly higher price for that?

It's also no wonder that Mizuki Nakahara and Kurumi would rather endure Minami's exploitation and bullying than give up this seemingly simple 'working meal.'

Even she was the same.

In the face of delicious food, everyone is equal.

"Thank you for the meal."

Satisfied after finishing all the dishes in front of her, Rio Futaba, who had never felt such a sense of fullness, spoke calmly, clasping her hands together in a very well-mannered gesture.

Just as she finished eating, Chisato Nishikigi excitedly leaned over from the side:

"How was it, how was it? Rio-chan, Minami-kun's cooking?"

"Eh...? That... it was delicious."

Caught off guard by Chisato Nishikigi's sudden question, the usually quiet and reserved Rio Futaba hesitated before expressing her true thoughts.

"Right—this is the skill of our 'LycoReco' chef!"

Chisato Nishikigi beamed with joy.

Her delighted expression made it seem as if Rio Futaba's compliment was directed at her, not Minami.

Although she had already witnessed the enthusiasm of the golden-white-haired girl before her, Rio Futaba still felt a bit uneasy.

She hurriedly stood up, intending to reach out and clear the dishes.

Then—

"Leave it to me."

Takina Inoue, who had been quietly dining, put down her bowl and chopsticks and spoke up.

"...Is that okay?"

Unlike her relaxed demeanor with Chisato Nishikigi,

Rio Futaba's emotions visibly tensed when facing Takina Inoue.

Those wisteria-like, indifferent eyes of hers.

Her gaze was so deep it felt as if she could see through Rio Futaba's science-girl exterior, straight into her heart.

"No problem. I've always been the one to clean up the dishes at LycoReco."

Takina Inoue didn't say anything to ease Rio's tension, simply responding and then returning to her meal.

"But..."

"Come on, Rio-chan."

Chisato Nishikigi laughed, clapping Rio on the shoulder. "Don't you have something else you need to do?"

She intentionally emphasized something else, sneaking a glance at Minami Shouji, who had just finished his meal too, and started winking at Rio meaningfully.

Even Rio couldn't miss her intention.

'Didn't you want to start as friends with Minami? Here's your chance!'

But—

Rio couldn't meet Chisato's eyes.

She wasn't like Chisato—outgoing and confident. As a science-loving introvert, she was shy and a bit withdrawn.

Even though she had boldly said she wanted to become friends with Minami...

Taking the first step with a guy?

Honestly, she'd never done it.

And had no clue how.

Plus—

Thinking logically, she figured there was no rush.

Minami wasn't going anywhere. It's not like he'd suddenly vanish.

She could take her time, naturally get closer, and become friends.

It was like the "boiling frog" theory—slow and steady.

Yeah, no need to rush.

Feeling this way, Rio looked at Chisato and gave her a subtle signal, as if to say, "Let's not rush this—I've got it handled."

Chisato responded with a look like, "Ahh, I get it now, totally understood."

That relieved Rio a bit.

Even though Chisato seemed carefree and a bit wild, she could actually be reliable.

Rio exhaled, thinking about how to take that first step toward becoming friends with Minami.

And then—

"Minami-kun! Rio-chan just said she wants to head home with you! She also said she's got something really important to tell you privately!"

Chisato suddenly raised her hand and shouted.

"Eh?!"

Rio froze.

She looked at Chisato in disbelief.

Chisato just smiled and shot her a 'Relax, I got this' look.

Wait, what? What exactly do you think you've got?!

That's NOT what I meant!

I... really...

Rio's lips parted, her face burning red.

But Chisato had already spoken.

Rio couldn't stop her now and could only blink rapidly, desperately signaling for her to stop.

Chisato gave her a 'Don't worry, I understand everything' kind of look.

Then—

"Minami-kun, you should walk Rio-chan home, right? It's not safe for a girl to go back alone."

Chisato smiled warmly and even tugged Minami's sleeve.

It's over.

That was the only thing Rio could think.

Everything was over.

She'd planned to take it slow, like boiling a frog gradually.

But Chisato just fast-forwarded everything—by at least fifty steps.

Now, Rio could only hope Minami hadn't heard.

But of course, he wasn't deaf.

Chisato's lively voice made sure he heard everything.

Not to mention, she tugged his sleeve.

Minami turned, looked at Rio, and nodded. "Alright."

A 17-year-old girl going home alone really wasn't ideal.

"...."

Rio was speechless.

Face pale, she followed Minami out the door.

As they left, she saw Chisato mouthing something at her.

Rio Futaba could tell right away what Chisato mouthed—"No need to thank me."

"..." Rio Futaba.

At that moment, even someone as calm and reserved as her felt like crying—betrayed by a "teammate" who clearly had no clue.

Why on earth did I ever think Chisato Nishikigi was reliable?!

She's nothing but a troublemaker!

Completely not the reliable type!

But what's done is done.

Rio had no choice but to follow behind Minami Shouji as they walked out of LycoReco.

Tokyo at night wasn't quiet.

Neon signs glowed on every corner, lighting up the sidewalks.

The streets to the train station were full of people, adding to the city's liveliness.

What do I do now...?

Staring at Minami's back, Rio was panicking inside.

She had never been in this kind of situation before.

Sure, she'd talked to Sakuta Azusagawa before, but he was the one who always started the conversation—and she just replied or made a sarcastic comment.

But Minami... someone she actually cared about...

What should I say?

What do normal girls even say in this situation?

Uhh... "Hey handsome, can I have your number?"—No! That's something a flirty girl in a J-drama would say!

Okay, how about... "Minami, this is my one lifelong request... Can we be friends?"—No way! That's something a dramatic movie heroine would say!

Is talking to guys supposed to be this hard?!

At 17, Rio had never approached a boy like this before. All she could rely on were scenes from shows and movies.

Her face looked calm, but inside, she was a mess.

Just walking next to Minami took all her focus.

She couldn't even think of a topic.

It was like being in a tiny boat on a stormy ocean—just staying afloat took everything she had.

And then—

"Chisato said you had something important to tell me... What is it?"

Minami, who had been quiet until now, suddenly spoke up, like he could see exactly what Rio was going through.

"..." Rio Futaba.

Opportunity!!!

A rare, once-in-a-lifetime chance!

Minami had given her the perfect opening.

All she had to do was follow up and say something simple like, "Will you be my friend?"

That was it. Easy.

Her lips parted.

Her voice began to form.

But—

"Uh...?"

Rio realized in shock that she couldn't say anything.

"Will you be my friend?"

It was just a short sentence.

In Japanese, only 14 characters.

But to Rio, it felt like it weighed a thousand pounds—she just couldn't say it.

Am I... scared?

Feeling her own hesitation, Rio couldn't believe it.

She was afraid to ask.

Afraid Minami might say yes just to be nice.

Teenage hearts are sensitive like that.

Even though Minami had invited her to LycoReco and helped her so much...

Even if the chance of him rejecting her was only 1 in 10...

What if?

What if he said no?

What if he said he only helped her out of pity?

Just the thought of it made Rio freeze.

She couldn't get a single word out—not even a sound.

Minami watched it all silently.

As the one who planned this evening, he understood exactly what was going through her mind.

Even Chisato had secretly told him that Rio had worked through her issues and wanted to be friends.

But now...

Was it too soon?

Feeling Rio's nervousness, Minami sighed inwardly.

He knew it well.

Rio lacked confidence in all her relationships.

Even with Sakuta and Yuuma Kunimi, her close friends, she always worried they'd ignore her once they got girlfriends.

Unlike shy, introverted Hitori Gotou, Rio's biggest fear was being disliked or rejected by friends.

To ask someone to be her friend... was a huge deal.

Honestly, it was asking too much of her.

It also showed that, in her heart, he hadn't earned a place she fully trusted yet.

To help her grow, this was a step she had to take.

But he wasn't expecting much—it was just a small test.

They'd only known each other for two days, even with the help of his simulation system.

He wasn't arrogant enough to think he already had a place in Rio's delicate heart.

Minami was about to back off, let it go for now...

When suddenly—

"C-Can we be friends...? Minami?"

Startled, Minami looked at the girl standing before him.

Standing under the dim Tokyo lights, her glasses catching the soft glow of neon.

Through the lenses, he saw her golden eyes—shaky and uncertain, as if ready to run.

But she didn't run.

She stood still.

Blushing.

Nervous.

Waiting for his answer.

Like a flickering flame in the snow—small, fragile, but refusing to go out.

Looks like... I mean more to her than I thought.

Minami smiled slightly.

Then, under her anxious gaze, he nodded.

"Sure."

[Your relationship with Rio Futaba has deepened.]