“You’re right. I’ll... I’ll do my best. But how should I do it?”
“A sudden confession. If that’s too difficult, perhaps you could try meeting him in real life? Upon doing so, it may come out naturally. You haven’t met in real life yet, have you?”
That might actually work.
“Yeah, honestly, I haven’t met him yet. That’s a really good idea.”
We had tried to meet him once before—mostly with Nozomi’s help—but it hadn’t gone well. The second time would be the charm, though! I was dying to meet Ren in real life!
“I believe our previous strategy of meeting him in secret is flawed. This time, why don’t you invite him to your house? You could make up an innocent reason, such as a study party between the members of your guild.”
“Hmm. I dunno if that’ll fly, but I guess I can try?”
I don’t have much freedom at home, but maybe Grandpa will give me permission when Dad isn’t around?
My grandfather might be more willing to listen to me; unlike my dad, he didn’t require me to live like a caged bird. Dad was the one in charge of me, though, so he didn’t go out of his way to step in much.
“Yes. It’s a bridge you’ll have to cross either way, so I say it’s best to do it now. It will also help to have Takashiro understand your circumstances better.”
“We’ve never done this before. I don’t know how it’s gonna go, but I’m worried. It’s fine with Kotomi and Yuuna, but with a boy there...”
“Your family is far too stuffy. We have much more freedom in my home.”
“Maybe a little too much freedom.”
Nozomi was a little uninhibited, but the real criminal was her older brother, Ryuutarou. He was past uninhibited and more uncontrollable. It was hard to believe how normal he looked in real life. In fact, Ryuutarou was already managing several major companies. People all over loved him.
“Well, if you need anything, you can call me over.”
“Huh?! You’re kidding!”
My family and Nozomi’s family had been bitter rivals forever. The two just did not get along well. If they knew that Nozomi and I were friends, my dad and even my grandpa would be furious. Of course, since we were friends, I was perfectly fine with her coming over to hang out.
“I-I don’t think they’ll let it happen. They’re sure to say no.”
“That is fine.”
“What are you planning?”
“If one of the Akabane ladies were to come by, all attention would be focused on her, making Takashiro’s presence less noticeable. And if they said no to having me at their doorstep, well, it would at least soften them to the idea of a boy your age visiting. This is one tactic of negotiation, you see: you demand something greater than what you truly want, making it seem as though you’re compromising when they say no.”
“Oh, I get it. So we assume they’ll say no. Okay! I’ll tell my family. Can I use your name specifically, Nozomi?”
“Yes, do just that. If meeting Takashiro makes a fire burn in your heart, the confession ought to come naturally. I suggest you start practicing for the perfect moment well in advance.”
“Practicing for the perfect moment... Oh! That reminds me. Nozomi, what was it like when you asked your boyfriend out?”
I was dying to know! I mean, I’d have to take notes from the experienced one. For my plans, I would need a good idea of where and when would be best to say it.
“Oh? Are you interested in that?”
“Yes! Please tell me, Master!”
“Well, it’s not the most entertaining story. I simply told him that I had something to say, and I asked him for his thoughts.”
“Uh-huh. Did he say he wanted to go out with you too?”
“No, he was quite stubborn. In the end, I told him to surrender and tell me that he liked me or wanted to go out with me. That is when he finally said it.”
“Hahaha... That kinda sounds like you did all the work.”
“Yes. If you want something done right, you have to do it yourself—it’s the fastest and simplest way. Especially seeing as Takashiro’s so focused on gaming, I doubt he would broach the subject himself.”
“Hmm. Yeah, true.”
“So you see, it is up to you. Go and speak to your family at once.”
“Oh, wait. Everyone’s busy with the whole Aswarth’s thing, so we should wait until after that’s all settled. Ren’s trying so hard for me, after all. I’ve gotta help him out!”
“Then settle it quickly, please.”
“Will do.”
Okay, I gotta put in the work! After that, I’ll invite real-life Ren to my house!