Nishimura Noriyuki’s Unexpected Turn

Noriyuki, are you hungry?

His voice came through the phone as noon quickly arrived.

Hmm, I just had dessert, so I’m not hungry yet.

Nishimura Noriyuki’s tone had clearly changed a little.

Her replies to Ichijō Rikō now carried emotion.

After spending so much time together, even she had broken free from her rigid demeanor, showing a bit of a true girlish side.

As expected, you’re doing really well, Ichijō.

Male leads always seem to have a way to open a girl’s heart.

That’s an essential trait for winning over a heroine.

Just like Ichijō Rikō.

Of course, the most important thing is his desire to help others.

It’s dazzling and worthy of admiration.

No matter how you look at it, he’s a good man who almost feels unreal.

Rikō, what about you, are you hungry?

Yeah, maybe we should eat soon.

By the way, Noriyuki, are we just going to keep reading here?

Do you have any plans, Rikō?

So, we’re moving into the next event now.

How about watching a movie?

To be honest, I grew up in the countryside and have never been to a cinema.

Lately I’ve been busy adjusting to life here, so I haven’t had the time to satisfy my curiosity.

People say that going out isn’t complete without watching a movie.

So why don’t we go check it out?

For once, a hint of anticipation appeared in Ichijō’s gentle voice.

Maybe even without my reminder, he would have suggested going to the cinema.

That made me a little curious.

In the game, it was actually Noriyuki who brought up the movie.

There were two choices.

One was to refuse and leave.

The other was to agree, watch a romance anime film, and gain a huge boost in affection.

If Ichijō is the one suggesting it, there shouldn’t be any unexpected changes.

Just as I started to feel slightly uneasy about interfering earlier—

A cinema…

What’s wrong, Noriyuki?

Actually, I wanted to invite you somewhere, Rikō.

Eh—

Just like Ichijō, I let out a surprised sound.

The Round Needle Tower has never been open to the public.

There are guards at the base to prevent entry.

Though it doesn’t stop some people from sneaking in.

But for Nishimura Noriyuki, such rules hardly matter.

The Nishimura Group was involved in this project.

Entering won’t be a problem.

She explained to Ichijō and shared some conversation.

Miss Nishimura, as usual?

Yes, sorry to trouble you, Assistant Sun.

Please don’t say that, it’s my duty.

Can I bring a friend with me?

Of course, no problem.

With just a few words, they were allowed inside.

Sometimes, I can’t tell whether these unexpected changes are good or bad.

I never expected Noriyuki to take Ichijō to the Round Needle Tower.

Why?

This should only unlock much later in the storyline.

Does that mean her affection has already reached a certain level?

There’s no way to know.

At the same time, it made me hesitate about the movie plan.

If I forced the movie route, I had no idea what might happen.

Without understanding Noriyuki’s current state, I could only let Ichijō agree.

And that led to the current problem.

Can’t you really let us in?

No.

This tower is not open to visitors.

We’re locals, can’t you make an exception?

I don’t even know if Dongye Yue is local, but lying is easy for me.

No.

Not even this?

Do you really want to go up that badly, Xiaoyue?

Amano Sora looked surprised.

I had acted too eager.

Maybe it was because the signal was getting unstable.

The distance was increasing, and the noon sun was interfering.

Our connection was weakening.

At most, it would last a little longer.

Once they reached the top, the signal would be completely gone.

Even though I trusted Ichijō, I still wanted to know everything about their situation.

But now, it seemed impossible.

Actually, I don’t want to go up that badly.

Still, can’t you let us in?

Even Amano Sora tried asking.

But the answer remained the same.

Sigh—

Let’s go, Xiaoyue.

I had a great time today, Xiaoyue.

Amano Sora suddenly said that.

It’s my first time going on a date.

He’s one of the most popular boys in Sakurano High.

No one would believe that it’s his first date.

Yet he said it himself.

It was slightly surprising.

Thank you so much, Xiaoyue.

So you’re thanking a fake who never intended to take this date seriously?

That kind of satisfaction was already enough.

I’ll help you get in.

He said that and led me toward a lower wall nearby.

Two guards were stationed there.

Someone in my club mentioned this.

There’s a spot where it’s easy to climb over.

But there are guards.

One person needs to lure them away.

That person might get caught and detained for a while.

It was obvious what he meant.

Amano Sora truly liked Dongye Yue.

Facing such a convenient proposal—

Of course, I agreed.

I wouldn’t refuse a useful tool.

After all, I’m the kind of person who uses any means necessary.

I’ll leave it to you, senpai.

I acted grateful.

He nodded.

Amano Sora quickly climbed in and was immediately spotted.

Hey! Stop right there!

The guards chased after him.

Right in front of me was an opening I could easily slip through unnoticed.

Without wasting his sacrifice, I entered the Round Needle Tower.

Once inside, I no longer had to worry about being discovered.

The signal also stabilized.

I could hear Ichijō’s voice clearly again.

This place—

Ichijō sounded amazed.

It’s beautiful from up here, right, Rikō?

Even Noriyuki’s usually stiff tone carried joy.

She was happy because he liked it.

They must be at the top floor now.

Ichijō, I’ve come in too.

I whispered arrogantly.

He was clearly startled.

Sorry for ruining your moment, Ichijō.

Even though I said sorry, I didn’t really mean it.

Instead, I felt a strange sense of satisfaction.

Anyway—

Don’t worry.

Sora-senpai isn’t with me now.

I’ll fully support you in capturing Noriyuki.

There was a response from the other side.

Yeah.

A firm reply.

Whether it was meant for Noriyuki or for me didn’t matter.

I pressed the earpiece and closed my eyes.

This state felt much more comfortable.

I like Sakurano Town.

I liked it from the first time I came here.

Noriyuki’s calm voice came through.

Before my mother passed away, my parents and I came here together.

We climbed to the top and saw the entire town.

It was breathtaking.

No matter how many times I see it, I never get tired of it.

Even now, it’s the same.

Her voice grew brighter.

She wanted him to see the scenery.

And to share her feelings from back then.

The progress is really good, Ichijō.

Thank you, Noriyuki.

I really like this view too.

Ichijō replied.

Noriyuki seemed more cheerful now.

Because of things from my childhood.

She spoke softly.

If you didn’t listen carefully, you might not even realize it was her speaking.

Back then—

I was much more lively.

Free and carefree.

You’ll be like that again someday.

Ichijō paused.

I promise.

Thank you, Rikō.

Their relationship was developing well.

Ha—

For some reason, seeing this made me sigh.

And—

I pressed my chest.

It felt strange.

Could it be this body reacting?

Seeing Ichijō getting closer to another girl…

It sounded ridiculous.

But that was the only explanation.

You really are amazing, Ichijō.

Someone broke in!

I think she went this way!

The guards’ voices echoed.

Looks like I need to move.

Rikō, I came to Sakurano Town by choice.

Why, Noriyuki?

Because I had a premonition.

That I would meet someone here who could change my life.

Someone who would help me find my path beyond my father’s shadow.

So that’s why you came here?

Yes.

It sounds strange, right?

Sometimes I get these premonitions.

And sometimes they appear in different forms.

That’s why I believe in them.

Let me tell you, Rikō.

Before I met you, I was lost.

I had no friends.

That was part of the reason.

I saw her!

Quick, chase her!

Pant… pant…

After joining the Classical Literature Club, I met you.

No… I met all of you.

Rikō, the president, Xiaoyue, and Kaoru.

That small clubroom holds the happiest moments of my day.

I’ve found my direction now, Rikō.

Her voice rose slightly.

I also have the strength to move forward.

So, Rikō—

Sorry, Noriyuki.

I have something to deal with right now.

Can we talk later?

His response was unexpected.

Where are you, Dongye?!

At a time like this?

Why give up such a perfect moment, Ichijō?

But—

I’m one floor below you.

Pant…

Pant…

I leaned against the railing, exhausted.

The guards were closing in.

At worst, I’d just get caught and scolded.

Sigh—

Ah—

I’m about to fall.