Dual System in Daily World

In the end, the Ijichi sisters and Ikuyo, the three novices, all opted for alpine skis.

Chisato, thinking snowboarding looked cooler, chose the same as Eriri—snowboard.

Utaha didn't choose anything. 

As a literary girl, she had little interest in physical activities. Simply being there to take a few photos and soak in the atmosphere was enough for her.

However, her lack of participation was misunderstood by Hitori, who assumed she, like herself, was afraid of skiing.

So, partly wanting to build a better relationship, and partly not wanting to feel left out and awkward, she mustered all her courage and carefully selected a thick, heavy sled meant for two people to sit cross-legged on—and brought it to her.

"Um… if you don't mind, Kasumigaoka-san… you could use… this with me."

Hitori spoke timidly.

Utaha could clearly see her nervousness. Her words came out disjointed, and she didn't dare meet her eyes.

For someone so shy to extend an invitation like this—it was truly admirable.

But…

Utaha's eyes flicked toward the sled in her hands.

It was hot pink. And from the looks of it, clearly a model designed for children.

And she was being invited to sit on that…?

Eriri pressed her lips tightly together, clearly trying to hold something in. Eventually, she couldn't help it and silently slipped behind Chisato to hide her reaction.

Everyone else, including Chisato, turned their attention toward Hitori and Utaha.

With all eyes on her, Utaha felt she didn't really have another option.

She was a woman of principle, and most of the time she wouldn't force herself to do anything she didn't want to.

Take her editor, for example. 

The editor in charge of her novel had tried multiple times to persuade her to change certain storylines in her work, but without exception, she insisted on sticking to her own ideas. 

In the end, the explosive sales proved that her persistence was undoubtedly the right choice.

However, not every situation was suitable for such a principle.

Just like right now.

If she were to reject Hitori's invitation—something the girl had finally mustered up the courage to offer—right here in front of everyone...

She honestly didn't care how the others might see her.

But the one person she didn't want to trouble… was Chisato.

Utaha knew very well how much he cared about Hitori. He had always hoped the two of them could get along, but for various reasons, he had never taken action.

And now, if she could use this opportunity to accept and respond to the goodwill Hitori was extending—how many points would such a version of herself score in Chisato's heart?

"Thank you, Gotoh-san. Then I'll be in your care later."

Utaha didn't pay attention to the reactions of the others. 

She didn't even really listen to Hitori's delighted, stammering response—she merely maintained a polite smile, pretending to listen.

Her sharp attention, however, was focused on Chisato. The moment he revealed a look of relief and joy on his face, she caught it instantly.

Perfect score!

Utaha's lips curled in satisfaction, silently giving herself that evaluation.

The more she thought about it, the more she felt that Eriri really wasn't such a big deal. Sure, that girl talked a good game and made logical arguments.

But if Utaha took things seriously, achieving results like this was child's play.

Right now, her favorability in Chisato's heart had surely surpassed the original maximum score.

Let's see… tonight, when it comes to Chisato, she wouldn't just go first down there—even up top, she'd take the lead.

And she'd make sure he used the gentlest way possible to stretch out the time as much as it could go. 

Meanwhile, that Eriri girl could just sit on the sidelines, sucking on her finger and waiting her turn.

Who told her to act all weird and cold towards Utaha since morning anyway?

The only price Utaha had to pay was going sledding with Hitori a few times. 

When the time came, she'd pull up her mask and her coat's hood—no one would recognize her. Not too embarrassing at all.

By this point, aside from one person, everyone had picked out their snowboards and was lining up at the cashier.

Ryo still hadn't decided. 

She'd been wandering around the seasonal discount area for quite some time before finally making up her mind and reaching out for a black single board to pay for.

Just then, Chisato walked up behind her, took the snowboard from her hands, and returned it to the display.

"President?"

Ryo looked at him, confused.

"Come."

Chisato's words were brief and direct. 

He led her to the other side of the store, to a section of expensive snowboards featuring EVA-themed characters.

"The moment we walked in, I saw your eyes light up looking at these boards. Clearly, you like them. 

So don't force yourself to choose something you don't like just to go along with the group."

"..."

"Well? What are you spacing out for? Hurry up and pick one. Everyone's already at the cashier waiting. You're the only one left."

"Oh."

Ryo averted her gaze from Chisato and looked at the collaboration boards in front of her.

She hesitated in front of several of them, then finally chose one featuring Gendo Ikari's design.

"Don't tell me… you're still trying to save me money?"

The board she picked was the cheapest one there.

"No, it's just that the Rei Ayanami and Asuka boards are too pretty. I couldn't bear to step on them."

"I see. But stomping on the old man's face is totally fine, huh?"

"Yup. No emotional burden at all."

"Got it."

Chisato's next action made Ryo's eyes slowly widen.

He grabbed the Rei Ayanami and Asuka boards and waved over a staff member who happened to be free. 

Using the power of money, he had them call the store manager from the break room and unlocked a board delivery service the store normally didn't even offer. 

He left Ryo's phone number and home address, and requested the two boards be mailed to her house.

Thanks to his financial influence, the whole thing was wrapped up in a very short time—no need to even line up at the cashier.

After the employee left, Ryo watched Chisato put away his wallet, still a little stunned.

"Don't just stand there. Grab your old man board. We still need to pay for that one at the counter."

"President…"

"Hm?"

"Why did you go out of your way to buy those two boards too?"

"Because you like them, right?"

"I do."

"Then there you go. If you don't want to ride them, just keep them at home as a collection."

"President…"

"What?"

"Why are you so nice to me?"

"No particular reason. I just wanted to reward you. 

You've been working so hard lately—going to events, performing live, filming commercials. You deserve something in return."

"Oh."

Ryo got the answer she wanted. She nodded, expressionless.

She followed behind Chisato, rubbing her fingers along the edge of the board in her hands, moving through the crowd toward the cashier where the others had gathered.

"President."

Chisato stopped walking when he heard Ryo's voice. This time, he came to a halt because she was tugging hard at the hem of his coat.

"What now?"

Ryo leaned closer, reached out to grab his ear, forcing him to tilt his head as she rose on her tiptoes and slowly moved in—

"Actually, when I first entered the store, I deliberately acted like I was interested in the collaboration skateboards. It was all for you to see, President."

The warm breath brushing against his ear stirred a strange feeling in Chisato's heart. No matter how much of a weirdo Ryo acted like normally, she was still a girl.

Suppressing the complicated emotions within him, Chisato slowly raised his head and met Ryo's clear eyes.

"I see."

He replied.

Ryo didn't let go of his coat, but instead gave it another tug toward herself.

"And those things I said earlier while picking out a skateboard, I said those on purpose so you would hear them too."

Seeing her seriously report all this, Chisato couldn't help but chuckle.

"You deliberately confessed all that so I'd know… What exactly are you trying to say?"

"I'm a bad woman."

"Pfft!"

Forgive him—Chisato truly couldn't hold it in.

"I'm serious."

"Yeah, yeah..."

"Now that you know, you're not angry?"

"Angry? Over two skateboards? You're seriously underestimating how generous I am."

"...Not even a little bit annoyed at me?"

"..."

As the conversation took a strange turn, Chisato was a little lost.

The next moment, he suddenly placed his palm on Ryo's forehead. 

After feeling for a few seconds, despite her flustered reaction and slight step back, he brought his hand to his own forehead to compare their temperatures.

"Strange... You're not running a fever..."

"I-I-idiot President."

Mumbling quietly, Ryo ducked her head, clutching the skateboard, and passed by Chisato without wanting to talk to him anymore.

Chisato, stunned for a moment, then followed behind her toward the others.

If he didn't mishear... did Ryo just stutter like Hitori sometimes does?

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50 advanced chapters on p@t re on (.) com/SenatusTheta

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