Chapter 23: Intimacy Should Wait Until After Returning.

[You recount to Asano Nao the process of how you met her in a previous simulation, suggesting she use it as the beginning and continue writing your story.]

[Asano Nao raises many objections, the strongest being how could a high school girl (jk) possibly get involved with a NEET like Asano. You point to yourself and her, asking rhetorically, isn't this an example?]

[Asano Nao falls silent, still hesitating. You express your anticipation, emotionally pressing Asano Nao, and leave the Asano house without waiting for her to object.]

[In the following days, whenever Asano Nao brings up the novel, you change the subject, not giving her a chance to refuse.]

[Asano Nao has no choice but to start writing.]

[Whenever you leave for school, Asano Nao sits at her desk, typing away. She writes slowly but earnestly.]

[As summer passes into winter, the days of winter break arrive. With your hard work, your grades at the private school are among the top, and with Chitose Kazumi's help, your final exam scores are stable in the top ten of your class.]

[Asano Nao has finished the first volume of the novel. You read it twice; the story she wrote is vastly different from your previous simulation. In the story, the visiting high school girl, much like you in this life, accompanies the socially anxious young man, bringing him out into the light.]

[Asano Nao's writing is immature, but the emotions of the characters are detailed and profound, making you realize again how sensitive she is.)

[You helped her submit it to Dengeki Bunko. The editor quickly responded, scheduling a detailed discussion after the New Year. From what they hinted, publishing the light novel shouldn't be a problem. You felt happy for Asano Nao, and Asano Nao felt happy for your happiness.]

[Your mother and sister sent messages, repeatedly urging you to come home.]

[You found an excuse not to return to Ino County during summer vacation, but you couldn't avoid it during winter vacation. You packed your clothes, locked your apartment door, and took the elevator downstairs.]

[In the courtyard of the apartment building, the bushes and trees were bare. You walked through the middle, heading towards the Asano house.]

[The weather was cold and windy. You wrapped your scarf tighter, carrying your suitcase, and walked to the front of the Asano house.]

[Before you could press the doorbell, the door opened, warm air flowing out and dispelling the cold. Asano Nao stood behind the door.]

A brief memory scene appears.

"I'm leaving now, sister." Minami Yuuki pulled down his scarf, revealing lips that were slightly pale from the cold. He smiled at Asano Nao.

"Hmm." Asano Nao kept her head down, her voice low.

"Don't worry, I'll come back after the New Year. It might not even be as long as the time we were apart during the previous training!" Minami Yuuki said.

Japanese high schools have three holidays: spring break, summer break, and winter break. With more holidays, the days are naturally shorter, and winter break is only a little over ten days.

"Hmm." Asano Nao clenched her fists, still not looking up.

"Then, I'm really leaving now." Minami Yuuki said.

"Hmm."

"I'm really leaving?"

"Hmm."

"Doesn't sister plan to do something? In manga, games, and light novels, before parting, the heroine usually gives a hug, a kiss, or even spends a night with the hero, leaving a mark of love, right?"

With Minami Yuuki's teasing, Asano Nao's face immediately turned red, but she still didn't speak.

"If sister doesn't come, I'll take it myself!"

Minami Yuuki let go of his suitcase, took large strides with imposing momentum, approaching Asano Nao.

He took off his gloves, cupping Asano Nao's face.

The gloves were thick, and his warm palm touched Asano Nao's face, which had been chilled by the cold air outside the door.

Asano Nao instinctively stepped back half a step, but she quickly stopped herself with sheer will.

She leaned forward, closing her eyes.

However, the sensation on her lips was not what she expected.

She opened her eyes to find Minami Yuuki's fingers pressed against her lips.

"Sister is so lewd, what were you imagining with your eyes closed?" Minami Yuuki smirked.

Asano Nao's face turned even redder. She lowered her head, a wave of bitterness rising in her chest, making her eyes feel tingly.

She felt wronged. While she was saddened by the boy's departure, he was still thinking of teasing her.

At this moment, the fingers touching her lips moved downward, resting under her chin.

Minami Yuuki squatted down, bringing his face closer to hers. His face didn't stop, and his slightly cool lips touched her cheek.

"The remaining services will be unlocked when I come back, otherwise, it would be too much like a story's flag. I don't want to come back and not see you, sister."

Minami Yuuki hugged Asano Nao, his lips close to her crystal-like earlobe.

His proximity, gentle words, and warm breath made Asano Nao captivated.

She suddenly realized something.

Was the boy deliberately stirring her emotions and then deliberately not satisfying them, just to tease her?

She hesitated for a moment, then placed her hand on the boy's back.

"I won't disappear." She said.

"If you miss me, just video call, or I'll take the train to see you in the morning and return at night. Don't let yourself get melancholic." Minami Yuuki added.

"Hmm." Asano Nao responded softly.

She wasn't wearing gloves. The cold wind that had entered through the open door chilled her hands. She raised her arms, placing her hands under Minami Yuuki's hat, warming up.

[At the moment of parting, Asano Nao faintly felt your feelings, and your relationship deepened.)

[She stepped out of the house, sending you off to the roadside, waving goodbye.]

[On the train back to Ino County, you kept thinking about the moment of your parting, feeling restless, wanting the train to turn around and take you back to her side.]

[You called Asano Nao, and her jet-black hair, ripple-like eyes, and soft, snow-like voice reassured you. At that moment, it wasn't her longing for you, but you longing for her.)

[You stayed on the phone with her until the train arrived.]

[Returning home, you talked to your parents about your studies, telling them you wanted to pursue a career in music.]

[Your sister was delighted, encouraging you to become a singer. Your mother was a bit worried, looking at you and then your father, without expressing an opinion.]

[Your father asked you to wait a moment. He made a phone call, inquiring about the music industry from a friend, then asked you some questions. You answered earnestly and showed him your private school grades. He agreed to your life plan.]

[You stayed home for five days, and on the third day after the New Year, you took the train back. You didn't tell your parents about Asano Nao, not wanting to put pressure on her.]

[When you reunited, you kissed.]

Minami Yuuki applauded in his heart. It wasn't easy, the relationship had finally progressed to this point!

What does that feel like? Should I use a free simulation to try it?

He was very tempted.

But no, free simulation should be used for more important parts!

He ended the simulation and got up from bed.

It was already past eleven; it was time to go to the Asano house for lunch.