[As I thought, she's just like Tohka...]
"That's not true!!!"
Once he thought that, the feelings in his heart rushed out of his mouth.
"Huh?"
Mikoto was startled. She did not understand why the boy in front of her had reacted so strongly.
"That's not true!!! Yakumo-senpai is absolutely not someone who doesn't belong!!!"
"Sorry. I was joking just now. Forget it."
She smiled bitterly. She had unconsciously told him about the pain in her heart. Maybe she had scared him.
"Even if... even if this world refuses to accept you!!! I will stand by your side!!!"
But Shido understood. That girl had not been joking. Her pain was real.
[!!!]
Mikoto had never thought someone would say something like that to her. Shock instantly filled her face.
[Not bad, Shido. That Spirit's affection has risen.]
[Next, take her to the park. There should be fewer people there.]
Kotori's praise and suggestion sounded in his ear.
"I..."
Shido still wanted to say something, but Mikoto gently shook her head. She did not want to continue this topic.
"Let's go to the park. There should be fewer people there."
"Mm."
———————
The park was quiet. There were not many people. Whether it was usually like this, or Kotori had deliberately reduced the number of people for their date, no one knew.
Shido and Mikoto walked along the path, talking about school, cooking, arcades, and other ordinary daily topics.
"Strange. Her affection still isn't changing."
Kotori bit her Chupa Chups and looked at the data on the screen.
"Could the device be broken?"
"It... should not be,probably."
Reine shook her head. A boy and girl on a smooth date, and yet data showing no rise in affection. Even as an analyst, she rarely used an uncertain word like "probably."
"Um... may we sit down?"
Mikoto asked.
"Sure. There's a bench over there."
The two sat on the bench and looked at the park scenery. Before long, Mikoto started to look a little dazed.
"Sorry. For some reason, I'm a little sleepy."
Noticing Shido's gaze, she gave an awkward smile.
"Then..."
[Wait, Shido. The choices are here!]
Kotori saw three options appear on the screen:
① In that case, do you want to go back and rest?
② Do you want to use my lap as a pillow?
③ How about coming to my house to rest for a while?
"Everyone choose. Within five seconds!"
The crew quickly chose their answers. Most of the votes gathered on ②.
"Looks like everyone's thinking the same as me."
Kotori nodded in satisfaction.
"If we choose ①, the date ends here. For Miko, who can probably only be captured during a silent manifestation, we really can't stop here."
Shiizaki, known as "Nail Knocker," said.
"③ would be too aggressive. Though we don't know why, compared to Tohka, Miko clearly understands human society very well."
Kawagoe, "Bad Marriage" nodded.
[Did you hear that, Shido? Choose ②. Offer her your lap as a pillow!]
"Huh?"
Faced with this sudden option, Shido panicked.