"...Huh?"
Nagasaki Soyo, who had been about to go to sleep, found all traces of sleepiness vanish the moment she saw Chihaya Tetsuya's message.
View him from the perspective of the opposite sex? Why is this guy suddenly asking such a bizarre question at this hour?
Suddenly hit with such a direct question, Soyo subconsciously replied in her usual, slightly prickly tone:
[Why are you asking me this kind of question? Is my opinion that important?]
That guy is being crazily pursued by a super-popular idol. Shouldn't he just ask her?
Soyo couldn't help but think with a pout.
However, the moment she saw his reply, the look of annoyance on her face vanished in an instant, gradually replaced by disbelief—
[It's very important. In a way, Soyo's answer is the most important to me.]
"?!?!?!"
This world-shattering statement nearly made Soyo drop the phone on her face. The next second, a wave of unexpected joy washed over her heart.
Eh? Did I read that right? What did he just say? My answer is the most important!?
There was no way she could have missed that clear and conspicuous phrase.
Generally speaking, the word "most" is a concept that only appears after a comparison has been made. Does that mean, in his eyes, her answer is more important than Hoshino Ai's...?
For a moment, Soyo lost her usual composure, and an obvious blush crept onto her cheeks.
Her rational mind told her that he definitely didn't mean it the way she was thinking. And yet, she couldn't control the joy that welled up in her heart because of that ambiguity.
"Hah... No, calm down."
Realizing she was losing her cool, Soyo quickly put down her phone and took a deep breath.
"It's not the first day you've known him. That guy is always saying things that cause misunderstandings. Don't get the wrong idea, don't overthink it. Stay calm, stay calm."
After repeating this mantra to herself several times, Soyo finally picked up her phone again.
Tetsuya wasn't the type to ask things for no reason. Since he asked this question, it meant he desperately wanted to know the answer. Although she didn't know what had happened, since he was seeking help, she had no reason to refuse him, whether as his "assistant" or in any other capacity.
Besides... the very fact that he had come to her when he had a problem was telling enough. There was no need for her to feel anxious.
Completely calm now, Soyo began to type:
...
[With your personality, you probably want me to be completely honest, right?]
[Of course.]
Tetsuya replied.
[Please, I need your most truthful opinion.]
[Fine. You asked for it.]
Following this ominous opening, a long string of text soon flooded the narrow chat box:
[First of all, your lack of self-awareness! Not only do you not realize how your words and actions can be misunderstood by girls, you aren't even aware of your own good qualities! It's one thing to take your tolerance and thoughtfulness for granted, but you even casually brush aside everything you've done. This only makes the girls you've cared for, who have no way to repay you, feel anxious, forcing them to take further action!]
[Second, you're cunning! The identity of a fashion designer is naturally attractive to girls, and yet you use this identity to do so many cunning things! Your taste in fashion, and the gentleness and reliability you show through your knowledge of clothing—it's just too unfair to girls!]
[Finally, and what I think is the most important point, your lifestyle habits are too terrible, and your physical condition is just too unhealthy! Besides potentially invoking maternal instincts in a normal situation, it could also trigger the "sadistic desires" of a terrible person like Hoshino Ai! But as your assistant, I'll help you gradually improve on this point. I hope you'll cooperate with me then.]
"..."
After staring blankly at the long reply, Tetsuya paused for a long while before asking:
[Is this... supposed to be criticism or praise?]
[Figure it out yourself!]
Soyo attached an angry emoji.
[Don't assume everyone can be as frank with their thoughts as you are!]
[...Alright, I'll think about it carefully later.]
Tetsuya first replied seriously, then followed up with the second question he had asked Sakiko—
[Then for you, Soyo, would you want to date a man like that?]
...
"Damn this guy!"
Soyo slapped her bed in a fit of embarrassed anger.
"I know he's definitely not doing it on purpose, but asking about someone's feelings so crudely is just too much!"
Soyo knew very well that even if she frankly answered "I would," he would never interpret it that way. He would only see it as a reference point.
But even so, she didn't want to just admit it!
"If I really answer 'yes,' I feel like I'll have lost to him in some way."
Soyo muttered through gritted teeth.
"But, if I give a negative answer, this serious guy might take it as a 'rejection' and develop some weird reservations, and that would be even more annoying."
The former would cost her her girlish pride and dignity, while the latter could destroy a precious possibility.
Was there a smarter way to answer, one that could state her position without being too direct...?
...
...
"Ah, I've got it."
A flash of inspiration struck Soyo. She picked up her phone again and typed:
[I don't know. I've never dated anyone.]
She sent that first. Then, when she saw the "typing..." indicator appear on the screen, she couldn't stop herself from sending the second sentence she had only intended to write for herself—
[But I'd probably be very happy? It's just my guess, though.]
After sending the somewhat roundabout second reply, Soyo collapsed onto her bed again.
"You don't even need to ask a question like that, do you? Of course I'd be incredibly happy... you idiot."
If she could really date him, not only would they be able to see each other every day, but she could also be spoiled by him with a clear conscience like Chihaya Anon, enjoying his meticulous care and affection...
...Sigh. More than Hoshino Ai, that girl was the one she truly envied.
"I hope the live in May really ends well."
After all... things were just too slow.
Both the one-hour train ride and this guy's typing speed.
Staring at the maddening "typing..." indicator, Soyo prepared herself for a sleepless night.