Chapter 196: I Just Want a Single Ending [196] [EXTRA] Tapisserie Éternelle (2/2)
By the power of Tapisserie Éternelle, this story is granted two bonus chapters—rejoice in this reward!
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Wednesday afternoon.
Standing outside his apartment building, Kamigawa Saku waited for Yamada Ryo to arrive. Today was the day she was going to teach him some composition.
Though he could've gone straight home to wait, he opted to stay outside out of respect, showing he genuinely valued her time.
He didn't have to wait long—soon, he spotted Yamada Ryo approaching in the distance. But…wait. Wasn't that Ijichi Nijika with her?
Did it really take two people to teach him how to compose?
Somehow, that didn't seem likely.
But no matter. If the illustrious Ijichi Nijika was willing to visit his place, then she was more than welcome!
"Sorry for tagging along unannounced," Nijika began with a slight bow as she approached him, "but I won't be staying for long."
She'd only come because she wanted to discuss a certain pair of amusement park tickets with him.
Ever since he'd gifted her those tickets, she'd been looking forward to using them, but she also wanted to make sure they made the most of the visit. It was June, which meant the rainy season was in full swing, and she'd spent days studying the weather and her own schedule to pinpoint the best day to go. The coming weekend was sunny—a perfect opportunity not to be missed.
Originally, she'd planned to ask him about it at STARRY, but knowing his schedule there was far from regular, she opted for the more direct approach.
Seeing as she'd overheard Ryo's plans for the day, she decided to follow her over.
"It's fine, really. No need to rush off," Kamigawa assured her warmly. "I'm hardly about to show you the door."
After all, having the chance to spend time with two people he was aiming to get closer to was nothing short of a win in his book.
"Actually," Nijika explained softly, "I do need to get back to STARRY later to help out."
"Oh, I see…"
Kamigawa was about to drop the subject, but his curiosity got the better of him. Just what had prompted this unexpected visit?
Noticing how Ryo was now preoccupied with rummaging through his bag for a snack, he turned to Nijika. "So, Nijika, what brings you here today?"
Nijika glanced at Ryo, who had already found a snack and was contentedly munching away. She then gently took Kamigawa by the arm, pulling him aside as she spoke in a low voice, "You remember the birthday gift you gave me, don't you?"
"Of course," he replied, his gut instinct beginning to sense where this was going. "Those two amusement park tickets, right?"
"Yes, exactly," Nijika confirmed, a hint of warmth coloring her cheeks. "I really love them—thank you so much."
"I'm glad to hear it."
Even so, Kamigawa's sense of unease only grew stronger.
Looking down and then glancing nervously up at him, Nijika spoke softly, "So…I was wondering…would you be able to go with me this weekend?"
[Absolutely]
[No way]
With her invitation, the system options immediately appeared.
So I was right!
Kamigawa felt a strange combination of relief and frustration as he stared at the two choices. He'd half-expected she'd invite him to go, but…this wasn't quite in line with his plans.
To stall for time, he decided to ask, "Can I ask why? I mean, there are probably better people you could go with, aren't there?"
In other words, why not her sister, Ijichi Seika?
"Because," Nijika answered shyly, "you are the most suitable person."
Kamigawa froze.
Of all the answers she could've given, that was possibly the one he'd least expected.
Not to mention the most misleading—it almost sounded like a confession.
Not wanting to jump to conclusions, he tried again, "Could you, um…elaborate? Why would I be the best option?"
She'd put a wrench in his well-thought-out plan, and he needed to know why.
"Well…my sister said she didn't have time, and she didn't want to go anyway. And as for my friends, I didn't think inviting any of them would be a great idea either." Nijika's cheeks turned slightly pink as she explained.
"Your sister didn't have time?"
Wasn't Seika something of a doting sister?
Wouldn't this be a prime opportunity for her?
"Well, actually…" Nijika launched into an account of what Seika had said when she'd asked her that night.
Ugh. Talk about being a useless adult, Kamigawa thought as he listened to Nijika's story.
Of all things, Seika had used such a flimsy excuse to avoid taking her sister. If anything, Kamigawa had counted on Seika being there, not on her refusal to go.
"And as for the others…"
She continued, explaining why her friends weren't good options either, though her reasons were just what he'd expected. If she chose any of her friends, it would seem like favoritism. It made sense to rule them out.
And so…he was the only one left.
"…"
Kamigawa wasn't sure how to respond to that.
He'd accounted for favoritism too. But how did he end up being the one friend who didn't count as favoritism?
"Oh, and please don't take my asking the wrong way," Nijika quickly added, "I just thought if the two of us went together, people might assume the wrong thing and give you a hard time about it."
"Well, you're right. It would be pretty easy to misinterpret," he admitted, his tone thoughtful.
After all, if a boy and girl who were close in age went to the amusement park together, it did practically scream date.
"If it's too much trouble, though, feel free to say no," Nijika assured him, wanting to make her position clear.
"...Sure, I'd be happy to go with you."
After a brief hesitation, Kamigawa finally made his decision.
"Just so we're clear, though, this isn't a date. It's just two friends hanging out."
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Rejoice, my loyal subjects! Though your power did not summon the full might of Tapisserie Éternelle upon this tale, the ripple of such an achievement cannot be contained.
By my decree, this story has been graced with two bonus chapters, a tribute to the grandeur you have displayed elsewhere. Such rewards are a reminder that even in the shadow of greatness, the king's benevolence extends far and wide.
Take pride in this gift, and let it spur you onward. Should you wish for more, show your resolve, and perhaps this story too shall bask in the full glory of the Eternal Tapestry.
Now, celebrate, for the king has deemed you deserving of this favor—do not squander it!