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Shinagawa’s move into the apartment next door set off an alarm in her head, her tongue clicking in annoyance.

‘I should’ve convinced that sleazy landlord to say we were full up. But I got too wrapped up in my little world with Shuu-kun due to how good everything went. I should’ve been more cautious,’

With a heavy sigh, she stared blankly at the ceiling as she laid down on their bed, a sense of resignation washing over her. ‘Looks like we’ve hit the final bump,’ she figured quietly to herself. ‘The last of the “Misfortunes”.’ She thought, already expecting the Quest alert to pop up.

She waited for a few seconds, yet as the game interface failed to show up, she gave up, sure it would come out later.

‘Apparently, Shuu-kun still meets with his coworkers after they finish working. Well, staying at home doesn’t mean he can stop being courteous to all his coworkers,’ She thought as she looked at the date.

‘It’s today.’ She took a deep breath, ‘The day he goes to the red-light district.’

She got up and went to the bathroom, washing herself.

Glancing down at her body, memories of a life not lived—yet vivid as the day—flooded her thoughts. ‘Odd… I remember the what-ifs of that other timeline so clearly, even though they’re from a life twenty years ago. Could this be the time warp’s doing?’

The word “Fairytale” echoed in her mind as she looked at her reflection. She had been yanked back into this timeline, smack in the middle of its mess, with no time to sort through the whirlwind of events. She just acted, doing what seemed necessary at the moment.

‘Anyway,’ she mused, pushing aside the confusion. ‘Shinagawa-san being here isn’t the end of the world. I just need to dodge and refuse whatever he throws my way. Maybe I’ll even get a new skill… The real test is dealing with Shuu-kun… and that woman.’ Her brow furrowed at the thought.

Even after Shinagawa arrived, even after her betrayal, her relationship with Shuuichi hadn’t cooled—in fact, she doubled down on their intimacy. Shuuichi, now has more energy to put into their relationship and more energy to “spice things” for Nanami, to which she was content.

 But lately, the alternate timeline where Shuuichi eventually cheated occupied her mind; almost making whatever happened in this timeline seem like a lie.

‘After all that, what drew Shuuichi to that woman from the red-light district? What did she have that I didn’t?’ Her heart ached with the question, her pout deepening as she pondered.

‘I suppose I’ll cross that bridge when I get to it,’

As she went about her daily routines, a subtle shift in the atmosphere became noticeable. Shuuichi’s usual calm demeanor had been replaced by a faint undercurrent of anxiety. 

“Nanami-san,” Shuuichi broached one morning as they shared a quiet breakfast, his gaze fixed on his plate.

“Yes, Shuu-kun?”

He hesitated, then ventured, “Our new neighbor… What’s your take on him?” His voice was tentative.

She paused, considering her response. “There’s not much to say, really. He’s attractive, unattached, wealthy, and has been quite generous with gifts to Chihiro and my parents. He’s even tried sending some my way, but I’ve refused them all.”

“Ah, that’s… uh…  Great. If… You really want, you don’t have to refuse them or anything…” Shuuichi muttered, a discernible pout forming on his lips.

Catching the change in his tone, she turned to face him directly, capturing his gaze. “Shuuichi-san,” she said, ensuring she had his full attention, “he’s making an effort to woo me; that much is clear. I even checked with our… beloved landlord. No such generosity was extended to him. And you, well, you’ve been left out too. His motives aren’t hard to guess.”

“Y-yeah, yeah… I know.” Shuuichi replied, “But sheesh… I won’t lie, if I was a woman, he’d be my top pick, haha. How unfortunate for y-you Nanami-san… Being with me, huh?” Shuuichi said as she scratched his head and looked aside.

“Don’t do that, Shuu-kun.” She firmly exclaimed.

“Do what?”

“This. Feign this confidence while saying something so unsightly and pathetic.” She said as she lifted her chair and sat herself next to him.

“I… I… Don’t…” He murmured as he looked down.

Nanami looked at his shakiness. And with a sigh she leaned on his shoulder.

“Well, suit yourself, Shuu-kun. Keep being that way, then.” She stated boldly.

“Huh..?” He let out as he turned his head to her slightly.

“I said, keep being so insecure and unsure of yourself,” She emphasized, causing him to tremble slightly. “Cry about it, even. Say these pathetic things about yourself and me, make yourself small next to our new neighbor.”

She then lifted his chin upwards, as he once did with hers, “Because none of that is going to affect my love for you.”

Like a torch, her words banished the cobwebs of doubt from his eyes as he met her gaze and heard what she said.

“N-… Na… Nanami..” He murmured, his breath taken away, “I hadn’t noticed before but.. Your eyes… Are more mature, somewhat—”

It was then the toaster alarm rang, causing Nanami to get up from her seat.

“I’ll be right back, Shuu-kun <3” She said with a smile as she got up and walked to the kitchen.

‘Ah… Shinagawa-san,’ she sighed, the memory of their first encounter as neighbors flickering through her mind as she smeared the toast with peanut butter. ‘He looks so much younger now,’ she noted. At this time of ease, she then replayed their life together after she left Shuuichi in the first timeline.

Amidst these swirling thoughts, another realization struck her sharply. ‘Our son… That’s right, we had a son together.’ The weight of this thought pressed heavily on her heart as she placed the toast on the plate and started walking towards the table. This was a child she adored beyond measure, even though he had grown distant, not visiting her in her later years. The thought of erasing his very existence from the tapestry of time, simply because of choices made in this twisted timeline, brought a profound sadness and a weighty sense of responsibility to her soul.

‘Right… He… He… D-doesn’t exist anymore… Because I… I…’ She then trembled, her entire world began to spin. ‘How… Did I forget… A…’

The implication of her actions dawned on her with chilling clarity. If she and Shinagawa-san did not end up together, their son would never exist. The thought was unbearable, akin to erasing him from existence.

‘My son… My little babay… My… Already existing baby… He won’t be born…’ The thought crashed into her with the force of a tidal wave as her grip loosened, the ceramic plate tumbling from her hand to shatter against the floor.

“Nanami!?” His voice spiked with alarm, Shuuichi rushing to her side. But his voice faded into a distant echo, drowned out by the storm of her thoughts.

‘My baby boy… I accepted that bizarre offer from the game-like interface… But in doing so… I’ve erased my son…’

‘No…!!’

‘My son…!!’ Panic surged through her, her breathing erratic, her complexion ghostly as the truth sunk in. Shuuichi’s arms enveloped her, a faint anchor in the turmoil.

‘How could I have overlooked this…? All because I was caught up in my guilt…’ The realization was a blade to her heart.

In her dizzying panic, she caught a glimpse of Shuuichi’s face, etched with concern, as he reached for the phone to dial emergency services. Her heart thundered in her chest, fear and determination colliding. With a shaky, desperate move, she knocked the phone from his grasp.

“Shuuichi… San…” she gasped out, her breaths short and labored.

“I… just feel a bit tired,” she managed to say, a thin veil of calm over her inner chaos.

Then, like a spark in the dark, a new plan ignited in her mind.

‘Today’s the day he meets his coworker and they go to the red-light district, isn’t it?’ She confirmed with herself.

‘Perfect…’

‘Perfect…!’

Her thoughts raced, ‘I’ll catch him in the act… Seeing it with my own eyes will wash away any guilt about leaving him for Shinagawa-san… And then… I can have my son back… The HELL with misfortunes…!! My son..!! I’m going to get him back!!’

A mad chuckle bubbled up within her. ‘Right, these powers I have… I can look young even in my 50s, or even 80s! Shinagawa-san wouldn’t dream of leaving me then… Ha…ha…’

With her mind swirling with frantic plans, she drifted off to sleep in Shuuichi’s arms, her heart clinging to a sliver of hope amidst despair.

Under the harsh glare of fluorescent lights, she blinked awake, confusion giving way to a rush of urgency as she realized where she was: a hospital room. Instinctively, her eyes darted to the clock.

‘No… I specifically told him not to call an ambulance…!!! It’s already 22:54. Shuuichi should probably be heading to the red-light district by now! I need to get out of here—’ Her thoughts scrambled as she made a move to leave the bed, only to spot Shuuichi, asleep in a chair nearby, still in his work attire.

‘What…?’

As she wrestled with her confusion, a nurse happened by, her voice warm with concern. “Oh, Ma’am! You’re awake!” She smiled, seeing her stir.

“O-oh… Thank you,” she responded, still disoriented.

Pointing to Shuuichi, the nurse continued, “This is your husband, right? You’re really fortunate to have him… He’s been by your side all day, refusing even food and water, just out of worry for you. There was also another visitor, a very handsome man, who left flowers earlier today, but he had to leave by noon. You sure are popular!”

Shinagawa-san had visited, too. But more pressing was the revelation about Shuuichi.

“Shuuichi-san… He stayed here all day?” she echoed, a mix of disbelief and realization dawning on her.

“He wouldn’t leave your side, not even for a moment!” the nurse affirmed cheerfully.

“He… He wouldn’t?” The confusion and frustration churned within her, a storm of emotions as she gazed at him, questions racing through her mind.

‘Why didn’t you go?’ She thought, a sense of irritation in her as she stared at him.

As these thoughts swirled, Shuuichi began to stir, his eyes fluttering open to the sight of Nanami, now fully awake.

“Ah… Nanami-san…?” His voice was groggy, filled with the disorientation of sleep fading away.

“Shuuichi-san,” she spoke, her voice laced with a blend of urgency and confusion as she slid off the bed and reached to shake him violently.

“Ma’am!?” The nurse exclaimed, startled by her sudden movement off the bed.

“Why are you still here!? You had that meeting, didn’t you? With your coworker?!” She pressed him, her voice rising with frustration. “I’m okay, it was just a bit of dizziness! You shouldn’t skip important things for me! What if it affects your job relations?!”

He reached out, drawing her gently into an embrace, his actions speaking the calm to her storm.

“Following that logic, if I had gone with my coworker, I would’ve missed something far more important,” he whispered, his voice a soft counterpoint to her agitation.

“Like what!?!” Her question came out more as a plea than an inquiry, her confusion and frustration needing an anchor.

In response, Shuuichi eased back just enough to meet her eyes, his gaze steady and warm, a smile playing on his lips. Yet, he said nothing, letting the silence and his smile convey the volumes he chose not to voice.

“Oh…” The realization dawned on her, a blush creeping up her cheeks as she averted her gaze.

“….”

“Besides… I can always meet with my coworker tomorrow. For now, you need to rest,” Shuuichi continued, his tone imbued with an unwavering calm.

The nurse, witnessing this exchange, couldn’t help but smile warmly. Nanami, her heart aflutter with a mix of emotions now tempered by Shuuichi’s simple yet profound act of care, quietly made her way back to her hospital bed, her previous turmoil gently lulled into a serene quietude by his words.

‘I guess I can… always catch him in the act some other time… It’s not as if Shinagawa-san is going anywhere soon, so…’ she reasoned with herself, her thoughts now a gentle stream compared to the tumultuous rapids before. She allowed the warmth of her blush to be concealed by the hospital mattress, letting her eyes close as sleep beckoned her once more into its comforting embrace.

Observing the tender scene before her, the nurse silently gestured to Shuuichi, indicating that the adjacent bed was unoccupied and available for him. With an understanding nod, he quietly settled into the bed next to Nanami’s, ensuring he was close by through the night.

And so, in the quiet of the hospital room, illuminated by the soft glow of the night lights, the two found solace in each other’s presence, spending the night side by side, each in their own silent contemplation, yet together in spirit.

[DISCLAIMER: This chapter’s content delves into psychological themes for entertainment purposes. It should not be interpreted as reflecting real-life conditions. The depicted condition is purely fictional and created for narrative purposes within this chapter. Remember, you hold the power over your thoughts, actions, and interpretations. You alone control what occupies your mind.]

‘So, I can morph… Hm… How could I use this to my advantage? Perhaps pay a visit to Shuuichi’s workplace, transform into some demon, and intimidate his boss?’ she pondered, flipping through pages for inspiration, searching for the most grotesque and terrifying forms she could emulate. Her thoughts were interrupted by a knock on the door.

[QUEST: PREVENT YET ANOTHER MISFORTUNE!]

[REWARD: NONE!]

“Oh? Nothing this time?” She thought as she cast a sideways glance to the digital interface as she walked to the door.

“Delivery! Is Honda present..?”

‘… Ahh, so it has to be Hino-kun,’ she realized almost instantly, as she connected that familiar voice of his with the sudden quest pop-up. 

A wave of memories from the alternate reality washed over her. In that timeline, she remembered stepping out of her apartment, a mess filled with filth from Mr. Kamata and his cohorts. Lost, with her emotions in turmoil and unsure of whom to turn to, she had thrown herself into Hino’s arms, seeking solace in his presence rather than turning to her husband for comfort and help.

But this time was different. She was in a place of relative peace and contentment, or at least as much as one could claim. There seemed no reason to hesitate; welcoming the delivery seemed like the natural next step.

…Or so she thought.

“Hello,” she greeted, opening the door with an ease.

“H-huh? Nanami? Is this your apartment..?” Hino responded, trying to sound as nonchalant as possible.

”Nanami’, he says,’ she internally scoffed. ‘I once thought of him as a beacon of innocence, perhaps that’s why I had once unburdened my heart onto him. Yet, recalling how he ‘generously’ offered me his shower that time, and now hearing him say my first name without formality as if we shared a casual familiarity other than being past desk mates… His intentions were never as ‘pure’ as I once believed. There was nothing innocent about his actions, except for the fact that he hadn’t been with a woman until the day we crossed paths again.’

“Nanami?” he repeated, met with silence from the girl at the door.

‘In essence, from the moment Hino-kun laid eyes on me, he only desired my body,’ she concluded in her thoughts.

‘Well, that’s the only thing I cared about back then. But I’m different now.’

“A-ah… Hino-kun, isn’t it? It’s been a while,” she managed, a slight tremor in her voice.

“Y-yeah! I have a delivery for a Honda… Do you know where they are?” Hino inquired, scratching his head.

“…You’re probably looking for my husband,” she replied pointedly, emphasizing the term ‘my husband.’

“N-no way… You’re married?” he exclaimed, disbelief coloring his tone.

“Yes… I’ll take the delivery,” she responded with a forced smile.

“A-ah… Right… I’ll get you a pen to sign for it,” Hino stuttered, retrieving a pen and extending it to her.

The pen slipped from his grasp, tumbling to the ground. “Oh! Sorry! I’m so clumsy. Let me pick it up,” he apologized.

“It’s fine, I’ll handle it,” Nanami countered, both reaching for the fallen pen simultaneously.

‘Just hurry up and leave…’ she thought, ducking down with him to retrieve the pen.

Their hands brushed, and he ‘accidentally’ clasped hers, maintaining the contact for a few moments as they both reached for the pen.

He looked up, his face flushed.

‘Even now… Fabricating excuses to touch me… Just like when I showered at his place, disguising it as “comforting me.”‘

“N-nanami…” he murmured softly, his voice trailing off as their faces drew close.

“Hino-kun,” she responded, offering an empty smile as she tilted her head upward.

“Could you release my hand—” Her words were cut off as his lips met hers fleetingly.

“A-ah…! I’m sorry…” Hino stammered, quickly retreating, his face flushed even redder.

“N-nanami…?” he called, noticing her inscrutable expression after their brief encounter.

She stood upright, pen in hand, her demeanor composed.

“It’s alright, Hino-kun. Shall I sign this form now?” she murmured calmly, as though the recent exchange hadn’t occurred.

“Y-yes…” he responded bashfully, passing her the form, which she promptly signed.

“You know, Nanami… I’ve actually been in love with you since our college days…” he confessed, scratching the back of his head, avoiding her gaze.

“I… I couldn’t resist when I saw you, so… C-Can I at least… stay for coffee? Just to catch up…?” he hesitated, his request hanging in the air.

“Hino-kun,” she interrupted after returning the signed papers, “I have a husband, you know. He’ll be back soon,” she explained, her tone unwavering.

“S-So! I’ll come another day, and I’ll arrive earlier… I was just really happy to see you…! N-Nanami… It’s been so long… And I’ve really missed you…!” he stuttered, his hands poised as if to reach out for her shoulders, but retracting at the reminder of her husband’s impending return.

“… Even though I mentioned I have a husband?” she inquired calmly.

“Y-yes!” he affirmed, his eyes shimmering with emotion, “I’ve missed you so much, I can’t suppress these feelings any longer!”

“I understand,” she responded flatly.

‘In this case…’

‘I won’t feel guilty for paying you back for the shit you just pulled, Hino-kun,’ she thought with a sigh.

“Do as you wish,” she replied evenly.

“R-Really?! Thank you..! T-then… I’ll see you tomorrow!” he exclaimed before hurrying away, leaving the delivery package at her doorstep.

Night fell, casting its veil over the world.

“Sis seemed… different,” Chihiro thought, a shiver coursing down her spine.

“Why did she need me to lie to big bro and say I was sad and that I needed her to stay with me?” Her mind buzzed as she lay on her bed, Mr. Kamata’s lewd magazine staring back at her.

“I hope everything’s okay with her… I never saw her looking like that…” Chihiro told to herself as she laid on her bed, staring at Mr. Komata’s porn magazines. 

“Jeez, sis… I can’t even focus on my research~….” Chihiro muttered in frustration, tossing the mag aside,

“Please… be safe,” she whispered into the emptiness within her room, an unsettling feeling lingering in the air.

Meanwhile, Nanami, shrouded in [NO TRACE] and, for the first time, [MORPH], morphing into a certain thing, slipped into Hino’s apartment complex.

In the darkness of that night, one solitary witness beheld her transformed state besides Hino.
From that moment on, tales spread like wildfire about the ghost of the Resin Apartment Complex. 

A specter towering seven feet tall, its face twisted into a grotesque mask, eyes gaping like voids, and a gaping maw capable of consuming souls whole. Legend had it that those swallowed by its mouth were doomed to an eternity of torment within its belly. And those touched by its malevolent presence shall lose their minds indefinitely. Take, for instance, the unfortunate resident named Hino who was touched by said Demon.

Though outwardly unchanged, he was soon fired from his job, abandoned by his family, and consigned to a mental asylum, where he spent his days endlessly muttering, even during meals and moments of respite, defying even the most potent sedatives.

“I shall not take advantage of a woman until the day I die, I shall not take advantage of a woman until the day I die, I shall not take advantage of a woman until the day I die, I shall not take advantage of a woman until the day I die, I shall not take advantage of a woman until the day I die, I shall not take advantage of a woman until the day I die, I shall not take advantage of a woman until the day I die, I shall not take advantage of a woman until the day I die, I shall not take advantage of a woman until the day I die, I shall not take advantage of a woman until the day I die, I shall not take advantage of a woman until the day I die, I shall not take advantage of a woman until the day I die, I shall not take advantage of a woman until the day I die, I shall not take advantage of a woman until the day I die, I shall not take advantage of a woman until the day I die, I shall not take advantage of a woman until the day I die, I shall not take advantage of a woman until the day I die, I shall not take advantage of a woman until the day I die, I shall not take advantage of a woman until the day I die, I shall not take advantage of a woman until the day I die, I shall not take advantage of a woman until the day I die, I shall not take advantage of a woman until the day I die, I shall not take advantage of a woman until the day I die, I shall not take advantage of a woman until the day I die, I shall not take advantage of a woman until the day I die, I shall not take advantage of a woman until the day I die, I shall not take advantage of a woman until the day I die, I shall not take advantage of a woman until the day I die, I shall not take advantage of a woman until the day I die, I shall not take advantage of a woman until the day I die,”

It was the seventh day. The suggestion to euthanize Hino was brought up and, with heavy hearts, agreed upon by his parents.

As he lay in his bed, awaiting his demise with resignation filling him, the ‘specter’ visited him once more.

“STOP,” she ordered, staring into his eyes. Her command immediately silenced him.

His mouth went numb and dry.

“Now…”

[BECAUSE YOU TERRIFIED HINO-KUN, YOU HAVE COMPLETE CONTROL OVER HIM, AND HIS LOYALTY WILL EXTEND TO THOSE YOU  CARE ABOUT!]

“I admit, I went just a little overboard for this one… But surely you understand, right, Hino-kun? You did something unforgivable, and it took me quite a bit to calm down,” she murmured gently as Hino shivered, his gaze frozen on her.

“But, I’m a kind woman…” she said, bending over him.

This time, she didn’t need to order him not to scream. She didn’t need to tell him to listen.

… But she did need him to keep quiet for certain.

“So, I’ll just order you to stay away from my life, and as for what you’ve been through; keep my name and my involvement out of this. Say a real ghost did it as far as I care,” She said, before she left.

When the doctor returned to euthanize Hino, people started to believe in spirits a lot more. He was miraculously asleep and cured of his condition, later claiming he was cursed by an evil spirit.

… He never bothered Nanami again. Occasionally riddled with nightmare about what he went through.

And he never made such a move on another woman; feeling the shadow of the specter looming over him.

Upon returning home, Nanami finally poured her heart out about what happened. She confessed the truth about Hino, recounting their shared history from college and the unwanted advance he made during a delivery.

… And made sure she didn’t say anything other than that.

Enraged by her ordeal, Shuuichi’s first instinct was to seek out the perpetrator. But Nanami pleaded with him to refrain and stay by her side.

As his anger subsided, relief washed over Shuuichi at Nanami’s revelation.

“I’m grateful, Nanami-san,” he said, catching her off guard with his sincerity as he relaxed.

“Grateful?” she echoed.

“For telling me. Y’know, recently, I’ve felt we’re sharing a lot more. Like I can really talk to you about everything,” Shuuichi said.

Nanami scrutinized his body. ‘His shoulders are looser than before,’ she thought with a content sigh.

“I’m glad. You look really relaxed, Shuu-kun. Did something good happen besides that?” she asked, smiling knowingly.

“Oh, I COMPLETELY FORGOT! Get this, Nanami! I got a laptop from the company. I can work from home now, with fewer hours!” he said excitedly.

“That’s really good to hear, Shuu-kun. We could hang out a lot more,” she replied, crossing her arms.

“Yeah,” he nodded. “I recently feel there’s a guardian angel looking out for me. First the rent exemption and now this?” He chuckled in disbelief.

‘It was a good idea to tell him about Hino after convincing his boss to promote him.’

“A guardian angel, you say?” she muttered. “How curious.”

“I’m… so happy I get to share this luck with you, Nanami-san,” he said, pinning her against the wall.

“Too bad your husband can’t share it with you,” Shuuichi sneered.

She bashfully looked away. “No… D-don’t say that about him,” she said, hiding a content smile as she glanced sideways.

____Meanwhile, Outside the Aparment________

Chihiro made her way back to Nanami’s apartment, her hand poised to knock. Unbeknownst to her, two men loitered near Mr. Kamata’s door.

“Oh? What do we have here? A pretty high-school girl,” one of them remarked with a sleazy tone, catching Chihiro off guard just as she was about to knock.

Startled, Chihiro whirled around to face the source of the voice. Two middle-aged men leered at her.

“W-what…?” she stammered, her body tensing up.

“Hey there, missy. Why don’t you join us?” suggested one, boldly closing the distance.

Retreating, Chihiro was at a loss, words failing her as the man continued to advance, despite her visible retreat.

“I-I can’t… I’m here to see… M-my sister,” she managed to say, her voice barely above a whisper.

The man’s aggressive approach left Chihiro trapped against Nanami and Shuuichi’s door, his presence overwhelming as he leaned in too close for comfort. Involuntarily, Chihiro recoiled, her heart pounding. She is yet unable to discern if she scared… Or excited.

From inside, Nanami watched through the peephole, panic rising within her. ‘I have to help Chihiro! But with two of them out there… My abilities, they’re not right for this situation!’ she reasoned.

‘So this… THIS was the misfortune it spoke about!’

Amidst her discomfort, Chihiro heard the other man coax in a tone dripping with faux gentleness, “Ohh~ Look at this one, she’s so cute. How about it, girl? Wouldn’t you like us, nice older men, to show you some nice things?”

It was then that her excitement started to overwhelm her fear, “N-nice… Things..?”

As the situation escalated, the man reached out his hand toward one of Chihiro’s breasts.

“Yeah… Very nice things~”

Chihiro was right on the verge of accepting their advances, of accepting this depravity as her nature as she did in the alternate timeline.

In that instant, Nanami’s heart raced. ‘I need to do something—Mr. Kamata! I’ll call him and he will pull her out of this,’ she thought, bolting away from the door and reaching for the phone inside their apartment.

But before she had a chance to dial, a furious shout pierced the tension. “HEY!! What are you doing to her!?” The aggressive tone belonged to none other than Shuuichi, returning from work.

“B-…Big brother…” Chihiro’s voice trembled. It was then her excitement waned, and reason flowed back in. Relief washed over her.

The man turned, sneering at Shuuichi with contempt. “Huh? And who the fuck are you to step in?”

Shuuichi’s response was swift and decisive. “It’s none of your business! Back off from her, now! Can’t you see she’s scared?!”

“None of your damn business what girl I’m gonna fuck—!” He called, approaching him with ready with a punch. But Shuuichi was quicker. He quickly dropped his bag and socked him up his chin. He dropped to the floor like a log, falling on his back.

With the first aggressor lying unconscious on the ground, Shuuichi wasted no time in addressing the second man, who had already started frantically knocking on Mr. Kamata’s door, seeking an escape or perhaps assistance.

“And you! You’re with that scumbag, aren’t you? Get over here!” Shuuichi’s voice boomed with fury as he marched towards the man, grabbing him by the shirt and slamming him against the wall.

“Hehe, you’re screwed now, buddy. We know the landlord, see? We’ll have the cops on you so fast, you’ll be behind bars before you know it!” The man jeered, thinking he had the upper hand, just as Mr. Kamata’s door swung open.

“HUH!?” Shuuichi couldn’t hide his surprise, turning to face Mr. Kamata.

“Is this true, Mr. Kamata?!” he demanded, seeking clarification.

“The only ones I’m calling the police on are you two lowlifes!” Mr. Kamata barked back, his tone leaving no room for doubt.

“WHAT??!?” The man’s smirk faded instantly, replaced by a look of sheer disbelief.

“S-Stop messing around, Kamata! Help me out here!” he pleaded, desperation creeping into his voice.

“Mr. Honda, hold that bastard against the wall. I’m dialing the police right now! How dare they harass you girly here!” Mr. Kamata didn’t hesitate, as she rushed back into his apartment, struggling to call the police with his missing fingers.

“Kamata!??!?!?!?!?!” The man’s plea turned into a cry of utter disbelief, his scheme unraveling before his eyes as Mr. Komata stood firm, ready to protect his tenants and uphold justice.

The police arrived. With the testimony of Kamata, Nanami, Chihiro, Shuuichi and some of the neighbors, the two were escorted to the police station and were arrested on the spot. The police were curious of Komata’s missing fingers, but he told them he lost them in an accident.

‘He… Didn’t hesitate. He didn’t hesitate to risk getting hurt over the likes of us…’ Nanami thought, staring at him in awe as he escorted Nanami and her sister into the house.

She then looked at the game-like interface…

… The quest hadn’t been cleared yet.

[STATUS: INCOMPLETE!]

‘What…? No, that was obviously it, wasn’t it?! Something… Something must be wrong with it. It has to be,’ she thought, her frustration increasing.

Later that evening, after ensuring Chihiro was safe and sound at her own home, Shuuichi returned to the apartment he shared with Nanami.

“Are you okay, Nanami-san?” Shuuichi’s asked as the two got into bed together.

“…It was scary. But I’m glad it all worked out. Thank goodness you got here when you did, Shuu-kun.”

“Yeah. I gotta admit, I was a bit worried when he claimed to be friends with the landlord. Lucky for us, Mr. Kamata is on the right side,” Shuuichi confessed, wrapping his arms around Nanami, their warmth mingling under the blanket.

“….Yeah. He is decent, I suppose.” Nanami said, slightly reluctant.

“…What would you have done if they really were friends?” she ventured, her curiosity piqued despite herself.

‘Why am I even asking this? He has already done so much. He put everything on the line for Chihiro…’ Her thoughts swirled as she clutched the bedsheet.

“I’d have dealt with him too. It was about Chihiro, after all.”

“…We could have been thrown out… Your reputation, your job at risk…”

“Chihiro means more than my job, Nanami-san. We would’ve figured something out. But I couldn’t stand by and let Mr. Kamata or anyone else harm Chihiro over something like my job.” His conviction was clear, his words filled with an unwavering resolve.

‘My~…’ She thought, bursting into a small chuckle.

“What?” Shuuichi’s confusion was evident as he sought to understand her sudden laughter.

“Nothing, it’s just…” She paused, her smile broadening as she met his gaze.

[BACKGROUND MUSIC: PAUL KIM – ME AFTER YOU]

“Such a boring response,” she let out.

“…You think I’m boring?” There was a hint of vulnerability in his question.

“Yeah,” she affirmed. Leaning in, she bridged the gap between them with a tender kiss.

“My boring, brave Shuu-kun <3”

She then climbed atop him.

“N-nanami-san?” Shuuichi stammered as she straightened her posture straddling him.

“I’d like us to try some new things, Shuu-kun. Not just new poses. But… roleplay,” she suggested firmly, a smile stretching across her face.

“Roleplay…?” he asked, raising his brow as he gently grabbed her waist.

“Yeah. RO-LE-PLA-Y,” she emphasized playfully.

“Huuh… Do you dislike how we do it now?” he asked.

“Well, I don’t hate it…” she began. “But, Shuu-kun, I won’t lie, there’s a lot to be desired.”

‘I can’t fight against who I am and what I want. But…’

“Ouch?” Shuuichi let out.

“But,” she said as she traced her fingers across his body, “I desire those things from you.”

‘… Shuu-kun, I realized that the things I want, I want to do with you. I realized that I can’t be truly happy if I hid it from you, even if you never found out and I never left you while cheating.’

“I… see,” Shuuichi said with a slight frown, unable to hide his disappointment in himself. “I’m not against trying new things and making you feel good, but… what brought this on?”

“Well, Shuu-kun, I love you. And I love how I feel being with you,” She said, “But, you see, actually… I… I really love perverse sex too.” She confessed.

Shuuichi let out a soft chuckle, almost considering her words a joke, or rhetoric in nature.

But he then looked at her expression. She appeared almost desperate, her gaze unwavering as she met his eyes.

His chuckle then slowly died down, and he paid his full attention to her.

“Your wife is actually a huge pervert. And… She desires to be perverted with you. She desires to feel the best with you.” She said as she grasped his palm, intertwining her fingers with his.

“I know you’re always tired from work, and we rarely have time for ourselves… But… Even so…” She asked, clenching her teeth as her grip on his palm tightened.

“… Can you… Please, hear this selfish, depraved woman’s plea and… Work with me on this? Help… Help the indecent me feel even better using the you who’s always tired from work, after providing for us both…?” She murmured, her voice barely above a whisper as she bit her lips.

Shuuichi stayed silent for a few seconds.

Nanami, just as she felt that she was asking for too much, felt Shuuichi returrning her grip, gently tightening around her palm.

“Nanami,” He started, lifting his other hand towards her chin, raising her gaze to meet his.

“My selfish, Nanami,” He said with a smile, causing her to gasp softly as she met his eyes.

“My depraved, perverted, indecent Nanami…” He added with a smirk.

“I’m a very bad actor. So just return the favor by not laughing too hard during Roleplay, alright?”

“Ahh..” She exhaled, feeling as if she just released air that was trapped in her lungs, as tears streamed down her face.

“Are you okay…?” He muttered as he rubbed her tears away.

“O-of course not… Here you are… Doing something like this to me while my husband is away… H-how… HOW DARE YOU…?” She said to Shuuichi while bashfully hiding her voluptuous breast away from his eyes.

“Ohfu~…” Shuuichi gasped, feeling a beat in his heart he hadn’t known before. The beat of excitement.

It was then he took upon the role of the ugly bastard, taking advantage of her.

“H-heh… Y-you… Uh… You are just… A bitch… Heheh… Meant f-for.. My…” Shuuichi stammered awkwardly as he looked away.

Nanami couldn’t help but feel frustrated by his poor acting skills and lack of enthusiasm.

Noticing the frustration etched across her face, Shuuichi greeted his teeth, and almost violently turned her over.

“W-what are—” Nanami muttered as Shuuichi began to thrust into her.

“You actually like this, don’t you, you slut?” He started. Nanami could hear a newfound effort in his voice.

“Haah..” She started to moan unintentionally, her eyes widening in surprise.

“I bet even now, you’re comparing my dick to your husband’s small one. You whore. You actually enjoy cheating on your loving husband, don’t you?” He said with a mocking sneer, thrusting relentlessly into her.

“N-no..!! I-… I don’t… Stop…! I love him… I don’t feel good doing this…!” She muttered as she looked away…

… Feeling content in her lover’s arms.

[MISFORTUNE PREVENTED! Ability GAINED: Morph!]

‘I had… Misjudged you… So… So terribly… S-Shuu-kun… No wonder your wife in that timeline…’ She thought, recalling the vibrancy of their smiles.

‘No wonder… She was so happy, just holding your hand.’

‘But… I know. Deep down, I understand what’s coming. One of these ‘misfortunes’ I’ll face… It’s going to be about you crossing paths with that woman from the red-light district.’

‘But until that moment arrives… Let me savor the comfort of being close to you.’ 

“He said he doesn’t know why he loves me~”

“He said he has no idea why he loves me~~~<3”

“He just can’t fathom why I’m the one he loves… <3”

“My Shuuichi… My darling Shuu-kun… <3…”

“What trick did this insincere woman use to ensnare you in her charms~~…? <3”

Nanami joyfully mumbled into her pillow as she rolled around in their bed, reveling in the aftermath of a long, passionate night. Shuuichi was already at work, and the early noon sun illuminated the room.

A blush spread across her face as she imagined him smiling at her, just as he always did, in their golden years. The image of them sitting on a park bench, wrapped in each other’s embrace, brought warmth to her heart.

She giggled into her pillow, her voice filled with a mix of ecstasy and longing.

She broke off from the pillow, looking up at the ceiling as she sprawled on her bed.

“I can’t wait to tell him that pig exempts us from paying rent… Maybe I can take over the mind of his boss next? Make him pay Shuu-kun without him going to work…?”

“And then… I’ll give birth to Shuu-kun’s baby…” She mumbled, unable to say this last sentence with a full heart.

“… I did promise him that back then, too.”

She silently hugged her pillow again, reminiscing about the timeline she came from.

‘I made him suffer so much. Without him even knowing about my other affairs. Imagine… How broken his heart would be if he knew about the other ones as well…?’

For a brief moment, the image of Shuuichi rose in her mind. The image of his sanity breaking into pieces after seeing his trust so cruelly betrayed by the one he loved.

‘… W-well… It’s not like I had, or EVER will have an affair in this timeline… But… Somehow, it still feels like I’m hiding something from him. It still feels like I’m keeping a secret that would break his heart if he ever found out… Just like back then… I hate this…’

‘I hate myself…’ She thought as she buried her head into her soft pillow.

‘If only you knew,’

‘If only you knew what an evil woman you fell in love with… I just wish I was a completely different woman. Then, I could tell him all about it, while at the same time be with him with no shame.’

She then sprawled on the bed, feeling her body all over.

‘This is a body that hasn’t been tainted yet. This body is still a body that only belongs to him. I’m glad… But this mind is one that knows all about affairs…’

‘… I really wish I was someone else.’

[SKILL QUEST ATTAINED: MORPH!]

The game-like interface appeared in front of her eyes.

[Description: I hate myself! I wish I was someone else! Your self-hatred might have paid off! Your unsightly past and unresolved guilt have given birth to the ability to morph!]

[Requirement: Prevent yet ANOTHER misfortune!]

“Morph…? I could actually turn into someone else? And… another misfortune…?”

As she mulled over the revelations, a troubling thought seized her. ‘Misfortune…? Ah, considering the nature of this system and why I’m here, a misfortune must mean events that eventually led to our divorce, right? The pig landlord must’ve been the first… But after that… My sister! That despicable pig turned her into one of his playthings! He once bragged about how she stumbled upon his erotic magazines, and he effortlessly dominated her. She was so pure, an easy target for him…’

Hugging her pillow tightly, she dwelled on her sister’s plight.

‘…It’ll be okay,’ she reassured herself, her grip on the pillow loosening, ‘After all… That shitty pig isn’t the same person… or rather, the same thing he used to be,’ a smirk of contentment spreading across her face as she recalled the system’s message when she took over Kamata.

Meanwhile, outside of the apartment…

“Huh? These are… Porn mags..?” Chihiro whispered to herself, crouching down to inspect the stack of magazines left outside the landlord’s apartment, right next to her sister’s place.

“They’re so strange… I feel weird just looking at them…”

At that moment, Mr. Komata stepped out of his apartment, bumping into Chihiro.

“Uh… Uh..! Sorry-” Chihiro stammered, caught off guard by his sudden appearance. She couldn’t help but notice his missing fingers.

[… Because you terrified him, his loyalty and care will extend to those you care about!]

“O-oh! Don’t worry about it, young miss. Were you curious about these magazines? Please, take them. I have no use for them now.” He assured with a smile as he bent over to the youth.

“Uh… I… I wasn’t really interested or anything!” She hurriedly replied, her cheeks flushed with embarrassment as she looked away.

“No need to be shy! It’s more embarrassing for an old man like me to have these. Go on, take them,” he insisted gently.

‘E-eh…? Is it.. Really okay for me to actually take them…?’ Chihiro thought as she reluctantly looked back at Kamata’s face.

Noticing his eased expression, and after listening to his kind tone, she couldn’t help but relent.

“… I’ll take them to the trash for you, then!” Chihiro quickly decided, gathering the magazines in her arms.

“Hahaha, much obliged, young one,” Mr. Kamata chuckled, watching her struggle with the load.

Turning around, flustered, Chihiro remembered her initial reason for coming. ‘Ah, I need to see sis! But now, I have to get rid of these without her seeing…!!’ She glanced back at the lurid covers, ‘But maybe keeping a few wouldn’t hurt… FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY. I’ll just stash them at home and visit sis later. It’s not like we live far.’

With that plan in mind, she began her descent.

“Girly, wait a minute!” Mr. Kamata called out, stopping her in her tracks.

She spun around, facing him once more.

“Use these,” he suggested, placing large black bags beside the pile.

“These won’t fit in your backpack, right? These bags should cover everything.”

‘W-what… Such a considerate old man…!’ Chihiro thought, her eyes almost brimming with tears of gratitude, though she was too bashful to meet his gaze.

After securing the magazines, she departed, intent on stashing her unexpected haul at home before returning to visit Nanami… Several hours later.

‘…I am worried.’ Nanami thought. She then called to her now-servant Mr. Kamata and ask if he saw her sister.

He said in full honesty what had transpired. Nanami sighed, recalling the alternate timeline.

‘Well, she’s a girl in her youthful adolescence… I know that all too well,’ She thought as she rubbed her temples, recalling of the acts they had been ‘forced’ to do together in the alternate timeline.

‘A terrible wife and a terrible sister, I am… The Chihiro of that timeline, now, is being sexually abused by that pig and his fellow pig friends. The me in that timeline allows this to happen, and even encourages it.’ She looked at the pot as she stirred, making dinner.

‘Thinking about it… I never even tried to look for a way out of it. I just… I just thought that maybe if I endured it long enough, it would go away.’

‘…Ridiculous. I’m making excuses again. I liked it… I liked doing it more than I liked being with Shuu-kun.’

She stopped her movements.

Like before, she expected to feel sick and disgusted at the thought.

But this time, the sensation never came.

She looked deeply into the water of the pot, her reflection beginning to boil.

She realized she wasn’t disgusted by what she did. Rather, she came to realize she was disgusted by the fact that she remembered it fondly after witnessing what happened to Shuuichi as a result.

‘…Then, what am I doing now? Why am I being so considerate now? Is it because I had my fun in that timeline? Is it because I know that Shuu-kun will stay with me even when my skin wrinkles and my legs won’t work?’

‘…Why do I want to protect myself for him so much? I could just do what I want with whoever I want and use these new abilities to hide it better. That way, I could still have fun, and he wouldn’t get hurt. I could probably keep doing it until the day I die and just not leave him since he provides me with the emotional comfort I need… Right?’ she reasoned, inevitably planning how and where she would indulge in blissful hedonism without her husband’s knowledge.

“Shuu-kun…” she started with a sigh, “You really did fall in love with a terrible woman,” she concluded as she closed the lid of the pot.

‘Thinking of which… Why… Why do I think I love Shuu-kun, then? Do I really love him or just think that I do because I know he will continue being there for me? After all this time… I still don’t know anything.’

‘That aside… Why… Is the misfortune still unresolved?’ she thought as she looked at the game interface to confirm this.

[Requirement: Prevent yet ANOTHER misfortune!]

[STATUS: INCOMPLETE!]

‘Something’s not right,’ she mused.

“So, he will be really late then…” Nanami murmured after hanging up the phone.

Shuuichi had told her he would be late that day. Much too late to make it back for their anniversary. He advised her to stay at home and not go to the hotel reservation.

With a sigh, she picked herself up and made some curry rice, refrigerating it for Shuuichi when he came back.

A little frustrated, she had to find a replacement for the knife she brought into Kamata’s house, but despite this, she muscled through using a vegetable chopper.

“Alright..! Now should I clean or…?”

It was then that a game-like interface appeared before her eyes.

[DING! By preventing a misfortune, you gain a peek into your lover’s alternate past! Scenario: His worst fear coming true! May this give you more insight and help your love prevail!]

“What…?” Nanami exclaimed, her mind instantly trapped in a trance-like state, her eyes compelled to follow.

There, she witnessed Shuuichi, her lover, staring at divorce papers on the night she divorced him.

“Shuu-kun…?” she whispered.

His mind went blank, his eyes wide with disbelief.

‘What is this? What am I seeing? Is this when he saw the divorce papers?’ Nanami thought as she watched.

“This… This can’t be real, right? Nanami…?” Shuuichi stammered, his voice trembling.

Nanami knew quickly that this was some sort of projection. Yet, upon hearing her lover’s cracking voice and seeing his pale face, she couldn’t help but call out to him.

“S-Shuu-kun! Look at me! I’m right here!” Nanami called as her consciousness floated in the apartment room, gazing at Shuuichi’s growing distress.

“Ah… Ah…!! Ahh!!!” Shuuichi’s breathing became labored as he tightly clutched Nanami’s ring.

“I… What…? What have I done…? N-Nanami! I’ve pushed you away!” he blurted out with a shaky voice and fragmented words.

“S-Shuu-kun, please; look away from that! I’m here with you!”

“You gave me everything… And I’ve gone and done something like this… I’m… I’m sorry… I’m the worst…” Shuuichi’s voice cracked as he tightly held onto Nanami’s ring.

“You haven’t done anything wrong! Please, listen to me! Please hear my words! I don’t care about that escort girl! I’m here with you, aren’t I!? I’m here! Look at me!” she called out, longing to caress his weary face but unable to interact with him.

“R-right… Her phone! If I can just talk to her! If I can just talk to her!” he exclaimed in distress, reaching for his flip phone and dialing her number.

“This number is no longer in service.”

“W-what…? What…? M-maybe her sister knows what’s going on with her?” Shuuichi wondered, dialing Chihiro’s number.

“This number is no longer in service.”

His heartbeats grew more frequent, pounding with worry and disbelief.

‘Why… Why am I witnessing this?! Make it stop…! I already know what I did, there’s no point to seeing this!!’ Nanami cried, anguishing over seeing her beloved in such pain.

“Maybe… Shinagawa-san knows where she is!?” he blurted out.

‘No… Anything but that…!! Please, don’t discover it like that…’ Nanami pleaded.

He rushed outside the apartment, knocking on Shinagawa’s door. No answer. He kept knocking… still no answer.

He tried calling him…

“This number is no longer in service.”

“What… What is going on…? Shinagawa-san is gone too…?”

“Oh, Mr. Honda,” the new landlord exclaimed, climbing up the stairs and finding Shuuichi visibly worried and stressed.

‘That’s… Shuu-kun’s future wife… But… younger. She became our new landlord after that pig?’ Nanami deduced.

“A-ah… the new landlord. Do you happen to know where Shinagawa-san is…?” Shuuichi turned to the landlord, seeking answers.

Nanami, a silent observer unable to intervene, felt her heart collapsing and her face paling.

‘No… please don’t tell him… It will shatter his heart…!’

“Hm… Mr. Shinagawa moved out recently. I believe I saw him leaving in his car with your wife. I assumed you were aware…” The landlord pressed her finger against her chin, seemingly lost in thought as she recalled the events.

Nanami tried to close her ears and shut her eyes, but she could only observe. She watched her beloved, in that moment, have the breath knocked out of him, his complexion turning paler. He rushed back into his house and vomited in the toilet.

“So it’s true… Shinagawa-san and Nanami… Just as I feared…”

He muttered to himself, gazing at his own ring, while the concerned voice of the landlord reached out to him, inquiring about his well-being.

“It wasn’t just a feeling… Haha… I truly was… Inadequate compared to someone like Shinagawa-san… Compared to him, I’m a pathetic excuse for a man… I even resorted to cheating… I… I deserve… this…”

“No…” Her voice faltered, the intensity dimming, “…Shuu-kun, Shinagawa is nothing but a shallow man. It was I who should have confessed everything. Please, don’t torture yourself over someone like me. Don’t compare yourself to him. You’re worth more than a thousand of him. I love you! I love you more than anything. Please, don’t blame yourself…”

Her calls streamed like a phantom waterfall, constant, yet unfelt and unseen. Time seemed to fast-forward from her perspective. In a flash, she witnessed months passing by, Shuuichi returning home from work, drowning his sorrows in alcohol while gazing at their photos together.

Her heart crinkled as she witnessed him gradually losing weight, neglecting his diet and relying on takeout for every meal. The sight of him deteriorating physically tore at her soul. And yet, he kept the door constantly unlocked, holding onto a glimmer of hope that Nanami would one day return.

She longed to reach out to him, to console him, but her ethereal presence rendered her powerless. She could only watch as he spiraled deeper into despair, his once vibrant spirit fading away. Each passing day, his eyes grew emptier.

Nanami’s presence lingered in every corner of their home, haunting him with memories of their love and the happiness they once shared. He clung to those memories, desperately hoping for a chance to rewrite their story, to tell her how much he still loved her.

But as time slipped through his fingers, he became a mere shadow of his former self. The pain of her absence weighed heavily on his shoulders, leaving him trapped in a world where the sun no longer shone bright.

With no fighting spirit remaining, she shifted her consciousness and lay down beside him, feigning the gentle caress of his body to offer solace. Yet, deep within, she understood that this was an alternate timeline. The Shuuichi before her eyes was beyond salvation, for his future and past were irrevocably etched in fate’s script.

With a heavy heart, she slowly opened her eyes, awakening on their bed inside the familiar walls of their apartment. Tears welled up in her eyes, cascading down her face and saturating the pillow beneath her.

The moon shone brightly outside. It was already early morning, around the time Shuuichi would be on his way home.

… Not that Nanami noticed.

[DING! You have borne witness to your lover’s cruel fate! Sticks and stones may break his bones, but your actions did a much better job! May this knowledge help with your true love!]

“Don’t mess with me… How does that help…!? How does seeing him in such a state help anything?! How dare you…!!” She mumbled, her tone shaky as tears streamed down to her pillow.

Just as she was about to burst out her emotions to that digital, game-like interface, the door to their house had been opened.

“I’m home, Nanami-san…”

As if a switch had been flipped within her, she relaxed upon hearing his voice. As she heard footsteps quietly walking toward their room, she looked at the time: It was 2:12am. Shuuichi must have gone back from work.

She closed her eyes, listening to his tiptoeing footsteps as he moved throughout the house. The door had been closed and locked with utmost delicacy. He entered their room and found Nanami lying there, her form peaceful. He presumed she was asleep.

He sat down beside her, gently caressing her arm, still believing she slumbered. Earlier that day, he had sent her a text, asking her to stay home. He wouldn’t be able to make it to their hotel reservation.

His first words, whispered, were filled with remorse: “I’m sorry for being back so late. I know you were looking forward to our anniversary. I’ll make it up to you, I promise.”

No response came from her, but he smiled nonetheless. Rising from the bed, he walked toward the bathroom to prepare for sleep.

[BACKGROUND MUSIC: YOU REMEMBER – PAUL KIM]

“Shuu-kun…?” Her soft voice reached him as she lay there.

“Nanami-san?” He halted, turning to face her.

“Why… Why do you even care for… a woman like me? Why… Why do you even love me?” She asked, her gaze still averted.

“Where did that come from, Nanami-san?”

“Just… Please, answer me?” Her plea hung in the air.

Shuuichi sighed softly. “Hmm, why do I love you…? I… Can’t pinpoint a specific reason. I just do, I suppose.” He replied casually.

“Huh…?”

Nanami was unaccustomed to such an answer. 

She had posed the same question to Shinagawa before, and he would effortlessly reel off a litany of reasons: her kindness, tenderness, beauty, musical taste, her soothing voice, friendliness, and willingness to connect with others—a plethora of qualities. Yet there was Shuuichi right now, offering this peculiar response.

“You don’t… know why you love me?”

“Yeah, I suppose I don’t really know why,” he replied. “I just do. It’s like how I prefer eating gyoza over ramen, even though they’re both tasty. There’s no specific reason—I just… love you because I do. Is that wrong?”

Nanami’s eyes widened.

‘Shinagawa-san…’ she mused. ‘I’ve recently started to wonder. You’ve showered me with beautiful words, praised my singing, cherished my kindness and openness. But what if my voice grew raspy one day? What if I became colder over the years? Would you still love me if I closed my heart, shutting others out?’

‘Hearing this man say he can’t fathom why he loves me…’

‘… Does it mean that his love doesn’t rely on any of that? That even if my voice grew raspy, if I was rough around the edges… He’d still cradle me 30 years from now as he does currently?’

‘But… Even if it’s true…’ she thought, gripping her pillow.

‘Despite knowing that, I cannot alter the course for the Shuu-kun of that timeline… the man who loved me unconditionally over that accursed timeline will endure that pain of me cruelly leaving him alone once more. But, at the very least, he’ll find someone as kind as himself.’ She thought, as images of the landlord came to her mind.

‘Meanwhile, the least I can do, right now… Is be there for you. The you that is here, right now.’ She thought as she tightly hugged him from behind.

“You stayed here for me… Despite knowing it would impact your workday… I’m the one…” She mumbled from behind him as she tightened her grip on him.

“…Who should make it up to you.”

As Nanami entered Mr. Kamata’s flat, another figure had just arrived on the scene.

A buff-looking guy, wielding a baseball bat. But as he strode towards Mr. Kamata’s apartment, he felt a shift in the wheels of fate.

With a deep sigh, he lowered his mighty weapon of justice just before breaking in.

“It seems like fate beat me to the punch on this one, huh?” he murmured to himself, his muscles relaxing as he turned around and walked away from the apartment. “Well, it’s good to hear there’s no NTR shenanigans anymore… But I need money. Oh, well.” The figure left as swiftly as he had arrived.

____________________________

Inside the apartment, Kamata waved the “incriminating” photo of Nanami before her eyes with a lecherous sneer.

“Hehehe… Such an indecent woman, doing something like this…” he murmured.

‘… Taking a dump…? That’s his threat? Is he stupid? He took a picture of me going to the bathroom and is blackmailing me with something that would land him in jail?’ She narrowed her eyes as Mr. Kamata held the picture in front of his face, scrutinizing it closely, his pupils going over every detail, taking his time.

‘Does Mr.Kamata believe girls don’t have to poo and acts as if he just found the proof that isn’t the case?’ she thought to herself, raising an eyebrow in confusion.

‘Wait… I was the one who fell for it… Seriously?’ Her eyelids widened as the realization struck her.

‘Several years after I married Claude-san (Shinagawa), I was certain the reason I was compelled to follow Mr. Kamata’s every whim was because he caught me masturbating at the very least… But that’s it? I went along with it because I was scared Shuu-kun would find out our landlord is a lecherous creep who spies on everyone who lives here?’ She almost sighed in disbelief.

“Hahaha… If you don’t want this photo spread throughout our entire neighborhood and the internet…” Mr. Kamata started, raising his eyes from the photo, holding it in his hand as if it were a trophy before Nanami, “… And if you want your dear, dear husband won’t find out about this photo, YOU WILL DO WHAT I SAY—”

“Sure, show it to my husband then, Mr. Kamata,” Nanami said flatly.

“Hoho, so you’ll comply like a good little wife— What?” Mr. Kamata’s words were cut short as he took in Nanami’s response.

‘No, that’s not quite it. That’s merely what I told myself. The reason I fell for it was… Because I wanted to. I was a mere thrill-addicted gal. And getting blackmailed into doing something indecent… Made me thrilled. I still am chasing thrills and I don’t think I can change that about myself…’ She thought, clicking her tongue before continuing to speak.

“Show it, I said. Do it. I don’t mind. It will just expose everyone to the truth that you’re a scat-loving, stalking piece of shit who spies on his tenants,” she added, a small smirk stretching across her face.

“Y-you…! You bitch! Don’t you care what your husband thinks of you!? He will think you’re indecent, so you have an obligation to do whatever you can to stop me from distributing it—” Mr. Kamata’s raspy voice trembled with frustration and desperation.

‘But the thrill I’m chasing right now is…’

“What’s more indecent than anything is being played with by the likes of you, Mr. Kamata. My Shuu-kun is a hard worker who pays the bills, takes care of me when I’m sick, and ensures my well-being when I’m sad even if it costs him time off work. Unlike you—a shut-in loser whose sole purpose in life is indulging in his repulsive desires. Go ahead, distribute the image and reveal your true nature as a shit-loving piece of trash,” Nanami calmly responded, her hands still concealed behind her back.

‘The thrill I’m currently chasing is… being truly loved by a good man…’

“You… You fucking bitch…!!! I’ll throw you and that husband of yours to the street if you don’t get undressed RIGHT NOW!” Mr. Kamata’s anger intensified as he yelled, his composure slipping as he was mere inches away from Nanami.

He tightly gripped Nanami’s shoulders, leering at her as he stared at her chest. “Hehe… That’s right, comply like a good little bitch…” Mr. Kamata sneered.

‘… Because as much as I love sex…’

“You shouldn’t do that, Mr. Kamata,” Nanami replied, her voice relaxed, almost aloof.

“I can do whatever the fuck I want… I am the head of the Rent Committee… I am YOUR LANDLORD… I can do whatever I want to you! It’s my obligation to check the goods… Consider it me looking after you younglings…” Mr. Kamata declared, his grip tightening as he violently tore off Nanami’s shirt, leaving her in just a bra.

‘Being held by someone who can tell when I’m forcing a smile, by someone who gets into bed with me when I’m being difficult without worrying about his image…’

In that moment, Nanami remained fully prepared to act. With [NO TRACE] activated, she knew that permanently solving the problem from their lives would be achieved if Mr. Kamata met his demise. Her hand clasped the cold handle of the knife hidden behind her back, her muscles tensed, ready to slash at Mr. Kamata’s throat.

‘… Is something I love much more, as it turns out.’

Just before she slashed Mr. Kamata, she fancied being held and cradled longer by Shuuichi.

And wondered how she could accomplish such a feat.

It was then her other skill popped into her mind…

[SKILL: INTIMIDATIVE PERSUASION]

[Description: Make an eternal slave out of anyone who is scared of you!]

[Duration: Eternity]

[Cooldown: 1 week]

And as it did, she relaxed her grip on the cold handle of the knife.

Another, more… pragmatic solution, had arisen in her mind.

“Well, this is certainly unpleasant, but at least I’ll have concrete evidence once the police arrive,” Nanami declared aloud, her voice filled with calculated confidence.

Mr. Kamata froze in place, his face mere inches away from her cleavage, no longer grunting as lively as he had moments ago.

“And with all those televisions in your room, along with the recordings of the tenants, me included…” She added, looking around his trashed apartment, “Mr. Kamata, you will be spending a considerable amount of time behind bars,” Nanami continued, her words cutting through the tense silence.

Kamata swiftly released his grip, his voice trembling. “Y-you called the police!? H-how!? You just found out… You’re merely… saying whatever you please!” He argued, forcing a trembling smile.

Yet, Nanami’s smile remained unyielding, her composure unwavering. “Didn’t you find it peculiar, Mr. Kamata? That the exposing image you so confidently waved at my face didn’t elicit more than a flinch from me? I knew. That’s why I made the call before coming here,” she whispered, taking a step closer to Kamata, her hands still hidden behind her back. Kamata flinched, instinctively taking a step backward.

“…And now, you’ve torn my shirt,” she said, glancing at her exposed top as she narrowed her eyes, “They will be arriving any minute now. I wonder what they’ll say,” she continued, looking up at the ceiling as if envisioning his arrest, “You’re undoubtedly bound for jail… Isn’t that splendid?” Her tone grew slightly more upbeat as she lowered her head, her eyes wide open as she bore her gaze into his, her features relaxed as she offered a warm sneer, “For people like you, I imagine shit eating will be the least the guards and the other prisoners will make you do in prison… I’m truly thrilled for you, Mr. Kamata, for being able to chase your thrill indefinitely in a place fit for the likes of you,” Nanami taunted, her smile growing wider with each word.

‘Is it the fact that I can protect myself with the knife? Or perhaps the knowledge that if the police do arrive, Mr. Kamata will truly be doomed? For some reason… I feel really calm and assured,’ Nanami thought to herself, savoring the moment.

‘… And somewhat satisfied.’

“Y-YOU CRAZY BITCH!!!” Kamata screamed, falling onto his backside in fear. Immediately, he rolled on the floor, turning to the exit and hastily making his way there.

‘… Not enough?’ she thought with a sigh as Kamata scrambled for the door. She then calmly walked toward him as he struggled back on his feet, trying to open the door.

‘I suppose he is scared… Just not of me,’ she thought.

“You’ve locked the door, Mr. Kamata. Did you forget?” she calmly stated as she drew nearer, the knife brought to the front as she walked, unbeknownst to the frantic landlord who then scrambled for the key.

‘… Let’s fix that,’ she resolved. Just as Kamata lifted the key from his pocket, Nanami pressed the cold blade against his neck as she stood sturdily behind him.

“W-wha…!?” Kamata gasped, arching his head backward as if trying to get away from the blade, causing Nanami to press it further.

“Where do you think you’re going, dear landlord?” she cooed, whispering in his ear. “Considering the emotional trauma you’ll give your residents once the footage breaks out, did you really think that I, a concerned neighbor, can let you go?” she said.

“They will want justice. And they will want it immediately. I will have to kill you,” she whispered, her voice quiet yet firm as she pressed the knife harder against Kamata’s neck, causing blood to trickle out.

“Y-you… c-… You… will also be arrested… f-for killing me!” he argued weakly, swallowing hard as his breathing grew labored.

“What are you talking about?” she asked innocently, with a slight tilt of her head.

“H-huh…!?” he hummed, shifting his pupils to her face.

“… I was merely defending myself against a known rapist,” she said warmly.

“N-no… No! You can’t do that! That’s a blatant lie!” he argued further, his heart feeling as if it might burst from his chest.

“Is it now? Ah, I see…” she muttered. Kamata, hearing the contemplation in her voice, started to relax.

“Y-yes! You will be a liar if you do that!”

“You’re right… Oh well,” she started. A spark of hope glistened in Mr. Kamata’s eyes as he let out a soft gasp, allowing himself to turn his head to Nanami.

“Then, be a good landlord and take this secret to the grave with you. Right now, okay?” she said with a flat smile, glaring into his eyes.

“No… NO! D-don’t… DON’T… DON’T KILL ME!” he begged, cold sweat dripping from his forehead, his life flashing before his eyes as Nanami pressed the knife even harder.

“Don’t take this personally, Mr. Kamata. I am merely defending myself here… Now, just let it happen, and it will be over quickly,” she whispered.

“N-NO!” he cried, closing his eyes, preparing himself for the inevitable.

[SKILL: INTIMIDATIVE PERSUASION: PREREQUISITE CONFIRMED! The target is TERRIFIED of you! Would you like to activate the skill?]

“Yes,” Nanami instructed.

“What?!” Kamata called out in confusion.

[TARGET CONFIRMED! Kamata is now registered as your eternal servant! You didn’t need to frighten him THAT much, but because you did, in addition to obeying your every command, and fulfill your desires without hesitation; his loyalty will extend to the well-being of those you care about! GOOD JOB!]

Kamata immediately froze in place.

Upon feeling the lack of resistance, Nanami removed the knife from his throat and took a step back.

Kamata slowly turned to face Nanami, his eyes locked onto her as if in a trance.

She glanced at him, her smile transforming into a frown filled with disdain.

And so, she was ready to assign Kamata his first task:

“Bark,” she commanded, driven by an instinct.

Without a moment’s delay, he obediently barked like a dog.

‘Hmm…’ Nanami pondered as she leaned down towards her new slave.

“What is your name?” she inquired.

“Konro Ka—”

She then swiftly and powerfully slapped his cheek, releasing her pent-up aggression.

“From this moment on, do not speak in my presence. Fetch me suitable attire, befitting a lady,” she commanded.

Without a hint of complaint, Kamata hurried into his closet, rummaging through trash bags filled with various garments. He retrieved an assortment of clothes and swiftly returned, placing them at Nanami’s feet, his gaze a deep frown.

She examined the clothes; stained, malodorous, and filthy. Although they appeared to be women’s attire, they were far from acceptable by her standards.

With a swift kick to his groin using her high-heeled shoe, Kamata doubled over in pain and collapsed to the floor.

“Did you not hear me, scat-loving Kamata? I specifically said ‘fit for a lady.’ Did you truly expect me to wear such repulsive garments? Bring me a clean and suitable outfit befitting a lady,” she emphasized, her face contorted with disgust as she glared at him.

“M-master… There are no clean clothes in my apartment for a lady…”

She then powerfully stomped on the back of his head with her heel. “You cannot follow a simple order? Didn’t I just instruct you not to talk in my presence, you shit-eating pig?”

“….”

“Do you realize the position you’ve put your master, in?”

“…”

“I now have to go outside of your rotting apartment, wearing only a bra. What if my Shuuichi returned early because he forgot something and saw me now? What would he think?” She crouched, glaring at the back of his head as he bowed to her.

“What if someone we know sees me leaving your apartment like this? If Shuu-kun hears of this, one way or another, he will be hurt and sad. Just so you know, this is your fault, you shit-eating pig,” she stated coldly.

“S-sorry…” Kamata whispered softly. But her glare only intensified as she stood up.

She then pulled out her knife and tossed it to Kamata.

Kamata raised his whimpering head, looking at the knife.

“Pick it up. Use it to cut your finger as punishment for talking again,” she instructed.

Kamata hesitantly picked up the knife and pinned his other palm to the ground. He raised the hand that held the knife, preparing to slash through his finger.

“When did I say to do it like that? Cut it out slowly, like you would cut a slab of steak,” she flatly stated.

Kamata’s eyes widened at the request. Yet, he pressed the knife against his finger and began slicing through it with slow movements.

He grunted, trying to keep his voice down. It was a bloody mess, but he eventually finished cutting his finger in half.

“You let a sound out. What am I going to do if they hear you grunting like a shit-pig and then see me walk out of here? Cut the finger on your other hand in the same manner as punishment. Keep quiet,” she instructed, her glare intensifying.

Silently, he cut the finger on his other hand, using his now-fingerless hand to grab the knife.

He sweated and panted, but mostly kept quiet as tears streamed from his eyes.

[SKILL: [NO TRACE] RAN OUT!]

[COOLDOWN: 23:59:59 HOUR(S) LEFT UNTIL NEXT USAGE IS AVAILABLE!]

‘Haah… I didn’t even need to use it,’ she sighed internally.

Kamata finished cutting the finger on his other hand and gently placed the knife down, sighing with relief.

“I don’t believe I told you to cut off that particular finger,” she said. Kamata’s eyes snapped wide open as he heard her words. “You really are unable to follow instructions. Cut off both of your middle fingers as punishment.”

Weak, weary, and close to collapse, Kamata did as instructed.

“Good job. Punishment is over… Go staunch the bleeding. Use your stove or something. Burn it so it will leave a scar.”

The exhausted Kamata sighed with relief, his consciousness fading. He walked over to his stove, burning the wounds without making a sound as instructed. Before long, he returned to her, breathless but alive.

He got on his knees.

“The punishment for talking out of turn is over. But…” She crouched down to him again, glaring intensely.

“You dared put your shit-eating, pig hands on my body, which is reserved for my beloved and dear Shuu-kun, and rip off a shirt I liked. Do you think it’s fair you wouldn’t be punished for that?” she whispered, her voice dripping with malice.

Silently, he whimpered.

“As punishment, castrate yourself with this knife. Do it at your bathroom so I won’t have to see your filth,” she coldly stated.

Even as a mind-controlled slave, Kamata couldn’t help but shiver as he remained motionless. A moment later, he reluctantly began to move toward his bathroom to do as ordered.

‘Hm… Wait. I almost forgot. There’s something more important that needs to be done,’ she reasoned.

“I order you to stop moving,” she called, causing Kamata to freeze immediately, halfway to the bathroom door.

“… I was just joking. Considering all the blood you’ve just lost; you would certainly die if you did that. Isn’t your master funny?” she asked.

Kamata dared not speak or even move.

“You see, I am a kind master. I will not let you die like that, nor will I let you be taken by the police,” she said, straightening herself as Kamata nearly collapsed from relief, struggling to stay standing.

“But in exchange for my kindness… Hm… Let’s see…”

“I order you to exempt my beloved Shuu-kun from paying rent from now on and keep it a secret. Indefinitely. If you can do that, I will not order you to castrate yourself for at least another week. If you behave well, another week after that, and so on.”

But even then, Kamata dared not say anything.

“… Nod if you understand and intend to fulfill my order.”

Kamata immediately nodded.

“Alright… Now, dispose of my ripped clothes and burn them somewhere no one will find out. Same goes for this knife. Clean it. If anyone asks about your neck, say you cut yourself. That will be all for now,” she concluded, snapping her fingers toward the door of the apartment.

She cautiously cracked open the door, ensuring that no one could catch sight of her outside, and quietly left the apartment. She walked back to her and her husband’s place with a joyful spring in her step.

‘… That went well,’ she mused to herself.

‘Now then… It sure has been a while since I’ve whipped up a full meal… But I’m still confident in my skills. Poor Shuu-kun will probably be starving when he gets back… I wonder what he would like for dinner?’ she pondered with a smile.

Unbeknownst to Nanami, she failed to notice an additional section on the digital interface that had prompted her earlier.

[PASSIVES]

[PASSIVE: COLD PERSPECTIVE]

[DESCRIPTION: Spiders? Rapists? Ghosts?! Don’t worry, darling – I’ll save you! Nothing scares me! You are not afraid of anything when it comes to the one you love!]

[PASSIVE: DARK LOVER]

[DESCRIPTION: I will kill you if you disturb our lovey-dovey life! Everyone stay back! Your inhibitors are completely removed when a danger threatens to interrupt your love life! Some might call you a “Yandere” But that’s okay! This is your love-life after all, so no price is too tall! May you stand unshaken, and your love prevail!]

As soon as she answered ‘Yes,’ her vision went dark.

The sun no longer shone through. She couldn’t feel warmth, her feet on the ground, the fabric of her clothes on her skin, or air entering her lungs.

Even her guilt was absent.

Despite the pleasant sense of freedom, she wanted to share it with someone. She was tired of being alone.

Then, a certain sensation started welling up.

Some form of wetness made its way through her lips and into her mouth, exploring her.

As a woman familiar with this feeling from her ex-husband Shinagawa, she quickly realized she was being kissed.

She could have opened her eyes to see the person before her, but she kept them shut, wanting to test herself; this kiss felt different. It wasn’t the taste that made her think so.

The person kissing her took his time. Whoever it was, he was not new to it but not quite an expert like Shinagawa either.

And yet, she preferred it that way. This kiss felt nostalgic and more thoughtful.

Somewhere inside, she knew.

The scent of his freshly shaved chin grazing hers, the musk she hadn’t smelled in over 30 years, the warmth of his breath on her upper lip as he savored the taste of her mouth and teeth… And as she placed her hands around his taller frame, she recognized the weary body, muscles strained from constant overwork yet pushing to stay upright.

‘… All for his loving wife,’ she concluded internally as she tightened her grip around him, tears quietly dripping from her closed eyes.

And then… Fear.

Fear gripped her, fearing that if she opened her eyes, she would realize the kiss was merely the morning after a teasing dream.

Therefore, she wished:

‘Whatever this is… I wish to stay asleep… Just a little bit longer… Please…’ She prayed, pouring everything into the kiss as if it were the last one she would ever have, ensuring the person felt all of her, everywhere.

“Hmmph… N-Nanami-san?” The individual called, sensing the intensity in the kiss and breaking it momentarily to speak.

‘Shuuichi… My Shuuichi… My Shuuichi…’ she thought, running her hands over his broad back.

“Hmpph… Nana—, I have to go,” Shuuichi tried to speak, pushing her back slightly. But she held onto him, prolonging the kiss, tears streaming down her face.

Unable to speak, Shuuichi sensed her distress and placed his hand on her head, gently caressing it.

‘What… What is this… He even sounds like him… What is this dream… Stop… I… At this rate… I won’t want to wake up,’ she thought, her legs starting to shiver as she dug her nails into his back.

When was the last time she was embraced like this?

‘Ah… This is a dream, right…? This has to be… Something like this… Being held like this… Can’t be real, right?’ she reasoned.

‘Then… While I’m still here… While I still can!’ she resolved, breaking the kiss, refusing to open her eyes out of fear it would end the dream abruptly.

“Nanami…? What’s wrong…? Why are you crying?” he asked, his tone gentle as he cradled her face, rubbing her tears away with his thumb.

“I… I’m sorry,” she sobbed, her voice barely above a whisper. “I’m so sorry… S-shuu… Kun…” She cried, trying her hardest to stop her sobs. Yet, as she felt the warmth of his palm on her cheek, the sheer vibration of it shattered any facade she was trying to maintain, and her tears continued to pour out.

In a final act of defiance, she buried her face in his shoulder, using the fabric of his dark suit as a dam for her tears as she tightly held onto him.

“Nanami-san, what are you sorry for?” he gently inquired, rubbing the back of her head, confused.

Her strength gave out, and she couldn’t stand on her own. He crouched down with her, allowing her to lean on him as they sat by the entrance.

“Please, wake me up now… Please don’t do this to me… Please… Please… If I stay any longer, I won’t want to wake up anymore… Please take me away from here… Please take me away…” She murmured into his shoulder, her snot and tears staining more and more of his suit.

“Shh… It’s okay. I’m here… Let’s go home,” Shuuichi whispered as he bent over, lifting Nanami into a princess carry.

Still unable to process her feelings, she kept her eyes shut and buried her face in his shirt as he carried her back into the house and closed the door behind him.

With a soft sigh, Shuuichi glanced at the clock inside the house. It was getting late, and he had to go to work. But seeing his wife in such a state, despite the potential consequences at his stressful job and the disapproval of his boss and colleagues, he decided to go in late that day.

“S-shuu… Kun…” She murmured several minutes after he took her to the couch, consoling her there.

“What is it, Nanami?” he gently asked, feeling her tugging at his shirt as she lay on his shoulder.

“…B…”

“…Bed… Please…” She murmured, still struggling to let her voice out loud out of fear it would wake her from this ‘dream.’

“Alright then… Let’s take you there,” he chuckled lightly as he got up.

But he was stopped by her, still tugging at his shirt.

“Nanami?” he questioned, feeling her resistance.

“…Take me… C… Carry me,” she whispered while looking away, still lying on the couch.

Shuuichi chuckled. “What are you, a kid?” he teased playfully.

Nanami didn’t respond, remaining silent, still tugging at his shirt.

Sensing her persistence and distress, he relented with a sigh. “Well, I suppose everyone needs to be babied now and then… Come on, Nanami-chan. Let papa take you to bed,” he cooed gently.

Nanami sensed it. It was awkward at best.

Yet… she had missed being cared for so much that it barely mattered. As seconds passed, it felt endearing. She couldn’t help but feel a certain warmth spread through her body as he once more carried her like a princess to their shared bedroom.

He placed her onto the bed and covered her with a blanket.

“Are you warm?” he asked.

“S-stay with me until I sleep… Shuu-kun?” she inquired, still keeping her eyes closed.

“… Only if you look at me, Nanami,” he said firmly yet softly.

“I… I don’t want to… I’m… I’m scared,” Nanami shook her head, the softness of the pillow enveloping the back of her head.

Shuuichi caressed her cheek once more. “What are you afraid of? I’m here, aren’t I? Nothing can hurt you. So, please… look at me.”

‘I really can’t look at you, Shuu-kun… What if… What if when I open my eyes, you won’t see a loving wife staring back at you? What if you’ll ask me why I made such a scene…? What if I’ll wake up…?’

Once more, Nanami shook her head.

‘Just go… Just go to work… Leave me. I can’t… I don’t deserve to look at you,’ she decided, resolute in her choice to keep her eyes closed.

With a sigh, he got into bed with her. “Really, kids are such a pain,” he muttered as he covered himself and Nanami with the blanket, causing her to gasp softly.

“I… I didn’t open my eyes, Shuu-kun,” she said.

“I know,” he replied, acknowledging her words.

“…But?” she added, expecting him to continue, like Shinagawa always did with clever and witty responses.

“But nothing. I know you didn’t open your eyes,” he replied flatly, lying in bed beside her and staring at the ceiling.

It was a flat, boring response, but Nanami wasn’t expecting it. A man should be clever, right? To impress his wife? No? she thought.

What baffled her even more was that she was taken aback by it.

Does he really not care how she sees him?

She was so baffled that she momentarily forgot her fear and involuntarily opened her eyes, unbeknownst to Shuuichi, who continued staring at the ceiling.

Then it hit her: this was real. She did not wake up because this was no dream.

Unsure of what to say, she merely closed her eyes again.

Four hours later, as he gazed upon her sleeping form, her eyes still damp from tears, he got up from the bed and left a note on the bedside table. The note informed her that he would be returning later than usual that day and urged her to reach out if she needed anything. With that, he locked the door and departed.

However, unbeknownst to him, Nanami was not asleep. Deep within her heart, she longed to cry and spend the entire week by his side. Yet, the moment she opened her eyes and realized this was real, she knew that if she continued to weep, Shuuichi would be unable to focus on his work. She needed to remain calm and gather her emotions.

As she opened her eyes soon after Shuuichi left, a digital prompt appeared before her, drawing her attention away from her inner turmoil.

“By regressing, you are hereby granted a [SKILL]! May this [SKILL] help your true love prevail!”

[SKILL: INTIMIDATIVE PERSUASION]

[Description: Make an eternal slave out of anyone who is scared of you! Even in the slightest!]

[Duration: Eternity]

[Cooldown: 1 week]

Confusion filled Nanami’s mind as she wiped her soaked eyes and snot, contemplating the nature of this skill.

‘Regression…? Skill…? It must be part of that system that spoke to me while I sat on the bench at the park, right?’ she thought as she brought herself to a sitting position.

Examining it closely, she wondered, “What kind of skill is this? And what’s this… There’s one more?”

The prompt continued, revealing a second skill.

“By engaging in physical intimacy with your beloved, where your true feelings were on display, you have unlocked a [SKILL]! May this [SKILL] help your true love prevail!”

[SKILL UNLOCKED: NO TRACE]

[Description: Fingerprints? Bloodstains? Scars? Camera appearance? Too troublesome for someone like me! Remove all TRACE of your existence upon activating this skill!]

[Duration: 5 minutes]

[Cooldown: 24 hours]

Nanami felt unsettled by the violent nature of these skills. They seemed… dangerous.

As she read through the description, her eyes fixated on one particular line that sent a chill down her spine: “Camera appearance.” The mere thought of it caused her face to pale.

Memories of their landlord, Mr. Kamata, flooded her mind, and the unspeakable acts he had forced upon her before her regression. She remembered how he had mercilessly toyed with her body, openly mocking her husband, and coercing her into compliance, threatening to reveal her actions to Shuuichi. But more than that, she recalled how she had enjoyed it.

Overwhelmed by distressing recollections, coupled with Shuuichi’s recent care and attentiveness, she rushed to the bathroom, her stomach churning with revulsion.

In her anguish, she unconsciously scratched her shoulder with her fingernails, causing the skin to break and blood to trickle out.

With clenched teeth and her mind filled with images of Mr. Kamata’s lecherous sneer as he took advantage of her vulnerability, she muttered, “How… How dare he…”

‘That’s right… HE did… HE started everything! He dared… touch my body… violate me as he pleased!’ she thought, realizing he must be watching this too.

‘Yeah…’ she thought, glancing at a nearby camera.

‘I suppose… I have these violent skills for a reason, right?’ she mused, wiping the remnants of bile off her lips.

‘I think I found out why,’ she thought, her eyes sparking darkly. The emotions raging inside her immediately lost all their valor. It was as if the moon had vanished, leaving no celestial body to bring tides to the deep ocean.

She felt… serene. Her heartbeat was steady. Her legs felt strong and sturdy. Her arms were still.

She quickly flushed the toilet and exited the bathroom.

‘Huh… I started to feel awfully calm the moment I decided what to do next,’ she mused, noticing her sudden tranquility.

“Don’t worry, Shuuichi,” she thought, the description of the skill gleaming in her mind as she concealed a sharp knife beneath her shirt. Her steps carried her outside their apartment, a sense of purpose driving her forward.

“Don’t worry about a thing,” she said, hiding the knife under her shirt as she walked outside their apartment.

As she activated the skill [SKILL: No Trace], a transformation occurred. Her footsteps became silent, leaving no imprint on the concrete as she walked. Dust seemed to pass right through her, ensuring her movements left no trace behind. With a warm smile on her face, she made her way through the apartment building towards Mr. Kamata’s flat.

‘Ahh… Shuu-kun, you must be working so hard. You’ll come back exhausted. I bet your boss will give you trouble for being late today, for the entire week or two… Don’t worry… I’ll give you the warmest welcome there is… You don’t even have to worry about our anniversary… I’ll make sure…!’ she thought, her mind filled with anticipation.

Reaching Mr. Kamata’s door, she knocked politely, her smile unwavering.

“Excuse me, it’s Honda,” she announced, her voice dripping with false cheerfulness.

“Oooh? If it isn’t the housewife from next door… Now that you’re here, I wish to show you something… Come on in,” Mr. Kamata responded, his voice tinged with a lecherous tone. He forcefully pulled her into his house, swiftly locking the door behind them. His intentions were clear as he brandished an image showing her half-exposed in the bathroom, a vile reminder of his power over her.

‘I’ll make sure to give you the best anniversary present there is…’ she thought, her face blushing with feigned excitement. Concealing a sharp knife behind her back, she clasped her hands together, feeling the cold metal against her skin.

Her smile stretched ever so slightly.

‘How strange. It almost feels automatic, what I’m about to do right now. Like I’m going to wash the dishes…’

‘…Or take out the trash.’

[Another NTR I FORCED myself to watch over and over again to get all the details right, and thought this would also be a good practice for my main original novel. To write an alternate ending to another hentai I hated. Anyway, enjoy.]

Nanami sat on a bench in the park, basking in the sunshine. The sky stretched out bluer than ever, and the sun beamed down with unwavering brightness. Yet, despite the idyllic scene, time had not been kind to her.

Her husband, Shinagawa, had left her two or three years ago. In a desperate attempt to cling to her youth, she had fought against the inevitable march of time. But Shinagawa’s words had been brutally honest: “You’re not as I remembered.” And yet, Nanami knew deep down that nothing about her had truly changed except her appearance, which had naturally aged over the years. The harsh truth settled in—Shinagawa was a superficial man.

Their son had once been her pride and joy. But as the years slipped by and he entered college, even he stopped visiting.

After Shinagawa’s departure, Nanami considered returning to Hino, her pervious fling. However, fate played a cruel joke—Hino turned out to be no different from Shinagawa.

He, too, rejected her, preferring a younger woman. 

Reflecting on their past, she chuckled bitterly. He claimed to have loved her since their college days, but it was clear that his love was as shallow as Shinagawa’s. 

‘Love from first sight, hah,’ She berated herself for not recognizing the pattern sooner.

“I bet there was a woman just like me when Hino first saw me in university. But he completely overlooked her because she was old and ‘used’, the same as I am right now. Haaah…” She sighed deeply as she reflected on her past.

And then there was her sister, Chihiro. 

They were true sisters, cut from the same cloth. Despite being married for years, Chihiro sought excitement outside her marriage, entangled with a handsome man every once in a while.

 Nanami couldn’t help but think, ‘At least she’ll have some fun years before her husband divorces her due to the passage of time.’ She hoped he wouldn’t break her heart too callously.

Now, at 54 years old, Nanami found herself alone in the park. 

Shinagawa had found a partner nearly 20 years younger than him. She couldn’t help but think, ‘Good for him’, even though this fact irked her.

She knew the moment she laid eyes on Shinagawa’s new partner, the woman he had already proposed to; she looked just like Nanami when she was younger. It was clear he was simply replacing her with a more youthful version of the Nanami he once fancied so terribly.

Indeed, a very superficial man. Suddenly, all his words of passion, the compliments he once whispered in her ear, now sounded empty and devoid of meaning.

Meanwhile, her own son visited her less frequently, leaving her with a silent ache. Yet, out of goodwill, she kept her feelings unspoken.

Life had dealt Nanami a complex hand, and the park bench bore witness to her quiet struggles.

Since when had she last sat on a bench, doing nothing? The question echoed in her mind, reverberating through the years. 

It was a peculiar sensation—boredom. Once, her life with Shinagawa, her now-ex-husband, had been a whirlwind of adventure. Every day held a new spectacle: journeys, hikes, luxurious meals and gifts he’d give her, aimless; romantic drives, and, of course, great sex. 

As a woman who is quite heavily reliant on the pleasure derived from sex, she never grew bored of it. That and with how Shinagawa knew his way around a woman’s body and only improved his technique over time; only made her love having sex with him even more. There hasn’t a day that went by without her craving for some passionate intimacy with him.

But now, in her golden years, as she saw Shinagawa’s infatuation fade due to her appearance; the vibrancy of her life had turned into a monochrome landscape. Joyful thoughts were replaced by persistent boredom and feeling of pointlessness which had settled in over the past two or three years, an uninvited companion.

Perhaps this was the way of the world—for women like her, or perhaps for women in general.

Once they’d served their purpose, they were left to navigate the quiet solitude of aging. Women, she mused, were exquisite creatures, their beauty ephemeral. They should seize life while their allure still sparkled, like dewdrops on morning petals. Yet, despite this knowledge, she despised the gnawing sense of futileness that now consumed her days.

She had preferred if she never settled with anyone to begin with, if that was really was her’s, and all the other women’s fate. It would save her a lot of heart ache.

Oddly enough, though, she remembered a time when boredom felt different—when it was a welcome respite.

When was it? When had she last done nothing and still felt content? The answer emerged unbidden: Shuuichi, her first husband.

With a sigh, she blurted out, “I wonder how Shuuichi is doing.” 

He had never attended her wedding to Shinagawa, and she understood why. Who would willingly witness their ex-wife’s union? Shuuichi had faded into the background, never visiting, never exchanging pleasantries during chance encounters.

For a fleeting moment, she pondered why he had never reached out to her after she was divorced with Shinagawa; as if she forgot what happened between them. 

And just then, the memories rushed back—the note, the divorce papers, her ring, and that damning image of him with another woman. 

Even she wouldn’t reach out to herself. Especially after realizing she actually asked herself why wouldn’t he.

‘Still… I hope he’s doing well’, she thought, her inner voice a whisper. 

She wondered: What would Shuuichi think if he knew she had cheated from the very beginning? Before Shinagawa and even before Hino.

She let that thought linger, allowing it to float in the quiet spaces of her mind. “Well,” she mused aloud, “Shuu-kun is also a man. Perhaps he’s found someone who fits his fancy, like Shinagawa-san.” Her smile remained calm, yet still feeling a small sense of discomfort at the thought.

Yet, as her eyes fluttered open once more, her heart plummeted. Completely.

There, in the park, she saw a now grown Shuuichi strolling hand in hand with another woman.

But this woman—her face etched with wrinkles, skin weathered by time, and body bearing the weight of years—seemed to carry more scars than even Nanami herself.

‘Why… How… How is he smiling like that..? With a woman like her…?’ She wondered as his joy radiated, inexplicably, as if he’d discovered a hidden treasure every single time he looked at his new partner.

“S-shuuichi…?” Her voice trembled, barely audible. She watched them, locked in a private conversation as they walked.

‘Men are supposed to be superficial,’ she reflected bitterly. ‘It’s the woman’s role to fill that void. And in return, their partner will shower them with love,’

This is what she learned in her 30+ years of marriage with Shinagawa which ended up in an awkward divorce.

‘But what does Shuu-kun see in that woman!!? She has nothing left to offer, no way to mend the emptiness in his heart.’ She thought with a pout.

A realization struck her, a flash of memory surfacing from her time with her first husband.

Her gaze dropped, laden with shame.

‘It had been so long that I’d forgotten. Even in my worst moments, he never stopped looking at me the way he looks at her, right now.’

‘There was only one time I ever saw Shuuichi looking sad and guilty when I met his gaze… It was the night I received the image from Shinagawa-san.’

She clutched her fingers in her dress as she sat.

‘He genuinely felt guilty about it… I guess he was new to it..? To cheating? To think that cheating once hurt him so much that he couldn’t function. And then there’s me in comparison; I couldn’t stop doing it, and I didn’t even properly break up with him or explain myself… Or even let him explain himself.’

She realized, ‘Even though I constantly told myself back then that I loved Shuuichi more than anything, I constantly lied to him and hid everything from him.’

She clutched her skin tightly. ‘Honestly, Shinagawa-san and I are a match made in heaven. We’re both terrible humans… and excellent liars.’

‘… I deserve this.’

“N-nanami?! It’s you, isn’t it?” An enthusiastic voice cut through the air, coming from above her.

She raised her head, “S-… Shuuichi…?” she called softly, the sun rays hiding behind his hat-covered head.

‘H-he… Recognized me…?’ She thought, her heart beating almost violently at the sight of him.

Struggling to keep her eyes open, she recognized him. “It is you! How have you been!?” he exclaimed, a big smile on his face.

Nanami couldn’t see much of his appearance or his face, but she knew how vibrant his smile must be. She felt it.

“Hello… Shuuichi-san. Are you here with your wife?” she asked quietly.

“Ahh, haha! Yeah! I told her I wanted to catch up, so I went to see you. May I sit?” he said, signaling with his hand that he wanted to sit next to her.

“Y-yes… please.” She called softly and silently, feeling out of breath as she lowered her gaze, struggling to meet his.

As he settled beside her, keeping a safe distance, Nanami observed his thighs and sprawled out body. He seemed loose and somewhat relaxed. 

“Man, it sure has been a while! How have you been? Why are you by yourself?” he inquired innocently.

“Oh…”

Lifting her gaze a little more, she could see that big smile on his face. It was even brighter than she had envisioned. Brighter than she had remembered.

‘Shinagawa-san divorced me, and my son wouldn’t visit,’ she thought of saying, but the words wouldn’t come out.

She then felt a certain tinge in her heart. For some reason, she felt frustrated she can no longer be the cause of his smile.

“I… I thought I’d relax out here for just a bit. Aside from work, life’s been great, I guess… Haha.” Nanami ended up blurting, scratching her head while forcing a smile.

‘…Yes, that’s right. Lie. Why would he ever care about you? Lie like you know best,’ She internally told herself as she kept her smile up.

‘You long since missed your chance to—’

“Huh? Why’re you forcing a smile, Nanami-san? You sure you’re okay?” he tilted his head at her, confused.

His voice pierced through. A string of reason coming undone within her.

‘It has been so long.’

‘Yet… How can he tell?’

“F-forcing a smile…? Why would you say that, Shuuichi-san?” She asked, tears starting to rush up her throat. For the first time in a while, someone could sense the pain festering in her heart.

But the guilt within her, serving as a stubborn dam, would not let her pain and her frustration flow out.

“Well… We were married at some point. You would usually stretch your left lip more whenever you do that. Are you sure everything’s fine?” He pressed.

‘That one small detail… You remember something like that about me…? What… What have I done to earn that kind of attention from you?’ She pondered, feeling her innate frustration and curiosity start to bubble upwards, beating harder against the dam.

‘This is definitely some sort of attempt to impress me… Right?’ She argued internally, as if in an attempt to quell her raging emotions.

“Well… My work has been really tough, so I didn’t have enough time to be at home… I guess… Haha… That aside, I’m surprised you’d remember unimportant stuff like that, how corny,” She replied.

“Hehe, you think so? Well, I guess I’m corny, then,” He agreed, laughing loudly as well.

‘Hah… What a disgusting laughter,’ She thought in slight amusement as she heard his laughter and examined his looseness.

‘Ah…’

As she realized Shuuichi wasn’t maintaining a facade, she relaxed her body, her shoulders loosening, and found the strength to meet his gaze.

His casual smile was somewhat infectious, despite the brewing storm inside of her.

She sighed with a relaxed smile. “I could sure use some corny in my life right now. It’s nice seeing you, Shuuichi-san,” she said, her voice trailing off.

“Hm? Can you repeat that?” Shuuichi replied.

‘Why did I say that? Stop… He’s a happily married man,’ she thought as she shook her head. 

“I-I just said it was nice seeing you.”

“I see. How’s Shinagawa-san these days? Is he too busy to accompany you?” Shuuichi inquired.

‘Busy… Haah… I suppose she keeps him busy nowadays,’ she thought, her frustration resuming its desperate ascent. Begging to be let out.

“Oh… H-him… He… He’s…” she mumbled lightly.

Her gaze softened as she imagined. What if they were married right now? She could tell him anything without discomfort. She involuntarily pictured herself spilling her heart to him.

‘…He left me. Once he saw some wrinkles, he wanted to run as far as he could. But he stayed for a while, as if to not hurt my feelings,’ she thought. Using her imagination as some form of stabilizer to keep her emotions in check and stop them from pouring out.

“He’s… doing great! He’s… He’s been really kind. I love him,” she replied out loud.

‘… He left me. So, leave that woman too… We could be together again… Surely, I’m at least prettier than her, right?’ Her thoughts rushed through her mind ceaselessly.

“I see! That’s good to hear, Nanami. Say, you have a son, right? How’s he doing these days?”

‘He doesn’t visit me. He prefers visiting my ex-husband and his new wife… I’m… I’m all alone.’

“He’s very successful! He’s in college and visits us a lot. He likes to bring gifts, and I heard he recently proposed to his girlfriend,” Nanami said, masking her sadness.

“Oooh! Amazing news! Invite us to his wedding, whenever that may be,” Shuuichi replied cheerfully.

“S-say… Shuuichi-san. Would…” she muttered, her frustration proving itself stronger than her guilt, causing cracks in said dam, and pouring through. “W-Would you like to catch up? Coffee’s on me? Later today? Shinagawa-san’s not home, so you wouldn’t be intruding.”

‘Maybe… We could be friends? Yeah… That would be nice, wouldn’t it? At least that.’

Shuuichi’s smile waned.

“Oh… Visit your house while your husband is gone…? I don’t know… If we were married, I wouldn’t want you to meet someone else in our house… Especially a man that’s outside of the family, even if it’s just a friendly catch-up,” he replied, scratching his head.

She felt her heart collapse as she heard his words, recalling her past endeavors in their own home. 

‘I’m… I’m so… So sorry… Shuuichi…’

“I guess… It just sounds wrong? Besides, I—”

“Then, a coffee shop?” Nanami blurted, cutting him off. Refusing to let go of her hope. “We could meet up after work hours or on a holiday, and—”

But then, Shuuichi held his hand against her face. “Wait a minute, Nanami. I can’t.”

“Oh… W-why?”

“Tomorrow is our anniversary, and my wife and I are planning to go abroad… Sorry. Maybe some other time? We could also have a double date with you and Shinagawa-san,” he said with an awkward smile.

“O-oh… Haha… Y-yeah…! That sounds great… It really is,” she replied.

‘Shuuichi wouldn’t want to see another woman without his own wife present, huh? I… I’m really… Really sorry, Shuuichi. At least… You seem happy now. I’m…’

“I’m happy for you, Shuuichi. You found a good woman… And she found herself a good man.” She expressed loudly.

‘… I’M… I… HATE IT.’ She thought, gritting her teeth behind her sealed lips. Her frustration tearing through her guilt violently.

Shuuichi then looked down, a solemn smile on his face.

“I… Nanami. This is a good opportunity.”

“Huh?” she wondered.

“Nanami… I… Never properly apologized to you for… You know… For cheating on you with that escort woman.”

‘Stop…’ She thought as she bit on her lip, nearly biting into it while his gaze was averted.

“You’ve been nothing but a good woman to me, and I suppose I felt small next to Shinagawa-san, and wanted to know that at the very least, I’m doing one thing that’s right with you.” He confessed, his voice heavy.

‘Everyone else was small when compared to you…!! I’m the one who should apologize…! You did… Nothing wrong…!’

Tears welled up in her throat, climbing to her eyes, yet she repeatedly and discreetly swallowed them.

“So I went to that escort… I know it was foolish and stupid, and I shouldn’t have done that. I’m really sorry for hurting you so much that you left without a word.” He apologized, his voice firm.

‘I’m the one who should be sorry…!!’

“I see. It’s alright, Shuuichi-san. I forgive you,” she said, forcing a smile yet hiding that habit of hers that Shuuichi mentioned.

“Haha, I see… Thank you. It’s not something easy to forgive. But I’m glad we’re past that,” he sighed with relief.

After a few seconds of silence, Shuuichi rose from the bench and walked toward his loving wife.

‘I wonder if that’s what he felt when I married Shinagawa-san… It feels… Really bad,’ she thought as she looked at them.

‘Did he also wish Shinagawa-san was dead so that he could take his place beside me once more?’

“See you later, Nanami! Let’s go on that double date sometime, alright?!” he called with a wave as he walked back to his wife.

“Goodbye!” she replied with a wave.

‘No… Shuuichi’s happy. I need to accept that. Wishing someone dead, especially his wife… What am I thinking? He loves her. If she dies, Shuuichi won’t be happy anymore.’

She watched Shuuichi smile at his wife, despite her clear superficial flaws.

‘But if she’s gone… I could replace her… NO… Stop. Get hold of yourself, Nanami,’ she berated herself.

‘Wishing death upon someone… Haah… This loneliness is gnawing at my sanity,’ she thought, rubbing her forehead.

“But…”

She gulped, biting her lip.

 If by some dumb luck, you break up with her… I-I… I won’t cheat… I won’t even look at someone else… Even if you’re away… Even if you come to me while still married to her… So… If you’re ever unhappy… If you ever feel lonely and sad… I’ll let you in. I’ll welcome you… I’ll cherish you like I should have done.”

‘I’ll wait.’

[DING! REGRESSION UNLOCKED! YOUR UNSIGHTLY PAST BECKONS MENDING! YOUR YOUTHFUL HEART, YET MATURED MIND QUALIFIES YOU FOR REGRESSION!]

‘H-huh!? What is this…!?’ She thought, startled as she sat on the park bench, looking at a Digital interface hologram of some sort popping up before her eyes, 

‘Is this what those kids call… VR?’ she thought as she tried pressing it, her hand clipping right through the hologram-like interface.

[WOULD YOU LIKE TO REGRESS BACK TO YOUR PRIME YEARS, AND ATTEMPT TO SAVE YOUR FIRST LOVE FROM RUIN?]

[YES] [NO]

Without thinking too much, and a heart stricken with guilt and regret, she said.

“Yes.”