"Kayako, it really is you, isn't it?"
Looking at Tsubame's white dress and her disheveled, underworld-style hair, Natsuki finally remembered an old movie from decades ago, one that most children nowadays probably haven't seen.
He was just in junior high then.
One afternoon during the first year of junior high summer vacation, Miko found a horror movie DVD at home and called him over to watch it together.
After watching it, both he and Miko were left with a deep psychological shadow.
The plot... wasn't important, but in short, it was not recommended to watch alone.
He never expected that after so long, he would become the male protagonist of Ju-on in a hotel, gaining a Kayako wife and a vengeful spirit daughter.
Fortunately, his own memory wasn't blocked, otherwise, who wouldn't panic!
Natsuki looked down at Tsubame, who was still lying on the ground, and collected his thoughts, saying:
"Tsubame-senpai, get up first."
"Tsubame... Tsubame-senpai?"
Tsubame's gaze was somewhat confused, her pink hair trembling slightly, not daring to get up.
From Tsubame's perspective, she wasn't some 'Kayako', but an ordinary housewife. Natsuki and her daughter in front of her were actually vengeful spirits, and she could only interact with them cautiously, fearing that she might accidentally anger them and then be brutally killed.
Her 'vengeful spirit' husband, who worked somewhere outside, returned home and brought the vengeful spirit daughter, who had been wandering on the first floor, up to the second floor. This abnormal behavior made Tsubame extremely panicked, so she hid in the wardrobe.
Unfortunately, she was still easily found by Natsuki.
Not only that.
Natsuki also called her 'Tsubame'. The memories in Tsubame's mind told her that she wasn't some Tsubame, but for some reason, it sounded extraordinarily familiar.
Just as Tsubame was lost in thought, she suddenly saw her 'vengeful spirit husband' crouch down.
Tsubame's body trembled slightly. She thought she had been dazed for too long and hadn't responded in time, angering Natsuki, who was preparing to teach her a lesson. She could only hurriedly lower her head, letting her hair cover her face.
In her false memories, once the vengeful spirit husband got angry, something very terrifying would happen.
However, the anticipated pain did not appear.
Natsuki gently used his hands to pick up Tsubame in a princess carry, and said softly:
"Let's go downstairs first. It's too dark in the room. We'll talk properly downstairs."
"Eh?"
Tsubame opened her eyes in confusion, secretly peeking at Natsuki through the gaps in her hair.
Today's vengeful spirit husband seems extraordinarily gentle?
"Let's go downstairs."
Natsuki carried Tsubame and turned to leave the room.
The vengeful spirit daughter ran ahead, using both hands and feet, quickly rushing downstairs.
They arrived in the living room.
Natsuki placed Tsubame on the sofa and then said:
"I don't know why the power is out today, but it's perfect for a candlelight dinner."
"Candle... candlelight dinner?"
A term that was both strange and yet familiar entered her ears. Tsubame involuntarily and quietly looked up.
When he carried Tsubame downstairs, Natsuki had already figured out what to do—
He wasn't afraid at all now. The only person providing 'fear' energy to the nightmare was Tsubame. He only needed to make Tsubame no longer afraid, and the nightmare would naturally disappear.
So, how to make Tsubame no longer afraid?
Knocking her out was worth a try, but it was hard to control the force, and in a nightmare, it was hard to say if she would even faint.
The pasting skill wouldn't work either; Tsubame's temporary skill slot was already occupied by the Sheep Transformation Technique.
Sin Mushroom could be attempted. After detonating the mushroom, the chances of breaking free from the nightmare seemed high, but it would take time.
Therefore.
Now there was only one way left...
That was to capture Tsubame's heart.
So what if she's Kayako?
As long as she's cute, even a vengeful spirit is fine!
On this point, the nightmare was quite considerate. Although false memories were implanted, it didn't alter the body or appearance. Capturing Kayako's heart now came with absolutely no psychological burden.
Natsuki picked up his briefcase and pretended to pull out a bunch of candles from it—they were actually candles obtained from a Blind Box in the game, with only ordinary lighting functions. Their advantages were bright, pollution-free light, and long-lasting durability.
He lit several candles at once. As the bright candlelight flickered and burned, the originally eerie and dim house suddenly brightened up.
Humans are creatures naturally drawn to light.
The presence of light can dispel a great deal of fear.
Of course, to capture Kayako's heart, just lighting candles was far from enough.
Natsuki finished lighting the candles, picked up his briefcase, and turned to walk to Tsubame.
The bright candlelight made Tsubame feel a little more at ease, but upon seeing Natsuki approaching, she instinctively recoiled, still under the influence of her false memories.
"Tsubame-senpai, this is today's gift."
Natsuki spoke gently as he reached into his briefcase and pulled out a red rose.
The vibrant red stood out strikingly, completely out of place in the monotonous house.
"Eh?"
Looking at the rose in her vengeful spirit husband's hand, Tsubame's eyes widened in disbelief.
"For you."
Natsuki handed the rose to Tsubame.
"Th-thank you..."
Tsubame instinctively took it, whispering her thanks.
Girls all like flowers; this is a biological instinct and will not be distorted by false memories. When giving gifts, giving flowers is definitely not wrong.
Of course, the premise is that the girl likes you.
If she doesn't like you, the flowers you give will only end up in the trash can.
This was the case now.
Even if Natsuki was a 'vengeful spirit', he was still Tsubame's current husband, so Tsubame naturally wouldn't refuse. Looking at the flower in her hand, a small surge of surprise and disbelief involuntarily arose in her heart.
If there were a favorability display, Tsubame's favorability would surely have increased significantly at this moment.
Natsuki struck while the iron was hot, and sat down beside Tsubame.
Tsubame's body trembled slightly, but she didn't panic and run away. The gentle approach was already showing initial results.
"It's very unsafe for your hair to block your eyes when going downstairs." Natsuki took out a comb from his briefcase and handed it to Tsubame, saying gently, "Tsubame, should I help you tie up your hair?"
The miscellaneous items usually obtained from Blind Box openings now came in handy.
Tsubame instinctively dodged, her voice nervous:
"I, I can do it myself..."
"You've worked hard at home alone." Natsuki pressed on Tsubame's shoulder and said gently, "Let me do it."
Seeing that Natsuki only touched her gently and did not use violence to harm her, Kayako gradually quieted down, sitting still obediently, letting Natsuki help her comb her hair.
A moment later.
The familiar Tsubame, with her ponytail and slanted bangs, was back.
Aside from her slightly pale complexion and her eyes occasionally darting away in panic, there wasn't a single flaw to be found.
As one of the three great beauties of the academy, Tsubame's beauty was naturally not low. With her delicate nose, cherry lips, graceful brows, and beautiful eyes, she now exuded an added air of pitiful fragility.
Such a beautiful Kayako is absolutely fine!
"How does the hairstyle look?"
Natsuki nodded in satisfaction, took out a mirror, and held it in front of Tsubame.
Tsubame nervously looked into the small mirror. Seeing herself in the mirror, she couldn't help but widen her eyes, feeling that the person in the mirror was extraordinarily familiar.
How strange... she had never had this kind of hairstyle...
"Does it feel very familiar?" Natsuki said from beside her, "This is the hairstyle Tsubame-senpai had in high school."
"Eh?" Tsubame was startled, her tone confused, "High school hairstyle?"
Natsuki said with righteous indignation:
"That's right, it was exactly like this. It's just that it's been so long that Tsubame has forgotten, otherwise, Tsubame, you tell me, what was your high school hairstyle?"
"Hmm..."
Tsubame parted her lips, speechless.
The implanted false memories lacked detail, so she naturally wouldn't remember what her high school hairstyle was.
Natsuki spoke while holding Tsubame's soft hand, and said gently:
"Actually, I fell in love with Tsubame-senpai at first sight back then."
"Eh eh?" Tsubame's eyes widened, and she looked over blankly, "At... at first sight?"
Natsuki continued to deceive the innocent girl's feelings:
"It was a summer morning. I was at the school gate and saw Tsubame-senpai, full of spirit, with picturesque features and her skirt fluttering. I fell in love with Tsubame-senpai at first sight then..."
"Hmm..." A faint blush rose on Tsubame's pretty face, and she said apologetically, "I'm sorry... I don't remember..."
"I'll remember it. The Tsubame at that time will forever exist in the depths of my memory."
Natsuki spoke as he leaned closer.
Tsubame subconsciously dodged backward, but she didn't panic and run away.
"I like you, Senpai."
Natsuki gently kissed Tsubame's forehead.
After kissing her forehead, he kissed her cheek again.
Seeing that Natsuki wasn't stopping, Tsubame nervously closed her eyes, leaving only her slender, slightly curled, beautiful eyelashes trembling anxiously.
Natsuki finally touched Tsubame's lips lightly, then stopped while he was ahead, and said softly:
"Being able to marry Senpai is the luckiest thing in my life. I was ignorant before and did many things that disappointed Senpai. I'm very sorry, please forgive me."
Tsubame opened her eyes and stared blankly, at a loss for words:
"You… you don't have to say…"
Natsuki continued:
"From today onwards, I only have one life goal left, and that is to make Senpai happy."
Tsubame: "…"
As a scumbag who bravely went forward to create a harem, but has not been chopped with a hatchet until now, and has successfully obtained Marin, Hayasaka, and Juju as three official girlfriends, Natsuki naturally summarized a 'Scumbag' Bible.
Scumbag Bible, third rule: all girls need to be coaxed, from eighty years old to three years old, without exception.
Coaxing here does not necessarily mean deceiving, but mainly refers to sweet talk.
No one knows how to say it from the beginning.
It may be quite embarrassing the first time you say it, but after saying it a few more times, you will naturally be able to stabilize your state.
Natsuki even believed that even if the person in front of him at this moment was the real Kayako, as long as she had not been killed, he would be able to conquer her.
"Senpai, sit down for a while." Natsuki raised his right hand, touched Tsubame's head, and planted Sin Mushroom smoothly, "I'll go prepare dinner."
"…"
Watching Natsuki walk towards the kitchen, Tsubame's eyes couldn't help but become dazed.
What exactly happened?
Why has her husband changed so much?
But… she can't completely hate it.
Natsuki walked into the kitchen and glanced around. There were no ingredients or anything like that at all.
The Nightmare didn't intend to let people cook and make food. Even if you don't eat, you won't actually feel hungry. Of course, it's not clear what will happen in reality.
However, since he promised Senpai a candlelight dinner, Natsuki would naturally do what he said. Anyway, he had everything in his backpack.
A moment later.
Natsuki walked out of the kitchen carrying a plated dish.
"Eh, so fast?"
Tsubame subconsciously got up to greet him.
"A candlelight dinner that was agreed upon, of course, it was prepared in advance." Natsuki placed the dish on the table, "Senpai, go wash your hands."
"Hmm…"
Tsubame obediently listened and walked towards the washroom.
After setting up all the dishes, Natsuki felt like something was missing. He searched around the living room and finally found the daughter hiding behind the sofa. He lifted her up with one hand and carried her into the washroom:
"Senpai, help our daughter wash her face and hands."
"Ah… okay."
Tsubame was obviously a little afraid of her daughter, but Natsuki was standing next to her and didn't leave. The daughter also looked very well-behaved. She finally mustered up the courage to help clean her.
"That's enough." Natsuki saw that she was almost done washing and turned to walk out of the washroom, "Come out and eat."
Tsubame and the daughter obediently followed her out.
The three of them sat down at the table.
Looking at the dishes on the table, Tsubame only felt a little dizzy.
Dishes.
Red wine.
Candles.
Roses…
Her husband is too strange!
In her memory, he was clearly a super gloomy and terrifying man who would use violence at the slightest disagreement, completely different from the person in front of her!
Natsuki poured a glass of red wine for Tsubame and said softly:
"Senpai, have a glass first."
"I, I'll do it myself…"
Tsubame quickly took the glass.
"Stare—"
The daughter looked over pitifully, her eyes looking at the red wine in Senpai's hand.
"Children can't drink alcohol." Natsuki took out a bottle of fruit soda, unscrewed it, and handed it to the daughter, "Drink half a bottle first, then eat after drinking it."
The daughter quickly nodded. As countless bubbles danced and burst on her tongue, the daughter opened her eyes in shock and quickly stuck out her tongue. Her movements were surprisingly cute.
Natsuki raised his glass, looked at Kayako, and said softly:
"Senpai, cheers."
Tsubame quickly raised her glass: "…Cheers."
After taking a sip of red wine, a blush quietly appeared on Tsubame's cheeks.
Natsuki picked up his chopsticks again, helped her pick up food, and didn't forget his daughter.
"Let me do it." Tsubame quickly took the chopsticks and said softly, "You… eat well."
Natsuki smiled and said:
"As expected, I like Senpai the most."
"You…"
Tsubame bit her lip and involuntarily looked away.
Strange.
So strange.
Clearly, the husband in her memory was super scary, and she should be very afraid, but now she can't be afraid at all.
The dinner was quite enjoyable.
Unfortunately, the Nightmare still exists and shows no signs of breaking.
Obviously, Senpai is still unconsciously emitting fear.
After dinner.
"I'll clear the table." Natsuki said, "The bathwater is ready. Senpai, go take a bath first. I'll help you scrub your back later."
"S-scrub my back?" Tsubame subconsciously covered her chest and instinctively felt shy, "No need, I can wash myself."
Natsuki said:
"Then let's take a bath together."
"Eh?"
"We are a legal couple. It's normal to take a bath with Senpai, right?"
"Hmm…"
Tsubame couldn't find a reason to refute, so she could only walk towards the bathroom hesitantly.
In Japan, it is indeed very normal for husbands and wives to take a bath together in order to save water resources.
In many traditional families, even fathers will take a bath with their daughters… There is really no way to refuse.
A moment later.
Natsuki cleared the table and came to the bathroom door. He raised his hand and knocked on the door, reminding her:
"Senpai, I'm coming in."
"Um…" Tsubame's voice was nervous, "Y-you can come in."
Natsuki opened the door and walked into the bathroom.
A candle was placed in the corner of the bathroom, and the bright light illuminated the space. Senpai was sitting on a small stool, taking a bath. Seeing Natsuki walk in, she quickly covered her body with a red face.
Natsuki naturally walked behind Senpai and said:
"Senpai, I'll help you scrub your back first. You can help me later. Let's wash up and take a bath together."
"Hmm…" Tsubame didn't know how to refuse, but she was still afraid, so she could only say softly, "Scrubbing my back is enough, don't take a bath."
The Nightmare will not tamper with the residents' bodies. This is quite good. For example, if Senpai is E-cup, she will not be modified into a flat-chested girl by the Nightmare.
They finished scrubbing each other's backs.
Tsubame quietly breathed a sigh of relief and covered her body, saying:
"You take a bath first, I'll wait a while…"
Natsuki grabbed Senpai's hand and said:
"It's almost time, let's try it first."
"Eh?"
Tsubame was stunned and stared blankly.
Try it… try what?
C-could it be that they were going to do that kind of thing in the bathroom?
The memories that had not been modified surged up, and the temperature on Tsubame's pretty face rose rapidly. Just as she was about to struggle and refuse, she saw Natsuki raise his right hand and gently snap his fingers.
Snap.
The next second.
Tsubame only felt something explode gently on top of her head, followed by a wave of fatigue that quickly swept through her limbs. Her mind quickly went blank, and she didn't want to do anything but become a salted fish and lie flat, lying flat until the end of time.
"It's a lust mushroom."
Natsuki stretched out his hands, hugged Senpai, who was unwilling to even stand, and then waited silently.
Humans have limits, and so do emotions.
When an emotion reaches its limit, other emotions become insignificant.
For example, if a lust mushroom grows on top of your head, once it explodes, even Miss Sadako will accept anyone.
Natsuki didn't know how effective Sin Mushroom was, but it was worth a try.
A moment later.
The confusion in Tsubame's eyes slowly dissipated. As the fear disappeared, she finally regained her covered memories. Her eyes fell on Natsuki's face, and her voice was lazy, as if it took all her strength to speak, as she said slowly:
"Um… Natsuki-kun?"
Very good.
It seems that Sin Mushroom is indeed effective.
Natsuki nodded in satisfaction, looking at Tsubame in his arms, and smiled:
"Tsubame-senpai, you should call me Husband now."
Tsubame: "..."