After clothes shopping came dinner, though they still hadn't decided what to eat. Neither of his companions seemed particularly enthusiastic about food, leaving Kuroha to eventually make an executive decision.
"Let's just go to a family restaurant."
Japanese family restaurants offered variety and affordability—the perfect compromise. Places like Saizeriya, technically Italian but actually Japanese-created, still flourished in this world. Kuroha had frequented them during his previous life's college days, enjoying what students affectionately called "poor man's set meals."
"Eh? Just a family restaurant?" Kurenai pouted. "This is a rare treat from me! We could pick something more expensive—yakiniku, sushi... Well, maybe not high-end hand-rolled, but conveyor belt sushi is an option!"
"Isn't that basically the same tier?" Kuroha raised an eyebrow. "Sushi's fine, but I'm not big on fish."
Privately, he'd considered venturing to Adachi Ward—higher Chinese population, more authentic restaurants. But it was already late, the train ride took forty minutes each way, and transfers were troublesome. Even if they went, choosing among countless regional cuisines would spark another decision paralysis loop.
Ginza's Chinese restaurants existed but catered to business clientele with prices that would devastate Kurenai's wallet.
Akira-kun doesn't like fish?
Shinomiya perked up. She cared little about dinner choices, but everything about Kuroha's preferences fascinated her.
"Not really good with seafood in general."
Is that so...
She mentally filed this information away, planning to record it immediately upon returning home. This was how understanding began—one small detail at a time.
Tashiro Kurenai, apparently an inland dweller in her previous life, nodded agreement. "Same here. Alright then—Gusto it is!"
Gusto: the ubiquitous family restaurant chain, branch count rivaling Yoshinoya. Western food primarily, but also Japanese classics like ginger-fried pork and miso-boiled fish, plus abundant desserts. Famous in light novels and anime as the quintessential student gathering spot—countless memorable scenes had unfolded within its booths.
Decisions made, they headed straight there. Operating until 10 PM, with only 8 PM showing, they had plenty of time.
Upon arrival, Kuroha ordered strategically—dishes he hadn't yet experienced in the Class President's bento. Japanese fried chicken? Already tasted, and surely inferior to Hitomi's version. No point.
Shinomiya silently catalogued every item he selected. These, presumably, were things he liked.
After ordering, Kuroha launched a new topic.
"Kurenai-san, since we have this opportunity, there's something I'd like to discuss with you."
The serious tone made her blink. "What is it, Akira-kun? You look so solemn—something important?"
"Important enough. Might affect your future."
"My future?" A teasing smile crept across her face. "Hehe, don't tell me you want me to marry you?"
The joke landed—and immediately detonated.
From Kuroha's right, a wave of oppressive force crashed over Kurenai. Shinomiya's glare could have carved granite.
She's glaring so fiercely!
Wuwu... Don't look at me like that, big sister was wrong! No more casual jokes when Shion-chan's around!
Kurenai now understood the true meaning of "murderous intent."
"Please be serious, Kurenai-san." Kuroha remained oblivious to the byplay. "When I say future, I mean your career trajectory."
"Oh?"
"I want you to become Shion's manager."
Both women blinked simultaneously.
Eh? Mine?
"Manager?" Shinomiya echoed, puzzled.
Kuroha had anticipated this reaction. "Kurenai-san, you already know Shion's preparing to become a voice actress."
"Mm, her voice acting is already quite good. She'll probably debut soon."
"Current progress suggests debut next year." Kuroha leaned forward. "But by then, I'll still be a student. I won't have time to accompany her to auditions and jobs."
Understanding dawned on Kurenai's face. "Ah—so you need someone to follow Shion-chan, take care of her during work."
"Exactly."
For underage debut artists, parents typically served as assistants and managers. But Shinomiya had run away from home. And while her wealthy stepfather could provide support, Shinomiya herself would never accept.
"There's another reason." Kuroha's voice grew serious. "I'm a man."
"What kind of reason is that? What's wrong with you being a man?"
"This is actually the most important reason. A male manager for a female celebrity—especially one my age—looks terrible to outsiders. Tabloids would have a field day."
Kurenai considered this. "That... does sound suspicious."
She'd misunderstood their relationship initially. Even now, she sensed ambiguity between them—or at least, a one-way arrow from the girl's side. But they lived together, spent every day together. With constant proximity and Shinomiya's beauty actively pursuing him, even Kuroha with his adult mindset might eventually waver.
That's why he's inviting me, she realized. To prevent mistakes that could ruin Shion-chan's future.
"I mentioned before—I want Shion to take the pure route." Kuroha's tone left no room for compromise. "No hidden dangers. Even if she doesn't sell looks, becoming a top voice actress will attract paparazzi digging for scandals."
Shinomiya flashed back to their first meeting. He'd asked if she was a virgin—explaining then that he wanted to build her into a pure goddess for fans. At the time, she hadn't cared much. She hadn't truly loved him yet.
Now she understood: this mattered immensely. It determined whether she could stay with him at all.
Right now, during the nurturing stage, she could wait at home for his return from school. Could always be by his side. Could play and laugh together. Could sleep in the same room.
But such days would end.
After becoming a professional voice actress, time together would shrink dramatically. Maybe see him once in ages—and even then, couldn't appear too intimate, lest it be misunderstood.
I hate it.
I really hate it.
This is... too cruel.
But...
I can't disrupt Akira-kun's plan.
I must listen to him. He only brought me home because he wanted me to become a professional voice actress.
If I can't achieve that goal, won't I become worthless in his eyes?
The realization hit Shinomiya like cold water.
These sweet moments—they were all just a fleeting dream.
Her path to love conflicted with her career path from the very beginning.
She'd fallen in love with someone she shouldn't have.
This was unrequited love with no outcome.