Chapter 257
Chapter 257
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Translator: Ebonarch
Chapter: 257
Chapter Title: Otherworld Perk: Getting Stronger the More You Have Sex (9)
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In truth, Shosuke knew how Rin felt about him. He wasn't an idiot—how could he possibly miss it? Morishita Rin had been so obvious about her crush that even the oblivious Yosuke had picked up on it. There was no way Shosuke hadn't noticed.
But... Shosuke had deliberately pretended not to know.
Because Asano Hina liked him too.
At least until graduation, Shosuke wanted to keep things balanced between the three of them, so he'd ignored both their feelings, acting like he had no clue. And truthfully, since he liked them both, he couldn't bring himself to choose just one.
Unfortunately, the moment of truth had arrived.
Because of his own arrogance, his own mistake... Yosuke's life was hanging by a thread. To save his brother, one of them would have to give her first time to him. It was absurd, but for the sake of conquering the dungeon ahead, he couldn't afford to lose his fantasy-savvy brother. In the end, one of them had to make the sacrifice. Unconsciously, Shosuke glanced at Rin.
Rin would... help out.
Rin would... understand.
Rin wouldn't... pretend she hadn't seen his brother.
And in that moment, Shosuke realized something about himself.
Hasegawa Shosuke's heart was leaning toward Asano Hina. That's why he'd instinctively looked to Rin. That's why he'd thought, Rin would...
Shosuke felt disgusted with himself.
"No way... Was I really about to ask Rin to do it for Hina's sake?"
It was the worst possible move, no matter how you sliced it. He'd been the one trying to preserve their trio, yet here he was, ready to shatter it first... Knowing Rin's feelings and still about to dump something horrific on her... Overwhelmed by self-loathing, Shosuke couldn't say a word.
"I'll take responsibility. This happened because of me."
But shockingly, Rin spoke up first. Maybe she'd caught his glance, because she volunteered to sacrifice herself. Shosuke let out a sigh of relief at her courage... only to feel that disgust surge again.
But in the end... he couldn't stop her. If it wasn't Rin, he'd lose Hina, so instead of halting her, Shosuke apologized in a trembling voice.
"Sorry, Rin..."
It was bound to be a nightmare experience. A trauma she'd never forget for the rest of her life. She'd grow distant from his brother, too. And he wouldn't be much different—he'd carry today's events until his dying day... Guilt-ridden, Shosuke bowed his head.
But even that apology... was for his own sake. What good did saying sorry now do? She still had to give her first time to his brother. It was just a selfish attempt to ease his own conscience. With his head bowed, Shosuke felt his chest burning with agony.
I'm such trash. Forcing something this insane on Rin... The absolute worst. Using her feelings like this—argh... How can I ever make up for this...? Sorry, so sorry, Rin...
A tragedy that wouldn't have happened if he'd stayed vigilant. Vowing never to repeat his mistake, Shosuke swore off greedy dealing and putting his comrades at risk. As he steeled his resolve,
"Let go! This is embarrassing!"
"B-but... I have to support you..."
Footsteps echoed from afar, along with two voices.
"Idiot Yosuke! Don't use 'supporting me' as an excuse to grope weird places!"
"N-no! That wasn't my intention!"
"Hmph! Who are you fooling?"
Relieved to see his brother unscathed, Shosuke sighed. He just couldn't bring himself to look at Rin. How could he act normal after saddling the girl he liked with such a horrific memory? In torment, Shosuke closed his eyes.
She must've been devastated... Sure, they're childhood friends, but Rin hates my brother. She probably bawled her eyes out. Hell, she might even be mentally wrecked. Someone has to be there for her... Even if it's shameless, I'm all she's got.
His feelings for Rin hadn't vanished just because his heart tilted toward Hina. How could affection like that disappear in an instant? Her snow-white skin, sleek legs, sweet scent... Morishita Rin was captivating, and Shosuke still liked her plenty.
So, steeling himself, Shosuke tried to comfort her.
"......Come on. Everything worked out fine, so lighten up. You all look like someone's died."
No, he tried to.
But Rin looked way too fine to need comforting—her face beamed with smiles instead of despair. No one could've guessed she'd been through hell. Was she forcing it? Utterly baffled, Shosuke clamped his mouth shut.
"S-sorry... I'll be more careful next time. Really sorry for the trouble today..."
"Dolt! You saved me and Hina! Someone else should be apologizing, y'know?"
"Ah, r-right... Sorry. If I'd just learned Heal beforehand... I won't slack on leveling again. Truly sorry, Miss Rin."
"Huh? I wasn't talking about you... And shouldn't you be thanking me instead? Did you even say thanks to Yosuke for protecting you?"
"Eh?! Oh, yeah... Sorry, I was out of it..."
"N-no, it's fine. We're comrades. Comrades don't need that stuff."
"Ugh, are you sucking up to Hina right now? Dream on—you're totally lame."
"Wha—th-that's incitement!"
"Pfft, kidding, kidding. Calm down before your belly jiggles."
-Smack!
"Kyaah! That hurts, Rin-chan!"
Acting like nothing had happened, back to their usual banter. Shosuke, lips sealed, hesitated before deciding to bury his curiosity. He wanted to ask about that, but it would've been cruel. With Rin staying silent, he couldn't be the one to bring it up.
"Sorry, bro... I won't do anything stupid again. Thanks so much for today."
"Y-yeah... As long as you get it..."
"And Rin... thanks for saving my brother..."
"Whatever. It's over and done with."
In the end, Shosuke turned away, questions unanswered. For Rin's sake, he'd force himself to forget today. That was the best he could do. Or so he thought.
Oblivious to Rin glaring daggers at his back.
Things worked out this well? Honestly, it was a gamble, but luck was on my side. I hadn't expected this outcome either. Looks like Siwoo-suke pulled some stunt—classic Siwoo. Shosuke might be his real name, but... Siwoo's a Siwoo through and through.
Guess he gave Rin-chan a heads-up or something?
A few days ago, when I casually asked, he whined about liking them both too much to choose... but he picked Hina-chan in the end. Trash. If that's how he felt, why string her along? Guys who play the field like that all deserve to get NTR'd. Only then do they wise up. Honestly, harem protagonists are more likable. Not that it stops me from NTR'ing anyway.
Oh, but not all good news.
These system restrictions? Way too severe.
I get the stuttering, but why the hell does it glitch out at the worst moments? I go to fondle her chest, and suddenly it's yelling "Flat chests are justice!"—nearly gave me a heart attack. Is this what they call an otaku landwhale? Still not used to it. And that wasn't a one-off.
We've muddled through so far, but...
To eliminate variables, I need to overcome these restrictions ASAP.
Start by ditching the otaku girl's glasses, acne, and fat one by one—answers'll come. Eyesight fixes with levels, so acne and blubber are the issues... Hmm, guess I'll ramp up the sex diet hardcore from here on.
To conquer the main heroine, I can't let her see me like today.
-Smack!
"Kyaah! That hurts, Rin-chan!"
Rin-chan's got a sweet personality, so she laughed it off, but Hina-chan wouldn't. So for now, wrap up sub-heroine routes while focusing on beating the restrictions.
-Clank
"Great work! Another successful subjugation today!"
"We'll take a short break, then start the meeting right away."
"Ah, Yosuke sir, please wait after the meeting."
"Just a heads-up: starting today, noble ladies will be warming your bed."
"Yosuke sir, level up as usual with intercourse."
"Hahaha, lucky bastard. Must be exhausting—looking forward to it!"
"Heh... Nice gig, huh, Yosuke?"