I am pleased to report that "The Girl Connected to My Red Thread of Fate Was My Natural Enemy" will be getting a book adaptation.
This is all thanks to everyone who has read it. Thank you very much.
I can't talk about the label or other details yet, but if you follow me on Twitter, I will gradually release more information, so please do follow me.
I hope you continue to enjoy "The Girl Connected to My Red Thread of Fate Was My Natural Enemy."
I'll do my best!
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"Pops, one chashu ramen with extra chashu and a soft-boiled egg topping."
"Coming right up!"
That night at 10:00 PM.
I had come to the ramen shop I visited before.
Actually, I’ve been coming here quite often since then.
I guess you’d call it a hidden gem. It’s not exactly empty, but it’s not super crowded either.
But the taste is top-tier compared to all the ramen I’ve eaten. This stuff is delicious.
I took a sip of the soup, slurped the noodles, and stuffed my face with chashu.
The noodles paired perfectly with the rich, Iekei-style soup, and the chashu was so tender it practically melted.
To put it mildly, it was the best.
"Phew... and so, you're here again today, huh?"
I looked to my side.
A woman in a frumpy hoodie and fake glasses. Her glossy black hair was tied back messily.
Needless to say, it was Ryuguin Rion.
"What's wrong with that? It's delicious," she said.
"You're going to ruin your health."
"I don't want to hear that from you, Sanada-kun."
She gave me a total deadpan look. Well, she had a point.
Just like that other day, we slurped our ramen side-by-side.
Why do humans go silent when eating something delicious? ...Eh, is it just me?
We continued eating for a while.
Suddenly, Rion’s chopsticks stopped.
"...I’m truly sorry."
"What’s with that, all of a sudden?"
"...I dragged you guys into our family circumstances. I know it's not something that can just be forgiven. But, I want to apologize. ...I’m sorry."
Ah, I see. She’s talking about what happened recently.
"Don't worry about it. ...Though, even if I say that, you're going to worry anyway, aren't you?"
"..."
"Then, just treat me to this ramen."
"...Eh?"
Rion’s mouth hung open, her eyes wide behind her fake glasses.
An ordinary person would look silly, but when you're good-looking, even a face like that is cute. No fair.
"Consider us even for this whole thing once you pay for this ramen."
"...Why..."
"Hmm?"
"...Why are you so kind, you..."
"What? Do you want me to be strict? Are you actually a total masochist?"
"I am not."
She denied it instantly. Sorry, sorry. So don't give me that scary face.
"Is there a reason you're being kind? You know, like a creed? Or is there someone you admire?"
"Not really, there's no reason. If someone's in trouble, you help them. That's normal, right?"
Helping Rion this time, helping Noa in the past, the stuff with Ryuya and Neika too.
It was all just how things played out.
I just happened to be there, and I just happened to help.
It didn't have to be me. It really was just a coincidence.
However, Rion let out an exasperated sigh.
"Honestly... if everyone could do that, conflict would disappear from this world."
"That’s not right. Conflict happens because individual ideologies clash—"
"Don't get all serious on me."
"Sorry."
Also, I’ve noticed that Rion has a bit of a foul mouth.
Mother, Father. This girl is far from being a proper lady.
"...Fine. This is my treat."
"That helps. Nothing tastes better than late-night ramen paid for by someone else."
"Watch your wording."
Hey, don't kick my leg.
We kept eating, and when there was only a little bit left, Rion spoke up.
"Oh right. Mother said she wants us all to have a meal together soon."
"Can I turn that down?"
"Probably not. Mother is overjoyed that her family has suddenly grown."
"...Family? Why am I included in that?"
"What are you talking about? Aren't you going to become a papa?"
"You... watch your wording..."
"I’m not wrong, am I?"
Well, yeah. She wasn't wrong.
Still, hearing it put that way made me feel all itchy.
"You’re Riran-chan's husband, and you're the one providing *that* for me. You're already a proper member of the family."
"Give me a break..."
I’m still an adolescent boy, you know. What if my preferences get warped because of this?
"...Well, fine, I get it."
"Thank you. ...Shall we finish up? It's going to get cold."
"Yeah."
After finishing the ramen, we left the shop together just like that day. Of course, it was Rion’s treat as promised.
"Thanks for the food."
"You're very welcome."
The cold night wind stroked my body, which was flushed from the ramen.
Phew. Given the hour, it’s time to head home.
"Ah, right. There's one more thing, if that's okay?"
"............"
There's more?
...Well, I've come this far, so one more thing won't change much.
"What is it?"
"Let's call each other by our names."
"............"
"Eh?"
"We aren't strangers anymore, right? Calling each other by our surnames all the time feels so formal."
"Being formal is fine. We are separate people, after all."
"Oh? Are you planning to not acknowledge your own child? My, I didn't realize you were such a cold-hearted person."
"Hey, cut that out. Stop faking tears while rubbing your stomach."
Even if it was late and there weren't many people around, there were still people walking by.
Ah, look, I'm getting suspicious looks from the surroundings!
"Fine, fine, I get it...!"
"Hehe. Good."
Hey. She just stuck her tongue out.
Parents, did you perhaps raise her wrong?
"*Sigh*... Rion."
"Fufu. Yes, dear?"
"Hey."
"It was a joke, don't look so scary. ...Akito-kun."
Rion gave a resilient smile, like a mischievous child.
That smile was as beautiful as the full moon.
"By the way, next Saturday is at Riran-chan's house, right? Good luck."
Ah, I forgot about that.