Madam, believe me, how can I be a minotaur?

So, after thinking it over, her explanation to herself was: she didn't want anyone else to take away her 'friend' status with Asano-kun.

Although even if Asano Makoto were to date other women, it wouldn't affect their friendship, that was just an excuse she used to convince herself, so the reason didn't really matter.

But it has to be said, the 'friend' status and excuse were really useful.

At least, that's how it was for her.

After sorting out her thoughts, Miyajima Eriko decided not to hesitate any longer.

"Miss Konno is so pitiful, to have met such a scumbag..."

Saying this, she turned her head to look at Asano Makoto, who was driving seriously, and added in a calm tone, "Asano-kun, you really are a very gentle person."

Just listening to the sentence, there didn't seem to be any problem, as if she was simply expressing sympathy for Konno Yuuka's experience.

But for some reason, Asano Makoto felt that things weren't that simple.

He felt that Miyajima Eriko probably had something else to say.

And that thing was probably aimed at him.

Asano Makoto's guess was correct.

The second after Miyajima Eriko finished her sigh, she spoke again: "Then Asano-kun, what do you think of Miss Konno?"

It was still a very calm tone, but different from before.

The moment he heard this sentence, Asano Makoto also felt the burning gaze of Miyajima Eriko staring at him without blinking.

Here it comes!

As expected, Eriko was very strange today.

The previous her didn't have this kind of "aggression" or "invasiveness."

In the past, even if she noticed something, she would silently keep it in her heart and digest it alone, instead of bringing it up so directly.

So why did she become like this today?

Could it be that yesterday's scene was too stimulating for her, causing her emotions to enter an uncontrollable range?

I feel like Eriko is already a little sick...

Thinking of this, Asano Makoto immediately restrained himself, trying hard not to continue thinking, and then threw these questions aside.

Because if that were the case, it would be too terrifying.

The usually gentle Miyajima Eriko actually turning into a yandere... just thinking about it is scary.

Moreover, Miyajima Eriko has already become like this, it's too late to say anything.

So the most important thing now is to quickly give her an explanation and get her back to normal.

After all, her capture is only a step away, and nothing can go wrong at this time.

And if I answer well here, then maybe I won't even need any special means today, and the main quest can be completed smoothly.

Thinking of this, Asano Makoto tried to maintain a calm expression while his brain started spinning rapidly.

Soon, after briefly considering his words, he deliberately put on a "nervous" look and "hastily" began to explain to Miyajima Eriko.

Chapter 154 Crisis Resolved

"Eriko, don't overthink it."

Asano Makoto looked 'submissive', as if he was afraid that Miyajima Eriko would misunderstand, and said, "I don't have any thoughts about her, I just think she's pitiful and feel sorry for what she's been through."

Miyajima Eriko nodded as if she had expected it: "Yes, I know, Asano-kun, I believe you, because you are a good person."

Asano Makoto breathed a sigh of relief.

But just then, Miyajima Eriko suddenly changed the subject, and his heart, which had just been put down, was raised again.

"But Asano-kun, don't you really want to have something happen with Miss Konno? After all, she's very beautiful, and her figure is so good, like an idol from somewhere... And this time when she goes back, she'll definitely break up with that scum, so your chances might be great, oh?"

Speaking of this, Miyajima Eriko chuckled softly and said meaningfully, "And Miss Konno seems to have a good impression of you, Asano-kun, after all, I saw her—hug—you."

This sentence sounded like a good friend was cheering from behind, while also worrying about their friend's love life.

However, at the moment when this sentence fell, Asano Makoto's breathing stagnated, his heart felt extremely nervous, and his heart was pounding.

Because although there was nothing wrong with the content of this sentence, Miyajima Eriko's tone, which became heavier and heavier as she spoke, and her scrutinizing gaze that seemed to be able to pierce people, were a big problem.

Damn, what's with this sense of oppression?

The pressure is a bit high.

But fortunately, I had already thought of a countermeasure.

Wiping the non-existent cold sweat from his forehead, Asano Makoto showed a wry smile and said helplessly: "Impossible, she hugged me at the time simply because she was too sad and couldn't find anyone to vent to. To put it bluntly, I was just a trash can used to vent emotions."

Immediately afterwards, Asano Makoto immediately added: "So even if I have any thoughts about her, she might not be able to see me. I'm very clear about my own worth..."

Getting this nearly satisfactory answer, Miyajima Eriko smiled softly.

Of course, she didn't forget to comfort him: "Asano-kun is too humble, you are really a very excellent person, and many girls will like you."

Asano Makoto shook his head like a rattle: "That's useless, even if she really has feelings for me, I don't have any thoughts about her. How long have we known each other?"

Hearing this, Miyajima Eriko seemed to want to say something.

But Asano Makoto guessed her thoughts.

Sorry, Miss Konno.

After silently muttering this in his heart, Asano Makoto spoke one step ahead: "And if I really had to choose, I would definitely choose Eriko. Compared to Miss Konno or any other woman, Eriko is the best."

"—!"

The sudden "confession" stunned Miyajima Eriko instantly.

Indeed, this was the answer she wanted, the one she wanted most.

But...

Unconsciously, Miyajima Eriko's face had already turned slightly red.

She subconsciously withdrew her gaze that had been fixed on Asano Makoto's face, and turned her head to look out the window.

But although it seemed like she was admiring the scenery that was rushing past the window, she didn't actually know what she was looking at.

Now her mind was still replaying Asano Makoto's words just now.

—I would definitely choose Eriko.

—Compared to other women, Eriko is the best.

Could it be that Asano-kun, he feels that way about me...

For some reason, Miyajima Eriko suddenly remembered the dream in which Asano Makoto confessed to her before.

And then she inevitably thought of what happened afterwards... those things.

As a result, her originally somewhat rosy face suddenly became even redder, and it seemed that even the top of her head was emitting heat.

On the other side, Asano Makoto's hanging heart finally fell completely.

The prompt tone that sounded in his mind just now [Stage Task 2 has been completed, the reward has been issued] and [Stage Task 3 has been opened, please check it in time] meant that the task had been completed, and also announced that this crisis had been resolved.

He breathed a slight sigh of relief, and then brought this "trial" to a close.

He scratched his head and explained awkwardly: "Um... I'm sorry, Eriko, I didn't mean that just now, I just... just giving an example, definitely not because I slipped up!"

Hearing his somewhat evasive words, Miyajima Eriko quickly nodded in response as if she wanted to end this topic as soon as possible: "Um... um, I know, I know..."

At this moment, she only felt extremely ashamed, and her face was as hot as if she had a fever.

But at the same time, in a place that she couldn't perceive in her heart, she also felt as sweet as if she had eaten candied fruit, and her heart was a little happy.

In the following time, Asano Makoto and Miyajima Eriko remained silent in this somewhat awkward, yet somewhat ambiguous atmosphere.

Neither of them spoke, or rather, they didn't know what to say for the time being.

It wasn't until Asano Makoto parked the car in the parking lot that he reminded: "Eriko, we're here."

Hearing his voice, Miyajima Eriko, who was still immersed in fantasy, was stunned for a moment, and then suddenly realized that the first destination had arrived.

It was as if she was trying to cover up that she had been distracted just now, or rather, she was afraid that Asano Makoto next to her would discover the things she was secretly fantasizing about.

She nodded vigorously, and her voice couldn't help but be a little louder: "Okay... okay! Asano-kun, let's go!"

Seeing her nervous look, Asano Makoto finally couldn't help but laugh.

This was the first time he had smiled so relaxedly all day.

Because in the silent journey just now, he had gradually sorted out his emotions.

After his head became clearer, he also realized that the current Miyajima Eriko had been broken by his words just now, and could no longer maintain that terrifying appearance as before.

However, to be on the safe side, he decided not to stimulate Miyajima Eriko for the time being.

Otherwise, if it happened again, he would really be a little unbearable, and the pressure would be overwhelming.

So he directly changed the subject and brought up the main purpose of this outing, reciting the strategy he had researched before: "This is the Skytree, also called the Tokyo Skytree, the New Tokyo Tower. Let's take a walk below first, and then go up and take a look. I heard that you can overlook the entire Tokyo from the observation deck over there."

Unlike the last time they went out to watch a movie, this time he didn't take Miyajima Eriko to some "couple" dates, but prepared to take her to visit some of Tokyo's landmark buildings.

Such as the Skytree, Tokyo Tower, and Sensoji Temple.

Because Yamada Yu's wife was too busy and didn't have time to go out with Miyajima Eriko, she had been in Tokyo for almost a month and had never visited these places.

So Asano Makoto promised her last time that he would take her to visit, which was also fulfilling his promise.

But to be honest, these places are very boring.

Except for standing on the exhibition stand of the Skytree and overlooking Tokyo, Asano Makoto didn't have any special feelings throughout the whole process.

On the other hand, Eriko, who came from the countryside, saw these "big" scenes for the first time, and seemed a little excited, even forgetting the previous romance with Asano Makoto in the car.

Her cheeks looked a little rosy, and she was as excited as a little girl who was out to play for the first time, and kept asking "Asano-kun" here and there.

Seeing her cute appearance, Asano Makoto, who had feasted his eyes, didn't care about this boring trip, and took her everywhere with a smile on his face.