Just as Shido's mind went blank again, questioned by Chinatsu's "Where are we going?", and he subconsciously sought help from Fraxinus, Kotori's clear and rapid instruction came through the earpiece:
["Shido! Don't panic! Tell her you think the weather is nice today and suggest going to the Amusement Park! Your tone must be natural, with a hint of anticipation!"]
(Amusement Park...?) Shido was stunned for a moment, but out of trust for his sister and Fraxinus, he immediately complied.
He took a deep breath, tried hard to make his expression look natural, and even attempted to force out a sunny smile as he said to Chinatsu:
"Um... Classmate Hōōin, look how nice the weather is today, so bright and sunny... Should we... go check out the Amusement Park? I heard they recently opened a new attraction there, it should... be quite interesting."
After speaking, he looked nervously at Chinatsu, awaiting her reaction.
(Amusement Park???)
The moment Chinatsu heard the suggestion, she almost reflexively rolled her eyes internally!
(I knew it! I knew those "elites" in Fraxinus couldn't come up with anything original! Amusement Park! How standard! How classic! How... cliché a choice!)
Countless classic scenes instantly flashed through her mind: fake screams on the roller coaster followed by opportunistic closeness, "scared" hugs in the haunted house, a "pure" glance back on the carousel, "romantic" solitude in the Ferris wheel... (Isn't this the standard "capture template"?! Trying to forcibly induce the bridge-fear effect and intimate contact using thrilling rides and a romantic atmosphere?!)
(This outdated routine is too stale even for third-rate galgames! Did Fraxinus copy its tactical library straight from romance manga twenty years ago?!)
She could even imagine how those "gods" on the Fraxinus bridge were currently analyzing data and predicting her reaction, which filled her with a strange irritation and... a hint of humiliation at being underestimated.
(What do they take me for? Some little girl who can be easily moved by spinning teacups and cotton candy?)
However, even though the barrage of internal complaints was dense enough to block out the sun, Chinatsu showed nothing on the surface.
She merely tilted her head slightly, and a thoughtful expression appropriately appeared in her ice-blue eyes, as if she were genuinely considering the proposal.
(... Fine. Since it's a "standard" choice, it means it's been verified by big data, and the success rate is probably not low. Besides... the Amusement Park is crowded and the environment is complex, which has certain benefits for concealing my identity and dealing with potential AST surveillance... though it's highly likely that stalker Origami will interrupt us.)
In just one or two seconds, she completed her cost-benefit analysis and switched her acting mode.
The thoughtful look on her face quickly melted away, replaced by a light smile, as if she had been convinced. She nodded gently and responded in a tone carrying a hint of compliance and softness:
"Hmm... an Amusement Park? That sounds nice."
She even leaned forward slightly, her ice-blue hair sliding over her shoulder with the movement. Her eyes fixed on Shido, and she added in a softer tone than before, one that seemed to carry a hint of dependence:
"Anywhere is fine... If I'm going with Classmate Itsuka, anywhere is fine."
She spoke these words with utter naturalness, and combined with her docile expression and slightly shimmering eyes, it was practically a silent declaration of affection, accurately hitting the target zone of expectation for Shido (and the Fraxinus observation team).
(... Ugh! This line is so embarrassing! But... the effect should be good?)
Sure enough, when Shido heard this, his face instantly flushed red, his gaze became evasive, and he scratched the back of his head awkwardly:
"I-Is that so! W-Well, let's go now!"
(Target reaction confirmed: Heart rate acceleration, slight linguistic dysfunction. The 'Compliance + Dependence' strategy is remarkably effective.)
Chinatsu snorted internally. (He really is a simple idiot, so easy to handle.)
On the surface, however, she maintained her "obedient follower" demeanor, softly hummed "Mm," and walked over to Shido's side.
The two walked side by side toward the station, preparing to take the train to the Amusement Park.
The sunlight shone down on them, outlining backs that appeared harmonious and well-matched.
However, only Chinatsu herself knew that beneath her calm exterior lay a heart that was frantically complaining and standing ready for battle.
(An Amusement Park, huh... Fine, I'll play along. I want to see what other tricks you can pull.)
(I just hope that god of fun, Aha, behaves today... and doesn't give me any more bizarre missions...)
This "standard" date, seemingly led by Shido but actually completely within Chinatsu's expectations, officially headed toward its first destination—the Amusement Park, full of "surprises" and "clichés."
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