Chapter 8: Epilogue
She pondered, 'Why didn't I think of my son immediately after I was transmigrated into my younger self's body?' as she watched the sun set outside the house.
'It must have been the game system,' she concluded, instinctively opening the game-like interface. Her eyes scrolled through the options until she reached the "Passive Skills" section, where she carefully examined each skill.
[PASSIVES]
[PASSIVE: COLD PERSPECTIVE]
[DESCRIPTION: Spiders? Rapists? Ghosts?! Don't worry, darling - I'll save you! Nothing scares me! You are not afraid of anything when it comes to the one you love!]
[PASSIVE: DARK LOVER]
[DESCRIPTION: I will kill you if you disturb our lovey-dovey life! Everyone stay back! Your inhibitors are completely removed when a danger threatens to interrupt your love life! Some might call you a "Yandere" But that's okay! This is your love-life after all, so no price is too tall! May you stand unshaken and your love prevail!]
As she watched the sun dip below the horizon, she mused, 'I didn't even realize it was there... Apparently, in video game terms, passive skills are always active, beyond my control,' she concluded with a sigh.
'That explains why I wasn't too upset about what I made that despicable landlord or made Hino go through... Or why my thoughts constantly revolve around maintaining my relationship with Shuuichi...' Her reflection was interrupted by the fading light.
'But was it really just this game interface? After all, I made the decision to return and mend things with Shuuichi long before these skills were in play,' she pondered.
'Why did I want that in the first place... I still don't understand,' she confessed, feeling more puzzled than ever.
'I... Have no idea why I'm so drawn to him, or why he matters so much to me... It can't be just the skills influencing me...'
Her frustration grew palpable. 'It drives me so... UGH...!!' She exclaimed, thumping the bed with her fist in exasperation.
'Shuuichi, you dummy!' she scolded silently, taking a deep breath to calm herself, allowing the tension to slowly ebb away.
Her expression darkened, a shadow of grim determination settling over her face. "Well, it doesn't matter anymore anyway..." she murmured.
"I... I've already made a decision to bring my son back to life. As much as I care about Shuuichi... That's my son I already gave birth to," she reasoned, her resolve firming.
"He'll soon go out with his coworker and see that prostitute. All I have to do is catch him in the act... But how do I do that without drawing attention?" She pondered, closing her eyes in thought.
A moment later, her eyes snapped open, a spark of resolve flickering within. "I know," she whispered.
"I have these skills," she reminded herself, the game-like interface flashing through her mind.
"I'll use everything I've got for this one. I'll catch him in the act, and then I won't feel guilty about leaving him for Shinagawa-san. Although, this time, I'll leave him properly... And respectfully." She decided, ready to leverage her uncanny abilities to their fullest extent.
March 10th, 22:20.
Nanami activated her [NO TRACE] ability as she entered the Aruchin Girl establishment, recalling the night's plan. 'Shuuichi just left that restaurant drunk with his coworker. They'll be passing by here soon,' she thought, steeling herself for what was to come.
The receptionist greeted her with surprise. "Oh, welcome! We don't get a lot of female clients, so that's a rare sight..."
Nanami feigned embarrassment, scratching her head. "Haha... Is that so?"
"No problem! I'll give you the catalog, just choose whoever you want!" the receptionist said cheerfully, handing Nanami a paper filled with profiles of the establishment's workers.
Nanami's thoughts darkened as she browsed the catalog. 'So, they have to choose from here... That means Shuuichi looked at this same catalog and chose that woman, then...?' Her frustration was palpable.
Her eyes locked on a profile. 'Found her...' The woman Shuuichi had chosen was voluptuous with short, light-blue hair.
"I'll choose her, please," Nanami stated, pointing to the woman in the catalog.
"Ohhh, Shouko-senpai!! She's very popular around here! Excellent choice, dear customer! I'll guide you to your room," the receptionist responded, leading Nanami into a designated room.
Seated on the sofa, Nanami felt out of place. 'I know I didn't come here to cheat... But this still feels... Odd,' she mused, awaiting the encounter.
Shouko entered dressed in a nurse's outfit, her demeanor friendly. "Hah... Shumi-chan said you were a woman... You're very pretty!" she complimented Nanami with a smile.
Nanami returned the smile weakly. "Thank you... This is my first time doing something like this, so... I'm kind of nervous..." she admitted.
As Shouko closed the distance, her voice lowered, "Well, it's natural to be nervous if it's your first time... I'll be honest, I don't really have a thing for girls..." She paused, her face inches from Nanami's. "...But you're so pretty... I'll make an exception for you today," she whispered, a blush on her cheeks.
Unfazed, Nanami grasped Shouko's nape with one hand.
"My... You're so bold—"
In a swift motion, Nanami pinned a knife to Shouko's throat.
"W-wha...?" Shouko gasped, panic seizing her as the cold blade pressed against her skin, her eyes wide with shock.
[SKILL: INTIMIDATIVE PERSUASION: PREREQUISITE CONFIRMED! The target is afraid of you! Would you like to activate the skill?]
'Yes,' Nanami confirmed mentally.
[TARGET CONFIRMED! Shouko Nakagawa is now registered as your eternal servant! She will obey your every command, fulfilling your desires without hesitation! Her loyalty extends to the wellbeing of those you care about!]
Relieved, Nanami lowered the knife.
"Nakagawa-san?" she called softly, stowing her knife back in her purse.
"Yes...?" Shouko replied quietly, her movements halted.
"You seem very tired. Go home and get some rest. I'd appreciate it if you slipped out through the back door, unnoticed. Do not notify anyone that you left your position. Then come back to work tomorrow as if nothing happened, and..."
"Yes... Master?" Shouko responded obediently.
"...Continue your life as usual, and pretend we're strangers the next time we meet. That's all," Nanami instructed with a sigh.
"Y-yes..." Shouko murmured, turning towards the exit.
"Wait," Nanami called, stopping Shouko in her tracks.
"Leave the nurse outfit here, and change into your normal clothes before you leave," she added, finalizing her instructions.
Shuuichi and his coworker ambled through the streets after an evening at a nearby restaurant. As they approached the red light district, his coworker nudged him toward a decision.
"Come on, sex services aren't even considered cheating, you understand?" he suggested with a sly confidence to a downcast Shuuichi, who was distracted by memories of Nanami's comments about their new neighbor.
"That won't be a problem if Nanami-chan doesn't find out!" he continued, clapping a hand on Shuuichi's shoulder as they neared the Aruchin Girl establishment.
Meanwhile, Nanami, now disguised as Shouko, stepped outside the same establishment.
"Huh? Shouko-senpai? Where's that client that came by earlier? I thought you were working," the receptionist called out.
"Oh, she was apparently very shy... So she hurried out the back door... I figured I'd draw in some customers since I was free," Shouko (Nanami) replied with a crafted smile.
"Haaah... Well, I suppose that's natural. A shame though..." the receptionist sighed.
"Don't work too hard, then!" she called as she returned inside.
'...There he is,' Nanami thought, her gaze sharp as she scanned the area and spotted Shuuichi with his coworker.
"If you strengthen your manliness by being with other women, then you won't have to get so worked up about that good-looking neighbor of yours!" the coworker was suggesting, his tone tinged with envy.
'So, that was the man who convinced him to cheat... Ultimately, it was Shuuichi's decision, but this man influenced him... I recognize him. He even tried hitting on me a few times when Shuuichi wasn't looking. I suppose he did this because he was envious... My, Shuuichi, you really do keep poor company,' she mused, eyeing the coworker with disdain.
Out of the corner of her eye, she noticed Shinagawa, lurking behind a corner, watching Shuuichi and his coworker.
'...And there's Shinagawa-san... Why would he be here just now? And the timing... The one time Shuuichi cheated, he just happened to be there. Plus, that photograph he took—it was high quality and taken from surprisingly close range. How did he manage that without Shuuichi noticing? It's just too... It's too perfect,' Nanami mused, suspicion mounting. 'Could it be that Shinagawa and his coworker conspired together on this?'
'Oh well, I'll confront Shinagawa-san about it later when we're alone. For now, I'd better approach them and reel Shuuichi in.'
Meanwhile, Shuuichi brooded, haunted by Nanami's previous comments about Shinagawa.
"Hey, dear onii-sans, want to have a good time?" Nanami, disguised as Shouko, approached Shuuichi and his coworker.
The coworker's eyes lit up at the sight of her.
"Oh, yes! Not for me, but this macho man here could use some fun!" He chuckled, nudging Shuuichi forward.
'There it is... Now, come on... Do it!' Nanami urged herself silently as she leaned in close to Shuuichi.
"Hey, mister... You're so big and strong... What do you say...? Would you like to—"
"Sorry, but no thank you," Shuuichi interjected politely, stepping back from Shouko.
'...What...?' Nanami was taken aback by his refusal.
"S-SHUUICHI!? Come on, you know you want—ahem, NEED this!! That way, you won't have to worry about other men going after your wife and—"
"Look, maybe there's some truth to what you're saying... But I just..." Shuuichi hesitated, scratching his head, his discomfort apparent, "..I just can't do it with anyone else besides Nanami... Sorry," he apologized sincerely.
"W-what!!? Why !!? You think Shinagawa-san doesn't have fun on the side!!? How do you think he's so smooth and desired by all the girls?! It's all experience!! And you clearly lack experience!! If you don't do this, Nanami-chan's going to be taken away from you very, very soon!!" His coworker pressed, his voice filled with urgency.
"..."
'...I know I came here to catch Shuuichi in the act, but...'
'That coworker of his is being particularly obnoxious,' she thought, her anger rising.
"Nanami won't do that," Shuuichi said firmly, meeting his coworker's gaze with resolve.
"W-what...? You a mind reader now?! Do you know how complicated a woman's mind is? They're all about experience and appearances; if you get lazy and chicken out tonight, Shinagawa-san's going to steal your wife!!"
"I can't read minds," Shuuichi began, "But I trust Nanami won't do that."
"How can you be so sure!?" The coworker challenged.
"I don't know... I just... Don't know, but I'm sure. I believe in her," he concluded, turning to face the dumbstruck Nanami, still in her Shouko disguise.
'Wait, wait, wait, why are you refusing, Shuuichi-san!!? Why...?! Why's it different this time!!? This is it, isn't it!!? The final misfortune!! I didn't even do anything to prevent it... I even encouraged him this time by appearing as that girl from Aruchin Girl..!!' Nanami despaired internally.
"I'm sorry. But I can't do it. I guess... I'm just a wuss," Shuuichi admitted as he walked away, heading toward their home.
From the shadows, she noticed Shinagawa, silently expressing his frustration.
"SHUUICHI!!! YOU'LL REGRET THIS!! SHE'LL BE STOLEN FROM YOU IF YOU DON'T MAN UP...!!!" The coworker shouted after the departing Shuuichi.
Nanami clenched her jaw in suppressed fury at the coworker's outburst.
"...Hey... Mister... I just got rejected... Please, mend my heart..." Nanami said seductively as she clung to the coworker.
His face flushed, "W-well, if that wuss won't do it, I guess I'll have to..."
They entered the establishment. As soon as the coworker felt at ease, Nanami pressed the knife against his throat, swiftly subduing him and securing his submission.
"...Leave this place and go home. After you do, blind yourself by gouging out your own eyeballs," she commanded coldly. The coworker nodded obediently.
"Another customer leaving in a hurry...?" The receptionist asked with concern as she watched Shuuichi's coworker hastily exit the establishment.
Nanami, still in her disguise as Shouko, feigned concern and quickly followed after the coworker, calling out with well-acted worry, "Mister, are you alright...?"
"Hm... Two customers left you today. Is everything alright with you, Shouko?" The receptionist asked, her concern evident as she turned to the disguised Nanami.
Nanami sighed, adopting a weary expression,
"I think... I don't feel well at all... I need to go home," she replied, feigning weariness.
"Oh my... Well, you're a hard worker, so I think Senpai wouldn't mind for today... Rest well!" the receptionist said, her smile warm and understanding as she watched Nanami leave in her civilian clothes.
"Shouko bought a new outfit...? It doesn't quite fit her usual style..." The receptionist mused, noticing the distinct change in attire that didn't quite match what her coworker usually wore.
"She really isn't herself today, huh...? Good thing I let her go for tonight..." she added thoughtfully, feeling a mix of concern and relief as she watched 'Shouko' depart, sensing something was amiss yet glad she could offer some respite.
Alone in her morphed form, Nanami sat on a lone bench in the deserted park, her mind racing with questions and doubts.
"Why... Why didn't Shuuichi just enter the establishment? It's the final misfortune, I'm certain of it... It should have happened, and I should have prevented it... But I even encouraged it!" Her frustration was palpable as she grappled with her role in the unfolding events. "I know... I KNOW!! It must be this game-like interface! It's likely tampered with Shuuichi-san's true feelings."
[INCORRECT] The interface materialized before her as a floating hologram, responding directly to her accusations.
"It can... talk?" Nanami gasped, a mix of surprise and a newfound realization dawning on her.
[CORRECT.]
She straightened up, her eyes narrowing with determination. 'So it's sentient? This thing... This entity that brought me here... I can finally get some answers.'
"Why did you interfere with Shuuichi's feelings?"
[NO SUCH INTERFERENCE HAD TRANSPIRED.]
"W-what!?! DON'T BE RIDICULOUS!!!" Anger flared within her as she slapped her thigh in frustration. "Throughout my time here, I've managed to avoid cheating, blackmail, and harm to myself and the people I care about... You call these 'Misfortunes.' I acknowledge—Shuuichi-san didn't deserve me cheating on him! But Shuuichi going to that prostitute... That was a MISFORTUNE, just like the rest! I had to intervene to prevent it! But this time, I didn't do anything and it unfolded differently than before...!! You must have intervened, and—"
[FALSE. NO INTERVENTION OCCURRED FROM THIS END, OTHER THAN GRANTING YOU SKILLS AND ALERTS REGARDING MISFORTUNES.]
Confusion clouded her features as she struggled to understand. "...But... That just doesn't make sense!! If that's so, why did things go differently this time!? Why didn't the misfortune happen as it did the first time?" she implored, her voice laced with bewilderment.
[BECAUSE, YOU HAVE ALREADY PREVENTED THIS MISFORTUNE.]
"I... I didn't...!" Her voice was soft, uncertain. She attempted to recall any action she might have taken that could have influenced Shuuichi differently.
[FALSE. YOU DID. BY REASSURING YOUR HUSBAND, BY BEING THERE WHEN HE NEEDED SUPPORT. YOU HAVE SHOWN HIM THAT NO MATTER HOW APPEALING AND WEALTHY AN INDIVIDUAL MAY COME YOUR WAY, THE PERSON WHO HOLDS THE TOP SPOT IN YOUR HEART WILL ALWAYS BE YOUR HUSBAND.]
"What...? I... But I didn't do... Anything... like that...!" Nanami's voice trailed off, her mind racing as she tried to piece together her actions and their unintended consequences.
[WHEN YOUR HUSBAND HAD HIS WORRIES ABOUT YOUR NEW NEIGHBOR, INSTEAD OF SELFISHLY ACCEPTING THAT NEIGHBOR'S PRESENTS AND BOASTING ABOUT THEM AS YOU DID IN THE OTHER TIMELINE, THIS TIME, YOU SELFLESSLY REFUSED THEM AND DIRECTLY ADDRESSED HIS CONCERNS - CAUSING THEM TO DISSIPATE, INSTEAD OF FESTERING IN HIS MIND LIKE A PLAGUE, AS IT DID THE FIRST TIME.]
Her eyes widened in realization, her breath catching in her throat. "What... Wha... I... I did...?"
[CORRECT. BY BEING ATTENTIVE TO YOUR SIGNIFICANT OTHER, YOU PREVENTED THE NEGATIVE FEELINGS THAT WERE BREWING IN HIS HEART. HIS ENVY, JEALOUSY, AND WORRY. IN OTHER WORDS, BY BEING CONSIDERATE AND COMPASSIONATE, YOU GAVE HIM THE STRENGTH TO TRUST YOU AND BY THAT, YOU HAD ALREADY AVERTED THIS MISFORTUNE A WHILE AGO.]
A mix of relief and awe washed over Nanami as she digested the truth—the misfortune had been averted not by dramatic actions, but by the quiet strength of genuine care and empathy.
[AND THUS, YOU HAVE SECURED YOURSELF IN THE TOP POSITION OF YOUR HUSBAND'S HEART.]
"I... I did...?" Nanami repeated, her voice trembling as tears streamed down her cheeks. She hugged herself tightly, rocked by waves of emotion.
"I... I love Shuuichi," she whispered, her voice barely audible.
"But... I have a son. A son. A living son, who had nothing to do with either Shuuichi-san or Shinagawa-san... I can't just let him stay dead..." Her hands clutched at her chest as she grappled with the overwhelming emotions.
"What... What am I supposed to do...?" she murmured, lost in her dilemma.
Suddenly, [YOUR SON IS ALIVE] flashed on the interface.
Nanami's eyes widened with hope and curiosity as she looked up at the message.
"What... He is...!? Where!!!? Where is he!!?" She demanded, her voice laced with urgency and her arms tightening around herself.
[HE IS ALIVE IN THE ALTERNATE TIMELINE] The message continued, showing her footage of her son's wedding. She saw herself and Shinagawa standing beside their son as he waited for his bride at the altar. Shuuichi, his wife, and their two children were also there, watching the ceremony.
"This is... Where I came from...?" She mumbled, a mix of confusion and wonder in her voice.
[CORRECT. THE ALTERNATE TIMELINE PROCEEDS AS PER-USUAL. IN THAT TIMELINE, YOU AND SHUUICHI HAD TALKED ABOUT EVERYTHING, MADE AMENDS AND BECAME GOOD FRIENDS. YOU AND YOUR EX-HUSBAND IN THAT TIMELINE ARE STILL SEPARATED, BUT YOU ARE NOT ENEMIES, EITHER.]
"So... My... My son... Is alive...?" Relief slowly washed over her as she processed the information.
[CORRECT.]
"Is he..." she paused, swallowing hard, "...Happy?"
[CORRECT. IN THAT TIMELINE, YOU TOOK HIM TO TALK ABOUT HOW YOU AND HIS FATHER GOT TOGETHER, AND HOW IT AFFECTED SHUUICHI. HE EVENTUALLY LEARNED TO TREASURE EVERYONE CLOSE TO HIM, AND NEVER TO TRAMPLE ON OTHER PEOPLE EVEN IF THEY HAVE SOMETHING HE COVETS, AS HIS FATHER COVETED YOU - DESPITE YOU BEING ALREADY TAKEN.]
[HE IS DESTINED TO BE A LOVING HUSBAND, WHO WILL STAY WITH HIS WIFE FAITHFULLY UNTIL THE END, OR - AT THE VERY LEAST, DIVORCES HER NOT OUT OF SUPERFICIAL REASONS.]
"I... I see... So he's alive and well... Haha... Good... That's good... I'm so happy to hear..." She spoke through tears of joy.
[HENCE, YOU CAN MOVE FORWARD WITH YOUR CURRENT HUSBAND WITHOUT WORRY ABOUT THE FUTURE.]
Taking a deep breath, Nanami felt a weight lift from her shoulders.
"I see. I think... I REALLY, really think that... Shuuichi-san made a mistake marrying me..." As she spoke, the form of Shouko gradually reverted back to Nanami's true self.
"...After all, I'm a flawed woman... I still think that I am. But... I love him..."
"...So I'm selfishly going to keep him to myself..."
"...And selflessly keep myself only for him!" she resolved, beginning her march home.
Her phone began to ring; it was Shuuichi.
Immediately, she answered with a smile.
"Nanami? Where are you? Is everything alright...?" His voice carried a note of concern through the phone.
"Yes," she replied cheerfully, "I went out drinking with a friend. I'm on my way home now. I'll be there in 5 minutes!" She assured him as she quickened her pace.
"I could escort you, if you want," he suggested.
"Well, if you insist, you can come out my way and we'll meet up and walk home together. I'm passing through Floor-Boards Street park right now."
"Got it. I'm coming out, then," Shuuichi responded enthusiastically, and soon the call ended.
"My, so impatient..." She mused to herself with a smile as she continued her walk.
She met Shuuichi at the edge of the park, and together, hand in hand, they walked back to their warm home.
Afterward, she confronted Shinagawa, making him cower in fear. She compelled him to become her eternal servant. Her only command was simple yet firm:
"Leave me, Shuuichi, and anyone connected to us alone. Move away, and live somewhere else—do not try to enter our lives again, directly or indirectly."
And so, Shinagawa complied without question, retreating from their lives as instructed.
From then on, they lived happily ever after, blessed with several healthy and beautiful children—all lovingly and faithfully theirs. Their lives blossomed in a garden of fidelity, nurtured by unyielding truth...
And deep, unwavering love.
The END.
CREATORS' THOUGHTS 
Hazy_0832
Hazy_0832 AND HERE WE GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO THE FIRST WN I EVER FINISHED.
Hope you folks enjoyed!
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