I Just Want A Single Ending!

Ijichi Nijika understood all too well what it was like to lose a parent.

When they'd held that study session before, she'd felt a deep empathy for Kamigawa Saku because her mother had passed away, too.

And now, that empathy had only grown stronger.

There are many ways to grow up, but when it's because of losing your parents, it feels especially tragic.

Particularly because Saku had been so young at the time.

In that moment, Nijika's mind wandered, considering many things.

Even if there was no proof that Saku had matured because of his parents' passing, some things didn't need evidence.

To avoid making the atmosphere awkward, and to steer clear of potentially painful memories, Nijika changed the subject.

"Saku, do you have a dream?"

If it was tough to discuss the past, then maybe talking about the future would be better.

It was a chance to learn more about him.

"…"

Hearing this, Saku fell into an unusual silence.

A dream?

It was a strangely foreign concept.

He had no dream. He hadn't had one for a long time.

He knew he shouldn't count the single-ending path in the galgame system as a "dream." That wasn't a "silly dream" to him but a clear life goal.

Or perhaps, it was just a source of daily motivation.

As everyone knows, sometimes having nothing to want is its own kind of burden.

For Saku, that was especially true.

Ever since he was young, he'd been attractive, decent-natured, and good at school, making him popular wherever he went.

If he thought about it, his life had barely changed over the years.

Sure, the tragic accident that had taken his parents had caused him to withdraw for a time.

But the inheritance they'd left was more than enough to keep him financially secure for life.

In other words, he'd never have to worry about making ends meet, now or in the future.

That might sound ideal, and in many ways, it was. It was a carefree existence.

Nothing to do, no future worries—he could just drift.

The only downside was the gnawing sense of aimlessness.

People with financial freedom could throw themselves into realizing their dreams, pursuing life goals.

But Saku had no dream. No goal to chase.

He didn't need to do anything to win approval or to survive.

And so, at some point, he'd run into a tiny little problem.

One that was so small, he shouldn't have even needed to pay attention to it.

And that's when the galgame system had appeared.

Once he saw the single-ending path it offered, he'd found a new source of motivation and began working toward it.

Wait… why was he remembering all this now?

Of course—it was that "dream" question.

"I don't have a dream. Never did. Not even as a kid."

So he answered.

"Huh?"

Nijika was taken aback.

She'd expected that even if he didn't have a dream now, he'd at least have had one when he was younger.

But to her surprise, he said he'd never had one, not even as a child.

And he seemed to feel the need to emphasize it.

"Just to be sure—by 'dream,' you mean something you'd go all out to achieve, right?" he asked curiously.

"More or less. A dream is something pretty important," Nijika replied, though even she wasn't quite sure how to define it precisely.

"Then no, I've never had anything like that."

Saku felt confident about this answer.

"I see…"

While she'd learned something new, Nijika felt a strange sadness about it.

"By the way, why am I the only one answering all these questions?" Saku asked, realizing the imbalance. "I should be asking you some, too."

"Sure, ask anything you like."

Nijika didn't mind.

"What's your dream?"

"I, um… can't really say. It's kind of embarrassing."

After a moment's hesitation, Nijika chose to keep it private.

"Dreams are that personal, huh?" Saku was intrigued.

"I guess so. I could probably tell you, but… for some reason, it's embarrassing to say it in front of you," she said, scratching her cheek awkwardly. "I'll take back my previous question—I can't answer a question about dreams."

"Then maybe you shouldn't have asked me about mine in the first place," Saku teased.

"Sorry, I didn't think it through."

She'd just wanted to learn more about him and had forgotten she might have to answer questions herself.

"It's fine." He waved it off and continued, "Then how about this? Can I guess your dream? All you need to do is tell me if I'm right or wrong."

Why would she find her dream embarrassing to say in front of him?

It was strange.

Could it be something like, 'to become his bride'?

No way. Absolutely not.

The idea itself was absurd.

They weren't that close, nor were they childhood friends who'd once vowed to get married.

Still, it wouldn't hurt to rule it out.

"That's fine."

Nijika didn't mind him guessing.

After all, with so many dreams in the world, the chance he'd hit on hers wasn't high.

She was only embarrassed about revealing it—there was nothing truly unspeakable about it.

"Your dream has to do with the band, doesn't it? Like… you want it to become famous?"

After a moment's thought, Saku ventured a guess.

"Huh?"

Nijika was so startled by the accuracy of his guess that she gasped.

"Judging by your reaction, I'm guessing I got it right?"

"Yeah." She nodded, still surprised. "How did you know? I didn't give you any hints at all."

"Actually, you did."

If the dream was something she found embarrassing to admit, then it probably wasn't something like becoming a scientist, artist, or writer—goals that are easy to say aloud.

And given how much she cared about the band, it made sense to guess in that direction.

"Did I?"

Nijika hadn't realized how transparent she was.

"Or maybe I'm just really smart," Saku added smugly.

"You are really smart," she agreed, then started to explain. "Since you figured it out, I might as well tell you."

"Go on."

Saku leaned in, listening closely.

"My mom passed away when I was little, and my dad is hardly ever home, so my sister was my only family," Nijika's voice softened. "After she joined a band, she'd bring me along to the live house to keep me from feeling lonely."

"?!"

With just that one sentence, Saku's curiosity spiked.

It was his first time hearing about Nijika's mom passing away.

When he tried to gather information, he focused on the people themselves, rarely delving into family details.

After all, when you're trying to befriend someone, you don't necessarily need to know about their family.

But suddenly, he recalled that during the study session, after he'd mentioned his parents' passing, Nijika had reached out to comfort him by holding his hand.

So that's why… No wonder she reacted that way back then.

Even though she was struggling, she was trying to comfort me?

As this thought crossed his mind, his gaze softened as he looked at Nijika.

"To me, that place sparkled like a sky full of stars—a place filled with happiness."

While he was lost in thought, she continued sharing her story.

"When my sister saw that, she quit her band and started her own live house."

"STARRY… it's a place she made for me."

"Not that she'd ever admit it, of course."

So that's how it is…

Saku sighed inwardly.

The bond between Nijika and her sister was truly close.

In a way, it should've been Ijichi Seika here with her today, not him.

"So, my dream is to start a super-popular band and make my sister's live house famous!"

The more she spoke, the more embarrassed she seemed. "I want to bring her success and make her proud of me."

Even though she and Saku were close friends, saying her true dream aloud felt a bit embarrassing.

But since she'd asked him about his dream, it was only fair to share hers.

"Alright, so that's my dream. I've said it now," she prompted when he remained silent.

"Sorry, I spaced out for a second."

Coming back to his senses, Saku asked, "I'm still not quite clear on something. Could you explain it?"

"What is it?"

Curious, Nijika blinked at him.

"Your dream is amazing, so why did you feel embarrassed to share it?"

From any angle, he couldn't see why her dream was anything to be ashamed of.

And that just made him all the more puzzled as to why she'd tried to hide it.

"Well, our band hasn't really done anything yet."

Nijika thought back to their recent rehearsal of Spring's Shadow.

"You guys are so skilled, and I feel awkward saying I want to be in a super-popular band in front of a real band manager."

So it was that simple, huh?

And here he'd been overthinking it.

Of course.

After a moment's internal grumbling, Saku reassured her, "Actually, our band hasn't accomplished much either. We haven't even settled on a name yet."

"Well, then, you all better get to it!" Nijika encouraged with a cheerful grin.

Looking at her ever-gentle smile, Saku called out with heartfelt sincerity, "Nijika."

"What is it?"

Sensing his change in tone, Nijika also became a bit more serious.

"Please reconsider letting me manage your band."

This time, he was asking out of genuine desire.

When he'd first suggested managing her band, it had been about connecting with her and the others.

But this time was different.

Today, with his mind clear of thoughts about single-endings or relationship goals, he truly wanted to help her realize her dream.

Not that he thought he alone could turn her band into a sensation. But at the very least, he could help speed up the process.

After all, he had some experience.

In a way, offering his skills as thanks for her kindness and friendship felt only right.

And, perhaps more than that, Saku wanted to see Nijika achieve her dream.

He didn't have one, but he could help her reach hers.

"That's really sweet, but I'll pass on you being our manager," she said with a warm smile, still turning him down.

Rejected.

Again.

"Why? Is it that you still don't want to bother me?"

He wanted to know her reasoning.

"Exactly—I don't want to bother you."

Nijika's answer was the same as before.

"But it wouldn't be a bother at all."

Running the band wasn't something Saku saw as a burden.

"Is that really true?" Nijika shook her head gently. "Just now, you told me today was your first-ever day off—and that even you'd never seen yourself like this before."

"'I've been busy nonstop,' remember? That's what you said. Are you going to argue against your own words?"

"Maybe to you, helping us with the band doesn't feel like a burden, but to me, it would only add to your responsibilities."

"I don't know what keeps you so busy, or what others ask you to do, but I don't want to add to that load."

"If possible, I'd like to see a little more of this relaxed side of you."

---

T/N: that's so nice Nijika but this is like the first time he wants to do something not influenced by the systemmmm

Ahem! Esteemed audience, gather closer! You stand in the presence of brilliance, the likes of which Fontaine has never seen! Truly, you're witnessing a masterpiece in motion, a living legend in the making, an—

Oh! But wait! Where was I? Right, me! As you all know, such brilliance doesn't manifest from nothing! It takes effort, dedication, and a sprinkling of your… oh, how shall I put it? Generosity! If you desire to be immortalized alongside my unparalleled splendor, do step forward here: [patreon.com/WiseTL].

And yet, I must ask: why do mortals so often hesitate to seize an opportunity like this? I mean, really, supporting me is tantamount to—oh! Imagine if I personally rewrote every law in Fontaine! The brilliance! The upheaval! The dramatic courtroom soliloquies! And naturally, I'd—

"Furina, enough. The audience is here for the translations, not your Fontaine fantasy chronicles."

Wait, Wise! I wasn't done captivating them!

"You've captivated them plenty. Now, mortals, if you wish to contribute to something truly extraordinary, the link is there. Support and bask in the glory of my—"

—our—

"my hard work."

Hmph! Fine! But I'm still the true star of this end note. Obviously.

— Furina ✨ (reluctantly sharing the stage with Wise 👑)