Akg sat beside Shizuka, a warm smile tugging at his lips.
His heart still raced from seeing her favorability at 80, but before he could even process it, a new panel appeared before him.
đź“ś [New Quest Available!]
Quest: Capture Shizuka's Heart and Make Her Yours
Reward: Unlock System Mall + 1,000 System Points
Time Limit: None
Akg's smile widened.
"System... you really know me well."
Just as the panel disappeared, Akg glanced at Shizuka—still sitting next to him, the soft pink of her skirt brushing against his side.
She had turned her head slightly, sneaking glances at him—but each time his eyes met hers, she quickly looked away, her cheeks bright red.
She was clearly nervous.
More nervous than usual.
"She's feeling it too," Akg thought
Gathering every ounce of courage he possessed, Akg took a step forward, determination sparkling in his eyes. "Sizuka, I have something important to tell you," he said, his voice steady yet soft, reverberating with the weight of his heart.
Sizuka's heart skipped. "Ah! What do you want to say, Akg?" she stammered, caught in a web of anticipation.
With sincerity washing over him, Akg met her gaze and poured out his heart. "Sizuka, I actually fell in love with you. I don't know when it happened, but every time I see you, my heart races. I want you to be mine. I've never had the courage before, but now, I can't hold it in any longer. You've become more important to me than anything in this world."
Shock coursed through Sizuka as she processed his confession. A tide of emotion swelled in her chest. She had never dared to hope that Akg felt the same way. It melted her defenses, washing over her like a warm, radiant light.
On impulse, spurred by a newfound bravery, Sizuka closed her eyes and leaned forward, pressing her lips against his. It was a soft kiss, innocent yet electrifying, sending shocks of realization through both of them.
Time froze. Akg's eyes widened in surprise, disbelief dancing on the edges of his mind. Sizuka was shy and innocent; he never expected her to initiate this moment. But then, as reality sank in, he melted into the kiss, responding in kind, wrapping his arms around her waist, drawing her in as if afraid she might vanish.
They pulled away, breathless, hearts racing in unison. Sizuka's blush deepened as she confessed, "Akg, I also love you. I wanted to tell you for so long, but the words always escaped me. But hearing you just now… it gave me the courage I needed."
Akg, overwhelmed with elation, hugged her tightly, whispering, "Sizuka, I love you."
"I love you too," she echoed, her voice barely a whisper but filled with a warmth that ignited Akg's heart.
Just as they held each other in blissful embrace, a notification chimed in Akg's mind
DING!
[Quest Completed: Capture Shizuka's Heart]
Reward: System Mall Unlocked + 1,000 System Points Earned
Akg heard the system notification—but he ignored it.
Right now, Shizuka was in his arms, and that meant more than any quest or reward.
He gently held her, feeling the steady beat of her heart matching his own.
For the first time in this world, Akg felt complete.