A single sentence had just earned him 80 points of disgust.
Even the system was warning him about personal safety.
Takumi Yuuya looked at the character sketches on his screen and replied casually.
"Zaimura-san, take your time. I'm really not in a hurry."
"Disgust level from Zaimura Eriri +50"
Takumi froze.
What the…? I literally said I wasn't in a rush.
"Next week, I'll send it to you," came Eriri's reply.
Takumi paused for a few seconds, processing.
Could it be that she thought he was threatening her?
That misunderstanding… was ridiculous.
He thought it over and decided to put the phone away.
Replying might earn more disgust points—but it would also raise his danger level.
The more he explained, the more likely it was to be misinterpreted.
Takumi looked up at the sky.
"Starting next week, I need to train every morning… I can't let girls knock me down anymore."
Lost in thought, the door opened.
Kawasaki Saki's little sister, Kawasaki Kyoka, was a blue-haired little girl, incredibly cute.
Standing next to Saki, she looked every bit like a daughter with her older sister.
At a fancy restaurant, Takumi ordered meals for the three of them.
The waiter bowed and walked away.
"Thank you, Big Brother!" Kyoka said with a bright smile.
"No need to thank me. Your sister has been helping me with my studies—I'm the one who should be grateful," Takumi smiled.
"My sister used to come home really late in the mornings. I waited every day. Last night, seeing her come home early made me happy, but I knew she must be tired, so I didn't say much," Kyoka's voice was soft.
"You're very thoughtful. Your sister is lucky to have a sister like you," Takumi complimented.
"Affection from Kawasaki Saki +50"
The notification popped up, making Takumi smile even wider.
"Big Brother, do you have a sister?" Kyoka asked curiously.
"Not even parents," he said.
"Huh?"
"All I have today, everything I've achieved, is because of my own effort," Takumi said seriously.
"Then you can treat me as your little sister," Kyoka thought for a moment.
"I appreciate the offer. But I'll pass on the sister thing. I hope, in the future, I can have a daughter as thoughtful as you," Takumi shook his head.
Kyoka looked over at Saki.
"Big Brother has a girlfriend? If not, maybe consider my sister?"
"Kyoka…"
Saki's face turned bright red.
Takumi smiled, glancing at Saki.
"If your sister is willing, I certainly wouldn't mind having such a beautiful girlfriend."
"Sis, are you okay with that?"
"I…"
"Don't put her on the spot. Love needs to follow its own course," Takumi stepped in to relieve the tension.
"Affection from Kawasaki Saki +20"
Saki looked at him gratefully.
After lunch, they left the restaurant.
Takumi hailed a taxi to the amusement park.
Saki bought tickets for all three of them.
Mostly, it was Kyoka having fun.
Takumi and Saki watched her from the side.
He turned to Saki.
"Kawasaki-san."
"Hm?"
"Thank you for accepting my employment."
"I should be thanking you," she replied.
"No, this is my first time at an amusement park alone. I'd be bored by myself. But being here with you… it feels like a date, and it lifts my mood."
"My sister has always wanted to come to an amusement park, but I never had the time. I'm not here because of you, just bringing her along," Saki said, staring at him.
Takumi smiled and looked forward.
"Next week, we can go somewhere else."
"I'll cover the ticket cost," Saki said, glancing at her little sister.
"Affection from Kawasaki Saki +20"
After two hours at the amusement park, Kyoka was ecstatic.
She hugged the stuffed animal Takumi had given her and held Saki's hand.
They took a taxi back to the Kawasaki home.
Takumi paid the fare and turned to Saki.
"You don't need to tutor me this afternoon. I want to read by myself."
"Then… I'll come again tomorrow morning."
"See you tomorrow."
"Goodbye, Big Brother!" Kyoka waved happily.
Takumi hopped on his bike, heading home.
Back home, he checked the time—just 3:00 p.m.
Thinking for a moment, he opened the garage and took out his motorcycle.
His motorcycle license had taken just three weeks to obtain.
Last week, he had ridden it to a spot where he could fish.
Outskirts of Chiba.
A large campsite awaited, offering both camping and fishing.
Last week, Takumi had caught two fish here.
He parked, rented a fishing rod and gear, and walked to the lake.
Nearby, a group of young people—men and women, probably university students—were setting up tents for a camping trip.
Takumi ignored them, baited his hook, and began fishing.
"Miss Hino, you finally arrived," a female voice called.
Takumi turned to see a woman stepping down from a car in a white dress.
Fair skin, delicate features.
Medium-length hair, lightly made-up.
A white dress accentuating her perfect figure, her face lit with a friendly smile.
Hino Yukino's driver carried several boxes of beer from the car.
"Everyone, let's drink freely today. I'm excited for the barbecue," Hino Yukino said, smiling.
"Don't worry, Miss Hino. The barbecue is handled by the Culinary Club members today."
"Miss Hino is so beautiful."
"Even though she's a young lady, she befriends ordinary people like us."
"When I graduate, I'll definitely apply to the Yukinoshita Construction Company."
Takumi listened and understood why this young lady had come here.
Her university probably had many talented students.
Hosting this event allowed her to scout one or two promising people—it was worth it.
Hino Yukino chatted with friends, greeting certain individuals by name.
Those who were acknowledged were thrilled.
Being remembered by Miss Yukinoshita was a sign of recognition.
She approached the lake, glancing at the water.
Hino Yukino flicked her hair aside and noticed Takumi in her peripheral vision.
She gave a polite smile.
Takumi maintained a neutral expression and looked away.
Surprised, Hino Yukino approached him curiously, about to speak.
"Are you Yukino's brother?" Takumi asked.
"Yukino?" Hino Yukino froze.
"I'm a student at Sobu High, part of the Service Club. My name is Takumi Yuuya," he introduced himself proactively.
"Service Club member?" Hino Yukino looked him over carefully.