Monday, 6 a.m.
Takumi Yuuya woke early and ran for half an hour.
By the time Saki Kawasaki arrived, they bumped into each other at the doorway.
Saki looked puzzled.
Takumi approached her.
"Starting today, I'm going to train every day and make myself stronger."
"Consistent exercise can really improve your physique," Saki said softly.
Takumi smiled.
Of course, there was a more practical reason: improving his physique now would maximize the effects of the Basic Physique Potion once he obtained it.
By training before acquiring it, he would gain the best results when he eventually consumed it.
Short-term goal: surpass Yukino Yukinoshita.
Though her physique was weak, she was strong.
One tennis match, one Aikido spar—if he could beat Yukino in both…
The disgust points would be easy to farm.
As for outperforming her academically?
Only superpowers could help there.
After breakfast, Takumi and Saki set off, riding their bicycles to Soubu High.
They parked in the bike shed and approached the main building.
Takumi spotted Yukino.
He stopped and whispered to Saki:
"You go ahead."
"Okay."
Saki didn't hesitate, but she glanced back and noticed Yukino.
Her steps froze for a moment.
Seeing Takumi greet Yukino, she quickly looked away.
"Good morning," Takumi said.
"Disgust points from Yukino Yukinoshita +10"
The virtual notification popped up, and his smile deepened.
"Yukino, you're my club president. And yet, as a member greets you, you're this cold?"
"Good morning," Yukino said expressionlessly.
Takumi nodded.
"That's better. See you at lunch—I've missed you these past two days."
"Disgust points from Yukino Yukinoshita +30"
Yukino's gaze sharpened as she noticed surrounding eyes.
Takumi laughed and entered the building.
Perfect. Handling Yukino like this earned him more disgust points.
To avoid raising them too quickly, he sent a few cat pictures he had found the previous night.
Whether it increased affection or not, at least it might make her smile.
In class, Takumi had just sat down when a blonde young man approached.
"Master Takumi," he said.
"Hm?"
"Miss Yukinoshita consulted my father about establishing a company. Now I know you too, Master Takumi."
"I see."
"My father is an advisor for Yukinoshita Construction. If you're friends with Miss Yukinoshita, you're naturally my friend as well."
"Friend, huh? It's an honor to be your friend, Hayama-kun. By the way, you're close with Yumiko Miura, right?"
"Yes."
"I actually like girls like Yumiko," Takumi said meaningfully.
Hayama froze for a moment, then looked at him.
"I'm taking them to karaoke this afternoon. Shall I introduce you?"
"Sure, thanks, Hayama-kun."
From this, Takumi understood Yumiko's significance in Hayama's life.
It wasn't just to flatter him—Yumiko was a shield, keeping other girls at bay.
Now someone showed interest in her, so naturally, Hayama wouldn't refuse to help introduce.
Lunchtime arrived.
Takumi didn't leave the classroom immediately.
He patted Riki Aki on the shoulder.
Riki turned, puzzled.
"Something wrong, Takumi?"
"I'm planning a game aimed at otaku. Since you're one yourself, I wanted to get your opinion first."
"Huh?"
"First question: two characters—a senior with a great figure, and a slightly tsundere childhood friend. Which do you prefer?"
"For me, it depends on their story…"
"What if both liked you simultaneously? You must choose one. Who?"
"I'd still go by the story…"
"Forget the story. If these two types were real and wanted to be your girlfriend, who would you choose?"
Riki looked confused.
"You mean, just judging by appearance?"
"Yes."
"This game won't be popular that way."
"?"
"The charm is in the character design. Just pretty characters won't attract otaku enough."
…Takumi fell silent.
He wanted to snap, you don't know anything about games, but Riki had a point.
Games like Genshin Impact succeed because each character is unique and has a story.
So he changed his question.
"Final question: what type of girl do you like? For reference."
"I like girls who make my heart skip a beat the moment I see them."
"Specifically?"
"I haven't really thought about it."
Riki blushed.
Takumi saw enough; no further questions were needed.
On the rooftop.
Takumi opened the door, looking at the storage room's roof.
"Saki."
"Hm?"
Saki poked her head out.
"Nothing. Just saying hi. I have a meeting with a girl here."
"Will I be in the way?"
"It's Eriri Zaimura."
"Work?"
"No, personal."
"I'll hide then. You two talk."
Saki stepped aside.
Takumi approached the edge of the rooftop, eyeing the guardrails.
A few minutes later, Eriri arrived.
"Eriri, what kind of image do you have in mind for him?" Takumi asked without looking back.
"Just… the childhood friend type," Eriri murmured.
Takumi turned to her, taking out his phone.
Riki Aki's voice played.
Eriri froze.
Then she realized, listening intently.
When she heard Riki say:
"I like girls who make my heart skip a beat the moment I see them,"
Eriri's expression fell.
It wasn't a direct rejection, but it felt like one.
"If you're not ready to give up, try pursuing him—there might still be a chance," Takumi advised.
"…."
Eriri looked up at him, silent.
Giving up? Impossible.
Actively pursuing him? She couldn't.
"There's actually another way," Takumi added.
"What way?" Eriri snapped out of it, a glimmer of hope in her eyes.