After dinner.
While Kawasaki Saki was washing the dishes, Takumi Yuuya slipped off to the bathroom.
When Kawasaki left the kitchen, she too went to the bathroom—both of them brushing their teeth.
When Kawasaki came out, she walked to the sofa and sat down beside Yuuya, her face faintly red.
Yuuya slowly leaned closer.
She shut her eyes.
This time, Yuuya didn't stop. He kissed Kawasaki Saki directly.
Kawasaki, awkward and inexperienced, didn't really know how to respond to Yuuya.
After a long while, Yuuya pulled back.
"Don't misunderstand. The reason I'm this practiced… it's not because I've dated anyone before."
"I… I know," Kawasaki whispered, recalling that manga volume she had once found while cleaning Yuuya's room for the first time.
Seeing her flushed cheeks, Yuuya leaned in again.
"Once isn't enough."
"…"
Kawasaki bashfully closed her eyes again.
[Affection from Kawasaki Saki +50][Affection from Kawasaki Saki +50][Affection from Kawasaki Saki +50][Affection from Kawasaki Saki +50]
When the glowing virtual screen faded, Yuuya turned toward Kawasaki, who was quietly tidying her clothes.
"Did I… go too far just now?"
"N-no… it's fine," she murmured.
"Really? You're too kind, Saki."
"Do you… want to watch anime tonight? I'll watch with you," she asked softly.
"It's getting late. I'll walk you home," Yuuya shook his head.
"I… I can stay the night." Kawasaki looked at him earnestly.
"Two nights in a row? Your family will worry. Besides…" Yuuya's voice grew lower. "If you stay, I won't be able to sleep. I'll just keep thinking about you."
"…"
Her face burned crimson as she lowered her head.
Yuuya stood, offering his hand.
Kawasaki placed her small hand into his.
But the moment she rose, he pulled her into his arms.
"The truth is, I do want you to stay. I want to tease you, to hold you close. But… we've only just gotten to know each other. I don't want you to think I'm someone who only has… weird thoughts. I want you to feel my affection clearly. I want you to feel happy." Yuuya's voice was steady, serious.
[Affection from Kawasaki Saki +50]
She lifted her head, gazing at him.
"…Thank you, Yuuya-kun."
"No need to thank me, Saki."
He gently stroked her hair.
It wasn't that Yuuya didn't want to "bully" Kawasaki Saki. It was because the system had issued a warning.
If affection exceeded 90%, a Silver Treasure Chest could be unlocked—but the target would no longer generate affection or disgust points.
Saki's affection level currently sat at 80%.
The final 10% would come when their relationship crossed that line, when she completely fell in love with him.
Of course, eventually it would surpass 90%—but until then, Yuuya wanted to drag it out, to squeeze as many affection points from her as possible.
After morning training.
Yuuya returned home.
Kawasaki Saki was already there, preparing breakfast.
He stepped into the bathroom, finding his school uniform laid out.
After a quick shower, he changed and came out.
Saki happened to be setting breakfast on the table.
They ate quietly, side by side.
When they finished, Yuuya helped carry the dishes back to the kitchen.
"That's my job," Saki said softly.
"Honestly, I didn't hire you just to cook and clean. My goal from the start… was you, Saki." Yuuya looked at her.
"No wonder you've been so kind to me…"
"Even though we're close now, your salary won't change. But if possible, I'd like to hire you for life."
"For life… as a maid?"
"Or… some other role. For example, as my wife."
[Affection from Kawasaki Saki +50]
Yuuya embraced her lightly, lifting her chin with one hand.
When she closed her eyes again, he kissed her without hesitation.
In front of the school building.
Yukinoshita Yukino spotted Yuuya and stopped in her tracks.
Yuuya smiled at her—then immediately turned to walk away.
[Disgust from Yukinoshita Yukino +30]
At the shoe lockers, after changing shoes, Yuuya glanced at Yukino again.
She had clearly prepared herself for an interaction, but Yuuya had ignored her completely. No wonder she looked furious.
Yukino glared coldly at him.
Yuuya stepped forward.
"Good morning, Yukinoshita-san."
"My morning is anything but good."
"Oh? Not feeling well? Should I take you to the nurse's office?"
"Seeing you… makes me unwell."
"…Is this about me not having lunch with you yesterday?" Yuuya asked with mock innocence.
"…"
Yukino's face stayed utterly blank.
[Disgust from Yukinoshita Yukino +50]
Students nearby froze, jaws hanging at Yuuya's words.
He stepped back two paces.
"Relax, just kidding. See you at lunch."
Inside the classroom.
Yuuya greeted Miura Yumiko first, then walked over to Aki Tomoya.
Tomoya looked up at him without fear.
Yuuya patted his shoulder.
"Not bad. You've got guts."
"I just did what I had to do," Tomoya said firmly.
"One million yen."
"…What?"
"I'll give you one million yen. Just stay out of my business with Eriri."
"Eriri is my friend. I won't just—"
"Ten million yen," Yuuya cut him off.
"…" Tomoya fell silent.
One million yen was barely enough for tuition and living expenses.
But ten million yen? Tuition, living costs, cram school fees—enough to secure his path to university.
Yuuya could see Tomoya's silence meant he was tempted.
So he pressed further.
"Not only ten million. I'll also give you the chance to make games. You can work at my game company, gain real experience."
"…Let me think about it," Tomoya muttered.
"Honestly, Eriri kind of dislikes you. Interfering in her business will only make her hate you more. I really do want to be friends with you. Sure, I'm not the greatest person… but I have resources. If you become my friend, I'll invest a hundred million yen in your project. If it fails, I'll eat the loss." Yuuya smiled warmly.
"…Would you ever abandon Eriri?" Tomoya asked, his tone serious.
"Of course not. Eriri's way too cute. How could I possibly abandon her?" Yuuya replied without a second of hesitation.
"…And what about you and Miura-san?" Tomoya glanced at Yumiko.
"There's nothing between us. We were only acting, to put on a show for Hayama Hayato."
"Really? Then yesterday I—"
"That stays between us. Please keep it secret."
"…I'm sorry, Yuuya-kun. I didn't know…" Tomoya looked guilty.
Yuuya only smiled.
"It's fine. I should've explained."
"I don't want your money. Just… give me that opportunity at your game company," Tomoya said earnestly.