Ficool

Chapter 1 - Chapter 1

[You have acquired the Love Game Simulator!] [This system is designed to assist socially anxious individuals with romance. Would you like to bind it?]

"…W-Who? Who's there?"

Inside a dimly lit closet, Hitomi Goto trembled, clutching her guitar. It felt like a supernatural event. Bocchi-chan, the self-proclaimed ultimate introvert who blended into the background at school, didn't think anyone would prank her—she barely knew anyone. She saw herself as a slug hiding at the bottom of a trash can.

[Would you like to bind?]

"C-Can it really… help me?"

[It can…]

"Wahh! A g-ghost!" Hitomi Goto jolted as if electrocuted, collapsing in the closet, her body twitching. She hugged her guitar tightly and squeezed her eyes shut.

To all relatives, friends (crossed out), besties (crossed out), classmates (crossed out)—we regret to inform you of sad news. Our beloved rock star, Hitomi Goto, passed away in her bedroom on April 14, 202X, at the age of 15…

[…]

After a long silence:

[Would you like to bind?] [This system can help you improve yourself, become a rock legend, and pursue any romantic interest.]

"R-Really? I'll bind!" Hitomi snapped out of her daze, recalling light novels she'd read.

She quickly understood. This wasn't a ghost or a prank—it was her very own cheat code! With this system, she could become a national rock star with millions of fans… Wait, a love simulator? Not a rock simulator? Or even a "popular kid" simulator?

[Yes, a love simulator. The sweet and bitter moments of romance are treasures of human emotion. This system is dedicated to helping you experience the most wonderful love stories.] [Every simulation is just a game and won't affect reality, but you can gain rewards to improve yourself.]

Bocchi-chan swallowed excitedly. "So cool."

She could make tons of money in the future. So cool!

[Would you like to start your first simulation?] [This system offers 5 free simulations. Starting from the 6th, a small fee will be required.]

"Start!" Bocchi-chan was already buzzing with anticipation.

As a socially anxious introvert, this simulator was perfect for her. If she'd gotten a generic cheat code, she wouldn't even know how to use it.

[Please select a simulation target!] [1. Ikuyo Kita, Current Affection: Friendly] [2. Nijika Ijichi, Current Affection: Friendly] [3. Toru Kitahara, Current Affection: Neutral]

Seeing the three options, Bocchi-chan panicked a little.

This simulator didn't restrict romantic orientation?

The first two were her bandmates from Kessoku Band. As for the last one…

Toru Kitahara, the school's celebrity, known by everyone. A former child prodigy pianist who debuted young, he scaled back his entertainment career at 14. Now at Shuka High School, he topped the academic rankings.

But that wasn't the point!

The point was—he was handsome!

Super handsome!

More importantly, he was in her class, seated not too far away.

Normally, a popular guy like him was out of reach for someone like Bocchi-chan, who wouldn't dare dream of approaching him even with ten thousand times her courage. He was her unattainable white moonlight. But in a simulator… ghehe!

Dating a super handsome guy like him would be amazing!

Go for it, Hitomi Goto!

Please, other me, make it happen!

[Simulation Start!]

Text scrolled across the panel.

[April 15, Sunny. April, the season of blooming cherry blossoms. Boys and girls brim with youthful energy, walking to school together.] [Their liveliness has nothing to do with you.] [As a class outcast, despite resolving to debut in high school and change your image, your timid nature prevents you from even starting a conversation. Half a month into the school year, you haven't made a single friend. Your only "youthful" moment was being dragged by Nijika Ijichi to a live house a week ago.]

"Timid as a mouse? That's harsh!"

Bocchi-chan pouted, unhappy with the description.

[You arrive at class with your head down and sit at your desk. A tidal wave of loneliness washes over you.] [Morning passes. Your academics improve slightly. Knowledge +0.1] [Afternoon passes. Your academics improve slightly. Knowledge +0.1] [Another day passes. Your academics improve. Knowledge +0.2] [A month passes. Knowledge +3]

What?! No progress at all? Where's the romance? Where's the popular kid plot?!

Bocchi-chan had hoped the simulator would transform her, not let her stagnate! At this rate, she'd end up alone forever!

[Six months pass. You and your Kessoku Band mates grow closer and gain some fame. Encouraged by Ikuyo Kita, you perform at the cultural festival. Your guitar strumming stuns the audience—they had no idea Hitomi Goto could play, let alone so well! Charm +1]

Hehe, that feels good.

In her closet, Bocchi-chan giggled, scratching the back of her head as she watched her simulated self shine.

[But in your excitement, you mimic a rock star and jump off the stage, hoping the crowd will catch you. You get injured and rest for three days. Courage +1] [The cultural festival makes you briefly famous, but the buzz fades in three days. You still have no friends outside Kessoku Band, but you're content. Contentment brings happiness, right? (lol)]

I'm not content!

I want romance! Where's Kitahara-kun? Isn't this supposed to be our youthful love story?!

[Your actions catch Toru Kitahara's attention. Toru Kitahara Affection +3]

See? My love story is fine! Bocchi-chan sighed in relief. A love simulator should be about love, after all.

[Kessoku Band's activities continue, but your weekends are increasingly occupied by part-time jobs, leaving less free time. You ponder what to do next—]

What?! Is the future rock legend Hitomi Goto about to abandon music for love?!

[1. Stick with the Kessoku Band girls and bond.] [2. Abandon music to study for the ultra-difficult Tokyo University medical program!] [3. Confess directly to Toru Kitahara during the school trip, admitting you've had a crush on him for two years!] [4. Noticing his interest in guitars, offer to teach him.] [Please choose!]

I choose… 3!

Go, other me!

My love life depends on you!

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