Shirai Mio felt like she was drawing way too much attention.
It was bad enough when Tobe had spotted her dropping her keys earlier, but when she tried that trick again, someone immediately called out to her the instant something hit the ground.
This left Mio feeling pretty helpless.
She had the [Opposite Sex Repellent] penalty card active, yet her popularity among the guys hadn't changed one bit. She figured it was probably because she was just too good-looking, and the card's level was way too low to actually do anything.
Plus there was that [Full Charm] card she'd gotten last night. Mio felt like she was standing out even more now.
Compared to Kato Megumi's nearly non-existent presence, they were complete opposites.
The third period break was almost over, but fortunately the last class of the morning was PE. She'd still have a chance then.
Just as Mio was thinking about what to do next, Yuigahama Yui suddenly sidled up next to her. "Mio, class is starting soon! Let's hurry and get changed."
"Mm."
Following Yuigahama-san to the changing room, Mio noticed Kato Megumi was already there. She'd finished changing and was about to head out.
Perhaps noticing Mio's gaze, Kato Megumi glanced her way, a hint of curiosity flickering in her eyes.
As for what she was curious about, Mio had no idea.
She had to admit, Kato Megumi really was pretty cute. Yet such a cute girl had such a low presence—it defied all logic.
Today's PE class was tennis practice, in pairs.
Before they started though, they needed to run two warm-up laps. Mio had originally wanted to use this opportunity to get close to Kato Megumi, but she'd overestimated her own physical fitness. She couldn't keep up with her at all.
Left with no choice, she gave up and waited for the next opportunity.
As one of the pretty girls in class, Mio naturally had plenty of guys eager to partner up with her for practice.
Seeing the boys around her ready to pounce, and before Mio could even speak, Yuigahama Yui grabbed her hand. "Mio, let's pair up!"
Although phrased as a question, her tone left no room for debate.
It was rare to see Yuigahama-san being so assertive.
"Sure." Even if Yuigahama-san hadn't asked her first, Mio would've partnered with her anyway.
With this kind of paired practice, approaching Kato Megumi wasn't realistic since she couldn't even initiate conversation with her right now.
But that was fine. This practice would only last a short while, and after that would be free time.
Perhaps noticing Mio's gaze, Kato Megumi suddenly glanced in her direction. Noticing this, Mio didn't avoid her eyes—instead, she met her gaze directly.
However, the eye contact didn't last long before practice started and interrupted them.
Still, Mio had already achieved her goal of getting Kato Megumi's attention.
"Mio, what are you looking at?" Yuigahama Yui curiously glanced in the direction Mio had been staring, but didn't see anything.
"Nothing. Let's start practicing."
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"Huh? Where'd she go?"
After practice ended, Mio only exchanged a few words with Yuigahama Yui before realizing Kato Megumi had disappeared.
Their class wasn't the only one having PE on the field right now, and it was free time, so when she looked around, all she saw was people everywhere.
"Mio, Yumiko and Hayama-kun are playing tennis. Want to go watch?"
"You go ahead. I need to hit the bathroom real quick. I'll be right back."
After saying this, Mio turned and headed toward the restroom, all while keeping an eye on her surroundings.
But even after reaching the bathroom, she still hadn't spotted Kato Megumi.
There's no way she was going to fail such a simple task, right?
Exiting the restroom, Mio stood at the edge of the field, watching the students coming and going, trying to find Kato Megumi among them.
Just as Mio's search came up empty and she was about to try a different location, a somewhat familiar voice suddenly spoke right next to her ear. "Shirai-san, are you looking for someone?"
Hearing the voice, Mio instinctively turned around, only to discover that Kato Megumi—the person she'd been searching for—had appeared behind her at some point.
Mio suddenly felt that Kato Megumi might have a talent for being an assassin.
Before she could respond, the classmate walking past her froze mid-step, and the system's voice rang out: "Congratulations, Host. Task complete. The host's conquest rating with Kato Megumi has increased by 2 points. Please select your reward."
[Kato Megumi's Presence Concealment]
Slightly lowers the host's presence. Please note: due to the host's excessively high charm, this card's effect will be reduced. Part of the Kato Megumi series deck.
[Kato Megumi's White Beret]
The same white beret Kato Megumi wears. Wearing this hat will slightly increase your charm and presence. Part of the Kato Megumi outfit series.
[Temporary Upgrade Card]
Select one card to upgrade by 2 levels for 24 hours. Single-use card, disappears after use.
After hesitating for a moment, Mio chose [Kato Megumi's Presence Concealment] as her reward. Even though the unupgraded card with reduced effectiveness would basically be useless, this card could be upgraded. Once upgraded, even with the reduced effect, it should still work decently.
After Mio made her selection, time resumed.
"If I said I was actually looking for you, would you be surprised?"
"I'm surprised. What did Shirai-san need me for?" Kato Megumi's tone was flat, but a flash of genuine surprise did pass through her pretty black eyes.
"I just... wanted to be friends with you."
"Does Shirai-san want me to help buy drinks and lunch?"
"Of course not! Do I look like someone who'd make people run errands for me?" Mio said, somewhat exasperated.
Kato Megumi thought seriously for a moment, then shook her head. Shirai-san had a pretty good reputation among the students, both guys and girls.
"I'm just simply curious about Kato-san. You're so pretty, yet you never draw any attention. How do you even do that? Could you teach me?"
"I can't quite tell if Shirai-san is complimenting me or mocking me."
"Complimenting you."
Kato Megumi looked at Mio a bit strangely. She didn't quite understand why Shirai-san was looking at her with that slight excitement in her eyes, like a fan who'd just met their idol.
Was it her imagination?
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