-----
-----
"Mm…"
Anna Yanami didn't finally wake up until nine in the morning, blinking groggily as she opened her eyes.
As the saying goes, full stomach, good sleep—and that couldn't be more true for a girl with an endless appetite like hers.
"Weekends are definitely made for sleeping in…"
She sat up, scratching her messy hair, then stretched both arms high above her head with a big yawn. The blanket slipped off her shoulders, revealing fleeting glimpses of her soft, youthful figure—innocent, yet quietly charming.
"Let's see what today's diary says…"
With a hint of excitement in her eyes, Anna pulled out the Loser's Diary from under her pillow.
She used to check her phone first thing in the morning. Somewhere along the line, that habit had quietly turned into reading this diary instead.
[By the time you read this, you'll have died alone…]
"Seriously? Every time it's 'died alone.' Future me is kinda pathetic, isn't she?"
She grumbled under her breath and kept reading.
[Last night, you walked home with Blake and ran into an angel along the way. You gave it everything you had but couldn't win, leaving you deeply shaken.]
[Before going to bed, you seriously reflected on your future and your goals.]
[But as you thought about it, you got hungry. Soon your mind was filled with nothing but food, and you drifted off to sleep in the middle of those delicious fantasies.]
[Time passed, and not long after, you met your true lifelong rival.]
[Three years of high school flew by. With Blake's help, you successfully got into the University of Tokyo.]
[During college, Blake started dating your lifelong rival.]
[Heartbroken, you turned your grief into appetite. One day, you accidentally joined the literature club and ended up writing a light novel during club activities. Unexpectedly, it became a huge hit.]
[You discovered that you actually had a real talent for writing. After putting in the effort, you became a well-known, beautiful novelist.]
[After graduating, you attended the wedding of Blake and your lifelong rival.]
[You drowned your sorrows in food and drink, and as a 'loser,' you lived out your days alone.]
"Huh?"
Anna held the diary up close, her eyes sparkling.
"I… actually have talent for writing? I'll become a famous, beautiful author in the future?"
"Hehehe~"
The corners of her lips shot up instantly, her face blooming into a bright, sunflower-like smile.
"This diary is so mysterious… there's no way it's lying, right?"
"So that means… I really can become a beautiful novelist in the future?"
"Wow… turns out I've got some amazing talent after all."
"Alright, it's decided! From now on, I'm aiming to become a beautiful novelist!"
"…"
Clutching the diary, Anna rolled around happily on her bed. But after a moment, she suddenly sat upright again.
"Wait… who's this 'lifelong rival' the diary keeps talking about?"
"Why doesn't it say their name?"
"…"
Unable to figure it out, she tucked the question away for later. She quickly got out of bed, changed clothes, washed up, scarfed down breakfast, and dashed out the door.
"Cola chicken wings, mapo tofu, grilled saury—I'm coming for you!"
Meanwhile, elsewhere.
Blake was at home, seriously working on a game proposal when the doorbell suddenly rang.
He got up to answer it.
Standing quietly outside was the angelic girl with flaxen hair. She looked up at him, her voice soft and gentle.
"Good morning, Mr. Blake."
Mahiru Shiina wasn't wearing her school uniform today. Instead, she had on a pink sweater paired with a white skirt. The outfit was simple, but she still looked incredibly cute—standing in the sunlight like she was glowing.
"Morning," Blake replied with a nod. "How are you feeling?"
"My temperature's back to normal, and I'm not feeling unwell anymore." Mahiru bowed politely. "Thank you so much for taking care of me last night."
Blake waved it off. "We're neighbors. No need to be so formal."
Mahiru raised a neatly wrapped box of cookies with both hands, her voice gentle.
"These are cookies I baked yesterday. This is my first proper visit, so please accept them."
It was a common custom—when visiting a new neighbor, you'd usually bring a small gift, often something like cookies or snacks.
Mahiru had only moved in less than a week ago. Today was her official visit.
"Thanks." Blake accepted the box politely. "Do you want to come in and sit for a bit?"
Mahiru pressed her lips together slightly. "Then… excuse me."
Blake: "…"
Wait, I was just being polite—you actually came in?!
Going alone into a boy's house… aren't you worried about your safety at all?!
But the words were already out. He couldn't exactly take them back now. With no choice, Blake grabbed a pair of slippers for her.
"Excuse me."
Mahiru stepped into the living room, glancing around with curiosity.
"It's a bit messy in here."
Blake coughed awkwardly. "I've been busy lately. I usually clean once every two weeks."
"That's not okay."
Her voice suddenly grew firmer.
"Huh?"
Blake looked at her, puzzled.
Mahiru turned to face him, rising slightly on her toes. Her caramel-colored eyes met his directly. She might be petite, but her presence was surprisingly strong.
"Cleaning only once every two weeks isn't hygienic. A messy room will definitely affect your mood."
For a guy, cleaning once a month is normal, okay?!
"Mr. Blake, where do you keep the mop and cleaning cloths?"
"…In the storage room." He paused, then blinked. "Wait—what are you planning to do?"
"I'll help clean the living room," she replied softly. "You took care of me last night. I don't really have a way to repay you, so I'll at least help with some housework."
"You don't have to. I can clean it myself when I have time…"
He tried to refuse politely.
"My teacher always said, 'A drop of kindness should be repaid with a spring.'" She looked at him, her tone still gentle—but leaving no room for argument. "Please tell me where the storage room is."
"…Under the stairs."
Mahiru quickly retrieved the cleaning supplies. But instead of starting right away, she first took out a hair tie and gathered her long hair into a neat, high ponytail. Then she went into the kitchen, grabbed an apron, and tied it around her waist—instantly transforming into the image of a perfect homemaker.
"I'll get started."
Her voice was light and cheerful as she began cleaning.
"I'll help," Blake said, feeling awkward just standing there.
"No need." Mahiru shook her head. "If you join in, it'll interfere with my cleaning plan. And if it's not done properly, I'll have to clean it all over again."
Hey, don't underestimate me! Anyone can clean, you know!
"Blake, lift your foot for a moment," she said suddenly.
"Huh? Why?"
Confused, he lifted his right foot.
"As expected, the soles are already dirty." Mahiru pursed her lips slightly. Even though she was the guest, she spoke with the authority of the homeowner. "Change into a clean pair of slippers. Then take the ones you just took off to the bathroom. I'll wash them later."
"..."
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________