I opened the door and was surprised to see Shun standing there.
"You... what are you doing here? And how do you know where I live?"
Shun looked a bit hesitant before answering,
"I followed you... There's something I'd like to ask for your help with."
I was caught off guard but still invited him into the living room.
After bringing out some snacks and drinks, I sat down across from him.
"So... what do you want to talk about?" I asked.
Shun flinched slightly, then slowly said:
"I... I've fallen for Ayaka. So, I hope you can support me..."
I didn't expect him to be that bold.
However, just imagining Shun and Ayaka becoming a couple made a sharp pain stab through my heart.
Shun continued:
"Could you... give me her contact information?"
I shook my head and replied:
"Ayaka wouldn't be happy if someone approached her so suddenly. You should ask her directly instead."
"I see..." he murmured.
After that, he started rambling on about how he had fallen for her.
I half-listened, occasionally nodding just to keep up appearances.
Finally, Shun stood up to leave, seemingly unaware that I had never actually agreed to help him.
Afterward, I returned to my room with a strange feeling lingering inside me.
What exactly is my purpose in this world...?
To simply let things flow naturally, even with a few minor changes?
Or should I start doing what I truly desire?
Just thinking about Ayaka ending up with someone else made my heart ache.
These past few days, I'd been chilling and enjoying my new life, but now, it was different.
I think I've finally found my true goal.
I want to make all the girls around me happy.
The next morning, I woke up as usual.
While brushing my teeth, I opened the system and tapped on the Affection tab.
Ayaka: 35/100
It seems we've gotten much closer over the past few days.
She's beginning to see me as more than just a friend.
Sumire: 51/100
At this number, I'm sure Sumire already has feelings for me.
I promised myself I would never let her be sad.
Kaori: 21/100
Our friendship was progressing steadily.
Mizuki: 30/100
Thanks to what happened yesterday, her favorability toward me had increased quite a bit.
Celestine: 20/100
Even though she felt indebted to me, we hadn't had much interaction yet.
After getting changed into my uniform, I stepped outside and saw Ayaka waiting for me and this time, Sumire was standing next to her.
Ayaka smiled sweetly:
"From today onward, Sumire will be joining us too."
Sumire looked up at me with big, puppy-like eyes:
"Is it... is it okay if I walk to school with you two?"
I chuckled softly and gently patted her head.
"Of course. No problem at all."
And so, the three of us headed to school together.
Sumire quietly walked close beside me, occasionally sneaking glances at me before quickly looking away when our eyes met.
Ayaka walked calmly on my other side, smiling every now and then as she listened to our conversation.
The atmosphere between the three of us was harmonious and comforting,
as if Sumire had naturally always been part of our little group.
I suddenly recalled a feature from the game, when a character's affection level reaches a certain threshold, special events would be triggered.
Sometimes someone would come and warn the protagonist to stay away from the girl they liked.
A pretty classic trope.
But this time, Ayaka was the main heroine, while Sumire was just a supporting character...
How would things turn out this time?
We arrived at the school gates.
Sumire clung slightly to my sleeve, while Ayaka walked calmly beside us, occasionally flashing a soft smile.
Everything felt peaceful.
At least, until I sensed a cold stare directed my way.
I glanced over, Shun was standing near the school gates, leaning against the wall, silently watching.
His gaze followed my every movement, sharp and chilling like needles against my skin.
He didn't approach.
He didn't say anything.
He just stood there, his eyes filled with confusion, jealousy, insecurity, and a hint of helplessness.
I sighed inwardly.
It seemed the real trouble was about to begin.
After settling into my seat in class, I sat quietly as usual.
But not even ten minutes had passed before I felt the need to step out for a bit.
I quietly left the classroom and headed toward the boys' restroom at the end of the hall.
Unexpectedly, as soon as I walked in, I found someone already there.
Shun.
He was leaning against the wall near the sink, as if he had been waiting for me.
He glanced at me and walked closer.
His voice was hoarse, filled with conflicted emotions:
"You said you would help me with Ayaka, right...? But... it doesn't seem like it."
I stared straight into his eyes and replied calmly:
"I never said I would help you.
Remember what I said yesterday, I didn't agree to anything."
Shun's face twisted slightly in frustration.
I let out a long breath and continued:
"Besides... love isn't something you can rely on others for.
If you truly like Ayaka, then you need to win her heart with your own strength.
Don't expect someone else to do it for you."
Silence filled the room.
I washed my hands quickly and left the restroom without looking back, leaving Shun standing there alone.
Inside my chest, a strange feeling stirred, as if from this moment onward, Shun and I were standing on opposite sides.
And of course,
Ayaka will be mine.