I didn't feel drowsy or tired, but rather lost in the peace of the rain. Each droplet carried a soft rhythm, like an old lullaby I had long forgotten but still found comfort in. The rhythmic sound as it met the ground, roofs, and trees alike was calming.
Ten minutes passed unnoticed as I waited, absorbed in the tranquil atmosphere, waiting for Saeko's arrival. However, she still hadn't appeared.
I wasn't bored or restless—at least, not at first. The rain's steady rhythm was mesmerizing, each droplet forming tiny rivers along the pavement. The scent of damp earth mixed with the cool night air, making the moment feel almost timeless.
Almost.
But as time stretched on, my fingers began tapping lightly against my knee. The occasional ripple in a puddle caught my attention for a second, but even that lost its charm. With Saeko still nowhere in sight, the quiet calm began to morph into something else—a slow, creeping itch for something to do.
I leaned back against the wall, exhaling.
'Guess I might as well check the system; Open Quests'
[Main Quest #1: Get a girlfriend(s) and make $25,000 through your own efforts (without using system money) by the start of sophomore year. If system funds are used, the difficulty doubles, and you must make $50,000 instead. Remember, only genuine relationship connections count if pursuing multiple relationships.]
'Hah, that's quite challenging,' I thought.
I wondered briefly if the modules I had added to the system would assist in completing the quest.
'Will added modules help complete this quest?' I asked.
[No. The added modules and system funds do not contribute to quest completion. Using system funds doubles the required amount.]
"Damn," I sighed aloud, slightly disappointed. The system was generous enough to let me use its funds, but this limitation certainly made things tougher.
Considering this, I realized I'd completed about one-fifth of the quest: $10,000 out of the required $50,000 if system funds were utilized.
I sighed deeply, refocusing my thoughts.
"I really need to start scheduling and planning more often!"
[Why not start now?]
'Oh yeah.' I agreed with the system and got to work with no hesitation. That's when something hit me.
"System, wasn't there some skill game I should've gotten?" I had forgotten about it, but when I opened the system panel, the quest with Saeko was right there. Perks of leaving previous tabs open!
[Yeah, but you haven't completed the quest yet.]
'What do you mean?'
[It's exactly what it sounds like.]
'So... what do I need to do?' I shook my head with a wry smile.
[Leave.]
'Leave?'
[Yeah.]
'Wow.'
put that behind me and went back to what I was doing. I scrolled through the system and opened the calendar.
'Holidays are already marked! Oh, let's go ahead and...'
I willed for specific days to be displayed, showing and marking the birthdays of everyone.
Sawako, December 31st
Mahiru, December 6th
Ruby, December 17th
Yuta, November 28th
Itsuki, April 3rd
It was kind of surprising to see that Yuta and I shared the same birthday month. Sure, it wasn't really all that crazy, but it was something I had never taken note of before. Another thing that caught my attention was my mom and dad's birthdays.
Their birthdays were in May and July, respectively, so fortunately, I hadn't missed them due to any oversight. I had the chance to prepare a lavish celebration, which I felt I ought to do out of respect—not only for taking care of the original Amane but also for everything they continued to do for me. They paid for my own place—albeit for now—and they always checked in to make sure I was okay.
I put that thought aside for later and scrolled through the skills, but nothing had changed.
'I guess the main status screen is up next. I haven't looked in a while!'
[Main Status]
- Name: Fujimiya Amane
- Age: 16
- Birthday: November 8
-Income Tier: 1.5
- Nationality: Japanese
- Occupation: High School Student
- Residence: Tokyo, Japan
[Assets]
- Balance: $13,800
- Maid Latte Café (Landlord, not owner)
- Miyamura Bakery (Landlord, not owner)
'Thank God, my balance isn't zero anymore!'
I knew I had already cried imaginary tears of joy before, but seeing it again made me so happy. My main focus should be to never let it drop to zero again. Thankfully, I did have some money—I had just used it to help Iori. And I got my return on investment!
I went through some other things, and before I knew it, the rain had stopped. Saeko still hadn't reappeared, which started to make me feel worried. I wholeheartedly doubted she was in danger, but for her not to call or text me felt a bit odd. She cared enough to make sure I didn't get sick, so I think she'd care enough not to let me get lost.
Not that I was lost, but I don't think I really need to explain.
' I should go see if she's okay. It would be wrong of me not to as a friend!'