The women's uniform at "Rabbit House" featured a crisp white dress shirt with a light vest and a black knee-length skirt. A cute bow adorned the collar, paired with black tights and short leather boots.
They hadn't gotten Sakiko's measurements yet, so she couldn't wear the official uniform today, but Haru could already picture her in it.
"She'd definitely look cute…"
Sakiko clearly heard his murmured praise, and a light blush bloomed on her profile. She slowly turned her head away and pretended not to hear.
"The latte art is crucial. But for now, you don't need to worry about anything fancy. Just focus on mastering the basic brewing process."
Haru patiently guided her through every step, which surprised her a little.
Most seniors at part-time jobs didn't bother with proper instruction. She had fully prepared to learn everything on her own.
Yet this seemingly unreliable senpai was surprisingly responsible.
Still, Sakiko maintained a certain emotional distance.
Right now, she wasn't in a place to accept anyone's kindness.
"Kazami-senpai, what's this supposed to be…? A chubby Buriburizaemon?"
On the coffee's creamy surface, Haru had drawn a very rough version of a pig-faced swordsman character from an anime. The crude lines gave it an oddly unique charm, even kind of funny.
She had expected him to show off with some elegant latte art.
Who knew he'd throw a cartoon character at her instead? A total mismatch with his usual cool image.
"This is a hero of justice. Cool, right?"
Haru looked unusually serious, which only made it funnier.
The tension she'd been holding onto melted a bit more, and their conversation became easier.
But then, Sakiko's expression stiffened slightly.
"Kazami-senpai, please teach me the next task."
She couldn't afford to get too close to anyone. Emotional attachment led to vulnerability.
People couldn't be trusted. The only person she could rely on was herself.
"Alright, next up—serving appetizers."
...
Sakiko learned fast and worked hard. She quickly mastered the basics of coffee brewing. Everything you taught her, she absorbed instantly. A real blessing to train.
Luckily, today was oddly slow, giving Haru time to slack off a little.
While Sakiko focused on her coffee, Haru was ready to start his second full simulation.
"I'll use the Skill Upgrade Card on music theory. If I want to go deep into music, theory is the foundation."
[Item used successfully! 'Music Theory LV2' upgraded to 'Music Theory LV3']
As the upgrade completed, complex concepts like harmony, counterpoint, form, and melody flowed into his brain like water into a sponge.
Not the most pleasant sensation.
To Haru, it felt like sea urchin noises twisting and writhing in his ears.
[Available simulation targets: Yamada Ryo, Takamatsu Tomori, Togawa Sakiko]
"This time, let's go with Tomori."
He had already easily conquered Ryo in his first simulation, a complete success. Clearly, his charm far exceeded what the simulator had anticipated.
Kazami Haru, now surging with confidence, was even daring enough to challenge the girl known as a social gravity black hole, Takamatsu Tomori!
With charm like his, how hard could it be to win over a quiet little Tomori?
As for the simulator items, [Random Identity Card] and [Infatuation Card], Haru decided not to use them in Tomori's simulation. He wanted to go in empty, see how it played out naturally.
[Simulation start. Remaining attempts: 3]
[Even if you bailed on your new coworker by faking a bathroom emergency mid-shift, your future might still be bright.]
[You find yourself thinking about the quiet girl you casually spoke to after class. Despite the short time, you were deeply drawn in, Takamatsu Tomori's pure and gentle charm hit you like a freight train.]
[She was like a small animal, adorable and vulnerable, pulling your attention like a perfectly plated dessert.]
[Even while working, her smile and movements would flash through your mind. So, you decide—]
1. Honesty is your ultimate weapon—go talk to her boldly.
2. Don't rush. Start small and build the connection through conversation.
3. Play the long game—act normal and wait for the right time.
4. Virtual reality—experience it directly.
They all seemed viable, but with Tomori… it needed some thought.
Her withdrawn nature meant she needed someone to take the lead—but being too forward could scare her off. Like a skittish little penguin, she'd run if startled.
Haru chose Option 2.
[You decide not to rush and take your time building a connection.]
[The next day, you bump into Tomori by chance after class. Today, the school's 'mascot' randomly spawned near the garden beds outside. She seems to be eagerly searching for something. You sense this is a good time to approach.]
[Your presence surprises her. Crouched on the ground, she quickly hides something behind her back. Her face gives away nothing. So you decide—]
1. Ask directly what she's doing.
2. Bring up yesterday's conversation to build a topic.
3. Do a pole vault routine under the sunset.
4. Virtual reality—experience it directly.
Pole vaulting? Under the sunset? This isn't the time for a Fate/Stay Night reference.
After thinking carefully, Haru chose to ask directly.
Tomori's personality didn't suit roundabout chatting. A clear, direct question was likely the best approach.
"What are you doing?"
Haru looked at Tomori, who was hiding her hands behind her back, and asked plainly.
She froze slightly, his sudden approach made her visibly anxious.
It wasn't the first time someone had spoken to her, but when they realized she was doing something 'weird' or 'pointless,' they usually lost interest.
Remembering yesterday, Tomori hesitated, then raised her head.
She slowly opened her right hand, palm-up, revealing a small collection of oddly shaped stones.
Each one had unique features, dust and dirt still clinging to their surfaces. Yet she cupped them carefully in her palms, showing no concern for the mess.
Clearly, rock collecting wasn't a common hobby for high school girls. That's why Tomori was so reluctant to share this interest.
After showing them to Haru, she lowered her eyes, worried about what he might say.
"Do you know a five-year-old boy from Kasukabe?"
"Kasukabe…?"
"He also likes collecting rocks. The unique textures and colors show how each one is a singular creation of nature. Strong, stable, and special. It's actually really fun to collect them."
Tomori noticed Haru's calm demeanor. He didn't look confused or judgmental. Her eyes widened slightly in surprise.
Her interests had always been seen as strange.
Other girls liked cute, normal things. Their hobbies all made sense.
She was the odd one out. Collecting rocks, bugs, leaves, and stargazing. All things people didn't get.
Tomori quietly pursed her lips and looked up at Haru's face with her pale golden eyes.
Strength and stability…?
She couldn't even begin to match those.