Kousaka Kirino's eyes lit up.
She hadn't expected Takumi Yuuya to like Meruru too.
Takumi pulled out a Meruru figure and showed it to her.
Seeing it, she believed him even more.
"I like Meruru too. She's just so cute, and the story is really good," Kirino praised.
"My company is working on a game with lots of cute girls. I promise it'll meet your standards," Takumi said, showing her the concept art on his phone.
"Your company? But you're not…"
"The game concept is mine. The investment is partnered with others," he explained.
"That's amazing."
"I also plan to make an anime in the future. If you agree to be my girlfriend, I'll invest 200 million yen. You can use it for either the anime or the game."
Kirino's mouth dropped open.
Two hundred million yen?! That's probably more than the entire first-quarter production budget for Meruru's anime.
But as for Takumi's offer…
"Thank you for the offer, but I'm not planning to have a boyfriend right now," Kirino replied.
"Don't be too quick to refuse. If you let me be your boyfriend, Kyousuke Kousaka will react. There are rumors he's playing the field at Soubu High. Imagine how flustered he'd be if he found out I'm your boyfriend," Takumi said, using his old tactic.
Kirino froze.
If that's the case, maybe she could finally see what Kyousuke really thought.
"If you get the answer, you won't keep obsessing over it," Takumi continued.
"Why are you helping me?" she asked.
"Helping you gives me your affection. I think it's worth it," he said.
"Do you think reality is a game?"
"Life is a game, after all."
"Then… thank you," she said.
"No problem. Holding hands, hugging… you can consider that the reward," Takumi smiled.
"You really do play the field?" Kirino asked curiously.
Takumi nodded, not denying it.
After seeing Kirino off, Takumi casually picked out a few manga and returned to Eriri Sawamura.
She blushed when she saw the books.
"After we go to the mall to buy you some clothes, you can pick one to read at home," Takumi whispered.
"Is… that your condition?" Eriri asked, shyly.
"Yes. Is that okay?"
"I-I… okay."
Takumi smiled at her acceptance and kissed her on the cheek.
"Affection from Sawamura Eriri +50"
After checking out at the counter, they headed straight to the shopping mall.
Takumi chose clothes leaning toward cute styles.
Eriri's petite figure suited them perfectly.
He picked out three outfits plus pajamas.
Back home, Eriri changed into the clothes he chose.
Then she came out to the living room.
Takumi sized her up and was thoroughly pleased.
A short-sleeved top with a short skirt, paired with knee-high socks.
Maximum cuteness achieved.
Eriri came in front of him, and he pulled her into his arms.
He handed her the manga.
The cover featured two girls, radiating a sweet, citrusy charm.
As Eriri read the manga, Takumi's hand rested on her thigh.
"Affection from Sawamura Eriri +50""Affection from Sawamura Eriri +50""Affection from Sawamura Eriri +50"
Night fell.
Eriri prepared curry for dinner.
They ate together and cleaned up afterward.
Stepping out of the kitchen, Eriri said,
"You should go to the bathroom first."
"No need to rush. My bathtub is pretty big," Takumi said with a teasing smile.
Eriri blushed and lowered her head.
Given their current relationship, they could indeed be more intimate.
They took their pajamas and went to the bathroom.
An hour later, Takumi emerged holding Eriri.
Their pajamas matched—couple pajamas.
Eriri's cheeks glowed red.
Takumi put her down and turned off the lights.
In the darkened room, he lifted the corner of the blanket and lay down.
Eriri nestled into his chest, resting her head against him.
"Y-You… why…"
"Eriri, I'm actually not that great," he said quietly.
"What… what do you mean?"
"My reputation is known throughout the school. I'm sure you know about it too. My relationship with Yukino—you can probably guess—and besides Yukino, there's the maid, Yumiko, and other girls."
Eriri lowered her head, silent.
Takumi held her tighter and continued.
"I didn't tease you earlier because I feel guilty toward you. I don't want to hide anything from you."
"If you can accept me like this, I'll take responsibility. In the future, I'll give you at least 10 billion yen and marry you."
"And if you can't accept it…"
"Then we'll break up."
Eriri looked up at him after hearing that last part.
"I know… I thought that if I pretended not to notice, you'd treat me even better."
"I've never thought about the future. I just want to be with you."
"I don't want to break up with you," she said, tears glistening in her eyes.
Takumi understood immediately.
"Are you sure you want to stay with me forever?"
"I'm sure."
"Honestly, if we really broke up, I wouldn't be able to bear it either."
"Then why did you even mention breaking up?"
"I figured you wouldn't agree."
"No more talking about breaking up," Eriri pouted.
Takumi smiled and lifted her chin.
He didn't ask if she accepted the others.
Asking now would be foolish.
She could pretend not to notice, so of course, she tacitly accepted their presence.
Takumi kissed Eriri.
She hugged him back.
"Affection from Sawamura Eriri +50""Affection from Sawamura Eriri +50""Affection from Sawamura Eriri +50"
The night passed in an instant.
Takumi woke early and prepared breakfast for Eriri.
He woke her, helped her put on her school uniform, and carried her to the bathroom.
After washing up, she finally became fully awake.
She was surprised to see the breakfast Takumi prepared.
"You can cook too?"
"This is probably the first time I've made breakfast for a girl," he replied, sitting down to eat.
"Affection from Sawamura Eriri +50"
"The taste is good. I like it," Eriri said with a soft smile after trying it.
"Eriri, since you don't want to break up, I won't let go. No one will separate us—not even Yukino or your mother. I won't give up on you," Takumi said seriously.
"My mom probably won't stop me. About that virtual streamer project you mentioned—if I participate, I can earn shares. With enough money, I can take care of myself and won't need your support," Eriri said, meeting his gaze.
"The 10 billion yen I promised has one condition: we have a child," Takumi said with a teasing smile.
Eriri's face flushed deeply.