After finishing their fast food, Takumi Yuuya took Shouko Nishimiya to feed the fish.
A warm smile spread across her face.
Takumi felt a sense of healing wash over him as he watched her smile.
Once they finished feeding the fish, they returned to the school gate.
Yaeko Nishimiya was already waiting.
Shouko hopped off the bicycle's back seat.
Takumi planted a gentle kiss on her cheek.
"Affection from Nishimiya Shouko +50"
She blushed deeply and lowered her small head.
Takumi then turned to Yaeko.
"I'll be off now."
"Take care on your way, Master Takumi," she said, bowing politely.
Back at home, Saki Kawasaki was preparing dinner.
Takumi entered the kitchen and hugged her from behind.
Saki spoke softly, her voice just above a whisper.
"The club application went through. I just messaged Manami, and tomorrow during lunch we'll clean the activity room."
"Do you need help?"
"No, it's an empty room. It's small anyway."
"What about desks and chairs?"
"There are new ones in the storage room. It's not far."
"Manami can't go to the activity room every day. When she's not there, I'll go instead. Then…"
Takumi trailed off, leaving the rest unspoken.
"Affection from Kawasaki Saki +50"
Saki's cheeks flushed.
"That stage… hasn't passed yet?"
"Almost. Don't worry."
"I… I'm not worried, I'm just concerned about you…"
"Concerned about me how?"
Takumi squeezed Saki's small hand, sensing her meaning.
She grew shy and didn't respond.
After dinner, Saki finished cleaning up.
Takumi picked up the gift for Kyoka Kawasaki, and together they went to the Kawasaki household.
Kyoka squealed in delight when she saw Takumi, calling him "Big Brother."
When Takumi presented her with the figures and posters, her joy was unmistakable.
"Affection from Kawasaki Saki +50"
Their happiness caught the attention of another person:
Taishi Kawasaki, Saki's younger brother.
Seeing Takumi, he bowed politely.
"Hello, Senior Takumi."
"Has Saki talked about me?"
"Yes. She mentioned you."
"Since this is our first meeting, I don't have much to give, so here's a red envelope," Takumi said, pulling one from his pocket and handing it to Taishi.
Taishi paused, looking at his sister.
Saki nodded.
He accepted the envelope.
"Thank you, Senior Takumi."
"You're welcome. I'll be leaving now."
Takumi smiled and walked out.
Saki followed him outside.
Curious, Taishi opened the envelope after the door closed.
One hundred thousand yen?
He froze.
Could Senior Takumi really have that much money?
Outside, Takumi kissed Saki again.
"Affection from Kawasaki Saki +50""Affection from Kawasaki Saki +50""Affection from Kawasaki Saki +50"
After the kiss, Takumi let her go, satisfied, and walked off.
Saki watched him disappear before heading back inside.
"Big sister… did Senior Takumi give you the wrong amount? Why ten thousand all at once?" Taishi asked, noticing Saki return.
"He doesn't need the money. Just take it," Saki said quietly.
At the Kousaka house, Kirino sat at dinner, head down.
She was next to Kayo, across from Manami.
Kyousuke had mentioned his plan to attend extra lessons.
Daisuke Kousaka raised an eyebrow in surprise.
"I've decided to go to university with Manami. During summer and after cram school, I'll work part-time to cover the fees and rent," Kyousuke explained.
"I'm glad you've decided that, but you don't need to pay the cram school fees yourself. Just cover the rent," Daisuke said, his eyes warm with approval.
Kayo smiled as well, feeling proud of Kyousuke's maturity.
Daisuke then looked at Manami.
"Manami, please check in on Kyousuke occasionally. His cooking skills are terrible."
"No problem," Manami replied with a smile.
Kirino stood quietly, whispering to herself,
"I'm done eating."
She placed her dishes in the kitchen and passed by Manami.
Manami noticed Kirino's eyes—disappointment, sadness, and a glimmer of tears.
Kyousuke, watching her leave, silently thought, I'm sorry.
As her older brother, this was the right thing to do.
When Takumi returned home, he saw Kirino's message about Kyousuke's decision.
After thinking for a moment, he replied:
"Are you doing okay?"
"I want to cry so badly, but I can't."
"Play some games, cheer up a little?"
"Senior Takumi, is there really nothing I can do?"
Takumi saw the message but didn't reply.
The answer was obvious.
Whether Kirino revealed her secret or not, Kyousuke would leave the house.
He understood the truth now and knew what a brother should or shouldn't do.
After a few minutes with no reply, Takumi went to his room for pajamas and initiated a video call with Yukino Yukinoshita as he entered the bathroom.
Yukino saw him in the bathroom and immediately hung up.
"Disgust from Yukino Yukinoshita +10"
Takumi smiled, put away his clothes, stepped into the bathtub, and called her again.
Seconds later, her voice came through.
"Do you need something?"
"No, just wanted to see you."
"Thanks. I don't miss you at all."
"Really? Then should I come over now?"
"I… do miss you."
"What did you talk about today?"
After half an hour in the bathroom, Takumi got out.
He hung up the video call, grabbed a can of cola, and sat on the sofa.
He opened the system menu to check his points:
1590 points.
He activated the Silver Chest.
"Congratulations, host! You've obtained half a ton of gold. Withdraw anytime."
Silver Chest: 8
Takumi blinked at the system notification.
Half a ton of gold?
He checked the current gold price and estimated its value.
Approximately 5.75 billion yen.
He thought for a moment and called Hiyori Yukinoshita.
Hiyori picked up immediately.
"Takumi-kun, what's up?"
"Do you want some gold?"
"Of course! How much?"
"Half a ton."
"WHAT?!"
"My master's apprentice earned it overseas and asked me to sell it. At today's prices, it's about 5.75 billion yen. I'll take a 50 million yen commission. Interested?"
Hiyori went silent, stunned.
Working overseas? Paid in gold?
What kind of job even uses gold as payment?
Then she realized—it could only be that one kind of work.
"Is your master's apprentice okay?" she finally asked.
"Yes, already returned," Takumi replied.
..
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