[Skills: Household E, Massage E]
Kuse Oto's time at a Chinese massage hospital left techniques Aoyama Osamu memorized.
With practice, his Massage could hit B.
Unlike Vitality, Strength, Intelligence, Appearance, or Speed, even an E skill surpassed most people.
None of that mattered—under system guidance, every practice was perfect. Aoyama Osamu felt his legs improve significantly.
If Kuse Oto's massage was a pill, the system's was an IV drip—faster, stronger.
But still limited—it was just a massage.
—System, keep massaging!
[Body in recovery. 'Massage' guidance unavailable.]
Aoyama Osamu knew not to overdo it.
—Then don't slack—start Math II!
He grabbed his backpack, pulled out his math textbook, and studied with focus.
No noise for a while, so Kuse Oto stood and approached the bed.
Her flawless, almost artificial finger parted the white curtain. The boy with leg issues was diligently solving math problems.
Spring sunlight streamed through the window, faintly illuminating his profile.
Kuse Oto watched his solving hand, then his face, for a long moment.
She could tell Aoyama Osamu didn't notice her presence or gaze—she was certain.
Her eyes flicked to the crumpled tissue by the bed.
So young, yet so composed after that—a brilliant or dim future?
Still, someone like him could visit the nurse's office often.
Kuse Oto lowered the curtain.
Formulas, formulas, formulas—endless memorization.
Problems, problems, problems—endless solving.
Under system guidance, each step followed the masters' footprints, steadier.
Using all his Intelligence, he gained more.
Standing on giants' shoulders, he saw everything!
The system ignited his hidden energy, unlocking his full potential.
Two hours later, Aoyama Osamu felt tired but exhilarated, fulfilled.
—System, massage my legs!
Kuse Oto heard the slap! slap! slap! again.
Expressionless, like a robot without other faces, she continued her work.
Beyond physical care, Kuse Oto monitored students' mental health.
Kaimei High's internal site had a mental health mailbox for anonymous student submissions.
She handled these, chatting with students about their issues.
Even rich kids had endless worries—nobody was truly carefree; many just shouldered their pain.
After massaging, Aoyama Osamu resumed system-guided math study.
Now, in math, he surpassed most peers in progress and depth.
Second study session ended.
"Being filled with knowledge feels amazing," he said aloud.
"Time to be filled with lunch," Kuse Oto said, parting the curtain.
Her white coat flared as she held the curtains, revealing a slender waist.
Kaimei High's cafeteria let students eat freely for a fee.
Tuition, field trips, meals—none applied to Aoyama Osamu or the Ono sisters.
"Your sisters came by; they're getting your lunch," Kuse Oto said.
"Thanks, Sensei," Aoyama Osamu said, rubbing his legs. "I feel much better."
Kuse Oto touched him.
"Feel anything?"
"Nothing."
"Here?"
"Bit sore."
After checking, she nodded. "You can return to class this afternoon."
Aoyama Osamu regretted his honesty.
"Sensei, can I stay here? I swear I'll study hard!"
"Mental health issues?" Kuse Oto tilted her head. "Scared of class? Bullied?"
"…"
"Guess not."
Aoyama Osamu consoled himself—classroom teaching mode was more efficient.
But if he zoned out, the system might do things like "confess to Mihana" or "compliment Mizuki's chest."
Soon, the Ono sisters brought his lunch—takeout was for special cases only.
Aoyama Osamu was starving.
Still hungry after eating, he eyed Kuse Oto's fancy lunchbox: eight dishes, barely touched, each portion small.
Half-full yet unsatisfied, his hunger surged.
"Sensei… can I have what you didn't finish?" he asked.
Kuse Oto short-circuited.
After a pause, she hesitantly handed over the lunchbox.
Under Mihana's pity, Mizuki's disdain, and Kuse Oto's confusion, Aoyama Osamu ate.
Kuse Oto's leftovers—one bite per dish, gone in moments.
"Eighty percent full," he said, wiping his mouth, satisfied.
"No problem?" Kuse Oto asked.
"Hm?"
"Eating leftovers."
"No issue," he waved off.
He and the Ono sisters ate "fresh" meals every three days at home.
Not really fresh—bulk discount ingredients, stockpiled for ages.
In his past life, he might've cared, but now, finishing leftovers was nothing.
"You two go on. I'll nap here. Sensei says I'm good for the afternoon," he smiled at the sisters.
Mihana worked evenings and studied during lunch; Mizuki had club.
Both had things to do.
"Sensei, is Osamu-kun really okay?" Mihana asked.
"I gave him Chinese massage—ancient techniques I learned there," Kuse Oto said.
As expected, the sisters smiled, relieved.
But did they know Kuse Oto learned as a patient? Like someone claiming temple wisdom after being detained by monks.
The sisters left. Kuse Oto closed the curtain. Aoyama Osamu massaged again.
Slap! Slap! Slap!
—Title it: Afternoon in the Nurse's Office.
After a nap, he could walk.
Back in class for the afternoon, first period was Classics.
He hesitated but skipped resting for one period.
The atmosphere demanded it.
Kaimei High's study vibe was intense: some aimed for lawyer, chemist, or robotics; others saw Tokyo University as a stepping stone to study abroad.
—System, let's study Classics!
He zoned out deliberately, testing the system—maybe for material.
His hands left the desk.
Oh? What's it doing?
Started undoing his pants.
Seriously?!
It's just studying!
At 3:30 p.m., school ended. Due to his leg injury, Aoyama Osamu, slated for clean-up duty, was excused early.
Outside the classroom, Miu Ai waited—or rather, came to nab him.
Her black hair gleamed gold in the sunlight.
She eyed him. "You look pale… whatever, I won't pry into your private life."
Please pry!