"After being kissed, she's still feeling all warm and fuzzy inside. The host's conquest rating with Yuigahama Yui has increased by 5 points."
"The host's conquest rating with Yuigahama Yui has reached 25 points. Task difficulty for Yuigahama Yui has increased."
"Please keep up the good work, Host, and strive to become someone's girlfriend~"
The System's string of notifications left Mio momentarily stunned. Although she'd expected the task difficulty to increase, she didn't think it would come this fast.
She wondered what the upgraded tasks would be like. This was only 25 points of conquest—surely it wouldn't jump straight to tasks like "push her down," right?
She'd only transmigrated a few days ago, and Yui's conquest of her was already at 25 points. At this rate, wouldn't she end up becoming Yui's girlfriend before long?
No, no, she had to control the conquest ratings. But to control conquest, she'd need to fail tasks, and failing tasks meant a bunch of awful debuffs. One wrong move and she might turn into a hot weapon.
Damn it. Was all of this part of the System's calculations?
Watching Mio's somewhat dazed expression, Yui grew even more nervous. Even though it was just an accident, it had still happened because of her carelessness. Shouldn't she take proper responsibility?
Also, even though her reaction had been quick, she didn't know if anyone had seen them kiss. If someone had seen it...
The blush that had just faded from Yui's cheeks crept back up again.
Just as she was about to say something, the bell rang. With no other choice, she could only return to her seat for now. At least this gave her time to think about how to explain things to Mio later.
Normally, Yui was very attentive in class. But right now, she couldn't focus on the lesson at all. Her mind was completely occupied by what had just happened—and the more she thought about it, the more she found herself remembering the sensation of that kiss. Just thinking about it made her face burn.
Even when class ended, Yui's thoughts were still a jumbled mess. Still, she mustered her courage and walked over to Mio's desk.
Before she could say anything, Mio spoke first: "I'm sorry. If I hadn't suggested playing that staring game, none of this would've happened."
"Huh!? I should be the one apologizing! If I hadn't been so careless..."
"Alright, alright, let's stop playing hot potato with the blame. Let's just call it an accident. But Yui, if you want to take responsibility for me—or if you want me to take responsibility for you—that's fine too, you know~"
At Mio's words, Yui's face flushed red all over again.
If this were an anime, steam would probably be rising from her head by now.
Under Mio's persuasion, Yui finally recovered her usual energetic demeanor. But when she looked at Mio, there seemed to be some indescribable emotion flickering in her eyes.
Even if Mio was a girl just like her, even if it was just an accident—it had still been her first kiss. First kisses weren't something you could just forget.
...
Afternoon, after school.
Mio accompanied Shiina Mashiro to the Art Club's activity room.
This time, she wasn't just escorting Mashiro—she also wanted to use this opportunity to join the Art Club herself. That way, she could get in contact with Eriri ahead of schedule.
Actually, Mio had been wanting to join some club to pass the time for a while now. Last week, she'd checked out quite a few clubs, like the "Soul Studies Research Club," the "Heretic Inquisition (FFF Brigade)," and the definitely-dangerous-looking "Hero Club."
There were so many clubs to choose from, and with her existing decision paralysis, she hadn't been able to decide which one to join.
But now, to make early contact with Eriri, joining the Art Club was definitely a good choice. Plus, she could wait for Mashiro too.
And the Art Club's advisor was Sengoku Chihiro, so even being a ghost member wouldn't be a problem.
When the Art Club president heard that Mio wanted to join, her smile nearly split her face in two.
Although both Mio and Mashiro were transfer students, they'd quickly garnered a lot of attention after arriving. Mashiro went without saying—she had both looks and talent, though her personality was a bit odd and she seemed hard to approach.
But Mio was different. She had a gentle personality and could chat with anyone.
If Mio joined, she'd definitely attract plenty of new members. More members meant more funding.
Plus, her club also had Eriri, that blonde-haired beauty.
The club president could already see the white hole—a bright, white future awaiting her.
Without any hesitation, she pulled out the membership application and enthusiastically guided Mio on how to fill it out.
"That's perfect. I'll take your application, Shirai-san. Feel free to find any seat you like. If you have any questions, you can ask me anytime."
"Okay."
Mio walked over and sat down next to Mashiro, then smiled and said, "Mashiro~"
Hearing Mio's voice, Mashiro turned her head reflexively, a hint of small surprise crossing her usually expressionless face.
"Why is Mio here?"
"I joined the Art Club, of course."
"Why join the Art Club?"
"So I can spend more time with Mashiro, obviously~"
Mashiro blinked. She didn't know why, but at that moment, she suddenly felt something called "happiness." However, she didn't know how to express it.
Mashiro tugged at the corners of her mouth, but it didn't feel quite right. In the end, she used her fingers to manually push her face into a smile. It looked incredibly cute—maybe even too cute.
Even Mio felt her heart skip a beat looking at that smile.
"Faced with Shiina Mashiro's smile, Host's heartbeat has accelerated. The host's conquest rating with Shiina Mashiro has increased by 1 point."
Normally, she'd definitely complain about this annoying System. But right now? Eh, considering Mashiro's smile, she'd let it slide.
Just then, the activity room door suddenly opened. Eriri slowly walked into the classroom.
After glancing around, she set up her chair and painting supplies next to Mio.
Even though Eriri was right beside her, Mio didn't take the initiative to greet her. She planned to make her move near the end of club activities.
...