Lunch break.
The normie squad was hanging out as usual, chatting about random stuff.
When someone brought up how tomorrow was the weekend, Tobe spoke up excitedly: "It's the weekend tomorrow! Should we all hang out somewhere?"
"I've got something going on this weekend, so I'll pass."
Miura said this while sneaking a glance at Mio. She hadn't forgotten about her little 'date' with Mio tomorrow. And her family had something going on the day after, so her weekend schedule was already packed.
"Sorry, same here." Mio said somewhat apologetically.
Besides her date with Miura this weekend, she'd also promised to accompany Eriri to Akihabara.
"Eh?!"
Tobe instinctively glanced at Ebina. If both Mio and Miura weren't going, then she definitely wouldn't join either. Same with Yui. So what were the guys supposed to do for fun?
Fencing, maybe?
He unconsciously looked at Hayama beside him, and thought maybe they could also... wait, no.
Noticing Tobe's gaze, Hayama asked curiously, "Tobe, is there something you want to say to me?"
"No, nothing!"
Tobe waved his hands frantically, quickly banishing that cursed thought from his head. He'd definitely been infected by Ebina's fujoshi brain. Otherwise, why would such a terrifying idea even cross his mind?
Hayama gave Tobe an odd look, but his instincts told him it was better not to press further.
Just then, Yui—who hadn't said much—suddenly felt someone tugging at her sleeve. She instinctively looked down and saw Mio smiling at her.
"Yui, do you have any plans this weekend?"
"I'll probably be at home making those cookies you taught me. I've been putting off that thank-you gift for way too long."
"I see. And here I thought you'd say you wanted to spend the weekend with me~" Mio said with mock disappointment.
Yui knew Mio was just teasing her, so she only gave her an exasperated look without saying anything. Though she really did want to spend the weekend with Mio.
Too bad Mio seemed busy this weekend. She'd have to schedule something earlier next time.
Just then, the System's voice suddenly rang in Mio's ear: "Dear Host after a whole day without hearing my voice, did you start missing me?"
"No. Get lost."
Yesterday, thanks to the [Slacking Off Card], Mio had the most comfortable day ever. She didn't have to worry about the System causing trouble at all—even being at school felt like a rare moment of relaxation.
The System hadn't made a peep this morning either. Mio was starting to hope today might be one of those rare task-free days.
Looked like she'd been too optimistic.
"Waaah, I missed Host sooo much, but Host is being so mean to me. Host is such a scumbag~"
Maybe because Mio showed zero reaction and the System found its solo performance boring, its tone shifted to something more cheerful: "Alright then Please find a way to get Yuigahama Yui to kiss Host voluntarily before the day ends. Success may reward Host with Yuigahama Yui series cards or item rewards. Failure will result in drawing a punishment card"
"I knew it wouldn't be that simple."
If she didn't need Yui to do it voluntarily, this task wouldn't be that hard to complete. But the requirement for Yui to take initiative—even without specifying where the kiss had to be—made things not so easy.
At least the time limit was generous.
Mio glanced at Yui beside her, wondering what would happen if she just straight-up asked Yui to kiss her.
Just then, the class bell suddenly rang. The normie squad's lunchtime chat session came to an end as everyone returned to their seats for class.
Mio slumped over her desk and started brainstorming strategies.
By the time she'd figured out her approach, school was already letting out for the day. As the dismissal bell rang, Mio gathered her things, preparing to head to club activities.
The System's confused voice also chimed in at that moment: "Host, this is such a good opportunity. Why aren't you going home with Yuigahama Yui?"
"I'm not even worried, why are you?"
Walking home with Yui would've been a decent option, but she had a better idea.
······
"Mom, I'm taking Sablé out for a walk."
"Okay, be careful out there."
After dinner, Yui called out to her mother, then headed out with Sablé in tow.
This was one of her daily routines: jogging with the dog every morning, walking the dog after dinner every evening.
After walking her usual route for a while, a familiar figure appeared in Yui's line of sight.
That silver-white hair was impossible to miss under the streetlights.
Mio acted as if this were a complete coincidence, putting on a surprised expression as she approached: "Yui, good evening~"
"Mio, what are you doing here?"
"Just finished dinner and came out for a walk."
If Yui had been more observant, she might've noticed Mio's slightly unsteady breathing—as if she'd just done some intense exercise and hadn't fully recovered.
Unfortunately, Yui's mind was too pure to notice such details.
To avoid missing Yui, Mio had skipped dinner entirely and rushed out here. Good thing she made it in time.
Though even if she'd missed her, it wouldn't have mattered. She could've just knocked on Yui's door.
"Oh, I see."
Yui walked over to Mio's side. Sablé excitedly wagged his tail, circling around Mio's legs—nearly tripping her in the process.
Seeing this, Yui quickly stopped her beloved pet, then smiled helplessly: "Sablé really likes you, huh."
"Probably because I'm good-looking."
Hearing Mio's response, Yui opened her mouth as if to retort, but then realized... Mio wasn't wrong.
Mio really was beautiful. So beautiful that even Yui, as a fellow girl, had no defense against her.
When she noticed her thoughts drifting somewhere weird, Yui quickly looked away. "Then let's walk together."
"Sure."
······