"Mio. Good morning."
Mashiro, having just woken up, looked at Mio's face hovering so close to hers. Her expression didn't change, her tone didn't waver—she even calmly greeted Mio good morning.
"G-good morning."
Mio straightened up stiffly, putting distance between them. Good thing she hadn't actually gone in for the kiss just now, or else—whether or not Mashiro would be embarrassed, she definitely would've wanted to dig a hole and bury herself.
Thank goodness it was Mashiro. Anyone else who woke up to find her leaning in that close would've immediately assumed attempted kiss.
Noticing Mio's rigid posture, Mashiro tilted her head. "Mio. What's wrong?"
"N-nothing. I was just trying to wake you up for breakfast."
"Oh!"
Hearing that breakfast was ready, Mashiro had zero intention of staying in bed. She hopped out and headed straight for the bathroom. Meanwhile, she noticed her cheek felt a bit damp, but didn't think much of it—she just assumed she'd drooled in her sleep.
As Mashiro went to freshen up, the system's lifeless voice echoed in Mio's ears: "Congratulations on completing the task. Shiina Mashiro's conquest rating with Host has increased by 3 points. Please select your reward."
[Shiina Mashiro's Photographic Memory]
Host's memory is somewhat improved. Part of the Shiina Mashiro series.
[Shiina Mashiro's Drawing Techniques]
Host's drawing ability is somewhat improved. Part of the Shiina Mashiro series.
[Shiina Mashiro's Total Focus]
When Host is completely focused on something, efficiency is slightly increased. Part of the Shiina Mashiro series.
Mio guessed the [Lucky Card] was why all three rewards this time were from the Mashiro series—and every single one was something she really wanted. After some deliberation, she chose [Shiina Mashiro's Photographic Memory].
The moment time resumed, her phone buzzed with a notification. A message from Eriri.
Reminding her not to be late.
Clearly, Eriri took today's plans very seriously.
Mio smiled helplessly, quickly fired off a reply, then hurried to change.
Mashiro emerged from the bathroom to find Mio already dressed and ready to head out. She gently tugged at the hem of Mio's clothes. "Mio. Going out again?"
Though her face showed no emotion, Mio could sense that Mashiro wanted her to stay.
If she hadn't already made plans with Eriri, she probably would have.
After a moment's thought, Mio said, "Sorry, I already promised someone today. But I'll try to come back early and bring you the roll cake you like."
"Then... okay. I also want mille crêpe cake."
"Sure, sure. I'll get you both."
After pacifying Mashiro, Mio finally left and headed straight for the station.
They'd agreed to meet at the station entrance. Mio had barely arrived when she spotted Eriri already waiting in the distance.
Unlike her usual self, today's Eriri was bundled up tight. She wore a hat and even had a mask on. If not for her petite frame, Mio might not have recognized her at first glance.
Eriri, head bowed and scrolling through her phone, suddenly felt someone loop their arm through hers. Before she could react, Mio's sweet voice sounded by her ear: "Good morning, Sawamura-san~"
"M-morning." Eriri glanced at the arm Mio had latched onto, feeling like something was a bit off about her today.
Mio noticed too, and quietly released her grip, acting like nothing had happened.
She'd just finished playing Yumiko's girlfriend yesterday, so she hadn't quite adjusted yet. Good thing she hadn't just hugged Eriri and gone in for a kiss—that definitely would've made her explode.
Just then, the system's voice rang out again: "Host's luck today is really something, huh. Congratulations—you've triggered another task."
"Please find a way to keep Eriri within your line of sight for the entire duration of today's outing—she must not leave your sight for more than three minutes. Success may reward you with an Eriri series card or item. Failure will result in drawing a punishment card."
"I'd rather not have this kind of luck!"
Now Mio finally realized something was very wrong.
She'd only just met up with Eriri, hadn't even exchanged more than a few words, and already another task had triggered?
She suspected the [Lucky Card]'s luck boost wasn't as straightforward as she'd imagined. And she had a feeling it was connected to Eriri.
After all, Eriri's presence had previously helped her draw a near-maximum allowance and upgrade the only gold card among all her options.
Becoming a lucky whale for the first time, accompanied by another lucky whale—double the fortune should've meant double the joy, bringing her a dreamy, blissful experience.
And yet... why had it turned out like this!?
Mio smacked herself on the thigh.
Death to love triangle drama addicts. Even if that addict was herself.
Pulling herself together, Mio turned her attention to Eriri. "Sawamura-san, aren't you a bit too bundled up today?"
"I'm trying not to be recognized. Speaking of which—you're going just like that?"
Eriri looked at Mio's fresh, pretty outfit, combined with her already stunning looks. No matter where she went, she'd be the center of attention.
That might be fine elsewhere, but at a game launch event? It seemed a bit too conspicuous.
Mio glanced down at her little skirt, confused. "Is there a problem?"
"I mean, it's not a problem, but aren't you worried about being spotted by someone you know if you don't at least disguise yourself a little?"
"It's not like we're buying 18+ games. Even if someone sees us, so what?"
Mio understood what Eriri meant, but she didn't mind. If a classmate spotted her, they'd just think she had eclectic hobbies—not that she was some gross shut-in otaku.
That's the advantage of being a beautiful girl~
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