After shopping with Shun at the convenience store, we said goodbye and went our separate ways.
After dinner, I lay on my bed, still feeling as if everything that happened today was just a dream.
The next morning, when I opened my eyes and realized I was still here, I felt oddly lighthearted,somewhere between relief and quiet joy.
---
On my way to school, I took the chance to admire the scenery. The world in this game was truly beautiful. Sunlight filtered gently through the trees, and birdsong echoed softly through the quiet streets.
At a turn in the road, I unexpectedly ran into Ayaka.
"Morning. You walk this way to school too?" I asked.
She nodded, her long black hair swaying slightly in the breeze.
"Yeah. You're early today."
"I slept well last night, that's all," I replied with a light smile, slowing down to match her pace.
"The weather's really nice," Ayaka murmured, glancing up at the sky.
We walked side by side in a peaceful silence. Somehow, it felt comfortable.
---
After entering the classroom, I took my seat and stared out the window, quietly mumbling to myself about the system.
This game has a romance system, and I couldn't help but glance at the heart icon—a symbol that represents the characters' affection levels toward me.
ROMANCE AFFECTION SYSTEM (0 – 100):
0 – Total strangers:
Knows nothing about you. No interaction or recognition.
1 – 10 – Slight impression:
Might've seen you around or heard your name. No clear feelings, just a vague awareness.
11 – 20 – Initial acquaintance:
Exchanged a few words or met once or twice. A faintly positive impression, but still distant.
21 – 30 – Pleasant acquaintance:
Thinks you're nice or interesting. Starting to enjoy talking with you and may initiate conversations occasionally.
31 – 40 – Mild interest:
Feels there's something unique about you. Beginning to notice you more often, sometimes catching themselves thinking about you.
41 – 50 – Small crush:
Heart races a little when you're near. Easily flustered, curious to know more about you, and notices your smallest actions.
51 – 60 – Genuine flutter:
You're on their mind more often. Blushes easily, may get a little jealous. Their reaction to romantic teasing is obvious.
61 – 70 – Sweet secret love:
They've realized their feelings but can't confess yet. Glances from afar, quietly jealous, discreetly caring.
71 – 80 – In love:
They've accepted their feelings. If not confessed yet, they're waiting for the right moment. If already dating, they're deeply affectionate.
81 – 90 – Deeply in love:
Emotions are strong and vivid. Jealous, emotionally vulnerable, and eager to be with you as much as possible.
91 – 99 – Devoted:
You've become their whole world. Possessive, emotionally intense, and quick to react to anything that might threaten the bond.
100 – Forever yours:
Absolute love. No matter what happens, they choose to stay by your side. Unshakable and eternal.
---
All the characters in the game had their own little heart icons with numbers next to them. I tapped Ayaka's icon, her long black hair and gentle eyes appeared in a small profile frame.
19.
We'd just met, sat close in class, and had a few chats. That number made perfect sense.
Next was Ren – 12. He's quiet, but I did reach out to him yesterday. We're not close, but he didn't seem unfriendly.
Shun – 10. Makes sense, too.
Everyone else had a big fat 0. Totally strangers.
Still… who, or what, brought me into this world? And why the romance system? It's seriously strange.
I leaned back in my chair, eyes fixed on the glowing heart interface only I could see, and a sudden question popped into my head.
Was this system for every character in the game? Like… everyone, including guys?
I'm a guy, and I like girls. Actually, I really like girls. Can't say no to a cute smile.
So if a guy's affection score suddenly jumps up... what am I supposed to do then? Just stay bros, I guess. Please, just stay bros.
"What's my role in all this?"
I muttered again, eyes still glued to the floating interface.
Beneath the affection system, a tiny line of text appeared:
Story Progress: 1%
Something stirred inside me. I wasn't just tossed here to live out some random school life.
Was I part of the story? Or worse—was I the main character?
Ren and Ayaka… one guy, one girl. They could easily be the original leads of this game's plot. And me?
Am I just a third wheel? Or someone meant to turn everything upside down?
Story progress: 1%. This was just the beginning.