Haruto's name surged in popularity after his showdown with the so-called "delinquents," elevating him to a status beyond just a handsome face.
Rumors spread, painting him as a bold figure who fearlessly stood up to the troublemakers of the school. However, he couldn't help but scoff inwardly.
Those three had been little more than nuisances.
The true delinquent were Daiki and his lackey, but of course no one would dare to say it on that gangster's face.
When recess rolled around, Haruto was surrounded by admirers.
Girls giggled around him, stealing glances, while a few guys hung back, trying to look casual but clearly hoping for some of that newfound popularity to rub off on them.
But today's usual scene was broken by the sharp sound of the classroom door sliding open.
Two guys stepped inside, radiating a cold confidence that stilled the room. They were Daiki's lackeys, and the entire class knew it.
Chapter Discover:
"Daiki wants you at the usual place after school," one of them said bluntly before turning and leaving just as abruptly.
"The usual place" — the abandoned school building Daiki and his gang claimed as their own.
Haruto felt his lips tug into a smirk. The summons could mean anything, but he felt it was a door opening.
'This must be because I am his 'friend' or maybe because of my fight the other day?'
his mind was full thinking about the possibility.
'But then again, Daiki is a freak, it's hard to read what's on his mind.'
he sighed.
From the corner of his eye, he noticed Sayaka watching him, her expression pinched with worry.
"Hayase, you're not actually going, right? Daiki... he's dangerous," she whispered, casting a quick glance toward the door.
"Right?" Tanaka added. "I heard his brother's in the yakuza..."
Haruto just shrugged, flashing a calm smile that didn't reassure them in the slightest. "I'll be fine."
Then, just as the tension was beginning to ease, another presence stirred the room. Mari entered, her bright smile and easy wave turning heads immediately.
A ripple of envious murmurs swept through the guys, but Haruto's attention flickered to the table behind him, where Kota sat.
Mari's warm gaze was directed solely at Haruto, leaving Kota's expression twisted with jealousy, a bitterness clear in his narrowed eyes.
"Haruto," she greeted him, casting a disappointed look at his empty bento. "Oh no, I was hoping we could eat together."
Feeling the stares closing in, Haruto stood, swiftly packing his things. "Let's go somewhere else," he murmured, already heading toward the door.
Meanwhile everyone in class whispered about the first name basis, even already gossiping that they were dating.
Her voice dropped, and she shivered slightly.
Haruto clenched his fist, his mind reeling. So, his old friend had hidden depths he'd been too blind to see.
'It means my revenge is justified, but at the same time, how can I never see this when I am friends with him?'
he thought.
He placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "I can check your place on the weekend, if that would help. Just to make sure there's nothing left."
He knew even when Mari already got rid of all the hidden camera, it didn't mean she felt safe.
But if someone would check on her and make sure she was fine, her anxious would subside.
Mari's face lit up in relief, her hands clasped together. "Really? I wouldn't want to be a bother..."
Haruto laughed, brushing it off. "A bother? I owe you two dates, remember?"
Mari pouted, folding her arms. "That doesn't count! Coming to a friend's house isn't exactly a date."
Haruto gave her a mock frown. "Friend? I thought we were... more than that."
Her cheeks flushed as her eyes widened. "A boyfriend, then," she mumbled shyly, wrapping her arms around his and pressing her face into his shoulder in embarrassment.
'She's adorable,'
he thought, feeling a pleasant warmth fill his chest.
Then, as if on cue, a familiar notification chimed in his mind:
[Ding!]
[New Quest Available!]
[Quest: More Than Just A Friend]
[You're heading to the target's (Mari Hayazawa's) house to ensure she's safe from a stalker.]
[Objective: Have 'fun' with the target, but be careful she is still a virgin!]
[Rewards: 800 EXP, 30,000 Sex Coins, Item: 3 Flawless Face potion]
[Time Limit: -]
'Huh? No skill?'
Haruto thought. Usually the first quest would grant him a skill.
But then he noticed the reward items and smirked, touching the bandage on his chin
. 'Guess this is good too.'