Life becomes something calmer, something easier to live through when you have a goal—or at least something in mind.
Some people chase wealth.Others chase love.And some seek wisdom.
But Akira?He just wants to become a better person.
As the old saying goes:"A man cannot step into the same river twice, for he is not the same man and the water is not the same."
And truly, Akira is no longer the same person he was yesterday. His progress is clear.If before he was just an insect, now he's emerged from the cocoon and is taking his first steps in this new world.
"Still, I didn't expect to have someone like Mahiru as a friend... who would've thought someone could help me so much, in so little time?"
[She's perfect for you, man.]
"Maybe, but for now, I'm more than happy just having her as a friend."
[If you say so…]
Conversations like this with his system echoed through Akira's morning routine. After his usual walk, breakfast, and getting ready for school, he prepared for the first "event" of the day:Going to school with Mahiru.
The problem?Well, let's just say Akira isn't exactly used to the amount of attention Mahiru draws wherever she goes. And her walking to school with a guy? That's enough to stir up a storm of gossip.
While Akira is internally panicking, trying to steady his heart, just next door, Mahiru is the complete opposite.
With a goofy smile on her face, she talks to herself.
"Who would've thought I'd be this assertive? Asking him to walk to school with me, right on the first try…"
She giggles softly.
"Even more unexpected is that he accepted right away…"
"Ah, Kurosawa-kun... what do I have to do to figure you out?"
It was only natural for her to be curious. After all, how could a boy who never talked to anyone suddenly help her out of nowhere on a rainy day?Was it just pure kindness? Or were there hidden intentions behind his good deeds?
"If it really was just kindness... that's something rare these days."
Indeed, not something you see on every corner.
Thinking positively about Akira, Mahiru opens the door to go knock on his next door. But to both their surprise, they open their doors at the exact same moment.
With an awkward smile, Akira greets her."G-Good morning, Shiina-san."
"Good morning, Kurosawa-kun."
Looking at her, Akira can't help but think, She really does look like an angel, as always...
But instead of saying it out loud, he just nervously glances around.
Seeing his usual awkward behavior, Mahiru doesn't panic.As expected of him…
"Shall we go?"
"Sure."
Despite the clear answer, the path to school wasn't so smooth. Piercing gazes followed them—some filled with judgment, others with straight-up murderous intent.
At the school gate, a scene unfolds:A boy and a girl.Mahiru, smiling like it's any other day, happy to have made a friend.And Akira, trembling, as if he had just survived a life-or-death experience.
Despite their completely opposite vibes, Mahiru doesn't seem fazed and waves goodbye for now.
"See you at lunch, Kurosawa-kun! Same place as always!"
The nearby students clearly heard that—and some were stunned.
"Wait, the Angel is with that guy?"
"So that's the loser she picked?"
"Man, I expected more from her…"
I'm not invisible or deaf, you know!
All those comments hit Akira like bricks.If he could, he'd turn into a snail and crawl into his shell.
But since he can't, all he can do is pretend he didn't hear a thing—and slip out the back.
[A very you kind of exit!]
I know, System… I know. I still have a long way to go. What was I even thinking?
[Finally, something we agree on.]
This day… still has a lot in store for him.
What felt like paradise… suddenly turned into hell.
"When will this end…?"
Dragging himself forward, Akira walks toward the classroom like a hollow shell.His body's here, but his soul? Probably wandering somewhere far away.
Will Akira survive the rest of the day?