[You idiot! You think this is a superpower? You think you're going to magically transform? Just try talking to someone and then you'll see the difference!]
Oops. Looks like I pissed off the system again.But no worries—he'll forgive me later.
Still, it's a bit of a letdown to hear the system say I won't feel any sudden transformation.
"It would've been cooler if a beam of light had just fallen on me or something…"
Thinking about the possibilities won't change what's already happened.
"Well, it's better than nothing. At least my condition is improving."
Despite everything, something positive came from it.
"And just because I'm curious doesn't mean I'll immediately try talking to someone."Sighing, Akira hesitates. He doesn't even know what a 15% improvement feels like—so why take unnecessary risks?
"Maybe I'll try it later... with Mahiru."
As he analyzes his options, Akira makes his way toward his classroom.
Seeing several other students doing the same, he can't help but feel a small sense of pride.
"It's not every day I hang around outside the classroom until the last bell."
[There you go again, getting excited about tiny things.]
So you're back, huh?
[Not like it makes a difference if I'm here or not.]
Yeah... fair point.
After Class
A newly invigorated Akira smiles to himself.
"Okay, let's go find Mahiru. This time, I don't want to half-ass anything."
If I've got the chance to improve—even a little—then I should take it.
Stepping out of the classroom, he recognizes a few familiar faces.
"This school really is packed with characters from all kinds of anime…"
With a single glance, he recalls names like Mahiru, Marin, Bocchi, Ikuyo Kita, Kaguya Shinomiya, Yuu Ishigami, Kyoko Hori... and many others.
But two figures genuinely rattle him to his core—shaking his fighting spirit.You ask why?
Well, one of them is none other than the perfect boyfriend himself: Aijou Rentarou.
"Will he get upset if I end up dating some of his girlfriends first?"
And the other? He doesn't radiate the same intimidating aura, but instead evokes an existential crisis—Arima Kousei.
"He's literally everyone's April trauma…"
"Okay, let's not think about that right now…"
Stopping himself was probably the right move.After all, what if he saw someone from a DxD-like universe?
"What's in the dark should stay in the dark."
Checking the time on his phone, Akira realizes he might be keeping Mahiru waiting.
"Better hurry."
He grabs his bag and sneaks through the school's quieter halls to avoid the crowds.As he reaches the entrance, he sees her.
"Sorry to keep you waiting, Shiina-san. A few things came up, and I ran a bit late."
Wait a second…Talking like this feels a lot easier!Thanks, System!
[Only now you realize my greatness? Hahaha!]
"…"
While the system shows off like some overpowered cultivator, Mahiru Shiina notices something else.
'He seems… more expressive? I don't know. He feels different from earlier today…'
Still a bit unsure of this new vibe, she replies gently:
"Don't worry, Kurosawa-kun. I just got here too."
"Even so, I feel guilty. How about we grab some crepes on the way home?My treat, of course."
That strange feeling Mahiru had?Confirmed.
'He is different!'
But who could say no to free crepes—especially when they're delicious?
"I'd like that," she replies with a warm smile.
Hearing her accept, Akira also smiles—genuinely happy.
'I'm expressing myself so much better now…If this is just 15%, what's going to happen at 100%?Am I going to become some kind of social butterfly?'
Even the thought gives him chills.
"Let's go, Shiina-san."
Taking the lead, Akira heads toward a crepe stand he remembered from his morning walks.
Turns out exercising has been a great investment.Not only does he feel healthier—it's also helped him find cool places to go.
Walking side-by-side, they talk about food, classes, and friendships.
"Are you making friends, Kurosawa?"
Like a concerned mom worried her son might be too isolated, Mahiru asks with honest concern.
Smiling, Akira hits her with a little surprise:
"I'm doing fine. I actually made a new friend today!"
"A friend?"
Ohoho… getting a little curious, aren't we?
"Yep! We even made a deal—she's going to teach me how to play guitar."
"Sounds like you two get along."
"We've got a lot in common.She didn't have a single friend… poor thing."
[Your situation wasn't that different not too long ago.]
"Really? I always thought people who play instruments were popular."
"Times have changed, Shiina-san.If you'd like, I can introduce you to her tomorrow at lunch. Maybe you two could be friends."
"Then I'll be waiting for you."
"I'll stop by your classroom and walk you over."
"Sounds good."
Their casual conversation leads them to the crepe stand.
"Order whatever you want, Shiina-san. It's on me."
"Thank you!"
There's a beauty in moments like this.Without even realizing it, Akira is slowly becoming something closer to a "normal" person.
And silently, Mahiru notices the changes too.
Not bad changes—not at all.But she is deeply curious about how someone can evolve so quickly.
'Kurosawa-kun… how much more are you going to surprise me?'
To Mahiru, Akira—who was already impressive in her eyes—has become fascinating.
And her desire to understand him only grows.
'Love? Fascination? Curiosity?I don't know.But whatever it is…I want to understand you completely, Akira!'