I know Bocchi's situation is just as supernatural as my system, maybe even more impressive.
Not even the author of this story has seen a character completely transform into an entirely different person just through human interaction alone.
It's natural to worry, but the system isn't ordinary either. 'If it doesn't help her, I'll just have to extort something from the system.'
[Just a reminder—I can hear your thoughts.]
'Damn it!' Caught plotting against the system again.
As always, though, something from the outside world quickly pulled Akira from his internal musings. This time, however, it wasn't Mahiru.
"Hey, it's that guy again!""With the angel girl...""They must be dating, right?""He corrupted our angel!"
No matter how comfortable Akira's aura had become, situations like these were always going to be uncomfortable.
Turning apologetically toward Mahiru, Akira quietly said, "Sorry. Because of me, you have to hear this kind of thing every day."
What's wrong with these people anyway? Are we really going to do this every single day? Besides, just because we walk together doesn't mean we're dating.
Mahiru shook her head gently, looking a bit sad herself. "Don't apologize, Kurosawa-kun. You're not doing anything wrong. If anything, I feel bad for putting you through this."
Yeah, the atmosphere had gotten a bit heavier.
Trying to lighten the mood, Akira smiled bravely and teased her back: "Don't say things like that. Who wouldn't be happy walking with you, Shiina-san? If that's the price, I'll gladly pay it!"
[Ara ara…]
Hearing Akira's unexpectedly bold words, Mahiru gave him a sweet smile and teasingly replied, "Are you trying to flirt with me now, Kurosawa-kun?"
"…"
Without giving Akira a chance to back away, she pressed on playfully, "I didn't expect this from you… Taking advantage of an innocent and defenseless girl at a moment like this."
Even I have limits, Mahiru! Don't play with fire—you'll get burned!
Fighting fire with fire, Akira confidently stepped into the battle, "And if I was… what would you do, Shiina-san?"
Not expecting a counterattack, Mahiru was completely caught off guard.
This time, Akira was the one not giving her room to breathe. "Would you leave this poor soul all alone at the first corner? I wouldn't expect that from you…"
"Okay, enough already! You win!" Mahiru quickly admitted defeat.
Winner, winner, chicken dinner.
Yet, when exactly did I get this confident? I never imagined I'd ever manage to say something like this.
[You're growing up, kid. That's my boy!]
Still blushing from embarrassment, Mahiru quickly changed the subject, "I have to go now—I need to stop by the teachers' lounge."
Hohoho, looks like I'm not the only one escaping awkwardly this time, Mahiru. Let's call it even.
Now alone, Akira calmly made his way toward his classroom.
But he hadn't forgotten the promise he'd made to another friend today—Bocchi.
'Now that I think about it, I mentioned introducing Mahiru to her.'
Would Mahiru have the courage to actually come along? Or better yet…Would I have the courage to go and invite her?