Sam arrived at the convenience store, changed into his uniform, and began his shift.
"You're always so punctual."
Looking up, Sam saw a young woman in a sports tank top revealing a pretty belly button but wearing a baseball cap. She looked like someone who cared about trends, often hanging out in bars and similar places.
Her real identity was the store manager, Mia.
Mia wasn't a character from the game, and there wasn't even a store manager role in the game. But it seemed that since Sam came to this world, some things had been adjusted to make sense, resulting in this attractive young woman.
Mia was vibrant, carrying an adult's casual elegance. She had a great figure, healthy tan skin, and wore light makeup.
Sam smiled. "Well, the manager once said: Even though I'm a student, being late means a pay cut."
Mia blinked. "Am I being too harsh on a kid like you?"
Sam shook his head. "This is what adults should endure, and I am of age now. Please don't keep calling me a child."
Mia suddenly leaned forward, almost leaning over the counter, exposing her cleavage seemingly without care.
"Eh? Is Sam already an adult? Is it time for me to help you become a real man?"
Sam, holding a banana, tapped Mia's head lightly.
"Remember, you taught me not to let anyone too close to the counter. And please, don't make such inappropriate comments to a student."
Mia glared at Sam but wasn't really angry. Such interactions seemed normal for them.
"Hmph, such a handsome face, yet so unromantic. Now I see why you don't have a girlfriend. I worry about you, you know~"
Sam continued counting the cash and coins in the register. "You're not that old either. Constantly lecturing others will age you fast."
Mia's eyes widened. "What nonsense!"
She quickly checked her face in a mirror, relieved to find no crow's feet or neck lines.
"Hmph, always saying things that upset girls won't win you love, Sam."
"Mia, not everyone's life revolves around love."
"Hmm? That's surprisingly mature. Oh right, that's not what I came here to talk about."
Sam, having finished counting the change, looked at Mia.
"Those nearly expired products, I'll take care of them. If there's nothing else, you can go about your business. I need to start working."
Mia looked at Sam, shocked.
"Eh?"
"I haven't even said anything yet. How did you know I was going to mention that? And telling me to go do something else as if I'm a useless manager who's always being taken care of?"
Well, not entirely useless, at least she pays the salary. But that's a thought best kept to himself.
Sam smiled at the healthy and attractive young woman. "Because those not immersed in love often maintain clearer minds."
Mia stuck out her tongue playfully, her demeanor more youthful than her age. "That's a fallacy, but alright, I'm off to play tennis. Work hard, and if you do well, I might give you a bonus this week. Bye~"
Mia left the convenience store as the sky gradually darkened. Sam felt relaxed; interactions with Mia were easy, unburdened by the game's original plot.
...
On a weekend morning, Sam woke up early. With no classes or work, he went for a morning run, enjoying the feeling of breathing fresh air and sweating out toxins from junk food and sugary drinks.
After returning to his apartment, showering, watching an anime, and making a simple lunch, Sam tidied up the living room, changed into a plain white short-sleeved shirt, and left his apartment.
Stepping out, he saw Zoe just unlocking her door. She seemed surprised to see him. "Ah, no school today, so you're heading out?"
Sam wasn't surprised; over the past half month, they had bumped into each other more than twenty times, seemingly always by chance.
He smiled politely. "Yes, I have some errands to run."
"Is it a date with your girlfriend?"
Zoe's tone was like a relative's casual concern, but Sam knew better. In the game, she was adept at acting and disguise.
He shook his head. "How could it be? I don't seem like someone who has a girlfriend, right?"
Zoe covered her mouth and laughed, her mood seemingly lifted.
"Sam is quite handsome. If it were my school days, I would have pursued you without hesitation."
It sounded like a joke, but how much truth is spoken in jest?
Sam blushed slightly. "Zoe, you're teasing me. You must have had many admirers back in your day; I wouldn't have stood a chance."
A faint blush on Zoe's cheeks made her even more charming, especially in her figure-hugging skirt, accentuating her curves.
"Well, you never know until you try," she said.
"True. I need to go; my appointment is soon. Goodbye."
Sam hurriedly left, while Zoe's eyes held a hint of regret.
She nodded with a smile. "Okay, Sam, go ahead. Don't be late for your date."
"It's not a date!"
As Sam boarded the bus, his phone buzzed.
It had to happen.
Pulling out his phone, Sam checked the message.
[Sam... how lewd. Just sensing it and you're already like this. Your head must be full of dirty fantasies. Seems it's more honest than you, huh... disgusting, really disgusting. If you dare to ejaculate in my hand that quickly, you're dead.]