Kazuki woke up to the familiar chime of the system notification. Still groggy from sleep, he fumbled for his phone, squinting at the screen as the system's message appeared.
"New task: Make direct skin contact with Rina Yoshida. Hold her hand for at least five seconds. You have 48 hours."
Kazuki groaned and let his head fall back against the pillow. "Rina Yoshida, huh?" he muttered to himself. Rina was notoriously shy and introverted, always keeping to herself. Approaching her for even a casual conversation was a challenge, let alone finding a way to hold her hand.
As he stared at the ceiling, a familiar voice broke into his thoughts—the system, with its usual teasing tone.
"Looks like you're getting used to these tasks, huh, Kazuki? What's next, holding hands under the moonlight? Romantic."
Kazuki frowned. "Used to it? I'm doing this because I have no choice. If I don't complete these tasks, I'll die, remember?"
The system chuckled. "Oh, I remember. But you have to admit, you're getting quite good at this. Who would have thought our shy, introverted Kazuki would be in this position?"
Kazuki rolled his eyes. "This isn't a joke. I'm playing with people's lives—my life."
"But you're still playing, aren't you?" the system quipped, its voice tinged with amusement. "And now you have a new friend to help you out. Or should I say, a new 'rival'?"
Kazuki sighed, knowing exactly who the system was referring to. Yesterday's encounter with Kenta Watanabe had been unexpected, to say the least. Kenta was a local thug, a rough-around-the-edges type who frequented the convenience store where Kazuki worked. He had always picked on Kazuki, sensing his vulnerability. But yesterday, something in Kazuki had snapped. Maybe it was the mounting pressure from the tasks, or perhaps it was the system's influence seeping into his subconscious, but when Kenta had tried to bully him, Kazuki had found himself standing his ground.
"Surprised me too," Kazuki admitted. He had never been the confrontational type, but something had changed. He felt different—stronger, more confident, like the system was slowly reshaping him.
"Well, aren't you just full of surprises?" the system teased. "Let's see how that newfound confidence of yours holds up with Rina. After all, it's not every day you get to hold hands with the girl all the boys talk about."
Kazuki blushed at the reminder. Rina Yoshida was well-known at school, not just for her quiet demeanor but also for her figure, particularly her large breasts. They were the subject of endless gossip among the male students, much to Rina's obvious discomfort. Kazuki had always felt sorry for her, knowing she didn't ask for the attention. The thought of using that to his advantage made him feel sick.
"I'm not doing this because I want to," Kazuki snapped. "I have to."
The system hummed in agreement, though its tone remained light and teasing. "Of course, of course. Now go out there and show us what you've got, lover boy."
Kazuki groaned again, but he knew the system was right. He had a task to complete, and there was no time to waste.
---
Later that day, Kazuki found himself loitering near the school courtyard, where Rina usually spent her lunch breaks. He had spotted her sitting alone on a bench, her long hair cascading over her shoulders as she quietly ate her lunch. She seemed content in her solitude, her head buried in a book as she chewed absentmindedly.
Kazuki's heart pounded as he watched her. How was he supposed to approach her? His mind raced with scenarios, each one ending in failure. What if she freaked out? What if she reported him? What if she never wanted to speak to him again?
"Kazuki, you've got to stop overthinking this," the system chimed in, breaking his spiral of anxiety. "It's just a handhold. How hard can it be?"
"Harder than you think," Kazuki muttered under his breath. But he knew he had no choice. He took a deep breath, mustering the courage to approach her.
Just as he started walking towards her, a shadow loomed over him. Kazuki looked up to see Kenta Watanabe, grinning down at him with that same cocky smirk he always wore.
"Well, well, if it isn't the fearless Kazuki," Kenta drawled, crossing his arms over his chest. "You got some nerve standing up to me yesterday. What's up with that?"
Kazuki swallowed hard, his newfound confidence wavering under Kenta's scrutiny. But he forced himself to hold his ground. "I was just... tired of being pushed around, that's all."
Kenta raised an eyebrow, clearly not expecting that response. "Huh. Didn't think you had it in you. Guess I was wrong."
Kazuki blinked, taken aback by the admission. Was Kenta... respecting him? The idea seemed absurd, but there was something different in Kenta's gaze now—something that wasn't just amusement or mockery.
"So, what's the plan, hero? Gonna stand up to me every time now?" Kenta asked, his tone more curious than threatening.
Kazuki hesitated, unsure how to respond. But then the system's voice echoed in his mind, reminding him of the task at hand. Maybe... maybe he could use this. "Actually, I'm kind of busy right now," Kazuki said, nodding toward Rina. "I have something important to do."
Kenta followed his gaze and let out a low whistle. "Rina Yoshida, huh? You aiming high, man. Didn't think you had a shot with a girl like her."
"It's not like that," Kazuki said quickly, feeling his face flush. "I just... need to talk to her."
Kenta eyed him for a moment, then shrugged. "Whatever, man. But if you're serious about this, maybe I can help. I know how to get people to talk."
Kazuki frowned, unsure if Kenta's offer was genuine or if he was setting him up for something. But as he looked into Kenta's eyes, he saw no malice there, only a strange mix of curiosity and... something else he couldn't quite place.
"Why would you want to help me?" Kazuki asked, suspicious.
Kenta shrugged again. "Maybe I'm just bored. Or maybe I like the idea of watching you squirm. Either way, I got nothing better to do."
Kazuki didn't trust him—not fully—but he also knew he might need the help. After all, he had no idea how to approach Rina, and if Kenta could somehow make it easier...
"Fine," Kazuki said, nodding. "But don't do anything weird. I just need to talk to her."
Kenta smirked. "No promises, but I'll keep it tame. Let's see what you're made of, Kazuki."
With that, Kenta strode toward Rina, leaving Kazuki to follow behind nervously. As they approached, Rina looked up from her book, her eyes widening slightly at the sight of the two boys. Kazuki could see the unease in her expression, and it made his stomach churn.
"Yo, Rina," Kenta called out casually, stopping a few feet away from her. "You mind if we sit here?"
Rina hesitated, glancing between Kenta and Kazuki. "Um, I guess not..."
Kenta plopped down on the bench beside her, leaving Kazuki to awkwardly take the spot on her other side. He could feel the heat radiating off her, and his heart started racing again. This was it—his chance to complete the task. But how was he supposed to do it?
"So, Rina," Kenta began, leaning back with a lazy grin, "Kazuki here has something he wants to say to you."
Kazuki's eyes widened in panic. What was Kenta doing? He wasn't ready for this!
Rina turned to Kazuki, her expression curious but guarded. "You do?"
Kazuki swallowed hard, his mouth suddenly dry. He had to think fast, had to find a way to make contact without making it obvious. His mind raced, searching for something—anything—that could work.
"Uh, yeah," Kazuki stammered, trying to steady his voice. "I just... I noticed that you always sit here alone, and I thought maybe... you'd like some company?"
Rina blinked, clearly surprised by the offer. "Company? From you?"
Kazuki nodded, trying to ignore the pounding in his chest. "Yeah, I mean... if you don't mind."
Rina seemed to consider this for a moment, then she smiled—a small, hesitant smile, but a smile nonetheless. "I guess that would be okay."
Kazuki felt a surge of relief. He had an opening, now he just had to take it. He shifted slightly closer to her on the bench, his hand inching toward hers. He could feel Kenta watching him, and it only made his nerves worse.
As casually as he could manage, Kazuki let his hand brush against Rina's. Her skin was soft and warm, and the contact sent a jolt through him. He hesitated, then gently wrapped his fingers around hers, holding on for just a few seconds—long enough to fulfill the task.
Rina didn't pull away, but Kazuki