The next morning, Chisato woke up before 6 AM.
After finishing his school assignments last night, he went to bed early, and with many thoughts running through his mind, he fell asleep without realizing it.
He changed clothes, skipped his usual morning routine, and headed out. On the sidewalk, he started with a brisk walk and then switched to a slow jog.
As dawn broke, the air was humid, and the green foliage along the roadside reflected a soft light.
Birds chirped around Chisato, and today, the dark-winged birds seemed particularly cheerful, flying around him in the sky.
Chisato started to sweat, and his breathing became heavier.
The increase in his physique last night didn't instantly transform him into a muscle-bound superhuman, but it did have some effect.
He had jogged nearly four kilometers without the previous exhaustion or the feeling of his lungs about to burst.
On his way back, he stopped at a ramen shop and spent 800 yen on a bowl of miso ramen.
Perhaps because he was hungry, the rich, flavorful broth, the enticingly colored char siu and bamboo shoots, and the smooth, chewy noodles were all satisfying, and he finished quickly.
When paying, the cashier shyly handed him two candies as change.
After thanking her and leaving the shop, Chisato went to a convenience store to buy a pack of walnut kernels for Crow's breakfast.
Back home, he took a shower and changed into his school uniform.
Since Utaha had taken his tie, and he couldn't find a spare one, he decided to skip it and head to school without it.
Houshou University Attached High School wasn't very strict about dress code; otherwise, Hitori wouldn't be able to wear his pink tracksuit around school all day.
On the train to school, Chisato, now in his fourth day in this world, looked out at the retreating cityscape and silently resolved to make the most of his time, improving himself through the system's support and his own efforts.
The simulated life had provided him with significant insights. The everyday workers and the top financial elite experience entirely different worlds and lives.
One's life is consumed with thinking about how to earn money and survive, while the other is carefree and able to act according to their desires without worries.
It's clear which of these lifestyles is happier.
Chisato's parents are typical employees, and unless they win the lottery, he's unlikely to become a rich second generation.
However, through hard work, he could make his future children wealthy.
Studying hard is essential; attending a better university means better future opportunities and choices.
At the same time, he needed to pay attention to his health, exercising regularly to stay fit.
If he could become an excellent person in the future, maybe he could achieve something similar in reality.
The train stopped, and Chisato joined the crowd exiting the station.
With a determined look, he walked up the shaded incline, a gentle breeze fluttering his clothes and pushing him forward.
"Arriving so early today is rare, and it's even rarer that you didn't sleep, Kazusa."
"Early in the morning, are you trying to provoke me?"
The girl sitting next to him, showing a defiant expression with clenched fists, made it clear she was not to be trifled with.
"No, just a casual remark. I brought some candy. Do you want some?"
Chisato offered a lemon-mint flavored candy from his palm.
Kazusa dislikes sour and bitter flavors, and with her personality, she would never choose to try something with these tastes mixed together.
But after a slight hesitation, she reached out and took a piece.
"...Thank you."
"You're welcome."
Chisato unwrapped the remaining candy and put it in his mouth. Kazusa followed suit, albeit slowly.
She had expected not to like the taste, but once the candy melted in her warm mouth, it wasn't as unpleasant as she had imagined.
"After school today, I'll start looking for part-time work. I'll pay you back once I get my first paycheck."
"What?"
"Didn't you forget? I borrowed money from you in the nurse's office."
"Such a small thing, and you still remember it so clearly."
If Chisato hadn't brought it up now, Kazusa would have forgotten about it.
Though her wealthy mother lacks companionship and concern for her, she never skimped on money.
With no worries about basic needs, Kazusa didn't value money much.
Chisato smiled.
"Maybe for you it's a small matter, but for me, it's different. Owing money for a long time without repaying it brings a sense of debt and embarrassment."
"Oh…"
Kazusa, resting her chin on her hand, seemed thoughtful.
"Are you short on money?"
"Yeah, right now I am. I mismanaged my living expenses and overspent. I don't want to ask my family for money, so I need to figure something out myself."
"What kind of work are you looking for?"
"I'm not picky. Convenience store, restaurant staff, distributing flyers—anything that fits around my school schedule and has decent pay."
"Isn't that tiring, with no time to rest?"
"Part-time work is just a temporary measure to get through this difficult period. Once it's over, I'll stop and consider other options."
"Other options? Are you thinking of joining a club?"
"Not at the moment, but it's not out of the question. I want to explore various ways to discover my potential…"
Chisato trailed off, and Kazusa's eyes, fixed on him throughout, showed dissatisfaction with his incomplete thoughts.
"Why did you stop?"
Chisato smiled kindly.
"Kazusa, you can actually communicate well with others."
"...You're so talkative!"
Kazusa, blushing and losing interest in the conversation, quickly slumped onto the table as usual.
[Kazusa has developed feelings of shyness, affection +10.]
[Kazusa has developed feelings of joy, affection +20.]
[Kazusa's affection level is now maxed out. Current affection level increased to ??]
[New points: 1500. Current total: 3300.]
"Sweet dreams, Kazusa."
"…"
Kazusa changed her position, facing the window, and didn't reply.
[Kazusa has developed feelings of reassurance...]
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