AFFECTION SYSTEM: CONQUER THE HEROINES [HIATUS]

A SECRET BETWEEN US

Yesterday... I got a girlfriend.

I wouldn't say I'm overwhelmed with happiness, nor would I say I'm unaffected. There's this strange, unfamiliar sensation blooming inside me, something I can't quite put a name to. It lingers in my chest, heavy yet not unpleasant, like an emotion waiting to be fully understood.

Is this love?

Maybe... but I'm not entirely convinced. Perhaps it's the thrill of victory, the satisfaction of achieving something after putting in the effort. I mean, I did conquer Shikimori-san, didn't I? A little bit of sweet-talking, a dash of charm, and a slight nudge from the system-that was all it took.

"Hmm..."

"What are you thinking about, Kaneki-san?"

Her soft voice pulls me from my thoughts.

"Oh, it's nothing, Shikimori-san..."

We're currently walking down the quiet road toward the bus stand. The early morning air is crisp, the sun barely peeking over the horizon, casting a golden hue across the empty streets. There's no one else around, which is exactly how I wanted it to be.

Why are we out this early?

Two reasons.

1. I don't want anyone from our class-or our entire school, for that matter-to find out about me dating Shikimori-san.

2. The way we're holding hands right now, fingers intertwined, makes it painfully obvious that we're more than just friends. If the first reason comes up, and someone mistakenly assumes we're a couple, one glance at how we're walking will confirm their suspicions immediately.

And yet, despite all my reasoning-

.

..

...

I want to protect her.

It's strange. This feeling. This desire.

Miyako Shikimori isn't just an ordinary girl. She's a strong-willed, passionate athlete who has been playing volleyball since her junior high years. Her dream is to compete at the highest level, to win championships, and to make a name for herself in the sport.

She's not quite there yet, but she's good. Her spikes are powerful, her serves precise. There's something mesmerizing about the way she plays, the way her eyes light up when she steps onto the court. It's not just a hobby for her-it's a purpose.

"Um, Kaneki-san?"

"Hmm...?"

I've been watching her for a while now, analyzing her strengths and weaknesses. She's aiming to become a spiker, which means she needs to be more aggressive in her plays. However, I've also noticed that her blocking isn't at the level it should be. A little extra practice in defense would round out her skills nicely.

"Can I ask for your help again with my practice like yesterday?"

A simple request.

And yet, the anticipation in her voice, the subtle nervousness in her expression, tells me just how much it means to her.

There's no reason for me to say no.

"Hmm. Okay, I'll help you, Shikimori-san."

"Yay... "

Good grief.

The moment I agreed, her entire face lit up with joy. She beamed at me so brightly that, for a brief moment, I found myself smiling back. The unexpected reaction made her blush slightly, before she muttered something under her breath-