The next day
It was lunch break, and I was sitting alone in the clubroom. Lately, everyone's been so busy with their own things that this sight has become all too familiar.
While leisurely flipping through a cookbook and enjoying a rare moment of peace, the door suddenly opened,Lucy stepped in.
"Oh, Lucy. Did you come here for something?" I gently closed the book and looked up as she walked in.
"Um… I was passing by and remembered this is the quietest spot in the school, so I thought I'd drop in and see if anyone was around." She glanced around and then pulled out a chair, sitting across from me.
"Perfect timing. Everyone else is busy today, so I'm the only one holding down the fort." I smiled.
Her eyes shifted to the book on the table.
"What are you reading?"
"A cookbook. I'm looking for some simple recipes to try out this weekend."
Lucy raised an eyebrow in mild surprise.
"You can cook?"
"Just the basics. I'd rather not live off cup noodles forever." I chuckled wryly.
"That's not bad. What have you tried making?"
"Recently, omelets and pasta. But don't ask about my first omelet... it was so deformed I didn't even dare eat it."
Lucy laughed and rested her chin on her hand as she looked at me.
"Next time, try making curry. I've got a family recipe that's guaranteed to taste amazing."
I put on a mock serious face.
"Would Lady Lucy be willing to pass down such a precious secret?"
She turned slightly red and looked away.
"If you behave and listen properly… then maybe I'll consider it."
"What an honor." I grinned.
I leaned forward, narrowing my eyes slightly as I watched her.
"Still, I didn't expect our dear Lucy to know how to cook curry. I thought a young lady living alone would just eat out or order delivery."
Lucy puffed out her cheeks and glared at me.
"I'm not a young lady! And I may live alone, but I'm no princess,I know how to cook, thank you very much!"
I burst out laughing and teased further:
"So if I ever drop by your place, I'll get to try that legendary curry?"
She turned even redder and looked away.
"Keep dreaming! No way I'd let you—unless…"
I tilted my head.
"Unless…?"
"—you wash all the dishes after." She shot me a look, but a small smile tugged at her lips.
I leaned on the table, pretending to consider it.
"Getting to eat something you made… might be worth it."
She looked at me for a few seconds before turning away again, her voice much softer:
"…Idiot."
She was just too cute. I could hardly wait to pull her into my arms.
I quietly opened the system menu and checked her affection level—45 out of 100. Things were going as planned. She didn't get much attention from boys when she was younger, aside from her family. Even now, the guys at school didn't seem particularly interested in her, which made her surprisingly innocent when it came to love. In everything else, though,she was seriously competent.
Just as I was about to say something else, the door suddenly burst open.
Ayaka walked in, carrying a tall stack of books that nearly covered her face. Her smile lit up the room, until she saw Lucy and me sitting across from each other, with the open cookbook still on the table.
"Oh… sorry, am I interrupting something?" Ayaka blinked, then tilted her head with a mischievous glint in her eyes.
"Please, carry on. Just pretend I'm not even here."
Lucy immediately jumped up, her face red.
"It's not what you think! We were just talking!"
I smirked, still resting my chin on my hand.
"Well, we were discussing a romantic dinner—"
Thud!
Lucy lightly smacked me on the head with the cookbook.
"Shut it before I regret talking to you."
Ayaka giggled as she set the stack of books down on the table.
"Wow, Lucy really cute when she's flustered. You should come by the club more often."
Lucy covered her face, turning away, while I could only laugh.
After school, I walked home with Ayaka and Sumire. The afternoon sun cast long shadows across the road as we strolled under trees glowing in the orange light of sunset.
After getting home, I showered, had dinner, and settled down to read as usual. Just as I was about to open my book, my phone buzzed.
A message from the school system: "All classes are canceled tomorrow."
I blinked. No reason, no explanation, just that one line.
This game throws in some pretty random events sometimes. No festival, no test, no weather warning,just… a day off.
I set the phone down and stared at the ceiling.
A free day, but no plans in mind.
Just then, my phone buzzed again. A message from Lucy.
[Lucy: Are you free tomorrow?
I've still got some stuff to unpack at my new place. If you're not busy… would you mind helping me out a bit?]
I raised an eyebrow.
This was a golden opportunity. Maybe if my affection level weren't high enough, she'd have asked Ren instead. Either way, I'd get plenty of chances to tease her.
I sat up and typed a quick reply.
[Hiro: I'm free. What time should I come over?]
Less than a minute later, she responded:
[Lucy: Around 9 a.m. And… thanks in advance.]
I looked at her message and smiled.
Lucy wasn't the type to ask for help easily. She probably took her time before sending it.
I put my phone down and flopped onto the bed.
A random day off and a morning at Lucy's place.
This was bound to be interesting.