"And you?"
It was a simple question, but when it fell on Itsuki's ears, it strangely made the girl feel shy.
He didn't mention Ichika, but immediately told me—did this mean something special?
Or was it that I was an important opposite-gender friend to him?
Yes, the girl's shyness was purely because she thought of friendship.
Itsuki's personality was too serious. When she heard Makoto's straightforward question, she didn't think it was about romance at all.
Her mind raced, and looking into Makoto's sincere gaze, she hesitated and said, "I haven't really thought about the club thing yet."
"I can tell." Makoto nodded.
"Eh? You could tell?"
"I've observed a bit when I was free. It seems like, except for Yotsuba, who often helps out in various clubs, the four of you seem to have more free time."
"So you were already paying attention to Yotsuba?"
When Itsuki mentioned her sister, her smile softened a lot.
Makoto stepped back and said, "If you're unwilling, I definitely won't force you. These things should depend on your own willingness."
Itsuki quickly waved her hands: "That's not what I meant. I'm not unwilling, I just..."
She sounded uncertain and quietly added, "I just don't know what kind of club you're planning to form, and I'm worried that I might not be able to help."
After all, the person standing in front of her was Makoto, the top student in the grade.
Even Yukino, who was often mentioned in conversations among girls, ranked below Makoto.
A "bad student" hearing that a "genius" was forming a club and wanted her to join naturally made her hesitate.
"The club I want to form is actually very simple, and what we'll do isn't difficult. Plus, even if there are things you don't understand, you can always ask me."
Makoto had long expected Itsuki's hesitation.
Itsuki, hearing Makoto say this, seriously nodded her little face: "I understand. I'll join."
"Thank you." Makoto smiled and thanked her.
Itsuki smiled back: "No need to be so polite, we're friends."
Since I'm the first one who knows about your club, I'll make sure to help you.
If Makoto knew her thoughts at that moment, he would definitely say: Itsuki is so cute.
After an entire morning, Makoto had lunch alone.
He didn't mind that Yukino hadn't come to look for her older brother.
After all, he had only met her parents on the weekend and so many things had happened.
With her prideful and reserved nature, she was probably still recalling the term "older brother" in her mind.
Makoto invited Itsuki to join the club not just to bring all five sisters in.
He had another goal—Nakano Maruo.
Now that he had completed two beginner tasks, the remaining task wasn't too difficult for him.
Given Nakano Maruo's deep concern for his daughters, he probably had heard some rumors about the relationship between Makoto and Itsuki.
If Makoto continued to improve his relationship with Itsuki, he believed Nakano Maruo wouldn't sit idly by.
Nakano-san, my five motorcycles are parked downstairs at your place, are you okay with that?
During the afternoon gym class, Makoto played some volleyball with a few familiar male classmates and broke a sweat.
He actually felt regretful about his physical fitness.
Though his body wasn't bad, he couldn't increase his physical strength during the time loops, which still frustrated him.
Every time the time loop reset, his body would return to its original state, and he couldn't improve his physical fitness by accumulating time.
"Fw system, can you open a backdoor for me?" Makoto asked in his mind.
[Which aspect does the host refer to?]
"I want to improve my physical fitness in the time loop, can you think of a way?"
[Host, do you not remember? The time loop resets your body state each time to ensure your safety.]
"I know, hurry up and use your invincible authority to think of something."
[Host, this is really difficult for me.]
"Then let me ask you, you don't want to be stuck in this internship forever, right? I want to improve, you want to improve, don't we all want to progress together?"
After Makoto's persuasion, the system stayed silent for two minutes before replying.
[Host, you're right. I really want to improve.]
"So?"
[Once you finish all the beginner tasks, the system will upgrade a bit, and I can give you a backdoor.]
"Great, full of spirit!"
Makoto suddenly stood up.
At that moment, Hayato, who was coming toward him, was startled: "What happened?"
Makoto: "Nothing, just stretching my muscles."
Hayato was still with the same group of friends, and Yumiko wasn't attending class with the girls; instead, she ran over.
This warm-hearted guy generously handed Makoto a bottle of water and said with a smile, "I saw you playing volleyball earlier, your athletic ability is really outstanding."
Makoto thanked him.
In general, high school students are in their "peak state."
It was like Makoto often heard people in their thirties and forties say, "If I were still in high school, I could conduct a whole night of lectures without exhausting myself!"
"Did you come to talk to me?" Makoto took a sip of water.
Hayato stood next to him: "I heard some things at school and thought it would be better if you knew sooner."
"What did you hear?" This time, it was Yumiko who asked.
Hayato smiled at her and didn't answer. Instead, he gestured for Makoto to lean in.
His posture clearly showed he didn't want others to overhear.
Makoto leaned in curiously, but before Hayato could speak, Yumiko spoke in a dissatisfied tone, "Hayato, are you confessing to him, why are you being so mysterious?"
Makoto almost burst out laughing.
Hayato helplessly said, "Don't say things like that, it's troublesome."
Yumiko pouted: "You're purposely not letting us hear, this looks like a confession."
Makoto held back his laughter and teased: "You got it wrong, I'm the one confessing to Hayama."
Hayato paused, then laughed: "Exactly."
Yumiko remained expressionless: "You two really have great chemistry. Do I need to wish you both luck?"
In the end, Hayato still avoided Yumiko.
He told Makoto that there had been many rumors recently at school about him.
For example, he might be dating Yukino, or Ichika, or even Utaha.
At the moment, it was just a small-scale rumor. If it weren't for Hayato's great popularity, even he might not have heard these rumors.
"I think this is personal, so I didn't tell anyone."
Hayato lowered his voice and reminded him: "I suggest you don't let these rumors spread. Otherwise, both you and Nakano-san will be affected."
Makoto nodded: "Though I don't mind the rumors, you're right, I need to consider them."
Hayato instinctively asked, "Do you have a plan?"
"I do. It's not hard to deal with. We just need to create a more attention-grabbing rumor. Most of the gossipers are forgetful."
"Sounds reasonable, like what?"
"Like you secretly having a crush on me, I think that works perfectly."
"???"
The two chatted casually for a while. Before leaving, Hayato couldn't help but ask quietly: "I'm actually a bit curious, who are you dating right now?"
He quickly added, "Of course, if you don't want to answer, that's fine, I'm just asking casually."
Makoto replied calmly: "I'm pursuing all three of them."
Hayato burst out laughing: "No one believes that."
"If you were a girl, would you believe I'm even chasing you too?"
"I think you're really hungry."
"..."
After school, Makoto waited for Itsuki to pack up before leaving the classroom together.
"I told Ichika during lunch, she'll be waiting for us at the school gate."
Itsuki, rarely showing any energy, was full of anticipation for the upcoming club life.
As the two walked toward the playground, Makoto saw Ichika waiting at the gate.
But the problem was, there was also a tall, well-endowed girl in black stockings standing very close to Ichika.
Itsuki naturally noticed it too and muttered in confusion, "Why is Ichika with Kasumigaoka-senpai?"
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