Journal of a Masochist System

He passed by several decrepit buildings and a bunch of construction workers and glassware makers laughing.

“They look awfully cheery for men who are awake this early in the morning,” Mammon said as he met with Richard, the elderly toymaker he met with last night before getting his drink. 

“I hear business is booming.”

“Huh.” Mammon shrugged. “Ya got what I asked?”

Richard chuckled. “Ten dolls and ten soldiers, just like you commissioned.”

Mammon beamed and gave him his payment before taking the sack of toys from his old friend. “Thanks, Richard. I may need to come back again so do your best to stay alive.”

“Ha! Never gets old.”

Mammon hurried to the orphanage, where Winnet stood holding her own sack. “Finally! I thought I was going to freeze to death.”

“Why didn’t you wait inside?”

“I was worried you’d get lost with all this fresh snow.”

“I’m not that stupid.”

“I really doubt it.”

“Where are the wonder twins?”

“At home, exhausted.” Minette grinned. “They had a rush order and they found their new ‘muse.’”

“Really?” That was a first. 

“Well, come on, the kids are waiting.”

***

YOU

You were in the library when Lyrra informed you that your purchases have been delivered to the estate. 

“Send them to my room.” Without looking away from your book, you tossed her a coin, which she shakingly caught with both hands. 

“Yes, milady!”

“And be sure to call me when lunch is prepared.”

“Of course.”

The system watched the maid skip away with glee before dinging. [Won’t the family be mad about the giant hole you left in their pocket?]

You chuckled. “I’m counting on it.”

Lo and behold, your father was fuming when he caught you walking into the dining hall for lunch.

You ignored his and your stepmother’s glares as you made your way to your seat. No one spoke a word while the servants brought the meal. No one moved even when the last plate was set down.

Shrugging to yourself, you picked up your spoon to try the soup–the head of the house coughed loudly, an act that even a young child of any nobleman would deem inappropriate and rude.

You didn’t flinch, of course, in fact, you haven’t acknowledged his presence since you entered. The man has ignored this body 90 percent of the time. 

Smiling tenderly, you proceeded to eat first.

That set him off. “You dare eat!”

You set down the spoon and dabbed your chin with your napkin before making eye contact. He was a sour-looking man, with graying hair and a nasty set of distracting yellowing teeth. 

You offered a small but loose. "It is lunch time, is it not? You all seemed unwilling to eat so I went ahead and took the first bite to show you that the food isn't poisoned."

Your father turned pink so his loving wife stepped in, grinning forcefully at you. "I hear you went out shopping."

Your sisters lit up at the mention of the merchandise delivered at the door. 

"I saw everything. I didn't even recognize any of the branding," commented Deneve. 

“So many things and yet so little taste,” added Alma. “That reminds me you’re wearing an interesting ensemble today, sister.”

“Yes, the redness of your lips is so lovely. You look worthy enough to be married to Marquess Whitlock.”

Marquess Whitlock was an old man notorious for sleeping around with the so-called ladies of the night.

The two girls burst into a fit of muffled giggling, content with their wittiness.

“Now, girls, be nice to your sister. It’s your job to guide her during times like this.” Your stepmother was definitely smirking behind that veneer of pity and sympathy she showed you.

You merely hummed. “I don’t blame you for not noticing the brand names, after all, the Queen was the one who suggested them. She also complimented the glow of my face when I visited her the other day.”

The girls froze and a silence befell the room. To insult the Queen’s taste, the opinion of anybody from the royal family, was a major faux pas akin to social suicide. There was an old legend about a king from long ago who went to war and came home with a woman with origins unknown. Not much was known about her aside from her love of flowers. During a tea party, one of the guests innocently inquired why she wore a floral dress, as the pattern was commonly associated with little girls. The king cut the person’s tongue and florals bombarded the market for years.

Even if the majority found it over-the-top, no one would ever talk badly about how you previously donned the violet of the royal family or how your former fiance insisted on wearing flashy suits. (Not where it could be heard, anyway.)

“Nonetheless, even you have spent way more than necessary,” your father said. 

Before you could open your mouth, your stepbrother, Bardrich, defended you, “Father, Alma and Deneve have spent more on fur coats and hats this season, I’m sure a few more won’t be too bad.”

You narrowed your eyes but quickly smiled at him. 

Bardrich wasn’t horrible to look at. In fact, he was one of the female lead’s many admirers who made several appearances in the webcomic. They first met with her in a tree and she yelled at him for saying it was unladylike. He ate up the “not like other girls” act like grapes. 

However, your body had no memories of this man outside of being just one of the members of your distant family, so it was a big shock for him to defend you like this.

“I beg your pardon, my lord, my ladyship.” The butler arrived holding a silver tray with a single letter.

You knew exactly what it was–

“It’s a royal invitation to the celebratory ball.”

The mood in the dining hall lightened instantly as everyone discussed what to wear and who to expect.

You quietly finished your lunch before excusing yourself to your room, leaving the family to their own. 

[My Host, your ability to lie while smiling sweetly continues to impress me. Now please explain just what you’re going to do when everyone arrives at the ball and sees that Queen is wearing the same unflattering makeup!]

“No need to yell.” You picked up the boxes that didn’t have the Winfred’s logo. You unwrapped a wooden box freshly varnished and beautifully inlaid with rose flowers. You then went to find the other boxes that didn’t contain clothes or accessories. After finding the different glass vials, you opened the Witches’ Cauldron Chem Set and made a facial cleanser kit, then you made a hypoallergenic powder, a blush, and a lipstick, each one contained in ornate, professionally carved glass and metal containers. You had to thank Winnet for introducing you to such talented craftsmen.

You then wrote her a letter which included the usual greetings and polite chitchat in addition to your instructions: “Please avoid using your usual makeup during these three weeks as they will interfere with the treatment. If you must paint your face, please use the ones I have included in the box.”

When everybody was asleep, you rang for Lyrra. You handed her a delicately wrapped box and the sealed letter. 

You slipped her a pouch of gold coins. “This must be sent ASAP, and no one else but you and the delivery man is to know about it, understand?”

She nodded, arms heavy with your gifts to Her Majesty and her salary.

“Oh, and before you go.” You threw her something. “Consider this a reward for your good job.”

Lyrra drooled at the diamond bracelet between her fingertips. “I’ll continue to serve you faithfully!”

Uwak pocketed the chemistry set and you put your sealed test tubes inside the basket before returning to the bathroom, where your tub was filled with clean, warm water. There was also a wooden barrel of extra water nearby.

“Well done,” you complimented her, giving her a single silver coin. “Thank you for your service.”

Lyrra’s eyes widened at the prize, obviously she wasn’t expecting one. “It was my pleasure, young miss!”

“Check the wood in my fireplace, make sure it doesn’t run out in the middle of the night. Now go. I want to bathe on my own.”

“Understood. Thank you, milady!”

She curtsied and carefully closed the door before she left.

Setting your basket on a table by the tub, you pulled out a bottle of goat milk and poured the contents into the water. You then removed your robe and stepped inside.

You let out a satisfied moan. “This is nice, isn’t it, birdie?”

[I wouldn’t know, seeing as how I have no body.]

You chuckled and reached inside your basket for the shampoo and conditioner you made. You then washed your face with the facial cleanser and then smothered on a face mask. “It’s good to be clean. I can never imagine a single day without taking at least one bath.”

[Putting that aside, Host, aren’t you worried that Lyrra is going to tell on you?]

“The girl is selfish and greedy, and the best thing about selfish and greedy people is that they will always side with those who give them the most benefits. I wouldn’t waste a penny on her otherwise.”

You brushed your teeth. “What was the saying, again? ‘A dishonest man you can always trust to be dishonest.’” Not to mention, your stepmother was an arrogant woman. She would never suspect that one of her servants would betray her.

After your bath, you flushed the milk-water in the toilet and then changed into your nightgown, feeling energized. “Ah, nothing like an at-home spa treatment to renew my bones.” Massaging your cervical lymph nodes, you sat down at your escritoire to lay out several scrolls of paper.

[You are a good illustrator, Host.]

“I know,” you replied, full attention on the paper as you penciled in various designs for ballgowns and morning clothes for the next ten months.

You finished about one hundred designs by midnight. Late nights are the number one cause of wrinkles and acne, and if you wanted to bring out this body’s beauty just in time for the celebratory ball, you needed all your rest, so you blew out the candlelight and went to bed.

You woke up at dawn, before Apple’s morning call, and did some stretches before watercoloring your designs.

An uneventful morning tea with arrowroot biscuits later, you washed your face and teeth, and requested for an extra of Apple’s maid uniform. She looked like she wanted to protest, but you handed her a silver coin and she hurried to fetch you one.

Once dressed, you asked her to go and prepare the carriage the servants used to do their errands.

In the meantime, you emptied the remaining contents of your basket on your vanity. Most of them were makeup you made using the Witches’ Cauldron Chem Set. The original MC suffered from rashes and acne because of the poorly made makeup of the era, and thus, in addition to wearing makeup as status symbol, she had to cover her facial flaws using more of these toxic makeup, whose colors, by the way, didn’t go well with MC’s natural tone.

You pinned back your stray hairs and began applying this morning’s makeup: moisturizer, SPF 40 sunscreen, primer, foundation that compliments your skin best, concealer to hide the circles around your eyes and the pimple scars, blush and highlight, you brushed your eyebrows with a clean watercolor brush, and painted your lips with a light color.

You turned your head from side to side slowly. “Not bad.” You winked at your reflection and the system rolled its eyes.

You put your fashion designs in your basket and put on a black cloak this time.

The servant’s coach was a plain wooden carriage that bounced every time it rode past a pebble. Your butt was beaten black and blue after hours on that thing, and when you reached the market, you’ve never been happier to stand up.

But as your feet hit the pavement, horns thundered across the sky.

Children and adults alike started running towards the main road, dragging you with their tide.

“Ow, ow, hey!”

[See, this is why you should’ve just come here as yourself and not as a maid.]

“All of the dresses in the closet demand attention in a place like this."

[You love attention.]

“Only from certain people.”

You were pushed and pulled between cheering bodies as soldiers on horses paraded down the road.

“What is this?” you questioned Uwak.

[Hmm…]

[Ding. This is the homecoming parade of the remaining army who fought in the war against the South. It’s a minor event that was only mentioned by Prudence’s maid in the webcomic.]

And during this time MC was busy distracting herself from the shame caused by Cyril’s scandal so she, and by extension, you don’t remember much of this event.

The soldiers wore dented but polished metal plate armor, they carried flags bearing a per bend coat of arms, i.e. the shield was divided diagonally. The upper half was white and had a yellow eight-angled star. Perched on the yellow gold lower half was a black bird, either a raven or a crow.

The crowd clapped and shouted with joy as a white steed walked in the center of the parade. Mounted on it was the only knight who had a cape draped over his shoulders.

[That must be the Duke of Roksana.]

“Yeah.” MC has barely made contact with the current duke and you couldn’t recall greeting him in a single party. The webcomic doesn’t even show his face.

“Why isn’t it Ms. No-Name.”

You looked up and saw Winnet, her hair in a double Dutch braid bun and a basket under her arm.

“Are you all right?” she asked.

“I’m fine, but it seems I’ve gotten lost.”

“Well, that won’t do. Where do you need to go?”

“The young lady of our house wants a couple of dresses and accessories made and I was tasked with finding a good tailor—and shoemaker and milliner.” You couldn’t go to MC’s usual seamstress or other dressmakers popular in the aristocratic circle as your gowns would be spread among the nobility before the big celebratory ball. “I don’t suppose you have a recommendation, do you?”

She grinned pleasantly. “Follow me.”

She led you to a building whose street was littered with kids throwing snowballs at each other. The first floor had a red-painted storefront and a wooden sign with a needle and thread.

Winnet pushed open the door. “Oy, ya got a customer!”

The store was small but tidy, there were around three terrifying milliners’ mannequins[1] of varying sizes in the place, all of them were dressed in winter wear. One wall had shelves upon shelves of different fabrics, from wool and silk to cotton and organza.

Winnet shrugged off her coat and hat and then offered to take yours.

“Thanks.”

“No problem—hey, I like your lipstick.”

“Thank you.”

A third voice spoke, “Welcome to Winfred’s.”

You turned around and found two teenagers, a girl dressed in a warm white dress and a beige jacket, and a boy suited up in a warm white shirt and a beige waistcoat and pants.

Winner gestured. “My siblings.”

“I’m Winnie,” said the boy.

“And I’m Freddie,” said the girl.

“Interesting names.”

“We get that a lot,” Freddie laughed. “Our father couldn’t decide on a name so he just split our mother’s name.”

“Nice to meet you. Call me Goldie.”

“Is that short for Goldilocks?”

“Sure, why not.”

“How can we help you?”

“I work for a family with a spoiled young lady and she wants a whole new wardrobe.” You showed them your papers.

“These are good. Did she draw them herself?”

“Yes, she did. Do you take rush orders?”

“That depends on how you define rush,” Freddie answered.

“Can you do a whole week’s worth of dresses in three days?” You placed a pouch of gold coins on their table. “It’s an emergency.”

They exchanged glances before smiling at you.

You finished your negotiation with the two dressmakers and Winnet showed you around, introducing you to the other entrepreneurs in the area, from the carpenters and blacksmiths to the lodge owners and bakers.

“Now, Mrs. Morais makes the best pies and cakes, but Mr. Attwater is the king of rolls,” Winnet informed you as you two passed a second pastry shop.

While Winnet got into a haggling fight with Mr. Attwater you spotted a kid picking up a loaf of bread, her head bobbing left and right suspiciously.

“Hey.” You caught her wrist before she could tuck it in her jacket. “You’re gonna get beaten if you get caught, you know.”

She glared at you, her lips were purple from the cold.

You sighed and showed her a silver coin. “What’s your name?”

“Does it matter?”

You pulled back the coin. “It does if I’m giving you money.”

“…Tintin.”

“Nice to meet you, Tintin.” You grinned and gave her the coin. “My name’s Goldie.”

She stared at the silver coin for a whole minute before side-eyeing you. “Why’re you giving me this?”

You shrugged.

She beamed and called for Mr. Attwater to buy a whole bag’s worth of bread.

“Thanks, mister! Thanks, miss!” She walked backward, still smiling, before spinning around and sprinting away.

“Unbelievable,” chuckled Winnet. “Will your miss be happy you used a coin for charity?”

You hooked your arm around hers. “She’s spoiled, not evil.”

[1] milliners’ mannequins

image source: Antique mannequin for restoration at studionick.com [digital image]. (n.d.)  Novo Mannequin & Dress Forms. www.novobusiness.net/history-of-mannequin.html 

About three hours of cards and Uwak crying for only winning five times, you heard a cacophony of sounds outside the coach and snuck a peek through the window.

You passed gargantuan cream-colored stone buildings, their roofs were covered with a layer of untouched snow. The stone roads were filled with vendors shouting in an attempt to appeal to the passing commoners, who were decked out in white wool and browns, blues and blacks.

A gust of wind blasted your face and you shut the window, keeping it closed for the rest of the ride to the palace.

If the royal attendants noticed your change in appearance, they did not show it and brought you to the Queen’s tea room, which, like the rest of the palace, resembled Versailles. The parquet floor was inlaid with floral details. Gold vines curled up the powder blue walls and directed your eyes towards the intricate crystal chandelier hanging from the ceiling. The warm glow of the candlelight seemed to make the solid silver furniture sparkle.

“Holy cowplant.” You ran your fingers over the cushion of your chaise lounge, admiring the black and orange koi illustrations on the aquamarine fabric. “Imagine becoming the mistress of this entire place.”

The system was quiet. Knowing its Host, it wouldn’t be surprised if you decided to change your mind and seduce Cyril instead. Knowing the Host’s skills very well, you’d have the scumbag eating out of your hand like a dog no problem.

Your drooling was interrupted by the doors opening.

You rose to your feet, curtsying to the Queen.

“What a lovely surprise,” she uttered, curtsying back to you before opening her arms.

Queen Cyrilla’s thick figure was decorated with a silk deep green gown with a black fleur de lis pattern sewn all over. Amethysts encased in platinum bejeweled her wrists and decolletage. Two loose strays of grey hair framed her face, the rest of her tresses were knotted into a neat bun. Her wrinkled smile was lovely and full of maternal affection.

You gave her a hug, the heavy scent of roses, the national flower, enveloped you. “I’m sorry if I haven’t gone to visit you more often, my Queen.”

“Nonsense, nonsense. Come, let us sit.”

You placed yourself back on the lounge, sitting across from her.

“I know that the past months have been difficult for us all, with the war and everything,” she started, preparing tea for both of you. Every movement of hers, even the mere act of tilting a teapot, was practiced and graceful, befitting her status. “So I don’t blame you if you’ve been busy worrying.” She picked up the sugar tongs and dropped a cube into your teacup. “However, I would like to remind you that, as future queen, you must remain composed, even as you face death straight in the eye.” The Queen threw a glance at you.

You understand her subtle implications, naturally. It is impossible for the Queen not to have heard of her son’s scandal and interest in Prudence. She knew that you knew and must’ve assumed that you became depressed and discarded your manners. After all, in this setting, makeup and jewelry were status symbols, and the lack thereof suggested a lack of wealth, class and culture.

Though you did wear some powder, your lips and cheeks lacked highlight. The cold temperature did not help either.

You nodded. “Of course, Your Majesty.”

“But I’m certain that you did not come here to listen to this old gal prattle on about propriety.” She handed you the teacup. “Why have you come here, dear?”

She leaned back in her chair, eyes peering over her teacup to look at you.

This was a test.

You put on the best kicked-dog face you could make and answered, “I’ve come to greet Your Majesty, for it felt wrong not to have been in contact with you for so long, and to speak with His Royal Highness.”

Her brows arched with fake shock and she put down the teacup. “You have? What for?”

You shook your head. “It is nothing that Her Majesty must concern herself with. We had a lovers’ spat through our letters and I wished to make amends. It’s been a while since I’ve quarreled with the prince, though…”

“Though…?”

“This is embarrassing, but…” You coyly lowered your chin. “Fighting with him somehow made my love burn hotter.”

[BUWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA—]

The system detected your smile flash dangerously and backtracked.

[—HAhabuphufft, ahem…ahem.]

The Queen appeared equally surprised, though her expression softened.

“I’ll have his wandering behind dragged into this room immediately—”

“Oh, please don’t, Your Majesty.” You reached for her hand. “With the two of us here in your room, he would feel cornered and act out. Please, let me handle him.”

The Queen sighed and squeezed your hand. “I trust your judgment, my dear.”

“Thank you.”

“He’s currently practicing fencing.”

“I understand, that’s good to hear.” Though no matter how much he practiced now, Cyril would lose to a masked competitor in the future. That competitor was Prudence, who, through a hilarious chain of events, had to participate in place of a friend. Then, a separate hilarious chain of events caused Cyril to lose focus for a second, giving the female lead an opening to attack and win.

“I will wait for him to finish.”

You and the Queen drank tea and discussed fashion trends and novels and queenly lessons. You didn’t bring up the topic of Cyril’s growing ardor for Prudence.

“Pardon me, Your Majesty, Lady Rosewater,” politely greeted a lady-in-waiting. “It’s about time His Royal Highness finishes his training.”

“Thank you.” The Queen then looked at you. “I will have one of the maids lead you to the training grounds.”

“There is no need for that.” You used both hands to squeeze her hand before standing up. “I know the palace like it’s my own room.”

“Ah, yes. Silly me.”

“Thank you so much for accommodating me, my Queen.” You curtsied one last time.

“But wait, do you want to use my makeup?”

“I appreciate it, Your Majesty, but I want to face Cyril the way I am right now, hopefully he will remember our earlier years as little children playing hide and seek.”

The Queen touched her chest. “I understand. Straighten him out.”

You gave her a smile and then bade goodbye to her and her attendants before exiting the room and making your way through the halls.

“Add internet and a working computer and I may never leave this place.”

[Host, please focus.]

“I am perfectly focused.”

Your conversation was then interrupted, “Look who came for a visit.”

It was the weiner prince.

He wore a magenta coat jacket with shiny gold buttons over a white dress shirt and a cravat. His muscled legs were covered by tan full-length trousers paired with dark boots that reached up just below his knees. The outfit created a beautiful silhouette not too different from 21st century suits. It would be a good ensemble in a Pride and Prejudice-esque world, but it was a far cry from the frock coats and silk stockings of the 1700s.

Still, you could forgive the anachronism because you loved a good suit.

“I do wish you would send me a letter of notification before you drop by. Even if you are the Queen’s favorite and my future wife, you need to be careful with how you act,” so he blabbered as he dabbed his sweaty forehead with a silk handkerchief with very poor embroidery and very much not from you, his fiancée.

You smiled and curtsied. “I do apologize, Your Highness.”

He unsubtly scrutinized your appearance and smirked. “Trying out a new trend? I haven’t seen you in pastel since we were children. But you shouldn’t leave the house without makeup, you’ll look like a whore.”

“I will take note of that. Thank you, Your Highness, but since the war has been won, I thought to celebrate by changing my style.”

He frowned at the mention of the war. This prince failed to defend three different territories and was still bitter that the other sons of noblemen received the glory for winning the war.

“It’s still not won,” he replied. “We still haven’t heard from the last troops.”

“Yes, but the major territories have been reclaimed and are now fully guarded.”

You hummed silently as you examined his figure.

He was tall (taller than you, anyway), had a symmetrical facial structure and straight, straw-blonde hair with bangs reaching up to his eyes, which were the same dark blue that his mother had.

You were unimpressed.

He was not unattractive, but his most interesting feature was his eyes, which were so dark they looked black sometimes.

He was basic, to say the least. It was a good thing he didn’t have black hair. Or black hair and blue eyes. Or black hair and red eyes. About ninety percent of the male leads in all the webcomics you’ve read were described as “tall, raven-haired beauties with skin like snow and eyes the color of rubies/sapphires/some other shiny thing a miner picked from the Earth.”

Fancy words for boring, black-haired, pasty-skinned, gemstone-eyed archetypes with emotional constipation.[1]

Not that there was anything wrong with that, but when you see the same shit over and over and over and over and over again, you tend to get sick of it. And then there’s the toxic ass-soul occupying that body…

“Well, until the celebratory ball takes place, I will not acknowledge our victory.” He sighed. “You must be tired, I know I am, go tell the maids to prepare the tea—”

“There will be no need for that.”

“What?”

You wanted to laugh. You didn’t know what shocked him more: getting interrupted by someone except his mother for the first time in his life, or you saying “no” to him for the first time in your life. But you kept your cool as you proceeded, “I cannot be here for too long, I am afraid. I only made the trip so that we can discuss a small but relevant topic.”

“Which is…?”

You smiled. “Our break up, of course.”

His eyeballs popped out and you chuckled delicately into your hand. “Do not fret, Your Highness.”

“What?”

“You see, there have been rumors floating about.”

“Rumors?”

“Yes, rumors, about you and some mystery girl getting locked in a tool shed.”

“Nothing happened between us!”

The system was almost struck speechless by this man’s stupidity.

[“Nothing happened,” he says. That’s the same as confessing that he was stuck in a shed with her!]

Cyril grabbed your shoulders. “Nothing happened, so don’t go gossiping about me or Prudence!”

The system called him an idiot and you shot the prince a look cold enough to freeze his face.

[SYSTEM WARNING: Character settings dropped by 2%. SYSTEM WARNING: Host must keep character settings above 80%.]

You lovingly shrugged his fingers off your shoulders. “Calm down, my Prince. If you become hysterical, how shall I speak properly with you?”

This was how Cyril talked to the original MC when she confronted him about his behavior, that is, when began pursuing Prudence whilst still engaged to her.

“Don’t overreact,” “You’re too emotional to converse with right now,” “Is this how you’re going to act when I take up concubines in the future?”, “If you become hysterical, then don’t blame me if people start looking down on you.”

You gave him a warm smile. “It was my attempt at cheering up His Highness because he seems down lately, but with how you reacted, it seems my comedy skills need improvement.”

“That was a joke?”

“Partially.”

“...what?”

“I propose that we take what I would like to call a ‘break’.”

“A ‘break’?”

You nodded. “Even before the rumors about the shed, I have long noticed that His Highness has become infatuated with the Lady of Leopold. As your most loyal supporter, I want nothing but your happiness.”

“Is that so?”

“Yes. I thought that you’d be interested in dissolving our engagement so that you could court her properly.”

“Dissolve the engagement?”

“Temporarily, of course. Although she and I barely speak outside of balls and some tea parties, I’ve seen how she behaves and speaks. I know for a fact that she is not interested in marriage with a man who is already engaged.”

“Is that so?”

“Anyway, that was my idea, but it’s foolish, isn’t it? It would never work. Once you and I get back together, she’ll just hate you.” You covered your mouth. “Forget I said anything, Your Highness.”

“No, it’s brilliant!” he declared, rubbing his chin. “After she’s fallen for me, I’ll propose to her. Once she agrees, she can’t take it back. And once you and I get married, I can take her in as my concubine.”

You curved your lips into a dainty o. “I never thought of it that way. You’re too smart, Your Highness.”

“This is perfect!”

“So…um…” You pretended to think.

“What’s wrong?”

“I’m sorry, but does that mean you and I are no longer engaged as of now?”

He chuckled, “Starting today, you and I are unengaged.”

“So will I tell the Queen or…”

“Did you not hear what I just said? You can’t break off a royal engagement, it’s against the law. I can’t believe you forgot something so important.”

“So…does that mean that His Highness will do it?”

“Of course, leave it to me.”

You sneered behind your hand and praised him, “My prince is so dependable.”

After that, you told him you had to go home and he was too overjoyed with “his plan” to be offended by you rejecting his invitation to tea for the second time.

But you didn’t head home yet.

As your coach neared the street market, the footman asked for the third time if you truly did not want to return to the estate and come back here with maids and a knight.

“I shall be fine. Wait for me here.”

You secured your cloak over yourself and went to examine each stall carefully, noting that, naturally, there wasn’t much to sell aside from headgear, socks and other insulating apparel as it was currently winter.

[My Host hasn’t even eaten anything since this morning and the sun is about to set. Maybe we should continue the tourist trip tomorrow?]

As Uwak suggested this, you encountered a loud and bright tavern situated between the apartment buildings.

The system recalled vivid memories of its Host getting stabbed and begged, [Don’t do it…please.]

“We only live once, Uwak.”

[You already died! You’re technically dead!]

You entered the place, men and women drank, ate and sang around their respective tables, illuminated by candle-light, it was like stepping inside a chiaroscuro painting.

There were two free seats by the bar, one next to a couple sucking each other’s face off, and the other next to someone with a hood over their head gulping down his third pint of beer.

You chose the latter.

The barmaid flashed you with a toothy smile, “Hey.” She had freckles and clearly did not wear makeup.

“Hello.”

“You new here?”

“What makes you think that?”

She shrugged. “Never saw you here before.”

“Call me a ship that passes in the night.”

“Tryin’ to be mysterious, I see, haha. What can I get you?”

In addition to the modern toilet, you were grateful that this world had soap, which meant that the people here should be washing their hands. “Let’s see—”

“‘nother one of these, Winnet!” The man next to you slammed his empty pint on the wooden counter.

Winnet shook her head. “Yer scaring the girl, ease up, will you?” Her smile for you became apologetic. “I’m sorry, he gets rowdy when drunk, but he’s harmless.”

“It’s fine. Um, is it just me or does everyone seem especially happy today?”

“Damn right, we’re happy!” the man sang and the rest of the room joined him in cheer. “C’mon, next round is on me again, Winnet!”

She sighed.

You grinned. “Go ahead and serve them first, I want to think of my order first.”

She nodded and disappeared into the kitchen.

The man beside you stretched his arms. “This isss the best day everrr.” He yawned and then—

Boing!

His fist bounced off your breast.

[Oh, my god…]

The man stilled and, confused, he unclenched his fist and felt your chest.

[Oh, my god.]

Then he squeezed a boob. “Whaaat isss thisss thing? A sheeeep? It’ssss sooooo soooft.”

[Oh, my god!]

You thought about your options: A) Slap him and get yourself murdered in a bar fight, or B) Punch him and get yourself murdered in a bar fight.

You did not like your odds.

This wasn’t happening. This couldn’t be happening! the system cried to itself. If this man wanted you dead, you would die and you won’t finish the mission task, which means you fail the mission task, which means you will be sent to a punishment world! Main System, God, Buddha, Jesus, the Virgin Mary, the Devil, help!

As you ruminated between assault and worse assault, followed by your death, the man squeezed your breast again and your palm met with the side of his face, pushing him off his seat.

[Host!]

Gaining back your senses, you pulled back your arm.

Crap.

“Um, this is…huh?”

The man sat up on the floor, hoodie no more. His white hair fluttered as he bent over to rub his olive face before raising his gaze to meet yours.

“What’s your problem, lady?” he yelled, ocean blue eyes roaring and…was that a hint of gold in his irises?

“Hey, you.” A hot trail of blood drizzled down your nose. “What’s your name?”

[Oh, god.]

“Hah? Now you’re acting friendly?” He pushed himself up so he could look at you straightly, the faint pinkness in his cheeks and ears suggested he was still somewhat drunk. “You hit me in the face!”

“I can hit you in other places if you want.”

“No!”

“I see, so do you want to touch me again? I can let you touch my other places,” you whispered.

He squinted, thinking, then his eyes widened with realization. “No!”

You giggled into your hand. “I apologize, you’re so cute, I couldn’t help but tease you.”

He froze before his whole face flushed crimson.

“Please sit, I’ll buy you something more filling than beer and…beer.”

The young man clicked his tongue but sat next to you.

The system short-circuited with awe. Only its Host can pull a reverse uno on sexual harrasment, then make it a date.

“You haven’t told me your name.” You watched him, admiring the bounciness of his hair.

“Sorry, but it’s gonna take more than a slice of bread and beef to get my name.”

“I take it you’re someone special?”

“No…”

“Then you’re just a nobody.”

“No!”

“Don’t be shy, I don’t bite. Besides, two strangers meeting like this is fate, isn’t it?”

“Spare me the sappy stuff. Tell me your name.”

“Hmmm.” You stared at the gold flecks in his blue eyes before answering, “Call me Goldie.”[2]

“What kind of name is ‘Goldie’?”

“The kind that sticks.”

“Fine.” He grabbed his refilled pint. “Call me Aurum.”

You cackled and he nearly fell off his chair again.

“What is your problem?”

“Nothing. Great name.” Aurum was Latin for “gold.” It wasn’t a language in this setting though, so it was quite the coincidence.

You changed the subject. “So I hear you’re happy.”

“Yep. You should be, too.”

“Why?”

“We won the war.”

“So I’ve heard.”

“You have?”

“Gossip travels faster than fire.”

“Right.”

“Mm.” You bit into your roast beef as it was Aurum’s turn to watch you.

“So why are you here?”

“I thought you’d never ask.”

“For real, though. Why?”

“I got my heart broken recently and wanted a drink.”

“Oh.”

“Uh-huh.”

“I’m sorry to hear that.”

“That’s sweet.”

“Shut up…”

You laughed and ate together in silence.

When he noticed that you were done, he tried to inhale the rest of his meal. He swallowed. “Wait for me. I’ll walk you to a coach.” Then he took another bite of beef and bread, racing to finish.

“You stay here and enjoy your meal.” You laid out stacks of gold and silver on the bar. “See you around.”

He wanted to call out your name but his cheeks were stuffed and Winnet had arrived with one last pint.

He gulped down the remaining food in his mouth, informed Winnet that he will be back to finish the beer, and ran out hoping to catch up to you.

But you were nowhere to be found.

He brushed back his hair in frustration.

And just then, two knights in dark blue coats and yellow trimming approached him. Before any of them could talk, he asked if they saw a lady with your height, cloak and dress.

“Are you certain that she wasn’t wearing makeup?”

“Positive.”

“Then she must’ve been a prostitute.”

He shook his head. Your accent, your posture, your table manners all pointed to a noblewoman. “I’m worried that she might get robbed or worse.”

“We’ll tell the others to keep a lookout. In the meantime, Your Grace, how many times do we have to tell you not to come here without bringing a guard?”

“Hey, I can take care of myself.”

“And for that matter, you didn’t even tell us you got back today!”

The other guard pacified his partner. “Now, now, you’re kind of new so you don’t know this, but it’s tradition for Duke Mammon to sneak back to the kingdom and drink here alone after winning his battles.”

“What, why? That sounds like an awful waste of time.”

Mammon scanned the area, but there was not a trace of you.

He exhaled, his breath forming a thin cloud in the air as he spoke, “Come on. The others are probably at the halfway point, I need to go regroup with them before daybreak.”

[1] You can't deny that black hair, blue/red eyes and white skin is hilariously common in many webcomics, webnovels, mangas and otome games. At some point, those guys just blend together in my mind and become this singular basic bitch. Except Lucifer. I've grown fonder of him since that memory incident. (If you know, you know.) And Sebastian from Black Butler.

[2] When I first typed in "Goldie," I thought "That's a cool name for a stripper," and then only after that did I realize that it could also be short for "Goldilocks." I'm sorry, I dunno. It's 5:45 a.m. and I'm still awake. Good night.

For reference, this was the silhouette during the mid-1700s:

source: Formal ensemble, about 1765. Museum no. T.137 to B.1932. [Digital image].(n.d.) vam.ac.uk/content/articles/i/introduction-to-18th-century-fashion/#:~:text=At%20the%20beginning%20of%20the,with%20frills%20and%20linen%20underdrawers.

And this is what the male silhouette evolved into at the 19th century:

source: Matthews, M. (n.d.). Caricature of Beau Brummell by Robert Dighton, 1805.[Digital image]. Mimi Matthews. mimimatthews.com/2016/10/03/a-century-of-sartorial-style-a-visual-guide-to-19th-century-menswear/

Anyway, as lovely as the men's clothes were in the 18th century, I don't see that style drawn that often (if at all) in manwhas and mangas. It's likely because the silhouette comes off silly to most modern readers. Also, I just really love the modern suit, it fits all body types, just *muwah*

Chapter image source: Le Pont-Neuf Et La Pompe De La Samaritaine, Vus Du Quai De La Mégisserie by Nicolas Jean-Baptiste Raguenet (1777). [Digital Image]. Retrieved from: parismuseescollections.paris.fr/fr/musee-carnavalet/oeuvres/le-pont-neuf-et-la-pompe-de-la-samaritaine-vus-du-quai-de-la-megisserie#infos-principales

“Jesus Mary Joseph!” you swore from your bed as you pulled your knees to your chest and rubbed your palms over your calves.

Ice needled the soles of your feet and, in the midst of your inner whining, realized that there was no fire in the room.

It was February and yet the fireplace was not lit in the bedroom of an earl’s daughter.

You put on your slippers and shakingly went to check the fireplace. The wood inside wouldn’t have lasted for a couple of hours, let alone the entire night.

“What idiot forgot to—oh, right.”

Your stepmother, Countess Cezara, had replaced the servants a week ago, after gossip of Prince Cyril getting locked in a shed with an unknown lady reached her ears. She correctly suspected that you were no longer favored and began preparing.

The maids didn’t go out of their way to be mean, but they weren’t as attentive as your former people, who would’ve ensured that the flames would last until morning. Although your stepmother’s servants were trained so it was highly unlikely for them to miscount the firewood.

“Tsk.”

You ran back to your bed and pulled on the bell cord, a long, blue thread attached to a copper wire which ran along the room and down to a wall in the servants’ quarters, ending as a bell.

You rang and you rang, but no one came.

“God-freakin’-dammit.” You hopped off the bed and went to rekindle the fire yourself.

“Friggin’ h-hate the cold…Frigging hate it!”

The system resisted the urge to laugh. It was rare to see the Host so uncomposed and so very unherself, but when it happened, it was quite the scene.

“There.” You held your hands to the flame, indulging in the warmth. “I can’t believe I’m saying this, but thank God my parents forced me into scouthood.”

[I didn’t know my Host was a scout.]

“Yeah. The Nyx Division.”[1]

[What was your favorite part about camping?]

“When it was time to pack up and go home.”

[…]

“Bunch of snotty kids sleeping in tents in the wilderness like cave people…ridiculous. They even made us eat on the ground like animals. If mthe outside world is that great why bother with houses…stupid…”

[I take it the Host was the leading scout in ‘fun-sucking’.]

“Ha!” you chuckled. “I wish. My parents said if I won ten badges, then they would let me quit.”

[So the Host won ten badges.]

“Nope.” You returned to your bed and tucked your toes under the covers. “I won all of them.”

You yawned, “Then I quit.”

When morning came, you woke up just in time to hear someone knock on the door.

A maid, Apple, you fuzzily recalled, walked inside with a flower-printed ceramic kettle. “Good morning, milady—”

“Get out.”

She stopped, smile freezing. “I-I beg your pardon, milady?”

You gave her a soft smile as you spoke tenderly, “I said ‘get out.’”

“Um…”

“Close the door and then knock again.”

“But—”

“Do it.”

She hesitated before stepping outside and shutting the door.

Slow, confused knocks rapped at the wood.

“Come in,” you said as you rolled on your side, bending your elbow to rest your head on your hand.

She took reluctant steps towards you. Her surprise had rendered her speechless as she met your gaze.

You suppressed a yawn. “Well?”

“Huh?”

“This is the part where you apologize for entering my room without permission, not to mention meeting my eyes directly, and beg me not to tell my father.

“Oh…oh!” Having finally processed your words, she bent her waist and cried, “I am so sorry, young lady! I didn’t—I did not mean to offend you! I swear it!”

“Hm.” Like every other working woman with long hair, Apple had hers in a braided bun, and cheeks were chubby and freckled. She was young. She never participated in the active humiliation of MC. She never tried to stop it either.

You didn’t tell her to move from her position. “Were you the one who lit the fire in my room last night?”

“No, m-milady. I’m only assigned to your room during mornings. The one in charge during the evenings is Lyrra.”

Searching your memories, you discovered that Lyrra was one of the sneakier perpetrators. She didn’t take part in direct bullying, but she did often “forget” to bring MC her food and letters to her, made fun of her behind her back (MC overheard her calling her 'an uptight fool’), accidentally dropped MC’s dishware when she served her, and stole from her.

“I understand. Hurry up and serve me.”

“Y-yes.” She trotted towards your vanity and poured water in the washbowl.

After cleaning your face and hands with warm water, you slipped out of your nightgown and into a linen shift.

Although your makeup did not match your complexion, you powdered your face, enough to cover the blemishes on your cheeks, nose and chin, but didn’t touch the rouge. Apple said nothing and silently wove your hair for you.

You then rolled on your cotton stockings, secured into place with a ribbon garter under each knee. Once you put on your underpetticoat, Apple laced your stays, raising and pressing your breasts together, followed by tying on the panniers.

“Hey, check these out,” you said to Uwak as you admired your bosom in the mirror.

[Yes, they’re very…] The system did not know how to praise a woman’s breasts. [...tight?]

You rolled your eyes and lifted your arms to welcome a second petticoat.

“Not that,” you stopped Apple when she reached for your usual stomacher, the V-shaped panel worn in front of the torso, which was covered with eggplant-hued fustian fabric and adorned with gold lace.

Violet was the color of the royal family. MC, who was engaged to the prince, made a point to wear shades of violet, such as raisin, wine, plum, and of course, eggplant, all these delicious-sounding shades in an attempt to appear serious. To you, “somber” was the more appropriate term. She was twenty years old but dressed like a mother with her velvet clothes and heavy jewelry.

That was okay, you suppose, but you already wore a lot of blacks and browns and other “serious” colors when you were a bad boy with a black card.

This was fake 18th century Europe for goodness’ sake! The alleged era of puffy full skirts and floor-sweeping ball gowns with ruffles and ribbons and bows.

Now was the time to be someone completely different. And you refused to look like you were raising five kids.

You went over to your selection and picked up the least matronly panel in MC’s drawer, which was white and embroidered with flowers, then you went to your wardrobe and found the only dress that wasn’t colored like it belonged on a dining table.

You examined the seafoam dress.

“Oh, no.”

[What is it, Host?]

It was a sack-back gown,[2] which touched the floor and made it difficult to walk.

You laid the gown over the bed, unpinned the stomacher from your body, and ordered the maid, “Hand me my sewing basket. It’s on my dresser.”

Apple gave you the basket and you pulled out the scissors.

“What are you doing!?”

[What are you doing!?]

Both system and maid exclaimed as you sheared through the silk without thinking twice.

Ignoring their shock, you continued your work, cutting some here and sewing over there until you were satisfied.

“Help me put it on.”

You fitted inside the seafoam green gown, which you redesigned to have a false waistcoat and whose skirt was bunched up into three separate puffs at the back, revealing the lilac petticoat underneath.

The system applauded. [Impressive robe à la polonaise,[3] Host! It looks like it was made by a professional.]

“Youngest scout in the history of our division to ever win all the badges under ‘Fashion Appreciation.’ Won my sewing badge before any of my seniors did. Should’ve seen the look on their faces.” You snickered as Apple laced your winter boots.

You twirled in front of the mirror to appraise your work. “All right. I’m ready. Call the carriage for me.”

“But you haven’t had breakfast yet, where are you going this early in the morning?”

“I don’t see how that’s any of your business.”

She hiccupped. “O-of course. I apologize. I’ll go get the carriage ready!” The girl ran out the room so fast you swore you could see smoke behind her like a cartoon.

[Where does Host intend to go?]

“Isn’t it obvious? He flirted with a woman who wasn't his fiancée and embarrassed me.” You draped a mouse grey cloak over yourself and headed outside. “So I’m going to break up with that bastard.”

Author's Corner:

[1] This is made up, btw, think the Fireside Girls from Phineas and Ferb, but the scouts are gender neutral cause MC has no official gender. In the Philippines, the Girl Scouts are separated by age groups and the divisions are: Twinkler, Star, Junior, Senior and Cadet. But fun fact: I WAS forced into participating and every year, each troupe came up with names based on a single theme. We had goddesses as a theme once and that was where I first heard the name Nyx.

I hated the Girl Scouts. And I hate camping. ❤️‍🔥

[2] Sack-back gown: "...panniers dilate the hips; a narrow waist is achieved by the corset, which further pushes up and supports the bust. A deep décolletage is rendered more or less modest with insertions of bits of cloth, and the sleeves are finished with layers of engageants that are generally just basted in for easy detachment and washing." Click here for an example of a sack-back gown.

[3] Robe à la Polonaise: "The polonaise gown first came into fashion in the 1770s. It was a style of gown with a close-fitting bodice and the back of the skirt gathered up into three separate puffed sections to reveal the petticoat below." Click here for an example of a polonaise dress.

These were my sources for the clothes and the painting, in case you guys are interested:

American Duchess. (2020, May 28). How to Dress 18th Century: 1770 - 1780 Robe a la Polonaise [Video]. Youtube. www.youtube.com/watch?v=0o4I8jG-te4

Les Hasards Heureux de L'Escarpolette (“The Swing”) by Jean-Honoré Fragonard [Digital Image]. (n.d.) The Wallace Collection, Manchester. Retrieved from: wallacelive.wallacecollection.org/eMP/eMuseumPlus?service=ExternalInterface&module=collection&objectId=65364&viewType=detailView

Hart, A., & North, S. (2007). Historical fashion in detail: The 17th and 18th centuries. V & A Publ.

National Museums Liverpool. (2017, May 10). Getting dressed in the 18th century [Video]. Youtube. youtube.com/watch?v=UpnwWP3fOSA

Robe à la Française [Digital image]. (n.d.). Retrieved from: metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/79893

Robe à la Polonaise [Digital image]. (n.d.). Retrieved from: metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/84611

Waugh, N. & Woodward, M. (1968). The Cut of Women’s Clothes, 1600-1930. Theatre Art Books.

“ … ”

[ … ]

“ … Hey, trashystem.” You lifted a shaking finger towards the screen. “I thought I was going to have better pay.”

[Y-you have a bonus--]

Your jaw ticked. “Hah?”

The system quickly shut up.

“I wasted my entire savings because I betted on your so-called bonus.”

Uwak thought of a distraction--

[Host, look at this!]

A light screen manifested in front of you.

[For successfully completing an emergency mission that has been failed by many veterans, you have been promoted from Novice to Junior. Your system now has been upgraded, open manual for more information. Congratulations, Host.]

As you read, the system waited quietly.

You stared at the screen with dead eyes.

The system prayed to Lord God: Please, if the Host abandons me, let this useless system be reborn into a capable artificial intelligence!

You took a deep breath, and then let out a long, drawn on out sigh. You started counting from one to ten.

[H-Host, you will be happy to know, I can now raise my anti-psychic field up to 60%]

“...six… seven…”

When you ignored it, the system continued to pray fiercely. 

“...ten.” You breathed again and then slapped your cheeks.

“Let’s move on to the next world.”

[U-understood!]

A young man hovered in front of you. He wore simple designer clothes and a tear-stained scowl.

[Synchronizing souls … ]

[Sharing character memories ... Sharing series details … ]

[Reminder: male pronouns will be used on both the supporting character and our MC]

The anime series “Even When You Don’t Want Me Anymore” centers around Maya. She grew up with her single mother, who was always away due to her job as a fashion model.

Maya always yearned for a father figure. Her wish eventually came true on her birthday. She and her mom left their high-rise condo and moved to a villa to live with their new family.

MC was the older stepbrother to the female lead Maya, but he didn’t like his new sister or mother, so he avoided them. 

Why did MC not like his new family? That’s because he was an outsider. 

His father got his mother pregnant when they were in high school and they got married, but the two often fought until the wife died in a car crash on MC’s seventeenth birthday. 

Anyway, about three months after his mother’s burial, his dad brought home a strange woman and her daughter, introducing them as MC’s new “mom and sister.” 

MC was a smart kid. He knew something was wrong when he saw how much his stepsister looked like him. And how his cheap father started spoiling this daughter that wasn’t even truly his. Also, MC and Maya were born a year apart. 

It doesn’t take a genius to figure out the truth: his father cheated on his mother. 

MC became more and more distant from his “family,” he was never home, skipped school, and frequently partied.

His sister wanted to reconcile with him, but she was frightened by his blunt and rough demeanor.

Then this and that happened, and MC discovered that his mother didn’t die from an accident--her brakes were hijacked. Although he didn’t know who was responsible, MC was so furious that he got drunk and interrupted his sister’s birthday party. Why did he find out the truth of his mom’s death on the night of a party? For drama, maybe.

Now at this point in the story, Maya already had the affections of the male lead and the supporting male lead. The young men dragged the half-brother away from the party and threw him in the family pool to cool off.

Although MC was impulsive, he wasn’t the type to cause trouble in front of his relatives. For him to intrude in an important occasion--the alcohol was too much. 

He forgot how to swim, drowned and died.

His “family” mourned for a month. One month, and then he was never mentioned again.

The story continued with the father having another child with his second wife, and the female lead graduated, still unable to choose between the guys vying for her love.

After reviewing the memories, you hooked your lips. 

[Initializing transfer ... 31%, 62% ... ]

“A cheating husband, a two-faced mistress, and a flower vase daughter. This is going to be fun.” 

The system gulped hard. There was a strong murderous intent radiating from the Host.

[... 93% ... Transfer complete.]

[Ding. World of “Even When You Don’t Want Me Anymore” welcomes you. Mission Difficulty: Regular.]

[Main Mission: Get justice for mother’s death. Side Task 1: Destroy the cheater and his mistress. Side Task 2: Punish the two who killed MC. Time limit: one year.  Friendly reminder from the system: keep your character settings from collapsing.]

[Good luck, Host.] 

A squeaky voice pierced your ears, “Onii-san*?” 

You looked down at the bug-eyed beauty clinging to your uniform jacket. She was dressed in her long-sleeved white blouse and wore black tights under her plaid skirt.

[Host, it is the female lead’s first day at your high school. This is the scene when--]

“Don’t touch me so freely,” you said plainly as you shrugged her off.

She folded her arms and made a face, like you just told her she smelled like rotting fish. 

“I-I’m sorry.” Her eyes trembled with tears.

“Stop that.” You ran a hand through your hair. “Quit acting like the victim all the time. It makes you look stupid.”

Her jaw slackened and you turned away to hide your grin.

The original MC never said these lines. But he was the honest type of guy so it wouldn’t be too OOC to talk like this. 

You: Ah, such a nice break from the character I played last time. Yes, yes, I’m gonna take my time in this world.

The system: Oho, my Host is up to no good.

You looked back at Maya, who had her head down in frustration. You rolled your eyes and stepped outside the door. “I’m going now. If you wanna join me then hurry up.”

Her eyes lit up and she trotted after you towards the family car.

You nodded at the driver as you slid inside the passenger seat. 

“Don’t forget to put on your seatbelt,” you grumbled out.

Maya squeaked, “Yes, nii-san!” She clumsily buckled up.

You examined her reflection at the rearview mirror. What’s her game? Is she acting or truly dumb? For now, it would be best to observe her and decide what to do later. 

The campus was large and the windows of modern buildings shimmered under the sun. Cherry blossom trees towered around the area.  

After exiting the car, you waved her off and started walking. 

When you couldn’t hear her footsteps, you sighed and turned around. 

Maya stood awkwardly next to the gates. She looked like an abandoned puppy.

“What’re you doing?” Your words made her blush. 

She drew her hands together and started mumbling.

“Speak up.”

She flinched. “Eep--I don’t know how to get to my c-class.”

You rubbed your temples. What the heck, why does she keep acting like this? I feel like a bully. You searched the original MC’s memories and so far it all showed her trembling the same way.

“I told you to stop acting like I kicked you. Tell me what’s your next class. And speak clearly.”

“R-right!” She scampered closer to you and brought out her tablet.

After examining her schedule, you sighed again and spun around. “C’mon. Your classroom is in my building.”

Her face lit up. Maya puffed as she padded behind you, trying to keep up with your long strides.

You glanced at her from the corner of your eye. Could it be … 

“Nii-san?”

“We’re here.” You then pointed down the hall. “Three doors this way, there’s a wooden sign Class 10-A. You can’t miss it.”

“Thank you!” She bowed at the waist.

“Whatever.” You shrugged and went down the opposite direction, crossing your arms behind your head.

[Host, you’re going to be late for class.]

“Not going. I already suffered through high school once.”

[But your setting--]

“I’m a delinquent who cuts classes all the time. What’s the difference which class I skip?”

Uwak thought it was a reasonable explanation and didn’t protest any further.

You strolled out the building. The campus had a well-trimmed courtyard and stone pathways. You whistled as you passed a moss-covered fountain. You scanned over every tree and every shrub.

“That half-sister of mine is irritating and confusing. I don’t know how to put it … she kind of looks familiar, especially when she cries and stutters.” 

The system then remembered how you pretended to be a similar character in the previous world.

[Does she remind you of yourself?] 

It was an innocent suggestion, but--

“Are you saying I’m irritating?” 

Uwak sweated bullets and tried to redeem itself--

“Come on, we know there’s more than this,” echoed a nasal voice from behind the large fountain.

You paused and peered through the pouring water.

--TRIGGER WARNING: BULLYING--

A chubby guy knelt on the ground, kowtowing in front of two bullies. The taller, tree-like bully held up his phone, videotaping the event, while the shorter bastard waved around a pink wallet. 

The chubby guy swore: “That’s all I have!” 

“As if! We know your father’s the prime minister, you gotta be loaded,” said a third person.

[Ding. The individual kneeling on the ground is a minor character that the female lead defends. He is one of her many admirers.]

“So he’s just a minor character.” Then there’s no need to interfere, you thought, turning away.

“T-take the money, but p-p-please give me back my wallet. I-it’s a limited edition merch of my favorite c-character … ”

“Huuuh? What’s that? You’re a pig who plays with girls’ toys?” Tree pushed the camera closer to Chubby’s face. 

“Aw, why didcha shut up?” Shortie swung back his foot, aiming for Chubby’s face. “Come on and oink some more--”

You slammed your shoe straight into Shortie’s crotch.

He let out a feral scream. 

Tree barely had time to react before you snatched away his phone and kicked his face, forcing his entire body down.

Shortie rolled around the ground. “Who the f--eek!” He bit down on his lip when he saw you. 

“What’s the matter?” You curled your lips. “Piggy doesn’t want to talk anymore?”

You dropped the device on the grass and then stomped down on it. “Come on,” you said, stepping closer to Shortie. 

“Oink some more, pig.” Ice-cold poison dripped from your tongue.

“We … ”

“We’re so sorry!”

The two bullies picked themselves up and sprinted away sobbing. 

You laughed. “Pathetic. You--huh?”

[Ding. The minor character ran away while you were threatening the bullies.]

“Ah.” He probably thought you were here to steal from him too. 

--END OF TRIGGER WARNING: BULLYING--

[My Host, I am not familiar with your strategy. Please state the purpose of saving that minor character from bullies.]

“ … personal reasons.”

[Eh?]

You bent down and picked up the pink wallet that Shortie dropped. Sewn across the leather was a smiling anime character holding out a peace sign. You gently dusted the wallet.

“I don’t like bullies.”

The system fell silent.

“Just now, you thought: ‘but you’re the biggest bully around here,’ didn’t you?”

Uwak panicked. [That--]

“No need to hide the truth, little bird.”

[Um … ]

“It doesn’t bother me if you think I’m hypocritical. After all, you’re not even a person.”

[ This-- ]

“Because a person is someone who would warn me about my soul getting torn apart if I made a deal with a fictional character, and a person is someone who wouldn’t get my hopes up for 500 points, a lousy bag of chips and a single piece of candy.”

[QAQ]

“Anything else you want to add, little bird?” You grinned, eyes shining like a knife.

[ … my Host speaks nothing but the truth.] 

“Good. Now then, with that out of the way, did you remember to take pictures?”

[ … yes, Host.]

“Lemme see them.”

A light screen flashed in front of you, revealing professional-level shots of you from different angles.

“This body is too good. I feel so light and powerful. Look at how cool I am shoving his face down. And my abs are showing through my shirt--I have abs! I love this world!”

You fawned over your portraits for fifteen minutes. 

When you had your fill, you continued touring the campus, greeting the janitors and avoiding the security. By the time you finished, it was already noon. 

You returned to the mossy fountain. 

“I wonder if he packed a lunch or--” You unfolded the pink wallet. It was empty.

“Hey, birdie, do me a favor and locate the two scumbags for me.”

You met up with the scumbags while they terrorized two freshmen in the guy’s restroom. Feeling bored, you dunked their heads in the urinals. You ignored the first-years and told the scumbags to hand over the money.

[Host, I know you hate bullies but you’re quite violent today.]

You curled your lips as you counted the cash. “I was lied to and cheated out of a good bonus, so I got a lot of pent-up stress.” 

The system cried: Host, I get it, I get it. I’m sorry so please don’t smile like that! 

“...10,330 yen.” You put away the money. “And this is all you got from him?”

“Yes, we swear!” 

“Strip us if you want to make sure!”

“No need. You’re not my type.” You waved your hand. “I better not see you bastards picking on anyone again. Next time, it won’t be urine you’ll be drinking.”

“Y-yes, senpai*!” 

“Good.” You made your way to the cafeteria, located at the center of the campus park. Wooden picnic tables stood outside while plastic tables filled the interior, and there were long, rambunctious lines to the cashier. You looked around but there was no sign of security. 

You found Chubby though. 

He sat alone at a table near the trash cans, jotting--no, he was drawing on a tablet. 

“This takes me back,” you mumbled, but did not answer the system when it asked what you meant. 

You approached a queue but the babbling kids saw you and fell silent. They stepped aside and parted a path like water in the Red Sea. 

“It’s him!”

“Why’s he here?”

“The Wolf--wasn’t he suspended for fighting a teacher?”

You really wanted to say “I can hear you, idiots, and no, I didn’t fight a teacher. I’ve never been suspended. I just hate school.” Also, why did these worlds have such lame monikers?

But with your expression relaxed, you strode towards the counter to place your order.

When you went towards Chubby’s table, he was still hunched over his tablet. The enthusiastic scratching made you cringe--wasn’t he scared of damaging the screen? 

You stood behind him, waiting. 

After a full minute, you reeled forward and greeted, “Yo.”

“Eeek!” He recoiled and his pen spun out his hand. 

But you caught it with ease. (You fanboyed over your reflexes, the system tried not to sigh.)

You put the pen back on the table while you gazed over the tablet that featured a half-finished illustration of a cephalopod grabbing a seaship.

“Cool drawing. Is that supposed to be the kraken?”

“No … ” He turned off the tablet and snatched his pen back. He started packing. “I-I’ll move now.”

“Hey now, I’m not trying to disturb your peace. Here.” You reached inside your backpack and pulled out his wallet. “The bastard dropped it when he ran away.” 

You set down two bubble teas on the table. “I don’t know what you want so I got matcha and winter melon. Choose one.”

But he didn’t move or talk, he stared at you wide-eyed.

“Oy.” 

Chubby flinched. “... m-matcha.”

You picked up the winter melon and stabbed the straw. “Thanks. Oh.” You bent at your waist.

He bared his teeth in fear when you leaned closer. 

“You mad?” You asked monotonously. 

“What?”

“I bought drinks with your cash, so are you mad?”

He didn’t answer. But his scrunched up nose told you the obvious.

“If you’re mad you should say it,” you said, stepping back. You continued to noisily sip on the tea. 

Sweat rolled down his forehead as he struggled under your eyes. “I-is there anything else?”

You stopped sipping, then with a straight face you answered, “Ah, sorry. You’re kinda cute.”

The system: (-∧-；) 

It though, Host, that sounds like something a creepy old man would say. When Uwak saw Chubby’s face lit up red, it sighed. 

But he couldn’t help it. No one’s ever called him cute before. No one outside his family, anyway. He was so shocked that he didn’t know whether to be angry or happy. 

“See you around--oh, wait. What’s your name?”

“W-why should I t-t-t-tell you?”

You pouted. “Eh, fine. Bye-bye, dumpling.”

His eyes rolled back from stress.

As you walked, you asked Uwak, “What can you tell me about him?”

[Ding. That minor character is Leviathan. He is the only son to the prime minister. He has one scene in the anime so there is not much data about him outside his appearance and the fact that he is a frequent target of bullying.]

“That’s kinda weird.” You threw the empty cup in the recycling bin. 

[Pardon?]

“He’s too handsome to be a minor character.”

The system wanted to rip off its imaginary hair. With how seriously you spoke, it almost thought you had some type of plan in mind. Turns out you were just being your regular face-con self. 

Meanwhile, Leviathan reluctantly opened his wallet. 

So what if you returned it, you did buy bubble tea for yourself using his money. He was sure you were just softening him up to get to his money. 

Leviathan counted the cash in his wallet. “Huh?” 

Then he counted again. 

“ … 10, 330.” That was exactly how much he had this morning. 

Leviathan turned his attention to the bubble tea left on the table. He put in a straw and took a sip.

For some reason, this tea tasted better than usual.

His pale cheeks puffed with each sip. 

Observing from the corner of your eye, you stifled a laugh.

[Ding. The female lead is three meters away.]

Maya stood in the middle of the cafeteria holding a tray, her head kept turning, searching for an empty table.

You ducked down and disappeared before she could spot you. 

You strolled around the campus for the second time, then decided to scope out the lovesick morons who killed MC.

Maya shared the same class with male lead Haruto. And at this hour, they had PE. 

The stadium was off limits to other students so you climbed a tree and perched on a branch near a window. 

[They’re currently playing volleyball.]

You didn’t need to look far to find Haruto. 

He towered over the other guys and donned an energy-draining smile. 

He ran forward, tossed the ball and served, obliterating the receivers. “Just watching him makes me tired.”

[ … Haruto is the ace of the basketball team but shows remarkable talent in other sports.]

According to the plot, he was also the son of a famous sports trainer, but since most of the story takes place in school, his home life was a mystery. 

You brushed back your bangs. “Let’s go visit the other guy.”

The other male lead was Ryuu. 

He sat in the library writing on his notebook, eyes squinted over the pages. On his table was a stack of textbooks: “Phlebotomy Essentials: Venipuncture and Introduction to Hematology,” “Diagnostic Microbiology,” and “Pawn’s Clinical Chemistry: Principles, Techniques, and Correlations.” 

You shook your head. “Such a grumpy youngster.” 

[Ryuu has been the top student in this entire school since his freshman year. He’s rumored to have an IQ of 200.]

“A’ight. I’ve seen enough.” You yawned.

On your way out the library, the system notified the female lead’s presence as you heard voices near the fire exit. 

[Maya is surrounded by three other female students.]

Mean girl #1: You think you’re special because you’re a little prettier?

Mean girl #2: Acting shy and stupid, but we know what you’re really like.

Mean girl #3: Don’t get cocky just because Haruto-kun complimented your serve!

You rolled your eyes. Scriptwriter-sama, can’t you be more creative with the antagonist lines?

“How long before Ryuu arrives?”

[It should be anytime now.]

You stayed hidden as the system flashed a light monitor to show you what was happening. 

Maya clutched onto her skirt, head bowed down as the girls spewed insult after insult. Her lips trembled with each minute but she stayed quiet.

You tapped your foot, glancing towards the direction of the library. “Where the hell is he?”

[Ding. He’s not done packing his textbooks. Also, in the anime series, the female lead gets hit several times before he arrives.]

“What kind of crappy storyline is that? Seriously, who hits people?” Your tapping quickened. 

The system silently protested: Host, do you have amnesia? The janitor must be crying from the bloodbath you left in the restroom!

The conversation was cut short when mean girl #1 spoke up again, “That reminds me, your mom married into the Wolf’s family, right? Ha, a delinquent and a sl*t. How perfect!”

Maya let go of her skirt and yelled back, “Don’t insult my family!”

The girl didn’t expect that this harmless rabbit would scream back so fiercely. “Why you--” She lifted her hand. 

Pa!

Maya was thrown back by the slap. Before she could recover, another pa echoed in the stairway, her other cheek was hit. 

However, the female lead kept her gaze. 

The bully growled and raised her arm again. “You--”

The other girls gasped as you held back their leader’s wrist. 

“Hitting girls … ” You said, stone-faced. “I haven’t done that before.” 

You leaned into her shaking form. “But I really want to try.” 

The leader hiccuped. You tightened your grip and then pushed her towards her posse. 

“Scram.”

They tumbled down the stairs together. 

“Onii-san … ”

You glanced over your shoulder.

Maya was fiddling with the hem of her skirt, mumbling something.

“Speak up.”

“Ah,” she lifted her chin to meet your eyes. “Thank you, nii-san!” She bowed deeply.

“Tsk.” You went three steps down the stairs, stopped, and grumbled, “You don’t know the way to the clinic, do you?”

Maya let out a sound of surprise.

“Follow me,” you said and continued on. 

The entire way to the clinic, Maya walked behind you without making a single sound. 

When the nurse greeted her, you turned to leave. Maya opened her mouth but swallowed back whatever was inside her mind.

The system wept tears of joy. [Host, you protected the female lead. You’re so kind.]

“Little bird … I’m worried that perhaps you’ve been infected by an IQ-eating virus.”

The system sobbed for a different reason.

“Besides, I found my first knife.”

[Pardon?]

“I’ve been reviewing the memories and it’s suspicious--the female lead isn’t just shy, she’s anxious. She trembles whenever someone approaches her but she clings onto me all the time, even when I treat her poorly. She never wears her summer uniform and her civilian clothes are all long-sleeved and cover her legs. She claims she’s allergic to chlorine so she can skip on swimming during PE.”

The system cross-referenced the details you pointed out with data from its archive. (It’s been studying different books and research studies to keep up with its intelligent Host.)

“Also, she says she’s close to her mother, but she seems gloomier when they’re in the same room.” In the plot itself, Maya and her mother are rarely presented together. She was always in school or with the male leads.

[Ding. Host, are you saying--]

“The female lead is a victim of abuse.” 

[Ding.]

A light screen appeared in front of you. 

[Hidden task unlocked: The Path to Happiness. Requirement to unlock: Discover the female lead’s dark history. Task description: Secure the female lead’s safety and give her a happy future.]

[Accept task? YES/NO]

The system applauded. [Host, congratulations, you unlocked your first hidden mission! If you accept, you’ll be rewarded with a bonus--eeep! Please don’t make a face that screams “you’re trash”!]

“Oh. Sorry,” you said flatly. “At this point, this face is just a reflex. Don’t take it personally.”

The system  bawled, How can I not?

“Too bothersome.” You hit [NO] and folded your arms behind your back. “Not that it matters what I choose, Maya is gonna keep approaching me because of her mom. I can’t relax.” 

[Eh?]

“You’ll see.” 

You went around the campus again. 

It was already eight p.m. when you got home, and the happy couple were eating at the dining table alone. There was no Maya.

[Ding. The female lead is in her room.]

Before you could leave for your own room, the stepmom called out to you. 

She had Maya’s face, but more mature and defined rather than soft. 

“Come join us at the table,” she smiled. To the idiot dad, her smile was kind and sweet, but you’ve seen better acting at a grade school play. 

You stared her down until her grin faltered. For a split second, you saw her true colors.

But the dad interrupted, “Ignore him. His mother spoiled him too much now he’s just a brat.”

You ignored him and went up to your room to prepare the bath. 

As the tub filled with water, you went online and did some research. You were so engrossed that the system had to remind you about the bath. 

You shut off the tap just before the water overflowed.

[Ding. Host, the stepmother is entering the music room. She’s meeting up with the female lead.] Your deceased mother was a pianist so the house had a tiny soundproof studio. 

“When did the female lead get there?”

[Er, I already reported this to the Host fifteen minutes ago, but you were busy with your research.]

“What about the dad?”

[He’s already asleep in the master bedroom.]

“Open the monitor.” 

--TRIGGER WARNING: ABUSE--

Maya sat on the piano seat with shaking shoulders. The hem of her shirt was crumpled completely. 

The door creaked open and she shivered. “Mom--”

“Idiot!” The stepmother grabbed her daughter’s arm and tossed her down the carpet. “What did I say?”

When Maya didn’t reply, she crouched down and pinched her daughter’s waist. “What did I say?”

Maya stuttered out a response, “ … T-to always t-t-take care of my face … ”

“Why?”

“B-b-because I’m useless without it … ”

“Exactly!” The stepmom twisted her fingers, the pink cotton shirt stained dark red. “You’re not that smart, but you’re cute so I thought you’d be useful--but you can’t even get close to that stupid son of his! How are we supposed to get his grandparents on our side, hm?”

“I’m sorry, mama, I’m sorry! It hurts so please--”

“Tsk.” The stepmom let go and rose to her feet. 

Maya rolled over to her side, cradling her wound. She bit down on her lip, trying to stifle her sobs. 

“Get your act together. I don’t need a useless daughter like you.” 

You watched the stepmom leave her daughter bleeding on the ground. 

--END OF TRIGGER WARNING: ABUSE--

Witnessing your silence, the system cleared its throat. [Because the anime never explored her home life and focused on her romances with the male leads, Maya’s background is open for interpretation.]

“In other words, when a writer does not confirm or deny a fan theory, it can be true.”

[That is correct, Host.]

You slid down the tub and sighed. “Show me the hidden task again.”

The system was confused but said nothing as it changed the screen.

[Hidden task unlocked: The Path to Happiness. Requirement to unlock: Discover the female lead’s dark history. Task description: Secure the female lead’s safety and give her a happy future.]

[Accept task? YES/NO]

You stared at the options. 

With another deep sigh, you hit [YES].

The next morning, Maya ate between her mom and dad. Her father kept rambling nonstop about an important contract with a foreign company, oblivious to the dreary air surrounding his “beloved” daughter. 

The system noted Maya’s breakfast of one egg roll and half a cup of rice. 

[According to my calculations, she weighs dangerously low for someone her height.]

“My guess is that her control freak mother conditioned her into developing a poor appetite.” 

When you appeared in front of the table, your dad stopped talking. He scowled. “Why do you always take so long to get ready? Don’t blame us for not leaving enough leftovers--” 

Not enough, you repeated his words. Last time I checked, this house didn’t have any money problems. And this dirtbag has the nerve to talk like this when he never even invited me to a meal. 

It was like the first time the original MC met his new stepmom and stepsister: he arrived home from the arcade and found his dad dining and laughing with two other people. The table was set for three people only.

You ignored him, strode past the dining table and straight into the kitchen. 

“Don’t ignore me, you brat!”

Your stepmom reached over the table to pat his hand placatingly. 

“If he wants to be part of this family he should eat with us like a regular person instead of sneaking around like a rat.”

“It’s okay, dear. The boy can’t help it if he can’t accept me and Maya.” Her tone was sweet but her words put you in a bad light. 

Opening the fridge, you rolled your eyes. Although the original MC was wary of the mother-daughter pair, he wouldn’t have become so distant if it weren’t for this bitch. 

When you passed by the table again, Maya put down her chopsticks and scrambled for her bag. 

“Maya,” spoke her mother.

The female lead flinched.

She nibbled on her lips and nodded towards her mom. “B-bye mom.” She then reluctantly hugged her father. “Later, dad.”

He chuckled and squeezed her tightly. “Good luck at school, sweetheart.”

“Thank you … ” She then speedwalked out the house. 

You were already in the car and she greeted you with a wide, blushing smile. 

You barely turned your head towards her before grunting and turning your attention to the road.

Maya soundlessly strapped on her seatbelt. 

[Host, I didn’t ask you last night because you were researching, but what changed your mind into accepting the hidden task?]

“Nothing special.” Your eyes flickered over your half-sister’s reflection in the rear-view mirror. Her hair hid her face as she hung her head, her folded hands rested obediently on her lap.

“A bonus is a bonus, no matter how small.”

Maya never made a sound or raised her head the entire ride to school while you played chess with the system through its monitor. 

You reached a stalemate when the car passed through the campus gates.

You were the first exit, but you didn’t leave right away.

You waited for Maya to step out of the car.

“Oy.”

She winced, then looked up.

You clicked your tongue. 

Maya cried in that music room for half an hour but her eyes were barely swollen. In fact, her droopy expression and delicate features invited people to comfort her. Tsk. Tsk. Life was truly unfair. You needed items from the system store to be that cute from crying.

With a blank face, you asked, “Can you get to your class or do you still need directions?”

She blinked, surprised, then she waved her hands frantically. “No! Ah, I mean, thank you for your concern but I can go on my own--”

“All right.” You slung your backpack over your shoulder and pivoted. “Don’t loiter in the halls.” 

Tears built up in Maya’s eyes. “Yes, brother!” She said, nodding enthusiastically. 

Without turning, you waved a hand and went straight to class.

First period was English and you purposefully failed today’s test. Second period was pre-calculus, which you genuinely failed. Third period was analytical chemistry and when you entered the lab, you caught Leviathan huddled in a corner, head down as he buttoned up his lab gown.

As the others filed in, you overheard their chatter. 

“Wasn’t he supposed to graduate last year?”

“I hear something came up and he has to retake several courses.”

“Maybe he had a heart attack.”

The girls behind you giggled so loudly it would be a miracle if Leviathan didn’t hear them.

You shot the girls a stony glare and they hiccupped before scrambling towards a faraway table. 

As you put your bag in a locker at the back of the room, the teacher arrived.

“I hope you studied last week’s lecture because as you all know today is your practical test. Put on your PPE and find your seats.” She handed a pile of papers to the students in front. “Pair up, take one sheet for you and your partner.”

She pushed up her round, wire-framed glasses. “Now, class, the lab technicians already put sodium hydroxide in your burettes. When you’re ready, bring your beakers and pipettes to me for the acid and indicator … ”

You slipped on your lab coat and put on a pair of goggles before approaching Leviathan, who was still not done buttoning his own gown. “Hey, siopao.”

“Eek!” His elbows jerked outward, ripping three buttons and leaving his coat fully open again. 

“Oops.”

“You--” Leviathan clenched his fists. “What did you call me?”

“Siopao. Filipino steamed buns, they’re best served hot.”

“I know what they are!”

Your dispute was interrupted by a loud ahem from the teacher. “Mr. MC, considering you keep skipping my class, I hope you did extra preparations for today’s practical test.”

“So and so.”

She rubbed her temples. “Since you two seem familiar, please pair up and find a desk.”

Leviathan’s mouth trembled open but the teacher was already talking to someone else so he just swallowed hard.

“C’mon.” You grabbed one worksheet from the quaking hands of a frightened student and went to a desk by the windows. A metal stand held up a long graduated glass tube with a tap at the bottom end--a burette. Next to the burette was a pristine white card, a disposable pipette, a beaker, and a box of large-sized latex gloves. 

[Ding. Host, this setup is for a titration experiment. The burette is filled with a base solution and--]

“--I know, we gotta put some drops in the acid until it turns pink.”

As you fished out a pen from your pocket, your partner started murmuring.

“ … I can’t believe I got stuck with this delinquent … ”

“If you got a problem with me, you’re free to tell the teacher,” you said without turning away from the questions.

Leviathan turned red, shocked that he was heard. 

“I don’t mind. I’m okay with failing but what about you?”

“That--that--”

“Also, not wearing your PPE properly gets you a 3-point deduction.” 

His fingers brushed over his buttons. “I--”

“We only have forty minutes to get this done so if you want to switch partners, better tell her quickly.”

Leviathan’s cheeks puffed and you held the sheet higher so he wouldn’t see your trembling grin. 

[My Host is a sadist.]

“I can’t help it.”

[He looks like he’s about to cry.]

“Is it fun?” Leviathan interrupted.

You put down the paper.

His bangs hid away his expression as he spoke shakingly, “Are you having fun?”

You cocked your head indifferently. “I don’t know what you mean.”

“I’m asking if it’s fun to bully people.”

“Actually, yeah.”

[Eh … ] Uwak did not expect you to actually admit it.

Leviathan gritted his teeth, but you continued in a composed, matter-of-fact voice, “I’m someone who bullies people I like.” 

Chubby’s jaw slackened.  

The system: (→_→) 

“L-l-like … ” He covered his face with his hands.

Without a change in your expression, you put down the pencil and donned on two gloves.

Leviathan stood unmoving as redness touched the tips of his ears. He stewed in silence as you went to fill the beaker with acid.

When you returned, he was still stuttering. 

“Oy, rice cake.”

Leviathan snapped out of his stupor. Still pink in the ears, he raised an accusatory finger towards you. “W-why--why food?”

You blinked and eyed him again. He was big, white and cute. It made you want to take a bite. “Because seeing you makes me hungry.”

“You’re teasing me on purpose!”

“Well, it’s not by accident--”

“You!”

“Pft.”

“Huh?”

You chuckled. “Sorry. You keep turning into a darker shade of red and I--pft.”

Leviathan took a step back. He shut his eyes as he clutched his chest. 

You brushed back your hair and brought the beaker under the burette.

“ … Y-you said you like me,” he mumbled from behind his hands.

You hummed absentmindedly. “I figured someone who plays Bakunawa isn’t a bad guy.” Bakunawa: The Legend of the Moon Eater was an action game produced two years ago and became an international sensation with a complex story spanning six anime seasons, three films, three novels and various merch. 

Leviathan blanked for a split second. Then he pushed forward, nearly knocking the beaker out of your hand. 

“You’re a fan, too!” His question came out as an exclamation. 

“I like the video game but I still haven’t had the time to watch … ” You trailed off.

His eyes were sparkling.

“Who’s your favorite character? What’s your favorite weapon? Did you know that the company almost went bankrupt … ” 

You answered every question calmly: Mayari the Moon Goddess, the lunar kampilan, and yes. 

“Actually, this game is very important to me.” You stirred the flask, flashes of pink appearing with each motion. “My mom was the head writer.”

“Get out, really? That’s amazing!”

He then went on a spiel about how there were no plot holes, the character development was realistic, and the research on the culture really shined through.

[So this is why my Host kept playing that video game past three o’clock.]

“I told you to call it research.” It took you a whole hour online to find that octopus character in Leviathan’s illustration--like you, it was a minor character that was killed by the villain serpent Bakunawa.

[But I do not understand why you’re putting so much effort into this minor character. We should be focusing on the male leads or the parents.]

“My next mission could be in a pre-indoor plumbing era for all we know. I plan on taking my time in these kinds of worlds.”

[Ah. Then what are your plans for Leviathan?]

“He’s cute to look at.”

[ … I understand.] 

The system smiled and thought It’s my fault for asking. 

You doffed your gloves. “Don’t forget to fix your coat.” 

Leviathan stopped fanboying, having realized that it was still in the middle of class, his frenzied fingers reached for his buttons. 

He checked his watch--only three minutes before the time limit!

“Dammit!” He got distracted when you mentioned his favorite series. He still hasn’t answered the worksheet--and oh god, what about the acid? 

He was so preoccupied with finding another Bakunawa fan that he completely forgot about the practical exam!

As Leviathan dug his pockets for a pen, the teacher arrived with a clipboard. 

“Where’s your partner?” 

“He’s--uh.” You were nowhere in sight and Leviathan chewed his lip, internally crying: I thought we were comrades! How could you leave me like this?

“Doesn’t matter. He’s always like that,” the teacher sighed, pushing her glasses. She then picked up the beaker. 

Leviathan panicked. That delinquent! Did he recklessly pour the base into the beaker until it would turn pink? Doesn’t he know we need a specific type of pink! 

In his state of mind, he couldn’t see what shade of pink filled the beaker. 

He was about to ask for forgiveness and a second chance when the teacher grinned in approval. 

“Excellent job, Leviathan.” 

“Eh?” Shock froze him in place. 

She then lifted the beaker and called out to the class, “See this, everyone? This is the pink I want to see, not ‘rose’ or ‘blush’ or ‘magenta’.” Sarcasm dripped with each fancy-named shade. 

She then examined his worksheet. Her smile widened and she nodded. “Well done.” She handed him back the paper.

Leviathan whispered a “thank you” and glanced at the sheet. 

“P-perfect score?” He wasn’t an idiot and he liked to think that he was good at chemistry, but this teacher was harsh. She graded everything. 

His eyes scanned the answers. Indeed the handwriting was clean, there were no erasures and the content was so immaculately articulated that even a first grader could understand the concepts.

As he stared at the red-circled 100, Leviathan recalled how you kept moving even during his outbursts.

A shameful crimson fell over his cheeks. 

“He must be feeling bad now,” you muttered, strolling down the empty hallway. 

[I don’t get it. What’s the point in perfecting the activity when you didn’t even put your own name on the paper?]

“Gap moe is very attractive.”

The system searched its archives. [Ding. Gap moe: charm found when a character archetype displays a certain behavior that deviates from his or her image.]

“He’s entertaining so I thought why not enjoy his company while I’m here.” You approached the windows. The cool morning breeze blew into the corridor. A cherry blossom landed on your nose.

“Achoo!” 

[Bless you.]

“Jeez, I get that this is an anime but leaving the windows open makes cleaning difficult.” You leaned outside, then stepped on the windowsill. “At least it saves me the trouble of opening them myself.” 

You sprung off the windowsill and grabbed onto the tree. This body was so light you felt like you could fly. 

“Don’t forget to take my pictures, I wanna see how good I am in action.”

[Yes, Host!]

Ka-cha, ka-cha

Keeping up with its Host’s vanity, the system studied photography in its free time and framed you like an action hero leaping from one tree to another. It patted itself in the back just thinking of how you’re going to compliment it when you see the pictures. 

You reached a tree situated near the gate walls, in an area that no guard approached. You climbed higher and then jumped towards the stone border. 

You scrambled off the dusty rocks, one hand clasping the top of the wall. 

“Urgh … ” You accidentally glanced down and saw your feet dangling ten feet off the ground. Realistically, you wouldn’t die from falling here, but it would definitely hurt.

You steeled your nerves and swung your free arm towards the edge of the wall.

When you got both hands up there, you and the system sighed in relief. 

With one final kick, you vaulted onto the top. 

You flashed the main campus building a peace sign then climbed down.

Using the original MC’s knowledge of this world, you took the bus to the inner parts of the city and walked towards a bookstore situated between a snacks shop and a tiny cafe. 

The store exterior was seafoam green with the paint peeling off in some places. A busted wooden sign with the words WELCOME TO SAKURA’S LITTLE BOOKSTORE hung tilted on top of the door. 

[Ding. This is the female lead’s favorite shop.]

“Yup.” Before her mother married into your family, Maya frequented this store because the old lady that runs it was kind to her. Her mom forbade her from visiting it again because it was “not safe.” However, as the school bullying worsened, the female lead ran here crying. 

“This setting is important for her relationship with Ryuu to grow, but he’s not our priority.” You declared, turning to the alleyway between the bookstore and the cafe. 

It reeked of rat urine and rotten eggs. Your breakfast tumbled in your stomach and you covered your mouth with a handkerchief. 

“Where is he?” Your eyes darted around. If you knew it was going to be this bad you wouldn’t have eaten that fridge-cold bologna sandwich. 

“Ah!” You caught sight of carton boxes in the farthest corner of the alleyway. “There you are.”

Two black ears pointed up from inside a box.

“Arf!” A black and brown puppy leaned on the carton with its tongue rolled out. 

You chuckled and knelt down. “Hey there.”

It yipped again. There were no other dogs here.

“Aw, you’re so cute! Hold on.” You pulled out a half-eaten sandwich from your bag and dropped it in the box.

The runt’s tail flapped furiously as it devoured the snack. 

[I believe this is the dog the female lead secretly adopted in episode 32.]

“Yep.” When your stepmom discovered it, she threw a fit and the puppy disappeared in the next episode. 

“This little guy,” you said, patting its head. “Is an important ally.”

***

[H-Host, I know that the original owner was a delinquent but are we really doing this?]

It was way too early in the morning, as in “everybody else in this neighborhood should be snoring away” early, but here you were dressed in a brown leather jacket and ripped jeans and messing around with daddy’s old motorcycle.

“The original owner does this in the original plot, I’m just following in his footsteps,” you declared matter-of-factly as you twirled the flathead screwdriver between your fingers. “Lighten up, birdie. The past three lives I possessed were so boring.”

The system paused. “Boring,” you said. 

The system recalled your past lives as a successful businesswoman who had a CEO in a tight leash, then as a music composer-slash-yandere tamer, and finally, as a magic healer engaged to a demon. It wondered if all humans have such odd standards.

You finished taping the wires and the lights flashed on. 

[Out of curiosity, just when did you learn how to hotwire a motorcycle?]

“Something I picked up from my old job--in my original life. No biggie.”

[And your old job was … ?]

“Heh, please.” You waved off its question and pocketed the screwdriver. 

You slipped on a red helmet.

The motorcycle purred into life and you raced out of the garage with a loud “Yeah!”

Uwak wanted to scold its Host. No matter how tough this body was, it was only a slightly above average human body. If you were to crash, die and fail the mission—

It shuddered to think what kind of Punishment World they would end up in.

Zipping across the desolate highway, you raised your chin. “THIS IS AMAZING.”

[Watch the road!]

You made a sharp turn, missing the side mirror of a blue car by a hair.

“Whoops.”

The driver waved an angry fist from the window, “Punk!”

You blew him a kiss and sped away. You drove around before stopping at a 24-hour diner in the less civilized part of the city.

You parked next to a whole row of spray-painted, spiked motorbikes. As you pulled off your helmet, you contemplated spitting on one of them.

[Please don’t.]

“I wasn’t actually gonna do it. I’m not petty.”

The system doubted that.

Sweat glistened from your brow as you combed back your soaked bangs with a gloved hand.

Ka-cha.

Even the system couldn’t deny you looked sexy.

You carried your helmet by the hip and entered the diner. 

The walls were teal, the floor was black and white checkered tiles, and there was a TV hanging behind the counter. You took a seat and a chubby chef slid you a menu.

“I’ll have the Hawaiian burger, a cheeseburger, medium fries and the House Specialty Strawberry Milkshake. To go.”

The man grunted in acknowledgment, but as he turned—

“Oh,” you interrupted with a polite smile. “Could you turn off the TV?”

He raised an eyebrow at the request. But then shrugged, hit the power button and disappeared into the kitchen.

You glanced at the TV, watching the reflections of the customers seated in the two tables behind you. 

Three, four ... six of them. Two girls, the rest were boys. They all looked to be in their late teens to early twenties. Half of them hid their hands in the pockets of their hoodies and jackets.

You folded your hands together and smiled behind them.

Greedy eyes bore into your back.

[Um, Host, maybe we should just go.]

“And leave without my milkshake?”

The chef returned minutes later with a paper bag.

You left the money on the counter. “Keep the change. Trust me, you’ll need it.”

The chef raised his brows again but didn’t reject the extra cash.

When you turned around, two guys stood by the door. 

“Seriously?” You sighed, but your smile betrayed you.

The other male members of this pseudo-gang surrounded you. You couldn’t be bothered to describe every single one of them. Each one was as forgettable as the other.

“Wow...” You gently put the paper bag on the counter. “No one touch my food.”

Each one of them pulled out their hands to reveal knives.

“Hand over the goods, pretty boy—” You stabbed him in the eye with your keys and he fell back screaming. 

“Sorry.” You pulled back with a smirk. “You’re not my type.” 

[Behind you!] The system warned.

You sidestepped just in time to dodge a strike from the other thug. You swept your foot beneath his knees and he fell backward with an ugly crack of his skull.

One of the guys guarding the door finally recovered from shock and pulled out his own knife. He charged forward. He was faster than you anticipated and slashed your sleeve, drawing blood.

“Hey! I like this jacket!” It was the only brown one in your collection, just like Jason Todd’s.

You growled, dodging two more slashes from him before shoving a stool towards his crotch.

“Urgh!” He yelled.

You twisted his wrist to free the knife and then pulled, hard.

There was a sickening pop, followed by the man’s crying.

You pulled his arm again until his face was inches from yours. “Be good kids and study well. If I see you again, I’m taking your whole arm.”

You then let go and the guy collapsed cradling his dislocated shoulder. 

You turned your attention to the remaining three.

“You’re free to fight me if you want, but just so you know,” you said as you stared icily at the two girls hugging each other by the table. “I don’t discriminate between genders.”

They screamed in unison and dashed out the door. 

You picked up your takeout and leaned over the counter. “Told ya,” you said.

You then left the trembling chef and got on your bike.

[I feel as though you chose this place with ulterior motives.]

“I have no idea what you mean, I was hungry and it was just there.” But again, your smile said otherwise.

[Host, you told me to remind you when it is already 4:30 a.m.--]

“One last thing first.”

You drove to the alley with the stray puppy and tossed the cheeseburger inside its box.

It took half a second of suspicious sniffing before the pup devoured it.

While it was busy eating, you picked up several empty cartons and started stacking them. You doubted that this important character would die without meeting the female lead but you chose to build it a tiny dog house that would allow for escape should unexpected weather flood the alley. 

You waited for the dog to finish eating before reluctantly picking it up.

“Jeez, you stink.” 

Its fur was dirtier than before.

“You’re lucky you’re cute.”

“Yip!” It tried to lick you but you quickly put it in the dog house. You dashed out the alley before it could think to chase you.

“Don’t wanna get worms,” you mumbled, pulling off the gloves and tossing them in a trash bin. 

You successfully snuck back home, took a long shower, and fell into your bed. 

“Mission success!”

[“Mission”?] What “mission”? The system seemed to have missed something. All you did was pick a fight with some juvenile criminals and fed the dog!

But you never explained. 

Sadly for the system, it was the same mission played for over a week. Sneak out at night, beat up random thugs, and feed the stray. Sneak out at night, beat up random thugs, and feed the stray. Sneak out at night, beat up random thugs, and feed the stray. 

Uwak finally had enough on the rainy seventh day. 

As you waited for the downpour to soften in Sakura’s bookstore, the system spoke up, [Host, I don’t understand. This past week, you’ve only cut classes and avoided Leviathan. You even leave the house early to avoid Maya. I-I don’t understand what you’re planning.]

Ignoring it, you walked past volumes of medical textbooks from the 80s and American comic books, but what caught your eye was a display of fashion magazines near the cashier.

Several issues had the stepmother’s face on them. You picked up one and examined the cover, then the next issue, and then the other, and so on.

“Huh.”

“Found something you like, young man?” The old lady owner asked.

You changed your expression into a smile and bought all the issues that had your stepmother’s face. 

[My Host, don’t tell me you’re actually crushing on this wicked woman.] 

“Don’t even joke.” 

You hid the magazine in your jacket and left the store.

“We’re home--oh. Looks like someone is still awake.” You noted the lights from the first and second floors.

[Ding. It’s the stepmother. She’s at the stairs so you can climb up the balcony without issue.]

“Sneaking inside my own home for an outsider like her is not my style.” You pushed back your bangs and strolled through the front door.

The woman didn’t hear you but you definitely heard her. She was now in the hallway with her back turned to you and her phone on her ear. 

“I told you that I’ll pay when I get the money so stop bothering me!”

You walked closer and spoke up, “Trouble in paradise?” 

She swore and let go of her phone. You caught it just in time, the hot-red rubber case felt icky on your bare hand.

When she saw you, her shock and anger was quickly suppressed into mere surprise. “O-oh, it’s you. Right now that was--y-you weren’t in your room and I was worried so--”

“--called the cops?”

Her eyes bulged. “What?”

You tilted your head and explained, “You couldn’t find me so you thought of calling the cops, is that right?”

She sighed with relief. “Y-yes, that’s right. But you’re here now so …” She held out her hand. 

You stared at her fingers then at her face. This was your first time witnessing her without makeup and contacts.

The woman swallowed hard. You’ve been staring too intently.

“Hm … ” You put the phone on her palm and went upstairs.

You tossed the magazines into a trash bin and prepared the bath.

“This is going to annoy me all night.” You soaked in the tub with a headache. “Uwak, look up all the stepmother’s photos, every single one. That means both personal and work-related.”

[Understood. Gathering data … ding.]

The light monitor unfolded in front of you to reveal three photos at a time. You swiped left and examined the next set. You swiped and swiped and swiped. 

“That’s strange, that’s very strange.”

[What is the matter, Host?]

After scrutinizing the photos from her teenage years up to now, you finally realized what exactly bothered you. 

“In every photo I’ve seen her, she isn’t wearing metallic jewelry.”

[Oh, you’re right. But … so what?]

“I never noticed it before, but she doesn’t even wear a wedding ring.” Her eye glasses were also plastic and her phone case was rubber.

[Maybe she doesn’t like jewelry.]

“No, I don’t think so. It’s weird that a woman like that doesn’t wear a big, fancy wedding ring.” You cradled your chin in thought. “Maybe she … ” 

A lightbulb went off in your head.

“Oh-ho. I get it now.”

The system cried inside: I don’t!

***

Maya woke up late this morning. It’s becoming more and more difficult to sleep these past few days. Her teachers liked her, which means her classmates hated her, she still had no one to call a friend, and she hasn’t seen her brother for an entire week.

She didn’t have time to wash her face (she’ll avoid talking with her mom until she gets the chance to shower) as she jumped into her uniform and nearly broke a leg down the stairs.

Nearly.

“What’s the hurry?” You asked, holding her by the waist.

Maya looked up at you with trembling eyes.

“ … Fix your uniform and get in the car.”

“Y-you--”

“Do you want me to leave you here?”

“No! Wait for me please!” She pulled away and went to fix herself in front of a mirror.

[That was quite the reaction.]

“It’s only natural. I ignored her for a week, so for someone like Maya, even the tiniest bit of attention will have her wagging her tail.”

The system wanted to ask: Wasn’t this exactly the kind of scumbag behavior the Host hates?

Maya finished and you walked to the car together. You slid into your spot and snapped your fingers. “Oh, almost forgot.” You produced a handkerchief-wrapped bento* from your bag. 

“You look like a summer breeze can knock you down. Here’s your lunch.” 

Maya stared at the bento. Tears piled up in the corners of her eyes. “I-I can’t p-p-possibly … ”

You scratched your head. “It’s not a big deal. I made too much and thought you’d want one. Just take it before I change my mind.”

Maya cradled the lunchbox with shaking arms. “B-brother, I-I … ”

“Yeah, yeah, just put on your seatbelt.” 

[One week of isolation, then giving her homemade lunch, your way of manipu--I mean, charming people is … ]

“Scummy? Horrible? Hypocritical?”

The system went silent.

“I’ve always been a hypocrite. Make no mistake, I hate scumbags but my life is on the line here, I’m not above kidnapping, blackmailing and using people if it means finishing my task.”

Speaking of manipulating people, you had to deal with another person today. 

[You’ve been skillfully evading him these past few days but it seems like you want to confront him now. Not that I understand why you avoided him in the first place.]

“We humans have a saying: ‘absence makes the heart grow fonder.’ I wanted him to quietly reflect on his first impression of me and stew in guilt.” 

[Your pettiness astounds me.]

“Thank you for your flattery.”

You were getting tired of waiting though. He’s been staring at you since first period, now he followed you into the hallway. 

With a sigh, you called out to him. “Levi.”

“Eep!”

“Levi, if you have something to say to me, say it to my face or I’ll get mad.”

Levi reluctantly stepped away from his hiding spot, carrying a paper bag. “H-how long have you known that I … ” He whispered the last part but you could guess what he meant.

“I’ve known since last week and frankly, I’m getting tired of being on guard.”

Leviathan took three hesitant steps forward. “I wanted to … ”

“What?”

“I said … ”

You cupped your ear and leaned forward teasingly, “What?”

Levi clenched his fists and yelled, “I said ‘I’m sorry’ dammit!” He then threw the paper bag, hitting you square on the face before running away. 

You rubbed your nose. He was unusually strong.

[Pft.]

“Did you say something, trashystem?”

[No, Host!]

You picked up the bag and saw a transparent tumblr full of milk tea and a sealed Mayari keychain. You chuckled and drank the tea on your way to the cafeteria.

Maya was already seated, but her food remained untouched. She seemed to be looking for someone. Her eyes fell onto you and she waved her arm vibrantly. “Over here!” She then blushed and softened her voice, “I mean, there’s a free seat over here … ”

[I hate to say it but your methods are effective.]

“Next lesson will be gaslighting.”

[Huh?]

“Kidding. Maybe.”

You lazily approached Maya’s table and when she noticed the tumblr she asked, “Do you like milk tea?”

You wanted to say “No, I hate it, that’s why I already finished half of it,” but you bit your cheek and nodded. 

She smiled. “I see, I see. Please sit down.”

You took a sit across from her and she fiddled with her fingers as she observed your mood.

“If you want to ask me something just ask.”

“I-in that case, I wonder if … if um … ” Her face was pink with shyness. “W-would it be okay if we start eating together?”

“Is that it?”

If she had dog ears, they’d be drooping right now. 

You opened your lunch box. “If that’s what you want then you should’ve said so from the start. I thought you wanted to borrow my car or something.”

“R-really? Then it’s settled! I’ll cook your lunch tomorrow so let me know if you have a preference.”

“All right, thanks--don’t cry.”

“I’m not crying,” she said as fat tears rolled down her cheeks.

She really did look like a puppy.

You picked up your chopsticks and sighed. Not only was Levi staring at you, but so was everybody else in the cafeteria. 

Can’t a handsome man eat in peace? You shook your head.

High school is such a nightmare.

Maya made an OK lunch.

The rolled omelettes were a little overcooked, the white rice was just ... rice, and the marine animal-shaped sausages looked cute.

As you picked up an octopus, you looked up to find her doe eyes staring at you, waiting. 

You ignored her and took a bite. A little sweet, but fine.

“D-do you like it?” She asked expectantly, voice cracking.

“I prefer sausages that are well-done.”

Her imaginary puppy ears fell.

You quickly added, “But I did like the eggs.”

The puppy-dog ears fluffed up and she looked at you with glittering eyes, like you were a fireworks display.

You sighed inwardly and brushed back your hair.

Female anime protagonists tend to be “Master Chefs” or “Lethal Cooks,” but rarely in-between, the bento she prepared felt … underwhelming. But you finished everything without another word and Maya smiled the entire time.

The rest of the week continued uneventfully, save for your new lunchmate. The bentos she made were adjusted according to your taste. She even added dessert. Mondays and Thursdays were for cat-shaped cookies, Tuesdays and Wednesdays had brownies. Today you stared at a fist-sized lemon square.

Though her cooking wasn’t exceptional, you could feel her sincerity everytime you unboxed your lunch, so you finished everything every time.

[Host, how long do you insist on ignoring your stalker?]

“What are you talking about? I eat the lunch boxes she prepares for me and I always wait for her when we drive to school.”

[Not Maya. I meant him.] The system unfolded a light screen monitor with a flashing arrow pointing behind you, specifically, it was pointing at Leviathan hiding behind the cafeteria door.

“Oh, that one. He held out longer than I expected but it looks like he’ll be making a move soon--”

And as if on cue, Levi took a deep breath, hesitated and turned around. Then he scratched his head, turned around again, bumped into a couple of students, and trudged his way to you.

Smirking internally, you pretended not to notice him standing three feet behind you.

Maya, however, was quick to point him out. “May we help you?”

You languidly lifted your head towards Levi’s direction and said with a grin, “I’ll take that second apology any time.”

Maya’s eyes widened. “Apology?”

“Levi here threw a paper bag at my face. Good thing there was no damage, right?” This body gave you the prettiest face yet. You wanted to fawn over it for as long as possible.

“You threw a paper bag at my brother?” Maya’s ears turned red, but being the female lead of a shoujo series, her scowl looked more like a pout, and it was hard to take her anger seriously. 

Levi was also red in the face. He fumbled his fingers together as he muttered, “I d-d-didn’t … ”

You leaned over with your hand cupping your ear. “What was that? I couldn’t hear you.”

“ … I said that I didn’t mean to … hit you … ”

“Nice. But,” you said as you hid your mouth behind your hand. “ … that doesn’t sound like an apology.”

“... s-sorry … ” 

[Poor thing. He looks like he’s about to implode from shame.]

“But isn’t he adorable? Don’t you just want to tease him into submission?”

[ … please don’t include me in your weird fantasies.]

You ignored Uwak and gestured. “Apology accepted, Levi. Did you have lunch yet?”

“Not yet actually.”

“You can sit with us.”

He seemed to lighten up with the offer, but hesitated. “Um … ”

“What’s wrong? You don’t wanna sit with the black wolf?” Gah, saying your own nickname is the worst.

“It’s not that, it’s just that … this is the first time anyone has ever asked me to sit with them,” Levi mumbled shyly.

“So I guess … ” You gazed at him with hooded eyes and said, “ … that makes me your first?” 

Levi choked.

The system made a face: (ಠ_ಠ)

[You … just now … did you make your voice husky on purpose?]

“I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

[Host, you’re being very inappropriate.]

“Relax, it’s just harmless teasing. It’s not like this is a BL series.”

The system quietly thought, ‘Nothing you do is ever harmless.’

Oblivious to your innuendo, Maya smoothly left her seat and slid next to you. She hooked your arms together and glared at Levi as he sat across from you.

Levi scratched his head again, refusing to meet your stare. 

However, you didn’t miss the way he’d sneak glances when he thought you weren’t looking.

It then became an unspoken rule that you, Pseudo-Mary Sue, and Dumpling would eat lunch together. It was still awkward but the two learned to speak comfortably with each other. 

… That is, if comfortable meant one would talk freely while the other ignored her.

“My brother is really amazing,” Maya would say.

“Uh-huh.” Levi would ignore her.

“He taught me how to spike a volleyball.”

“Hm … ”

“And despite what people say, he’s really smart! He even teaches me chemistry!”

Levi continued to sketch on his tablet. Every word that Maya spoke went into one ear and passed through the other unremembered. 

Maya never noticed his lack of interest. She continued to fangirl over you every chance she got.

[I can’t believe you stole the roles of both male leads.]

Being the amazing human that you were, you had the skills to tutor Maya in every subject, which meant forming a steady bond with the female lead and ruining either male protagonist’s chance of rescuing her--it was a plan that killed two birds with one stone.

“Onii-chan is perfect,” Maya declared to no one in particular. “That’s why … that’s why I won’t let just anyone take him away. They have to be smart a-and pretty and really sporty!”

“Hm, I don’t know about that, Maya.” You picked up your bubble tea. 

“Eh?”

“Looks aren’t important to me--”

[Lies.]

“--I’m handsome enough to cover for me and my partner.”

Maya tilted your head.

“You don’t think I’m handsome?”

She shook her head with much vigor. “No! I mean, yes! My brother is the most beautiful man alive!”

[This girl’s brother complex is through the roof.]

You chuckled. “Thanks, kid.” You reached over to pat her head. She looked happy enough to bounce on her seat.

You continued your earlier explanation, “I don’t need them to be too smart either. And watching sports tires me out.”

“Then what kind of person do you like?” Maya asked.

“Hm … ” You looked over to Levi, whose hand was moving slowly compared to before. He was obviously listening in.

You smirked. “Cute, artsy guys?”

Levi’s stylus fell on the floor.

The dense Maya cupped her chin. “I see, I see. So brother is a romantic.”

“I wouldn’t say that, but don’t they say that artists are the most emotional? I like a lover who has a bad poker face. Makes teasing them a lot more fun. Don’t you think, Levi?”

He rose to his feet. “Huh? H-h-how should I know? Not everyone is into that weird stuff like you!” 

Maya slammed her hands down on the table. “Don’t call my brother weird just because you’re a virgin!”

“You’re weird too, y-you brocon!”

The two got into each other’s faces, spouting lame insults. 

[You’re enjoying this too much.]

“I don’t know what you mean.”

[If someone talked to me like that I’d file for harassment.]

“Don’t worry about that. I mean, who would ever pay attention to you?”

With a bitter heart, the system changed the subject.

[You’ve stalled doing proper work for two weeks now, Host. Isn’t it about time you make a move?]

You didn’t want to agree with Uwak, but it was true. 

You ran your hands through your hair and turned to Maya. “You got any bobby pins?”

Maya stopped barking at Levi and reached inside her backpack. She then handed you a fistful of pins. “I also have hair ties, a headband and hair scissors in case brother’s bangs are bothering him.”

You stared at the ridiculous amount of pins and took them with a strained smile. “ … Thanks, Maya. You’re too thoughtful.”

Touched, she placed her hands over her chest. “Hic.” Tears rolled down her rosy cheeks. 

“You like crying, huh.”

“Does it bother you?”

“Yes.”

“Then I’ll stop!”

Her tears continued flowing like a river though. 

“Okay, I gotta go get a coffee. You guys want anything?”

They shook their heads and you headed for the vending machine in the empty hallway. 

You bought a piping hot coffee and took a sip. “God, that’s terrible.” 

You looked around, found no one, and then threw the cup at the ceiling. The hot coffee hit and spilled over the sprinkler. The fire alarm boomed throughout the campus.

After a few minutes, students and staff filed out the rooms and rushed towards the nearest exits.

You evaded the bodies and the security cameras as you silently headed towards the headmaster’s office.

You pulled out two bobby pins and lock-picked the door. 

Click.

“Help me hack into the student files.”

[Yes, Host.]

***

Leviathan was in a bind. He was stuck outside with a crying Maya, worried sick for her brother. 

He didn’t know how to deal with girls. Real girls, anyway. 

“What if he didn’t hear the alarm?” She sobbed. 

“I highly doubt that.”

“What if they pushed him down and he got stomped on? Oh, god, what if they break his bones?”

“That’s--”

“What if he gets caught in the fire? Oh my god--”

“Calm down!” Levi shouted, but now he was panicking a little bit too. No matter how tough or cool you were, not even you could beat fire. 

Oh, no. Levi’s heart sunk.

What if you really did get injured in the chaos? Who was he going to eat lunch with? Maya? Dear god, no. 

Just as he started to get depressed, one of the teachers asked. 

“Do any of you see smoke?”

Everybody looked up and around but there was no smoke, no smell, nothing to indicate a fire.

The teachers exchanged glances and nodded in understanding. Someone pulled a prank. 

“I have a feeling on who it might be,” a student whispered and then someone else mumbled a reply. 

“What a shame, he’s so handsome but it turns out he can do something like this.”

“I know, right? I thought he was just lazy but turns out he’s a real troublemaker!”

“Speaking of troublemaking, did you hear that he’s part of some biker gang?”

This continued until the whispering became talking and everyone could be heard.

Maya couldn’t take this anymore and with clenched fists, she declared, “Enough! Who do you think you are? None of you know my brother. He wouldn’t do something like this. Right, Levi?” She turned to her senior, her teary eyes fierce with protectiveness. 

Levi wanted to speak up, but he couldn’t breathe with the pointed stares aimed at him. 

“I … I … ”

“Who is that guy?” Someone asked. 

His friend answered him, “I think that’s the repeater. I’ve seen him with that guy lately. Do you think he’s being bullied for his money?”

“What, really? That’s so harsh!”

“Bullying and arson come hand in hand.”

Maya was about to pounce when a big hand clamped down on her shoulder. 

“You people sure do love to yap like dogs.” You reappeared with bangs pinned back and a smug smile. 

Everybody quieted down in an instant.

Maya bit her trembling lips and hugged you. “You’re safe!”

You didn’t push her off as you stared down at your accusers. “I heard something about me committing arson?”

“Don’t listen to them, onii-chan--”

You pressed a finger on your sister’s lips and winked. 

Surprised, Maya blushed and nodded. 

The girls watching from the crowd saw the action and felt something in their chest leap as well.

You turned your attention to the mob. “I don’t care what you all talk about me behind my back, but ya better have the guts to say it to my face. Otherwise, aren’t you just a bunch of spineless trash?” You spoke without a rise in tone, your grin never faltering.

No one dared utter a word.

“Yeah,” you said, turning Maya around with you. “That’s what I thought.”

“You’re not hurt, are you?” She inquired.

“Not at all. I just got lost in the crowd.” 

This was a fun day. You managed to prank an entire campus, made some people eat their words, and dug up enough dirt on both male leads.

Ryuu, the smart ice prince, was on a scholarship and must remain the top student of the entire school every year. Otherwise, it was bye-bye college.

Haruto, the star athlete, had serious daddy issues. His family also pays the school to compensate for his horrible grades.

[I’m very curious as to what my Host plans to do with the information. I wonder if you’ll end up in jail this time.]

“You make it sound like everything I do is pure evil.” 

You hummed. 

Best of all, you got to see Chubby’s guilty expression today.

When you and Maya returned home later that evening, there was an old man waiting for you. Your alleged father was red-faced. “What’s this about you starting a fire at campus?” 

You almost forgot about him. 

Standing in the living room, he was slightly taller than most Japanese men and he always appeared hygienic but he had no outstanding features. (You, a sucker for beauty, were grateful that this body inherited the mother’s good genes.)

Of course, this world is a shoujo anime, a genre that seems to hate parents. This father was only present during extra special moments, such as the time he brought his mistress and daughter home, and right now--scolding his so-called son.

He was blabbering something about “unfilial kid” and “useless delinquent” but his face was so boring that you just stopped listening all together. At the corner of your eye, Maya hid behind you, eyebrows furrowed and lips trembling. It was easy to mistake her expression to be “scared” but you knew she was actually angry. She was like a puppy glowering at a stranger. Thinking of this, you couldn’t help the soft laugh that escaped your mouth.

Maya gazed up in surprise while the old man stomped his foot--

“What the hell are you laughing at, huh? You think this is funny?” Blah, blah, blah.

The original MC got tired of explaining himself to this guy years ago and you didn’t want to waste your spit on him. You stood there, hands in your pockets and nodding along to the man’s words. 

However, when Maya saw that you didn’t plan on talking, she stepped forward to speak, “Dad, you got it all wrong. There was no fire!”

“What’s going on?” said a newcomer, your stepmom. 

You observed her without a change in expression. It seemed like she just arrived from a photo op. 

She seems … normal, you noted.

She made her way next to her husband, who told her that the principal called him about your arson case.

Maya was quick to defend you, “It’s not like that, he didn’t--”

“Maya,” the stepmother spoke, and Maya locked her jaw. Then the woman turned to her husband. “Dear, whatever trouble it is, let’s forgive him. Maya went out of her way to help her brother so we should side with him as his parents and just forget about it.”

Maya seemed to brighten up. But she was a naive girl. Although the snake mother’s words seemed to be for you, if one were to read between the lines, it was the opposite. She made it out to sound like you were guilty of the crime while praising her daughter for being generous. Another interpretation would be: He’s not worth the time so forget about him and focus on your daughter. 

The trash father was convinced, his face lost its redness as he hugged his wife. “I’m so lucky to have you and Maya.” Then he threw a dirty look at you. “Apologize to your teachers and classmates.”

There was no smoke, no proof of arson, so why would the principal call and accuse you? What kind of parent just ignores something as big as arson? 

[Regular and low level worlds are like that. People are cartoonish and the laws of logic are abnormal.]

This truly was a stupid state of affairs. 

“I kinda wish I did set that school on fire,” you whispered. Then you stretched your arms upward. “Man, what a day. I feel like playing basketball, wanna come, Maya?” There was no court at your house but there was a hoop in the backyard. 

Maya wanted to say yes but then she pulled back.

“What is it?”

“Um, I decided to stop playing basketball … at least for now.”

“What, why?” When you decided to start teaching her how to play days ago, she seemed to like it. 

She was quiet, leaving you to think for a moment.

Then you chuckled. “Oh, kid. I’m not gonna hate you just because you like sports.”

“But y-you only like artistic people--”

“That’s different.” You gently flicked her forehead and headed outside. “C’mon.”

Maya rubbed her head and stared at your retreating figure for a while. With a small smile, she trotted after you. 

Although Maya was athletic, she did just start a few days ago, so you had to hold back so she could make a few shots. The game lasted for a good whole hour. 

“You’re getting better,” you complimented her as you two went to drink water. 

Despite the sweat and hair sticking to her skin, Maya was more radiant than before and her cheeks were a nice shade of pink. “I’ve been practicing the basics in my room.”

You raised a brow. “Why not practice here?”

She hesitated before looking down at her glass. “I wanted to surprise you.”

“I see.” It was an obvious lie, but you weren’t going to pry. “Don’t forget to cool down before you take a shower.”

You went to your room, bathed, and snuck away to feed your stray puppy. When you returned, all the lights in the house were already gone. But you knew that only one person was sleeping.

“Open the monitor.”

The light monitor showed you the inside of the tiny sound-proof piano room. Maya was in her mother’s arms, her face was still red with tears as her mother brushed her hair. 

“I told you to behave. Girls don’t play basketball, but you got into your brother’s good graces so I’ll let it go.”

Maya’s shoulders trembled. Maya wore a sleeveless nightgown so the fresh, ugly splotches on her arms were visible. 

The mother shushed her softly, “You know, I’m doing this for your own good, right?”

Mechanically, the daughter nodded her head. 

“Once we get him to sign his inheritance to you, we can get rid of him properly and you’ll be your dad’s sole heir.”

You stared at Maya’s bruises with a certain darkness in your eyes. 

***

Maya rolled around her bed.

Her father was always kind but he was never truly there for her. He would shower her with expensive gifts but a growing girl doesn’t remember superficial things. He would smile and compliment and give her a fancy new toy before leaving for a date with her mother. Growing girls remember the sadness of being left alone with their new toys, of learning how to cook for themselves because their moms ate outside and didn’t want to take them.

Maya thought she could get used to being alone. But, no, there will always be that tiny hope inside her wanting for more. 

When she found out she had a brother, that hope sparked into a fire.

You were nothing like what she’d imagined an older brother would be. You were thorny, crass and too honest, but you cared, and for the lonely Maya that was enough.

Maya thought she could be happy, but as she curled in her bed, trying to ignore the burning sensation on her arms, she was once again reminded that she’ll always be alone.

She glanced at her digital clock: 11:02 A.M. SATURDAY

Both mom and dad were away on business, so she was free to sleep in. Maya pulled her blanket over her face, still groggy, but a loud rapping at her door shook the sleep out of her.

“Kid, you awake?”

Reinvigorated, she dashed to open the door. Maya almost squealed. 

You stood in the hall wearing a simple white t-shirt and jeans, one hand held a leather jacket while the other fiddle with a phone. Your hair was fluffy and unruly, like you just stepped out of the shower and shook the water droplets off your head. 

All the exhaustion and self-doubt was flushed away in an instant. 

“My brother is so handsome. Even something as simple as a beautifully tight white t-shirt can’t take away his handsomeness. Ah, I need nothing else, just looking at him recharges me!”--was what her eyes told you.

The system innocently spoke: [If it were anybody else staring at you with such lecherous eyes and not this puppy-looking human female, I bet you would punch them for sexual harassment.]

You ignored it and regarded Maya lazily, “You…”

Seeing your gaze on her arms, Maya gasped. Her first instinct was to cover herself and turn away, but you were faster.

“You free today?” You asked as if you didn’t see anything. 

“Y-yes, I have nothing to do right now.”

“Get ready, we’re going out.”

“Where are we--”

“Just put on something you like and meet me in the car in fifteen minutes,” you ordered, and walked away before she could say anything else.

Uwak, who has watched so many romantic movies as per your orders, commented: [Host, you really sounded like a scumbag leading man there.] 

“Thanks.”

[If I didn’t know any better I’d say you were asking her out on a date.]

“Hm.”

[You’re not very talkative today.]

You said nothing.

The system: Ah, what to do … My normally chatty Host is so curt right now. Please talk even if it’s just you calling me stupid!

The poor thing didn’t realize what it has become and silently begged to be insulted. 

Waiting in the car, you were so lost in your own thoughts that you didn’t notice Maya until she called your name for the third time.

“Hey,” you greeted her softly.

As the main protagonist of this world, she was fresh as a daisy even after crying herself to sleep. Maya smiled at you as though she wasn’t just beaten by her own mother last night.

“Nice dress.”

Her smile strained. “Thank you! Dad bought it for me,” she cleared her throat and ironed her skirt with her hands. 

You raised an eyebrow but simply told the driver to go.

“Where are we going exactly?” She asked.

“I’m gonna shop for some new clothes. Thought you wanted to come along.”

“Oh.”

“You sound disappointed.”

“No!” She waved her hands in defense. “Not at all. It’s been a while since I’ve gone shopping so I’m glad you invited me.”

“Well, duh.” You bent your elbow on the window and leaned your chin in your hand. With your signature smirk, you said, “You’re my sister, aren’t you?”

Maya clutched her chest and screamed inwardly: SOS. My brother’s hotness is through the roof!

You couldn’t hear her fangirling, but she had gigantic anime eyes and a really emotive pout. You didn’t need to read minds to know what she was thinking.

“Pft.”

She tilted her head naively. “What’s so funny?”

“It’s a secret.”

Maya wanted to squeal into her pillow: I get it, I get it! Brother, you are a male god in the flesh, you’re hot and cool, stop throwing pheromones at me!

[You’re going to give her a heart attack.]

“Then she’d be lucky.”

[Huh?]

“My face will be the last thing she sees.”

The system: Shameless, truly shameless.

The rest of the ride was silent but Maya seemed content just watching you as she did a poor job to hide her awe.

“We’re here, young master,” declared the chauffeur, then he went to open your door.

The mall where this body shopped wasn’t an ordinary mall. It was several stories high and encompassed a piece of land big enough for an amusement park. The glass windows spanned roof to floor without a speck of dirt. 

“Ever been here before, Maya?”

Mouth agape, she shook her head. 

She’s been to a few malls, but they were nowhere near as large as this one. 

“I see.” You expected as much. Although Maya’s mother was wealthy in her own right, she was the cheap type of mom who only spent lavishly for herself but forgets about her own daughter. 

You gestured for her to follow you through the entrance. A woman in a black pencil skirt and hair neatly combed into a bun walked towards you. She wore a name tag on her blazer and a practiced smile on her face. “Welcome to Rosewater,” she then introduced herself and asked, “How may we be of service?”

“We’re here to shop clothes for her.” You gestured your chin towards Maya, who blinked several times, confused. 

“Me?” She lifted a finger to herself.

The saleswoman was polite and professional as she turned to Maya. “Of course. Do you have any style in mind?” 

“That’s--I, um--” Maya blinked madly at you, cheeks rosy with shyness.

You stepped in and spoke directly to the saleswoman, “Let’s start with the popular brands for girls her age.”

“Of course. Please follow me.” 

Maya wanted to protest and say she couldn’t afford anything here on her allowance, but you and the saleslady were already walking away.

Inside a store specializing in pastel and floral designs, you pointed at a frilly white blouse and asked Maya, “What do you think?”

“I-it’s nice.”

“What about this one?” You gazed at a sunflower-printed dress.

“Uh, pretty.” 

“And this?” A pair of creamy sandals. 

“They look, um, comfy?”

“Do you see anything you like?”

Maya hesitated. “They’re all so cute, I can’t possibly decide.”

“ … I understand. In that case, this,” you said as you pointed at one mannequin standing at the corner of the shop then drew a line until your finger was at the mannequin on the other side of the room. “And everything else. Have them delivered at our house.” You took out a black card from your wallet and handed it to the giddy saleswoman. 

Maya’s jaw hit the floor. “Onii-san, I can’t … I … ” She was speechless from shock. “This is--I can’t let you buy all of these for me!”

“Eh, I haven’t used my card in some time and this seemed like the perfect excuse.” Though you spoke with this-is-normal-for-someone-like-me tone, inside you were cheering. You always wanted to say those words. You were part of the working class in your original body and you didn’t have the time to shop in the first mission world. 

You wanted to kiss the system right now. How many humans get to experience the power, the glory, the sheer thrill of owning a black card and acting like a sugar daddy? 

You: Nevermind how silly it is for a highschooler to own a black card. Hooray anime logic! Being rich is the best!

The system, who was worrying about its Host’s mental health an hour ago: … I was worried for nothing. My Host still has skewed priorities.

You snapped out of cloud 9 when you saw Maya’s uncomfortable expression, so you quickly went to work. “I don’t know how you used to spend money when it was just you and your mom, but it’s normal to buy this much in one go. You don’t have to worry about expenses now that you’re with me. It’d be shameful if people find out my sister didn’t get the treatment she deserves.”

Maya’s ears perked. She was still in shock from the immense money spending and all she heard was “my sister.” Her mood did a complete 180 and she beamed. 

“I’ll accept whatever my brother gives me!”

“ … great.” You had a feeling that she wasn’t paying attention, but all that matters is that she finally accepted your gifts. 

You then noticed her readjusting her shoes. You told the saleslady to take you to the nearest coffee shop.

“This way please.”

When you passed a jewelry store, Maya stopped walking. 

“What, you want to get your mom something?” Though you hated your stepmother, you kept your tone monotonous. 

Maya stared at the shop display for a moment then answered, “No, mom is super picky of her accessories--specially her jewels.”

You hummed and held out your hand.

She tilted her head in that usual clueless shoujo heroine way that she does. 

“Your feet hurt so lean on me until we find you a seat.”

Her lips curled softly and you swore you could see flowers blooming all around her face. “Thank you--oh!” Her left ankle swerved.

This body was fast and it caught her just in time.

You: …

The system: … 

A tall, gorgeous young man holding a blushing pretty girl in his arms after saving her from falling--this felt like those freeze frame scenes in a romance anime! 

The passers-by gasped and awed and clapped. There were a few who took pictures and posted them online with various captions. Each one more extreme than the last: “The Ultimate Couple Goal,” “Wish my bf could princess carry me too >///<,” “Gyah, please let me lick your abs through your shirt!” and “I wanna *** you and **** while you **** me (˘ڡ˘)” 

You glanced at Maya, who was hiding her red face behind her hands. Your ears itched, feeling there was a huge misunderstanding from the crowd around you.

If you weren’t so attached to this little sister of yours, you would’ve dropped her as fast as you caught her. 

You bade goodbye to the saleslady and decided to put Maya down on a bench by the indoor fountain. 

You knelt down in front of her and gently removed her shoe. She wasn’t wearing any socks so her tiny toes were instantly visible. Her foot was clean save for the fresh red blisters.

“Geez, I wish you told me they were too tight. I would’ve taken you to buy a new pair immediately.”

Maya was still flustered as she mumbled a small apology.

You finished examining her ankle, and after seeing that it was okay, you put it down. “It’s fine. Stay here and rest for a minute.” 

You stood. “I’ll go buy you some slippers.”

“That’s not neces--”

“--or I can carry you to the store and have everyone stare at us the entire way there. Your choice.”

“ … I’ll wait for you here.”

“All right.”

You returned with a pair of simple black slippers and a paper bag. 

When Maya saw you kneel down again, she snatched the slippers away in a frenzy. “I-I can do it myself, thank you!”

“Pft. Okay.” 

You sat next to her. “Here.” You produced a waffle from the paper bag. 

She accepted it quietly. 

“You looked hungry and I didn’t know what you liked so I just bought their best seller: the blueberry cream cheese. If you don’t like it, I bought the chocolate banana--and you’re crying.”

Maya took a big bite off the waffle, not caring about the mess. Tears rolled down her cheeks.

You rubbed your nape awkwardly. “Don’t cry, it’s just a waffle.”

“Sorry … it’s just … it tastes so good … ” She struggled to talk between the sobbing and chewing. 

She was also lying. 

Maya didn’t maintain her lithe figure with luck. You’ve noticed it early on how little she ate, but first you thought she just had a poor appetite. However, with her constantly watching you eat and after you caught her staring at an uneaten piece of pie the other day, you figured out her mother was starving her on purpose.

You watched her munch down on the pastry like a squirrel. Then you chuckled and patted her head. “Slow down or you’ll choke.” 

Maya finished the waffle before she stopped crying. 

“Jeez, what a crybaby,” you teased then gave her a tissue from the paper bag.

“I’m sorry, I just … it was a really, really, really, really, reeeaaaally tasty waffle.” Her nose was still red. You pictured Chubby with a red nose and sad smile. Gah, now you wanted to find him.

“I’m sure it was.” You didn’t argue with her. “We got all day and I know I dragged you here but what do you wanna do?” She didn’t look like she had fun shopping. 

“If it’s not too much bother, I’d like to go buy some art supplies.”

“I didn’t know you were into art.” 

“Only recently … ”

You cocked an eyebrow.

“I mean it! It’s for a school project!” She turned pinker under your suspicious gaze.

You laughed. “Fine. C’mon.” 

You took her to the store and as she went searching for her supplies, you browsed around aimlessly until--

“Chubby?”

The man in question had his back to you and had his headphones on. 

You crept closer until you could touch the wall in front of him. Levi felt someone behind him and chucked off his headphones.

“Appearing in front of me right after I thought of you, aren’t you just asking to be bullied.”

[I take it back. Now you sound like a scumbag leading man.]

Levi’s pretty face went from “Huh?” to “Why are you here?” and then finally “Wait, what did you just say to me?”

He was so cute. 

Ignoring his unvoiced questions, you picked up his headphones. “What ‘cha listening to?”

You held them near your ear and listened to the angelic singer:

Kotoba ni shiteshimaeba owari soude 

Tada omou kimi no koe mo kao mo zenbu[1]

(I don't want it to go 

So I let the silence grow 

The voice and the face of you again in my mind)

Levi snatched the headphones back. “It’s a … weird song, you wouldn’t get it.”

“Now, we don’t know that. You didn’t even let me finish listening to it.”

“Didn’t have to finish, I know you think it’s weird so let’s just call it quits and go our separate ways.” He moved to leave but you put your other hand on the wall.

“Can’t leave me now, I just kabedon-ed you.”

“Let me go.”

“Say ‘pretty please’ in a cutesy voice and I might consider.”

“Never!”

“Then I guess you’re staying.”

“ … tsk.”

“Chubby,” you deliberately lowered your voice as you leaned down. “Did you just click your tongue at me?”

Levi was suddenly very aware of your body a mere inch away from his. “N-no.” 

“Uh-huh. Then what were you doing?”

Standing close like this, Levi could inhale your scent and you smelled nice. Clean. Like hypoallergenic soap. Nothing like the cigarette smoking troublemaker that people gossiped about. He looked and saw the outline of an eight-pack pressed against an ironed white t-shirt. A bubble formed inside Levi’s chest. How can some guys look so perfect?

His thoughts were cut off by a growly voice from above, “If you keep touching me like that, don’t blame me for what happens next.” 

Levi blinked and realized that his hand was on your torso.

“I can see the headlines now,” you murmured. “Pretty boy molests a tall, charming, innocent young man. Classmates not surprised.” 

You counted. One. Two.

He grabbed his offending hand like it was the dirtiest thing ever.

Three--

“EEEEEeeeeeeAaaAAAeEEK!” 

“What kind of sound was that?”

Levi’s eyes were swirling and you could see puffs of smoke leaving his ears.

You held your stomach and laughed. “Holy--pft--w-what kinda face is that?” 

[SYSTEM WARNING: Character settings dropped by 0.5%. SYSTEM WARNING: Host must keep character settings above 80%.] 

“Nii-san, I think I heard a scream, are you okay?” Maya came running holding a bag of art supplies.

When she saw Levi her look of concern became one of annoyance. “You again! Temptress!” 

Levi snapped out of his freak out and yelled back, “Brocon!”

“Sibling-stealing homewrecker!”

“Incestuous white lotus!”[2]

You continued laughing at their poorly worded insults until all three of you were asked to leave the shop.

You wiped a tear of joy as you attempted to mediate between your sister and Chubby, who were currently having a staring match with each other.

“Now, now, let’s try to get along, kiddos.”

[SYSTEM WARNING: Character settings dropped by 1%. SYSTEM WARNING: Host must keep character settings above 80%.] 

Maya, ever the bootlicker, was the first to back off.

Chubby glared at you, “I’m your age!”

You took the supplies from Maya’s hands. “Let’s go.” You were originally going to ask them if they wanted to go to the arcade, but that damn system warning was so abrupt that you reminded yourself to keep being bossy. 

Maya didn’t even question it and just trotted beside you, imaginary tail wagging pleasantly. 

“What? Where are we going?” Chubby asked. He didn’t seem to realize it himself but he was following you now.

You led them to an arcade which took up an entire floor.

“You ever been here before, Chubby?”

“N-n-none of your business.”

“Don’t talk to my brother like that!”

You ignored them and went straight for a claw machine. 

“Onii-san?” 

“You realize these are glorified coin-eating scams, right?”

You prided yourself as someone who can achieve anything you put your mind to. Claw machines were the exception. 

You inserted a coin and tried to grab a stuffed sheep. Today, you were going to win against all claw machines and successfully retrieve a prize.

Or so you thought.

“Goddammit!” You almost punched the glass. 

“You did well, nii-san!” Maya clapped, trying to cheer you up.

“Well? That was his thirteenth try and he still hasn’t won anything.”

You rotated your neck and twisted your torso. You’ve bent over the damn machine for thirty minutes. “I’m gonna go get a bubble tea. What do you guys want?”

“I’ll have a winter melon,” said Maya.

You waited for Levi’s reply, who refused to make eye contact as he grumbled: “... matcha … ”

You grinned. “I’ll be right back.”

You already placed your order for the teas when Uwak spoke: [Host, you still haven’t explained to me why you’re so hellbent on forging a relationship with Leviathan.]

“I’ve had carnivorous men in the past three worlds, this time I wanna be the one who does the eating.”

PAH!

The system stomped its feet, wanting to demand for a better explanation. It may be a novice system but it was still a fast-learner. It knew that there was just no such thing as a simple answer from its Host!

Suddenly, a notification interrupted its tantrum and Uwak quickly reported: [Host, we have a crisis!]

Luckily, the bubble teas were ready.

“Talk to me, Uwak, what happened?” You dashed up the escalators.

“The female lead and Leviathan were having a dance-off at the arcade and attracted the attention of the other customers. Among them are a bunch of delinquents.”

“What’s happening right now?”

[One of them just grabbed the female lead’s arm!]

[Oh! Leviathan pushed him away.]

You stormed inside the arcade just in time to catch a punch directed at Levi. 

He wasn’t hit but he fell down from the shock.

“Nii-san!” Maya yelled in relief and went to help Leviathan back to his feet.

You glared at the owner of the fist. “Hitting people in public, harassing a teenager, what’s wrong with you?”

The offender sneered. “You--ARGH!” He crumpled down like a piece of paper when you kneed his crotch. 

You had no patience for perverts, and you really didn’t want to hear his cheap lines.

You grabbed Maya’s and Levi’s arms and led them outside.

“Are you sure you’re okay?” 

They both nodded, reassuring you for the second time that they weren’t hurt.

You gave them their teas and returned to the fountain bench, where Maya asked for her art supplies to check if she had everything on her checklist.

“Colored paper, wire, glue, chalk … huh?”

“What is it?”

“Oh, it just … I swear I had more chalk here.”

Levi then asked, “What’re you going to use them for?”

Maya’s eyelids fluttered as she snuck a glance at you.“I have to write and illustrate a story book for English.” 

“I remember that, the teacher is super strict about the plot even though it’s meant for kids.”

“I know what you mean. Every time I write it turns out to be something that’s been done before. Actually, my ideas end up being so similar to The Lost Princess that I have to keep rewriting them.”

“I’ve heard of that. It’s about a girl who leaves a corrupt orphanage to find her true parents and befriends funny animals along the way, right? My favorite character is the black sheep Henry.”

“I love Henry! He acts cold and aloof but he always pulls through for his friends! The symbolism of misunderstood loners is … ”

[They were rivals now they’re friends.]

“Fandom is dangerous after all. It can turn the worst of enemies into the best of friends in a snap of a finger.”  

“No!” Maya yelled. “Henry’s best friend is obviously the princess!”

“Uh, no, are you blind? Henry is clearly besties with the stout snake! He hugged the snake so he wouldn’t feel cold during winter!”

“So what? Henry shaved his precious black wool so the princess would have something to wear to the ball!”

They started arguing over who the stupid sheep was closest to. It’s a children’s book series for goodness’ sake. 

You resisted the urge to roll your eyes. 

“Now that I think about it, the last book hasn’t been published, has it?” Chubby mentioned.

“Oh, that’s because the author died,” you stated calmly.

They turned to you at the same time.

“Mom died and the publisher never found her final draft.”

The two debaters suddenly fell silent. Before the air could get any more awkward, you threw your empty cup in the trash bin and told Maya it was time to go. 

You offered Levi a ride home but he declined, red as a tomato. You weren’t sure what exactly he thought you meant by “a ride” but just thinking of him blushing was enough to make you laugh again.

Only for the good mood to be ruined when you returned to the house, where a certain snake-mother and slag father were waiting.

“Maya, I was so worried!”

Your father regarded you with an ugly scowl. “Do you have any idea how late it is?”

Maya wanted to say something but you beat her to it.

“I couldn’t do anything about the traffic, quit yelling or you’ll burst something.” You ignored his cursing and went straight to your room.

You pulled out two sticks of white chalk from your pocket and placed them inside your handkerchief. You took off your boot and pounded the heel into the fabric. 

“This should do it.” You unfolded the handkerchief and saw that the sticks were now fine powder. 

[Host, I’m not sure about this plan.]

“It’s simple really. I always knew there was something fishy about that rotten stepmother. She’s a model but is choosy with her accessories to the point that she doesn’t even wear a wedding ring.”

[She may really be just choosy--]

“A vain woman’s best friend is her jewels. But this one owns crappy plastic glasses, doesn’t wear the designer watches her husband gifts her, and now that I think about it, when she moved in my mother’s silverware was replaced by rubber-covered utensils.”

[That doesn’t automatically mean she is metal hypersensitive.]

“If I’m wrong then I’m wrong. But if I’m right then … ” You smiled a smile that could put the Devil to shame. “... she better pray I don’t get my hands on nickel powder.”

***

The Royal Flush was a five-star hotel and resort that catered to the one percent of the world. 

Leviathan, heir to the Orochi zaibatsu* group, has passed through the lobby so many times in his life that the diamond-encrusted chandeliers were no different from a 25-cent candle bought from a street vendor. (Then again, no modern gemstone could compare to the hundred-year-old jade collection Levi’s mother treasured so much.)

He really hated this hotel. Being here meant that he was attending a formal event with his father. It was the birthday of an old family friend, quite literally, the man in question was now seventy-three years old. 

Not to be disrespectful, but Levi couldn’t bring himself to pay attention to the speaker on stage who was reciting some speech for the birthday man. 

Levi’s suit pinched him a little too harshly when he put it on for tonight and his mother confiscated all of his consoles (and his phone), warning him to be on his best behavior. Levi wanted to be polite and proper, but he really, really, really couldn’t bring himself to care about a senior whose name he hadn't known up until a week ago. Not to mention that his twin cousins, a boy and a girl, crashed over the other day and “accidentally” broke his favorite Bakunawa figurine! The little brats … 

When he tried to scold them they cried over to their mother and she glared at him like he was a monster. Then she went to tell his mother, who in turn told him off and then--

To make a long story short, it’s been a bad week, but right now, all he can focus on was the buffet table. Creamy mushroom soup, different salads, smoked salmon, and a variety of French pastries. 

He wasn’t hungry, but when he felt uneasy he wanted to do one of two things: fanboy or eat.

“... And thank you all for coming here. Please enjoy tonight’s dinner,” Levi heard the young orator, followed by clapping. Next thing he knew he was over at the buffet table piling his plate with lettuce and pieces of salmon. 

He didn’t see his dad so he spent the rest of the evening sampling the desserts. He started with the lemon-colored pudding, then he went after the pillowy soft cream puffs, and then he grabbed a strawberry mille feuille that melted like velvet on the tongue.

He graciously accepted the cup of cafe noisette from the server. The bitterness was enough to balance out the sweetness from earlier. “Mmm … ” Levi moaned out.

“Is this what they call fate?” Interrupted a teasing voice. 

“Mm--arrumph!” Levi almost choked but he quickly gulped down the coffee and crumbs with a few punches to his chest. 

As he coughed, he noticed a pair of polished black shoes.

Hesitantly, he looked up and instantly regretted his decision to not fake diarrhea this morning. 

A familiar young man stood before him, one hand tucked in the pocket of his sleek blue slacks. Your hair was slicked back, a single cowlick stopped you from looking too old. 

“W-why are you--”

“Wow, you didn’t even listen to the guest of honor’s grandson. You must really love French cuisine. I’m a little jealous,” you said.

Levi kept quiet in return.

“My maternal grandfather may be a little up there in age, but he’s still quite a charmer, y’know. So is grandmother.”

Levi almost nodded. He was too stressed to take note about it before, but the man who turned 73 today still had a full head of silvery hair, his eyes were bright as he socialized with the guests. Standing next to that man was a woman with a stylish white bob, her hourglass figure evident in her black long sleeved dress. 

“My mom was gorgeous, not a wrinkle in sight even when she was forty, and while he’s garbage, my old man is actually not that bad to look at.”

This time, Levi nodded unconsciously as he rubbed his chin. 

“When I reach their age I’d be twice as good-looking as I am now. Anyone would be lucky to have me for a husband.”

Levi bobbed his head. “True, true--ah. Hey!”

“Too late,” you said with a smug smile, face too close for Levi’s comfort. “You think I’m hot, don’t you?”

Struck speechless by the sheer amount of pheromones hitting him, Levi stood there beet-red.

Suddenly, he had a whiff of heavy roses. A teenage girl in a pink, designer dress clung to his arm. It was his cousin, one of the “terror twins.” 

She pressed herself close to him and spoke in that annoyingly nasal voice of hers, “There you are! I’ve been looking for you all night.” 

You have? Levi wanted to ask, but she cut him off with a giggle. 

“I wanted to apologize for breaking that doll the other night, but you wouldn’t answer any of my calls.”

What calls? He thought, too distracted by his cousin’s sneeze-inducing perfume and sudden appearance to notice the way she’d blink towards your figure. 

Not waiting for Levi to speak, she tilted her head coyly and flashed you a small, blushing smile. “I’m sorry, I didn’t realize you two were having a conversation. What a surprise, I didn’t know my cousin was close with anybody here.”

Levi finally snapped out of it and cleared his throat. “It wasn’t a doll,” he murmured. 

His words were ignored as his cousin reached out a slender arm towards you. “I’m Lamia.”

You grinned and gave her a solid shake before letting go. Lamia was startled, not expecting you to pull away as quickly as you did. Frankly, even Levi was surprised. As much as he disliked his cousin, he couldn’t deny that she was objectively pretty--especially tonight. Her glossy curls adorned her symmetrical face, painted professionally to emphasize her doe eyes while covering her freckles. Her skirt flounced with every graceful movement. She would be a great Aurora for a Sleeping Beauty live action film. 

Although Levi always had this urge to vomit whenever she was around, he knew that she was popular with every male she encountered. 

He snuck a glance at your face. Strange, he thought, was your smile always so … cold? No, “bored” was more like it. 

You spoke curtly, “Nice to meet you, but I’m afraid I have to go greet the other guests now. Later, Levi.” You flashed him a small smile then nodded at Lamia. “Enjoy the party, Layna.”

And with that you left the two cousins.

Levi turned to Lamia. She was pink with shock from the unexpected treatment. 

Levi covered his mouth with a  fist and coughed. If he laughed now she’d use that three-inch heel to stab his toe. 

***

“Thank you for coming all the way here. We know you’ve been … busy with school and home life,” said your grandmother as the two of you spoke on a balcony and away from prying eyes. She was sixty-five, but with her white hair still shiny and her stare sharp, she could just as easily pass for forty. 

“Thank you for inviting me, nanna,” you replied. 

“Nonsense. You’re my only grandson, it wouldn’t be much of a birthday party without you.” 

In the original plot, this body didn’t attend this party. Not because he hated his grandparents, but because he simply felt distant from them. His mother’s passing was like a stream that separated them and his inability to communicate properly made this stream look like an uncrossable river. 

But you couldn’t waste losing such a powerful ally.

You smiled at her. “True. If only mom were here.”

Her eyebrows creased together in thought then she placed a hand over your shoulder.

“Please tell me that you’ve reconsidered my offer?”

After the death of your mother, your grandparents reached out and told you that they were always open to a new housemate.

You shook your head. 

“I’m doing fine, promise.”

Her frown deepened with suspicion. It’d be dumb to think that she didn’t know about the class-cutting and low grades. But whatever thoughts she had or whatever words she wanted to say remained privy only to her, and soon you fell into a comfortable silence and admired the full moon for a few moments before returning to the party.

As you entertained the jokes and questions of your grandfather’s guests, the system yapped:

[I understand bridging your relationship with the grandparents as a way to strengthen your plans for the future, but you didn’t have to go out of your way to give a speech. Your character setting is at 89% now, Host! How are you so calm?]

“I’m not calm.” You looked over the shoulder of your current conversation partner, a middle-aged lawyer bragging about her daughter’s accomplishments, and glanced at the tall, pale dumpling hiding in a corner munching on a pastry. “Didn’t you witness it yourself earlier? The guy I like likes me back. My heart is beating pretty fast if you listen close enough.”

[( ￣ロ￣）] 

The system wanted to pick up a champagne glass and smash it on his Host’s face. 

You didn’t get to speak with Levi for the rest of the evening, and as you bade farewell to the last of the guests, your grandparents approached you. 

“It’s late, why don’t you spend the night here?” Your grandfather then explained that he had several rooms reserved in the event of emergencies, like having a guest too drunk to go home on their own. 

As expected, it’s nice to be rich, you nodded to yourself as you thought about how a single night here costs 70,000 USD. Ordinary citizens could work all their lives and still not make enough to pay for that kind of price. 

You politely rejected their offer. 

“Oh, but could I take a slice of cake to go?”

***

Maya struggled to find a comfortable position to sleep. 

Her mother has been home more frequently than she was supposed to be. The woman’s face and arms and legs were all covered with ugly red splotches. Once, Maya asked if she was all right during dinner but received a piercing glare. 

“Do I look all right to you?” She asked with a snarl, which shocked both Maya and her father. 

She learned not to bring up the topic any further, not that that stopped her mom from getting angry. Actually, ever since her unexplained rashes appeared she has become more and more irritable with each passing day. She refused to leave the house, telling her agent that she’s not feeling too well, and has been stuck at home for a while.

Maya wished time would pass faster, or that she’d fall into a nice long coma and wake up to her mom’s skin back to normal. 

Her back and thighs hurt from the excess pinching.

She shifted over to one arm for the fourteenth time tonight and hissed. She reached down her right thigh and found blood. Her wound reopened.  

Sighing, Maya sat up and walked over to her dresser. She fished through her bras for her first aid kit.

Something rapped at the window.

Maya spun around in surprise. 

Kneeling on a tree branch twisted near her window was none other than her brother. 

She ignored the stinging in her wounds and ran over to him. The cool, crisp night air flew inside her room, smelling like rain. 

“Shouldn’t you be at a party, right now? No, wait. Why are you here?” She questioned with a frown.

“I could take the stairs, but your mommy is down there watching TV looking like she’d rip my face off if I so much as pass the living room.”

“Oh. Right.” Maya traced awkward circles on the carpeted floor with her toes. “Don’t worry about her. She went to her dermatologist today and he gave her some pills to stop the inflammation. It’s not an instant cure so it could take a while for her to get back to normal.”

You cocked your chin as though thinking of something, then you grinned and produced a black box lined with gold trimming from behind you. “Cake?”

Maya stared in awe at the lovely gold design. After a few seconds, she finally remembered that you were sitting on a tree branch and she took the box before moving away so you could enter. 

“I already have a fork and knife there so don’t worry about sneaking downstairs. But before that,” you paused as you searched inside your jacket. You then handed her a tiny round container no bigger than her palm. “It’s a family concoction. My mom used to rub it on my wounds whenever I injured myself playing. Her mom used it on her when she cut her entire leg trying to climb a tree.”

It was a honey-colored balm, Maya observed. 

“The cake is all yours, by the way. I already had my fill thanks to a certain dumpling.” You walked over to the door but was stopped by two frail arms wrapping around your waist. 

Maya buried her head in your back. 

“Hey, kid--”

“Thank you … ” Her muffled voice came out weakly.

With a sigh, you slowly turned to face her. You grabbed her chin and stared into her tearful eyes. “Didn’t you know a girl’s tears are like precious pearls?”

The system: ☉_☉

“You should be more careful, there are many scumbags who like to make girls cry.”

Maya looked up to you with determined eyes. “I will!”

“Good. Later, kiddo.” You ruffled her hair and left the room.

As you walked through the hallway, two voices were heard from downstairs. 

“I told you, we were only having dinner to discuss business ventures.” It was the familiar voice of your scum father.

“If you were talking business then shouldn’t you have been at that birthday party with your son? You work for his grandfather, right? Why were you having a private dinner for two with that woman?” You could hear your stepmother’s crocodile tears from here.

The system perked up.

[What about her precious pearls, Host?]

“Do you want me to make you cry, trashystem?”

[Pft.]

You turned your attention back to the arguing couple.

“It’s because I’m not young anymore, is it?” The she-devil said.

“Don’t be silly, I told you, I love you and I’ll always love you.”

Oh, blegh. 

“I’ve heard enough,” you said and returned to your room.

[Shouldn’t you be more concerned? Part of your revenge plan is to break them up. If they make up this fast then how else would you make them pay? If that’s the case, wouldn’t their love conquer all?]

“Pft.” It was your turn to laugh. “Love has its limits, birdie.”

***

Leviathan was in a bind. 

If one had lived his entire life isolated from most of human society, then how should he react if one day, a handsome pervert arrived and stared at him?

Answer: You call the police, of course!

Ah, but Levi could not do that. The pervert in question had not done anything illegal per se, and if he did get the authorities involved, he would simply be the gross, overweight nerd who brought dishonor to an upperclassman. 

Right now, that UR-ranked sadist of an upperclassman and his brocon sister were seated across from him in his favorite coffee shop hidden in the … less than popular part of the city. 

And at this moment, that stupidly gorgeous upperclassman was staring at him with a smirk that Levi wanted to smack right off. 

“Why … ” Levi couldn’t even bring himself to finish his question. It was a vacant day today and he escaped from his house that was currently being terrorized by his twin cousins to his beloved English-style coffee shop seated next to a humble but cute bookstore. 

He averted one disaster by leaving the house (and away from the terror twins) but somehow fell into a pit populated by a beast that plays with its meals and an annoyingly clingy puppy. 

The beast rested his cheek on his palm and spoke, “‘Why are we here?’? Obviously, this is fate.” 

Levi wanted to haul the table upside down as he screamed in his heart: Fate, my butt! Are you a stalker? Why do we keep running into each other?

The beast chuckled, “First, we met at the mall. Next, you come to my grandfather’s birthday party. And now, we run into each other in this tiny coffee shop that is far from a rich kid’s usual hangout. If that’s not fate then ... ”

Levi had a bad feeling.

Your grin widened. “Then maybe you’re stalking me?”

Levi almost puked out blood. 

“W-w-what are you--”

“Well, like I said, if this right now is not fate then maybe you’re stalking me. What was the saying, again?” You pretended to think, then you snapped your fingers in delight. “Once is happenstance, twice is coincidence, but three times is enemy action. Dumpling, you’re so cute. But if you wanted my attention, stalking is not the right way--”

Maya, who was too busy reading a book that her big brother recommended, finally reacted, “What the heck? You’re stalking my brother?” She had an expression that should be threatening, but with her soft features only made her appear like a pouting child. 

You lifted out three fingers, and then a fourth. “Now that I think about it, there was also that time you would stare at me while hiding behind a door.”*See chapter 4

She slammed both hands on the table and glared at Levi. “I don’t blame you for falling for my brother, after all he’s tall, he’s handsome, he’s good at sports, he’s clever--”

Beads of sweat rolled down Levi’s forehead. He held mixed feelings at this girl’s ramblings: Woman, are you trying to threaten me or praise your brother?

“--he’s perfect! But you can’t go around stalking him for attention. I know the feeling of thinking you’re not good enough for him, I know exactly how you feel--”

Levi: The hell are you talking about?

“--but you can’t break the law, no matter how tempting it is! He already called you cute, is that not enough to satisfy you? You selfish thing, you can’t be too greedy!”

Maya was panting by the time she finished her spiel. 

Even the normally immovable beast was taken aback by her exclamations, as made obvious by his wide eyes.

Levi was grateful that there were no other customers at this hour, but the two store clerks behind the cashier were sending them weird gazes.

He quickly defended himself, “Don’t believe everything he says! As if I’d go around stalking anyone. A respectable fan keeps his distance--ah.” Just now … Levi made a mistake, didn’t he?

He reluctantly turned his attention to you and found you smiling peacefully. So peacefully that he wanted to dropkick you to the next century.

“Why did you stop?” You leaned closer, closing your eyes. “I want to hear you profess your admiration of me some more, Levi-chan.” 

Levi sprung back from the nickname. He covered his face with his arms and stuttered, “I-I’m leaving!”

He snatched his backpack from the chair and hauled out the door. 

You merely chuckled until the system spoke up.

[Host, wasn’t that too cruel?]

“I told you, I’m the type to bully the one I like until they’re crying. But don’t worry, I’m also the type to chase after the beauty and comfort him with all. My. Heart.” 

Uwak refrained from remarking “Knowing the Host’s morals, a normal person might not want your version of ‘comfort.’”

You got up and motioned for Maya to follow you. 

As you walked out the coffeeshop, you heard barking. Perfect. 

“Maya, there is someone I want you to meet.” You walked into the alleway between the cafe and Sakura’s Little Bookstore.

Levi was kneeling in front of the makeshift dog house you built from carton boxes.

A few days ago or so, you noticed that the puppy was getting heavier than what you expected from what you’ve been giving him, so you decided to investigate a little.

Though you did mess around with Levi earlier, there were a lot of coincidences between you two. The meeting at the mall, the banquet dinner, this coffeeshop and now the puppy that he’s been feeding in secrecy.

“Maybe we are fated,” you mumbled with a smirk.

Levi was so busy coddling the dog that he didn’t notice you or Maya. “Eat up, okay? You gotta grow big and strong so no one will bother you in the future, Boba.” 

He only realized that they had company when you laughed. 

“What a nice name,” you said, approaching them.

“Shut up, at least it’s better than dumpling or, or--”

“Or what, Levi-chan?”

Levi blushed and turned away from you. “Whatever.”

You shrugged and knelt down next to him. You watched the puppy devour a cup’s worth of dog food. “Well, at least I don’t have to worry about him starving. Oh, right--” You quickly called on Maya and introduced her to the dog.

“Little sister, this guy here is Boba. He’s the one I wanted you to meet.”

“He’s so cute!” Maya squealed as the puppy finished its meal and trotted towards her.

“I originally wanted to give him to you but it seems like he has another master.”

Maya looked at Levi, who cleared his throat. 

“I’m not his master. I’m just feeding him because I felt bad for him. He didn’t look like he has anyone here … if you’re going to adopt him, go ahead.”

Maya beamed. “Okay! Then we’ll take him to the vet later and you can visit him anytime.”

Levi almost jumped at her claim, “Really?”

“Well, yeah. It’d be cruel to not let two friends meet, isn’t that right, Boba?” She reached down and gave the dog a well-deserved belly rub. 

As you watched the two fawn over Boba, the hair on your nape stood and you spun around with fists at the ready.

“Uwak, who was that just now?” You felt a presence watching you.

[Answering the Host: Ever since you decided to become a reckless delinquent--er, a free spirit in your current body, this system has been alert for any and every potential danger. However, my sensors did not pick up on anything out of the ordinary.]

You narrowed your eyes and scanned the area, but like Uwak said, there were no suspicious people around. 

Thinking it was your imagination, you told your companions to pack up to take the dog to the vet.

You all left the alleyway, unaware of a certain customer sipping a cup of tea in the coffee shop. What was most peculiar about him was that he had been here for the entirety of your and Maya’s exchange with Levi but not a single one of you noticed him. 

The person was deep in thought and then he chuckled to himself. 

“So you’ve reached this far, huh … ” He took another sip, his smile never disappearing. 

***

“What is that?” The stepmother pointed at Boba sleeping peacefully in Maya’s arms. 

You sighed. Of course she would be waiting for the two of you by the door. 

“Isn’t he adorable?” Maya exclaimed. “He’s a gift from--”

“--a gift from grandfather to Maya.”

Maya blinked at you, surprised, but went along with the lie. “Yeah!”

The stepmother crossed her arms and cocked a doubtful brow at Maya. Her neck and arms were wrapped in bandages, but her face was clear of blemishes. “R-really?”

For a split second, Maya stiffened under her mother’s sharp gaze, but when her brother’s warm hand patted her shoulder, she nodded without losing her smile. 

The stepmother clasped her hands together. “Great! Take good care of it then, we don’t want to insult grandfather. Come, tell me what happened--”

You interrupted her words. 

“Maya is tired from spending the day with me and grandfather. After all, we did nothing but shop all day. I think you should let her rest first.” 

The stepmother looked like she just swallowed a bowl of rotten fish but was forced to pretend she enjoyed it. 

“O-of course, you’re right. Maya, go wash up and take a nap before dinner.”

As the mother shooed her daughter upstairs, Maya sent you a grateful smile.

[Look at that woman calling the father of the person she killed so intimately, talk about shameless.]

“Evil is more like it. She’s been taking out her stress on her own daughter. Maya wore a sweater today even though it’s 28°C outside.”

[Also, Host, why did you lie about the dog’s origin?]

“Because I want her dead,” you said with a matter-of-fact tone as you stretched your arms. “If she knew Boba was from me then she would pretend to have allergies or something and blame me for being a thoughtless son. But she wouldn’t be so careless with a gift from grandfather. And Boba will be a good learning experience for my dear sister.”

[(^?^)]

“Maya is too dependent on me. It’s dangerous for a child to rely on others to make decisions for her, but if I were to give her someone she can care for and take responsibility for, she will become a more decisive person with a backbone.”

[I see, I see.]

“Now then, where is that hag right now?”

[Answering the Host: The hag--no, the stepmother is currently in the bathroom admiring pictures of herself.]

“Tsk. A villain is always narcissistic.” You shook your head.

The system whispered in its heart: Doesn’t the Host do the same thing? And even worse, you force the system to take photos!

You entered the happy couple’s empty bedroom and approached the vanity. You reached into your pocket for the bag of nickel powder. 

You mixed in just enough in her lotion, moisturizer and makeup so that there will definitely be damage but not too much that the shimmery powder would be noticeable. 

As you screwed back the lid of the last lotion, you looked around the bedroom and found an open laptop.

You grinned and walked towards it.

[This appears to belong to this body’s father. I’ve already unlocked it for you, Host.]

“Good job. I wonder what secrets are hidden inside.”

[Do you think we will find proof of the adultery and murder of the mother here?]

“I doubt it. No one would be stupid enough to just leave that kind of evidence lying around, not even that garbage dad.”

You looked at the files, but the numbers and technical jargon bored you to tears so you checked the scumbag’s instant messaging account. 

There were greetings from Maya, coquettish demands for gifts from the stepmother, and some business associates.

Just as you were getting bored, the system alerted you.

[The stepmother has finished changing into her evening wear and has now exited the bathroom.]

You were about to leave when you came across an interesting chat box. It was from a woman, her name had the additional label of “From: Accounting” but her profile ID was not very professional with the thick makeup, the kind of makeup a lady would wear if she wear out partying with her friends--a far cry from what is work-appropriate.

The messages seemed innocent enough. But if you were to read between the lines, they obviously were not just colleagues. 

For example, the line “I’ll be staying at Hotel Z this weekend for the seminar, but I wanted to ask your opinion on my presentation … My room number is 3415 ” is not explicit, but why would a mere co-worker from a different department share room numbers? And the ellipsis was a clear sign of flirtation. 

[Host, the stepmother is walking down the hallway.]

You forwarded the messages to yourself and deleted the sent history.

[Host, the stepmother is opening the door!]

You jumped out the window.

[That was close. In the future, please refrain from doing such risky things.]

“Isn’t your job to be lookout? Quit complaining. Life is all about what makes us feel alive.”

The system wanted to reply: But aren’t you technically dead?

As you landed with a soft thud on the ground, your phone buzzed. 

It was an unknown number.

Your sister gave me your number.

The cloud with the three dots appeared and soon, a next message popped up: You don’t have to save it, I just thought I should tell you.

Covering your mouth, you laughed and texted a reply: It’s rude to talk without introducing yourself first. Who is this again?

Unknown number: You know who this is!

You: Nah. You’re clearly a new contact that I have never known before. Are you perhaps a stalker? 

Unknown number: (...)

Unknown number: I am NOT your stalker!

You: Unless you tell me who you are, I’ll have no other choice but to treat you as one.

Unknown number: (...)

Unknown number: (...)

Unknown number: (...)

Unknown number: 

You waited patiently, your smile getting wider.

Unknown number: It’s me.

Unknown number: Levi.

You: So it’s you, Leviachan~~~ You had me worrying there for a second.

Levi: Don’t lie!

You: While I enjoy a good chase, I like it when you approach me first. You’re so cute.

Levi: Quit talking nonsense. (ꐦ○_○）

You: OK, OK. 

You: It’s getting late so go to sleep or else you won’t grow.

Levi: Do you WANT me to hit you?!?!

You: w(°ｏ°)w

You: I didn’t know you were into THAT kind of adult play. 

You: Hmm, I’m more of an S than an M, but for you I’ll give it a try.

You: Woof, woof!

On the other side of the screen, Levi lay on his side typing on his phone. He sent an angry snake sticker but, whether he knew or not, he was smiling.

***

Levi was satisfied. 

His mom hated him for being overweight and dumb, and his dad never really talked to him that much. But he had his own bedroom, which he could decorate with whatever he wanted. He always had the latest game consoles. His tablet was the most high-tech and expensive version and the envy of all digital artists. 

He had no close friends aside from his fellow fans, but he had never even seen their faces, but at least didn’t have to worry about whether he was going to starve or be homeless ever. 

He was satisfied with his life, which was better than what most people had. He knew that to ask for more was to be greedy, so Levi told himself he was happy.

Levi didn’t want to ask for more.

But he has found himself being unsatisfied.

In the past, the first thing he did was check for updates from his favorite fanfiction author or notifications about an upcoming game. Now, Leviathan woke up checking his newest group chat named “Ball Buddies ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°).” 

Every weekend, at four in the morning, it was the same set of greetings.

Maya: Good morning! /smiling sun.jpeg

MC: Rise and shine, dumpling.

Maya: Nii-san and I made sandwiches for lunch!

MC: Maya, can you come down and help me pack the water bottles?

Maya: Sure thing.

MC: @Leviathannnn, we’ll be at the park in fifteen minutes.

Leviathan sighed. 

A few weeks ago, after you got his contact information and invited him to this ridiculous group chat (You came up with the name and naturally, Maya supported it. Levi had no choice but to accept.). The two of you struck a deal: you’d help Levi get his grades up and so he wouldn’t have to repeat again, in exchange, Levi had to be your “playmate.” 

Volleyball, basketball, baseball, softball, dodgeball--all sorts of ball-related sports, hence the name “Ball Buddies.” Although the deal was between you and Levi, Maya naturally came along.

Every weekday after school was academics and every weekend was physical training. By the time Levi came home, he only had enough energy to shower quickly before passing out on the soft, warm carpet of his room.

He should just quit this stupid deal, but … 

He quickly typed back a reply: @MC @Maya, my grandmother sent us fresh orangest last night. I hope you’re not allergic to citrus. 

He hasn’t spoken to any of his fandom friends, he can’t remember the last time he went online to play or lost himself drawing his favorite character. But lately, Levi has been laughing a lot, he got to play games that he was too shy to try in the past and …

Ding.

MC: Ohoho, I love fruits. Bring a lot. /licking tongue.jpeg

… And lately, his fingers have been twitching to draw someone else.

Ding.

MC: If you don’t bring me lots, I’ll take a bite out of you instead.  /licking tongue.jpeg/licking tongue.jpeg/licking tongue.jpeg

Levi drummed on his phone, face and neck red.

Levi: Shut up! I’ll bring a whole box. You better finish it all, you idiot!!!

He then went to take a long, cold shower, trying not to think about the stupid, perverted, sadistic, charming idiot that was his tutor.

“Huh?”

Leviathan stood there for a moment, recalling his words. 

Did he just call that idiot “charming”?

When Levi thought of the word “charming,” a certain face popped into mind. His chest squeezed with a badump.

He stood there motionless.

Then, he slowly lifted his hands and placed them on the shower wall. He pulled back his head and BAM--

He had hit himself.

He yelled: “Badump, my ass!”

Levi was happy. Levi was content with his life before he met you. But now, it seems like he was getting greedy.

***

You and Maya did a warm up exercise while waiting for Leviathan at the park. As the main character of this shoujo world, Maya had the advantage of the female lead halo and thus, whatever endeavor she pursued, she would excel in it.

With your guidance, she graduated from “pure but ditzy and clumsy” to “pure, clever and sporty.”

In no time, she would rise to the ranks of the academy and in society. No one would be able to bully her. 

When Maya successfully performed a dunk, you clapped. “That’s five in a row. Great job.”

Maya gave a bashful smile. “It’s all thanks to your help, nii-san.” She then went to drink water, leaving you alone to speak with the system.

[I understand “training” the female lead as a way to protect her, but why are you including Leviathan? He is not part of the main cast and I see no benefits from your excessive interest in him.]

“Maybe I’ve fallen for him.”

[ … Please do not lie to this system while smiling so peacefully.]

“Ah, you caught on.” You started rotating your neck to unwind. “Maya was originally made to be a lonely teenager who would only find comfort in the arms of the unreliable Haruto and Ryuu. In a cliche shoujo anime, the male leads are jerks who are cold and mean most of the time but because they are ‘kind’ to the heroine every now and then, they are praised. I don’t like the mentality of ‘if he treats you badly then he wants your attention’ that is projected to young viewers.”

The system silently said in its heart, “Your words would be more reliable if only you didn’t go around mocking that poor Leviathan.”

“Is that what you think I’m doing with him?”

Silence. 

More silence.

[Wait! Did I--]

“Did you just call this venerable Host a hypocrite? Yes, you did. Don’t worry, to make things fair, do you want me to make a list of how you disappoint me?” 

[H-host, I will apologize right now! Please stop smiling like you’re about to commit murder-suicide!]

“Whatever. Anyway, I’m not mocking Leviathan. I’m teasing him, because it’s the fastest way to make him emotional and break down his barriers.”

[I do not follow.]

“Oh, I know you have a hard time following, so until I finish, don’t interrupt this hypocrite. Of. A. Host. Okay?”

The system: (TдT)

“Anyway, like I said, to tease someone is to lightly poke at their weak spots. At first I did it to pass the time, but the more time I spent with him, the more I realized he would be the best companion to Maya. In order to make them friends, I needed his trust, to gain his trust, I needed him to understand me more. Teasing him is to test the limitations of his patience, when the limit is breached, he becomes angry and emotional, and thus, he becomes more willing to share himself with me.”

You watched a familiar black car roll close to the basketball court.

“Even if Maya is academically and physically well, we must do our best to ensure that her emotional and mental facets are healthy. To be with me is not enough, especially because I can’t be here forever. She needs someone who is humble, will not fall for her, will not abuse her kindness, and can support her when I disappear. It’s a coincidence that I met Leviathan first and that he is a perfect candidate. At first, teasing him was merely a way to use him, but now I must confess… ”

Leviathan stepped out of the car and waved. 

“It’s also because I like him.”

You and Maya said hi to Levi, and to the black-clad man lugging a box of oranges towards the bench where you kept your things. 

“That’s over 2 kilograms worth of oranges, if you don’t eat it all I’ll hit you with a basketball!” Levi said. 

You made no sound in return.

“What are you staring at?”

You leaned over and he nervously looked away. 

“Hm, did you forget your sunscreen?”

“No!”

“But your face is so red when the sun is barely up. It’s also not that hot right now.” 

“I-it’s just your imagination. Let’s play!” He brushed past you and snatched the ball from Maya.

You chuckled into your fist. “His reflexes have gotten better.”

The system, who glanced over at the box of delicious-looking oranges, remarked in its heart: My Host has the makings of a true scumbag.

Nevertheless, the system resumed its duties of taking photos as you played sports until sweat soaked your shirt and the sun was at its peak.

Ka-cha, ka-cha. Ka-cha, ka-cha. 

A small slither of skin peeking from under the wet t-shirt, the way the white fabric clung to the perfectly V-shaped torso, and the sexy seriousness of a man’s gaze as he is focused on one objective. Uwak prided itself on having a good sense of aesthetics. 

The poor thing has unknowingly been infected by its Host’s obsession for handsomeness. 

However, it was now noon and it was time for lunch. 

Maya happily presented the variety of sandwiches that you both prepared last night, “We have grilled chicken, boiled eggs and avocado, ham and cheese, and egg salad--”

She gasped when her hair tie fell loose and her long, shiny hair stuck to her wet skin. “Not again.”

You knelt down to retrieve it for her. “Ever thought about cutting your hair?”

“Y-you think it’d look good?”

“Well, if the length bothers you, just have it trimmed.”

Maya looked over to Levi. 

He shrugged, unwrapping a grilled chicken sandwich, and replied, “I think it’d be a nice change of pace. You mentioned before that you always kept it long so … ” He shrugged again and started eating.

“Truth be told, I-I always wanted to change my look, but … ” She trailed off. It was obvious what she was afraid of, that hag mother of hers dictated every part of Maya’s life. 

“Now that I think about it, I’ve only ever seen you in skirts and dresses.” You snapped your fingers. “Okay. Training is postponed for today.”

Levi choked on the sandwich. He coughed and coughed. 

You patted his back. 

“Postponed? Just like that?” Levi asked.

“It’s a special occasion so let’s take a break and go to a hair salon later.”

“Forget it. If we’re taking a break then I’m gonna go home, take a shower, sleep until I die and--” Levi trailed off when you and Maya started making a pleading face with big eyes and a sad pout. 

He had to shield his eyes with his arm. You and Maya were weirdos, but you were extremely good-looking weirdos. Sometimes he wondered why God would make radiant beauties and place them next to someone like Leviathan.

But no, he will not break--

Leviathan snuck a glance and saw your eyes again. 

He made a choking sound and put down his arm. With a sigh, he resigned himself to his fate, “F-fine.” 

“Yay!” Maya shared a hi-five with you.

“All right,” you said. “We go home to shower and change and meet up in front of Sakura’s Bookstore in an hour.”

Leviathan mumbled something.

“What was that?” 

“I-I said, my house is closer so … so we can just go there and … and shower together … ”

You put a hand on your mouth.

Leviathan suddenly shouted, “I didn’t mean anything weird!”

You raised both palms in the air. “I didn’t say anything. But it is a good idea, right, Maya?”

“I’m okay with it. We always bring extra clothes wherever we go.”

Leviathan snapped out of his embarrassment. “What? Why would you--nevermind. Stay here. I’ll call my driver.”

[Host, did you plan this?] 

“Nope. I had Maya make a habit of bringing extra clothes because as the female lead, she attracts all sorts of petty bullying like getting juice splattered on her clothes. And she can be kinda clumsy sometimes.” You packed your own extra shirt and underwear to set an example to your little sister. 

Who knew this habit would be so beneficial. 

“I guess this is God saying he loves me and is helping me?”

[Please, do not delude yourself.]

“You are a buzzkill.”

You finished the rest of the oranges while waiting for the car.

The drive to Levi’s house was uneventful. 

Though it didn’t escape you how Levi kept sneaking glances of your reflection on the rearview mirror.

Deciding to spare him until you all got changed, you covered your lips as you leaned into the car side window. “How cute,” you muttered to yourself.

The car left the barren park and travelled a few minutes outside the city until you entered a gated community. The grass was neatly trimmed and the trees were of the same height. 

Driving further inside, there was a white stone and glass villa. It was three times the size of your family’s house.

“Young master, we’ve arrived,” declared the chauffeur.

“Thanks.” Levi nodded.

You helped Maya out of the car and followed Levi inside the villa. Although the house was gigantic, you didn’t pass a single person on the way to Levi’s room.

“Is there anybody home right now?” You asked.

“Dad is at work and around this time mom is out with some friends.” He opened the door to his room.

Maya gasped and rushed towards a three-foot tall stuffed sheep sitting on the bed. “That’s the limited edition Henry the Black Sheep stuffed animal!” 

“Cool, right?” Levi struck a pose with both hands on his hips. “It cost me 8000 yen.”

Before the two would engage in another fandom spiel, you pointed at another door in the room. “Can I shower first?”

“Yeah, go ahead,” he replied without looking, too excited to fanboy with Maya to bother. 

You chuckled and went ahead.

“So this is what his bathroom looks like.” You gazed over the fancy aqua tiles and then at the marble bathtub.

You walked over to the tub and examined it carefully.

You shook your head. “Not big enough.”

[My Host, rest assured, this tub will definitely fit you.]

You started stripping on your way into the separate shower. “I mean it’s not big enough for two people.”

Silence.

[Oh.]

Uwak decided to ignore its Host and started reading another imperial harem novel until you were done washing up.

By the time you exited the shower, you smelled like Leviathan’s citrus soap.

After changing into a sweater and jeans, you called out to Maya, who was admiring the numerous porcelain black sheeps that lined the wall above Levi’s bed. 

You looked around. “Where’s Levi?”

“He said he’ll go shower in the guest bedroom.”

“I see. Well, it’s your turn. There’s plenty of hot water.”

“Thanks!” She chirped and skipped into the bathroom.

Left alone, you walked towards a makeshift “workspace” in the corner. The desk had three sleek black monitors, a glowing keyboard, and an expensive-looking 12-inch drawing tablet with a specialized pen. 

“He really likes to draw,” you said as you admired the penciled doodles tapered on the wall.

You leaned closer to admire a certain drawing of a giant serpent coiled around the moon. “And he really likes those Bakunawa games,” you snickered.

The bedroom door clicked open. “Hey, about that fanfiction you recommended--oh.” Levi stopped when he realized that Maya was not here. 

“She’s showering right now.”

“I figured … ”

A whole minute passed with Levi simply standing in the doorway.

“What are you doing? This is your room, don’t be shy and come here.”

“R-right.”

He took two steps forward and reluctantly shut the door.

“Hm, how long have you been drawing?”

“I don’t know, I’ve been doing it for as early as I can remember.”

“I see. You’re very talented.”

More silence followed and it finally dawned on Leviathan that the beast was inside his room. And they were alone together.

“Your face is red,” you whispered into his ear and Leviathan screamed.

“Stop doing—wah!” He shoved his hand on your chest but was pushed back in the process. Levi stumbled backwards and braced himself for the impact.

But you caught his waist with one arm. 

Leaning over his face, you smirked. “Why are you so jumpy?” 

Levi didn’t notice it before because you were too far away, but now saw your hair looked different today. It was fluffy and made your usually slappable face look soft and endearing.

Your low, magnetic laugh brought him back to reality and Levi’s face exploded. He had subconsciously run his hand through your hair!

“I-I didn’t—eek! Let go!” He regained his footing and scooted away from you.

“It’s a little brazen to attack me when my baby sister is in the other room.”

“You’re wrong!”

“Then why let us use your bathroom when you have a guest room?”

“I-I just—I didn’t … ”

[Host, he looks like his brain is malfunctioning.]

You chuckled and stuffed your hands in your pockets. “Sorry, sorry. I’ll stop now. You make the most interesting sounds when you get emotional, I can’t help but poke fun.” You spun around and returned to admiring Levi’s handmade posters and figurines. “But I meant it when I said you were talented.”

After hearing those words for the second time, Leviathan, who was never praised by anyone in his family, heard something else—

Badump. 

He clenched his chest.

Voice low and head hung low, he spoke, “Thank … you … ”

He shyly raised his eyes and saw you looking back at him over your shoulder.

When your gazes met, you smiled and Levi heard the sound again—

Badump.

Badump.

He silently watched your back as you went around the room. 

This isn’t good, he thought.

Levi told himself he was content with his life, but now he wasn’t so sure.

He pinched his cheek and sprinted out the door saying he wanted water.

I can’t be greedy.

***

Maya has always worn her hair long. Her mother, whose own hair also never went above her elbows, insisted that “a girl must be cute and pretty, a girl’s hair should be long and soft,” because no man would want a boyish-looking wife.

But to be honest, Maya often found her hair to be annoying. It took too much time to brush and style it every single day. 

She didn’t want to disobey her mother, who would surely punish her if she cut it.

But she has pestered her brother and even that stalker--no, even her friend, Levi, and they were currently standing inside a beauty salon.

Now, a young woman with purple streaks in her hair and a nose piercings approached them with a bright smile. “Welcome, welcome. How can I help you?” 

Maya bowed her head. She’s never seen such a flashy person before. It was kind of cool, but her mother used to warn her that women with piercings and colorful hair dyes were “dangerous.”

Seeing your Maya’s hesitation, you answered the stylist, “I’m thinking of dyeing my hair blue.” 

“Hah?” Leviathan, who was trying his best to appear small by keeping quiet in this place for normies, suddenly exclaimed.

Maya raised her eyes in shock.

You gave her a wink and continued to chat with the stylist, “My old man keeps telling me to get my hair done. I wanna surprise him.” Surprise him so badly that he’ll have a heart attack, that is. 

[Host, you’re too naughty.]

“I’m telling the truth though.”

[This body’s father wanted you to cut your hair because it’s too shaggy, not dye it.]

“That old fart is just jealous that his hair keeps disappearing as he ages like the cheap beer he is.”

The stylist clasped her hands together. “If it’s blue, you’re in luck, we just got a bunch of new colors added in our collection. Let me get our pamphlet.” When the girl went to get their selection, Levi grabbed your shoulders.

“Are you crazy? You wanna dye your hair? Everyone will think you’re a delinquent for sure!”

“They already think that I’m a good-for-nothing who’s only good at fights,” you stated without much concern.

“S-still … aren’t you worried? A person who looks like a troublemaker will attract more troublemakers. What will our classmates think?”

You tilted your head. “Who cares what they think? It’s not like we’re close.”

“How can you be so relaxed about this?”

After not speaking for a while, you replied, “My mother.”

Levi jumped back from the answer. “What?” 

“In her books, my favorite character was the indigo-colored stout snake. He acted like he was too good to be friends with other people, but deep inside he was just insecure. When he started to change his way of thinking, I couldn’t help but want to cheer him on.”

“O-oh.”

Hearing this line of reasoning, Maya and Levi felt warm in their hearts, but also ashamed. Levi thought that this delinquent was just trying to get attention while Maya scolded herself for letting her mother’s words affect her views on her brother.

“Then … ” She shyly gathered all her hair over one shoulder. “I also want to cut my hair … ”

The stylist came back with a copy of the available hair dyes just in time to hear Maya’s words. She beamed. “Well, a girl like you would still be pretty in any hairstyle.”

“Y-you think so?”

“Naturally. Do you have an idea what kind of style are you going for?”

“Just cut it off.”

“Eh,” the woman whined. “That’s a shame, I thought you might want something daring, like a pixie cut."

Maya, who has only ever known two types of hairstyles: short and long, nervously gazed at you.

You chuckled and patted her shoulder. “I think a bob would suit her just fine.”

“Got it. And for you, sir?” The stylist turned to Levi, her grin widening.

Leviathan subconsciously stepped behind you to hide. “N-n-n-nothing for me … thanks … ” 

“Pft!”

“Shaddup!” He pulled on your sweater. 

“It’s because you sound like you’re saying no to a waiter. It’s cute.”

“I said quiet!” Levi’s cheeks and neck were crimson from embarrassment, tugging even harder on the wool.

“Oh, my.” The stylist suppressed her laugh. “All right, I understand.” She secretly wished her boyfriend would tease her like this sometimes. 

“But I’m afraid everyone is busy so we can only style one of you right now.”

“In that case, please take care of my sister first.”

Maya was about to refuse but you waved away her concerns. “It’s fine, it’s fine. We’ll wait for you in the cafe next door.”

“Understood, please follow me, miss--”

“Wait,” you said.

“Yes, sir?”

You gestured at the display of nail polish behind the counter. “I’d like to purchase a nail polish set.” 

The lady lit up with joy from the purchase and you thanked her before leading Levi to the coffee shop.

You got a table and ordered two iced matcha lattes.

“Stop pouting.”

“I’m not pouting!” Levi, still obviously pouting, harrumphed. No longer wanting to think about the humiliation he endured inside the salon, he stared at the pink and black paper bag containing the polish and various tools for beautifying nails. “You know that they do that kind of thing inside the salon, right?” 

“But I’d get jealous if somebody else touched your fingers.” 

“What crap are you--hey!” He had only just noticed you holding his hand.

“Your hands are very pretty. I wonder if it’s a trait shared by all artists.”

“W-well, I guess out of all the parts of my body, my hands do the most work.”

You said nothing in return.

Levi shouted, “I-I didn’t mean anything dirty when I said that!”

“You’re so energetic, Levi-chan. Hold still, I don’t want to injure your fingers.”

“What color is that?”

“Sea emperor indigo.”

“Liar.”

“Aw. Don’t be like that, it’s a cool name.” 

“While that’s definitely a cool name, I doubt that a beauty salon would use it as a label.”

“Am I such a scumbag in your eyes that you think I only talk in lies?”

Levi and the system together: YES!

“Poo … ” It was your turn to pout. 

“Why are you insistent on Maya getting a haircut?” 

You hummed.

“I mean, I don’t think you would’ve forced her if she really didn’t want to, but … ” Levi trailed off. From how quick you were to set everything up for her, it was obvious that you wanted her to cut her hair.

You answered without taking your eyes off his nails, “It’s because I want Maya to be an independent woman.”

“By … cutting her hair?”

“The hair is just a small but important part, of course. Taking care of one’s appearance is vital, it’s a sign of a person who appreciates herself. My little sister … for the longest time, she’s been maintaining a facade of self-love. She thinks that a girl is not much without her appearance and everyday, she does her best to fit into a certain standard. Choosing to cut her well-maintained hair is her freeing herself from those standards.” 

Leviathan quietly observed you for a while, before speaking up, “You really like Maya, don’t you?”

“What’s not to like, we’re brother and sister.” You let go of his hand. “Done.”

“Done with--OY!” Levi felt his blood pressure go up again. You painted his nails!

“If you don’t want the paint to smudge, I suggest holding still for five minutes.”

Hold still? Levi could barely stop himself from shaking. He was so distracted he didn’t realize what you did!

“Don’t like it?”

“That’s--that’s--”

“I saw the paintings in your room. A lot of your characters wore this shade on their nails, right? I thought maybe you’d like to try it too.” 

Levi’s eyes widened. A lot of the human figures he drew were not as eye-catching compared to his landscapes and sea monsters, something as tiny as the detail of the nails could be easily missed. 

“S-so you noticed.” As an artist, Levi was naturally flattered.

“A person’s eyes can’t help but be drawn to pretty things,” you said, smiling directly at him. “The color suits you.”

Levi looked down on his nails. The dark blue contrasted well with his white skin. Never before in his life did he think he could be beautiful. Even if it was just his nails, he was very happy. 

He couldn’t bite down to hide his ever-growing smile. 

“ … you… ”

You leaned in closer. “Hmmmmm?”

“I said, ‘thank you’!” He spluttered. 

“It was my pleasure.”

You passed the time talking about video games to ease his nervousness.

Someone made their way to your table and mumbled, “Um … ” 

You paused your chat with Levi. “Welcome back.”

Maya’s hair barely brushed past the bottom of her ears now. She stood in front of your table, holding her elbow and barely able to face you.

“How do you feel? Do you like it?”

“ … Like … ”

“Good. I like it too.”

“I like it, too,” Levi added. “You look less constipated.”

“No one asked you, stalker,” Maya replied sharply. 

“You can order something to eat. I’ll get my hair done and we can go home.” You handed her your wallet and entered the salon. 

Maya took your seat and pushed back a stray strand. “D-does it not look weird?”

“Are you fishing for compliments now?”

“I’m not! It’s just that … it feels lighter and … different.”

Levi stirred the matcha latte with a straw. “Of course it feels different, it’s your first time wearing it super short. I think it looks fine.”

“I guess.”

“As long as you like it … ” He stared at his nails. “That’s the most important thing.”

***

After getting your hair dyed, you said goodbye to Levi and went home with Maya, who was too afraid to leave the car.

“Don’t think too much,” you reassured her. “I’ll handle everything.”

Maya exhaled and put on a brave face. “Okay.”

As expected, the hag of a mother didn’t bother to hide her shock and disgust upon seeing Maya without her fine tresses. The girl whose weight, complexion and face she carefully monitored to catch the finest bachelor in the future had hair like a man’s!

“Your hair … ” She whispered. 

Maya grinned. “It felt kinda suffocating so I chopped it all off.”

[To think the meek female lead would be able to feign casualness like this against her abuser, it’s amazing.]

“I’m her mentor, whether it be sports or school or acting, Maya won’t fail.”

While you and Maya wore carefree smiles, the hag was already having an internal meltdown. 

Ever since Maya could understand words, the hag has never failed to remind her the importance of femininity. “Men don’t like tomboys,” she used to repeat. But not only has her only daughter started playing all sorts of sports but now she has cut her hair. Wasn’t this a clear sign of rebellion?

Before the hag could open her mouth, you stepped closer. “Ma’am, have you been taking your medicine?” 

“What?” She threw a hand over her face and ran to the nearest mirror, passing Boba who pounced down the hallway to welcome home its masters.

[She’s been to various dermatologists but they still can’t deal with her metal allergy?]

“It’s to be expected. After all, no matter how much medicine she takes to cure her rash, without removing the source, she will never be truly cured.” Whenever she started suspecting her makeup and cleansers, she would throw them out and buy new ones. In response, you would sneak in more nickel powder into the new batch. “Although a mere rash cannot compare to the pain of burning alive from a car crash, for a vain woman like her, this situation is no different from a death sentence.”

To pay the hag and trashcan father back for what they did to the original body’s mother, you were going to take away everything precious to them. 

You glanced at your sister, who was babying the puppy.

“Maya.”

“Hm?”

“Let’s take a break from studying today. Do you want to watch a movie?”

Maya’s eyes sparkled. “Yes!”

“Okay. You choose.”

“How about an action film?”

You chuckled, “You don’t have to change your taste to impress me. I like everything so I don’t care if you wanna watch an anime or a chick flick.”

“I can’t think of anything right now.”

“Don’t pressure yourself. I’ll get the popcorn, you go take Boba to my room and choose something from Chillflix.”

[Is this positive reinforcement?] 

Uwak couldn’t help but be in awe. Rewarding Maya’s rebellion against her mother by cancelling classes and then asking her to choose the title, the Host was truly sly!

“Well, she’s come so far. It’s only fair to take a break.”

When you finished preparing the popcorn and getting the sodas, you joined Maya to watch an American movie about a woman who defies dumb blond stereotypes and becomes a lawyer. 

At the half-point of the movie, the system ding-ed. [The father has arrived.]

Maya was so engrossed in the film that she didn’t even notice you sneak out of the room.

The reason for leaving was because you wanted to watch the main show, specifically, the show about a nagging wife and an exhausted husband. 

“Where have you been? It’s already 9:40.” 

“Give me a break. I had to do overtime.”

The hag rubbed her brows. “We have a problem.”

“I just got home, what’s for dinner?”

“How should I know? Ask the maid--wait, we’re getting off topic, Maya cut her hair, I think it’s because of MC’s fault.”

“Maya is a big girl now, let her do what she wants. As for that son of mine, I don’t even want to think about him.”

“What will you do if one day, he teaches her how to drink or she comes home with a tattoo?”

“Isn’t it the woman’s job to look after the kids? Stop bothering me with every little thing!”

[I have read many lovers’ quarrels in books, but the real thing is truly amazing.]

You tossed a popcorn into the air and effortlessly caught it in your teeth. “They were never meant to last long in the first place. They only stayed together in the original plot because they never had to see the horrible parts of each other. The wife had a job that kept her busy and her allergies never destroyed her face, leaving her unsuspecting of her husband’s adultery.” You watched the two yell at each other before the trash man walked out of the house with a slam of the door. 

You hurried back inside your bedroom before the scum woman could spot you in the hall. 

[Host, do you want me to track the trash man?]

“No need. I already know he’s going to meet with his mistress.”

[How can you tell?]

“Because he’s trash,” you stated casually. “And the hag was only appealing because she used to be ‘the other woman.’ Say, birdie, do you know what is attractive about the mistress?”

[Mm, a bombshell body?]

Hearing Uwak’s robotic pronunciation of “bombshell,” you laughed. “Close, but not necessarily true. A mistress is a fantasy. She exists for one thing alone, so an affair is not a true relationship. Cheaters seek relief from their nagging spouse, to have their needs taken care of without listening to worthless chatter.” 

The hag was once the other woman, but now she was the official spouse. However, her looks were fading and her charm was gone.

You pushed another popcorn into your lips. “Once a mere concubine starts acting like the legal wife, the fantasy falls apart.”

Because a love stolen from another is doomed to be lost in the future.

Scum will lose to scum. 

And when that time comes, the wronged party will have the last laugh.

As you imagined what kind of show the hag and trash couple will put on for you in the future, your phone buzzed. 

Seeing the sender’s name, you grinned.

Levi: I think this color will look good on you.

Levi: luxenailpolish.jpeg

It was a photo of an expensive nail polish brand labelled “River Dragon Blue”

Grinning as you shook your head, you typed back: As long as you paint them for me … 

On the other side of the city, Levi was forced to have dinner with his twin cousins. He didn’t bother to listen to their conversation until he heard his mother yell his name.

“Yes? Yes!”

“Levi, stop fiddling with your phone on the dinner table. You’re embarrassing me,” said his mother. 

“S-sorry.” He silently shoved his phone into his pocket.

The male half of the evil twins, Fenriz, sipped on his tea. “It’s all right, aunt. We’re used to Levi’s … habits.”

Levi was used to this cold treatment from Fenriz, who was more athletic and intelligent than himself, so he didn’t remark on the insult. 

The she-devil Lamia cleared her throat. “Say auntie, did you know that Levi is close friends with the grandson of the owner of Shirayuki Real Estate?”

Levi’s mother gasped and gave her son a look of disapproval. “No, this is my first time hearing this.”

“He’s tall and handsome, although he’s not doing well in school he’s the only heir to the company.” 

Levi thought, ‘If his brocon sister found out that you’ve been stalking him you’re gonna regret it.’

Lamia cradled her cheek. “I think I’m crushing on him. He looks like he’d be a good husband.”

CLANG.

Everyone turned to Levi, whose fork had fallen to the floor.

“Sorry!” He squeaked before bending down to retrieve it.

“Levi, don’t bother. Let’s just get you a new fork,” his mother sighed.

“I say let him do it,” Fenriz commented. “It’d be nice exercise.”

Everybody at the table broke into laughter in unison. 

“Don’t be like that,” Lamia said. “Although it’s not much, he does look like he lost weight in the past month.”

Leviathan resisted the urge to rub his forehead. Abandoning the fork, he returned to his seat and drank some water. 

“Anyway.” Lamia locked her fingers together. “If it’s not too much trouble, I was wondering if you would introduce me to MC.”

“W-we’re actually … not that close.”

“Huh, but thinking back at what happened in the banquet, he seemed to really like your company.”

His mother reprimanded him, “Levi, don’t be selfish. It’d be very beneficial to our clan if your cousin married into that family.”

Levi repeated the word “married” in his head.

The more he thought about it, the more it made sense. Lamia was pretty and you were … 

He gritted his teeth. “E-excuse me.” Levi stood up and ran away.

Lamia clicked her tongue in secret.

When Levi finally reached his room, he locked the door and checked his phone.

Sadist: Hey

Sadist: Hey

Sadist: Hey, why aren’t you answering?

Sadist: Helloooo

Sadist: Chubby?

Leviathan contemplated what to write.

He slowly tapped on the screen: What kind of person do you like?

Sadist: Σ(･口･)

Sadist: Is this a test? Are you tricking me to confess? That’s so mean. 

Levi: I’M SERIOUS!

Sadist: Geez.

Sadist: Fine, I’ll tell you.

Sadist: I like cute people.

That’s a boring, general response, Levi thought. But then, then his phone buzzed again.

Sadist: Specifically, I like herbivorous people with predictable reactions and a face that begs to be bullied.

Levi: …

Levi: …

Levi: ... Are you for real?

Sadist: Cross my heart.

Sadist: How about you, Chubby? What’s your type?

Leviathan could make a whole case report on what he liked about his favorite anime waifu, but his fingers typed a different response.

Levi: (…)

Levi: I like people …

Levi: ... like you.

BAM.

Levi threw his phone to the other side of the room and dove head first into his bed. Did he really just write that?

“I like people like you”?

Wasn’t that the same as confessing?

Levi buried his head in his pillows, muffling his screams.

“Moron, idiot, stupid!” He wanted the Earth to swallow him whole.

What if you were just fooling around? What if you weren’t into guys?

Levi rolled all over his bed, swearing into his pillow.

“Stupid normie, stupid otaku!” He repeatedly banged his head against the mattress.

He was pulled out of his self-generated mania by his ringtone, the main theme of Bakunawa: The Legend of the Moon Eater. 

He answered the phone and yelled into the microphone, “It’s not like that!”

“I--”

“It’s not like I like you specifically!”

“Would--”

“What I was trying to say is that I like people with your face and personality!”

“Levi--”

“Even though you’re a pervert and a sadist and so nosy, you’re tall and handsome too, and all those traits are very desirable to me, so don’t get the wrong idea!”

He hit “END CALL” and continued crying into his pillow. 

You stared at your phone. “He hung up.”

“Onii-san, what’s wrong?” Maya paused the film.

“It’s just that … ” You rest the phone on your lips. “I’m having a sudden craving for dumplings.” 

Maya innocently offered to order takeout. 

You grinned. “No need. I’ll have my fill soon.”

Maya: (´･ω･`)?

The system: (￣∇￣)

The system: Time to light another candle. Someone’s about to get eaten.

***

Coming to school was an event of epic proportions. 

You were already infamous as the resident class-cutting, infuriatingly gorgeous delinquent, but with your hair swept back and dyed an unnatural blue, girls and boys had to do a double take when you and your sister walked down the hall. 

The attention wasn’t only on you, of course.

Maya, who was once known as the cute new girl, had risen the ranks for her high grades and athleticism gained from under your tutelage. Although she was meek as a mouse around her mother, she was a force of nature in school. Some people admired her indifferent confidence, others were jealous. 

Either way, you were a pair that cannot be ignored. Especially today. 

This attention extended during lunch time, though to be honest, you stopped caring about it as you leaned into your palm and watched Leviathan do everything to avoid your eyes. This was your first contact with him since his slip up from the night before. 

Maya was seated next to you, hair pulled back with the blue headband you gave her as she read her essay on Romeo and Juliet.

“... ‘So in conclusion, Juliet choosing Romeo illustrates her inner strength and desire to become independent. This strength is mirrored in the method she chooses to die, not with a quick-acting poison, but with a dagger driven to her chest.’” Once finished, she peeked at you expectantly. 

You took the papers from her. “Overall, your message was excellently presented, but your introduction was a little weak. Don’t start your essays with a question. Oh, and you can’t just switch from second person to third person so abruptly. Also…”

Maya fiercely jotted your criticisms in her coral notebook with the words “Big Brother Observation Diary No. 7” written in glitter on the cover. (You’d rather not ask what other things were written there.)

“That’s enough studying for now.” You slipped the essay back in its two-inch thick pink binder. 

You turned to Levi, who had glued his gaze onto the cafeteria ceiling. 

“So, Levi—”

“Eeep!”

“I’m curious, did you perhaps drink during dinner last night?”

“N-no.”

“In that case, is there anything you want to say to me?”

“…no.”

“You see, I received a very interesting call. It was so unpredictable that I almost thought it was a dream.”

“I-is that so…” 

“Did something happen? Did you have a nightmare?” Maya asked as she unpacked the pork cutlet rice bowl you two made this morning. 

“Oh, something happened all right. But… ” You waved your phone in the air. “It wasn’t a nightmare or a dream.”

Levi slammed his hands on the table and Maya scolded him for almost knocking the milk teas over. 

You ignored their reactions and placed the phone to your lips. “My family is prone to litigious problems so I make a point to record my phone calls. All of them.” 

Maya worriedly tugged on your sleeve. “Is everything okay?” 

“I’m okay. In fact I feel amazing, though I can’t say the same for Levi.”

You both glanced at Levi, whose rosy face became gray. 

The system sighed.

[Host, have pity on him. He looks like his soul has exited his body.]

“Aw, but he’s so cute like this.”

A blur of orange flew past you.

It banged on the table. Milk tea splashed everywhere.

Your arm shot up and caught the basketball before it could hit Levi. 

“Are you okay?” 

Levi, who was now frozen for a completely different reason, could not answer. 

His curry plate was ruined but he wasn’t hurt. You sighed in relief. 

“Maya, you?”

“I’m okay!” She was grinning, but the sleeves of her blazer were soaked. She shielded your bento with her arms but her own portion was drenched in milk tea.

[Host, that ball was thrown by the male lead, Haruto.]

“I know,” you growled back.

You then instructed your sister, “Take off your jacket. You brought a backup, didn’t you?”

“Yup!” 

“Good. You can change later after you eat. You can have my lunch.”

“What? No!” She clenched her fists. “I can’t eat your lunch. I’ll just buy something else!”

You flicked her forehead. “Just do as I say, brat.”

[Ding. Host, the male lead is approaching.]

“Hi there,” he greeted Maya with a smile that was asking to be punched. 

Though he was the star of the basketball team and towered over most people, Haruto was no taller than you or Levi. He was tanned and muscular but the more you saw his face, the more confused you became.

You blinked. “Is it just me or is Chubby way more handsome?”

[Ignoring your obsession with Leviathan, this male lead has lost favor with this world and his charisma points have been reduced to half of what it originally was.] 

“Lost favor?”

[Answering the Host: this shoujo anime revolves around the female lead, Maya. You can say that she is the favorite person of the god of this specific domain. Depending on how she interacts with other characters, these people will either gain or lose character points. In the original story, Maya developed her relationship with Haruto when he helped her with volleyball.]

“But because I’ve been training Maya, Haruto has become useless, no different from any other male side character.”

[That is correct.]

I sometimes forget just how fictional this world is… 

Oblivious to your thoughts, Haruto put a hand on the table and leaned towards Maya. “You’re Mia, right?”

You resisted the urge to roll your eyes. Haruto was the playboy type and in the original plot, he often purposefully misnamed your sister to lower her self-esteem and make her jealous. 

But too bad for him. Maya was a different person now.

She ignored him and began shrugging off her blazer.

“Whoa, you cut your hair?” He reached to touch her bangs, but Maya smacked his hand away, glaring at him from the corner of her eye.

Haruto’s eyes widened with surprise. He then chuckled and raised both hands in surrender. “Sorry, sorry. But I gotta say, I prefer you with long hair, you kinda look like a guy with that haircut.” 

Leviathan had recovered from his shock and was watching the scene unfold with thinly veiled disgust. 

The basketball idiot was too in love with his own voice to notice your silent disapproval. He continued talking to your little sister, “Still, you’re lookin’ really good now. I remember during the first day of school, man, you were way too thin. Men prefer girls who have more meat, y’know.”

You squeezed the ball in your hands. Who asked you, asshole? 

Maya didn’t say anything, too focused on folding her blazer properly.

The idiot watched her, his jaw locking, obviously irritated. 

When Maya unzipped her backpack to put away her jacket, Haruto snatched the pink binder out of the bag. 

“Come to think of it, whenever we’re in class all you do is take down notes and study. You’re pretty hard-working for a girl.”

Your veins throbbed with rage, but you kept your composure to observe Maya’s reaction. There will be no shortage of scum men who’d do similar things in the future. She needed to be prepared. 

Thank goodness that she barely flinched. 

You rolled over your shoulders, glad that your sister can keep her cool even in the face of total stupidity. 

[Host, this method of “courtship” feels …  odd.] 

The system has witnessed this shameless Host flirt with and seduce men in different ways, from playing innocent to taking charge. However, it has never encountered this type of behavior before. It was as though the male lead was both complimenting and insulting Maya at the same time. 

“It’s called negging. A lot of scumbags manipulate women by offering compliments like ‘you look cute for a fat girl’ or ‘you’re not like other girls.’ You wouldn’t believe how common this kind of cheap, lowbrow tricks are in my reality.” 

Idiots like Haruto didn’t deserve to be called men. They were scummy, immature assholes that preyed on emotionally vulnerable people.

But seeing Maya calmly put on a new blazer and zip her bag close, you patted yourself on the back. 

She held out her palm to Haruto. “Hand it over.”

He stared at her hand, then he curled one side of his lips in an attempt to flash a bad boy smirk; the kind of lopsided charming smirk that makes most women (and some men) swoon. 

Perhaps because he lost charisma points, or maybe because you were a thousand times better as “the bad boy,” but Haruto’s “smirk” made him appear like someone who suffered a stroke. His complete confidence in his face added to the hilarity of the situation.

Leviathan looked mildly horrified at the sight while you fought to swallow your laughter.

But there was not a change in Maya’s expression, though you sensed slight irritation radiating from her dead eyes. 

Haruto moved the binder towards Maya, but as she reached to take it, he swung it high above his head. 

“Say please first, then maybe I’ll give it back.”

Maya’s eyebrows twitched. 

Before either of them could do anything else, you threw the ball at Haruto’s face, forcing him to let go of the binder to catch it. 

Maya caught the binder and returned it in her bag.

“Hey, asshole,” you called out in your best grumpy voice. “Didn’t your mother teach you some manners? You didn’t even greet your senpais.” 

There were a few giggles and murmurs around the room, but everyone quieted down when Haruto stood straight.

Eyeing him, you said, “I feel like I’ve seen you somewhere…” 

You then snapped your fingers, pretending to have just recognized him. “You’re Naruto! From the volleyball team?”

Leviathan looked at you as if to scream, “Have you gone completely insane?” 

You don’t blame him. In this school, there was a giant rivalry between the volleyball and basketball clubs. This was because their aces had similar personalities. Both were talented in their respective sports, both were popular, and both were egomaniacs. 

Haruto gritted his teeth. 

But he forced out a smile. “My name is Haruto, actually. I’m the basketball ace.”

“Oh. Okay.” You then started helping Maya wipe the table.

I can see the smoke pouring out of his nose and ears. Lol. 

Maya ignoring him was the first failure in his life. Now you were ignoring him. Haruto, who was literally born a winner in this world, did not react kindly to being treated like air twice. 

He turned to Leviathan. “Hey.”

Leviathan dropped the paper towel he was using to clean his tablet. “What? Me?”

“You’re Leviathan-senpai?”

“Um, yeah.”

Haruto grinned. “You’re the guy who had to repeat his senior year.”

Leviathan hung his head again. “Yeah…” 

“I almost didn’t recognize you. Man, you lost a lot of weight.”

Leviathan sucked in his teeth and gripped the hem of his shirt. 

“Good for you, senpai. I was worried that if you got any bigger you wouldn’t be able to walk. Haha—”

A pink bento box hit him square on the face and he fell back on the cafeteria floor.

“What the hell?!” He barked, trying to rub the tonkatsu sauce and milk tea-soaked rice out of his eyes.

“You’ve done nothing but yap all day long. It’s starting to get on my nerves” You stepped between him and Leviathan. “Are you an old woman? How can you talk so much crap in one go? Can’t you see we’re trying to eat?”

[Host, may I remind you that Haruto is a top-performing athlete?]

“Having muscles and being a good fighter are two different things.” Sure, Haruto has done nothing but train his body for years, but so what? In addition to playing sports with Maya, you were always out at night combating low lives who carried knives. 

Haruto snarled at you. But with spoiled food dripping down his brows, he was more pathetic than scary. 

“I don’t mind if you wanna go, but Imma warn you right now,” you said, cracking your knuckles as you smirked at him, “even if you’re the basketball club’s flower or whatever, I won’t hold back.”

Leviathan jumped from his seat and grabbed your elbow. “Have you lost it? You can’t fight him! You’ll get suspended or worse!”

You unclenched your fists and met Leviathan’s gaze without saying anything.

Lines creased his forehead. “What?”

Your smile softened. “You’re finally looking at me.”

A pause. 

A gulp. 

“I…you…” Levi pulled back his arms and hid his face behind them. 

You chuckled.

[Host, look out!]

You pushed Levi to the side and blocked Haruto’s punch.

“Attacking me while I’m having a conversation? Dick move, pal.” You snickered as he stared back at you with wide eyes, not expecting you to catch him. 

You shoved him and he almost fell down again. 

Maya ran to your side, phone in hand. “Are you okay?” 

“I’m not so weak that a punch like that can hurt me.” You ruffled her hair. 

Her shoulders relaxed. “That’s good.”

A student came running inside with a teacher trailing behind him. 

Because this incident involved one of the school’s wealthiest benefactors and a major athlete, you were released with a simple, stern warning. 

You, Maya and Levi rented a room in the library, where you continued your lecture on Romeo and Juliet. After that was algebra, then chemistry, and lastly, physics. 

“Thanks for your help, nii-san!” Maya beamed when you finished.

The library was closing and it was time to go home. 

“Maya, you go on ahead of me, I have to use the toilet.”

“Okie-dokie.” 

You were left alone with Levi, who has regressed to avoiding your eyes again, and was soundlessly packing his things.

“Levi.”

Silence.

“Chubby.”

More silence.

You leaned from behind him and whispered to his ear, “Leviathan.”

“EEK!”

Success. You laughed. 

He clasped both hands over his crimson ear. “J-jerk!”

“Sorry.” 

“If you’re sorry then why did you do it!”

“You’re right, I’m not sorry. I had to do it. You would’ve continued ignoring me otherwise.”

He puffed up his cheeks. 

[I can see the tears building up.]

You sighed. “Levi, if what happened bothers you that much, I’ll pretend that it didn’t.”

“What?”

“You can’t even look at me without breaking into sweat. As cute as you are, I don’t like seeing you have a panic attack whenever I step into a room.” You slung your bag over one shoulder. “Besides, it’s clearly getting in the way of your studies. We can’t have that now, can we?”

He was quiet. 

“Oh, and before I go, here.” You tossed him a candy. 

He caught it with both hands.

“I know it’s not obvious, but Maya was worried too. Don’t forget to eat your dinner.” You turned around. “See you tomorrow.” 

When he finally lifted his chin, you were already gone.

***

Dinner at Leviathan’s house was exceptionally terrible tonight. 

First, he gets into a pseudo-fight with you (is that even a thing?), then it started raining cats and dogs on the way home, and the car broke down so he got stuck in the middle of the road for thirty minutes (because why not), and when he finally got home, his two least favorite people in the world were seated at the dinner table (apparently, God has a sense of humor). 

“Levi, you’ve lost weight.” Lamia laughed over her salad. “I never thought I’d see the day.”

Leviathan pushed the meatball on his plate with a fork. “Mm-hm.” What did you mean by pretending that his confession never happened? Were you mad at him? You didn’t look like it, but why did he feel like the distance between you had quadrupled? 

A slicing tone broke his train of thought, “It’s rude to ignore your conversation partner.” 

Leviathan raised his eyes and saw Fenriz scrutinizing him from over his teacup. 

“And I don’t know if you're still undergoing that ridiculous diet of yours but either eat your food or don’t.” He put down the teacup. “It’s impolite to play with your meal.”

Leviathan put down his fork. “Sorry.”

His cousin harrumphed and continued eating his salad. 

Lamia spoke up, “Say, Levi, can you introduce me to MC?” 

“What?”

“It shouldn’t be too hard. A friend of mine from your school told me that you and MC eat lunch together with that stepsister of his.”

“I told you, I can’t just—”

“Nothing bad will come out of us getting to know each other. Even someone like…” She paused, and then grinned at him. “Well, even someone like you should know this, right?” 

Translation: Even someone who is so stupid that he had to redo his senior year should know that two wealthy, powerful families will benefit greatly from two heirs marrying each other. 

Fenriz agreed without looking up from his plate. “Surely, even you can’t mess up introducing Lamia to a close friend, so what’s there to be afraid of?”

Leviathan gritted his teeth. “...I’ll see what I can do.”

“Great!” Lamia clapped her hands. “Call him now.”

“W-what?”

“I said, ‘call him now,” Lamia enunciated with that usual smile of hers, the kind of sweet smile that acquitted her when she destroyed Leviathan’s toys when they were kids. It was the kind of smile that no one, especially Levi, could say no to. 

Leviathan turned to Fenriz, hoping that this stuck-up guy would chastise his sister for encouraging phone calls at the dinner table, but his male cousin was exceptionally engrossed in eating today. 

Left with no other choice, Levi brought out his phone and called.

You answered on the first ring, “Well, this is a surprise.”

“H-hey…”

“What can I do for you?”

“Um, I-I was wondering if…” Levi glanced at Lamia, who was staring down at him. “…um…”

On the other line, you were currently lying on your bed, feet against the wall as Boba played with Maya on the floor. 

“What is it, Levi?” You asked when he fell silent.

“Um, a-are you free tomorrow night?”

“…you called to ask me if I’m free tomorrow night?”

“Yes.”

“What for?”

“Uh…I w-want to ask you to eat dinner at my place.”

“I see.”

He didn’t say anything else so you added, “Is there a dress code?”

“Huh? Oh, um…no. J-just wear your school uniform.”

“Okay.”

“Really?” 

“Why do you sound so disappointed?” 

“I’m not…”

“If you say so. See you tomorrow, Leviathan. Good night.” 

“...yeah.”

And with that, you hang up. 

[How odd. After what happened earlier I thought Leviathan would lay low.]

“That was his plan, until he was held hostage.”

[Huh?]

“With his personality, Levi would have never considered sending me a message, let alone call me after what happened today. Also, it doesn’t make sense for Levi to call and ask me if I’m free tomorrow when we’re going to see each other anyway. There were also pauses between our conversation like he wasn’t sure what to say next, almost as if—”

[As if he was waiting for someone to tell him what to do.]

“Exactly. You’re getting smarter.” 

[Hehe.] 

The system: (●´ω｀●)ゞ

[Oh. Host, the stepmother has finished her bath and is currently getting dressed.]

Uwak showed you a light screen livestreaming the stepmother putting on a coat and shades.

What a stubborn hag. Because of the various metal powders you’ve scattered on her pillows and injected in her expensive skincare products, the rashes on her face did not go away despite her doctor’s advice. So she fired that doctor and went to a new one, who “failed” too. With her face ruined, she couldn’t work, and because she couldn’t work, she was always here, and because she was always here she kept bugging her husband, who was so annoyed that he now started doing “overtime.” 

And unfortunately for her, you’ve kept Maya busy with schoolwork and sports, so she had no chance to take her anger out on Maya. 

“Maya, I’m gonna go for a ride tonight. Lock the doors before you go to sleep, okay?”

She saluted. “Got it!”

“Arf!” Boba barked from between her legs.

You patted Maya’s head and donned your jacket. “Uwak.”

[Yes, Host! I already tagged the stepmother.]

You waited for the hag to leave the driveway before getting on your bike to trail after her. 

She parked her car outside an American-themed diner, where she met with a man dressed in a hoodie and a cap. While they were hunched over the table, mumbling to each other, you walked inside and took a seat at the counter. 

You picked up a menu as Uwak played the conversation through its light screen. 

“I’ll pay you half now and wire the rest of the money after you give me what I need,” the hag said, sliding a manila envelope towards the man. 

“Wow,” the man snickered as he counted the money, “you’re this desperate to prove that your husband is—”

“Don’t finish that sentence. Can you do it or not?”

Because she has no outlet for her emotions, she is eager to do something with her time. As a former mistress herself, the hag suspected that her darling husband was with someone else during his “overtime” at work. Naturally, she needs to find proof. 

“She probably figured out that it won’t be long until she gets kicked out and is going to use his adultery to milk him for all he’s worth. They’re both scum but she seems to at least have some brains on her.” 

[They’re moving. Is the Host not going to follow?]

“Nah. I only came here to see why she left so late at night, oh.” You waited for the hag to exit the restaurant before calling for a waitress. “I’ll have two cheeseburgers and two milkshakes. To go, thanks.” 

After getting your order, you got on your bike and rode away.

[Um, Host, we just passed the turn back to your house.]

“We’re not going back to my house.”

[You’re going to Levi, aren’t you?]

“Wow. Two out of two. You really are getting smarter.”

The system blushed, but at the same time something tugged at its metaphorical heart. Why did it feel a tad bit insulted? 

It decided to not say more on the matter as it obediently directed you to Leviathan’s house, helping you dodge security and pointing out which tree branches led to Levi’s room.

Inside his room, Leviathan was hunched over desk, redoing his serpent drawing for the fifth time. Nothing he has drawn—not Bakunawa, not sea ships, not Mayari, not Henry—came out the way he wanted. Nothing was going the way he wanted.

He sighed, giving up, and trashed the file.

Suddenly, his phone rang and he saw your name. He almost threw the device to the other side of the room.

He pressed the green telephone icon and squeaked, “Hello?”

Your deep voice sounded like a bell that cleared the bad thoughts away, “Step outside, on the balcony.” 

Levi shivered, he could almost feel your breath on him.

“Why?” He managed to breathe. 

You chuckled, “Just do it for me, Chubby.” 

Phone in hand, Levi got up from his seat and half-jogged through the doors to the balcony. 

The cool evening breeze nipped at his skin and he had to brush his bangs back to see. But no one was here. Were you teasing him again? 

He resisted the urge to cry and looked at the sky. The full moon was beautiful though.

A shadow gracefully dropped from a tree and on the balcony rail. 

Leviathan’s scream died in his throat and came out as a gasp. You were here. 

You ended the call and pocketed your phone. Perched on the handrail, you presented him with a paper bag. “You sounded lonely so I came to comfort you.”

Levi managed to stutter a few words, “Why… how?”

“‘How?’” You cradled your chin in thought before smirking at him. “How did that line go again?”

You leaned forward, nose grazing Levi’s and recited:

“With love's light wings did I o'er-perch these walls; 

For stony limits cannot hold love out, 

And what love can do that dares love attempt; 

Therefore thy kinsmen are no let to me.”

When Levi’s face remained unmoved, you pouted and unfolded your legs to sit properly on the handrail.

Levi shook his head. “Don’t play with me! I’m asking why you’re here and how you got past security!”

“I just told you.”

“Doing it in the name of… of…”

“Of?”

“Of l-l-l-l-love i-is not a satisfying answer!”

“Perhaps.” You shrugged. “But that is my answer.”

Levi rubbed his temples.

“Anyway, give me my burger and shake. I’m starving.”

“Ugh. Here.” He set the burgers and shakes on the handrail. “Hey wait!”

“Hm?” You already took a big bite of your burger. 

“Stop teasing me and tell me the truth. Why are you here?”

You chewed carefully before answering, “I tell you what, you tell me what’s going on with you and I’ll tell you my reason.”

“...fine.” He let out a breath. “I never intended to call you. Do you remember my cousin? The girl from your grandfather’s birthday party.”

“Sure. Narnia, right?”

Levi coughed. “No! Her name is Lamia!”

“Oh. Sorry.” But you were grinning.

“Anyway, she wanted me to set you two up. I told her no but she, well, she made me do it anyway.”

“I see.” You slurped on the milkshake. 

“That’s it?”

“Well. I mean, there’s no shortage of girls who want to date me.”

Levi hated that matter-of-fact tone and waved his arms. “Don’t you remember what she looks like?”

“A little.”

Not expecting that answer, Levi took out his phone and searched for a family reunion photo he was forced to participate in. He shoved the device to your nose. In the picture, Levi was dressed in a suit one size too small for his frame and stood with hunched shoulders while a girl in a flowy green tea dress rested her elbow on his head.

“She’s the devil in human form but she’s so pretty that her private school considers her the campus flower.”

You stared at the picture, then at Levi. “When was this last taken?”

“Two years ago.”

“I knew it. You’re as cute as ever.”

“That’s not the point!”

“Oh, it’s not?”

“Look at the girl next to me. She’s pretty, don’t you think so?”

You hummed and then tilted your head. “But I’m obviously prettier.”

Levi dropped his arms in surrender. Shameless as that statement was, he couldn’t refute it. But watching you eat and drink, unbothered by the discovery of Lamia’s infatuation, Levi couldn’t stop his lips from curling.

“So you’re not going to come to dinner tomorrow?”

“No. But we’re having brunch this Saturday.”

“Eh?”

[Eh?] The system was just as shocked.

You crumpled up the cheeseburger wrapper into a ball. “Tell Alya to free up her schedule this Saturday and to meet me at the Royal Flush lobby.”

“W-what?”

“Just leave it to me, Levi.” You winked and put the trash in the empty paper bag. You turned towards the trees. “I should get going now.”

“No, hold on!” He held onto your arm. 

“Aw, you want a good night kiss?”

“No! Y-you still haven’t told me your reason for coming here!”

“Oh.”

You gently unhooked your arms together and stood on the handrail. With the blue sky against your back, the glow of the moon caressing your features, you were almost angelic. 

“Hey, Leviathan,” you whispered, wearing a smile that neither Levi nor the system has ever seen before, “the moon is beautiful, isn’t it?”

Levi’s eyes widened. 

You then crouched down, pressed your lips on his forehead and dove into the trees below. 

Leviathan’s fingers found his temple, trying to seek the brief softness that was there before. 

Your words repeated in his head: The moon is beautiful, isn’t it?[1]

Levi cupped his hot face, collapsed against the railing and muttered, “Jerk.” 

***

The next morning, you greeted Levi with your usual scummy grin. “Good morning, dumpling.”

Leviathan glared at you but managed a quiet “good morning” back. 

“You should take off your jacket if you’re feeling warm. You’re red all over.”

“I am not!”

And thus the usual banter resumed. However, Maya glanced at the two of you with an arched eyebrow. 

She stopped walking. “Did something good happen?”

You and Levi stopped to look at her. 

“What?” Levi asked, a little shaky. 

Maya tilted her head. “I get this feeling like you two have somehow gotten closer.”

You caught Levi’s eyes and he quickly turned away, deciding to stare at his shoes instead. 

“Is my baby sister jealous?”

It was Maya’s turn to blush and banter with you, but all Levi took from the conversation was that you didn’t deny it.

His hand found its way to his forehead, his body temperature rose again. 

Levi’s thoughts were interrupted with you standing beside him. 

“Come on.”

“Huh?”

“Didn’t you hear the bell? We’re gonna be late for class. I mean I’m okay with that but it wouldn’t be good on your record.”

“R-right!” He then dashed away, leaving you laughing. 

“Look at him go.”

[Host, you’re such a scumbag.]

“Thanks for the compliment. Let’s go.”

The rest of the day went as usual, classes for Maya and Levi, you escaping through the windows and sleeping on a tree branch, lunch time together, followed by more classes and napping, and finally, tutoring. 

After physics, Levi finally gathered the courage to bring up an important topic, “About this Saturday, um.”

Maya fixed her headband. “What about this Saturday?”

“It’s nothing. I just asked Levi’s cousin to meet with us at the Royal Flush this weekend.”

Levi and Uwak regarded you with wide eyes because did you just say “us”?

Maya started packing her books. “Oh. I’ve always wanted to visit the Royal Flush, but this is the first time I’ve heard of Levi’s cousin. What’s he like, nii-san?”

“Actually, it’s ‘what’s she like,’ Maya.”

Pause.

Maya blinked. “Huh?”

“The cousin I invited is a girl.” 

“Huh.”

“She’s about your age, maybe a year older, right, Levi?”

“Uh, yeah.” Levi was carefully watching Maya’s stony expression. “She’s actually in her second year of high school.”

“I was getting worried because you spend so much time with us that you don’t have others. I thought a nice girl friend would be a great change of pace, you know?” You furrowed your brows and ruffled Maya’s hair. “Plus, she’s related to Levi so she’s already partially integrated into our little group.”

Levi and the system screamed in their hearts: BULLCRAP. 

But Maya’s eyes sparkled with awe and admiration as if to say “My brother is so selfless and kind.”

“If you don’t click with her then we’ll leave and never talk about it again.”

“I’ll do my best to befriend her!”

“You’re so energetic.”

“That’s because my brother is working hard for me.”

“Haha, I’m flattered. It’s not a big deal.”

Meanwhile, Leviathan and the system had but a single thought: Someone’s going to be murdered. 

The following weekdays were spent in the usual manner. You cut classes, ate lunch with Maya and Levi, tutored them after school, and when you returned home, your trash father was gone and the hag was always trying out different skincare products. 

Everything was predictably calm. 

The calm before the storm, Uwak noted.

Come Saturday, Lamia woke up at the break of dawn to prepare for her date. She took a rose and milk bath last night so her skin was extra soft today, she only needed to wash her face today. 

Her lips were painted a coy peach and her cheeks were dusted with rose. Freckles aside, Lamia never needed to use that much makeup in the first place, but if she wanted to catch the biggest, richest, most eligible bachelor of her generation, she needed to be flawless.

That being said, it shouldn’t be too hard seducing a troublemaker like you.

On looks alone, boys can’t help but flock over to Lamia. A few coquettish touches here and there and you’ll be putty in her hands.

Soon she’ll be the fiancée of the richest heir in all of Japan. 

“We’re here, young mistress,” the chauffeur announced, parking outside the Royal Flush. 

Lamia checked herself on her compact mirror one last time before stepping out. She smoothed her satin blouse, pasted on her practiced smile and strutted inside, smugly basking in the attention of everyone she passed.

A young man dressed in a waiter uniform approached her the moment she entered the lobby. “Lady Lamia, I presume?”

She nodded, fluttering her eyelashes.

The man blushed and gestured. “The young master is waiting for you in the VIP lounge.”

Lamia followed him into the elevator, down the halls and through a frosted glass door. 

The lounge had high-rise ceilings with windows that reached all the way up and down the floor. The furniture was a collection of black leather and white wood and glass. Smooth jazz played from hidden speakers. A woman was wiping glasses from behind the bar counter. 

In the corner, dressed in a crisp blue polo shirt and suit pants, a young man sat alone on the sofa with one leg over his knee. He was sipping cappuccino, his wrist glittered with a silver Rolex.

It was you.

Lamia’s heart jumped when you met her gaze.

Regaining her composure, she approached the sofa slowly, careful not to seem too eager. “I wasn’t expecting the young master to set up this much for me.”

“Nonsense, as Levi’s cousin, it’s only natural that I take care of you. Please take a seat. Have you eaten?”

“I had an apple before coming here, I don’t really eat a lot.”

“Well, brunch is on me, feel free to order as much as you like.” You pushed a copy of the menu towards her.

Lamia celebrated inwardly. She really scored the jackpot with you. When the other girls from school find out that she will soon be the owner of the hottest hotel ever, they’ll eat their hearts out in jealousy.

But then someone spoke from behind her, “Sorry I took so long.”

Lamia was ready to scold this employee for rudeness but her jaw dropped at the sight of the petite girl beaming at you. Her hair was adorned with a butterfly with genuine diamonds (Lamia knew this because her father was a jewel collector and her brother was aspiring to follow in his footsteps). She wore an indigo dress and high-heeled boots. A Chanel bag hung across her torso. 

Lamia chewed on her lip. Lamia, who has been praised for her tiny waist, cute face and wealth her whole life, has never encountered a single person who could outdo her appearance and social status. And yet here stood someone who was not only dressed from head to toe in limited designer pieces, but also had a beauty that shone more brightly than hers. 

“I got distracted by the shell-shaped soap in the toilet,” the girl giggled. She then turned to Lamia and bowed politely. “Excuse me for my impoliteness. I didn’t see you there.”

“This is my sister, Maya. Maya, this is … ” You trailed off, unsure of what to say. 

Lamia breathed through her teeth and forced out a tight smile. “It’s Lamia.”

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Lamia-nee.” Maya stretched out a hand and Lamia reluctantly shook it.

“I-I didn’t expect that we would be having company.”

You explained as Maya sat next to you. “Levi told me nothing but good things about you. You’re the top of your class and a national-level violinist, aren’t you? That’s so cool. My sister’s working hard to be at the top of her class, too, her goal is to become the number one student in all sections.”

Lamia fisted the hem of her skirt. Who cares about your sister?!

“Anyway,” you mumbled, picking up your cup, “Maya’s pretty new to our circle and she doesn’t know the ropes, I was hoping you could help her as a friend.”

Who’s teaching who? Besides, everyone’s heard the rumors, she’s a bastard. Why do you want to help her? She doesn’t belong in high society! 

However, as she thought of this, she secretly observed Maya, whose posture was strong and who remained unfazed while ordering food in this high-class place. Normally, commoners freaked out at luxurious establishments. 

“I didn’t take the young master to be the type to fawn over his sister like this.” Weren’t you a delinquent who skipped school and hated your dad?

“Oh?” The air shifted. “What kind of person did the young miss take me for?”

Lamia was startled with the suppressed sharpness in your tone. “I-I just didn’t think you and your sister would be so close. I hear that your father remarried only a few months ago so your relationship took me by surprise.”

You were silent for a brief moment before erupting into a carefree laugh. “We get that a lot. Truth be told, I’ve always wanted a younger sibling to dote on so Maya’s arrival was welcome.”

“I see.”

You then proceeded to spend five minutes listing the reasons why your sister was amazing: her cooking skills, her passion for literature, her obsession with foreign films, her love for animals, her talent for basketball, and god knows what else. Lamia couldn’t keep up. 

Your spiel was reciprocated with Maya giving a speech on how you were the “best big brother” ever. 

After another five minutes have passed, you seem to have remembered that you and Maya weren’t the only people in this room and cleared your throat. 

“Oops, sorry about that. You still haven’t ordered, have you? What are your preferences?”

You didn’t even compliment her hair or her clothes. Same goes for that little wench Maya. This was the first time she’s ever been humiliated her whole life. 

“I’m not that hungry anymore,” Lamia replied through clenched teeth, hoping you’d take the hint. 

But you simply nodded in understanding. “I see, just call for the waiter when you finally feel like eating.”

If it were another guy here, he would’ve stopped talking to Maya and moved to get on Lamia’s good side.

When Maya’s waffles arrived, she cut it in half and offered, “Lamia-nee, I know you said you’re not hungry, but the waffles here are supposed to be really good. You’re free to try mine.”

“Thank you, but I’m actually on a diet.”

“Oh? You’re already so pretty though?”

“You’re too sweet.” Lamia grabbed her back and stood. “Excuse me, I need to use the restroom.” 

She waited for you to ask if she was okay but your focus was on the bowl of fruits that came with the waffles.

“Sure thing.” You snatched a strawberry.

Lamia huffed and stomped into the ladies’ room.

She massaged the sides of her head before she examined her reflection on the mirror. Her hair was perfectly curled and there were no signs of her freckles. Everything was still in place. Even with that brat sister of yours here, Lamia was still more gorgeous than 90 percent of the female population, so why weren’t you doting on her? 

The restroom door opened.

“Are you all right?” It was Maya.

Lamia gave her a fake smile. “Of course.”

“You seem upset.”

“What gave you that idea?” 

Maya stepped closer until she was only two feet away. “Lamia-nee, you’re the school flower of Keion Private Academy, correct?”

Lamia shrugged, trying to appear indifferent. Truth be told, her chest puffed with pride. 

“You’re also currently dating two other guys at the same time, aren’t you?”

Lamia froze. 

“The first guy is your senior, the heir to an automobile company, and the other is an underclassman who is set to become a neurosurgeon.”

Lamia swung around, prepared to raise hell at the accusations, but Maya’s face was a mere inch away. 

She wore that innocent smile of hers as she spoke, “I researched you, just a bit. I hope you don’t mind, it’s nothing personal. My brother is handsome, rich and cool, and I was worried that he’d end up falling for a woman who’s like my mother. So I went ahead and befriended several people from your school. They say you’re popular and smart and that you have been involved in several other scandals. I don’t really care whether the scandals are true or not, but it would be problematic for my brother if he got involved with someone dirty.” 

“How dare you! Huh?!”

Maya’s doe eyes were now devoid of light. “I don’t care what you do, but stay away from nii-san.”

“O-or what?” Lamia barked back. “You said it yourself, you don’t know for sure whether the scandals are real, which means you have nothing to hold against me.”

--TW: VIOLENCE--

Maya stared at her. Her black hole-eyes seemed to swirl with a quiet madness. 

Without breaking eye contact, she reached for the glass soap holder by the sink and smashed it against the marble counter. 

Lamia gasped, but luckily, she was unharmed.

Maya, however, ignored the tiny pieces embedded in her skin as she grasped onto what was left of the soap holder. “If you don’t leave my brother alone, I’ll tell him you hurt me.”

“You’re crazy!”

“Maybe. But I know pain, and something as minor as this,” she whispered, waving the broken holder in the air, “is a small price to pay for brother’s sake.”

--END OF TW: VIOLENCE--

Meanwhile, you sat comfortably on the sofa, watching everything unfold from Uwak’s livestream. 

[This shoujo romance anime has become something closer to a horror comedy, if you ask me.]

“I didn’t expect Maya’s character to evolve in the direction that it has, but it’s certainly interesting.”

[Host, you clearly planned this.] 

“I have no idea what you’re talking about.” 

Lies!

After all, the system reasoned, the Host knew about Lamia’s history but made no preparations to counterattack. 

All you did was invite this brocon Maya to the date. There was no way that you didn’t think she would look up the name of the first outsider girl you’ve shown interest in!

Uwak pouted. The Host was so secretive. Weren’t hosts and systems supposed to be soulmates?

Unaware of Uwak’s internal struggle, you picked up a blueberry and tossed it in your mouth.

Several minutes later, Maya strolled out of the restroom holding her bandaged arm. 

You hurried to her side, creasing your eyebrows. “What happened?”

“I accidentally dropped the soap holder and some pieces hit me. Lamia-nee helped me with the first aid kit.” 

You cradled her hand. “We should take you to the hotel clinic, just to make sure.”

“I’m okay, I promise. Lamia-nee was very helpful, she even double-checked the injury for me.”

“If you’re sure. But wait, where is she?”

“About that. She said that we can go on ahead, she’s currently on the phone with her brother.” You would’ve fallen for the lie, if not for Uwak informing you that Lamia was weeping on a toilet seat at this very second. You almost clapped your hands in approval. 

“Did she say what was wrong?”

Maya shook her head. “Only that we can leave without her.”

“That’s a pity. I hope everything’s okay.”

“She also said not to worry.”

“All right.” You raised your hands in surrender. “After this, wanna go to the arcade with Levi?”

“Mm-hm!”

An hour later, you met up with Leviathan at an arcade sandwiched next to a rundown canteen. 

“H-how did the date, er, the breakfast go?” He asked, pretending to be more interested in the shooting game than in the conversation.

You shot down all the zombies on your monitor. “Your cousin doesn’t seem to like me very much, so I guess she won’t be hanging out with us anytime soon.”

“Oh. I understand.”

“You’re grinning.”

“Am not!”

You three played at the arcade until your bellies demanded food. 

“You guys wait here, I’ll go buy some snacks.” 

The two yelled “yes” in unison. 

As you waited in line to make your order, Uwak dinged.

[Host, a suspicious person has entered the establishment. Please stay vigilant.]

Before you could turn around, something sharp touched your back and a muffled voice ordered, “Don’t do anything stupid or I’ll stab you.”

You rolled your eyes. “Fine.”

“Good. Now, let’s go outside.”

--TW: VIOLENCE--

You let yourself be pushed out the canteen and into an alleyway. 

“My god,” you spoke to Uwak, “whoever wrote this story really loves alleyways.”

[Host, please pay attention to the man holding a knife to your back and whine about the repetitive narrative constructs later.]

“Killjoy.” But you did as Uwak advised and noted the two other assfaces in the area. Everyone wore a ski mask and hooded jackets. Everyone was at least 5’10” tall. 

If you had to guess, they were probably friends of Naruto, or whatever the male lead’s name is.

[Host, the male lead you’re thinking of is named Haruto.]

Assface #1 screamed, “Time to pay for humiliating me, asshole!” 

Yup. It’s him.

In one swift motion, you elbowed the guy behind you and knocked the knife out of his pocket. 

You clocked him in the jaw and faced the others. “Look, I’m hungry, so let’s just get this over with.” 

They charged towards you but you made quick work of them with a kick in the crotch. They collapsed on the ground like armadillos. 

“Onii-san!”

“I told you it was him!” 

Your companions came running. They probably saw you when you passed the arcade.

“I’m fine, you guys call the cops.”

[HOST, LOOK OUT!]

Pain spread throughout your left side. The guy you punched first had shoved the knife in your abdomen. 

Well, crap.

You twisted his arm until it crunched and he shrieked in pain, dropping next to his buddies. 

[The anesthetic candy! Please wait!]

“No, don’t.” You fell on one knee, and examined the wound, hands careful not to move the blade. “Don’t waste the candy on this…shit.” 

You heard Maya and Levi call out to you, but you don’t know what happened next because you blacked out. 

--END OF TW: VIOLENCE–

***

Death was a foreign friend. 

You knew you would always die and every now and then, like any other healthy human mind, you often wondered about the when and the how. But it was always a distant thought. You were too busy with your life to actually sit down and contemplate death and its consequences. 

Young people feel that they will live forever, even when they know better, the important thing was that they felt like they were immortal. 

Hell, you were eating potato fries when you got run over by a truck. 

Uwak told you that you died saving some idiot kid on the road. You knew that, but you didn’t understand, didn’t remember the how and the when and the feeling of dying. You were dead, like truly dead in your world, but you were still you and you still felt untouchable. 

But you’ve always shrugged it off. Even when you were facing that demon prince from the last world, you never really saw yourself in true danger. 

Death was a distant concept until that knife met your side and you felt every lick of pain. 

When that blade dug into your skin and pierced your organs, you finally understood, you weren’t immortal, you weren’t unkillable. You were flesh and you were going to die. 

“Uwak,” you called from the depths of your unconscious.

It took a while before you heard that familiar ding, followed by [Yes, Host?]

“Do you know how much time has passed?”

[Answering the Host, it has been over six hours since you’ve been wheeled into surgery. The damage to your kidney was too much so they’re removing it as we speak.]

“What about Maya and Leviathan?”

[When the Host passed out, this System stayed outside to monitor the situation. Maya panicked but Levi called the police and calmed her down. An ambulance came to pick you up and they only let Maya aboard. I had to monitor both your mental and physical conditions so I don’t know what happened to Leviathan, all I know is that I cannot find him within 100 meters.]

“Thank you. Can I wake up now?”

[I’m afraid not. You’re still undergoing surgery. Your body will awaken on its own later.]

“Fine. Send me to sleep.”

The system frowned. Did its Host not want to spend more time talking to it?

“Hurry up.”

[Yes, Host.]

Uwak pulled away from your psyche and disabled your self-awareness. 

When you stirred back into consciousness, it was to the sound of a steady heart monitor. The smell of disinfectant made your nose scrunch. 

[Welcome back, Host.]

You looked around. A boxy TV hung sat on a mahogany table across your bed, the lights were a harsh white, the walls were a calming cream and wood, and the windows were covered with a green blackout curtain.

[This is suite 143 of Yuuei Teaching Hospital.] 

Yuuei was one of the places this body’s mother frequented and sponsored. She read her books to the children and brought flowers to the elderly. It was a mystery how that scumbag father ended up with such a pure-hearted woman. 

You attempted to sit up, but the stinging on your side stopped you. 

[Host, please don’t be reckless.]

“I’m thirsty.”

[Then call for a nurse. Oh, wait.]

The door opened and Maya entered, her head hung low.

“Hey,” you muttered through a cracked voice. 

When Maya raised her head, you chuckled. Her eyes were swollen and her nose was red as a ruby. 

She ran over to your side, collapsing to her knees as she held your hand. “Hic.” 

“Sorry for worrying you.”

She shook her head, holding your knuckles to her forehead. “I’m okay…”

“What happened?”

Maya began to explain everything: After you fainted, she kicked the attacker in the face while Levi called for help. Some bystanders came to restrain the men and waited for the cops with them. When the ambulance arrived, they only let the family member Maya come with you, leaving Leviathan behind. Because of your age, the nurse asked for a legal guardian’s phone number. Maya didn’t want to inform your parents, though. 

“That’s good,” you said, patting her hair.

“That reminds me—” she pulled out her phone “—I still haven’t told Levi that you’re okay. He’s probably freaking out.”

You laughed, but hissed from your injury. “From what I can tell, he was quite put together.”

“Yeah.” She smiled. “He stopped me from taking the knife out of you. I don’t know what I would’ve done without him. Seeing you like that… It really shocked me.”

“I can imagine.” 

“Do you need anything, brother?”

You asked for a sip of water and gave her your grandmother’s contact details to pass onto the staff.

Your grandmother was in the suite no more than twenty minutes later. Two bulky men in suits, her bodyguards, trailing behind her like rottweilers. 

“Goodness, child, what happened to you?” She then proceeded to bombard you with lectures and questions, not pausing to let you answer. 

“Nanna, please, I’m okay.”

“I was having tea with the most pretentious women in my circle, everything was okay, but then my phone rings and tells me my only grandchild is in the hospital after getting stabbed?”

“I’ll explain everything to you, I promise. But first.” You motioned at the sofa by the windows. 

Maya stood, hands clasped together and lips puckered slightly with nervous anticipation. 

Your grandmother’s expression sharpened and she stood a little more straightly. “I didn’t realize we had company.” 

“Nanna, you’ve heard of my sister, Maya. She came with me in the ambulance and has been taking care of me the entire time. Maya, this is my nanna.”

Maya bobbed her head. “Nice to meet you, ma’am!”

“No need to shout, we’re not in the marketplace.”

“I’m sorry,” Maya whispered.

Your grandmother tucked the comforter around you, the coldness in her eyes dissipating. “I had a brief chat with the nurse in charge of you. He told me that the police are waiting to speak with you. The police! I told them to at least wait until I have a proper talk with the boy.”

“Yeah…”

“I already called your grandfather’s lawyers, they’re on their way, but I need you to tell me everything now.”

You sighed and recounted the details. 

Your grandmother was furious by the end. “I know that Haruto, I was having tea with his mother when I got the call. This is… this is …!”

You patted her hand. “Nanna, breathe.”

“Right, right. I just… I don’t believe this. Wait, where’s your father?”

You exchanged eye contact with Maya and then hung your head. Your grandmother called your name, forcing you to look at her.

“You see… Maya already called for him while we were in the ambulance, but he… he didn’t pick up the phone.”

“Is this true?” She turned to Maya, who covered her mouth and fluttered her lashes. 

“Yes, I called him at least a dozen times since then, but he won’t pick up.”

Your grandmother squeezed your hand tightly. “Where on Earth is that man?”

“He’s been busy with work,” you said quietly in defense. 

“Work?”

“Yeah, he doesn’t even come home anymore, right, Maya?”

Your sister nodded.

Your grandmother made a face and was about to say something else when someone knocked on the door. It was the legal team.

The police followed soon after to record your and Maya’s separate statements, shivering under your grandmother’s hawkeye gaze. After the story was retold for the third time, you were reassured that you were not in trouble and that Haruto’s family was going to pay handsomely.

After they left, your doctor arrived to explain your condition and the do’s and don’t’s: no solids except for what the hospital gives you, bed rest for ten days at least, and minimize stress as much as possible. 

Your grandmother disappeared in the hallway with the lawyers, phone in hand. 

Maya held a cup to your lips. “Did I do well, nii-san?”

“You were perfect.”

She beamed. 

“Any news on Leviathan?”

She frowned. “Um, about that. I actually did try to call him, but I kept getting the same ‘the number you dialed is not a working number,’ so I just messaged him through our group chat. He hasn’t seen it though.”

You narrowed your eyes. You had a feeling as to why, but you couldn’t afford to worry about him right now. 

“Hey, Maya. You must be tired, you should take a rest.”

“No, I’m still full of energy.”

“Fine, fine. Since you’re full of energy, can you get my things from the staff?”

“Sure thing.”

She dashed outside the room, bowing to your grandmother repeatedly before entering the elevator.

“Uwak, upload the documents.”

[Already? I thought you wanted to wait a little longer?]

“Only because I wanted the proper opening. I say, getting almost murdered, lying in a hospital cot, and not having my immediate family here is the perfect opening.”

[If Host says so.]

Uwak then proceeded to upload the files in your scum dad’s office computer, they were instructions on how to cut car brakes along with a blueprint of your mom’s car model and her true written will and life insurance documents, among other things. 

In the meantime, you picked up the remote control. Unexpectedly, every news channel was covering your stabbing incident, having identified not just you, Maya and Leviathan, but also the three attackers. 

With a yawn, you switched to a broadcast of a ten-minute short film by an American songwriter. 

As you sang along, your grandmother returned with only one bodyguard this time. “Is your pillow okay? Do you need me to call the nurse?”

“I’m okay, nanna.”

“Look at this place, it’s a dump.”

“It’s a hospital room.”

“We’re moving you to a VIP suite.”

“Yuuei doesn’t have a VIP suite, nanna.”

“Then we’re transferring you to another hospital.”

“Grandma,” you said, holding her arm, “I’m fine. Really. It’ll just be ten days and then I am free to leave.”

“Ten days at the least.” She sighed. “All right, but we’re getting this place professionally cleaned.”

You bit down a laugh, too scared to agitate your injury. 

She had the bodyguard, Kent, drag a chair closer to your bed so she could sit. 

Squinting, you asked, “Did dad call yet?”

Her pencilled brows wrinkled together. 

You let out a dry ha and turned away. “Never mind.”

“I know you said that everything is okay at home but is it really?”

You looked into her eyes. “Of course, why wouldn’t it be?”

“Honey.”

“...well, to be honest… I’m a little… I’m a little worried. Dad is almost never home, my stepmom, er, mom is always angry. She tries to hide it but I always catch her looking at me funny when she thinks I don’t notice. And there’s another thing, nanna.”

You paused to breathe. 

She encouraged you with a squeeze.

“You see, I’m worried about Maya and her mother…” 

You then told her about Maya’s injuries and how you started taking Maya with you almost everywhere to ensure that your stepmom wouldn’t have a chance to hurt her. 

Your grandmother’s face started off skeptical, then it morphed into disbelief, before finally twisting into an angry scowl. 

“Are you sure about this?”

You nodded. “I didn’t want to say anything at first because I hoped that maybe we could be normal but…” You glanced around. “Dad isn’t even here, nanna. We can never go back to how we used to, I thought we could, but mom…” 

You sniffed.

“Oh, my poor boy.” Nanna put a hand over her lips, her own eyes filled with tears. “It’s okay. Let it all out.”

“I thought I could replace mom, but… but maybe this is my punishment?”

“No, none of this is your fault, hear me? None. I’ll fix this, I promise.”

“Thanks, nanna.” 

Uwak clapped. 

[I imagine that there’s another Oscar waiting for you to claim it, Host.]

You covered your face as though wiping away the tears, when in truth you were trying not to laugh. 

When Maya came in holding your clothes in a plastic bag, your grandmother walked over to her and, in that distant parental, authoritative way of hers, instructed her to stay here for the night. 

“I’ll have someone buy clothes for you later.”

“Eh? I mean, um, thank you! But…”

“Speak up, girl.”

“Uh… I, we, I mean, we have a dog at home. His name is Boba and he’s really tiny and a glutton and…”

You interjected before Maya could start rambling nonsensically, “We have a pet dog and we’re the only ones who can care for him.”

Understanding what you meant, your grandmother nodded. “Very well. I’ll have someone pick him up. You.”

Maya blinked. “Ah. Yes?” 

“... avoid going home for now. If you need something else to be picked up, tell me or your brother.”

She blushed. “T-thank you.”

“Take care of him. I have some business to handle.”

“Yes, of course.”

With that, your grandmother walked out with her bodyguard in tow. 

“Did Leviathan reply yet?” 

Recovering from her daze, Maya put the bag on the end table. “No. I’m actually kinda worried.”

“Hm.” 

You had nothing to say. 

You watched more music videos with Maya, a nurse and doctor checked in on you, and as you changed the channel to watch a horror movie, Uwak made multiple notifications. 

[Ding. Main Mission: “Get justice for mother’s death” has been accomplished.]

[Ding. Side Task: “Destroy the cheater and his mistress” has been accomplished.]

[Does the Host wish to stay and finish the remaining tasks?]

Before answering, you switched to a news channel and smirked.

“And we are here live as the widower is dragged by the police out of his suite in the Royal Flush Hotel.”

The man in question was sloppily dressed, his greasy hair was all over the place and lipstick marks littered his bare skin.

Maya leaned closer to the screen, squinted eyes slowly widening. “Is that…dad?”

The news anchor then explained that the CEO of your dad’s company, your grandfather, had a surprise inspection early this evening. When he saw that the head of one department was absent despite it being office hours, he had further investigated the issue, discovering that your scum dad had been leaving his work to his assistant and other employees while he rendezvoused with his colleague-slash-mistress in his former father-in-law’s hotel. 

“The investigation also revealed that the man has been committing embezzlement and several documents point him to be responsible for his first wife’s alleged accident.”

Maya looked at you fearfully.

You simply reached over to pat her hand. 

“...That’s not all. We’re also hearing news that he is only partially to blame. His current wife, suspected to be his former mistress, may have also been complicit in his crimes.”

Maya gasped as the scene changed to show the outside of your house. 

Your stepmother held her coat over her head as a policewoman escorted her away from the press and into a car. 

Beside you, Maya glowered at the TV, eyes full of fury directed at the woman in front of her. 

[Ding. Hidden task: “The Path to Happiness” has been accomplished. Congratulations, Host.]

You wished you had a glass of Chianti to swirl right now. 

[Does the Host wish to stay and finish the remaining side task?]

“I’ll stay.” 

You held Maya’s hand. “You okay, kid?”

She gave you a squeeze. “Yeah.”

“Wanna go back to the movie?”

“Yeah.”

The night had no more interruptions after that. You received a call telling you that Boba was currently at the Royal Flush and your grandmother’s assistant brought Maya a change of clothes along with a bath towel and soap. 

You finished two more films before Maya fell asleep on the sofa. You turned off the TV and lay awake for a while. No more calls arrived, not even a message. 

You sighed and slept. 

The following days were a blur. 

Maya was more pumped than usual, if a tad upset that your grandmother insisted she stayed with Boba at the hotel instead of the hospital, and kept visiting you with perfect marks on her exam papers and other assignments. She was super confident that she would be topping the ranks in the entire school. And sad that she couldn’t bring Boba with her, they video-called you every night from their hotel suite. 

Both of your grandparents were supportive in their own awkward ways. Your grandfather tried to visit you for at least one hour every day. You didn’t talk much, just read different books together. Your grandmother, on the other hand, was always finding excuses to upholster the room and repaint the walls. 

Everybody was kind and caring and attentive, but the one person whose voice you missed hasn’t contacted you since your surgery. 

[Host, what should we do about Levi?] 

Uwak asked on day 7 of radio silence. 

“What is there to do? I’m hospitalized, he’s out of your range, and I can’t leave Maya behind to go looking for him. We only have a few months left here and I need to keep Maya’s happiness levels high.”

You sighed and pulled your blanket over your chest. Maya was at school practicing for a play, your grandfather was busy with his usual work, and your grandmother had to deal with the mess left by your trash dad and trash stepmom. 

You grabbed the remote control, but the door slid open. 

Thinking it was a nurse, you joked, “Nothing hurts and I don’t need to pee. I’d like a conversation partner though.” 

“Works for me.” 

The voice was clear as a bell and totally unfamiliar.

You turned to find the supporting male lead, Ryuu, standing next to you with a bouquet of white roses. He wasn’t wearing his glasses. 

You instinctively covered your wound. 

He chuckled and put the roses on the table. “With her progress, your little sister will outrank even me when the grades come out.”nake oil salesman's

“You’re the undefeated top one since freshman year, I guess that kinda pisses you off, huh? Did you come here to threaten me and get to her?”

“Please don’t joke. As the student council president it is my duty to greet a fellow student who’s been bedridden.”

His smile was polite, but his face reminded you of a snake oil salesman's. 

“Well, you got me the bouquet, feel free to leave now.”

“Hm, I honestly can’t tell whether you’re acting or you’re simply impetuous. That’s a testament of skill.”

Your eyes widened. “Wha—”

The scent of the forest after rain enveloped you. He cupped your cheek and leaned in. He didn’t look like the cool and aloof Ryuu character, rather, his stare shined with a silent judgment. “I guess that’s why you got straight S scores in a row.”

[Eep! He’s an agent, too? But my sensors didn’t inform me!]

You smacked his arm away. “What do you want?”

“Nothing. I just came to examine my competition.” He turned around. “I hope you don’t disappoint me.”

You grabbed the safety handle on your bed to stand up, but you hissed and fell back on your pillow.

“Careful. It’d be a shame if you passed on before securing all your points. Oh, and by the way, if you’re curious, Leviathan is no longer in Japan. He was interviewed by the cops and his family decided to ship him to the States. Having a son affiliated with a delinquent, no matter how wealthy, isn’t good for the prime minister’s reputation.”

You gritted your teeth. 

“But I have a feeling you already knew that. Well, I just wanted to verify your hypothesis, out of the goodness of my heart. Ciao.” He waved and stepped outside.

[Host, please calm yourself and stay still. Your wound might reopen.]

“Who was that?”

[I-I don’t know. My sensors keep classifying him as the Ryuu of this world, but it’s obvious that the soul inside is different!]

You smashed your fist over the mattress. Who the hell was that bastard?

Not a day goes by without you trying to figure out the identity of this other transmigrator, but more importantly, you wanted to know why they went out of their way to do this. Even when you were out of the hospital and started living at your grandparents’ mansion along with Maya and Boba, your brain was befuddled. But you had to bury your confusion. 

Eventually, his prediction of Maya outranking Ryuu came true, and the system notified you of your success.