The next morning, the alarm rang right on time.
Sora opened his eyes and sat up in bed.
Then he noticed something.
His eyes didn’t feel sore at all after waking up.
“Could it be because I did that eye exercise routine last night?
I’ll skip it tonight and compare.” After changing clothes, brushing his teeth, and washing his face, he headed out for his warm-up.
Today was Thursday.
His fifth day in this world.
Sora was gradually getting used to this new life.
When he reached the convenience store, he happened to see Takumi’s AE86 driving away.
After a moment’s thought, he walked into the store and bought two blocks of fresh tofu.
He’d already eaten fried fish for two days straight.
Tonight he’d try simmered tofu instead.
After finishing his run and returning home, Sora searched “Beika Library” on his phone.
There was still no news.
A little later, Kotonoha sent him a message.
[Kotonoha: Good morning, Harumi-kun!] Looking at the message on the screen, Sora was suddenly reminded of those college roommates from his previous life who faithfully sent good morning and good night messages to the girls they liked every day.
[Sora: Morning, Kotonoha-san.] [Sora: I’m going to take a shower now.] — A shower?
Sitting on her bed, Kotonoha blinked.
Harumi-kun took showers in the morning too?
Then she suddenly remembered.
Back on the train, whenever he stood close and protected her from the crowd, she could always smell the fresh scent of shampoo and body wash from him.
Even in the packed carriage, it made her feel comfortable.
Harumi-kun is very clean.
Lost in thought, Kotonoha subconsciously lowered her head and sniffed her pajamas.
There was no trace of sweat.
Only a faint, youthful fragrance.
Without saying anything, she got out of bed and left her room.
A few minutes later, Kokoro, who had just gotten up herself, stood outside the bathroom in confusion.
“Big Sis, why are you taking a shower this early in the morning?” “Go brush your teeth.” “Oh.” Pouting, Kokoro walked away.
Lately, her sister seemed different somehow.
— After showering and eating breakfast, Sora headed out for the train station.
Once aboard the train, he took out Love Metronome and began reading by the window.
The morning light was excellent.
Unlike the evening, it didn’t strain his eyes.
When the train reached the next station, Sora and Kotonoha once again encountered each other through another one of their “coincidences.” “Harumi-kun!” “Kotonoha-san.” After exchanging greetings, Kotonoha immediately walked over.
Naturally, Sora raised his arms and shielded the space around her.
Hm?
She smells nice.
Did she shower this morning too?
Lowering her head, Kotonoha looked curiously at the book in his hand.
“What’s that?” “A light novel.
Do you enjoy reading, Kotonoha-san?” “I do.” She answered immediately.
Unlike calligraphy, ballet, swordsmanship, and the many other lessons forced upon her, reading was the only activity that genuinely relaxed her.
Even on the train ride home, if it wasn’t too crowded, she’d often sit and read.
Smiling, Sora said, “As expected.
People who like calligraphy usually enjoy reading too.” Kotonoha felt slightly embarrassed.
Because she didn’t actually like calligraphy.
Still, she felt she could start liking it in the future.
Since he was busy shielding her from the crowd, Sora couldn’t continue reading himself.
So he handed the book over.
“Although it’s written by a new author and doesn’t seem to be selling very well, I really like its style and story.
You can give it a try.” “Okay.” Kotonoha accepted the book and opened it.
This was her first time reading while someone protected her from the crowd.
The feeling was surprisingly nice.
Very safe.
Very reassuring.
At first, she was more focused on enjoying that sense of security than the book itself.
But after a few pages, she gradually became absorbed.
A school romance light novel naturally held tremendous appeal for a young girl.
Especially one experiencing her first stirrings of romance.
Looking down at her, Sora thought to himself: ‘It hooked Kotonoha this quickly.
The quality really is there.
It just lacks promotion’ Soon, the train was approaching her station.
Noticing that she’d become completely immersed in the book, Sora reminded her.
“Kotonoha-san, it’s almost your stop.” “Ah?
Ah!” Snapping back to reality, Kotonoha blushed.
“Sorry, I just…” Sora smiled.
“It’s fine.
Seeing that you enjoy a book I like makes me happy.” She brushed a strand of hair behind her ear.
It seemed to be one of her unconscious habits.
Softly, she said, “This book really is good.
After school, I’ll stop by a bookstore and buy a copy to support the author.” Sora shook his head.
“There’s no need.” Kotonoha blinked.
“Huh?” Sora smiled mysteriously.
“Let me show you a magic trick.” “Magic?” Immediately, she remembered the chewing gum he’d given her when they first met.
Ordinary gum.
But very sweet.
Sora casually flicked his hand.
Suddenly, another book appeared.
A brand-new copy of Love Metronome, still wrapped in plastic.
It was the second copy he’d bought yesterday.
Kotonoha’s eyes widened.
“Wah!” It really was magic!
Amazing!
She couldn’t tell where it had come from at all.
Looking at her, Sora said, “If you like it, then this new copy is yours, Kotonoha-san.” Instinctively, she shook her head.
“N-No, I couldn’t…” Sora looked directly into her eyes.
“Kotonoha-san, we’re friends, right?” Meeting his gaze, she felt momentarily dazed.
For some reason, his eyes seemed particularly bright today.
A faint blush spread across her face.
Lowering her head, she softly replied, “Of course.
We’re friends.” Sora smiled.
“Then there’s no need to worry about something this small.
Next time, just lend me a book you like.” After thinking it over, Kotonoha felt that made sense.
Carefully accepting the book, she spoke with unusual seriousness.
“Then…
I’ll treasure it.
Next time, I’ll definitely give you something in return, Harumi-kun.” [Ding—] Sora glanced at his system wallet.
— [0 Gold Coins, 1 Silver Coin, 16 Copper Coins] — Today’s friendship fee from Kotonoha had been collected.
Nodding, he smiled.
“Good.
I’ll look forward to it.” The train arrived.
The doors opened.
Sora escorted her off the train and said goodbye.
Through the window, he could see Kotonoha still standing on the platform, silently watching in his direction.