Chapter 2: New Beginnings, Old Problems
The sun streamed through the window, casting a golden glow across the unfamiliar room. Kaito sat cross-legged on the bed, staring at the floating message in front of him.
[Daily System Briefing: Welcome to Day One of your new life!]
"New life, huh?" Kaito muttered. "More like new nightmare."
Simmy appeared beside him, lounging in midair. "Oh, come on, Kaito. You're in a world full of possibilities. Magic! Adventure! And best of all, romance!"
Kaito shot the sprite a dark look. "Romance is the last thing I need."
"Says the guy cursed with irresistible charm." Simmy grinned. "Face it. You're a walking love potion."
"I'm a walking target," Kaito corrected. He stretched his arms overhead, wincing at the ache in his muscles. "I need a plan to stay under the radar."
"Good luck with that," Simmy said. "You're already on the radar of at least two women in this school."
Kaito groaned. "Don't remind me."
He dressed quickly, opting for simple clothes that wouldn't draw attention. Not that it mattered. With the Eros Curse in play, even a burlap sack would probably make him look like a fashion model.
The school was already bustling by the time Kaito stepped outside. Students filled the pathways, chatting and laughing as they headed to class. Kaito kept his head down, trying to blend in.
"Hey! You there!"
Kaito froze. Slowly, he turned to see a tall, muscular guy striding toward him. The boy's uniform was slightly disheveled, and his sharp features were set in a challenging expression.
"You're the new guy, right?" the boy said.
"Yeah," Kaito replied cautiously.
The boy folded his arms. "Name's Ryuu. I'm the captain of the kendo club."
"Kaito."
"Kaito, huh?" Ryuu looked him up and down. "Word around campus is that you've already caught the attention of some... notable people."
Kaito's stomach churned. "I'm not looking for trouble."
"Too late for that," Ryuu said with a smirk. "Just a heads-up: this school's a jungle. Stay sharp."
Before Kaito could respond, Ryuu walked off, leaving him more anxious than before.
"Helpful guy," Simmy quipped.
"I need to find a quiet place to think," Kaito muttered.
He made his way to the school library, hoping it would be a safe haven. The towering shelves and dim lighting provided a sense of peace, at least for a moment.
Kaito found an empty table in the far corner and sat down. He rested his head on his hands, trying to make sense of his situation.
"So, what's the plan?" Simmy asked, popping up on the table.
"Avoid everyone. No conversations, no eye contact, no nothing," Kaito said firmly.
Simmy snorted. "Good luck with that. The Eros Curse doesn't exactly play by your rules."
"Then I'll have to be smarter than the curse."
Just as Kaito was starting to relax, a shadow fell over the table.
"Excuse me. Is this seat taken?"
Kaito looked up into a pair of deep green eyes. The girl standing before him had long, raven-black hair and an air of quiet elegance. She was undeniably beautiful, but there was something intense about her gaze.
"Uh, no. Go ahead," Kaito said, trying to sound indifferent.
The girl sat down gracefully, setting a book on the table. "You're the new student, aren't you?"
"Yeah. Kaito."
"I'm Aiko." She smiled softly. "Welcome to our school."
"Thanks."
Silence fell between them. Kaito kept his eyes on the table, hoping Aiko would lose interest and leave. But she didn't move.
"You're... different," Aiko said after a moment.
Kaito tensed. "Different how?"
"I can't quite explain it." Her eyes narrowed slightly. "But there's something about you."
Simmy snickered. "Here we go."
Kaito resisted the urge to strangle the sprite.
"I should get going," Kaito said abruptly. He stood up, grabbing his bag.
Aiko's smile didn't waver. "I'll see you around, Kaito."
He didn't look back as he left the library.
"Smooth exit," Simmy commented. "You're a real people person."
"I'm not here to make friends," Kaito said through gritted teeth. "I just want to survive."
The rest of the day passed in a blur. Kaito managed to avoid any more close encounters, but the weight of his curse hung heavy over him. By the time evening rolled around, he was exhausted.
Back in his dorm room, Kaito collapsed onto the bed. Simmy floated above him, still grinning.
"Today went better than expected," the sprite said cheerfully.
"You have a weird definition of 'better,'" Kaito muttered.
Simmy's expression softened. "Hey. You're doing fine. Just take it one day at a time."
Kaito closed his eyes, hoping sleep would bring some peace.
But deep down, he knew his problems were only just beginning.