Several days had passed since Vivi kissed Nic on the basketball court. The news of their relationship had spread throughout Solis Academy, becoming the hottest topic in every classroom and hallway.
"Seriously? Vivi's dating Nic?"
"Well, I guess it makes sense. Nic's good at basketball now. Maybe Vivi likes guys who are really good at it."
"Still, Vivi's a popular girl. Nic's just… normal. They never even looked close before."
"I still don't believe it. What if Vivi's just playing around?"
In Nic's class, things weren't any quieter. His classmates who used to mock him could only stare in confusion and jealousy, especially whenever Vivi showed up to pick him up like it was a daily routine.
"Nic, let's practice again," Vivi said cheerfully, standing at the classroom door in her sports jacket with that signature bright smile.
The classroom fell completely silent. Every eye turned toward Nic.
"Bro… she's here again," someone whispered.
Nic calmly packed his books into his bag. "Yeah, I'm coming," he replied casually, trying to stay cool even though his heart raced every time Vivi did that.
As they walked together toward the court, other students glanced their way and whispered.
"What a lucky guy… he used to be a joke on the court, now he's so good it's weird."
"Bet he hired someone smart to help him get Vivi."
But Nic stayed humble. He knew all of this wasn't just luck. There was that magical phone changing his life—and he still didn't fully understand its consequences. That thought kept gnawing at his mind.
The basketball court was quiet that afternoon, with only the sound of bouncing balls and a gentle breeze. Vivi stood in the center holding the ball, smiling at Nic.
"Let's start. This time, you try to block me, okay?" she said.
Nic nodded and got ready. Vivi began dribbling—quick and agile. Nic tried to block her, but she easily faked him out to the left.
"Whoa, she's so fast..." Nic nearly tripped over his own feet, forgetting to activate his basketball skill.
Vivi chuckled softly. "You're still easy to read, Nic. Stop focusing on my face so much."
"Ah, you noticed..." Nic laughed.
They continued practicing for a few minutes, passing the ball and trying out basic moves. Sweat soaked their jerseys, but the mood stayed light and fun.
After making her final shot, which went in cleanly, Vivi tossed the ball to Nic.
"It's getting late. Let's head home."
"Yes, ma'am. Beautiful boss," Nic joked.
Later that afternoon, after walking Vivi home, Nic's stomach growled loudly.
"Ugh… I should've eaten before walking her home," he muttered, rubbing his belly.
He decided to stop by his favorite food stall—a cozy little place known for its fried noodles and grilled chicken. But as he stepped inside, something felt off. A drunk man was yelling near the cashier.
"Don't tell me what to do! I paid, didn't I? But the food sucks, blegh!" the man shouted, slamming the table.
Nic hesitated, but then his eyes locked onto someone standing firmly in front of the man—a beautiful girl with a brown ponytail. It was Nia.
"If you don't like it, don't come back. Simple as that," she said coldly. Her Solis Academy uniform was neat, the student council president badge gleaming on her chest.
When the man reached to grab her collar, everyone in the store froze. But in a flash, Nia spun and kicked him hard in the stomach. A loud "THUD!" echoed, followed by the man collapsing.
"Ughh!! Damn it..." the man groaned, scrambling to his feet before stumbling out of the store, cursing under his breath.
Nic stood there stunned. "Holy... one kick and he was down..."
Once things settled, Nia calmly returned to her seat and resumed eating like nothing had happened. The cashier looked relieved and thanked her, while other customers whispered praises about her bravery.
Nic slowly made his way to an empty table by the window, not far from Nia. As the waiter brought his order, her voice caught his attention.
"You go to Solis Academy too, right?" she asked, glancing at him.
"Uh, yeah. Eleventh grade too," Nic replied quickly.
Nia gave a small nod and returned to her food. But Nic was still curious, and without thinking, he blurted out, "Student council president… honestly, that was really cool! I love girls who can fight. That kick was amazing."
Nia paused. Her expression softened just a bit, and she gave a faint smile.
"Hehe… it's nothing," she said, sipping her tea. "Usually only club kids say that kind of stuff."
Nic chuckled awkwardly. "Haha… well, I'm not in any martial arts club, but I do admire technique. Your form was… impressive."
"If you practice, maybe you'll get there too," Nia said casually as she stood and grabbed her backpack.
"I started just for fun. But over time, it turned into a skill that's pretty handy."
Nic just nodded, chewing quietly, trying not to look too impressed.
As she left, Nia waved lightly. "Take care on your way home."
"Ah… thanks!" Nic called after her, a bit late, but she was already gone.
A few seconds later, his phone vibrated in his pocket. Nervously, he checked the screen—and froze.
"You have confessed to Student Council President Nia. Her affection rate will begin to increase starting tomorrow."
Nic's eyes widened. "What?! I didn't confess! That was just… reflex! Oh no..."
But the system gave no option to cancel. Everything had been recorded.
He leaned back in his chair, staring at the ceiling. "Damn phone…"
---
Later That Night
Back in his room, Nic lay on his bed staring at his phone. Nia's name was now listed among the targets, her affection rate small—but steadily rising.
"So now I have to… pursue Nia too? But she's the student council president…" he muttered.
He closed his eyes for a second, imagining how Vivi might react if she found out. But oddly enough, Nia's calm face and subtle smile also appeared in his mind.
He sighed. "Why does this feel like the beginning of a whole new mess?"
And yet, beneath all his doubts, was a growing curiosity. Nia wasn't just strong and charismatic—there was something about her that made Nic want to know more. And if he could gain her skill too… things would get even more interesting.
With a mix of nerves and excitement, he hugged his pillow and whispered, "Tomorrow's gonna be chaos..."
To be continued...