Suddenly, I snapped back to consciousness.
The sound of clattering bowls, sizzling oil, and the chatter of customers filled my ears. The noodle shop was bustling—bright and alive, just like it usually was during the lunch rush.
Someone was shaking me gently.
"Senior? Hey, senior, are you okay? Were you falling asleep?"
It was Reni.
Her blue eyes looked worried as she leaned forward, still holding onto my shoulder. I blinked a few times, stunned, and looked around. The shop was exactly like it had been earlier today…
But wasn't I just…?
I immediately reached up and touched my head. No blood. No pain.
I checked my body—no bruises, no torn clothes, nothing. Not even a scratch.
What the hell?
Was that all… a dream?
But it felt real. Too real.
The crash, the voices, the old man—the pain in my skull…
"Senior?" Reni tilted her head. "If you're tired, you can sit for a while. You've been spacing out for like two minutes straight."
"I... I think I'm fine," I said, still unsure myself.
Then—
Something caught my eye.
Right above Reni's head, floating mid-air, was a glowing panel.
It wasn't hanging from the ceiling.
It wasn't a screen.
It was… just there. Hovering.
[Affection: 49%]
My eyes widened.
"What… the hell?"
I took a step back.
Reni blinked. "Hmm? What's wrong, senior?"
I stared at the panel above her. It didn't disappear.
Still glowing. Still floating. Still saying the exact same thing.
[Affection: 49%]
What does that even mean?
Why could I see it?
Why now?
Was it part of the dream?
Or... had something changed?
For now, I forced myself to focus.
There were still bowls to clear, orders to take, customers to serve. Even if I was shaken, even if the memory of the crash—or vision, or whatever that was—lingered in my mind, I had to get through the shift.
So I worked. On autopilot. Clearing dishes. Pouring tea. Smiling when needed.
Once the final rush was over and the shop quieted down, I finally sat down on the bench in the back corner, far from the noise. I let out a long breath and leaned forward, elbows on my knees.
What the hell just happened to me?
I remembered going home.
I remembered the crash.
I remembered dying.
But now I was back here, as if nothing had happened. And now… I could see strange floating numbers above people's heads?
Absurd. Completely absurd.
Out of curiosity, I glanced toward Nana. She was quietly organizing bowls on the shelf, her small frame moving methodically.
Above her head floated a glowing panel.
[Affection: 35%]
I turned to look at Seri, who was laughing with one of the cooks as she helped wipe down the counter.
[Affection: 67%]
So it wasn't just Reni.
It was everyone.
Is this… some kind of affection meter?
The numbers weren't high, except Seri's.
Wait, why was hers so high?
She did touch me earlier. She also said she wanted to go home with me… No, no, that's just how she is. Right?
But before I could think further—
Another panel appeared in front of my face, glowing brighter than the others.
[Quest Received]
[Objective: Win over at least 1 girl in 3 days]
[Reward: Processing...]
I stared at it, stunned.
"…You've got to be kidding me."
Did my life just turn into a dating sim?
Was this really happening?
Or had I finally lost my mind?
I could only stare forward in a daze, the weight of everything slowly sinking in.
Above their heads—numbers. Floating numbers. Meters of "affection." And now... a literal quest to win over a girl in three days?
What even was this?
"Umm… is Senior okay?" I heard Reni say, her voice filled with concern as she turned to the others. "Does someone want to take him home? He doesn't look so good…"
I quickly shook my head. "No, it's fine. I'm okay, really. Just… a little tired, I guess."
Then something even stranger happened.
Nana—quiet, reserved Nana—spoke up.
"I… I can take him home."
I blinked, turning toward her in surprise.
What?
Nana usually never offered that. She was always picked up by her father, and every time I'd offered to take her home, she politely refused. But now… she volunteered?
Reni nodded, seemingly relieved. "Thank you, Nana. That really helps."
Then she turned to me with a small smile. "I'm heading off now, Senior. My ride's here."
I nodded slowly. "Thanks, Reni. Get home safe."
She gave me a wave and walked toward the front door.
Nana then approached me quietly, her expression a little nervous but sincere. "Don't worry, Senior. I'll take you home."
I looked at her for a moment.
"…Can you ride?" I asked, careful not to sound doubtful.
She nodded once, firmly. "I can."
I wasn't totally convinced—but the look in her eyes was serious. She wanted to do this. Maybe it was just a kind gesture.
"…Alright. Thank you, Nana. I'll wait for you to finish your shift."
She smiled softly and gave another small nod.
I turned and walked to the back, trying to gather my thoughts.
This world… it was still the same.
But something beneath the surface was starting to twist.
I sat down in the break room, leaned back in the plastic chair, and closed my eyes.
Just three days, huh?
One girl.
Win her heart.
Or else…?
I had no idea what the punishment would be. But I wasn't sure I wanted to find out.
After the final dishes were washed and the store lights dimmed, the shift was officially over. Nana and I grabbed our things, and together we headed to the parking area behind the shop.
I handed her the key to my motorbike.
She took it with a quiet spark of determination in her eyes and eagerly climbed on—
—or at least, tried to.
Her foot barely reached the ground, and the moment she swung her leg up, the bike tilted to the side.
"Whoa—!"
Before she could fall, I instinctively reached out and grabbed her, steadying both her and the motorbike.
Her body was small, light… soft.
There was a faint scent coming from her—floral, gentle. It hit me all at once, and I could feel my heart beat faster.
Damn it.
I quickly straightened the bike and stepped back. "I'll ride. You get on behind me."
Nana's cheeks turned slightly pink, but she nodded shyly.
I took the front seat, started the engine, and she climbed on behind me. The road ahead was dim but quiet, only lit by the streetlights and the occasional passing car.
As we rode through the city, I could sense something from her—like she was thinking deeply about something. She hadn't said a word since we left.
"Nana," I called out, voice slightly raised over the wind. "Hold on tight. I don't want you to fall."
She let out a soft laugh. "I won't get blown away by the wind."
Then, gently, her arms wrapped around my waist.
It was a subtle motion—but enough to send a jolt through my chest.
This was too much for my poor heart.
After a few minutes of riding in silence, I gathered the courage to ask.
"…Why did you offer to take me home today?" I asked, trying to sound casual. "You usually turn me down."
There was a pause.
Then, Nana's voice—quiet, but clear. "Because if I didn't… Seri would've offered."
I blinked. "So?"
Another pause. Then softly, "I didn't want her to."
That answer hit differently.
I turned my head slightly, not enough to see her face, but enough to feel her presence behind me.
"…I see," I said quietly.
Above us, the night continued, but inside my chest, something had changed.
And somewhere, faint and distant in the back of my mind—
—I swore I heard a ding.
[Affection: Nana +4%]