Stepping out of the real estate agency, Takumi Yuuya reached out his hand to Ruri Gokou.
Ruri glanced at his outstretched hand and slowly extended her small hand in return, understanding his intention.
Yuuya grasped her hand gently.
A faint blush appeared on her cheeks as she turned her face away. For her, even a handshake felt intimate.
"Less than twenty million yen left. Is there anything else you want to buy?" Yuuya asked.
"I… I don't really have anything I want at the moment," Ruri replied after a moment's thought.
"One hundred million yen is the upper limit for a normal girlfriend. And the time frame is ten years. During these ten years, you'll also receive a monthly salary of five hundred thousand yen," Yuuya explained.
"I… I understand," she murmured.
"If you have my child, I'll compensate you with ninety-nine billion yen in cash or assets at once."
"Children… are important to you?"
"I may be hopeless, but I'm willing to shoulder a certain responsibility," he said calmly.
"First one hundred million, now ninety-nine billion… I don't think any girl in this world could refuse you," she said, astonished.
Yuuya smiled softly.
"Most girls can't refuse, but there are still a few who don't lack money."
"How many girlfriends do you actually have?"
"Do you want to meet them?"
"No," Ruri said, shaking her head.
Yuuya gazed ahead thoughtfully.
"The girl I'm trying to win over is an otaku. Your task is to befriend her. I'm not asking you to adopt her hobbies—just be able to chat. Even if you argue, that's fine."
At the train station, Takumi noticed Kirino Kousaka running toward them.
She wore a pink dress, looking nothing like an otaku.
"Senpai, I'm not late, am I?" Kirino asked with a light laugh.
"No. She went to buy drinks," Yuuya replied, glancing at Ruri approaching from the side.
Kirino raised her eyebrows slightly at Ruri's Gothic attire.
Ruri, seeing Kirino, wondered: is she really an otaku?
Ruri approached and handed Kirino the drink.
"Thank you," Kirino said, accepting it.
"Her name is Kirino Kousaka," Yuuya introduced.
"And this is Ruri Gokou, also known as Black Cat," he continued.
"Hello," they said in unison.
For now, both girls were just meeting each other, keeping polite.
Yuuya smiled and walked toward the station. The destination: Akihabara.
After over an hour of travel, they arrived at Akihabara Station.
Both girls had been here before, while Yuuya was relatively unfamiliar.
Kirino led the way to a figure-collecting store.
Yuuya let them pick any figure they liked—he would pay.
To Kirino, he said plainly:
"I'm trying to win over Black Cat. Help me out."
"Senpai, saying that in front of me… don't you care about my feelings?"
"You already know I juggle multiple girls. A few more won't matter, right?"
Kirino was left speechless.
Yuuya patted her head lightly.
"All your expenses today are on me," he said, then turned to Ruri.
Kirino watched his back, conflicted. She didn't know if liking a senpai like this was good or bad.
Ruri put down the figure she had been holding.
Yuuya looked at it and said,
"When we go on dates, all expenses are on me. Don't hesitate—pick whichever figure you like."
"I… I understand," she said softly.
"I know you're not the type who loves money. You can't refuse because of your family situation—you're a responsible older sister," Yuuya said.
"…"
"Think about it from this perspective: you've already agreed to be my girlfriend for ten years. That's the most important decade of your life."
"I'll take this one," Ruri said, finally picking up the figure she had set down.
Yuuya patted her head again.
"Now that's the right attitude. Don't be shy."
"Ruri Gokou favor +10"
After buying figures, light novels, and manga, the two girls handled shopping while Yuuya paid.
By noon, it was time for lunch.
Yuuya didn't hesitate in choosing the restaurant: a maid café.
The girls exchanged a glance and didn't object.
Inside, a young woman in a maid outfit approached.
"Welcome home, Master, and welcome, ladies," she said politely, with a sweet smile.
Though not as pretty as the girls themselves, her outfit, gentle tone, and light makeup left a good first impression on Yuuya.
She led the three of them to a table by the window.
Yuuya ordered an omelet rice dish and drinks.
He then took in the other maids.
The petite maids wore white stockings, looking cuter, while the well-endowed maids wore black stockings, drawing more attention.
"Senpai, don't stare," Kirino whispered.
"Kirino, that's not fair. I'm just looking. How could that not make me happy?" Yuuya replied earnestly.
"Am I not pretty enough?" Kirino's voice dripped with jealousy.
"You're beautiful, but it's different," Yuuya said, shaking his head.
"How is it different?"
"You're like a hit anime—I'll follow the series and collect it. They're like poorly-made shows with good-looking heroines. Even if I don't like the story, I'll watch for the heroine."
Kirino blinked, bewildered. What kind of analogy was that?
Before she could dwell on it, Yuuya's hand rested on her leg.
Her face flushed.
Ruri noticed but pretended not to.
Despite his wandering hands, Yuuya complimented Kirino:
"You're the ace of the track club. I can feel your training."
Kirino was embarrassed and slightly angry but dared not move too much, afraid Ruri would notice.
Fortunately, Yuuya wasn't too rough, quickly retracting his hand as the maid brought the omelet rice.
Yuuya declined her "magic blessing" routine.
Once the maid left, he looked at Kirino.
"Kirino, put your magic on my omelet."
"I…"
"If you don't, I'll have Black Cat do it…"
"I'll do it," Kirino interrupted.
Blushing, she mimicked the maid's movements and quietly whispered:
"Make it taste delicious."
Yuuya smiled as he ate.
"Hmm, it really is delicious."
Kirino hid her face in embarrassment.
Ruri, watching their interaction, realized that Kirino clearly liked Yuuya.
Their relationship had already surpassed friendship; becoming a couple was only a matter of time.