WebNovels

Chapter 8 - Chapter 8: Jealousy

Yuki woke up Tuesday morning to the System notification he'd been waiting for

[◈ NEW QUEST AVAILABLE ◈]

[◈ QUEST 7 OF 10: ORAL INITIATION (GIVING) ◈]

[OBJECTIVE: Perform oral sex on another person. Must bring partner to full orgasm through oral stimulation alone. Technique and attentiveness will be evaluated.]

[TIME LIMIT: 5 Days]

[REWARDS:]

Technique +8

Pleasure Sense (Active Skill)

400 XP

225 LP

[FAILURE PENALTY:]

-30 Confidence

-25 Technique

System Compatibility -25%

[CURRENT TIME REMAINING: 119:59:12]

[NOTE: Time to return the favor~ Use that pretty mouth for something other than those cute sounds you make 💕]

Yuki's face burned as he dismissed the notification. The System's messages were getting more... flirty? Teasing? It was weird.

Perform oral sex. On someone?.

The thought made his stomach flip. He'd received it from Mizuki just two days ago, and it had been overwhelming. But doing it himself? To someone else?

I guess... Mizuki? She's my girlfriend. It makes sense to do it with her.

But something about that felt wrong. Not bad, just... pressured. Like he'd be doing it for the quest, not because he genuinely wanted to.

Five days. I have time to think about it.

He got ready for school, trying to push the quest out of his mind.

The moment Yuki entered Class 3-B, he knew something was different.

People were staring at him. Whispering. Smiling.

"Nakamura-kun!" Several girls rushed over. "You were so cute at the festival!"

"The photos are everywhere!"

"You're trending on the school social media!"

"What?" Yuki's stomach dropped.

Tanaka appeared, grinning and holding up his phone. "Dude! Look!"

The school's unofficial Instagram account had posted a compilation of festival photos. And prominently featured in at least half of them was Yuki in his maid outfit.

"Most Popular Booth - Class 3-B's Adorable Maid Cafe! Special shoutout to our secret weapon 😻"

The post had 847 likes. The comments were... overwhelming.

"Who is that orange-haired maid?? SO CUTE!"

"That's Nakamura from 3-B! He's a guy!"

"WAIT THAT'S A GUY??? He's prettier than me wtf"

"I went just to see him and it was worth it"

"Boyfriend material OR girlfriend material? Both?? 💕"

Yuki wanted to die. "Delete them. Please delete them."

"Can't! They're public now!" Tanaka laughed. "You're famous, Yuki-chan!"

"I don't want to be famous! the only famous i want is infamous!!"

But it was too late. Throughout the day, people Yuki had never spoken to came up to him—complimenting his looks, asking if he'd dress up again for the culture festival, requesting photos together.

By lunch, Yuki was hiding on the roof, trying to escape the attention.

He pulled out his convenience store bread and his Lookism manhwa he had been so emersed, he bought the hardcover for this chapter, a few tears may have been shed when heather died but he would never admit it, settling into his usual corner. At least up here, no one would—

"Nakamura-senpai?"

Yuki looked up. A boy he vaguely recognized stood there—tall, lean, with kind eyes and dark hair. Second-year? Third-year?

"Yes?"

"Sorry to bother you. I'm Hayato. Class 3-A." He gestured to the empty space beside Yuki. "Mind if I sit? Everywhere else is packed."

"Oh... sure."

Hayato sat down, pulling out his own lunch. They ate in comfortable silence for a moment.

"You were really popular at the festival," Hayato said casually. "I stopped by your cafe. The line was insane."

Yuki's face heated. "You... you saw me in that?"

"Yeah." Hayato smiled. "You looked really cute. I almost didn't recognize you at first. Thought you were a transfer student."

"That's embarrassing..."

"Why?" Hayato's tone was genuine, not mocking. "I think it's cool that you helped your class out even though it made you uncomfortable. That takes guts."

Yuki blinked. Most people had just focused on how he looked. No one had acknowledged that it had been hard for him.

"Thanks," he said quietly.

They fell into easy conversation—about the festival, classes, manga. Hayato had read Lookism too, and they spent ten minutes discussing the latest chapters.

"I really like johan's character development," Hayato said. "Betrayal of his gang, and the reason he steals shoes. It's surprisingly deep for a fighting manhwa."

"Right?!" Yuki felt himself relaxing. "And the way it handles gangs and business is really thoughtful. I think—"

"There you are!"

Yuki jumped. Mizuki stood at the roof entrance, her expression tight.

"I've been looking everywhere for you, Yuki-kun." Her eyes flicked to Hayato, something cold passing through them. "Who's this?"

"Oh, um... this is Hayato-san from 3-A. We were just—"

"Talking about manga," Hayato finished, standing up and bowing politely. "Nice to meet you. You must be Mizuki-san. Nakamura-senpai mentioned you're dating."

"Did he?" Mizuki's smile didn't reach her eyes. "Yes. We're very much together. Very serious."

The tension was thick enough to cut. Hayato seemed to sense it because he quickly packed up his lunch.

"I should head back to class anyway. Thanks for the chat, Nakamura-senpai. See you around." He left with a friendly wave.

The moment he was gone, Mizuki sat down in the spot Hayato had vacated.

"Who was that?" Her voice was light but her body language was rigid.

"Just... someone from 3-A. We were talking about manga." 

"He called you senpai. He's younger than you?"

"Same year. Different class."

"And he just... randomly came up here to talk to you?"

"The roof was crowded. He needed a place to sit." Yuki was confused by her intensity. "It wasn't a big deal."

"It is to me." Mizuki's hand found his, gripping tightly. "You're mine, Yuki-kun. I don't like other people getting close to you."

"We were just talking—"

"I know. I trust you." But her expression said otherwise. "I just... after the festival, everyone's been looking at you differently. Talking about you. And I don't like it. You're supposed to be mine."

Mine. That word again, but this time with an edge of desperation.

"I am," Yuki said carefully. "We're dating."

"But do you love me?" The question came out raw, vulnerable. "You've never said it back."

Yuki's chest tightened. "I... I care about you—"

"That's not the same thing." Mizuki's eyes were shining. "I love you, Yuki-kun. I love you so much it scares me. And I need to know you feel the same."

The bell rang, saving Yuki from answering.

They walked back to class in heavy silence. Yuki felt guilty but also trapped. He did care about Mizuki. She was sweet and attentive and had been patient with his inexperience. But love? That word felt too big, too permanent.

And why does she care so much about Hayato? We were just talking...

The rest of the week, Mizuki's behavior grew more intense.

She started waiting outside Yuki's classroom between periods. Walking him to and from school. Texting constantly—good morning, good night, what are you doing, who are you with, send me a photo.

Yuki tried to tell himself it was sweet. She just cared about him. But it felt suffocating.

On Thursday, Hayato approached him again at lunch.

"Hey, Nakamura-senpai. Want to grab food from the cafeteria? I heard they have good katsu curry today."

"Oh, I usually just eat on the roof—"

"Yuki-kun has plans with me," Mizuki appeared from nowhere, looping her arm through Yuki's. "We're eating together. Like we always do."

Hayato raised his hands peacefully. "No problem. Just thought I'd ask. See you around, Nakamura-senpai."

Once he was gone, Mizuki turned to Yuki. "He keeps approaching you."

"He's just being friendly—"

"He likes you." Mizuki's voice was flat. "I can tell. The way he looks at you. Talks to you. He wants you."

"That's not—"

"Promise me you won't hang out with him alone." Her grip on his arm tightened. "Promise me, Yuki-kun."

"Mizuki, you're hurting me—"

She let go immediately, her expression crumpling. "I'm sorry. I'm so sorry. I just..." She looked close to tears. "I'm scared of losing you. You're so pretty and sweet and kind, and I know other people see it too. What if someone better comes along and you leave me? do i even deserve you?"

Yuki's guilt intensified. "I'm not going to leave you."

"Promise?"

"I promise."

But even as he said it, something felt wrong.

By Friday, the quest timer was down to [48:23:11] and Yuki still hadn't figured out how to complete it.

Asking Mizuki felt like giving in to her possessiveness. But who else could he ask? He didn't have any other... partners? The quest required him to perform oral sex on someone, and Mizuki was his only option.

Unless...

The thought appeared unbidden. Hayato had been kind. Non-judgmental. And there was something in the way he looked at Yuki—not possessive like Mizuki, but genuinely interested.

No. That's crazy. I can't just ask a near-stranger for sexual favors. That's insane.

But the timer kept ticking down.

[41:12:05]

Saturday afternoon, Yuki's phone buzzed.

Mizuki: Come over? Parents are out again 💕

Mizuki: I miss you

Mizuki: Please?

Yuki stared at the messages. This was the perfect opportunity. Complete the quest with Mizuki. Make her happy. Everything would be fine.

So why did the thought make his stomach hurt?

Another buzz. Different contact.

Hayato: Hey! Sorry if this is weird, but do you want to hang out sometime? Maybe grab ramen or hit an arcade? No pressure!

Yuki's heart raced. This was suspicious timing. Almost too convenient.

But the quest required him to complete it with someone. And Hayato was offering...

No. Stop. That's not what he means. He's just trying to be friends.

Yuki: Sure, that sounds fun. When?

Hayato: Today? I'm free after 3.

Yuki: Okay. Meet at the station?

Hayato: Perfect! See you then

Yuki stared at his phone. What was he doing? He had a girlfriend. He shouldn't be making plans with another person who might be interested in him.

But Mizuki's possessiveness had been smothering him all week. And Hayato was easy to talk to. Normal. Not intense.

He responded to Mizuki:

Yuki: Sorry, I have plans today. Maybe tomorrow?

The response was almost instant:

Mizuki: Plans with who?

Yuki: Just a friend.

Mizuki: What friend? From class?

Yuki: Just someone I know.

Mizuki: Yuki-kun. Tell me who.

The interrogation made his chest tight. He put his phone on silent and went to get ready.

Meeting Hayato at the station felt like stepping out of a cage.

"Nakamura-senpai! Over here!" Hayato waved, casual in jeans and a hoodie.

They grabbed ramen at a small shop, then wandered to an arcade. Hayato was funny, easy-going, never pushed when Yuki got quiet. They played fighting games (Yuki won spectacularly), photo booth (Hayato insisted, and the pictures came out surprisingly cute), and spent way too long at a claw machine trying to win a cat plushie.

"Got it!" Hayato triumphantly held up the prize. "Here. For being a good sport about the photo booth."

"You don't have to—"

"I want to." Hayato pressed the plushie into Yuki's hands. "Consider it a thank you for hanging out with me."

Something warm bloomed in Yuki's chest. When was the last time someone had done something for him without wanting something in return? he cant even say himeself, since he was driven by the quests most of the time

They walked to a park as the sun started setting. Sat on a bench overlooking a pond.

"Can I tell you something?" Hayato said after a moment of comfortable silence.

"Sure."

"I think you're really interesting, Nakamura-senpai." Hayato wasn't looking at him, watching the water instead. "Not just because you're pretty—though you are—but because you seem... genuine. Like you're not trying to be anything you're not."

Yuki's heart skipped. "I don't know about that..."

"I saw you at the festival, and yeah, you looked good. But what struck me was how uncomfortable you were and how you did it anyway for your class. That's kind of amazing." Hayato turned to face him. "And I know you're dating Mizuki-san. I'm not trying to interfere with that. I just... I like talking to you. And if you ever need a friend who isn't..." He paused, choosing words carefully. "Who isn't so intense... I'm here."

Yuki stared at him. "You noticed?"

"She's very protective of you." Hayato's tone was diplomatic. "Some people might find that romantic. But you don't look happy when she does it."

"I..." Yuki didn't know what to say. Having someone acknowledge what he'd been feeling all week was both relieving and terrifying.

"Sorry if I'm overstepping," Hayato said quickly. "You can tell me to mind my business."

"No, it's... thank you. For saying that." Yuki clutched the cat plushie. "Sometimes I feel like I'm going crazy. Like I should be grateful she cares so much, but instead I just feel..."

"Suffocated?"

"Yeah."

They sat in comfortable silence. The sun dipped lower, painting everything gold.

"Nakamura-senpai," Hayato said quietly. "Can I ask you something personal?"

"Okay..."

"Are you happy? With her, I mean?"

Yuki opened his mouth to say yes automatically. But the word wouldn't come.

"I don't know," he admitted finally. "I care about her. She's been really good to me in a lot of ways. But lately..."

"You can leave, you know." Hayato's voice was gentle. "If you're not happy. You're allowed to prioritize your own feelings."

"But she loves me. She says it all the time."

"Love shouldn't feel like a cage." Hayato looked at the water, his expression thoughtful. "My older sister had a boyfriend like that once. Super sweet, always texting, always wanted to know where she was and who she was with. She thought it was romantic at first. Then it just became... exhausting."

"What happened?"

"She broke up with him. He didn't take it well—called her constantly, showed up at her work. She had to block him on everything." Hayato turned to face Yuki. "I'm not saying Mizuki-san is like that. I don't know her. But the way she looks at you... it reminds me of how that guy looked at my sister. Like you're a possession, not a person."

Yuki's chest felt tight. "I don't... I don't know what to do."

"You don't have to do anything right now." Hayato's hand squeezed his shoulder briefly. "Just know that you have options. And friends. If you ever need someone to talk to who isn't involved in all the drama."

"Thank you," Yuki said quietly. "That means a lot."

They stayed until the sun had fully set, talking about easier things—favorite foods, terrible movies they loved anyway, whether cats or dogs were better. Hayato was easy to talk to in a way Mizuki had never been. There was no pressure, no intensity. Just comfortable conversation between two people who enjoyed each other's company.

When Yuki finally checked his phone, it was 8 PM and he had 47 missed messages.

Mizuki: Who are you with?

Mizuki: Answer me

Mizuki: Yuki-kun please

Mizuki: Are you with another girl?

Mizuki: ANSWER ME

Mizuki: I'm coming to find you

Mizuki: Where are you?

Mizuki: I went to your apartment you're not there

Mizuki: Please just tell me you're safe

Mizuki: I love you

Mizuki: Please

The messages went on and on, cycling between anger, desperation, and concern.

"Shit," Yuki breathed. "I need to go."

"Your girlfriend?" Hayato guessed, seeing his expression.

"Yeah. She's... I need to respond before she—"

As if summoned, Yuki's phone rang. Mizuki's name flashed on screen.

He answered. "Mizuki—"

"WHERE THE HELL HAVE YOU BEEN?!" Her voice was raw with emotion. "I've been calling you for HOURS! I thought something happened to you! I thought you were hurt or—"

"I'm fine. I was just hanging out with a friend and lost track of time—"

"What friend? Who?" Her voice dropped to something dangerous. "It's him, isn't it? That Hayato boy."

"Mizuki, I'm allowed to have friends—"

"Not him. Anyone but him." She was crying now. "I see the way he looks at you, Yuki-kun. He wants you. And you're just... you're just letting him?"

"We were talking! That's all!" Yuki's frustration was mounting. "You don't get to control who I spend time with!"

Silence on the other end. Then, very quietly: "So you're choosing him over me."

"That's not what I said—"

"Come over. Right now. We need to talk about this in person."

"Mizuki, it's late—"

"If you don't come over, I'll know where your priorities are." Her voice was cold now. "I'll know you don't actually care about me. About us."

Yuki looked at Hayato, who was watching with concern.

"I can't tonight," Yuki said carefully. "But we can talk tomorrow."

"Fine." The line went dead.

Yuki stared at his phone, hands shaking.

"You okay?" Hayato asked.

"I don't know." Yuki felt like he might throw up. "She's never... she's never been angry at me before."

"Do you want me to walk you home? Make sure you get there safe?"

"That would just make things worse if she's watching." Yuki stood up, clutching the cat plushie. "Thank you for today. For listening. For... everything."

"Anytime." Hayato stood too. "Hey, Nakamura-senpai?"

"Yeah?"

"You have my number. If things get bad, or you just need to talk, message me. Okay? Any time."

Yuki nodded, not trusting his voice.

The train ride home felt endless. By the time Yuki got to his apartment, it was past 9 PM. His mother was working a night shift yet again, so the place was dark and empty.

He sat on his bed, staring at his phone. The quest timer glowed in his vision:

[36:47:19]

Less than two days left. He needed to complete it soon. But the thought of doing anything intimate with Mizuki right now made him feel sick.

His phone buzzed.

Mizuki: I'm sorry for yelling

Mizuki: I was just scared

Mizuki: You mean everything to me and I thought I was losing you

Mizuki: Please come over tomorrow

Mizuki: I'll make it up to you

Mizuki: I love you so much

Yuki didn't respond. He turned off his phone, changed into comfortable clothes, and lay in bed staring at the ceiling.

The cat plushie Hayato had won for him sat on his nightstand. Sweet. Simple. 

What am I going to do?

Sunday Morning

Yuki woke to more messages from Mizuki. Apologies. Declarations of love. Begging him to come over.

And one from Hayato:

Hayato: Hope you got home safe last night. Want to grab breakfast? There's a good cafe near the station. My treat!

Yuki stared at both conversations.

Mizuki, with all her intensity and need.

Hayato, with his easy kindness and understanding.

The quest timer: [28:12:44]

He needed to make a choice.

Yuki [to Hayato]: Sure. What time?

Hayato: 10 AM?

Yuki: See you there.

Yuki [to Mizuki]: I need some space today. Can we talk Monday?

The response was instant:

Mizuki: What do you mean space?

Mizuki: Are you breaking up with me?

Mizuki: Yuki-kun please don't do this

Mizuki: I'll do anything

Mizuki: ANYTHING

Mizuki: Just please don't leave me

Yuki turned off his phone and got ready.

The cafe was quiet and cozy. Hayato was already there, ordering when Yuki arrived.

"Morning!" Hayato smiled. "I got you a green tea and a pastry. Hope that's okay?"

"That's perfect. Thank you."

They sat by the window. Morning light made everything feel softer, safer.

"How was last night?" Hayato asked carefully. "After you got home?"

"Rough. Mizuki was... upset." Yuki wrapped his hands around his tea cup. "She thinks I'm choosing you over her."

"Are you?"

Yuki blinked. "What?"

"I'm not trying to pressure you," Hayato said quickly. "But you're clearly not happy with her. And you keep choosing to spend time with me instead. So... are you choosing me? Or are you just avoiding her?"

"I..." Yuki hadn't thought of it that way. "I don't know. Both? Neither? I'm so confused."

"That's okay." Hayato's voice was gentle. "Confusion is normal. You don't have to have all the answers right now."

They ate in comfortable silence for a while. Then Hayato spoke again.

"Can I be honest with you about something?"

"Sure."

"I like you. Like, actually like you." Hayato wasn't looking at him, focusing on his coffee instead. "And I know you have a girlfriend. And I'm not trying to be that guy who breaks up a relationship. But I also think you deserve better than someone who makes you feel trapped."

Yuki's heart was racing. "Hayato-san.."

"You don't have to respond to that." Hayato looked up, smiling softly. "I just wanted you to know. So you understand that my interest isn't just friendly. And if that makes you uncomfortable, I'll back off completely."

"We both are guys" Yuki said quietly. "It's um... i dont know, wouldn't it be weird?"

"Not at all! i think your really pretty senpai, i dont care if your a guy." Hayato paused. "But only if that's ok with you"

Yuki thought about Mizuki's constant declarations of love, her need for reassurance, her possessiveness. Then he thought about Hayato's patient kindness, the way he listened without judgment, how safe Yuki felt around him. but they were guys

"I'l think about it" Yuki said finally. "Can we spend more time together before i say anything?"

Hayato's smile was radiant. "Yeah"

They spent the rest of the morning together—walking through shops, visiting a bookstore where they bonded over their favorite anime, grabbing lunch at a curry place Hayato loved.

It felt natural. Easy. Like breathing.

By the time they parted ways in the afternoon, Yuki felt lighter than he had in weeks.

Hayato: Thanks for today. It was really fun.

Yuki: Thank you for inviting me. I had a really good time.

Hayato: Want to hang out again soon? Maybe next weekend?

Yuki: Definitely.

The quest timer showed [18:22:09].

Eighteen hours left.

Yuki still didn't know how he'd complete it. But for the first time in a long time, he felt like things might actually be okay.

His phone buzzed. Mizuki again.

Mizuki: I saw you

Mizuki: With him

Mizuki: You LIED to me

Mizuki: You said you needed space

Mizuki: But you meant space FROM ME

Mizuki: How could you do this to me?

Mizuki: After everything I've done for you?

Mizuki: We need to talk NOW

Yuki's stomach dropped. She'd been following him? Watching him?

Another message:

Mizuki: Come to my place. Right now. Or we're done.

The ultimatum hung in the air like a threat.

Yuki looked at his phone. At the quest timer. At Hayato's kind messages above Mizuki's angry ones.

He made a decision.

Yuki [to Mizuki]: I think we need to take a break.

The response was immediate:

Mizuki: WHAT?

Mizuki: You can't break up with me over text

Mizuki: That's not fair

Mizuki: I'm coming to your apartment

Mizuki: We're talking about this in person

Mizuki: YOU OWE ME THAT MUCH

Yuki felt terrified, what was he going to do? was he being too harsh?

he messaged Hayato:

Yuki: Are you busy? Can I come over? I need... I need somewhere that isn't my apartment right now.

Hayato: Of course. Address is [****]. Door code is 1234. Make yourself at home. I'll order pizza.

Yuki grabbed his overnight bag and left before Mizuki could arrive.

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