"Who would've thought you'd run into the senpai you admire so much right here~Host must be feeling pretty happy, pretty excited, hm~"
"As Host's caring little companion, this system naturally knows exactly what you want to do. But due to certain special circumstances, this task will be a bit different from usual. However, I'm confident Host can overcome this tiny little obstacle and complete the mission!"
"Please find a way to make Yukinoshita Haruno voluntarily spank your butt before 6 PM. Success may reward you with a Yukinoshita Haruno series card or item. Failure will result in drawing a punishment card."
"This system will be cheering you on~"
"Some 'caring companion' you are—more like a wolf in sheep's clothing!" Mio's mouth twitched.
The moment she heard the system's voice, she knew something was off. She just hadn't expected this task to be this absurd. Was this the change brought about by the [Masochist Constitution]?
Good thing this card's effect only lasted one day, and good thing Haruno's conquest rating was only at three points. If she'd reached the next threshold before triggering a task... things probably wouldn't be this simple.
But even so, there was no way Mio could just ask Haruno to do something like that to her.
Noticing Mio's slightly stiff expression, Haruno put on a disappointed act. "My cute kouhai doesn't seem too happy to see me. And here I thought we'd even slept in the same bed together~"
"???"
Miura Yumiko blinked. She felt like she'd just heard something incredible.
Wait—Mio was a girl, and that gorgeous, mature onee-san was also a girl. Sleeping in the same bed shouldn't be a problem... right?
Yumiko figured spending the whole day on a date with Mio had messed with her head a little.
Hearing Haruno's words, Mio snapped back to reality and put on a sweet smile. "Of course not. I was just surprised to run into you here, Senpai. If you don't mind, would you like to join us for some coffee?"
Haruno's appearance was unexpected, but Mio hadn't forgotten that Hayama and his group were still in the theater. They'd probably be coming out soon.
Whether to avoid making the task more difficult or to consider Yumiko's feelings, Mio decided they should relocate first.
"Sure~I was just getting thirsty anyway~"
Haruno noticed that unlike last time—when Mio had deliberately kept her distance—this time, the girl seemed... conflicted and helpless after seeing her. She was curious what exactly Mio was struggling with.
After leaving the cinema, the three of them took the elevator down to the café on the lower floor.
Once they were seated, Mio introduced the two to each other.
Haruno clearly wasn't very interested in Yumiko. After exchanging a few casual words, she turned her full attention to Mio.
Mio acted like she didn't notice at all, calmly studying the menu.
Of course, this was just a front. Her brain was actually running at full speed, trying to figure out if there was any way to complete the task without dying of embarrassment.
The task was ridiculous, sure, but giving up directly wasn't her style. Plus, deep down, she actually wanted to complete it. She figured this was the [Masochist Constitution] affecting her.
After all, [Schrödinger's Card] had been upgraded, which meant [Masochist Constitution]'s effects had been enhanced too.
If it were just her and Haruno, she might have had more options. But with Yumiko right there, one wrong move could mean double social death.
At that point, she'd probably have to find a planet where nobody knew her and start a new life.
"I'll have a Guatemala, thanks." Mio set down the menu. She hadn't really looked at it—she'd just ordered the coffee Haruno liked.
"Kouhai likes Guatemala too?"
"I like its smoky flavor."
"I love that taste too. Guess there's a reason we get along so well~" Haruno rested her chin on one hand, smiling at Mio.
Mio's mouth twitched at Haruno's words. Could their relationship really be called "getting along"?
Pushing aside her wandering thoughts, Mio feigned curiosity. "Are you here watching a movie alone, Senpai?"
"Yep. Sometimes watching alone is more relaxing. Though if my cute kouhai could keep me company, it might be even more relaxing~"
"Next time there's a chance, I'll definitely watch a movie with you properly, Senpai."
While talking to Haruno, Mio kept scanning their surroundings, searching for any opportunity to help complete her task.
But after looking around, she still couldn't find anything useful.
What should she do?
Just when Mio was at a complete loss, a little girl who'd tripped and fallen caught her attention.
Suddenly, she felt like she'd grasped something. She quietly stood up. "Um, I need to use the restroom. I'll be right back."
With that, Mio left her seat and headed toward the bathroom.
Watching Mio's retreating figure, Haruno sensed that she was planning something. But with so little information, she couldn't figure out Mio's true intentions.
Still, that's exactly what made Mio interesting.
Going to the bathroom was just an excuse. Mio's real goal was to take a fall under Haruno's watchful gaze—just like that little girl had.
Why would she do that? Did she even need to explain? Obviously to complete the task. Why else would she go looking for trouble?
Mio went to the bathroom, washed her hands, killed some time, then headed back.
To make herself look more natural, she even took out her phone and pretended to be reading something. When she noticed Haruno's gaze turning her way, Mio quickly acted like she'd tripped over something. Losing her balance, she flailed for a moment before landing squarely on her butt.
Everything looked perfectly reasonable.
Getting back up, Mio hurried back to her seat with an embarrassed expression. But instead of sitting down, she said to Haruno with a hint of worry, "Senpai, can you check if there's anything stuck to my clothes?"
Instinctively, Haruno reached out to brush the dust off Mio's clothes—and at that moment, time froze in Mio's vision.
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