Hozuki Nozomi glanced at Mai Sakurajima's slender back before shifting his gaze away. Since the Game Life system hadn't triggered any special tasks related to her, it meant her current situation wasn't life-threatening.
For now, he simply focused on enjoying his bento with Sanshokuin Sumireko in peaceful silence.
As lunchtime drew to a close, they packed up, parted ways, and returned to their respective classrooms.
Nozomi had to admit—
The library was a great spot for a midday nap.
It was quiet, undisturbed, and, thanks to Sumireko's fondness for books, she also preferred spending her lunch breaks there rather than in a noisy classroom.
Despite her naturally stunning beauty and impressive figure, she deliberately concealed them under a plain and somewhat rural style of dressing. She didn't enjoy standing out. Being constantly stared at, admired, or pursued—it was nothing but a burden for her.
She had learned that lesson the hard way in middle school.
But that was in the past. Now, she treasured the tranquility she had built around herself.
And today, for the first time in a while, she had shared her lunch break with a boy who neither fawned over her nor seemed intent on exposing her disguise. Nozomi's attitude was refreshingly normal, and she appreciated that more than she let on.
Meanwhile, back in the classroom, Nozomi took out a notebook and began working on the script for a new manga concept: Magical Girl Misaki.
It was less of a novel and more of a dialogue-driven script. First, he drafted character interactions and plot progression, then refined the scene descriptions for the illustrator's reference. He wanted to complete several key plot points before handing them over to Misaki-senpai after school.
Preparation was key.
If he wanted to set himself apart from the ever-procrastinating Mitaka Ren, he had to show initiative. No need for excessive flattery—
Misaki-senpai was no fool. She had an energetic and free-spirited personality, but she knew how to recognize effort. If he maintained his momentum, she'd naturally acknowledge his dedication.
Compared to him, Mitaka Ren, who wasted his time juggling six women, would only fall further behind.
Halfway through his writing session, Hikigaya Hachiman strolled over, casting a curious glance at his notes. After a moment, his eyes widened in surprise.
"Oi, Nozomi, are you writing a light novel?"
"No," Nozomi corrected without looking up. "This is a game and anime script."
Hachiman blinked. "You're serious?"
"Of course." Nozomi smirked. "I know a senpai who's a genius in animation production. She's already well-known in the industry. A few days ago, I came up with a concept on a whim, and she loved it. Now we're working together on an anime project that will shake the industry."
Hachiman's mouth hung open in disbelief.
"…Are you even a normal high school student?" His voice was tinged with despair. "You haven't even graduated, yet you're already starting a business? Do you realize how depressing this is for future corporate slaves like us?"
Hachiman had been somewhat proud of his third-place ranking in liberal arts. But compared to Nozomi, who was already making moves in the entertainment industry, it felt meaningless.
This was unfair.
Shouldn't high school students be worrying about exams and part-time jobs instead of creating anime and games?
Seeing his friend's lifeless expression, Nozomi chuckled. "If you don't want to be stuck in an office job after graduation, then you should find something you're passionate about while you're still in school. If that passion can also make you money, then you've already won at life."
"…That's a high hurdle." Hachiman sighed. "I like playing games. Does lying at home count as a hobby? Ideally, I'd like to be a househusband."
Nozomi stared at him for a moment before handing him a slip of paper.
Hachiman read the title aloud, his face darkening. "100 Ways to Get Close to a Rich Woman… What the hell is this?"
"A useful reference," Nozomi replied seriously. "If you're aiming to be a househusband, your wife will need to be the breadwinner. If she's not rich, then both of you will just end up starving."
Hachiman tapped his chin thoughtfully. "…That's a fair point. Looks like my path to househusband glory is going to be tougher than I thought."
Nozomi smiled and shook his head.
Honestly, he had already achieved his dream of becoming a househusband. He didn't even have to cook. Just lying around and collecting rent was enough. Occasionally completing a quest would effortlessly add a million yen to his bank account.
But, of course, there was a reason he was putting in the effort to write scripts, develop games, and work on animations. It was all preparation—preparation for eventually crossing paths with the kinds of beautiful girls found in light novels and manga. Names like Kasumigaoka Utaha and Sawamura Spencer Eriri weren't just fictional to him; they were goals.
If life was a game, then what he was doing now was merely completing side quests. Only by fulfilling certain conditions could he unlock the routes to the heroines and enter the main storyline.
Besides, doing absolutely nothing but waiting for rent deposits every month would be too dull. He needed something engaging to pass the time.
Before he knew it, afternoon had arrived.
After class, it was time for club activities. However, since Nozomi had been assigned cleaning duty alongside Shiina Mahiru, he had to stay behind to tidy up the classroom.
As the saying goes, "When men and women work together, the job doesn't feel like a chore."
Shiina Mahiru was diligent and exceptionally skilled at housework, making their task much easier. With her efficiency and his minimal effort, they wrapped up the cleaning in no time. After locking the classroom door, they left together.
Since Mahiru wasn't part of any club, she planned to head straight home. Nozomi considered tagging along but suddenly recalled something important.
He had yet to use the "Neko Bag," a prop he had obtained earlier.
"I think I'll check out the clubs today," he said, feigning interest.
Mahiru, unfazed, simply nodded in understanding. "Alright. See you later, Nozomi-kun."
With that, they parted ways.
Nozomi watched her figure disappear before retrieving the Neko Bag from his inventory. Inside, the three stray cats from Sakurasou rested in a static state. He smirked.
Activating the bag, he released the cats into the schoolyard. The special ability allowed him to share their vision and control them remotely.
His primary objective?
Finding Yukinoshita Yukino, the second daughter of the esteemed Yukinoshita family.
In the original story, she had founded a one-person club, the Service Club. Nozomi had no intention of joining, but he couldn't allow anyone else to join either.
Especially not that dead-eyed loner, Hikigaya Hachiman.
Strolling casually, he avoided directly seeking out Yukino in Class J. Instead, he found a comfortable spot by the flower beds, leaned back, and connected with his feline spies.
The cats provided an advantageous perspective, weaving through the halls undetected. And from certain angles… well, let's just say the view was interesting.
Not that it mattered. Ahem.
Focus, Nozomi. Focus.