[ I can't remember the last time I sat down like this for a chat! ]

With a playful smile and a laid back attitude, the young man in front of you was having the time of his life indulging in the simple aesthetic of a cafe. He stood out so much that even sitting in the corner of a near empty cafe made you feel like there was a blinding spotlight shone onto you two.

His sense of style was––how would you put it. It wasn't like he was wearing crazy expensive clothes, but his appearance was enough to make people turn their head around and stare at him for longer than the average human. He had a watch on his wrist, red earrings that complimented the red eye shadow on the corner of his eyes, and a face that was mature but also childish in a sense that he always had a happy expression.

While he was having fun you were currently having an existential crisis on how the hell and why the hell is a holographic screen out here in the flesh.

When he first revealed himself, the first thing you wanted to do was load up a gun and barrage him with millions of questions. But, that wasn't exactly convenient in the middle of a pathway. You suggested talking at an empty park, he suggested a cafe. You said no, but he began walking without you and you had no choice but to follow.

"You keep using the holographic screen. Are you unable to speak or something?"

He took a sip of his drink before saying, "Oh no, I can totally talk." A cheerful laugh left him. "Using the screen makes me feel cooler."

You were not amused. "Well, reading it is annoying."

"Oh, whoops." He looked anything but apologetic.

"Okay, let's cut to the chase." You paused. "Where the hell do I even start?

"I'll start off for you~" The young man uncrossed his legs and moved closer to the table, eyes focused on you as a playful grin stretched across his lips. "I'm here because––drumroll please––because I can!"

"What."

"I mean, why shouldn't I be here? It's a lot more fun interacting human to human, right?"

"Did you always have this form or...?"

"Pretty much. Though, I can do a few tricks here and there like change into the opposite gender, but this is basically what I look like."

"Right..." It was so weird to wrap your head around all this. "Are you here to like... enact the punishment for me failing the game?"

"Punishment? Ah! I should clear that up, huh? Okay, okay. I'll ask you a question, what do you think changed about the game up until this point?"

You gave him a confused look. "The fact that I got hit in the back of the head and––"

"Nevermind, the question was too vague." He drummed his fingers against the table in contemplation. "Do you remember the game's rules?"

"Don't let the male leads kill or harm anyone?"

"And why would they want to do such a thing?"

"For the heroine's love." You paused. "Are you hinting at what I think you're hinting at?"

"I don't know. Am I?"

His attitude makes you want to throw your drink at him. "When I first accepted the game, I expected to go like this: Kashi, Yusei and Satoshi-san would be getting romantic with Aimi-san and I'd be the third wheel making sure the guys don't harm anyone. But all the deaths so far have nothing to do with her and I feel as if I'm the one getting close to the guys instead."

"Why do you think that's the case? "

"Because my presence changed the plot?"

"Mhm. But not in the way you think. The concept is that they'll kill for the heroine's love––well, it was supposed to be until someone decided to bend the rules." He laughed. "Whoops, said too much."

You furrowed your eyebrows. "Did you purposefully make that slip up?"

"I don't know what you're talking about."

"..."

Bending the rules. He didn't sound like he was referring to you.

Aimi...You assumed development between her and the male leads was a little slower than you anticipate because of your intervention. However, you have seriously seen no signs of major development. Why was that the case?

Bending the rules. Could Aimi be another player? That would explain why she isn't acting according to what I was told. Plus, I can't imagine anyone else.

That was a shocking possibility. But, how and why would she be a player? The conclusion brought an avalanche of questions to the table.

You set the thought aside for a moment. "You never answered my last question. If I die I lose the game right? Then, what's the punishment?"

"Like I said, something within the game was changed." A low chuckle left him. "Let's just say you got very lucky."

"What?"

"I did a little... update to the system. You happened to get killed during the process. So, I didn't count it."

Your heart sank. "Meaning... I technically died."

"Yup~ Though, one whack to the head only rendered you unconscious. You died in the following events."

You thought back to the nightmare you had. "What were the events?"

"If I told you, it'd spoil a lot of things. So, I am going to keep my mouth shut."

He made a zipping motion across his lips. Ugh.

"So, I just got super lucky?"

"Sounds convenient, right? Don't worry, there's more to it, though. But I don't feel like explaining."

You wanted to press for more details, but you had a feeling that it'd just be a waste of energy. "So, what's this update?"

"I added some new... factors."

"New factors?"

"If you're planning to ask for the details, don't bother."

The male hummed in satisfaction at your annoyed expression. You had to take several deep breaths to convince yourself not to throw hands.

"This is all just entertainment for you, huh?"

He snapped his fingers. "Correct! I'm excited when things get spicier. Why? Do you hate me for that?"

"It's not like that'll change anything," you mumbled bitterly.

Yeah, the thought of him seeing your struggle as entertainment pissed you off, but he'd probably be more amused if you showed your annoyance or caused a scene. However, you couldn't help but think there was more to it. Why did he choose to craft this game in this certain manner?

"...Is this really all for entertainment, though?"

"Oh-ho, you're trying to interrogate me now, are you? You interested in me?"

"Nevermind."

He chuckled. "But, dear player. Remember, you were lucky." His words had a threatening undertone underneath the joyous tune. "The next time you fail is set in stone. Don't get me wrong, seeing you in action is great. But I can't play favourites too much."

"Favourites?"

"Did I say something?"

No, you definitely heard him say 'favourites'. This was only reinforcing your theory that Aimi was a player. If she really was one...well, you had a lot of thinking to do.

"Is Aimi-san also a player?"

The young man grinned. "Find out for yourself."

You let out an exhausted sigh. So, you didn't fail the game. You felt relieved, but also burdened at the thought. You wonder at what point you'd burn out from all of the stress.

You lifted your drink, gaze resting on the liquid. "If only there was a way to speed things up..."

Wait.

"The game's purpose is not led by the heroine, but led by the male leads. After all, they don't show much of a romantic interest in Aimi-san and the game is still going." You placed your drink down. "So, does the game end early if there are no male leads that are willing to harm or kill?"

His green eyes glimmered in interest. "I never said an early victory wasn't allowed. If the males leads are not a threat, then the game can't go on. Boom, an early victory."

So, you were right. But how were you going to get an early victory? Murder was out of the question, trying to expel one of the male leads was extremely difficult and might not even be enough, and convincing them to stop being murderous by solving their internal conflicts? Yeah, no. You weren't their therapist.

Or maybe... Your eyes widened.

The male leads have the potential to kill. So, what if you handed them over to the police for attempted murder?

Woah, woah. (Y/n), slow down.

First off, if you were going to do that, you were going to do it to Kashi as well. Could you really do that to your conscience? Second of all, that plan had a million ways where it could backfire. Third of all, that suggested you'd have to prompt them to kill so you would know when exactly to catch them in the act and gain evidence for an arrest. No thanks.

The young man in front of you narrowed his eyes and tilted his head, green hair swaying to the side. "Hm... I am a little concerned about your thought process."

"You can tell what I am thinking?"

"I can read your thoughts, but I didn't need to this time. I know the type of person you were in the past. Honestly, I think you can win the game pretty easily if you were to... revert back to who you were." He leaned in a little closer and looked at you right in the eyes. "But, I won't be too happy if you win this game in the same manner the you in the past would."

===

For the event scheduled with Yusei's parents, an outfit was needed. Something not too fancy, but not casual enough to where you could spend less than a minute to rock up.

Here you were after school wandering around the mall in the pursuit of a suitable outfit. The more that time went on without a store that caught your eye, the more you contemplated if you could just wear sweatpants, slap some jewellery that looked expensive and play it cool.

You squinted your eyes at the clothes displayed at a particular store. "Hmm, maybe this can work––"

A flash of long and dark red hair momentarily distracted you. Your gaze instinctively shifted to the individual to take another look. The woman's back was turned to you, but you had a feeling you knew who she was.

Now you had two reasons to enter this store; might as well, then. The staff greeted you with a customer service smile and when you took a closer look at the products available here, you felt your wallet hurt. You searched for the red-haired woman and spotted her looking through some dresses. Being as natural as possible, you walked to the section nearby before sneaking in a glance to get a better look at her features.

She was a beautiful woman––that much was clear right off the bat. The way she carried herself screamed important, but she didn't seem intimidating to where people wanted to avoid her. Her red lipstick complimented her crimson eyes, her makeup obvious but suited her porcelain features well, and her style of clothes classy but not obnoxiously so.

So, it was her! What was her name again... She appeared in Kashi's past, she was the woman who approached and invited him to her agency. It was Ichika, right?

Okay, now that you have registered who she was, you immediately wanted to get out of the store. From what you can remember after seeing Kashi's past, she was not a good person. You didn't want to deal with another manipulative individual in your life.

"Excuse me, you look familiar. I hope I'm not being rude, but you do happen to be (L/n)-san?"

Her voice startled you and you were almost tempted to scream back no as a response. Mentally heaving a defeated sigh, you plastered a friendly smile and said, "Yes, that's me. Uhm...you're Ichika-san, right?"

The woman smiled, but it didn't reach her eyes. "I'm flattered you know me."

"Well, yeah. You're in charge of the agency that will have their idols perform in the restaurant's upcoming event."

"You have a point. I'm looking forward to what kind of desserts your bakery comes up with. Are you here to buy something to wear for the event?"

"Yup."

Her words were friendly, but you felt more uncomfortable than reassured. Ichika played a significant role in why Kashi was the way he is now. Sure, she gave him a fantastic opportunity as an idol, but the insecurities and struggles he went through were also as a result of her whether directly or indirectly. Not to mention, she manipulated him as a kid––taking his naivety as a child to her advantage.

"Since my two most popular idols will be there, a camera crew will be present at the event airing live."

"I've heard."

"The media can be obnoxious sometimes, so I hope things progress well. You'd know, right?"

Almost. You almost asked Ichika what she meant by that. But you assumed she was referring to the incident with the fire a while back and how you were a hot topic amongst the media for a short time period. Shin's mother, Yua, took care of the media for you. Sure you had to deal with some journalists here and there, but you weren't swarmed with microphones and cameras.

You didn't know what game Ichika was playing at bringing this up. With a carefree shrug, you replied with, "Not really."

"Oh, that was my mistake. I suppose it makes sense, you never got to share your side of the story."

You held back the urge to roll your eyes. It wasn't like you could storm the media and scream accusations at Hayami; that would 100% backfire on you. Though you spent many nights frustrated that Hayami's crime was never revealed, there wasn't much you could do about it.

Ichika's articulation came off as harmless and friendly. One would assume she was saying things out of pure curiosity. But you had a feeling that it wasn't the case. Maybe to gauge your reaction? If you responded harshly she'd know you harboured bitter feelings and can therefore use that weakness against you?

If that was the case, even if it meant bathing in an awkward silence, you didn't respond.

Ichika didn't press you for answers or displayed signs of annoyance. "Oh, that's right! Genji-san mentioned that you two used to date. I was surprised."

You held back the urge to groan. "Well, it's used to date for a reason."

She gave you a sympathetic look. "Oh, sorry. I didn't know it was sensitive. He seemed very carefree about it. If you need to talk to anyone, you can always come to me."

Ichika smiled; a smile that was filled with a mother-like warmth. It looked so friendly and harmless to where you felt nauseatingly uncomfortable. You had the impression that Ichika was the type to frame herself as an individual who can help you, someone safe and secure. After all, she took advantage of Kashi's insecurity and lent him a helping hand. She could very well be doing the same to you, albeit on a smaller scale.

Well, you could be overreacting. It didn't hurt to keep your guard up, though.

You returned the warm smile. "I don't really know you, but thanks for the offer."

"You're right. I just thought I'd offer." She glanced over to a dress and gestured to it. "Oh, that suits you."

She was right, it does suit you. You grabbed the dress next to the one Ickicha recommended. "It was nice meeting you, I'll see you at the event."

In other words, hopefully I don't run into you anymore until I absolutely have to.

She nodded. "I enjoyed our conversation."

You paid for the dress and left the store, not looking back.

When you were certain that you had left her sights, you let out a sigh of relief. Another headache to deal with. She kind of reminded you of Yusei, but much more experienced. Yusei usually opted to get information out of people, you felt like Ichika was testing the information she had on you.

Yeah, you didn't like her at all.

To clear your head, you decided to go for a walk. However, after what happened last time, you didn't go your usual route and took a different path. This was a good opportunity to see Seiji and begin and break ties. At least until graduation. You needed to put all your focus onto the game.

You almost lost your resolve right then and there when you entered the flower shop and were welcomed with the beautiful flowers, sweet floral scent, and the minimalistic but cozy space. Seiji was searching for something behind the counter, his fluffy whie hair slightly peeking from behind it. At the sound of the bell signaling your entry, he looked up.

He smiled at you. "Welcome, did you miss me already?"

You laughed. "Hello, hello. And yes, I did. I simply couldn't stop thinking about you."

"Haha. Well, I am pretty irresistible. No need to feel bad," he said, sending a cheesy wink at you. He then looked at what you were holding. "Aw, a gift for me?"

You placed it on the counter. "You like dresses?"

"Pft, I'm sure I can rock them. Easy," he said. "So, whatcha here for? Another chat?"

"Actually, I wanted to give you a heads up on something. I'll be pretty busy for a while since I've decided to dabble in my parents' business. I won't be able to visit as often."

You weren't going to flat out cut ties with him straight away. The plan was to slowly drift apart until you rarely saw him.

"That's a shame. What will I do without you?" He dramatically placed the back of his hand on his forehead. "My life would become a hopeless and meaningless void."

You rolled your eyes playfully. "Okay, drama queen." You pretended to check the clock. "I'm kinda short on time so I'll be heading off now. Don't miss me too much!"

He laughed. "Can't make any promises!"

Okay, that went well. Though it sucks that you can't hang around Seiji as often anymore, you needed to do this. However, from how much fun you had in that few minutes spent with him was almost enough for you to go turn around and say 'sike! I'm actually not busy. Wanna hang out for the next few hours?'

You held back a sigh. Until graduation, then you could do what you want.

"By the way, are you okay?"

You turned around and gave him a confused look. "Uh, should I not be?"

Seiji paused for a moment, his expression conflicted. With a soft sigh, he said, "Your head."

It felt like someone had just dropped an anchor in your stomach. You forced a laugh, the sound had to brutally claw its way out of your throat. "Okay, I know exams are soon, but I'm not that burnt out."

His intonation, his expression, his attitude; you knew that he wasn't joking around about exams.

He wasn't referring to what you were thinking, right?

Seiji opened his mouth to speak and a foreboding feeling urged you to shut him up. You didn't want to hear his next words.

"I guess I was a little vague." He chuckled sheepishly. "I meant, did your head recover well after you were hit on the back of it?"

A/n: We're back onto the main plot hell yeah