Change in Interest.

Renji stared at the blank document on his screen, fingers hovering over the keyboard.

If I can't fight or use magic, then I'll make money first.

His blessings were the key to regaining his past strength. They enhanced whatever he focused on, which meant he needed to unlock the right one first. Writing seemed like a simple place to start.

Taking a deep breath, he typed out the first line.

"In a world where heroes are born from desire..."

[System Alert!]

— [New Blessing Unlocked: Writer's Insight] —

— [Effects: Increases creativity, storytelling ability, and writing speed] —

— [Bonus Effect: Popularity and engagement increase with effort] —

Renji blinked. That was fast.

A warmth spread through his mind, and suddenly, words started flowing like a stream. His fingers danced across the keyboard, descriptions forming effortlessly, dialogue feeling sharper, and his world-building growing richer.

His smirk widened. This might actually work.

Just as he was about to dive deeper into the story, a knock interrupted his thoughts.

"Renji, are you there?"

It was Rika.

He sighed, stretching before opening the door. She stood outside, her soft brown hair slightly messy from the summer breeze. Her arms were crossed, and her usual book was tucked under one arm.

"You're acting weird," she said flatly.

"Huh?"

"You suddenly look... different," she murmured, narrowing her eyes as if trying to read him.

Renji smirked. Well, that's expected. A shut-in suddenly deciding to work hard? Of course, she'd be suspicious.

"Don't think too much about it. I just wanted to change."

Rika stared at him for a moment before sighing. "Fine. Anyway, come have lunch with me."

He raised a brow. "Since when do we eat together?"

"You've been locked in your room since morning. I just figured I'd check if you're still alive." She gave a teasing smile but quickly looked away. "Besides, I was a little curious."

So she is observing me.

Renji shrugged. "Sure, why not?"

As they walked to the dining area, Rika kept glancing at him as if trying to find what had changed.

She doesn't see me as a man, Renji reminded himself. Just a childhood friend.

But that was fine—for now. He had bigger things to focus on. And if she was curious, he could use that to his advantage.

Having her interest piqued could be a good sign.

After all, Renji still wanted her.

Even if she had only seen him as a friend before, that didn't mean things had to stay that way. He wasn't the same pathetic guy anymore—this time, he would make her see him as a man.

But forcing it wouldn't work.

He had learned that lesson the hard way in his past life. If he was going to win her heart, it had to be natural.

He exhaled, shaking off unnecessary thoughts as they entered the small dining area of Sakuragi Inn. The place had a cozy atmosphere, blending traditional tatami seating with modern furnishings. A few other guests sat around, quietly enjoying their meals.

Rika led him to a window-side table, placing her book beside her tray. She ordered cold soba with tempura, while Renji went for a cheap katsudon.

As they waited, she rested her chin on her palm and studied him.

"So? What brought this change?"

He raised a brow. "You've asked me that three times now."

"Because I don't believe you," she said bluntly. "You never wanted to 'change' before."

Renji smirked. "Maybe I just realized life is short."

"Dramatic." She rolled her eyes, but there was a faint smile on her lips. "Fine, I'll take your word for it—for now."

Their food arrived, and as they ate, Rika continued to glance at him, her curiosity growing.

Renji knew what she was doing—trying to figure him out.

That was fine. Let her watch. Let her observe.

Because this time, she wouldn't be looking at the same weak Renji.

She would see the man who would make her his.

Being stared at like that didn't feel great.

So, in return, Renji locked eyes with her.

His sudden, unwavering stare caught Rika off guard. Her chopsticks paused midair, and for the first time in a long while, she looked nervous.

After all, the Renji she knew—the one from before—never stared at her like this.

He had always been awkward, looking away first, fumbling his words, never daring to hold eye contact for more than a second. But now?

He was looking straight at her. Unshaken. Unafraid.

Rika blinked, then quickly turned her head, acting as if she were simply checking something outside the window. She took a sip of water, her fingers slightly fidgeting.

Renji smirked.

Interesting.

She wasn't used to this side of him yet. That was good—he wanted her to notice the change.

"You're staring too much," she finally muttered, breaking the silence.

"You started it," he replied, taking a bite of his food.

"I was observing."

"So was I."

Rika narrowed her eyes slightly, but there was no hostility—only curiosity.

Renji leaned back slightly, feeling the weight of the moment. He had always admired her from a distance, unsure of how to act around her. But now he had a goal.

This time, he wouldn't just admire her.

"Alright, let me spill it. Actually, I almost choked on my food this morning."

Rika blinked. "...What?"

"I was really afraid," Renji continued, setting his chopsticks down. "And after that, I realized something very important. So, maybe I haven't changed that much, but I'm thinking about the future more now."

Rika's brows furrowed, and her grip on the chopsticks tightened slightly. "You almost choked?"

"Yeah," he admitted with a small laugh, but Rika didn't return it.

"That's not funny, idiot," she muttered, looking away for a moment. "What if no one was around? You could've..." She trailed off, shaking her head.

Renji was a little surprised. He hadn't expected her to sound genuinely worried.

"Well, I'm fine now," he reassured her. "But it made me think... I don't want to live the way I used to."

Rika sighed, poking at her food. "...That's good, I guess."

Renji smirked. "Are you saying you were worried about me?"

"Tch." She turned her face slightly, but he could see the slight frown on her lips. "...A little."

That was enough.

"So, what exactly are you planning for the future?" she asked, her voice still holding a hint of concern.

Renji leaned back, thinking for a moment. "...For starters, I want to get better at things. Not just academically, but in life. Skills, experience, knowledge. Everything."

Rika studied him, her gaze softer now. "...That's different from the Renji I knew."

"Yeah. I'm different now."

She held his gaze for a moment, then let out a quiet sigh.

"Just don't push yourself too hard, okay?"

Renji smiled.

"Hmm, just keep an eye on me."

Renji stared back at her, his gaze steady and unwavering. This time, he made his intentions more than clear.

Rika's cheeks tinged with a faint blush. It wasn't just his words—it was him. The way he spoke, the way he looked at her now... something about it felt different.

More than that, she knew Renji.

She had known him for years—a quiet, stubborn, and somewhat awkward guy who never spoke much unless necessary. Yet now he was making direct eye contact, challenging her in a way she wasn't used to.

'He's serious about something.'

She bit her lip lightly, her fingers fidgeting with her chopsticks. "You... really have changed, haven't you?"

"Maybe," Renji admitted. "But some things don't change so easily."

Rika tilted her head. "Like what?"

He smirked. "Like how I never give up on something once I set my mind on it."

Her fingers twitched slightly at his words.

Renji was stubborn. Always had been. If he was really determined about something, she knew he would pursue it until the end.

"I see," she muttered, looking away as if deep in thought.

Renji took a bite of his food, watching her reaction carefully. He didn't want to push too much just yet—but at the very least, he had planted the seed.

'She'll start noticing it soon enough.'

For now, he just needed to keep moving forward.