A Smile Worth Dying For

Whether it's for better or worse, I have to survive!

No classroom full of overachievers and potential anime protagonists is going to break me!

Let's go! No more delays! No more excuses!

Maybe Akira thought he was in the middle of an epic battle for survival—but in truth, he was just hyping himself up to survive the final stretch of the school day.

Which, to him, honestly felt like war.

When the teacher finally walked into the room, Akira felt a wave of soul-deep relief.

Just a few more hours. Just hold on a little longer.

By some miracle—and a ridiculous amount of mental energy—he powered through... and then, finally, the last bell rang.

And thus, a young man with dead eyes and a defeated look wandered the streets of Tokyo.

To anyone watching, it looked like he'd just escaped a hostage situation.

But the truth? He'd just finished a regular school day.

— I can't take this anymore...

[Relax. That was just your first day of school—and your second day in this world. You've got this.]

Thanks, system...

Even if you're just a disembodied voice in my head, it feels nice having someone to talk to.Must be nice… having people you can actually trust.

Lost in thought, Akira eventually arrived home. He stood in front of his apartment door and reached for his keys.

But then—click.A sound from the door beside his. Someone else was coming out.

Panic.

Gotta hurry!

Too late.

The door opened before he could make his escape... and out stepped Mahiru Shiina.

Instant mental shutdown.

— Well, it was a nice life. Shame it ended like this.

Already drafting his epitaph, Akira accepted his fate.

But then—surprise.She looked just as shocked to see him.

Apparently, she hadn't expected to run into the mysterious boy who had helped her the day before.

She bowed slightly, her expression gentle.

— "Thank you for what you did the other day. It really helped a lot."

Alright. I can do this. Just act normal. Normal!

Akira forced a nervous smile and replied:

— "I-I'm g-glad I c-could help... I'm h-happy to see you're doing well."

Mahiru, catching the awkwardness, smiled softly—warmly.

— "Seriously, thank you. I'm Mahiru Shiina, by the way. And you are?"

— "I-I'm Akira Kurosawa. Nice to meet you."

Was that okay? I didn't say anything weird, did I?

— "The pleasure's mine, Kurosawa-san."

She gave him a graceful nod and walked off, still smiling.

And Akira, now frozen in place, stared blankly into the void.

— SWEET HOLY—She's my neighbor?!

Wait… did I just have a normal human interaction? Am I evolving? Or… is this a trap?

[Stop overthinking. You're just making yourself paranoid.]

Thanks, system...

You're the best emotionally unavailable therapist I've ever had.

Trying not to spiral further, Akira entered his apartment.

Ah… the warmth of home. Best. Feeling. Ever.

Still, one thing bothered him.

Wait… why didn't the mission complete? I accepted her thanks, didn't I?

Oh well. Maybe there's a part two.

Shrugging off the thought, Akira decided to treat himself to a relaxing bath.

Thirty minutes later: fully refreshed, emotionally stable (sort of), and... hungry.

— "Hmm… what should I eat?"

He opened his mouth to suggest something—

Ding dong!

— "HOLY CRAP!"

Doorbell jump scare activated.

Who rings doorbells this late?!Wait… who even knows I exist?!

Cautiously, he approached the door and opened it.

And standing there was… Mahiru. Again.

This time, holding a bowl in her hands.

— "K-Kurosawa-san... I made more food than I expected and… I'd like to share some with you. Would you accept?"

Free food from a beautiful neighbor?

Yes. The answer is yes. Always yes.

— "T-thank you so much for your kindness, Shiina-san. I'd be happy to."

Mahiru smiled again—softly, sincerely.

And in that moment, Akira saw the gates of heaven open behind her.

— An angel just descended in front of me...

— So much purity in one smile!

Overwhelmed by her divine aura, Akira almost collapsed.

— Well… it was short, but worth it. Thanks for everything—whoever gave me this second chance.

Farewell, cruel world—

Wait! He can't die yet!

Still staring at her radiant smile, Akira's heart fluttered with confusion.

Could someone actually be… nice to him?

Without an agenda? Without pity?

— Could this world really be that different...?

[You'll only know if you try. But don't assume everyone will betray you.]

Thanks again, system...

Seriously.

[Also—don't forget your reward.]

Reward?

OH YEAH!

— "Alright, system! Hit me with the good stuff!"

[Sure! You've received—]