Chapter 5 : Tea, Books, and Blushing Hearts

After just a week of classes, Akg had slipped comfortably into his new rhythm.

He wasn't just the quiet transfer student anymore. His quick wit, calm nature, and occasional doodles had won over some attention—especially from Shizuka.

Their walks to school became routine. Their desk conversations became natural. And now…

"Hey," Shizuka asked as they left class that afternoon, "do you want to come over? I was going to study a bit, and you're actually good at explaining stuff."

Akg blinked.

Study session. At her house?

"Sure," he said coolly. "You'll owe me tea and snacks though."

She smiled. "Deal."

> DING!

Mini-Quest Accepted: "Study Date"

Objective: Visit Shizuka's house and bond during study time

Bonus: Impress her mother

Reward: +15 Heart Points, Relationship Milestone Progress

Optional Bonus: Unlock Passive Skill – "Family Favorite"

---

Later That Afternoon

Shizuka's house was as cozy and elegant as he imagined—clean lines, warm lighting, and the scent of flowers drifting through the air.

Shizuka led him into the living room. "I'll get drinks—make yourself comfortable."

Akg sat down, organizing his notes… then suddenly—

"Hello there. You must be Akg."

He turned—and nearly choked.

Standing in the doorway was Shizuka's mother. Graceful, refined, and stunning in a casual blouse and skirt, she looked more like an older sister than a parent.

"Oh—uh, yes, nice to meet you!" Akg stood and bowed slightly. "Thank you for having me."

She laughed gently. "So polite. Shizuka's been talking about you."

> DING!

Target Scanned: Yukiko Minamoto (Shizuka's Mother)

Potential Route: Locked (Parent Tier)

System Reaction: Passive Charm Engaged

Impression: Positive

"Well," Yukiko smiled, "if you're helping her study, I already like you. Let me know if you want anything."

She walked out, leaving Akg stunned for a moment.

Then Shizuka returned with tea and snacks. "Sorry, did Mom surprise you?"

"She's... really elegant," Akg said carefully.

Shizuka grinned. "She gets that a lot."

They sat close on the tatami mat in the living room, textbooks between them. As they worked through equations, Akg occasionally made jokes and scribbled exaggerated diagrams to make Shizuka laugh.

She leaned closer at one point, studying his notes, their shoulders lightly brushing.

"You're easy to study with," she said softly.

"And you're easy to be around," he replied.

> DING!

Shizuka Affection +15

Current Affection: 52/100

Status: Close Friends

Passive Skill Unlocked: "Family Favorite"

Effect: Gains faster approval with family members of bonded leads

As they packed up later that evening, Yukiko returned with juice and smiled warmly at Akg.

"You're welcome here anytime."

Akg bowed politely, hiding his grin. "Thank you, ma'am. I'll take you up on that."

As he walked home under the fading sunset, the system pinged quietly in his mind.

> Milestone Reached: 50+ Heart Points – Shizuka Route Progressing

New Option: Small Moments Event Unlocked

Next Milestone: 75 HP – Emotional Confession Scene

Things were accelerating.

Friendship, warmth, and maybe even… something more.