Four months had passed since Haru had first arrived in Shibuya.
Every morning, like clockwork, he laced up his running shoes and jogged through the parks and quiet streets, feeling the rhythm of his improved body.
Even though the system no longer required him to run.
his daily running quest long completed, he couldn't stop.
Jogging had become more than exercise; it was his way of breathing, thinking, and slowly growing into the "new Haru."
Haru's sneakers crunched softly against the gravel path.
The cool spring air carried the faint scent of sakura petals, drifting lazily across the sidewalk.
His stride was smooth, confident. No more wobbling, no more wheezing.
The system had optimized his metabolism, stamina, and strength, and he could feel it in every step.
"Three kilometers, easy," he muttered to himself, smiling faintly.
The park was quiet, save for the chirping of birds and the occasional passerby who nodded politely at the fit, taller boy jogging through Shibuya.
As he slowed down for his cooldown, he noticed Fuuko sitting on her usual bench, notebook in hand, gazing at the small pond nearby.
Haru approached, slowing to a walk, careful not to startle her.
"Good morning," he said, slightly out of breath but with a grin.
Fuuko looked up and returned a small smile. "Morning… arita-kun. You've been running a lot."
"I know," he replied, stretching his arms. "I guess… I just like running now."
Fuuko tilted her head, soft brown eyes observing him. "You've changed… in a good way."
Haru scratched the back of his neck. "…Thanks. I feel… different too."
She nodded, saying nothing else, but her calm presence made him feel at ease.
After finishing his run, they often walked a little together. Small stretches through the park, chatting lightly about school, books, and the small things in Shibuya that Haru had come to notice.
Today, as they strolled past the cherry blossoms, Haru felt a sudden pang of reality.
"…kurasaki-san," he began, hesitating. "I… I only have about a month left here."
Fuuko froze slightly, glancing at him. "…A month?"
"Yeah," Haru said, keeping his voice casual. "After that, I'll be heading back to… Suginami. To continue school…" He didn't specify the elementary school, leaving it vague. "…So… I wanted to ask you something."
Fuuko blinked, curiosity mixing with a faint sadness.
"…Could we… meet one last time? About a week before I leave?" Haru asked, trying to sound casual.
Fuuko's eyes softened. "…Of course… I'd like that."
Haru hesitated, fidgeting with his fingers. "…I… I want to give you something."
Her eyebrows lifted slightly. "…Something?"
Haru nodded, awkwardly. "…Yeah. Just… a little gift. Nothing big, I promise."
Fuuko's lips quivered faintly, a mix of surprise and curiosity. "…You… want to give me something?"
He shrugged. "…Yeah. I just… wanted to do something before I leave. That's all."
Her gaze softened further. "…Alright… I'll look forward to it."
Haru felt a strange flutter in his chest, part anxiety, part hope. How would she react? Would she even like it? He didn't know. But he hoped that, whatever it was, it would make her smile.
Online Exams
After returning home, Haru sat in front of his laptop. Four months of online schoolwork stared back at him. Assignments, quizzes, tests, everything he had neglected while focusing on his physical training.
"…Oh, right. I should probably do these."
He sighed, opening the first module. The interface was smooth, almost friendly in contrast to the monotony of paper worksheets.
The system pinged occasionally, offering minor encouragements:
[Hint: You can complete this faster with focus +2]
[Stamina sufficient for 2 hours of study]
Haru grinned. "…Even the system knows I've been running too much."
Hours passed. He typed, answered, clicked through lessons, and slowly caught up on four months of work.
By the end of the evening, he had submitted the majority of the assignments. Exhausted but satisfied, he leaned back.
"…Okay… done. Finally caught up."
The system chimed softly:
[Reward: Knowledge Consolidation +1]
[Experience in Academic Discipline +2]
Haru stretched, feeling the contrast between mental work and physical effort. Somehow, balancing both made him feel… more complete.
Later, as he prepared dinner with his grandparents, Haru couldn't stop thinking about Fuuko. He replayed their conversations over and over.
How would she react to the module? he wondered. Would she… really try it? Would it help her? Or would it scare her?
He sighed, a little anxious. The thought of leaving Shibuya in a month weighed on him more than he had expected. He had grown attached to the city, to the routine, and especially to the people he had met—Chiyuri, Takumu, and now Fuuko.
"…I hope she likes it," he muttered quietly. "…I really hope it helps."
The system pinged, as if reading his thoughts:
[Bond Potential Analysis: Kurasaki Fuuko]
Emotional Color: Soft green / High Trust
Risk: Low
Recommendation: Approach with care; emotional support advised
Haru nodded to himself. "…Got it. Be careful, but… be honest. That's all I can do."
He glanced at the window, where the Shibuya skyline reflected the early evening light. Jogging, running, learning, growing—these months had changed him. But the thought of leaving without properly connecting to Fuuko left a hollow feeling in his chest.
"…One week," he whispered. "…One week to do this right."
Haru returned to his room, making notes for the gift and thinking about how he would meet her again. He felt a strange mix of anticipation and anxiety.
For the first time in months, Shibuya didn't feel like a temporary stop. It felt like home.
And Fuuko… well, she had quietly become one of the most important people in that home