Chapter 25

"Please, please don't tell anyone about this, Haruhi."
Yoshimi Uehara bent forward, her rather loose collar slipping down, revealing a glimpse of what lay beneath.
Haruki Haruno gazed at the striking contrast of black and white inside her collar, the visual impact overwhelming his senses.
"Mrs. Uehara, please, let's stand up first," Haruhi said quickly, reaching out to help Yoshimi Uehara to her feet. Perhaps it was the aftereffects of what had just happened, but even the slightest brush against her arm sent ripples through his heart.
"As long as you promise not to tell anyone, Haruhi, I… I’ll do anything for you."
Her voice was choked with emotion, tears shimmering in her large eyes. She looked like a beautiful widow, dressed in plain clothes, a sight that would stir compassion in anyone. It was clear that Haruno’s reaction had truly frightened her—she was desperate not to let what happened tonight be known.

[Event Triggered]
[Following the guidance of the Great System, you’ve discovered Yoshimi Uehara’s secret. Perhaps you can make something of this? Now, Yoshimi Uehara is begging you not to spread the word and is promising you a reward. Faced with the kindhearted lady’s plea, you decide:]
[A. A rogue treads the path less traveled. Refuse Yoshimi Uehara and spread the story throughout the neighborhood tomorrow. (Reward: Hatred from Yoshimi Uehara, cleaver warning.)]
[B. Act as if nothing happened and comfort Mrs. Uehara, assuring her you understand and will keep her secret. (Reward: Yoshimi Uehara’s increased favor, new title: "Mr. Nice Guy")]
[“Green Title” Mr. Nice Guy: +1 Charisma]
[Description: This title is no ordinary label. Judging by its color, only the most accommodating souls can wear it. With this, you’ll gain a heart vast and forgiving—nothing can anger you. Even if you’re wearing a green hat, you can smile and accept it.]
[C. It seems Mrs. Uehara said she’d do anything. This reminds you of those films from your previous life, and that doesn’t sound so bad. Just give her a little hint—surely a mature, kind lady like her will understand. (Reward: Attribute Points +5)]
[D. Why hint at anything? In every movie, there’s always a little force involved. Charge straight ahead like a warrior! Remember the reward from a few days ago, the “Mighty Vajra Pill”? If not now, then when? Completely conquer Yoshimi Uehara! (Reward: Mighty Vajra Pill x10! A reward for the brave! With these, you’re sure that not only Yoshimi Uehara, but even landlady Eri Momotani, won’t be a problem!)]

Staring at the sudden options that appeared, Haruhi fell into deep thought. The rewards this time were quite generous, especially option D—ten Mighty Vajra Pills, just the thought was tempting. In essence, options C and D weren’t all that different—one was gradual and subtle, the other direct and straightforward.

Just as Haruhi was hesitating, caught between options—

Yoshimi Uehara was feeling increasingly uneasy. Seeing Haruno standing there lost in thought only made her more anxious. She dreaded the thought of her daughter and mother-in-law’s scorn, the neighbors’ ridicule—Yoshimi’s heart was awash with panic and regret. Why hadn’t she closed the door?

No, she couldn’t let this happen. She had to do something.

With that, the wavering look on Yoshimi’s face turned to determination, as if she’d made up her mind. Her gaze slowly dropped.

She bit her soft lower lip, lowered herself shakily, and reached out her delicate hand, trembling.

It’s fine, Haruhi is so young—if anyone is taking advantage, it’s me, she kept telling herself, trying to find comfort in those strange thoughts.

And honestly, Haruhi-kun had gotten a bit more handsome lately…

A trace of anticipation flickered in her eyes.

Still struggling with the options, Haruno suddenly felt a chill below his waist.

He looked down, his feelings complicated.

"As long as you promise not to tell, Haruhi, then let me…"

From Haruhi’s perspective, Yoshimi Uehara at this moment was a bewitching temptress. Glancing at her collar, he found himself wondering what little Fuyuko Uehara’s meals tasted like as a child.

Damn it! At a time like this, who cares about choices?

Haruhi said nothing, letting Yoshimi Uehara proceed as she wished.

Strange sounds slowly filled the storeroom. Neither of them spoke—Haruno had nothing to say, and Yoshimi couldn’t.

After that, everything unfolded naturally.

"System, give me a Mighty Vajra Pill!" Haruhi shouted inwardly.

In an instant, he felt power surging through every fiber of his being.

If it’s from the System, it must be top quality!

Tonight, Haruhi finally understood the meaning of madness.

The gentle, elegant Mrs. Uehara revealed a side he’d never imagined.

Outside the store—

A blonde girl in a short skirt and thigh-high socks arrived at the entrance, glancing in to find no sign of that familiar figure—in fact, not a single person.

"Strange, this is definitely the place…" The blonde beauty muttered, checking her phone. No reply from Haruno yet.

"That annoying fatso! Just wait till I find you, I’ll teach you a lesson you won’t forget!" Kiyora Rinmi grumbled fiercely.

He still hadn’t replied to her messages. Ugh, so aggravating!

A night breeze swept past, making Kiyora shiver. Even in October, Tokyo’s nights were already chilly.

The streets were nearly empty, the lamplight by the roadside dim, with only a few shops still glowing in the quiet night.