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[Cohabitation Check-in: Sayu Ogihara · One Week]

[Host receives a sign-in package]

[Money: 100,000 yen]

(Note: When the host and a person of the opposite sex who meet the system standards live together for a week, a month, or a year, they will receive a sign-in reward respectively, and the reward content will increase with the length of time.)

The chopsticks clattered onto the table with a crisp sound.

"Is it not to your taste?"

Sayu asked, poking at the potato stew she had cooked.

After getting off work, the two returned home together, and after Yusuke took a bath, Sayu had already prepared dinner.

The beef, browned and paired with wheat-dyed potatoes, steamed hotly in the pan, making one's finger twitch with anticipation.

But just as he was about to taste it, the system that had been quiet for a long time suddenly appeared, announcing its presence with a surprise.

"100,000... There will be more in a full month, and the value is even higher..."

"Is this guy so valuable...?"

Yusuke murmured, couldn't help but look at Sayu, scrutinizing her from head to toe, and asked.

"Sayu... Who are you?"

"Huh?" With a puzzled expression, Sayu tilted her head and said, "Even if you ask that... I can only say that I am an ordinary high school student, although I am currently not attending."

"What's wrong?"

She gazed at him inquiringly.

"It's nothing." Yusuke shook his head, then added, "Just thinking that there's something special about you."

"Speaking of which... I don't think I've ever asked where you're from."

"Hey~" Sayu narrowed her eyes and said meaningfully, "Just like I don't ask about your past, I hope you won't pry into why I took you in." or something like that. Who said that in the end?"

Yusuke stopped moving.

"That's right, sorry, if you don't want to talk about it, you don't have to..."

"It's not like that!"

As if remembering something, Sayu slightly raised the corner of her mouth, giving Yusuke a meaningful look.

"Let's make it more interesting~" she suggested with a smile: "Let's ask each other three questions. Once asked, we must answer. How about it?"

"Ask each other?"

Yusuke repeated, a bit confused.

"That's right." Sayu held up three fingers: "We ask each other three questions. Once asked, we must answer. What do you think?"

"What if I have a question that I don't want to answer, or can't?"

Yusuke asked, almost reflexively.

As if she had anticipated his question, Sayu chuckled and said in a drawn-out tone.

"Then it becomes a game of consequences."

"The person who can't answer must unconditionally agree to a request by the other, within their own capabilities. How about it?"

'This might be an opportunity to learn more about her issues.'

Yusuke decided to agree, looked at Sayu, and said, "Yes, but this request should not be too excessive, and must exclude physical contact."

"I agree." Sayu giggled, resting her chin in her hands as she looked at Yusuke: "You should start."

"Okay." Yusuke nodded, paused to think, and then asked, "Where are you from?"

"Is that really your question?" Sayu sighed softly: "Although I'm not sure if it will satisfy you, but...it's Asahikawa."

"Asahikawa?" Yusuke frowned, searching his memory, muttering to himself, "Is there such a place near Tokyo?"

"Not Tokyo, 

it's Hokkaido."

Sayu said nonchalantly.

"...Hokkaido?" Yusuke was surprised, "Are you from Hokkaido? Alone?"

"Well..." Sayu pondered, thought for a moment, and said, "Is this the second question?"

This seemingly indifferent attitude made Yusuke fall silent for a while, then he shook his head and said, "Then change it, when did you leave Hokkaido?"

"Well..." Sayu's eyes shifted slightly, "About a month ago."

"Is that so..." Yusuke nodded thoughtfully, "Then does your family know?"

After speaking, Sayu's expression briefly clouded over.

However, it was only for a moment; then she smiled, shook her head gently, and said, "I don't know."

There was a smile on her face, but no happiness behind it.

Yusuke asked involuntarily, "Then won't your parents be worried?"

To this question, Sayu did not answer, but instead held up three fingers at him, as if to say:

"Your questions are over."

That kind of attitude, both aloof and indifferent, caused Yusuke to lose focus for a moment. He took a deep breath, looked at Sayu, and said:

"Sorry, I need to know about this issue anyway, so let's take it as a condition."

"...Well, it's a bit cunning, but since it's you, Yusuke, I can't really say no."

Sayu murmured, then raised her head and looked into the distance.

"As for your question, I think my parents probably feel relieved now that I'm gone, so it doesn't matter."

The smile that had been on Sayu's face was now clearly tinged with gloom.

"You're just guessing about this kind of thing," Yusuke said, his voice a little low.

"I just know it," Sayu responded decisively, her eyes a mix of loneliness and resignation.

"Sayu," Yusuke said softly, picked up a piece of potato with his chopsticks, and put it in his mouth, then gave Sayu, who looked back, a thumbs up.

"Today's meal is delicious, did you add anything?"

The solemnity gradually faded from his face, and as Yusuke continued eating, Sayu asked with some doubt, "...Really?"

"Really!"

While speaking, Yusuke swallowed another piece of potato, then waved to Sayu, motioning her to sit next to him.

"If you don't believe me, try it yourself."

"Is that so?"

Sayu sat down beside Yusuke, picked up a piece of potato, and put it in her mouth, tasting it carefully, then frowned slightly.

"It doesn't seem any different from usual."

"Really?"

Yusuke said casually.

"Maybe you're eating it wrong."

"...Huh? What does that mean?"

"When you eat, you have to open your mouth like this, 'Ah-', and then the food will taste delicious," Yusuke said seriously.

"Come on, learn from me, ah—"

"What—"

A fluffy piece of potato was placed into Sayu's mouth.

Yusuke retracted his chopsticks and gently stroked her head: "When you face difficulties, you can lean on me more, it's okay."

The amber eyes flickered, the girl lowered her gaze slightly, then smiled as if reminiscing.

"Yusuke."

"What?"

"The potatoes are really delicious."

"Mm."

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