So when will we arrive at school?

This morning, all of the shadow figures are more detailed.

By saying that, I do not mean they are just more this and more that. No, no, no. Rather than just being a blob of darkness that vaguely resembles a human shape, these things now have arms and legs. Incredible, I know. I am still astounded by the changes. Still, unlike any of the characters, these shadows do not swing their arms while walking. Instead, they are just like cut-out pieces of cardboard that can move.

I would say they look very close to shooting targets that can move. Or better yet, lagging characters.

It looks creepy and hilarious all at once, maybe leaning a little toward the horrific side for those unfamiliar with them, though...

On top of that, I believe the number of shadow figures is now more than before. Especially out on the streets, there are definitely more shadow figures walking around today.

Anyway, I do not know if they will be developed into full-fledged humans or characters at this rate. That seems unlikely, to be honest. The system does not have enough power to generate such a situation. It does not even have enough RAM for me to keep my memories when walking far away from Han. If so, how is it able to generate new sidekicks?

Unless, of course, the game is getting more attention, and the author is getting donations from god knows where. But I highly doubt that. No one would give up their money to purchase this abomination of a game.

Because of everything, I have been keeping my...face...out for any new changes in this world. It makes perfect sense, no? This eroge game is rapidly changing at an alarming rate. And I should be making mental notes as detailed as possible since the changes may make or break what I currently have. Rather than waiting until something weird happens, I would feel more comfortable seeking them out. Being more active will give me more time to solve if a situation goes for the worst, similar to what happened to Rachel yesterday.

Maybe this makes absolutely no sense at all, but something told me I would regret it until the end of time if I did not run up the stairs to meet Rachel.

Weird...so weird...

Anyway, right now, the last thing I want to do is to ruin this run. It may not be a canon iteration, but it is the only one that has given me hope. In addition, if the game is really being updated, there ought to be more events that I did not know of. Maybe a new heroine I have never seen may show up. Who knows for sure? Therefore, I need to be extra vigilant.

"Oi! Han!" Classmates A and B are waiting for the main character at the school gate, just like in the past.

Back then, they were supposed to be here to comment on Rachel and Han finally being a real couple. Knowing how much of a psycho Rachel is, A and B probably had an idea of what was to come.

However, things are not what they believe. The one Rachel is clinging to has been switched from Han to me. I wonder what they are going to say.

"Hey A! Hey B!" The protagonist waves at the two guys.

"How was last night? Did you really cook for Rachel?" Classmate A enthusiastically asks. He then walks closer to Han and whispers. "Care to tell a brother what you did after that?"

After hearing such a thing, the corners of Rachel's eyes twitch while Laura amusingly smiles. Even the grip of blondy on my arm is slightly stronger than before.

No matter the times I have seen this scene, I still do not know where he found such courage. The guy is picking a fight with Rachel as if he got excellent insurance.

Well, I sure hope that insurance of his covers acts of stupidity.

*Ban*

Immediately after A's questions, B smacks him on the head.

"Ack! Hey! What did I do?!" The guy screams.

But instead of answering the question, B returns it back. "What did YOU do!?"

Scratching his head, A says: "...I'm just curious..."

"Sorry Rachel, sorry Han! This guy knows nothing of what he is trying to say." Student B bows in front of blondy and turns back at student A. "Apologize to them for being rude!"

As the atmosphere slowly goes down around him, A's face turns pale like paper.

Han shakes his head. "Don't worry, it's fine with me. You just need to say it to Rachel."

"Ra-Rachel?" Classmate A stutters.

Rachel looks at him closely and sighs. "It's fine..."

"Phew! I thought I was about to..." Classmate A breathes out in relief.

*Ban*

"Ah! That hurts! Fuck! Stop hitting me!" A turns toward B while placing a hand on his head. His voice sounds a bit annoyed.

B raises his arm once more, threatening his friend. "Dumbass!! Rachel's not finished!"

"Oh... A thousand apologies..."

Right around the corner, Han looks away. He seems unable to stand looking at this scene. Well, his friend is making a fool of themself, so that much is...

"Pft!"

Wait...is he laughing? A and B are looking at him now. I can sense a murderous intent coming out from them. Seriously, pal, try to hide your snickers better next time! They will probably not cut your ass, but you will not have a good time around them like this.

"Ahem!" Rachel clears her throat. Right after, everyone turns to look at her. "As you can see, nothing is going on between Han and me. We are just childhood friends."

"Really?" A asks. There is disbelief in his voice. "But you have been with each other for so long?"

And on his side, B also joins in. "Pardon my rudeness, Rachel. But I would like to ask the same thing."

Blondy looks at me with her aquamarine eyes. "That's the truth. Han and I are friends. No more, no less. I hold no special feelings for him, and Han holds no special feelings for me. Currently, I have someone else on my mind."

How she talks makes me feel like she is trying to explain that to me. I mean, I understand her target has been switched by how she acts. But hearing her saying that kind of makes me feel reassured somehow. It feels warm, like how the class rep paid attention to me.

"Right now, my heart belongs to C! I am going out with him with the intention of marriage!" And as if things are not chaotic enough, Rachel drops another nuclear bomb.

""WHAT!?""

A combination of four whats pierces the sky into the stratosphere. That loud scream is created by four people. Those are Laura, A, B, and C.

Lady, I am glad you think of me like that, but when did we start going out together? I am doing that with the class rep already! Plus, you know perfectly clear that fact! Are you trying to get me killed?! I can feel Laura's body heat increasing on the other side! Do you see the intense glare coming out from those amber eyes?! Take it back quick, or we will see a blood bath!

"Laura, I swear I do not know a thing." Not wasting a single second, I try my best to salvage my life.

Laura nods at my explanation and directs her eyes at Rachel with haste. I can still feel the chill on my spine, although I am not the target. "Don't worry, C. I understand. It's just this woman who is being obnoxious!"

That was ridiculously easy. Hot damn! I thought I had to start begging or something. Han did that in the past but was still ground into meat patties. How come they are so understanding? Where did they get such trust in me?

Because Han certainly did not have that.

"I thought Rachel clinging onto C was because of his weakness or something... After all, even the class rep was hugging him like that!" A slaps his forehead.

B stares at us in awe. "I had the same thoughts... Even though it was odd, I thought C didn't have breakfast, so he fainted on the road. The girls had to carry him..."

Trying to hold back his laughter, Han walks forward to his friends.

"Come on, guys. Time to head to class!"

Still unable to believe the circumstances in front of him, A mumbles to himself. "So the childhood friend doesn't win at all?"

"I-I guess not..." B sounds unsure.

"But it was so obvious..."

"I know..."

After a few seconds...

"Hey Han!" A calls out to the protagonist.

"Hm?"

"Remember my sister?"