NOVEL NEXT WORLD Chapter 5: A Smile Worth Dying For
Whether it's for better or worse, I have to survive!
No bunch of classmates is going to bring me down now!
Let's go! No more delays or excuses!
Maybe Akira thought he was in some kind of epic situation, but in reality, he was just hyping himself up to survive the final stretch of the school day.
Which, to him, honestly felt like a war.
When the teacher walked into the room, Akira felt a soul-deep relief.
Just a few more hours. Just hold on a little longer.
With unbelievable effort, he powered through… and finally, classes ended.
By the end of the day, a young man with a defeated look was walking through the streets.
To the outside eye, it looked like he'd just run a marathon.
But in truth, all his exhaustion was mental.
— I can't take this anymore...
> [Relax. That was just your first day of school—and your second day in this world. You've got this.]
Thanks, system.
Having someone to count on—even if they're not physically there—feels amazing.
It must be nice to have more people you can trust...
Lost in thought, Akira soon arrived home.
As usual, he stood in front of his apartment door.
He reached into his pocket to grab his key—but then heard a noise from the door next to his.
Someone's coming out...? Better hurry!
Unfortunately, his plan failed.
The person next door came out faster than he could open his own door.
And to his shock, it was... Mahiru Shiina.
There was no escape now.
Even before any interaction, Akira accepted his cruel fate.
"Well, it was nice while it lasted. Shame it's over..."
Mentally preparing his epitaph, Akira said goodbye to the world.
But Mahiru also looked surprised.
She hadn't expected to run into the mysterious boy who had helped her yesterday.
Seeing the opportunity, she bowed slightly and said:
— Thank you for what you did the other day. It really helped a lot.
Guess I gotta try...
With a weird smile, Akira replied:
— I-I'm g-glad I c-could help... I'm h-happy to see you're doing well.
Noticing how awkward he was, Mahiru smiled and tried to ease the tension.
— Seriously, thank you. By the way, I'm Mahiru Shiina. And you are?
— I-I'm Akira Kurosawa. Nice to meet you.
Did I do okay? Did I seem like a weirdo?
— The pleasure's mine, Kurosawa-san.
With a smile that could purify the world, Mahiru gave a polite nod and left.
SWEET HOLY—She's my neighbor?!
Wait... did I hold a normal conversation for once? Or is she gonna start suspecting me too?
> [Stop overthinking. You're just making yourself paranoid.]
Thanks again, system.
You always know what to say...
Not wanting to think about it anymore, Akira finally stepped into his apartment.
Ah... the warmth of home.
Best feeling in the world.
But something was off.
Why didn't the mission complete?
I'm pretty sure I accepted her thanks...
Oh well, I guess I'll get another shot eventually.
Putting the thought aside, he decided a bath would do him good.
And so, he prepared a long, hot soak to wash away the day's stress.
After thirty minutes under hot water: refreshed!
But now... what to eat?
— Decisions, decisions... What should I do this time?
— How about I—
Ding dong!
Holy crap! That scared me!
Don't interrupt my thinking like that, damn doorbell.
Wait a second… shouldn't I be more concerned about who's ringing my bell this late?
Seriously, who could it be?
Forget the food—Akira walked to the door and opened it.
And to his shock, it was Mahiru again.
Holding a bowl?
— K-Kurosawa-san... I made more food than I expected and... I'd like to share some with you. Would you accept?
Who am I to say no to free food?!
They say there's no such thing as a free meal in this world—but it's right in front of me now!
— T-thank you so much for your kindness, Shiina-san. I'd be happy to.
Upon hearing his words, Mahiru gave him a soft smile.
An angel just descended in front of me...
So much purity in one smile!
Unable to bear the holy aura of the girl before him, Akira was peacefully exorcised from this world.
— Well, it was short, but worth it. Thanks for everything—whoever gave me this second chance.
Farewell, Akira—
Wait! He can't die yet!
Still looking at her pure smile, Akira started to question everything.
Could there really be people in this world who aren't out to get him?
Could someone actually be kind to him... without wanting something in return?
> [You'll only know if you try. But don't assume everyone will betray you.]
Thanks again, system.
Really.
> [Don't forget your reward!]
Oh, right!
How could I forget?!
This might be my future meal ticket!
— Alright, system! Hit me with the good stuff!
> [Sure! You've received…]