NOVEL NEXT WORLD Chapter 8: A Walk with the Angel
> "Shiina-san, it's a p-pleasure!"
Putting all his strength into a polite and friendly response, Akira felt like a true champion.
> 'Haha, kids! Even I'm walking home with a girl now! I'm already ahead of most of you!'
> [If only you acted the way you think, you'd be unstoppable.]
Cut it out, System!
---
Mahiru Shiina's POV
I don't really know what it is… but ever since Kurosawa helped me that rainy day, I've been more and more drawn to him.
What does he like? What are his hobbies? What kind of girl does he like? Could it be… someone like me?
These thoughts keep swirling in my mind…
Even though we haven't had many chances to talk, I've already noticed a few things about him.
For example—he seems oddly uncomfortable talking to people. At first, I thought he was just cold or uninterested…
But then I realized—it's not that he doesn't want to talk. It's more like he doesn't really know how.
Is that his problem? Is social interaction a burden to him?
I want to know… no, I need to know. I want to help him.
I'll find out today! Even if I come off as pushy! I'll do my best! Who knows… maybe he'll even—
---
Akira Kurosawa's POV
Classes flew by faster than usual. Even the things that used to bother me weren't enough to pull me out of my thoughts.
I mean, seriously! We're talking about Mahiru Shiina, the angel herself! Just the thought of walking beside someone like her gets me all emotional!
But to be honest, I've been making surprising progress. If I asked the me from a few days ago if I could do any of this, he'd probably say: never.
It's uncomfortable, even a little scary sometimes… but even so—I want to change. Let today be the start of that change!
And just like that, class ended. The moment had arrived.
> Come on, man, you got this!
> [Go Akira, you can do it!]
Thanks, System! That's exactly the push I needed!
With the energy of all those who raised their hands in support—a true spirit bomb—Akira stands tall, determined!
> "I won't waste your energy!"
With newfound courage, he walks to the school gates, searching for Mahiru.
> "Kurosawa-san!"
There she is—the angel!
> "Shall we?"
With a warm smile and a calming presence, Akira nearly melts from the comfort her voice brings.
> "Let's go, Shiina-san."
I try my best to return her smile. Maybe it wasn't as comforting as hers, but I know it was genuine.
As we walk side by side, I try to start a conversation.
> "Shiina-san, what do you like to do in your free time?"
> "I like cooking!"
> "I noticed. What you gave me the other day was one of the best things I've ever had!"
> "Oh, come on, don't exaggerate. It wasn't that great."
> "No, seriously! If I could cook like you, I swear—I'd be way happier!"
Oops… that slipped out.
> "Really? Then how about I teach you?"
Wait—this is going way better than expected!
> "If you don't mind, I'd even pay to learn your master techniques!"
> "No need for that. I just enjoy doing it. You don't have to pay."
> "Alright, alright. But how do you plan to teach me?"
> "How about after school? We can cook dinner together, and I'll teach you then—if that's okay with you, Kurosawa-san."
> "Fine by me. But the ingredients are on me—no discussion."
She looks like she wants to argue.
> "But…"
> "Please, Shiina-san. Let me at least do that much."
> "…Okay."
She agrees reluctantly, but I'm glad I can do something for her.
Wait a sec… does this mean a girl's coming to my apartment?!
Since when did I grow up this much? When did I become this bold?!
> [They grow up so fast…]
Don't tease me, System!
Before I knew it, we were already near our apartment building.
After going up the stairs and reaching my door, Mahiru turns to me:
> "I'll go change clothes real quick. I'll be back in a few minutes, okay?"
> "Alright."
Opening the door and stepping inside, reality finally hits me.
> "System… help me."
I don't know if I can handle this much social stimulation…
A person… in my house…?
Help…