Dark clouds gradually dissipated, bathing the streets in the golden glow of the setting sun. A boy and a girl walked side by side along the road.

"...Um... Rei... why did you want to swap bodies with me?..."

The awkward silence finally pushed me to break it.

"I was just curious about a boy’s body," Rei said, slightly turning her head away as she shot back, "Don’t you have any interest in girls, Chiyo? Or is it true what the class rumors say—that you like men?"

"How could that be?! Rei, you know about the curse burdening me!" I flustered, rushing to defend myself.

"But... I don’t feel that disgust toward you anymore. Why?"

"Because you believed in my halo," I explained slowly. "It lost its effect on you."

"I see..." Rei nodded thoughtfully. "Then why not go public? You wouldn’t be hated by girls."

"No, it’s useless, Rei," I shook my head. "It’s not that simple. Without swapping bodies, would you have believed me so easily?"

"...Is that so?... Chiyo, you must’ve had such a hard time..." Rei’s head dropped, her voice fading softly.

"Don’t worry. I’m used to it." I sighed, gazing at the mountain sunset. "Maybe this is just my life..."

"Chiyo..."

"Alright, let’s part here!" At the crossroads, I waved. "See you tomorrow~ Rei~"

"Mm, Chiyo. See you tomorrow." Rei waved back, watching me leave. She fell silent and turned down another street.

After rounding a corner, I glanced back quickly.

Perfect. Shook her off smoothly. Time for phase two.

Target: Komari’s apartment!

I tidied my appearance and headed out.

Mission: visit sick classmate Komari!

Wait—first time at a classmate’s house. Can’t go empty-handed...

A bouquet? Too plain. Needs to show real effort!

Damn it, what does a flawless high school girl lack?

Headache! I pulled out my phone, texting Ruri and Hidetomo about dinner, then posted on a forum:

『Visiting a sick high school girl classmate—what gift would blow her mind? Urgent! Online waiting!』

Replies flooded in instantly.

『Is she hot? Send address—I’m coming too!』

—Who are you?! Why would I tell you?!

『OP, you’re totally crushing on her! Just send a funeral wreath!』

—Hey! What’s your problem?! Your jealous tone exposes you!

『Another galgame addict? Post the game—I’ll help pick the route!』

—You’re the addict!

『Traitor detected! Chief Mage of FFF Brotherhood, reporting!』

—I’m your leader, damn it!!

『Fruits or flowers work... but ‘mind-blowing’? Tricky...』

Finally, a sane reply. I typed back:

『What gift boosts affection most?』

『Armstrong Cyclone Jet Armstrong Cannon. Guaranteed shock value.』

—Reliable my ass!!! What freaks are on this forum?!

I crushed the urge to smash my phone, powering it off. Fine—supermarket fruits it is.

I pivoted toward the store.

In the produce aisle, I grabbed fresh fruits and turned to leave.

"Hey, isn’t that Chiyo?"

A hand clapped my shoulder. I turned to see Komari’s brother, Taihei Tsuchimi, grinning.

"Senior! Heard Komari’s sick—I’m visiting her!" The words burst out. Perfect for my plan.

"I see... but that child..." Taihei’s smile faltered. Spotting my fruit bag, he steeled himself. "Very thoughtful... Join us for dinner?"

"I’d be honored!" I bowed deeply, hiding my triumphant smirk.

On the apartment’s second floor, Taihei slowly unlocked the door. We stepped inside.

"I’m home!"

"Excuse me." I slipped off my shoes at the genkan, scanning the tiny space—just a kitchen, bathroom, and one cramped room.

"Komari! A classmate’s here!" Taihei called, hauling groceries to the kitchen.

"Uh, Chiyo, make yourself comfortable!"

"...Hi..."

A faint gasp and rustling echoed from the room ahead—like frantic tidying.

I moved forward. That room... Komari’s sanctuary?

I pushed the door open slowly. To me, it was a gateway to a new world.

As the room revealed itself, my relaxed mood tightened with tension.

A small space crammed with a wardrobe, bookshelf, desk, TV, and dining table.

In the corner, on a girlish bed, Komari lay buried under blankets—only her long hair spilling out.