The System Won't Work Unless I Have Girlfriends

(Masamune pov)

May 16th 2013

Since the wrap-up party, roughly, a month has passed.

The outcome of using that gacha seems overwhelming. There have been numerous offers, such as playing a role again, modeling for photoshoots, interviews with TV stations, and so on.

These endless job offers have become both a blessing and a curse for me.

Let's talk about the curse. Even though I'm supposedly among the top 12 richest people in the world, I rarely appear in public or in the media. The reason is that my grandpa takes care of those matters while I handle everything behind the scenes.

However, a family registry doesn't lie. Sometimes, foreign tabloids feature headlines like: The grandson of a billionaire—what is he doing with his time and money?

Both my grandpa and I are aware that, as I continue running the company, I'll inevitably meet a lot of people, and everything will eventually become public knowledge.

As for me, I don't like people knowing that I'm rich. I want to stay hidden, but I have too much money! Thankfully, Grandpa is willing to take on that role for me. He always says, "Enjoy your youth without crazy paparazzi following you around."

But now people are getting distracted by something else. Yes, I'm talking about my entry into the entertainment industry. Masamune the actor—not the youngest richest man alive.

I could say this is the perfect disguise for the time being, though, eventually, the whole world will know who I really am.

"What a drag…"

That's what I said, wearing my black blindfold while leaning—or rather, bending—my neck slightly. Yeah, I'm talking about myself. But then, "Wakey, wakey!" someone slapped my shoulder, snapping me back to reality.

"Tch…" Clicking my tongue, I half-opened my blindfold. As my right eye tried to focus on the shadowy figure, I saw a lively blonde girl and another shorter one with reddish hair.

"Hey, how long are you going to sit on that chair, Masamune-kun?"

"That's right! You should get up and let your senpai sit there. Quit acting like Gojo and move aside."

"Shut up. I just got back from the radio station. Let me sleep for a moment," I muttered, ignoring the girls.

"Haven't you always had this kind of chair at home? Come on, let me sit there!"

Sighing, I stood up. In a flash, both Ruby and Kana had taken over the chair I was using. Since I didn't have anyone to handle my schedule, my mother introduced me to her friend, who runs a small agency with a good track record—Strawberry Production.

"Ahh~ This is heavenly. It's not bad having you join our humble place, Masamune-kun. To think your grandpa sent such an amazing chair. Hehe," said Ruby, the blonde girl. "Loli-senpai, I'm sitting here first so move..."

"Shut up and leave me alone," Kana replied stoically.

I sighed again.

"Sorry about that."

When I looked up, Aqua was standing there. I met him while working on the sixth episode of Sweet Today, and now we're in the same agency—mainly because the agency operates out of his home.

"Nah, it's alright," I said, sitting on another sofa. "Kana, I never thought you'd end up becoming an idol. What's wrong with you?"

The reason we rarely meet now is that Kana is an idol who needs to maintain her image from scandals.

She glared at me with a vein visibly throbbing on her forehead. "Because I need a job, that's why! I thought I'd get another acting role in no time, but they'll only accept me if you play a part too! Why did you suddenly decide to take a hiatus?!" she asked, blushing.

For context, I'd just returned from the radio station, where I announced I'd be taking a long hiatus.

"I'm tired," I replied.

"Like hell I believe that!" Kana jumped up from the seat as Ruby happily claimed it. Kana crossed her arms, looking at me emotionlessly. "Let's play a role again."

"I refuse."

"Masamune, you're a rising actor. Why stop now?!" Kana pulled off her beret, almost tearing it apart. "You should… Ah! Be more ambitious. I can tell from your acting alone that you'll become a superstar."

"I have to admit, Arima is right," Aqua added.

Well, the talent belongs to Ryan Gosling, so it makes sense. However, something still feels missing. I'm not satisfied. I like money—it's hard to earn. I worked hard for it, and I enjoy the results. Sure, I'm happy for the talent I gained from the system, but that's just how I feel. Emptiness.

A woman sighed nearby. "I understand how you feel, Kana-san. But Masamune-san has the right to decide. Let him take a moment—life isn't just about acting."

Hearing that, Kana stopped and sat back down.

What a splendid explanation from Momm—kuhum!—I mean, Saitou Miyako, the president of the agency. Since this agency is small, they only manage a few talents: actors like me and Hoshino Aqua, a YouTuber named Pieyon, and the idol group Hoshino Ruby and Arima Kana.

"Still, how long do you plan to stay on hiatus, Masamune-san?" Miyako asked.

I hummed in response. "Maybe… uh… a year? I haven't decided yet."

Hearing this, Kana pouted. "You slacker."

Kana is an ambitious girl when it comes to her work. Anyway, I checked the clock—it was already five. Should I go home? Mom had closed the café because she was visiting Grandpa's house in Chiba. Meanwhile, Chinatsu was busy with her student council duties. Chizuru had gone to Hokkaido for a photoshoot.

Sigh. I'm exhausted now. In fact, I skipped lunch because of that stupid interview.

"Miyaemon, I'm hungry~ Cook something for me," Ruby whined.

"Ruby, I'm busy with work. Ask Aqua," Miyaemon replied, barely glancing up.

"Onii-chan, feed me. Hurry up!" Ruby demanded, turning her attention to Aqua.

Beside me, Aqua clicked his tongue in irritation. "Buy something from the store."

"Don't wanna~ I mean, we already bought a ton of groceries, right?"

"This sibling banter is ridiculous. Why don't you just cook for yourself, huh?" Kana chimed in, raising a fist in mock exasperation.

"Ahaha~ My cooking is so bad that even I get disgusted. So, impossible!" Ruby laughed.

As I scrolled through the news on my phone, I suddenly felt their collective gaze land on me.

"Masamune, uh… -san, you're rich. Why not just order delivery? You must be hungry, right?" Kana said with a sly smirk.

"Nope. Miyako-san, can I use your kitchen? I'll cook something for these starving children."

Miyako looked startled but nodded. "But don't you think it's a bother to cook?"

"It's fine. I haven't eaten anything either, so in exchange for a free meal, I'll cook for everyone."

I smiled, but the girls on the other side of the room gave me suspicious looks.

"Look at him. Did he just say he's going to cook? Sounds unbelievable for a young master," Ruby muttered, her eyes narrowing.

"A multi-talented actor who can cook. He's just trying to show off in front of everyone," Kana added sharply.

A man never tells his story, but he quietly went to the kitchen and started cooking

"I'll help. What are you planning to cook?" Aqua asked, stepping beside me as I tied on an apron.

"Uh, let's see…" I opened the refrigerator and cabinets, scanning the ingredients. "Tonkatsu."

"Sounds good."

It was the first time Aqua and I had cooked together, but since we both had sisters to take care of, it felt natural. Following my instructions, Aqua handled the preparation while I worked at the stove.

"Heck. What's with these two?" Kana asked loudly, clearly bewildered by the scene.

After some time, we finished cooking five portions of Tonkatsu.

"This is my special… I mean, our special, please enjoy it." I said with a smirk.

Miyako, Ruby, and Kana stared at their plates in awe.

"Sigh. As a mother, I feel ashamed. Did Kinue-san teach you how to cook?" Miyako asked.

"Yes. I learned a lot helping my mom cook dinner at home."

"I see, I see! Anyway, thanks for the food!" Ruby exclaimed shamelessly.

.

.

.

.

The next day, I decided to attend class. Speaking of school, I've graduated from junior high and am now attending Shuchi'in High. The reason? I needed to take care of my sister. My junior high school is just five minutes from here, so it was a practical solution.

"Makabe-san, it's been a while."

Not long after lunch began, Kaguya came over to my desk.

"Yeah, it's been a while," I said, glancing at her. "You've changed your style, huh?"

Kaguya widened her eyes and looked away. "It's nothing. I just thought it would be nice to change a little."

"Sure. It looks good on you."

She cleared her throat a bit too loudly, but I noticed her ears turning red.

Speaking of new looks...

"Kaguya-san! Let's go eat something at the cafeteria!" Chika suddenly appeared, wrapping her arms around Kaguya and burying her face in her chest.

"Okay, stop pushing your chest into my face."

I sighed. "Chika…"

She looked at me with a bright smile. "What's up, Mister Famous?"

"Is that sarcasm?"

Chika pouted. "Not really. I'm just pointing out that you're everywhere these days. That's why I invited Kaguya-san—since Masamune-kun is way too busy. Humph!"

"Look, I'm on a long hiatus now. Anyway, what's with that ribbon on your forehead?"

Chika giggled and struck a peace sign with a ridiculous expression. "Cute, right? At first, Toyomi-nee gave it to me, but I didn't like ribbon-style hairpins. Then I changed my mind because it's iconic for me. Heh heh~"

Kaguya and I stared at her with deadpan expressions. Before long, I found myself walking to the cafeteria. Chika walked ahead of us, her unique airhead aura radiating. Meanwhile, I walked side by side with Kaguya, deflecting the waves of chaotic energy Chika emitted.

"Did she get worse?" Kaguya asked with a hint of concern.

"Maybe."

Kaguya sighed. "I never thought I'd become her friend in the first place." Then she smiled softly. "But she's always been kind to me since seventh grade. The rest is history."

I chuckled. "That's true. She's stupid, but she's fun. Funny enough, we've been going out since Decemb—uh.... oops?"

Kaguya froze mid-step, staring at me. "Huh.....?" Meanwhile, Chika, unaware of the situation, kept walking. Kaguya's red eyes darkened as they became almost expressionless.

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