In the gym, a young man lies on his back and lifts the heaviest weight available. Once he finishes his reps, he sits up and notices everyone staring at him. The boys look on in awe at his strength, while the women gaze without realizing he's the true feminist.
One thing's for sure—his schedule was basically unfuck your pathetic self and make as much money as possible.
By the way, I'm just talking about myself.
I gained this strength in just five months of training—something I'm sure is impossible under normal circumstances.
Nevertheless, the system wasn't joking about adaptation.
After that, I went to the shower room. I took a quick bath, then looked at the face I've gotten used to.
It feels surreal to become the most hated main character. But I've gotten used to this life, living as Kinoshita Kazuya in the way I choose.
I mean, how ungrateful was he? He could attend university with his family's support and be a romcom protagonist at the same time.
Before, Kazuya was in terrible shape. Through his memories, I learned he lived an unhealthy lifestyle. I'm not judging him—it's fine to have a cheat day now and then—but maintaining health is essential.
The dyed hair is gone. I prefer the original black. Setting aside how the system enhanced his face, it wasn't bad to begin with. Enough with the gay thoughts—I now have a taller, well-shaped body.
Player Status
Name: Kinoshita Kazuya
Age: 21
Titles:
[Gym Rat], [Martial Artist], [God of Stocks], [Model], [Gamer], [Nerd], [Advocate of Gender Equality]
Skills:
[Sambo: Intermediate], [Jiu-Jitsu: Advanced], [Writing: Beginner], [Finance: Expert], [Gaming: Advanced], [Catwalk: Beginner], [Reading Comprehension: Expert], [Programming: Intermediate]
Stats
Strength: 29
Agility: 26
Stamina: 30
Charm: 32
Not bad at all.
It took me five months to gain all of this.
"Kazuya-kun."
I was dressing in my gym clothes when someone called out to me from behind.
I turned and saw a guy with white-dyed hair.
"Umi? Man, how are you?"
"I'm good!"
When I found this gym, it turned out he was a member too, and we've been gym bros since then.
His name is Nakano Umi. Ironically, he's Chizuru's friend from the same theater group—or in other words, a coworker in showbiz.
Despite Kazuya's many misconceptions about him, he's a good guy. I even got a modeling job thanks to him.
We decided to find a café—he said he wanted to talk.
"I almost didn't recognize you, Kazuya-kun. Do people really change this much just by working out?" he asked.
I chuckled. "Yes, of course."
"Really? I should start working out seriously then. But my job's been killing me lately."
"Right. You said you wanted to ask me something?"
He suddenly looked shy. "Uh, yeah. This might sound shameless. You told me you're not with Chizuru anymore… I was wondering if I had a chance this time."
I paused for a moment, then chuckled. "I see. I understand. Maybe I can arrange a nice dinner for the two of you."
Umi smiled brightly. "Really? That's great to hear, Kazuya-kun. I knew you were a good friend. But, you sure about that?"
To be honest, I owe him quite a bit. I didn't have a job after Kazuya quit his part-time one. I just went to the gym not expecting anything, but Umi helped me land that modeling gig as my first step forward.
"Nah, chill. I heard there's a new Italian restaurant that opened recently. Here, take a look…"
"This place?! I heard you need a couple grand just to reserve a table—that's too much for me, Kazuya-kun."
"Don't worry. I invested in that restaurant, so I can arrange a table for you. It's nothing compared to the money I've made thanks to the job you gave me as my stepping stone. Take it, Umi. I insist."
"Come to think of it, maybe I shouldn't ask since you and she—"
"It's alright."
"But I heard that you both..."
"Come on. We're not five years old or something." I chuckled in the end.
Hearing this, Umi smiled. "Then… thank you, Kazuya-kun. I really appreciate it."
---
A couple of days have passed.
Recently, the air has gotten colder. I've been spending my time learning everything I can, thanks to this neat talent I have for adaptation.
I've also been staying at my parents' house and rarely going back to my own place.
As an orphan myself, why should I live alone when I have a family now? Besides, they live in Tokyo. It's a win-win.
"Get out of my house, Kazuya," said Grandma calmly.
"WHY?! WHAT DID I DO, GRANDMA—wait, if you want me to buy you something—"
"I don't want anything from you! Just bring her back! How dare you stay in my house after breaking up with my Chizuru!"
Recently, I've learned a family isn't a family without arguments.
Grandma's been cold to me ever since I told her I broke up with Chizuru.
Of course, she doesn't know the whole truth—that Kazuya never had a girlfriend in the first place. Though she does know about Chizuru's rental girlfriend job, she never hated her for it.
"You idiot! I promised her grandma that you'd marry Chizuru! What the hell are you doing breaking up with a woman with a banging body like hers?! Are you blind?"
"Grandma, chill. It's hard to explain—but aren't you happy I've changed? Look at me, I'm smarter, richer—better—my ears!"
She pinched my ear so hard she lifted me off the floor.
"That's why you're a failure! You became more handsome, you have a great income—and yet you still lost Chizuru?! What's the point?!"
Damn it. Should I tell her everything? Nah, she'd probably have a heart attack if she found out Kazuya gave everything and still got rejected.
"Ma, I think calling Kazuya a failure is too much."
That voice? Dad! Yes, finally.
"Huh? You talking back to me?"
"N-no, that's not what I meant, Ma."
Yeah. Useless. He can't stand up to her either. After all, Grandma's the head of the family. She built everything—supported us by running a small sake shop.
"Son, I heard you're moving into a new apartment?" Mom asked, placing down the breakfast she made.
"Yes, Mom. The landlord said the room's finally vacant, so I can move in."
"That's good. Want help packing?"
"Thanks but no need. I already hired a moving company."
Took me three months to get that apartment. The reason's might be obvious. It's not the first time that Grandma trying to kick me out from home.
"Hmph! As long as you don't bring her back to this house, you're not welcome."
"Mother~ I think you're being too harsh."
"Let him be. At this rate, I'm going to die before I see my great-grandchild."
My smile twitched. She wants a child that badly? "Kuhum. Actually, I have a girlfriend now. So maybe stop pushing Chizuru at me, okay?"
Except for Grandma, my parents gasped in awe.
"Alright."
Wait… what? She bought that lie?
"Bring her to Thanksgiving. If you're lying, that's fine. But you better bring Chizuru back and give me great-grandkids before Thanksgiving."
"PFFT!"
I spat out my coffee. Dad did too—right onto the newspaper he was reading.
"You want me to have kids before Thanksgiving? That's next week!"
"I know."
"That's impossible! Woman can't get pregnant that fast!"
"Do you have a problem, young man?"
"No, Ma'am…"
Tch. Put that aside. How the hell am I supposed to find a girlfriend in a week? Ruka? No—I'm not going to jail. Mami? Out of the question.
Fine.
A girlfriend in a week.
A girlfriend... in a week.
In a week...
Fuck.
After breakfast, I went back to my room, put on my coat, and headed for the door. Dad was waiting for me.
"Kazuya, let's talk."
"Uh… sure."
I put on my shoes and we stepped outside.
"Don't take it to heart. Your Grandma doesn't mean any harm. You know how she is—stubborn about family. But thanks to her, we have this little sake shop."
I smiled, looking down at the shop on the ground floor. Our house sat right above it, while the third and fourth floors were rented out as studio apartment. I could see how much effort she had poured into running this place. I mean—Kazuya's grandma did.
"Yeah, I get it."
Dad chuckled. "Still, I know her dream is to see you marry the perfect bride. But whatever happens between you and Ichinose-san… don't force yourself, alright?"
He gave me a light pat on the shoulder. I nodded.
"By the way, how's the new car?"
"Oh! It's great, son. Well, are you sure it wasn't too expensive?"
"It's fine."
"I see. You're not driving today?"
"Nah. Gotta go to the old apartment."
"I'll drive you."
"No need. You've got to open the shop. Bye, Dad."
Just seeing my family like this is enough for me.
But seriously—how the hell am I supposed to find a girlfriend in a week?
With that thought, I arrived at my old apartment just as the moving truck pulled in. I led the workers to my room and let them handle everything.
When it was finally done, I closed the door and locked it.
"Kazuya?"