"Another fulfilling day."
As word of Amakusa U's fortune-telling spread, more and more people came to see him. Naturally, Amakusa U couldn't have been happier.
He now had at least ten customers a day, earning him over 50,000 Private Points daily.
He'd wondered if he should lower his prices, but with things going like this, there was no need.
The first-years had no idea how important points were, while most upperclassmen had at least some savings. Besides, most people came to him for love-related fortunes.
Guys would grit their teeth and pay the points just to save face in front of girls. All Amakusa U could say was:
Kids these days. Their minds were full of nothing but that kind of dirty stuff.
But... this was only temporary. Before long, Amakusa U would be done with fortune-telling. Once this first month was over...
[Name: U Amakusa Gender: Male Class: Class 1-A Personal Account: 29,360. Actual Hidden Points: 14,798,283.]
Looking at all those points, Amakusa U felt his grin stretching from ear to ear. This was different—it was money he'd earned through his own hard work.
Why shouldn't he be proud of points he'd earned himself?
"Welcome."
Amakusa U looked up as someone lifted the tent flap. The moment he saw who it was, he froze.
Well, well.
Sakura had followed the rules and paid 5,000 Private Points first. Perhaps she'd heard about it online.
"Hello, Sakura. Please write your question on this piece of paper."
"Uh, ah... Okay." Sakura picked up the pen, looking flustered.
Luckily, Amakusa U was using a woman's voice. If he'd spoken in a man's voice, he thought Sakura might have bolted right out of there.
Although... Amakusa U didn't actually have a door.
"I want to make a friend who understands me."
Understands you? Do you want something genuine, too?
A girl who hated being lonely, yet had ended up alone because she was too timid.
"Sakura, making friends takes effort from both sides. If you don't reach out to others, they won't reach out to you. Nobody was born to keep making an effort only to be snubbed."
"...But... no... It's nothing."
The hope on Sakura's face vanished in an instant, replaced by disappointment, as if she never should have let herself hope in the first place.
"Being afraid won't change anything, Sakura."
Neither will my little pep talk.
"I... see everyone happily spending time together... I... can't join in. Maybe the only place for me is some gloomy corner."
For the first time in the half month he'd been telling fortunes, Amakusa U stood up. With a focused, solemn expression, he carefully picked up the crystal ball in both hands.
A flickering light appeared inside the crystal ball. At first, it was faint and scattered, but gradually it grew brighter and more frequent.
Against the dark, enclosed space of the tent, the surroundings seemed to transform into something dreamlike, as if they were beneath a vast, boundless night sky, with the glimmers shining like countless brilliant stars.
Sakura looked around in astonishment, her mouth forming a small "O."
And so, Amakusa U finally got a clear look at her delicate face, which had been lowered the whole time.
Her pale skin glowed softly, her lips were pink as delicate flower petals, and her clear, bright eyes now reflected the starlight.
"Sakura, why do you think you're dull? To me, you shine just like the stars in this scene."
Only then did Sakura return from the starry sky. She'd heard every word Amakusa U said, and his encouragement struck her ears with surprising force.
Instinctively, she tried to lower her head again and shake off his words. She wasn't shining. She wasn't a star.
But Amakusa U stopped her, keeping her from lowering her head any further.
"I know you think I'm just saying this to make you feel better, but I can tell you sincerely that it isn't a lie. You really are shining."
Who knew how many more Sakura fans were watching from behind their screens? Even if there weren't many, they were still your fans.
Amakusa U had read the original story. There was no way he could bring himself to dislike this kind girl.
He took something out and set it on the table, then pushed it straight toward Sakura. It stopped right in front of her.
"Do you remember this?"
When Sakura saw what Amakusa U had pushed toward her, her eyes widened, and she stammered incoherently.
"Th-this, y-you're... from back then...!"
"So you do remember." As he spoke, Amakusa U took off the mask he was wearing and held out his hand, just as he had before.
"Since we've already met, I'll say this: nice to meet you, Sakura. I'm Amakusa U from Class 1-A."
The chocolate on the table shimmered in the light of the crystal ball. There was no doubt about it: this was the popular chocolate from the supermarket back then.
Amakusa U's bright smile, against the atmosphere of the tent, was like a dazzling ray of sunlight piercing through layers of gloom. Its impact was overwhelming.
Sakura's cheeks flushed. Unsure what to do, she took Amakusa U's hand, her voice as soft as a mosquito's buzz. "N-nice to meet you."
Could someone really remember someone like me?
As Sakura wondered this, her cheeks began to feel warm.
I'm so glad I came to have my fortune told today...
Before you continue