[Quest Alert: Trigger Three Romantic Flags During the Summer Festival]Reward: Upgrade Token + "Mysterious Goldfish" Penalty: Auto-triggered Jealousy Event (Nightmare Difficulty)
"Absolutely not," I said the moment the word 'festival' was mentioned.
"Absolutely yes," Luna said, shoving a yukata into my arms.
And so, there I was. Wearing a traditional outfit, walking through a festival lined with glowing lanterns, and internally screaming as my system pinged with nonstop quests.
Cynthia walked beside me, arms crossed, her own dark blue yukata embroidered with silver cranes. She was elegant, cold… and somehow managed to make cotton candy look like a luxury item.
"Try not to embarrass yourself tonight," she said.
"Too late. I already exist."
[Ding! Passive Skill: Self-Deprecating Humor leveled up!]
We met up with Luna and Isabella near the goldfish scooping booth.
Luna looked adorable in a sunflower-patterned yukata, while Isabella wore a deep crimson one, her hair tied up with a glossy black ribbon.
I was doomed.
"So what's the plan?" I asked, eyeing the crowd.
"The plan," Luna said, "is to trigger the romantic flags before the fireworks. That's the deadline."
[Timer Set: 2 hours before Jealousy Event auto-triggers]
"…I hate this system."
Flag 1: Accidental Hand-Holding
We were walking through a crowded stall area when someone shoved me from behind.
My hand instinctively grabbed someone else's.
Cynthia blinked.
"You're holding my hand."
"No I'm not."
"Yes, you are."
"System! I demand a VAR check!"
[Flag Triggered: Subtle Bond with Cynthia] Affection +2
Flag 2: Shared Food = Shared Souls
I bought takoyaki. Luna asked for a bite. I gave her one.
Then she fed me a bite.
From her chopsticks.
In public.
The crowd gasped. My soul left my body.
"Cute," she whispered. "You look like you short-circuited."
[Flag Triggered: Flirtation Mastery Unlocked (Luna)] Affection +3
Flag 3: Firework Confession—Almost
I walked with Isabella to the riverbank as the fireworks began.
It was beautiful. Perfect atmosphere.
"I've always liked nights like this," she said.
"Yeah. Less people trying to spike volleyballs into my face."
She smiled. "Do you always joke when you're nervous?"
"…Yes."
"I like that about you."
I turned to her. She was leaning closer. The wind carried the scent of her shampoo.
And then—
"ETHAN!!!"
Cynthia and Luna appeared, both looking mildly murderous.
[Quest Failed: Jealousy Event Triggered – Nightmare Mode Engaged]
[Emergency Mission: Escape the Wrath of the Waifus]Objective: Survive the night. Reward: Hidden Title - "Festival Fugitive"
I bolted.
Fireworks exploded above.
Girls screamed my name below.
And my system whispered:
[Running Skill +1. New Perk Unlocked: "Harem Survival Instinct."]
I was never attending another festival again.