The System Won't Work Unless I Have Girlfriends

(First pov)

Before sunrise, I had already arrived at the filming set located at a high school on the outskirts of Tokyo.

The live-action adaptation of the series consists of six episodes. Today, we're working on the second episode of I'll Go Sweet Today. This episode includes a significant time skip where the protagonist makes a bet with the heroine. The main plot takes place on the high school field during the school's sports day.

The story is about a girl who can only consume canned food and supplements. She has closed her heart to the world and harbors a painful past. One day, she meets a handsome yet sharp-tongued boy who transfers to her school.

Before the sun rises too high, we hold something called a rehearsal. It's where the crew sets up their off-camera equipment and runs through the scene—a sort of first draft before actual filming begins. Since we only have time until 1 PM, the actors get just one chance to practice. After that, we move straight to filming the episode and proceed to editing, aiming to release it within five days.

"Cut!"

I sighed as the director's loud voice echoed, followed by an inward sigh of my own.

"All right! We'll start shooting again in 30 minutes!"

As one of the crew members called out, I walked toward a random chair I found. Of course, someone would probably come over to drag me back soon to fix my hair a little.

"Good job, Masamune."

Looking up, I saw a girl in a high school gym uniform beneath a black coat.

"Ah, you too, Kana."

[Would you like to see your potential partner rating?]

Stop showing up like that, Ms. System. I just sit here.

"Ugh! So cold!" Kana hugged her body as a chilly breeze swept past us. "Tch, I hate this, but this is reality, Masamune. Sometimes, we have to film in these conditions. It's still early spring and freezing, even though it's supposed to be summer in the manga. At least we don't have to deal with water. Also..." Kana gave me a quick once-over. "Aren't those a little too tight for you?"

She was probably referring to the gym uniform I was wearing.

"Yeah, maybe I should change it for continuity with the plot."

"Oh, that's right! I almost forgot—you're supposed to protect me from bullying, right? Ha-ha!"

"It's part of the plot, so it can't be helped."

Kana sighed and sat down beside me. Before long, we heard footsteps approaching and saw another actor from the show.

"Ah, Melt-kun, sit here and join us," Kana said with a smile.

The guy, Narushima Melt, played a side character who was something like an annoying obstacle in the main characters' love story. However, this particular scene was an extra that didn't exist in the manga. From what I knew, the production team prioritized casting good-looking male models to promote their careers, often placing acting ability as a secondary consideration.

Like me.

"Thank you, Kana-chan, but I just have something to say to this guy over here," Melt said, stopping not too far from me.

I sighed, crossing my arms. I knew this guy was only looking for trouble.

"I think you should drop the act before you ruin this drama with that kind of acting," Melt said with a smirk.

I just hummed in response—it wasn't worth engaging.

"Wait, Melt-kun. I don't think it's a good idea to start a fight now, so please, let's not," Kana said, trying to stay polite but clearly annoyed.

"You heard our senpai," I added.

Melt clicked his tongue and smirked again.

"What's wrong with that guy?" I muttered.

Kana chuckled. "Don't worry about it, Masamune. This happens a lot. He's a rising star as a model. Ha-ha, he kind of reminds me of myself back in the day."

She was trying to lighten the mood.

"Don't worry; I'm not bothered by petty remarks like that. Though, now that I think about it, he's probably mad because I got the protagonist role instead of him."

Kana sighed, leaning back in her chair. "That explains a lot. I was wondering what was going on between you two. Well, I get it."

"Are you saying he's right?"

"That's not what I meant. It's frustrating, but that's not how a professional should behave. If he keeps being toxic, I worry his acting quality will drop."

"Isn't that good for him? I mean, he's playing the love rival, so a little anger might help him build his character."

Kana raised an eyebrow. "If you put it that way, it does sound annoying—but I hope so. Hmm? Hey, what are you looking at?"

"Grass."

"Huh?"

Her face filled with confusion, and she gave me the most judgmental look I'd seen all day.

The truth is, I was looking at the system.

[Name: Ichinose Chizuru]

[Age: 19]

[Rating: A]

[Likability: 86%]

[Current Status: Tired]

[Spoiler: Rent-a-Girlfriend S1, S2, & S3]

[Unused x1 SR Package: [Acting] Ryan Gosling]

The likability hadn't increased by even one percent. I guess it'll take time to fully reach 100%.

I sighed.

"Hey..." I turned to Kana.

She looked taken aback by my serious tone.

"Kana, when we practice together, I notice it—you're holding back. Your talent."

Kana suddenly stiffened, then let out a deep sigh.

"I hate to brag, but... I admit it," she said. "Sorry, I didn't mean to imply you're bad, Masamune."

"Well, I'm not gonna deny it. My acting is crap in this manga adaptation. So, you're lowering yourself to match us lousy actors, including me, right?"

She laughed awkwardly, her face tinged with embarrassment. "Bingo. So, technically, you're just matching my level. That's good then..."

Kana gave me a confused look. "Wait, what do you mean?"

I chuckled at her reaction. "Actually, I met this weird guy with white hair and a blindfold. He told me I have hidden talent. Maybe that talent is my late-blooming acting skills."

Kana rolled her eyes with a mock sigh. "I was worried for nothing. And wait—white hair and a blindfold? Don't tell me you're talking about Gojo Satoru?"

"Exactly~~~"

Kana just stared at me as I laughed. For your information, Jujutsu Kaisen exists in this world.

"Arima-san and Makabe-san, we need to refresh your makeup now," a female crew member called out.

"Understood! We're coming," Kana replied.

We walked over to the makeup area, following the crew member.

"Kana."

"What? Let's talk later and hurry up, Masamune."

"This is random, but... if I act slightly better than before, let's go on a date. You, as my girlfriend. How about it?"

Kana stopped and looked at me while the crew member in front of us stifled a laugh.

"You've got guts asking me that in such a random time and place," Kana said with a sly smile. "But sure, let's do it. Just know that 'slightly better' will be judged by my standards. If you fail, you'll have to treat me to something good."

"Deal."

"Deal!"

As the makeup crew worked on us, a floating screen appeared before me.

[Would you like to extract SR Package: [Acting] Ryan Gosling?]

[Confirm!]

[Extracting the Package…]

I'm sorry, Kana. But I think I'm about to blow past your expectations in no time.

Overrated or not, Ryan Gosling is a name tied to multiple Academy Awards for his stellar performances.

[SR Package: [Acting] Ryan Gosling has been extracted by 86%.]

A tingling sensation spread through me as a flood of information swam through my mind. In an instant, I felt it—I could do this. I could act better, imbued with the talent and experience of Ryan Gosling.

As we walked side by side back to the football field, where the sports festival scene—the main plot of this episode—would be filmed, I noticed the gaze of every crew member following us. I greeted the extras who were standing in their position as the NPC crowd.

I could feel it—every gaze was fixed on us. After all, I was the protagonist, and the short girl beside me was the heroine.

"Kana." She turned to look at me, and I smirked. "Let's break the internet."

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