My girlfriend is Saiki Kusunoki

"Will I die?" Mai's heart sank almost halfway after hearing what Nanko said.

Why would someone who was perfectly healthy want to die?

"Actually, even if you don't die, it's not a good thing when everyone forgets you. After all, no one can live in eternal solitude forever."

Mai Sakurajima felt a chill run down her spine when she thought about how everyone had forgotten her, how no one spoke to her, and how no one could touch her.

Recently, such incidents have been spreading continuously, and Mai Sakurajima has no doubt about the truthfulness of what Nanako said.

"So, Nanzi, is this situation resolvable? Is there anything we can do to help her?"

Upon seeing Mai's condition, Sakuta quickly stepped forward and asked Kusuko what was wrong.

"To be honest, I don't have a good solution for things like having a sense of presence. Here, take this; it might be able to help you."

At this moment, Nanko handed the magnifying glass to Sakuta. Sakuta looked at it with confusion, completely unable to guess what it was used for.

"This thing can show Mai-senpai's presence level. Just think of it as my sister's new invention."

Sakuta held the magnifying glass up to his eyes with some skepticism and discovered that Mai was wearing a large counter on her body.

The numbers above are still decreasing.

Naoto glanced at Nanko and said, "Is it really okay for you to push your own problems onto your older sister like this?"

This is clearly just an ordinary magnifying glass, but you've given it superpowers.

However, Naoto didn't say anything about what Nanko did; he could only say that Nanko had her own ideas.

Besides, Kongzi has often tricked Nanzi and him, so it's not a big deal to let her take the blame.

"So, all we need to do is keep increasing this number?"

Sakuta looked at the numbers on the screen and asked Nanako uncertainly.

"That's really the only way for now. However, I'm guessing that if you fall asleep, you might be swallowed up by the surrounding quanta, and then you might completely forget about Mai-senpai."

At this moment, Nanko gave Sakuta a serious reminder.

Chapter 74: Fight On, You Pig-Headed Boy!

"Ha~"

With a yawn, Sakuta sat in his seat, already on the verge of death.

It's math class now, and for Sakuta, whose grades aren't great to begin with, plus he hasn't slept for almost three days, this is practically torture, akin to death.

And there is a terrible punishment called sleep deprivation, which is similar in content.

Sleep deprivation is a long-standing form of torture, dating back to the persecution of Christians in the first century Roman Empire. An unnamed organization in a certain free country can keep prisoners awake for up to 180 hours straight, during which time they are usually standing or in a compressed position. Sometimes, the prisoners' hands are handcuffed above their heads, often resulting in fractures or dislocations.

To keep prisoners awake for extended periods, this mysterious organization would shine two large lights on them and sometimes play loud noises. Prisoners were either locked in rooms with the lights on 24 hours a day or subjected to constant bombardment and interrogation, preventing them from sleeping.

Reports from the mysterious organization indicate that at least five prisoners experienced hallucinations during prolonged sleep deprivation. However, at least two prisoners were still deprived of sleep even while experiencing hallucinations.

Of course, Sakuta's current situation isn't that dire. However, given his current state, he probably won't be able to hold on much longer.

Naoto was sitting next to Sakuta, looking at his friend who looked like he was about to die suddenly. He wanted to go over and comfort him, but he didn't know how to start.

Naoto completely failed to understand why it was necessary to go to such lengths for Sakuta.

After starting school, I still have to work part-time, and I've even reached the point where I can fall asleep standing up. Is it really necessary to go to this extent?

When Naoto noticed that Sakuta was acting strangely, he thought about going to help him.

Just as Naoto was about to try and persuade the guy, Nanako stopped him.

"I think it's better for you to pretend you don't know right now."

"Why? Sakuta is about to collapse!"

Although Naoto felt sorry for Mai Sakurajima, in Naoto's heart, his good brother was undoubtedly more important.

"Because I just went to the future and saw some things. It would be better for Sakuta not to stop it now."

"You...went to the future?"

Naoto stared blankly at his girlfriend. He hadn't expected that Nanako would go all the way to the future for Sakuta.

"The future? What exactly happened?"

"Naoto, do you believe me?"

"There's no need to say more. Even if I don't believe in myself, I will definitely believe in you."

Naoto answered Nanzi's question without even a fraction of a second of hesitation.

After hearing Naoto's answer, Nanko was moved and also revealed some information to him.

"Although I can't tell you everything, one thing is certain: Mai-senpai will help Sakuta overcome many difficulties in the future, and in the end, the two of them will become husband and wife. So..."

"Now I think I understand. I never expected that Sakuta would be a template for a light novel male protagonist? The female protagonist gets into trouble, the male protagonist stands up to help her, and they eventually develop feelings for each other. This kind of plot actually happened."

"So, you understand, now just pretend you've completely forgotten Mai-senpai. No matter what Sakuta asks, just say you don't know. Sakuta will be fine, I'm watching over him."

After receiving Nanako's assurance, Naoto had no choice but to pretend he had completely forgotten about Mai. Even when Sakuta asked about it, Naoto pretended not to know anything.

"Naoto, do you remember Mai-senpai? She was the most popular senpai in school before."

"Huh? There are people like this in our school?! Cough cough cough, Sakuta, no need to say more, I'm a man with a girlfriend, I'm not interested in these things."

"Really? You don't remember."

"Huh? Well, more importantly, Sakuta, you've been staying up a lot lately. Are you really okay? I think you're about to become a god."

"It's nothing, it's just a few nights of staying up late, I'm perfectly healthy."

Sakuta, whose mind was already in disarray, was completely oblivious to Naoto's lies.

After a person goes without sleep for four or five days, their thinking logic basically disappears.

Right now, even Naoto isn't sure if Sakuta is talking in his sleep.

All I can say is, you've worked hard for your wife, brother.

"You still haven't gone to sleep? Are you alright?"

"If possible, please ask Mai-senpai to give me a reward, and I'll be wide awake immediately."

Sakuta, who had barely managed to hold on until after school, took the train home under Naoto's worried gaze.

On the way, he didn't forget to buy a few pineapple buns to bring to Mai Sakurajima, who was waiting at his doorstep.

Speaking of which, Mai Sakurajima has been having a pretty rough time lately.

About a day after meeting Sakuta, Mai was unable to go home because the access control system could not recognize her face.

With no other option, Mai Sakurajima had no choice but to stay at Sakuta's house temporarily.

Can't you be serious for once?

After spending these past few days together, Mai Sakurajima has come to understand Sakuta's personality.

Although he's a smooth talker, he's more honest than anyone else.

To be honest, the fact that this person didn't make any advances towards a beautiful young woman living in his house is enough to tell you a lot about his character.

"Let me see how much presence I have today."

Sakuta ignored Mai's complaints and pointed the small mirror at her, shaking his head as he looked at the numbers on it.

"How is it? Still no increase?"

Seeing Sakuta's expression, Mai had pretty much resigned herself to her fate.

They've tried everything they can these past few days, but they just can't seem to increase their presence in the market.

If this continues, Mai might really...

"Hmm, but it didn't drop much today. It seems our efforts are paying off."

That's all Sakuta could say to the distraught Mai.

"Yes, if you work hard, there is still hope."

Faced with Sakuta's words of comfort, Mai Sakurajima could only manage a wry smile; she herself didn't believe such a statement.

However, seeing Sakuta sitting in his seat, constantly drinking various caffeinated beverages, Mai Sakurajima couldn't bear to expose Sakuta's little lie.

Mai was already very content to have met such a caring man before she disappeared, a man who was willing to give everything for her.

Chapter 75: Offering a Salute to the King's Birth

"Straight man, if you met a girl you really, really love, what would you do?"

Two days later, Sakuta, looking even more haggard, came to Naoto and suddenly asked him this question.

"Sakuta, let me tell you, I've always treated you well, so why are you trying to frame me like this?"

After Sakuta asked that question, Naoto immediately felt a murderous intent rushing towards him.

Is he capable of answering this question?

"Oh, I forgot, you already have a girlfriend. So, let's change the subject: how exactly did you and Nanzi define your relationship?"

After hearing Naoto's words, Sakuta slapped his forehead.

Am I so confused that I've forgotten this person already has a girlfriend?

"Why are you suddenly asking this kind of question? Does it mean you already have someone you like?"

"Well, that's right."

“That’s great. Let me give you some advice. This girl is quite concerned about her image. If you can confess in a crowded place, your chances of success will be much higher. With the added advantage of the venue, you will definitely get more opportunities.”

"How many people are there? Are you sure this is the right way to do it?"

After hearing this, Sakuta silently memorized it.

"However, if the other person doesn't like you, it could backfire and you might not even be able to remain friends in the end."

Seeing Sakuta looking like a pig-headed boy, Naoto quickly tried to remind him, but unfortunately, Sakuta was completely oblivious to Naoto's words. Now, it was time for him to daydream.

Sakuta, who was almost crushed by life, felt like he was about to give up.