Chapter 1: Doki Doki literary club

Large eyes, accented by distinct double eyelids, held pupils as black as the night sky.

Her small, oval face featured delicate, perfectly placed features, and her long, dark hair flowed like gentle waves.

The slightly fitted school uniform revealed the curves of her slender frame.

That was the reflection staring back at me from the mirror.

Describing it like this made it feel like it wasn’t even me.

“Yes.”

I nodded with satisfaction, pleased with my flawless appearance.

It felt strange to say it myself, but wasn’t this look pretty decent, if not outright beautiful? I’d received plenty of compliments on my looks, and I shared the same genes as my older sister.

Yes, I was at least above average.

Clicking my tongue, I finished my now-familiar routine and left the room.

“Oh, are you leaving already? Aren’t you going to have breakfast?”

“You know I don’t usually eat breakfast.”

“But it’s your entrance ceremony today…”

“I’ll just get an upset stomach if I eat when I’m not used to it.”

I passed my mother, busy cooking in the kitchen, and headed for the living room.

The TV blared a breaking news report, the announcer’s voice full of dramatic urgency.

I listened briefly. Another murder, it seemed.

The words “Serial Killer Claims 18th Victim” were splashed across the screen in red.

News about the currently trending murderer.

Murders happened every day, but hearing about them first thing in the morning was always unsettling.

I quickly redirected my attention and headed for the front door.

I slipped on my perfectly fitted brown loafers.

Before turning the doorknob, I took a deep breath, composing my slightly scattered thoughts.

Had this day really come? I’d doubted it so many times.

Yet, like a debt collector demanding payment, it had arrived.

The scenery before me was identical to the CG I’d seen on the monitor.

The world had turned into a dating sim for girls when I woke up, and my body had changed… How many times had I denied this reality since then? The waves of depression that followed each time were almost unbearable.

But now, things were different.

I could say with confidence and without trembling that I wouldn’t run away from this reality like I had before.

Even if this world felt like nothing more than a lie, there were people here who truly loved me.

I’d just spoken as if it were all serious business, but these were just memories now, words that only applied to my past self.

Still, the sentimental feelings welling up today were unavoidable, especially considering the occasion.

To shake off this strange feeling, I tightened my grip on the doorknob.

As I pulled, savoring the cold touch of the metal, sunlight streamed through the doorway, momentarily blinding me.

“I’m off!”

The gentle breeze felt refreshing, the scattering cherry blossom petals carried the promise of spring, the clear sky stretched endlessly above…it was truly a beautiful day.

This moment marked the beginning of the game.