32 New Target: Ivy Everbloom

Time passed, and the school hours ended like any other, but today was different for the third-year students as it was their last day of school.

Excitement lingered in the air as they gathered in the school courtyard, reminiscing about their days together.

Tears of joy, laughter, and a sense of accomplishment filled their hearts.

The bittersweet feeling of leaving behind cherished memories and lifelong friendships was tempered by the anticipation of new beginnings and the limitless possibilities that awaited them.

Food vendors set up stalls, offering a variety of treats to celebrate this momentous occasion.

The aroma of freshly grilled burgers and hot dogs wafted through the air, enticing the hungry graduates.

Luke and Jack decided to savor their day by indulging in the mouthwatering delicacies that surrounded them.

Jack offered to pay for Luke's food, which Luke didn't refuse, as he was broke.

"I will miss this; life will never be the same without these moments," Jack remarked, savoring every bite of his juicy burger.

Luke nodded in agreement, his mouth too full of a mouthwatering hot dog to respond.

During school days, students often spend most of their time in a structured environment, following a set schedule, and interacting with a relatively fixed group of peers.

After school, the structure is less rigid, and individuals have more independence to make their own decisions.

In school, friendships can sometimes be formed out of convenience, such as being in the same class or living in the same neighborhood.

After school, friendships tend to be more voluntary, as people choose to spend time with those who share their interests and values.

However, there may be friends you can't see due to various reasons.

It could be because they have moved away to a different city or country, or perhaps they have different schedules.

"Promise me that you will still visit when you enter the Extreme Martial Dojo; if you dare forget this, brother of yours, I will go to your house and beat the daylights out of you!" Jack said to Luke in a playful tone.

Even though their paths were now diverging, it wouldn't mean that their friendship would diminish.

True friends find ways to stay connected despite distance or busy schedules.

"Haha, don't worry," Luke replied with a smile.

"No matter where life takes us, our bond will remain unbreakable. We will make time for each other and find a way to keep our friendship alive." Jack nodded, relieved to have such a loyal friend like Luke by his side.

"Don't worry, after you leave for the Extreme Martial Dojo, this brother will take care of my future sister-in-law," Jack reassured Luke.

Of course, Luke knew that Jack was talking about Ivy, who should keep studying at a good university in the city.

"I'll make sure she's well taken care of and supported while you're away." Jack teased Luke, playfully punching him on the arm.

"You really should stop joking about this stuff and take it seriously," Luke said with a grin. "There's nothing going on between me and her."

"Come on, I've known you for years. I can see it in your eyes when you look at her. But don't worry, I won't say a word."

"Say what word?" Suddenly, a voice from behind interrupted their conversation.

Luke's body trembled as he heard the voice that he was familiar with.

He turned around slowly, his heart beating rapidly, and saw her standing there with a slight smile on her face.

The voice that had interrupted their conversation belonged to none other than the woman his heart didn't want to let go of.

Her voice, like a gentle breeze, was a symphony of harmonious melodies, a serenade that enchants all who have the privilege to listen. With each note that escapes her lips, a profound sense of serenity and wonder washes over those fortunate enough to be in her presence.

"Hey, Ivy!" Jack was the one who called out to her.

The sound of his voice brought the dazed Luke back to reality. His heart skipped a beat as he locked eyes with Ivy, the woman he had loved for years.

Memories of their time together flooded his mind, but he knew that these memories were not his, but since his Luke now, he had to deal with them, and what better way to deal with them than to accept them.

"Hey, Ivy," he managed to say, his voice shaking slightly.

Ivy turned towards him, a gentle smile forming on her lips.

[Ding!]

[A new target has been detected!]

'Huh?' Luke was confused by the sudden interruption of the system.

[New Target: Ivy Everbloom]

[Does the host want to add Ivy Everbloom to the Harem?]

[Yes] [No]

'The heck! What is going on?' Luke thought, his heart pounding in his chest.

"Luke, is something wrong?" Ivy asked, concern evident in her eyes.

Luke hesitated for a moment, unsure of how to respond, but he shook his head and forced a smile. "No, everything's fine," he replied, trying to ignore the strange messages that had just appeared.

But deep down, he couldn't shake off the feeling that something was very wrong.

Why was Ivy recognized as a potential harem target?

"So what do you mean by 'word'? Weren't you going to say something?" Ivy asked Jack, her voice filled with curiosity.

"O-Oh, that... nothing; it's really nothing," Jack stammered, avoiding Ivy's gaze.

"Hm," Ivy said, placing her index finger on her face and making a pondering expression.

She furrowed her brows, observing Jack and Luke closely.

"You're hiding something, aren't you?" She questioned, her tone filled with suspicion.

"...Wait, are you two eating without me? Both of you should have waited for me!" Ivy exclaimed, and she pouted her lips and crossed her arms.

"Haha, that's right!" Luke quickly responded, trying to divert Ivy's attention.

"Here, take this; we didn't want you to miss out on the delicious food," Luke said, handing Ivy a beef burger with all the toppings that she liked.

As for how Luke knew, Jack, Ivy, and he used to eat together all the time since both were in the same class.

Ivy's eyes widened with excitement as she took the burger from Luke. "Well, I guess I can forgive you this time," she said with a mischievous grin, taking a big bite out of the burger.

The three friends laughed and enjoyed their meal together, their friendship stronger than ever.

After adding Ivy to his harem management, another screen popped out.

☆ Ivy Everbloom: 81% (Love)

The moment Luke saw the percentage next to Ivy's name, his heart skipped a beat.

Could it be that Ivy felt the same way he did? He couldn't help but feel a surge of hope and excitement.

'System, is it 100% accurate?' Luke couldn't believe it.

[Yes, the system is 100% accurate in calculating the interest of the target toward the host]

'Does she have feelings for me?' Luke thought to himself, his mind racing with possibilities.