The Passive Income System

{Amane's POV}

I led Sawako to our table and grabbed the menu, breaking the silence almost immediately.

"I'm sorry I left like that earlier."

I looked at her gently. "It's fine. I just wanted to tease you!"

"Nanami called, and she really needed someone to talk to."

"Yeah? Is everything okay?"

"She's fine, but she's really having it rough! She goes to Suiko—ever heard of it?"

I thought for a moment before shaking my head. Nothing came to mind.

"The full name is Suimei University of the Arts. That's the school she goes to."

"An arts school? That must be expensive! Heck, my school is already quite pricey, and I'm thankful I have my parents to help. I can only imagine the cost of a place like that."

"Exactly! That's why she called me. She has to work and pay for it on her own because her family doesn't support her career path. E-well, it's not that bad, but I really don't know how to word it."

"How about we change the subject then? I think I'm going to go for the lobster risotto!"

"I don't know what to choose... I want that, but I kind of want to try the seared duck breast too." Her brows furrowed as she focused intently on the two options. I didn't get why she didn't just pick both, but I decided to help her out.

"How about this? You get the seared duck breast, and if you don't like it, you can have my risotto."

She grabbed the menu, covering her face with only her eyes peeking out. "How can you s-say that with a straight face?!"

I chuckled. "The same way you can reveal your mom's teachings at a crosswalk. GU?!"

She kicked my leg!

I took it like a champ and retaliated. "PEU!?" I swiftly moved my right hand and, with precision, pinched her left forearm. A masterful comeback.

"U-Um… what would you like to eat?" a feminine voice interrupted our playful flirting.

"EH?"

"HUH?"

We both turned slowly to see a girl with short blonde hair and red eyes. She was dressed in employee attire, her conflicted expression suggesting she was debating whether or not to scold us.

"I'll take the lobster risotto," I recovered quickly. Glancing at Sawako, I realized she wasn't going to speak anytime soon. "She'll have the seared duck breast."

"Anything else?"

I glanced at the dessert options and added, "A chocolate fondant."

The waitress nodded and left with our orders. Neither Sawako nor I could return to our earlier mischievousness. Instead, we sat in a tense silence—the kind where you wanted to speak but didn't know how.

She's so fun to be around, and not to mention kind. I'm glad we can even do this.

---

{Takina Inoue POV}

"Chitose? GAH?! We're on a mission!" I snapped, shaking her off my back.

Chitose grinned wider, still clinging to me like a child on a jungle gym. "Relax~! Did you see that couple over there? Adorable. That guy's got style."

I groaned. "Where are they sitting? I didn't see them come in."

"Front row, left corner. They've been here a while—probably came in before us. Lucky them!"

"Tch. Fine. We'll have to change our approach, then."

"Fine~! Oh! I also saw the local police here. I think they might interfere, especially that kid with the red tie and glasses. What was his name again?"

"Uh... Conan?"

"Yeah~ Yeah~!"

"Why are you so excited? This makes our mission way harder! No telling what those fools will do."

Chitose waved it off. "What's the big deal? We're just here for info. It's not like we're taking them out or anything."

"That doesn't mean we can't get caught. And YOU especially need to be careful."

"PUUU!" Chitose stuck out her tongue.

"Put that back in your mouth, or I'll cut it off."

"Oh~ So scary. Heheh~"

----

{Amane's POV}

"Hey Sawako, you see that couple up there to your left?"

"Yeah?"

"I think that dude is rocking that traditional style. Maybe I should've opted for that instead of a suit." It would've been a pain, but seeing another guy pull it off made me want to try it.

"Either way, you'd look handsome, so I'm fine with either!"

"Oh yeah? Someone finally running out of embarrassment points?"

"Yeah. You've taken all of them!"

"I'm so honored. I could take it. Am I the first?"

"Yep!"

"I see, so I'm your first!"

"Why are you saying it like that?"

"Pfft~" I covered my mouth with my hand to stifle my laughter. Once again, I couldn't understand how she could pick up on some things and not others.

"Hey! Why are you laughing!"

"No reason. Hahaha~!"

"Hmph! Take this cursed technique!"

I moved my feet closer to my chair, hearing her stomp where they had been moments before.

"Fool me once, but you can't fool me twice."

"I'll show you later!"

"I can't wait then. Please really show me."

"You did it again!"

"Puu~" I stuck my tongue out playfully, and she just glared at me cutely.

BANG~

"?" We turned toward the source of a loud slamming sound. It wasn't just us—everyone else present did the same.

"YAH!!!!!!" A loud, womanly scream shattered the peaceful atmosphere. The guy I had just complimented had collapsed to the floor unconscious. The strange part? His partner hadn't reacted. That scream came from another woman—a spectator.

A kid with a familiar hairstyle, stature, and clothing rushed toward the unconscious body.

Is that Conan? No freaking way! This dude is like a bringer of death. Even in this one fanfic I read in my last world, he was bringing death with every appearance. I forgot the name, but I can't forget Conan!

This bastard better not scare my Sawako.

Oh shit... well, she isn't mine yet, but I mean—AW FUCK IT DOESN'T MATTER. He better just hope. Speaking of, I glanced at Sawako, and she was completely fine. If she had popcorn, she'd definitely be watching and eating right now! She's more different than I thought, but I like it.