They Hated Me in My First Life, But Now I Have the Love System
Chapter 320: Just a Coincidence

Chapter 320: Just a Coincidence

“Yes, you do,” the Love System replied. “Just don’t waste them. Survive, improve, and make sure you are out of that forest in less than two months. That is your best shot.”

“Got it,” Nnenna whispered.

Her fingers clenched into fists at her sides.

“We plan to be out in a few weeks… if all works well.” Nnenna sighed and rubbed her eyes. “I pray it does.”

With that, she finally shut her eyes for some sleep, something she had not truly had in days. But they were safe now, at least for a little while, so she let herself drift off. Just before sleep claimed her, she gave the love system a quiet permission, If danger comes and I’m unaware, use whatever good points are necessary to protect us…

Morning came faster than expected.

The crew had a quick breakfast, light but enough to keep them moving. Abuchi, however, was already gone before the others could lift their spoons. He was determined to be the first in line at the currency exchange.

Lumna, like Jupe, was a kingdom fueled by trade. Merchants from far and wide flooded its streets, and the currency exchange center was always one of the busiest places at dawn. If you came late, you waited for hours.

But not today. Abuchi had learned his lesson from the marketplace fiasco back in Marka. No more letting others get ahead while he hesitated. The moment he stepped out, he went straight to the exchange center and stood in front, alone.

Ten minutes later, the line had already begun to stretch behind him.

He smiled quietly to himself.

Not today. This time, I am ready.

Abuchi’s transaction was completed quickly, thanks to his early arrival. He returned to the others, holding the neatly packed Lumna currency in a pouch.

“Guys, I have got the currency,” he announced. “Who’s coming with me to get supplies? I ca not carry everything alone.”

He glanced naturally at the boys, expecting one of them to step forward for the heavy lifting.

But before any of them could speak, Karen suddenly stood up. “I’ll go with you.”

Abuchi blinked. “Uh, I don’t think that is the best idea…” He tried to sound careful, not to hurt her feelings, but Karen was already narrowing her eyes.

“Why? You think I am not strong enough? You think I can not carry stuff like the boys?”

“No, I just—”

“Then let’s go,” she said, grabbing her bag with a snap.

Abuchi smiled awkwardly, realizing there was no point arguing. “Fine,” he said with a shrug. “Let’s go.”

Yes! Karen celebrated inwardly, her heart fluttering.

I made him smile! she thought, trying not to let her joy show on her face. Now this feels like a proper date, just the two of us. Finally, some alone time.

But on the outside, she wore a blank, almost stern expression, pretending like it meant nothing.

Nobody would guess her real thoughts. At least… that was the plan.

The two of them slipped away from the rest of the group and headed toward the market, determined not to repeat the chaotic mess they’d gone through back in Marka. With the local currency in hand, things were already off to a better start.

As they walked, Abuchi remained quiet as usual, his eyes scanning the streets ahead. Karen, on the other hand, had been dying to say something. Anything.

But he was not talking, and she didn’t want to seem pushy.

Still, the silence was killing her.

She finally broke. “Hey… the trader we bought from earlier, his goods seem solid. But do you think we got enough? I mean, for the journey?”

Abuchi glanced at her. “Yeah, I think so. Nnenna does not eat much. I guess you don’t either, so we should be fine.”

Nnenna who doesn’t eat much “..?”

Karen nodded slowly. “Okay, true…”

Then, just as she was starting to feel some small satisfaction in the moment, he suddenly lit up.

“Oh!” he exclaimed, eyes brightening. “That’s Nnenna’s favorite snack! She eats it all the time back home. I have to get it for her.”

Without waiting for her reaction, Abuchi veered off toward another stall with renewed energy.

Karen stood frozen for a beat, lips parting in disbelief.

Nnenna… again? Seriously?

She sighed through her nose and followed behind him, her mood quietly deflating.

“Sure,” Karen said, a flicker of hesitation in her voice.

Back in Marka, when Abuchi had bought those snacks, she had secretly thought it was because of her. They were her favorites, after all. She remembered how touched she had felt, thinking he had noticed something so small about her.

But now?

Now she knew the truth.

It was not for her. It was because they were Nnenna’s favorite snacks. He had been buying them… for Nnenna all along.

The realization stung a little more than she expected.

She followed him as he eagerly picked up packs of the same snacks, his face lighting up as he found the exact kind Nnenna loved. Nnenna likes this… Nnenna likes that… It was like a never ending loop, and Karen felt herself sinking into the background again.

Why was it bothering her so much?

They’re siblings, she reminded herself. Of course he would want to take care of his sister.

But still, something did not sit right. Things had not always felt like a sibling dynamic between them, not from where she stood. She had hoped… maybe just a little… that those moments meant something more. And now, it felt like her tiny bubble of hope had popped without warning.

What’s even the point? she thought. He’s still in love with Ruth anyway. No one else stands a chance.

She sighed, keeping a neutral face so he would not notice. He’s probably developing a sister complex, she grumbled in her mind, trying to shake off the sinking feeling.

Still, it was hard to cheer up when your favorite snack was actually someone else’s favorite… and you were just a coincidence.