I never really understood romance at such a young age.

To be specific, I mean romance between a couple in something like middle or even high school. Granted there are the rare cases where those blossoming romances drive couples to marriage and eventually have a happy life.

However, this time period is the roughest transition that one can make. One that people aren't mature enough to process and deal with responsibly. There are more responsibilities and changes that one endures when going to university or straight into a full-time job when compared to simply being a high school student.

Sometimes, it ends in bitter heartbreak that causes rifts in both couples and the friends around them. Sometimes, there is a natural shift as the maturity changes between two people that is natural. No bitterness or heartache, just reality. I, Watanabe Yuto, had been in one relationship in my life. The result of it? Neither category fits as there was no actual love in it.

People are beings that are reliant on others to make connections. It is a foundational staple in everyday life. I understand that it strives for people to start these relationships, especially when romance is considered a highly popular thing for people in middle or high school.

Personally, I think that the best place for people to start thinking about romance is during the middle years of their time at university. It would make sense. The stress that university lectures have are more intensive and done over a longer period of time. With everything not running on the same clock, it makes sense that people have to learn to manage their time and resources better.

After a year of understanding what to do, is when people can be more grounded and comfortable to start dating. I could see it during the beginning and end of my university's lectures where groups of friends huddle together with male and female pairings who are happening to take the same course to be close together.

"Hey, Yuto."

"Hm? Oh, hey Kyoka-chan."

I wasn't particularly alone in this course. I did have a friend in this course. One that went to the same high school that I did even, Sayama Kyoka. She was diligent and a major tomboy, having a bit of a tan due to playing Tennis for school.

Luckily she was in the same major as me so I usually had one friend to talk to while leaving the lecture hall.

"The lecture was tough today... Why couldn't they go a bit easier on the material?"

"Because ALL the readings are mandatory... Even though I don't agree with some of them."

"What's worse is the quiz came out of nowhere. I wasn't ready!"

"Okay, you got me there... Still. I don't think I did too badly. I should get 70%."

"I did worse for sure... Why are we doing theory when we should be actually doing stuff?!"

"That's why you need to study, Kyoka-chan... To appease them. Also, theory tells us how shots work and such. They signify the meaning behind certain parts."

"Yeah... But still. I don't get some of it."

"Mmh."

It was the usual banter between us. Nothing meaningful and substantial but there was some semblance behind our words. We would just talk about the hell that our lectures caused us while walking through the bustling halls of our university.

"Still... Just one more day until Saturday comes. You're with me for our final lecture tomorrow, Yuto?"

"Haah... Don't remind me. I just wanna crash and play games all weekend."

"Oh? I thought you had to do one of those "magic spells" that you always do."

"What are you talking about? I don't do magic."

"You say that but you're famous at the university!"

"What??? Oh for that? It's not that big of a deal. If anything, I'm getting bored of it."

"Ehh??? For real? That sucks. Especially since I was your first customer! Seeing your work was always fun! Even Serena thinks so!"

I couldn't help but sigh at Kyoka's statement. The statement stung but it was true. It must be confusing to understand without context. It seemed rather harmless at first glance.

What she was referring to is my ability to help people hook up with one another. To take the first step in being a couple. It may sound weird and awkward...

Even explaining it sounds weird but I got put into that role. One that helps people get together. Kind of like a matchmaker but I play a more active role. I have an unhealthy tendency to put myself down to make others look better. Whether it'd be mixers, parties, or over time while being in a group of friends temporarily, I get asked to be used as a stepping stone. I've gotten so good at it that I even got a reputation for it.

Kyoka was the first person I ever did this on. It was unintentional but I had somehow managed to get Kyoka with one Wakatsuki Serena. A relatively shy yet diligent girl who usually keeps to herself while reading books.

"...Right..."

"You could even try it out on yourself to see if it works! After all, don't you have someone you like?"

"Not really..."

"Ah... Sorry, I didn't mean to bring that up. You don't deserve that!"

"It's no big deal... You didn't mean to."

Kyoka looks down because of it. Seeing that makes me sad. My own personal issues were affecting one of my friends. Great.

"L-Look. Don't worry. I'm not out of the count just yet. I just haven't been paying much attention to stuff like that."

"I suppose so. But hey! Don't be afraid to ask if you ever need relationship advice, got it?!"

Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings.

"Yeah yeah. I got it. Now go. Serena is probably waiting for you."

"Ah! That's right! I gotta go!!! Seeya, Yuto! I know you got this!"

"Sure. I have faith in it."

I lied.

How I managed to get the shy Serena to be bold enough to ask Kyoka out, is still a mystery. I didn't have a clue. I don't know how to make myself look better. It just sounds arrogant coming from yourself. At least with others, you could be saying it to sound nice.

Well, it didn't really matter. I didn't care enough about my own love life to even consider it. It's not like I don't believe in love. I think it's a good thing. It sounds romantic when finding the perfect one to spend the rest of your life with. I'm just a little raw after a bad experience.

"Excuse me?"

A voice calls out to me that stops my train of thought. I turn around to see a girl around my age, probably the same year as me. However, I didn't recognize her so she was probably majoring in a different course.

"Yes? Is there something that you wanted from me?"

"Ah yes! My name is Miyamoto Rei! I would like your help."

"Is that so? Well then. Follow me. We'll discuss the details in a better location. Just to let you know, I charge for the drink alongside the service."

"W-What?! You charge money?"

"Yep! 5 million yen. Add in the drinks which is another 500 yen."

"I-I can't afford that! What am I going to do?"

"Oh dear..."

What the heck have I got myself into? It couldn't be as bad as it sounds, so I took her up on it and the two of us made it to a local cafe to discuss the important subject matter. The two of us took a seat across from each other after ordering our drinks.

"So then... Let me introduce myself, though you probably know. Call me, Yuto. You don't have to use honorifics or whatever."

"Really? Even though you're my senior and everything?"

"It's fine, I don't really care much about customs. Let's leave that for the formal places where people actually care about that sort of thing."

"Alright, then. Please call me Rei... I wanted your help regarding getting together with an upper-classman."

"Oh? Is that so? I won't lie. That's a bold request. How'd you find out about this, to begin with?"

"W-Well, you had helped out a close friend of mine, Minami-chan."

"Uh... I think I remember. She's a second-year student focusing on Biology?"

"Yeah, that's right. It was a few months ago but they've been happy ever since. It makes me envious."

"Really? I heard some good tidbits from now and then but I didn't realize."

I still kept in touch with some of the people from that friend group.

"Yeah. When I asked her, she told me about you and what you did."

"I didn't do that great of a job... Still. Didn't you find it odd about me doing this sort of thing? Must be weird."

"I thought it was suspicious, but I learned that other people have gotten together because of you from the university I decided after a bit of thinking."

"You must really love this guy, huh? Perhaps that's the next thing we should talk about. Got to know a bit about this guy."

"Well... His name is Kanzaki Tomoyo, a second year in Osaka's engineering major. He has been my childhood friend ever since Kindergarten. We grew up together."

"Ah. So pure, blossoming romance? Been holding these ever since you were young I presume?"

Rei nods slowly to my question, causing me to think a bit more.

"Yeah, ever since Middle School."

"Well, that strikes the first step, already. That's a start."

"Already?! Just like that?!"

"Yep. The first step, having you get to know the guy. That's a problem that you see in TV shows, manga, anime, light novels, and stuff that goes into the real world. Getting to know the person. Both parties need to know the other on some level. And with a date, they get better acquainted in a secluded setting. So if you know him well, that saves a massive portion of time!"

"How much time are we talking about, here?"

"Depends on the person. For guys to ask girls, I'd say a couple of weeks to a few months. Girls are more cautious about that sort of thing because men usually have ulterior motives. Fortunately, guys take less time. There's a good chance that they will accept your request if you're cute enough. But the chances increase if you two know each other. The preexisting bond makes the connection stronger."

"Wow... It really works like that."

"Well, I'm not entirely sure about that."

"What???"

"Well, that's just a guess based on results. But it doesn't guarantee that it's right. After all, people are different from each other and this stuff should be taken into consideration. Because the guy may know you, but he just might not see you that way."

"We can't do anything about that to make him consider me an option?"

"Let's not get ahead of ourselves. We don't even know if that's the case. He might and we don't know yet. I can't just force people to change their emotions or who they are to meet your needs. That'd be pretty crappy."

"O-Of course not! I wouldn't do something like that!"

"Good! We got ourselves a starting point. Now then, think I could get your contact information?"

"Sure! That's no problem!"

Rei hands me her Line which I graciously accept. I wrote a few notes to make sure to remember things, there were for certain a few things that I will need to do.

"Well then. I'll be counting on you, Rei."

"Huh?"

She had a confused look on her face. To be expected.

"Well, you're my in for meeting this guy. If I'm going to help, I'll need your assistance. So let's not think of ourselves as a worker and client relationships but rather as friends helping each other out. How does that sound?"

"S-Sure! Of course! It'll be great to be working with you, Yuto! I hope that we'll get along together!"

Rei paid for her drink and rushed off to her next lecture which would leave me by myself. It gave me time to think to myself while I relaxed a little.

"Hey! Kenji-kun! What are you doing for summer break?!"

"Eh??? I don't know. Maybe playing games."

"Senpai! Let's go shopping!"

"Now?!"

"Sorry, Akane. Kenji-kun has already made plans with his senpai, hasn't he?"

"Agawa-senpai! You're a bit too close!"

"Moh! Kenji-kun is so mean!"

"Kenji."

"Eh? What's wrong Yuuka-chan?"

"Thank you for staying up all night. You really pushed me like never before..."

"HUH?!"

"Kenji, Kenji-kun, Senpai..."

"Wait wait wait! It's not like what it looks like."

Oh no. OH NO. OH NONONONO!

I was doing so well. Why did those guys have to spoil it? Why are they doing this in public where other people can hear them? Especially, me of all people!

Sorry, I'm being overdramatic. None of these people are bad. I'm just annoyed. Let me explain.

Being a person who helps people get together is an interesting topic. Sure, it may create some fascinating situations but nothing really special. But the story of Yamamoto Kenji was that of the typical trashy romantic comedy harem. There's the main culprit and four girls going after him.

Izayoi Yumi, a third year in the School of Foreign Studies is the childhood friend of the story. She's been best friends with Kenji growing up ever since kindergarten. Diligent in her studies, kind to those around her, soft-spoken, and rarely ever yells. She does well in a wide range of activities which only boasted her overwhelming popularity.

Nakamura Hana, a second year in the School of Health and Sport Science is like when you mix a hyperactive teenager with sugar-infused coffee and energy drinks. Loud, bold, beats to her own drum, and likes to have fun first and foremost. The fact she does well in all sports adds to her merit, even beating a few male players. I say all that but she's an endearing little gremlin. Can be annoying but she means well.

Agawa Nanami, a senior in the Faculty of Medicine is considered an angel by many of her local fans. The rumor says that her smile is so bright that one look could burn vampires. She's very handsy when helping people out despite being a massive klutz. Despite this, she is a big sister who likes to tease and protect those she cares about and help in any way possible.

Suzumiya Mayumi, a junior in the School of Engineering Science is well known for being rather eccentric by her fellow peers. She doesn't talk much and keeps a rather cold expression everywhere that she goes. Rarely does she show any emotions but can be really expressive through text messaging. Once you get used to that demeanor, she's really fun to be around.

Again, none of them are actually bad. I don't have any bad relationships with any of them. If anything, I hope that they consider me their friend since I do the same to them. I just find it all tiresome to have to see this four-way competition to fight for Kenji's attention. I never thought fiction would be able to be demonstrated in reality... However, I was wrong about the power of the dense harem protagonist.

But I suppose that it doesn't matter too much. I'll continue to work to help them from the shadows while helping those who come to ask for my help. Despite all the nuisances and inconveniences that other people have, I will see it through to completion. That is my resolve as both a man and the motivation that this is for the sake of other people's happiness.