Gamers Volume 11

Gamers!
Volume 11 Prologue & Chapter

1
Volume 11 – Gamers and First Love Multi End
Prologue – Keita Amano and Second Kiss
1 Goldenagato | mp4directs.com
Translator: your_pingas
Mistakes in flag management often cause an event bug in games.
For example, a character that already died can suddenly appear on the
screen.
For example, things that haven’t happened yet are treated as past events in
the description.
To put it simply, they are strange events that don’t follow the story flow.
However, in reality, these are pretty fatal and unfortunate bugs for gamers.
The reason is that ordinary bugs mostly just waste things like time and
energy. However, an error in flag management can-
-Hurt the player’s soul.
It doesn’t feel right when a deceased partner suddenly reappears as if
nothing has happened.
Then, it’s the worst spoiler when you’re told what’ll happen next.
Just like that, it suddenly attacked from the player’s blind spot. A scar is
formed in your heart without any time for preparation.
This is- an event bug caused by flag mismanagement.
So.
To me, Keita Amano.
When someone took my lips in front of a girl I love-
“Uh, ugh…!?”
This is an event bug caused by flag mismanagement.
*
The cold breezes of February are blowing on my cheeks.
The sun is beginning to set. I’m at the corner of <Twilight Platform>.
Right now.
Something moist and warm is pressing against my dry lips.
Then, I can only see- Chiaki Hoshinomori’s closed eyes and her long
eyelashes.
“…………”
It seems that I’m kissing Chiaki right now.
I’m thinking outside of my perspective. …My mind can’t catch up.
-Then, I noticed Chiaki putting her tiny hands on my chest. Her weight
and momentum are all concentrated on it.
(Hey, watch out!)
My body is pushed backward. I can’t help- but put my hands on her
shoulder to support her.
…Yes.
It’s like I accepted her kiss.
It’s like I’m hugging her warmly and gently.
“…………”
Our lips are pressed together with the initial momentum. After I calmed
down, we realized again how soft each of us is.
“…………”
I’m tasting that overly sweet touch.
For a moment, I can’t help but feel- a misplaced sense of achievement and
an indescribable feeling of happiness.
The reason I say that is because, actually, at this moment, I’m trying my
best to take someone’s lips too. In other words, I’m moving because I wanted
to take away my lover’s lips.
In other words, it’s because I’m entirely in a “kissing” position.
So, reasonably, I feel happy when I achieved the kissing part.
…………
-It’s the same, even if my most important girl is switched.
“…Ugh.”
As a result, I feel deep into the mud where my ex-girlfriend has to see
this. I’m kissing Chiaki. However-
(…N-No!)
After I snapped out of it, my love and passion for Tendou-san came back.
Of course, I thought of just immediately pushing Chiaki away- I
should’ve done that.
However, ….for some reason, my hands on her shoulder don’t have any
strength.
(…This is…)
I should’ve vehemently rejected what I’m doing with Chiaki after
thinking of myself and Tendou-san.
I should’ve acted immediately without considering the consequences.
That’s what the usual Keita Amano would’ve done.
However, right now, …I hesitated when I’m facing Chiaki.
The reason is that…
(Chiaki’s trembling…)
From her shoulders, from the hands she’s putting on my chest, from her
lips, I can feel her trembling-
-No, these are the remnants of the “courage” she mustered up. She’s
sending them over to me.
(…How can I reject something like this?)
It’s because even though this is strange, it’s completely identical- to the
courage I have when I was trying to take away Tendou-san’s lips.
…It’s okay even if everyone in the world thinks this is stupid.
I’m the only one that can sincerely praise it.
It’s because only we can understand this feeling -this lingering and
meager sense of courage.
“…………”
It’s because our bodies are sticking together. At this moment, I can
painfully feel her emotions.
At the same time, to Chiaki, …the most enormous resonance up to this
point is gradually filling my heart.
Yes, you- are me.
However, when I entirely understood this point, -it’s already too late.
“…Ugh, …uh…”
I already can’t move away from Chiaki’s kiss.
No, to be precise, I can’t push her away forcefully. Instead, I’m trying to
press her shoulders to slowly push her out. I swear to god that this is true.
However, Chiaki’s determined and overwhelming “desire” is far above
what I’m feeling right now.
“…………”
In the end, we kissed for a long time- as if it lasted forever.
From Tendou-san’s eyes, this scene…can only be interpreted as me
accepting Chiaki’s kiss.
Also, this isn’t a misunderstanding.
After all, right now, in a way, …I indeed accepted Chiaki’s confession
and kiss.
“…………”
An unknown amount of time has passed.
In the end, someone brought an end to our sudden, long kiss.
-It’s not somebody else. Instead, it’s an apology from Chiaki.
“…I-I’m sorry, Keita, Karen-san.”
With that, Chiaki left me and showed a lonely smile in front of the sunset.
For some reason-
She looks so illusory that the girl may immediately disappear into the
orange night sky.
Chapter 1 – Karen Tendou and Chiaki Hoshinomori and Rival Encounter

(RPG Enemy Event)
Karen Tendou
The heater at the corner of the club room is blowing out warm breezes.
This is a day at the end of February.
It’s after school. I’m in the club room. The heater’s not working properly,
and I can feel the slight chills on my skin.
As the Game Club president, I, Karen Tendou, is standing in front of the
sunset outside the window-
-I judged my members with a cold attitude.
“Everyone- aren't you guys getting lazy recently?”
“…………”
After hearing the president’s solemn words, the three members stopped
playing and looked at us.
Gakuto Kase, Nina Oiso, Eiichi Mizumi.
At this point, Kase-senpai and Nina-senpai should’ve already graduated
from the club. They don’t even need to come to school anymore. However,
they still show up in the club accordingly to practice with us. As the
president, I’m deeply thankful for that.
However, -it’s impossible to use this as an excuse for laziness.
As the Game Club president, -I started complaining about them calmly.
“First of all, Mizumi-kun.”
“Y-Yes, what’s wrong, Tendou-san? …No, president.”
Mizumi-kun put his phone onto the table and looked at me nervously.
I shook my head exaggeratedly and looked at him dumbfoundedly.
“Your talents are indeed perfect. If you’re in your world, I bet you can use
your cheat-like powers to enjoy a harem protagonist life. …Hoho.”
“W-Why!? This is strange! I don’t feel like I’m praised at all!”
“No, I’m praising you. There’s no need to doubt your skills. Please be
more confident.”
“T-Thank you…? Well, …so, what’s wrong…?”
Mizumi-kun asked me confusedly. Sheesh, what’s your usual awareness?
I shrugged helplessly. …Then, I squinted my eyes and glared at him.
“Well, I’ll be straight. Mizumi-kun, recently, you-“
“…Y-Yes, …w-what’s wrong?”
Mizumi-kun watched my unprecedentedly serious face in the Game Club
and gulped.
So, the two third years held their breaths and waited for my conclusion as
well.
After I mentally prepared myself, -my heart turned ice-cold and pointed
out the fact.
“Aren’t you- enjoying games a bit too much?”
“E…Ehh!?”
For a moment, Mizumi-kun showed a thoroughly shocked face.
“N-No, no, no! I can be yelled at because of that in the Game Club!?”
He rebelled violently after that. However, I retorted to him calmly.
“You can. It’s because this isn’t the Game Hobby Club. This is just the
Game Club, right? In other words, -it’s a hellish battleground instead of a
blessed paradise.”
“N-No, what’s with that saying!? Are the moods between these two
groups that different!?”
“Yes. It’s because one of them is a cheerful and relaxed group with
Amano-kun. On the other hand, we have a gloomy and dark club without
Amano-kun here.”
“The reputation of the Game Club! Isn’t it weird to hear that from the
president!? N-No, but I do like Amano-kun…”
After hearing Mizumi-kun’s mumble, I glared at him fiercely again.
“Ah, this is another fault of yours, Mizumi-kun.”
“Eh, you mean…?”
“I mean, aren’t you- too close with Amano-kun these days?”
“HAAAAAAAA!?”
Mizumi-kun showed an even more shocked face and glared at me. He
struggled violently.
“You’re the one to talk!?”
“Yes, Mizumi-kun. You’re…influenced too much by Amano-kun!”
“What’s happening? It’s like hearing Shinnosuke Nohara complaining
about erotic jokes!”
Mizumi-kun isn’t convinced at the slightest.
I shrugged again and started guiding him as the president.
“Listen, Mizumi-kun. The goal of our club is to improve ourselves. In
other words, we aren’t here to enjoy games alone. However, recently, …
you’re influenced by Amano-kun too much and focused more on enjoyment,
right?”
Facing my rebuttal, Mizumi-kun showed pain for a moment. …But, he’s a
sensitive protagonist young man, after all. He immediately retorted.
“That makes sense, Tendou-san. However, you get good at it because you
love it. In a sense, enjoying the game and improving your gaming skills are
the same thing, right?”
“Ara, ara…”
Mizumi-kun rebelled against his president angrily.
I sniffed at him. “Hmph.”
“You get good at it because you love it. …Such empty words. Here, look
at me, Mizumi-kun.”
“Eh, Tendou-san? I mean, actually, didn’t you improve your skills
because you love games-“
Mizumi-kun’s forced into a corner, yet he’s still trying to struggle.
I put my hand on my chest-
-and struck him with my final and most potent retort.
“-Did I improve by even the slightest when facing my favorite Amano-
kun?”
“UWAHHHHHHHH!?”
Mizumi-kun wrapped his hands around his head and started screaming.
“Such painfully convincing words! I can’t fight back at all!”
I smiled gently at him, who’s utterly depressed.
“It looks like you understood. Well, you have to pay attention to
improving your skills from now on, Mizumi-kun.”
“U-Ugh, …I understand, president.”
I turned to the two third years after convincing him.
“…The same goes for senpais too.”
“W…What?”
The usually lawless senpais can feel my pressure right now. Their
shoulders are shivering.
I squinted my eyes slightly and started giving them a lesson.
“I feel like you two are ‘warmer’ than before.”
“W…Warmer?”
“Yes. For example, if you two were battling newbies or weaklings in the
past, it’s guaranteed that senpais would crush them relentlessly. People say
that a lion will use its full strength to pounce on a rabbit. In other words, it’s
just like a disgusting old bloke that likes to win all the kids’ pocket money
with mahjong on New Year.”
“What’s with that example!?”
“But, …look at what happened to you two now. Both of you now start to
avoid being hated by your opponent and go easy on them. This is like a tiger
with its teeth taken away. In other words, you two are like the disgusting old
bloke that’s unexpectedly weak at being yelled at by relatives.”
“That’s why we asked what’s with that example!?”
I shrugged exaggeratedly and sighed. “You can’t be helped…” After that,
the two senpais retorted a bit dissatisfiedly.
“Hey, hey, Tendou. After I heard what you said, I think your unreasonable
complaint about us does make a little sense. But, what’s wrong with this
care?”
“Yeah, Tendou. Isn’t it better if we’re slightly smoother and warmer?”
“Hmph.”
I laughed at what they said before continuing.
“Sheesh, isn’t the fact right in front of senpais?”
“Huh? Eh, what…?”
The two didn’t understand what I’m saying. They asked confusedly.
Facing these two idiots, I said-
“Hohoho, you’re still asking that? …Didn’t I say it’s already here?”
-Just like how I defeated Mizumi-kun, I put my hand onto my chest once
again and attacked.
“Here’s the blonde clown that gave too much warmth to her enemy and
tasted this idiotic defeat!”
“UWWAAAAHHHHH!?”
The two members hugged their heads and started screaming again, just
like Mizumi-kun!
I raised my skirt elegantly and introduced myself like a noble.
“Hello, I’m the self-destructing loser, the ideal negative example, Karen
Tendou.”
“Ahhhh! Such convincing words! I can’t…retort!”
I smiled gently at the two deflated senpais.
“If you got it, please pay attention to destroying the enemy seriously and
improve yourselves in the club.”
“Ugh, …ugh, …I understand, president.”
So, I convinced the senpais and smiled cheerfully. Then, I clapped my
hands and returned to the topic.
“Well, everyone, please remember my suggestions and start today’s
activity!”
I continued to instruct my members based on what I’ve taught them as the
president.
“First of all, Mizumi-kun, you can’t stop improving no matter how tiring
it is! As for senpais, no matter how unwilling you are, please abandon your
innocent side and put out your serious faces again! This is a promise with
Karen Tendou-nee-san!”
“…Alright.”
The members unwillingly accepted my precious teachings.
I’m satisfied with their reactions.
Finally, I declared the club activity today as the club president-
“Well, as the president, I’ll do the same…”
-I declared the thing I’ll be doing loudly to avoid wasting my members’
efforts.
“No matter how depressing it’ll get -I have to ruminate over the scene
where Chiaki-san kissed Amano-kun in front of me.”
“…Ha?”
The sudden declaration made everyone in the Game Club turn stiff.
However, I ignored the club room’s mood and calmly- said what I’ll be
doing today.
“After that, no matter how much I don’t want to do this -I have to declare
a bloody war on Chiaki-san and duel with her. I’ll be leaving.”
I said that and walked outside the club room.
The members saw that there are two reflective black pistols in my hands-
“Uh, hey, hey, hey, WAIT WAIT WAIT!”
-So, today’s Game Club activity started by me, the president, Karen
Tendou, …being arrested by my members.
*
“S-Sheesh, this isn’t a real pistol. It’s just a gun-shaped controller…”
Mizumi-kun looked at the two pistols- controllers he robbed from me after
a violent fight. He sighed of relief.
“Of course.”
I sighed dumbfoundedly and returned to the president’s seat.
The two senpais returned to their seats too. Uncharacteristically, they
started defending Mizumi-kun.
“I mean, even though we said that, Tendou. No one won’t stop a person
that’s holding two guns while radiating a menacing aura.”
“Yeah, it’s more like it’s already wrong the moment you released your
instinct to kill. Tendou, we would stop you even if you’re just holding a
konjac.”
“In a sense, trying to kill someone with a konjac is true insanity…”
You mean I’ll cook Chiaki-san alive.
Sigh, no matter what…
“Anyway, sorry for making you three worry about me.”
Then, Mizumi-kun stood up slowly. He handed the controller back to me
and patted my shoulder lightly.
“Well, Tendou-san.”
I guess he’s about to ask me what happened.
“It seems that Amano-kun and Hoshinomori-san kissed each other a while
ago. …I think you said something like that before. Is that true?”
I answered irritatedly.
“I don’t want to answer at all.”
“I see. In other words, you won’t face the truth until you’re thoroughly
hurt.”
“What are you talking about, Mizumi-kun? I, Karen Tendou, still haven’t
given up on the possibility that this is all just a dream.”
“Ah, that’s enough, Tendou-san. We’ll really cry if you go on…”
Kase-senpai already took off his glasses and turned around. Nina-senpai’s
rubbing her eyes. …For some reason, even I want to cry as well.
Mizumi-kun cleared his throat and continued.
“Also, from Tendou-san’s reaction, it should not be the one before, …the
‘attempted kissing’ at the amusement park last autumn, right?”
“Yes, indeed. It’s different from Aguri-san. I saw it clearly this time.
“You saw the two people’s lips touching each other?”
“…*click* (the sound of pulling the safety of the gun)”
“I’m sorry. I’ll apologize for my rough way of directly saying it. Please
don’t point the gun-shaped controller at me without saying anything. That’s
really scary.”
Mizumi-kun raised his hands as if he’s pointed at by actual guns. After I
put down the pistol, Mizumi-kun pressed his chest and mumbled.
“But, how did that happen…?”
To his question, Kase-senpai casually predicted, “It must be that, right.”
“It’s just the same as the last time, anyway. The ‘pranks of fate’ that you
guys are most familiar with.”
However, I quickly denied this.
“Nope, this time, Chiaki-san took away Amano-kun’s lips on her own.”
“…I-I…see…”
The members immediately looked away awkwardly.
So, a suffocating silence wrapped around us for 10 seconds. This time,
Nina-senpai tried to comfort me with her uncharacteristically joking attitude.
“B-But, think about it, even if that’s the case, we’re talking about Keita
Amano here? He’s reckless and can’t read the mood. I bet he just suddenly
confessed he loves Tendou-“
However, I interrupted her comfort once again.
“-Nope, his face was blushing as he just stood there.”
“…R-Really.”
The silence fell onto the Game Club once again. I slowly turned to
Mizumi-kun and gave him a provocative smile.
“Ara, Mizumi-kun, you aren’t standing up…as Amano-kun’s defendant
this time?”
“Ugh…!? W-Well…!”
Mizumi-kun fell speechless. I looked down on him.
“Ho, …well, this can’t be helped. If this is a criminal case, the defendant
would be holding a knife soaked with blood at the scene. At the same time,
he said, ‘yes, I killed the person.’ It’s already irreversible.”
“Ugh…! I-Indeed, there’s no way for me to defend him!”
Mizumi-kun’s barely holding himself onto the table as if he was brutally
beaten up. However, after a few seconds, …perhaps his usual protagonist
persistent attitude awoke. A slight spark of hope appeared in his eyes. He
stood up and retorted to me with his last strength.
“B-But! Tendou-san! Even if he didn’t struggle violently, it’s a fact that
Amano-kun’s the one that has something taken away from him! In other
words, he’s also a victim! S-So, it’s unreasonable to get really mad at him or
punish-“
However, I cut off Mizumi-kun at this point.
“Ara? But I didn’t say anything about me getting mad at Amano-kun at
all, right?”
“Eh?”
Mizumi-kun froze when he heard what I said. He scratched his head a bit
confusedly and carefully asked, “I-Is that the case?”
I smiled and nodded.
“Yes, indeed, last time, …when he almost kissed Aguri-san, it looks like
each of them wanted it. So, I did suspect and got angry at Amano-kun. This
time, no matter how you put it, Chiaki-san ‘took’ it away from him. So, even
though I’m a bit jealous and shocked, I didn’t get mad or suspect Amano-
kun.”
“Ah, r-really? I-I see. That’s our Tendou-san. What a reasonable answer.
Yeah, if that’s the case, it seems that I don’t need to defend him anymore.”
Mizumi-kun smiled in relief and sat down. I replied him with a warm
smile and said, “Yes, so-“
“-Who should die this time? Me or Chiaki-san?”
I squinted my eyes and raised the guns. At this moment, everyone in the
Game Club stopped me and yelled, “WAIT WAIT WAIT WAIT WAIT!”
First of all, Kase-senpai tried his best to calm me down.
“Why are you suddenly releasing that dangerous aura!? You’re just
talking about a gaming match, right!?”
“Yeah. The console’s in my room. I want to fight her.”
“R-Really? Well, it’s still okay if you’re just talking about games…”
“So, didn’t I say this before? If you wanted to, I could put it as, ‘Girls
dueling each other in a gaming-loving high school student’s room.” It’s more
relaxing, right?”
“Hmm, that’s good. I was worried about you girls fighting in an arcade
filled with cigarettes and smoke. If it’s in your room, it’s quite relieving for
two girls to play together.”
“Right. Well, if there’s one rule in my room-“
I paused for a moment and continued with a smile.
“That would be- two girls in, one girl out.”
“It’s suddenly Mad Max! No, I mean, is there a high school girl’s room
bound by post-apocalypse arena rules!? Where did the ‘relaxed’ mood go!?”
“Hoho, sheesh, Kase-senpai, aren’t you having too much fantasy of a high
school girl’s room?”
“No, no, no, it’s far from the nightmarish arena room you’re talking
about! By the way, both of you need to survive! Don’t just bet your lives on
games!”
“I wasn’t planning on just betting it onto games. …Instead, I’ll wager my
soul seriously.”
“That’s even worse!”
“It’s because…this is our Game Club, which is full of serious gamers,
right!?”
“That’s not what the ‘serious’ means in serious gamers! That’s more like
a dark battle than a serious gaming battle!”
“A dark battle, …hoho, what a fitting word for the conflict between
Chiaki-san and me.”
“How is it fitting!? By the way, it’s just a competition for love. Is it
necessary to sacrifice lives!?”
“It’s just love…?”
What he said pissed me a little. I can’t help but give him a despising look.
“Ara, ara, …such opinions coming from a pair of glasses without any love
experience. Go back to your twisted logic.”
For a moment, Kase-senpai’s glasses cracked. I don’t know why.
However, it’s true that he’s seriously angered now.
Kase-senpai pushed his glasses and said.
“-Very well, let’s fight, Tendou. From now on, the rule in this club room
is also-“
I nodded.
“…Yes. …4 people in, 1 person out.”
“No, no, don’t count us in!”
Mizumi-kun and Nina-senpai immediately yelled. The dangerous
atmosphere disappeared. At the same time, Kase-senpai apologized to the
two.
“S-Sorry, she’s pulling me in…”
“It’s okay, Kase. I understand. That’s just your usual unpopularity.”
“Damn you, Oiso…!”
“Forget that, Tendou.”
After she destroyed Kase-senpai, Nina-senpai was the one to convince me
this time.
She continued with her usual gloomy and lethargic tone.
“Well, let’s forget that the ‘it’s just love’ statement is overwhelmingly
inconsiderate. But, in reality, there’s no need to wager your life onto a
victory, right?”
“Indeed, but either Chiaki-san or I must disappear.”
“Why?”
“Ha, you’re still asking why? Can’t all of you see this already?”
“?”
Nina-senpai didn’t understand. …So, I slammed the table and announced
loudly.
“There’s not a single girl in this world who can give up on such an
attractive Amano-kun!”
“Yep, she’s terminally ill…”
Nina-senpai’s looking at me like I’m a seriously injured person that’s
about to die. I continued while looking at her.
“It’s because Nina-senpai’s the same, right? You don’t hate him, right?”
“Hate? Well, I guess I don’t hate Keita Amano…”
“I see. In other words, you want to make babies with him.”
“You’re jumping too far. You’re like repaying your debt by changing
your character pool after changing characters in a fighting game.”
“I mean, I don’t understand what you just said.”
“Nevermind, this kouhai is replying to her senpai’s complaint too coldly.”
“Anyway, the fact is that even though Nina-senpai doesn’t really know
Amano-kun, you want to make babies with him.”
“Don’t just move forward with a wrong conclusion…”
“If that’s already the case for Nina-senpai, for Chiaki-san and I, who
legitimately declared that we love him, …we can’t be satisfied with just
making babies with him. We literally want to give birth to him.”
“I don’t understand a single thing you just said in the past minute.”
“However, regrettably, there’s only one position for a woman that can
give birth and raise him.”
“Yes, it’s his mother, right. Also, someone should’ve already taken place
at first, right. That’s his mother.”
“Anyway, no matter how we loved him, Chiaki-san, Nina-senpai, and I
just want to become his most beloved girl, right?”
“Hey, I wish you don’t just add me to your competition this calmly.”
“Eh, senpai doesn’t want to become Amano-kun’s girlfriend? …Are you
serious?”
“It’s more like I want to ask you, are you serious. …Well, …hmm.”
Nina-senpai put her finger on her chin and thought for a moment.
“…N-Nina-senpai? Did you just…imagine dating Amano-kun and got an
‘oh, I think it wouldn’t be too bad’ conclusion?”
“Yeah, I guess so. After all, Keita Amano helped me a lot in the past as
well.”
Nina-senpai admitted quickly. For some reason, Kase-senpai’s glasses
cracked again.
However, Nina-senpai continued with her carefree attitude.
“Well, even though I said that, I’m not interested enough to take part in
your boring match.”
“R-Really…?”
This girl has a strange character setting. In reality, there could be a
timeline where Nina Oiso is seriously trying to win Keita Amano over. …I
feel like it’s not impossible for her to deny other followers and deepens their
relationship in a short time.
However, it seems that Nina-senpai’s just treating this as a casual
conversation.
“Anyway, let’s get back to the topic.”
She pressed on without a single trace of passion.
“To put it simply, it’s the final battle where Tendou and Chiaki
Hoshinomori are trying to win Keita Amano as the prize, right?”
“W-What’s with that straightforward conclusion? W-Well, let’s forget
whether it’s the final battle, but I think it’s similar…”
“Right. I can more or less understand when it’s put that way. Tendou,
you’re at your last straw, right. After all, I have things that I must absolutely
win over too.”
“…Yeah, it feels like we’re in a competition, right.”
I nodded. Uncharacteristically, Nina-senpai smiled warmly and said,
“Right?” After that, …she continued to calm me down.
“But, that’s why I’m also thinking this. Even though you lost in a crucial
battle, …that’s not the end of your life or your own story, right?”
“…………”
“At least, even if I lost in a fight, I’ll step forward to the next one. That’s
the same for Tendou and Chiaki Hoshinomori, right?”
“Same…”
“Yes, even if you can’t be next to Keita Amano, there will still be-“
“No.”
I interrupted Nina-senpai right away.
…I clenched my fist in front of my chest.
“This is…different from a typical competition, Nina-senpai.
I- declared to everyone with an endlessly sad, upsetting, and bitter smile.
“It’s because whether it’s the next time or a replacement, we can’t
imagine that at all, …and we don’t want to. Our minds are filled with that
boy. I think this is what we call love.”
“Tendou…”
Nina-senpai and everyone else gave me a sympathetic look.
I smiled helplessly at them and continued while lowering my head.
“It must be the same for Chiaki-san too. So, …that’s why we-“
After this final battle, …I can’t mince my words with any jokes.
“…………”
The club room returned to silence—the heater’s noise echoing emptily in
the room.
Chiaki Hoshinomori
The snow is blown up by the dry breezes of the north. It brushed through
my skirt.
It’s dusk.
I’m walking silently on the street filled with snow alone.
…Carefully. I’m even prepared to walk 3 steps ahead before taking
another 5 back sometimes.
“…Phew.”
I stopped and wiped the sweat on my forehead with the back of my hand.
This way, I’m finally halfway there to the place I need to go. I already
spent 3 times longer than what should’ve taken me to go there. All of this is
because the others must think that I’m walking too carefully. Seriously,
there’s a limit of inefficiency.
Well, speaking of why I’m walking like this, -that must be because I’m a
clumsy girl that often trips over.
There are two reasons for this. First, my reflexes are disastrously horrible.
The other reason is-
“Oh? Hoshinomori?”
-Someone suddenly called me from behind when I’m adjusting my
breaths. I hastily tried to turn around- and immediately realized what’s under
my legs.
After that, I carefully, slowly, and masterfully…turned my head around
like a robot. I managed to figure out who that person is. Then, I moaned from
my throat exhaustedly.
“…Ah, …ugh, …Souen-san…!”
“AHHHHHH!? What’s with this exorcist attitude!? You’re freaking me
out!”
One of the Game Hobby Club members, Tasuku Uehara, took a step back
with a pale face.
I wanted to calm him down. …But, my heart still didn’t agree with my
legs’ movement. So, I just turned my head over and squeaked.
“W….What a coin! DEATH! Hey!”
“AHHHHHHHH!? Crap!”
Uehara-kun took a couple more steps back. However, he immediately
calmed down and came here.
“Well, I mean, I know that you’re probably trying to say what a
coincidence, Hoshinomori! That’s fine. Even if it’s fine…”
“Death! Death!” [Again, this is a joke of Desu.]
“Even though I knew that, I’m still really terrified of your act and pose!
What are you trying to do!?”
While Uehara-kun’s still scared, he gave me a caring look.
I turned my face forward and finally released myself from the stoned look.
I answered with my normal voice.
“Sorry to make you worry.”
“Really. I mean, I wasn’t just worrying about you. For a moment, I
thought this world is about to collapse.”
Uehara-kun said that as he walked next to me. I smiled and explained.
“Well, according to the oath, I can’t lift my feet off the ground.”
“You still ended up ruining the world for me. Hey, seriously, what’s
wrong with you?”
Uehara-kun asked for further explanation. It can’t be helped. …I decided
to confess this to him!
“To put it simply, …I don’t want to get embarrassed from tripping onto
the ground!”
“That thing you just did was already more embarrassing than falling onto
the ground. By the way, you would rather do something weird than tripping?
I don’t understand your reason.”
“Ho, Uehara-kun. Instead of getting teased at, I want to make people
laugh more.”
“That’s like a line from a high-class comedian. …I mean.”
Uehara-kun scratched his head awkwardly.
“Hey, can we walk as we talk? You didn’t even move a single inch.”
As if he’s teasing my caution, Uehara-kun stepped onto the uneven snow
path loudly.
I can’t help but sigh…and shrugged before mumbling.
“Sigh, …that’s why Uehara-kun is always Uehara-kun.”
“This is the first time that I’ve heard such an irritating sarcasm!”
“Ha, …Uehara-kun must be the hare in <The Turtle and the Hare>,
right?”
“Oho, here we go. It’s been a long time since I’ve heard a fable story. You
friendless loners have to say those things when arguing with me?”
“Ha, …that’s enough. Please go first, Uehara-kun. Go first and take a nap
under the tree.”
“No! Why would I sleep under the tree on a winter night!? I’ll die!”
“Then, I’ll slowly surpass you with a turtle’s step…!”
“No, save me, girl! Don’t just ignore me freezing to death! Are you a
demon!?”
Uehara-kun kept on complaining. He didn’t want to leave first at all.
“…Phew.”
It can’t be helped. I gave up and planned to convince him again.
“Well, I’m pretty bad at walking on the snow. Please go first-“
However, at the moment that I said that-
“Hey.”
“Ah…”
Uehara-kun suddenly took my bag away. He walked forward in the snow
as if he’s guiding me.
“Yo, Hoshinomori, isn’t this better?”
“Eh? Ah, yes. …Ah, no, no, no, not that, please, Uehara-kun-“
“Hmm?”
He stood still and turned back with a pissed expression.
“You’re saying that I should leave a girl I know walking on the snow
slowly? …Are you sure you want to tell me that? Hmm?”
He looks furious.
I…can’t help but smile.
“Sheesh, …Uehara-kun has always been like this. You’re still Uehara-
kun.”
“Ha? What’s wrong? You’re beating around the bush like Amano.”
Uehara-kun said that as he looked forward and stomped the snow flat for
me.
I had just a bit more courage when I looked at his back.
So, I started walking on the snow path again.
*
“Hmm? Born under the ‘zenpai’ star? You, Hoshinomori?” [Note: It
means total defeat or failing at every attempt.]
“Yes.”
It’s been only 5 minutes since meeting up with Uehara-kun.
The ground below me finally turned flat after crossing the most
challenging part. We walked together and chatted.
Uehara-kun put his hands into the pocket. He sniffed his slightly red nose
and asked.
“Uh, what does ‘zenpai’ mean?”
“Well, it simply means losing all of your EXP and money after a defeat in
a game.”
“Hey, I mean, I know it as a game term. It’s just that you wasted all of
your adventure earlier. Once you think about the time, experience, and items
you spent, you just feel like it’s easier to quit the game, right?”
“Yes, it’s like the feeling of throwing the controller onto the pillow.”
“You’re unexpectedly violent. Well, let’s forget about that. That ‘zenpai’
of yours, …I do understand it as a game term. But, what do you mean by
born under that star? I still can’t think of an actual scenario of you failing
that…”
Facing Uehara-kun’s question, I said, “well…” before pondering about it.
Then, I immediately thought of a great example. I spoke up with a bright
smile.
“Like the mood after I took Keita’s lips a few days ago?”
“Okay, I got it.”
Uehara-kun jumped. …I bet it’s because of the cold today.
It seems that he’s trying to avoid looking at me. He’s looking at the
destination.
“Yeah, that was like he- no, it’s pretty awkward.”
“Uehara-kun, Uehara-kun, you were trying to say hell, right?”
“N-No. Think about it, I’m not an inconsiderate man that describes
another person’s love story as hell.”
“Oh, you’re amazing, Uehara-kun. Keita’s way less considerate than
you.”
“See?”
“Yes. …It’s just that- I would call that ‘hell’ too.”
For a moment, Uehara-kun lost his balance like he just tripped over the
snow.
After regaining his senses, Uehara-kun immediately protested!
“You’re saying that!? You started it, and you’re saying that!?”
To that, I hugged my shivering body and answered with a pale face.
“No, no, I’m already trembling from just thinking about it. After that,
whether it’s the ensuring silence or the awkward dinner time, and the train
home where none of us made eye contact, …everything is hell.”
“I can’t believe that’s how you’re describing your first kiss!”
“My first kiss already doesn’t taste like tangerine. It’s literally a bitter
gourd.”
“At this point, Hoshinomori’s love story is just so tragic.”
“No, no, my tragic love story started a long time ago.”
“Ouch, that’s the most pathetic and depressing retort in our high school
life! It’s too upsetting!”
“Ho, ..but please relax, Uehara-kun.”
“Hmm? Relax what?”
Uehara-kun’s a bit confused.
-I declared to him proudly!
“It’s not just me- Keita and Karen-san’s love stories are just as tragic
now!”
“You’re literally a terrorist in this love story! Thanks to you, the sea of
flowers just turned into a barren and burnt wasteland!”
‘This is all because of my ‘zenpai’ attribute…”
“Hey, wait. You just let fate take all the blame, right? Right?”
“…I really hate this side of me…!”
“Hey!”
Uehara-kun complained dumbfoundedly. I cleared my throat and ignored
him.
“Ahem, so, this is not the only time where my ‘zenpai-ness’ comes to
shine.”
“You’re saying?”
“Well, it’s just like…tripping over the floor like that or biting your tongue
when talking, …things like that.”
“Hmm? That’s just being clumsy, right?”
After hearing what Uehara-kun said, …I laughed at him like he’s an idiot.
“…Yes, yes, if I’m in Keita and Uehara-kun’s favorite dating sim, you
can summarize it with such a cute conclusion. Sheesh, …that’s why I hate
guys that fantasize over girls…”
“It’s been a long time since I’m pissed at your attitude.”
Even though Uehara-kun’s smiling, an angry symbol showed up on his
forehead.
I added.
“Well, but my ‘zenpai’ attribute isn’t that fatal yet.”
“…What do you mean by that?”
Uehara-kun still doesn’t understand. “For example…” I started giving
concrete examples.
“No one saw my panties when I tripped over, but there’s blood. People
will start complaining or be confused when I accidentally bit my tongue. My
cooking tastes terrible when I screwed it up, but it’s still edible. I’m just a
piece of trap that can’t even bring a smile to others’ faces. That is…me, a
‘zenpai’ girl, Chiaki Hoshinomori.”
“…………”
“In other words, once I get greedy, I’ll fail so hard that I end up in an even
worse situation. So, I have nothing. I’m constantly losing as I move forward
with life. …This is how lonely I am. Ah, also-“
Uehara-kun hit my head lightly just as I’m about to continue. He’s giving
me a very sympathetic look.
“…Okay, I already understood it so much that it’s upsetting. So, there’s
no need for more examples.”
“Eh? But I can still list out a bunch of examples. I answered my classmate
energetically when I thought he’s talking to me. In the end, he’s speaking to
someone behind-“
“No, no, that’s really enough! Your spinoff story is too upsetting! I get it!
You’re boring under the ‘zenpai’ star! Ahh!”
“Really? That’s good to hear…”
After I backed down, Uehara-kun sighed in relief.
“In other words, that’s why you’re carefully walking, right?”
“Yes.”
“Even though you dared to kiss a few days ago?”
“Ugh…”
I can’t help but plop my head with a blush. Uehara-kun apologized with a
slightly flippant attitude.
“However, in reality, if you can do amazing things like that, why are you
still afraid of walking on uneven roads?”
“That’s different. By the way, doesn’t ‘zenpai’ also means messing up
when you’re confident?”
“Ah, I guess so. Indeed, it’s easy to imagine Amano and you are walking
confidently before tripping.”
“Right. This is us. We only mess it up when we decide to do something!”
“Just like that day’s kiss?”
“Ah…”
I blushed deflatedly. Uehara-kun started repeatedly apologizing again.
Well, I’m not kind enough to forgive him for saying stuff like that. I pouted
and glared at him to show my anger.
“Sigh, but that was a pretty shocking event, even for outsiders like us. So,
you can at least forgive me for messing with you a little bit, Hoshinomori.”
“Shocked, …ha! Uehara-kun is indeed-“
The long-awaited love detective is here! Then, my seaweed head took a
smack. I moaned with tears in my eyes. Uehara-kun sighed and complained.
“What do you mean by indeed? I don’t remember raising any flags to
you.”
“N-No, you’re always saying things that make me overthink! For
example, what’s with your ‘I only choose you’ declaration a while ago!?”
“Eh? What’s that?”
“You forgot it already!? …Whatever, I know it, anyway. Uehara-kun is
pretty good at picking up girls.”
“Hey, wait. How did you reach that conclusion? I-I have never-“
“But didn’t you support Karen-san a little bit recently?”
“Ugh.”
“You’re also having a close relationship with Keita, not to mention Agu-
nee! …If this isn’t called being smooth and slick, I don’t know what is!”
“I can’t argue! However, if you say that, isn’t Amano…”
“Keita’s fine. It’s okay for Keita to have a bunch of relationships with
girls.”
“Eh? Why?”
“Well, since- he’s still not happy now.”
“That’s really mean! …Well, that guy’s relationships are all somewhat
negative for some reason.”
“Yes. He’s tangled with girls that he shouldn’t date with, and I’m the first
one on the list. This is Keita.”
“Don’t put yourself onto the first one. …Sigh, it’s hard to envy his
popularity when you think of Main-san and Kousei…”
“Yes.”
I nodded. …Seriously, a lot of girls have a thing for Keita. …But, why
can I still sense ‘sorrow’ on his back? It must be because he still doesn’t have
any friends in class aside from Uehara-kun. …Well, but I don’t think I can
befriend anyone aside from Karen-san…
We talked about Keita for a while. Then, Uehara-kun fixed his scarf’s
position and said, “Let’s get back to the topic.”
“The reason that I’m shocked with you two kissing is not that I love
Hoshinomori. I never loved you. A. Single. Bit.”
“You don’t have to reject this vehemently…”
Even though I don’t want Uehara-kun’s feelings, this hurts.
Uehara-kun just frowned like he’s finding this troublesome. However, he
didn’t change his mind and continued calmly.
“How should I put it? …I feel like you guys are ahead of us again.”
“Ahead of…us?”
For a moment, I didn’t understand what he said. But, I immediately got it
and answered. “Oh!”
“Yes, our humor is way ahead of you, right! Indeed, compared to the
exceptional normie Uehara-kun, Keita and I are just underground peasants!”
“You’re just as good as hating yourself as you used to. I don’t mean by
that. It’s more like it’s the opposite.”
“O-Opposite?”
Uehara-kun scratched the back of his head a bit embarrassingly.
“You two are way too charming for me. Even though your timing can’t be
worse, even though someone’s looking at you, even though you leap before
you think, …all of you are still walking forward.”
“Uehara-kun…”
“…To me, that’s something utterly impossible to do.”
He seems a bit depressed. I can’t help but comfort him.
“N-No! You’re not supposed to praise what I did!”
After hearing my gentle words, he’s deeply throbbed- no, instead, he gave
me a dumbfounded look.
“Of course, honestly, it’s really disgusting to let your ex-girlfriend see you
kissing.”
“Ouch, I feel like I just reached my hand out to a seriously injured person
only to find out that he’s actually a zombie and bite me! This is the first time
that I’m getting sick of comforting people!”
“Well, I mean, that’s actually impossible. Seriously, there should be a
limit of brutality on people.”
“U-Ugh, I know it. …Ah, the guilt’s flushing me again…!”
I stopped and dropped my shoulders deflatedly. Uehara-kun put his hand
on my shoulder and continued with a pretty gentle voice.
“However, I love such a messed up ‘Chiaki Hoshinomori’s first love’ so
much.”
“Ugh, Uehara-kun…”
I raised my head and looked at him with teary eyes. He looked at me with
his usual charming smile- and pushed me away.
“Well, even though you’re really evil. Letting Tendou see you kissing at
the place of her first date memories…”
“Right, right! I’m very sorry! Ah, sheesh, I have to send Karen-san my
pinky!”
“That’s not how apologies work in rom-coms!”
“Well, I’ll give her all of my recommended games…”
“N-No, that’s just you being an otaku! It’s not compensation at all!”
“W-Well, I’ll just send Keita’s pinky-“
“Jesus Christ! That’s not even being yandere. You’re just unreasonable!”
“Well, what should I do then!? Anyway, I should start by searching
keywords like ‘friend, in front of you, kissing, apology, blonde’ on Google,
right!?”
“There won’t be an answer to such a specific question, no matter how
great the internet is! Also, that last ‘blonde’ is unnecessary, right!?”
“Ugh, …I can’t face Karen-san again.”
“You really didn’t think of the consequences at all.”
Uehara-kun scratched his head.
I continued stepping on the moist snow and curled up.
“…No, it’s not like…I just went in there…”
“Eh? So, you were planning to kiss Amano on that day?”
My face immediately flared up after hearing that question.
“W-Well, …uh, …hmm, …b-b-b-but, I didn’t expect to pull it off under
that situation, no matter what…!”
“I see. How should I put it? …You’re still Hoshinomori, after all. Ah, this
must be that ‘zenpai’ thing you talked about, right? Reaching your hand out
only to lose it violently.”
“Ugh, …yes, …the same goes for my friendship with Karen-san, …and
Keita…”
I reached the bottom of my depression as I walked silently. It seems that
Uehara-kun couldn’t think of a good way to comfort me either. Silence
ensued between the both of us for a while.
Around 30 seconds later, Uehara-kun cleared his throat and gave me a
new topic.
“By the way, where are you going, Hoshinomori? No games are released
today, right?”
“What do you mean? You’re saying that like I’m a rare monster that only
appears on a game release day. Well, even though you’re right.”
“See? But, if that’s not the case, seriously, what are you doing today?”
Uehara-kun asked confusedly.
I answered him with a flirty smile.
“Ara ara, isn’t it obvious? Right now, …I’m a girl in love, right? Then,
girls in love will turn beautiful, right? In other words-“
“Ohh? The representative of boring girls, Hoshinomori, is finally going to
dress herself up for her beloved boy…!?”
When Uehara-kun’s rubbing the corner of his eyes, …I announced loudly!
“-Of course, I’ll train myself by going to the second-hand game store once
a month!”
“Give me back my tears!”
For some reason, Uehara-kun’s enraged. I’m confused.
“Eh? Hey, I’m giving my best to train myself even though I’m an otaku.
Shouldn’t you praise my will to make myself more beautiful…?”
“You’re just walking home once per month! How shameless can you be!?
Stop giving me that training crap! You’re just a miser that doesn’t want to
spend money on the bus to the game store!”
“Ugh…! Then, if Uehara-kun’s saying that, where are you going? I don’t
see Agu-nee or your other friends…”
“Ah, well. I just…want to take a stroll alone.”
Uehara-kun scratched his cheeks a bit awkwardly. To that, I…
“Ah, I see.”
“Oi, you should continue asking me, Hoshinomori! Aren’t you curious
about my reaction!?”
“I am. But, I feel like I would just get a ‘thanks, I’m stuffed’ in the end,
anyway.”
“Ugh, this irritating observance really feels like Amano too, you sly girl!”
“R-Really?”
I started blushing after hearing that. …I’m really innocent. Even though I
hate being called a replica of Keita a while ago, right now…
Uehara-kun saw my reaction and answered sarcastically. “Thanks, I’m
stuffed.” After that, he saw the street and finally passed me my bag.
“Anyway, here’s your bag. I’ll be going a different way.”
“Ah, yes. Thanks, you were a great help!”
“It’s fine. …It’s more like, well, …sorry.”
“Hmm? What? Why?”
He said sorry even though he took my bag for me. I’m confused.
He scratched his head awkwardly and said.
“Well, …I always say that I’m supporting the Hoshinomori x Amano
ship, …but I just ended up helping you taking the bag.”
I can’t help but smile bitterly…after seeing his sincerely apologetic look. I
answered a bit mischievously.
“Yeah, yeah, come to think of it, I rarely received any relationship support
from Uehara-kun.”
“Ugh, …this is embarrassing.”
Uehara-kun dropped his shoulders. …I continued. “But…”
“My first love only gets so interesting because of Uehara-kun.”
“Hoshinomori…”
Uehara-kun sighed in relief and raised his face. I continued appreciating
him.
“So, thank you, Uehara-kun.”
“W-What? You’re making this like we won’t ever see each other again.
Your first love is far from over yet-“
“Of course. I, …no, Karen-san and I won’t back down and escape now.
We’ll see it all the way to the end, …even if it means losing everything
again.”
“What’s with that saying? Don’t tell me you already admitted defeat-“
Uehara-kun questioned a bit angrily.
However, -I answered determinedly.
“But, I don’t need anyone’s help anymore. What comes next…is the love
that only belongs to ourselves.”
“…I see.”
Uehara-kun squinted his eyes as if he saw something really bright. He
smiled warmly.
That’s the warmest smile I saw from him. …He would only show that
loving and gentle smile to Agu-nee usually.
I reached my hand out. He shook mine steadily and encouraged me.
“Don’t give up, Chiaki Hoshinomori. I’ll- support you from the bottom of
my heart.”
“Thanks.”
So, we let go of each other’s hands and continued walking. It’s almost
time for us to part ways.
I can’t help but chuckle a moment later.
“Ah, but, Uehara-kun. Your encouragement just then…is faked, right?”
“Fake? What do you mean?”
“You said you’re supporting me. Like I’ve said before, Uehara-kun, you
don’t want to upset Karen-san right now, am I correct?”
“Ah, you saw it?”
Uehara-kun replied to me with a flippant and bitter smile.
“Well, I can’t do things like this.”
“Ah, no, that’s not because you can’t-“
I wanted to comfort him, but I realized I’m not responsible for what
happens next. So, I kept the words in my chest. So, I continued as if I’m
covering it up.
“Well, forget about that. There’s also another fake thing in Uehara-kun’s
supporting speech.”
“Hmm? Another? Well, …I’m not sure what you’re talking about.”
Uehara-kun is baffled.
I…stood at the road and turned around. Then, I pointed this out while
giving him a slightly mischievous smile like Konoha.
“In the end, Uehara-kun only sincerely supports- Keita.”
With that.
Uehara-kun…laughed again.
“You got me.”
“I got you. It’s more like perhaps Uehara-kun loves him more than Karen-
san or me. Or, I should say, suit him, right?”
“Stop, it’s disgusting. …Normally, I would say that. But, perhaps that’s
the case. I do love him, and I suit him, as a friend.”
Uehara-kun laughed cheerfully. Then, he continued. “However, that’s
why-“
“The same goes for Tendou and you. Don’t mind the stress of Amano’s
choice. Just love him without any holdback.”
“…In other words, Uehara-kun will comfort Keita mentally?”
“Well, I guess so.”
“Ugh, …I feel like you’re the main waifu that doesn’t have to worry about
anything. It makes me a bit angry.”
“Ah, really? But, this is the only thing I won’t back down, even if you
begged me.”
Uehara-kun said that and turned around. “See you tomorrow,
Hoshinomori.” He carried on with his usual flippant tone and left.
I answered. “Okay, see you tomorrow.” His back is right in front of me.”
After that, …I mumbled dazedly. Unlike Keita’s sensitiveness, I don’t
think he can hear it.
“I really, really appreciated you – the person who gave me courage.”
*
I arrived at the game store shortly after separating from Uehara-kun.
Once I entered the store, the warmth from the heater immediately wrapped
my body. I quickly untied the scarf and put it under my arms with the bag.
First, I looked at the new release area.
However, there are no new releases today. Naturally, nothing caught my
eye. So, I walked towards the real goal of today, the second-hand area.
After that, I searched within the RPG shelves as usual. …Suddenly, I
noticed something.
“Huh, …come to think of it, it’s been a long time since I came to this
section.”
I said I visit here once per month to Uehara-kun. However, I didn’t really
check the second-hand area out in these few months.
The reason is that…well, there’s only one.
(My mind is already full with Keita…)
In a sense, picking second-hand games sounds like something that you
can only do in your spare time. Spare time, spare money, and…spare energy.
However, if you’re asking whether I have that, the answer should be no.
…Hmm?
Huh? Well, why did I come to find second-hand games in the climax part
of this love story?
“…Hmm?”
I don’t really understand the reason either. …I was just lying to Uehara-
kun when I said I’m training to become more beautiful. …Ugh.
I moaned as I ventured deeper into the second-hand shelves.
RPG, FPS, adventure, puzzles, shooting, fighting-
“-Ah.”
During this time, I finally saw the game that reminded me why I came
here. So, I slowly reached my hand out. However, at this moment…
“Ah.”
My hand touched someone else’s.
My pale hand is covering someone’s (warm and smooth) skin.
-It’s just like what happened on a particular day.
Indeed, at that time, I’m- and “his” body is pretty stiff too. The boy’s hand
won’t move, and he turned his head around to check…
When I thought about that, a wave of warmth ignited in my chest.
“Ah, sorry.”
“…Eh?”
Unlike that bittersweet otaku meeting, this time, the person withdrew his
hand naturally.
He doesn’t hate the fact that my hand covered his. …Moreover, he just
withdrew his hand quickly—such a clever response.
“Eh?”
I can feel a clever response that neither he nor I can have. That’s why I’m
even more confused than who the person actually is. So, when I turned
around hastily-
“K…Karen…-san?”
“C…Chiaki…-san?”
-Unlike that time.
But, this bittersweet feeling is the same.
“…W-Well…”
-We made a “fateful encounter” that no one can benefit from.
*
“E-Excuse me…”
“Welcome.”
Karen-san led me to her room. Her room is way different than a gamer
girl’s room like mine. It’s tidy and organized, just like her.
I can’t but observe the room rudely before carefully stepping inside. So,
I’m immediately impressed by what I’m looking at.
“A-Ahhh, …i-is this a high school girl’s room!?”
“Hey, isn’t yours a high school girl’s room too?”
Karen-san bitterly smiled as she put her school bag next to the table. I
glanced around and expressed my excitement.
“Am I imagining things? I can feel a strong scent…! The scent from a
young girl…!”
“Please stop sniffing around, Chiaki-san. Konoha-san and your room
should also be filled with a young girl’s scent, too, right…?”
“Ah, no, no, no, Konoha and my room just have a slight scent.”
“Eh, what’s wrong with that room? But that’s attractive in its own way as
well.”
“Wow, …ah, …I can feel my body is filled with girl’s power…”
“It’s not filled, right!? Girl’s power isn’t like mana to a mage, right!?”
“Ah, …really, it’s too charming, Karen-san’s room. Ah…”
“…Huh, it’s indeed too early to bring you here.”
When I’m looking around impolitely, Karen-san shrugged.
I sat on the cushion she pushed over. My eyes are sparkling. Karen-san
said this as if she’s sincerely dumbfounded.
“Chiaki-san, do you know why I called you here today?”
“Eh, ah, yes! You want to play the game we picked together, right!? I get
it!”
I puffed up my chest and answered confidently. However, Karen-san
sighed again.
“Well, that’s the reason I gave, …but you should know it, right?”
“Uh…”
I can’t help but look away from Karen-san’s sincere eyes.
…I get it. We were talking about recent game gossips on the road from
the game store to here. But, actually, …even a girl like me can guess what
Karen-san wants to talk about.
Also, I don’t think I can fool her.
My forehead began to sweat as I gulped.
Karen-san made a declaration with unprecedented seriousness.
“Two people in, one person out…”
“This is even worse than my imagination! Eh, will I die here!? Don’t tell
me I’ll get killed here!?”
I started recoiling on the floor with teary eyes. Karen-san continued with a
dark smile.
“Chiaki-san, …do I look like that sort of person?”
“YES!”’
“Chiaki-san?”
“I’m sorry! I’m sorry! I’ll apologize. Please spare my life…!”
In the end, I finally started begging for my life for the first time.
Then, Karen-san looked at me, who’s about to burst into tears for real. …
Her dark aura suddenly disappeared as she started chuckling.
“Hoho, I’m just kidding. I’m sorry, Chiaki-san.”
“Eh…?”
“It’s because you’re too pleasing. …It makes me really want to do bad
things.”
“B-Bad things? S-So, you’re not going to kill me…?”
“Of course not. How could that be possible?”
“I-I see. Yeah, it’s impossible when you think about it-“
“Yes, it’s because someone already complained about it in the Game
Club.”
“That means it’s dangerous!?”
I started backing up to the bed as I freaked out. Karen-san started laughing

again. …It looks like I was tricked again.
I’m a bit unhappy. “You’re so mean…” However, I immediately
remembered my sins of…kissing Keita in front of her. I plopped my head
down.
“No, …I’m the one being mean…”
When Karen-san saw me mumbling to myself masochistically, she-
“…I guess so.”
-She didn’t comfort me at all.
After that, Karen-san took out the game she bought before. She walked to
the TV and plugged the cables into the console from the last generation.
Finally, she inserted the game and turned on the console.
Just as I’m watching her dazedly, she grabbed two controllers and sat next
to me. Then, she handed one of them to me.
“Eh, uh…?”
“…………”
Karen-san ignored me and started pressing the controller calmly. She
started that software, …which is a 1v1 fighting game.
So, I still didn't understand what’s happening until I entered the character
selection screen. …But, I decided on my character and started combating
Karen-san.
I’m not sure what she wants, but all I can do is answer her right now. That
way, all I can do is…try my best in the game.
“…………”
So, we started the game silently.
This is a calm yet serious competition.
Honestly, as a casual gamer, this is hardly any fun to me at all.
Even so, no matter what we’re thinking now, treating a fight seriously
until it ends gave us some refreshment.
So, after we fought each other 3 times, …I subconsciously showed a faint-
smile.
Then, seeing that, Karen-san spoke up with a calm tone.
“Chiaki-san.”
“…Yes.”
We stopped during the character selection screen of the 4th match.
Karen-san watched the screen and continued.
“Did you…regret doing that at that time?”
I bit my lips after hearing this question. …However, I mustered up an
answer.
“…No, …I don’t regret it at all.”
“I see.”
“Yes…”
…I know I just said the worst possible thing to Karen-san. However, …
that’s what I sincerely think too.
But, Karen-san isn’t that angry.
It’s not just that, she continued with a slightly relieved tone.
“Ah, that’s good to hear. …I’ll be outraged if you answered that you
regretted it.”
“Karen-san…”
“Indeed, as a girl who loves Amano-kun, I’m really pissed. That’s
guaranteed. No one in the world will be happy when someone took their
loved one’s lips away.”
“Ugh, I’m sorry…!”
“However, at the same time, as your opponent…and your friend, this is
what I think too.”
Karen-san paused for a moment and looked at me determinedly.
“Ah, that Chiaki Hoshinomori girl is really handsome…”
“…!”
I can’t help but burst into tears after hearing that.
…I didn’t expect to hear that from the dear friend who I’ve hurt the most.
Just as I’m about to hug Karen-san with tears due to relief and happiness-
“But, I also really want to stab you to death right now.”
“I’m really sorry.”
-I immediately turned my hug into a kneel-down.
Karen-san looked at me and took a deep sigh.
“Ha, …isn’t this an obvious joke? I’m not going to do anything to you.”
“But, there’s no reason for me to be forgiven!”
“You do. It’s because you- didn’t regret it. It must be because your bond
with Amano-kun is much tighter than I expected.”
She’s right. I felt sorry for the two for a time.
I looked at Karen-san with watery eyes.
“…Ugh, …K-Karen-san, h-how should I atone for my sins…?”
“…Sheesh.”
Karen-san sighed even more dumbfoundedly.
“…You won’t accept it no matter how many times I said, please don’t
mind it, right?”
“Yes!”
“I knew it. …Well, I did take a massive hit in sanity.”
“Ah…”
I can’t help but lower my head. Karen-san pressed on.
“If that’s the case, for the sake of our mental health, …it’s the best for
both worlds if I accept your atonement, right?”
“Y-Yes, yes! I’ll do anything!”
I raised my head and spoke loudly.
Karen-san- suddenly removed her loving and caring mode.
Her eyes were sparkling with an evil glow and confirmed what I said.
“You just said…you’ll do anything, right, Chiaki-san?”
“Eh? Ah, uh, well, …yes.”
“…………”
My whole body began to sweat as I got the expectation that I made a fatal
mistake.
I quickly added.
“E-Even when I said I’ll do anything, it means that, okay? If you’re going
to make hentai out of me or ask me to leave Keita, I’m afraid that…”
She heard my annotation.
For some reason, …Karen-san’s eyes are sparkling coquettishly as if I fell
into her trap.
“Oho, …in other words, I can say whatever I want aside from that. Is that
correct, Chiaki-san?”
“Eh? Eh, …well, I-I guess so…?”
Karen-san’s eyes brightened up at the moment I answered.
“Excellent! You’re incredible, Chiaki-san! That’s my respectable
opponent!”
“…………”
Ah, eh, what’s happening? The “respectable” sounds really good until just
then. …Now, the word smells nothing but gunpowder.
My face went pale once I snapped out of it. My body is sweating
profusely.
I don’t know what this girl will do- even though I forgot just then, she’s
actually a talented genius.
I can’t stop trembling once I thought of that.
Taking one of my kidneys away? …She said she’s doing that, but she’ll
take two in the end. Or, she can connect two electrodes on my brain and turn
me into <Chiaki Hoshinomori: The Long-awaited Hardware>. No, no, no, the
worst-case scenario would probably be locking me into an endless game of
death-
“Chiaki-san.”
“AH!”
Just as I’m letting my imagination run wild, she called me, and I can’t
help but straighten my back.
My sweat won’t stop, and my uniform is thoroughly wetted as if it rained.
With that, Karen-san…beamed me an angelic smile. Her voice is pretty
gentle, …yet with overwhelming pressure.
“There’s something I would like you to help with, is that okay?”
“Y…Yes…”
“Great! Well, the thing that I want you to help with has to do with the
game-“
I gulped. …Ah, mom, dad, Konoha, I’m sorry.
I…I’m about to graduate from my “Chiaki Hoshinomori” human form
today-
“In the game -team up with me to fight against Main-san and take Amano-
kun’s ownership back.”
“Alright, I’ll enjoy my life in the virtual world- eh?”
I digested what Karen-san said once again.
For a moment, I was relieved that I don’t need to die. However-
I immediately felt the sheer responsibility from her “take Amano-kun’s
ownership back.”
That Chiaki Hoshinomori who dared to kiss a few days ago disappeared
utterly.
I returned…to my usual cowardness.
I trembled and burst into tears.
“N…NOOOOOOOO!”
“THANK YOU! Let’s give it our best together, Chiaki-san!”
“Ah, you’re already pushing the plot without caring about me!? Y-You
already decided the conclusion beforehand. …T-This is a trap!”
“Well, let’s start the training, Chiaki-san! Ah, of course, you’ll stay here
for a couple days, okay?”
“NO! MOM, DAD, KONOHAAAAAA!?”
-I learned something today.
No matter how much you want to atone for your sins, you never say, “I’ll
do anything.” Absolutely not.
[I’m also proofreading all the chapters again to fix the mistakes, mostly
with names and grammar.]
Gamers! Volume 11 Chapter 2
Chapter 2 – Aguri and Ultimate Love Guide
Monday, after school, the week after that shocking kiss incident.
The family restaurant meeting between Aguri-san and me is going on as

usual today.
“Hoshino. She’s really a good child, just like Amanocchi.”
Aguri-san returned to her seat after mixing her drink at the bar. Then, she
brought up an unbelievable topic.
As for me, I stirred the Olle coffee that I don’t really drink and answered.
“Ah, I think Konoha-san said something similar a while ago.”
“Really?”
“Yeah, …well, she’s definitely not praising me.”
“Ahaha, I get it.”
“Uwah, your laugh is really annoying.”
I pouted sulkily.
As for Aguri-san, she laughed cheerfully and took a sip of her Darjeeling
tea before taunting me.
…………
“…What’s wrong, Amanocchi? You keep looking at me. Is it because I’m

too cute?”
I answered the gal half-jokingly.
“Ha, please, your cousin’s jokes are already too much for me.”
“What’s with that? Well, I guess my cousin does bring a lot of troubles.”
Aguri-san smiled bitterly. I looked outside the window when she’s

enjoying her black tea.
Perhaps it’s because of the strong breezes and snow today. Everyone’s
curling up their bodies while walking. In contrast to the coldness, the
northern lands are often warmer because of the abundant heaters. …Some
people always say that, but this is clearly irrelevant when you’re outside. It’s
just an average- winter that can freeze you to death.
While I’m a bit sorry for people on the outside, I still took a sip of my
Olle coffee. After that, I put down the cup and asked Aguri-san.
“So? Aguri-san, you want to complain about Chiaki and I pretending to be

good children too?”
“Hmm? No, I’m not taunting you two or anything. I just feel like it would
be good for you two to not change. That’s what I meant by good children.
However, that’s why…”
“That’s why?”
“That’s why- I’m very shocked when Hoshino essentially robbed your
kiss away.”
“Ahh…”
I stared at the cup filled with the mixture of milk and coffee. Then, Aguri-
san looked a bit surprised
and questioned.
“But, Amanocchi was unexpectedly distressed too even at that time.”
“Hiya, I was scared as well. Isn’t that obvious?”
“Then why were you so chill at that time? …You’re literally like the MC
in the latter part of a harem anime. ‘I’m a guy that’s used to girls (laughs).”
That’s the impression you’re giving me.”
“What’s that? I feel like that’s the worst complaint I’ve ever received! No,
I wasn’t acting like that at all! There’s still a lot of EXP away from ‘lol it’s
just a kiss’ level!”
“Eh, isn’t there an inflation of your body value yet?”
“How is it possible!? Who do you think I am!?”
“An MC in the latter part of a rom-com novel.”
“HA! There’s no way for a person like me to provide that sort of

entertainment! I’ll say this ahead. No matter how you look at my life, my
relationships are still a mess!”
“You really did say that ahead. That’s the most tragic retort I’ve ever
heard in my life.”
“Anyway, what I’m trying to say is that there’s no way for me to get used
to kisses.”
“Actually, can I ask you how much EXP you have?”
“Ah, aside from the school trip kiss when Tendou-san broke up with me,
this is the only one- no, why do I have to tell you!?”
“Uwah, I asked again. There’s a limit to passiveness, you disgusting

virgin…”
“Can you not show that explicitly despising gal attitude!? The way you’re
looking at me really hurts!”
“By the way, what happened? Amanocchi only had the experience of
getting his lips taken away by girls twice. Yet, you’re already acting like a
harem MC now? Disgusting. …I bet you’re the type to say ‘I’ll have the
usual’ at a restaurant you visited twice only.”
“Why am I on the receiving end of such unreasonable complaints!? I’ve

already said this many times before! I wasn’t even chilling like an adult when
Chiaki kissed me, okay!?”
“Well, what were you thinking then when Hoshino kissed you?”
“My heart wouldn’t stop pounding, of course-“
Just as I’m about to retort, I saw Aguri-san’s mischievous smile. …I

finally realized that this is a trap. I cleared my throat and drank my coffee.
Aguri-san’s staring at me arrogantly with her evil smile.
“Hehehe, your heart wouldn’t stop pounding, Amanocchi. When Hoshino,

…hehe?”
“W-What do you mean!? I-It’s natural for a boy to feel that when an
adorable girl kissed-“
“Ah, you just said adorable, right? Right? You just said Hoshino is
adorable, right?”
“--!”
“Ha, and you still call her your rival, Amanocchi? HA? HMM?”
“Damn, …you’re like an annoying relative…!”
Aguri-san kept tormenting me as she finished her black tea at once. She
asked again.
“But, if that’s the case, why was Amanocchi so calm at the time?”
“Well, instead of saying calm, …it’s just that the other feelings are much
stronger.”
“Other feelings? Ah, like you were angry that someone did that to you in
front of Tendou-san?”
“Ah, …it would be great if that’s the only feeling. …In reality, it’s the
opposite.”
I looked at the white scenery outside and sighed.
“The most profound feeling I can sense from Chiaki’s kiss- is an
overwhelming wave of defeat.”
“D-Defeat?”
“Yes. …Actually, I wanted to kiss Tendou-san at that time.”
“Ah, …I see. That makes sense…”
Aguri-san understood as she looked outside the window too.
“…Ah, …in other words, if the timing was just a bit off, Hoshino
would’ve seen Amanocchi kissing Tendou-san instead.”
“Exactly. So, at least I don’t have the right to say what she did was
wrong.”
“Yeah, it’s like shooting a person that’s about to open fire, Hoshino.”
“Let’s forget about the dangerous metaphor, but you’re right.”
“Indeed, from this meaning, Amanocchi didn’t pull out your gun fast
enough. That’s why you’re defeated. …Well, even though I feel like Tendou-
san’s chest took that bullet instead.”
“Yeah, …also, I feel like an accomplice for receiving the kiss too.”
“Sigh, that’s why Amanocchi won’t be happy no matter how cute the girl
that kissed you is.”
“Yes…”
I took another swing of Olle coffee again. Strangely, I can’t feel the
sweetness anymore.
I glanced at the cup that’s not steaming anymore and can’t help but
mumble.
“…By the way, come to think of it, all of my memories related to kissing
are bitter. What’s wrong with me?”
“Hiya, that’s because you’re Amanocchi.”
“I don’t need that!”
“Ah, if you really want sweet kissing memories, you want to drink my
black tea?”
Aguri-san said that as she pushed her cup to me.
…How could someone further destroy a lonely person’s soul and mind? I
thought about just licking the entire cup angrily. However, such empty yet
terrifying action benefits no one. So, I held myself back.
Aguri-san said, “Amanocchi sucks.” Then, she mischievously smiled and

took back the cup before enjoying the tea. …Sheesh.
“…Even though I’m the same, Aguri-san really doesn’t know how to
comfort others.”s
“What are you talking about? Are you getting turned on because I’m
teasing you? Amanocchi, disgusting.”
Aguri-san said that and smiled evilly again. After that, she put the cup
onto the mat and turned serious.
“Well, let’s forget how Amanocchi is feeling now first. …Actually, I bet
Tendou-san and Hoshino aren’t in great shape either.”
“…Yeah. Tendou-san must be hurt pretty bad, …and Chiaki isn’t the type
that can just ignore what she did…”
“You two started calling each other’s first names. Nice friends you got
there…”
“Yeah, …I think we treat each other as precious friends.”
I started to feel like this can’t continue anymore. Honestly, my kissing

experience is helplessly bitter. However…
I began to frown. Aguri-san started teasing me again.
“You’re Amanocchi, after all. I understand. But, even if you’re the reason
for them to argue, it’s still ‘their’ problem, right?”
“Yes, …I know. It’s dumb for me to try and figure out a solution. But…”
“Well, I guess so. You can’t do anything even though your loved ones
aren’t happy. It must hurt…”
“…Yeah.”
Also, I know full well that I’m the cause.
Suddenly, I remembered accidentally breaking Mom’s favorite vase. At

that time, Mom didn’t get angry. Instead, she smiled gently and said, “It’s
dangerous. You should stay back.” She cleaned the glass shards alone slowly.
As for me, …all I could do is to grab my sleeves tightly. There’s nothing I

can do aside from watching with embarrassment.
“…………”
I grabbed the phone from my table. The black screen is reflecting a

depressed face that looks like he just broke someone’s vase.
…Actually, after that kiss, I didn’t even manage to contact them. We just
sent each other apologies and care.
There was literally no contact on the second Sunday. Even though school
started already, I didn’t even manage to bump into them in the corridor.
Then, reasonably, the Game Hobby Club stopped meeting too.
(I wonder what they are doing right now…)
I thought about this countless times after that day.
Then, every time I think about it, my chest begins to contract painfully.
…Those two must be thinking about their rivals or me right now. Their
after-school life must be much more painful than I do.
I looked outside the window to relieve this bitterness of youth. Then-
“Don’t give up, Chiaki-san! Why are you giving up right now!? You can
do it!”
“H-Ha, ha, …I can’t do this! I can’t believe you’re making me move all of
the furniture…!”
-I think I’m seeing two beautiful girls pulling a lot of luggage with sleds
as if they are an Antarctica expedition team.
“…………”
I chuckled and took another sip of Olle coffee. After that, I turned to
Aguri-san and smiled.
“Haha, caffeine drinks are really better. I’m a guy, after all.”
“Amanocchi decided to escape reality pathetically!”
Aguri-san started yelling as she looked outside the window.
“A-Amanocchi? Well, …even though it’s hard for me to say this, I think
you’re not hallucinating here. Regrettably, I also saw those two embarrassing
acquaintances.”
Aguri-san said some crazy things with a dumbfounded look. …Yep, both
of us are having the same daydream. Something like this can really happen.
The world is filled with wonderful things.
I looked at the illusion warmly. A seaweed head is pulling the sled with
teary eyes, and a blonde girl is leading her relentlessly like she’s a devil
coach.
“C’mon, you can do it, you can do it! Chiaki-san, you can do better! The
only thing stopping you is your mood!”
“This ‘mood’ thing is precisely the problem! Look, aren't a lot of people
watching us right now!? Forget about my stamina. My heart can’t take it
anymore!”
“No! Don’t give up! Think about the people around you! Think about the
people that are cheering for you right now!”
“S-Someone’s cheering for me!? For me!? Uh, indeed, the children from
afar are staring at me with sparkling eyes…! Such humiliation! Is this the hell
I’m in!? What did I ever do to deserve this!?”
“Eh, it’s because you and Amano-kun kis-“
“Yay! I love pulling sleds! This is so much fun!”
“You’re amazing, Chiaki-san! That’s how you do it! You can make it! My
house is right around the corner!”
…………
So, the Antarctica expedition team left with noises that sound like a
monster dragging its tail.
…………
…Hiya, my imagination of beautiful girls is unexpectedly fascinating.
Suddenly, I looked in front. Aguri-san’s staring at me with half-dead eyes.
“Uh, …I feel sorry for you, Amanocchi. I think I was too serious. …Yes,
…idiotic things like this…”
“Stop it, Aguri-san. Don’t apologize to a human’s innate sense of

seriousness.”
“…Yes, that was just an illusion. Alright, we’ll treat it like that,
Amanocchi!”
“Wow, your comfort just brought me back to reality.”
Yeah, …that is obviously…not an illusion, …ugh.
“…Aguri-san, what should I do…?”
Facing a guy that asked painfully, Aguri-san showed a bewildered

expression.
“Ah, I hope you can ask that when you’re genuinely bothered by love…”
Aguri-san looked mysteriously regretful. She shook her head helplessly

and stared at me again.
“Right now, I can only tell you one sure thing.”
“W-What is it?”
I answered with a bad feeling.
Looking at me, Aguri-san’s eyes- glowed brutally.
“Even when you start dating one of them, Amanocchi’s life will still end
up being- a joke.”
“I don’t want to hear that!”
It’s like I just found out that I’m terminally ill. Eh, what is this? Can’t I
have even a single sad moment in my life? Here I thought I’m in a pretty
honest relationship. Also, consider how many days are remaining until White
Day? I’m supposed to be at the climax of the story, right?
Also, …why do I have to see my “Shuzo Matsuoka-ed” ex-girlfriend and

the mysteriously excited lips robber pulling a sled full of luggage together?
Isn’t this strange? [He’s an energetic and passionate TV sports commentator
after retiring from being a tennis player.]
I can’t help but wrap my hands around my head. Aguri-san tries to

comfort me.
“H-Hey, at least those two don’t seem to be fighting. Isn’t it great?”
“Well, I feel like it’s much worse than fighting…”
Someone’s a borderline slave to the other girl. That’s genuinely a hellish

battlefield.
However, Aguri-san looked away and continued.
“B-But, at least they didn’t stop talking to each other. It’s a good thing.
Yes!”
“Sigh, …I guess you’re right.”
Honestly, I would be lying if I’m not relieved after seeing those two
talking. …Let’s forget what they were talking about first. The worst-case
scenario is that the two girls don’t even want to see each other. From this
meaning, I’m glad to see those two together. …But, by the way, isn’t what
happening right now the worst-case scenario in another sense? Ugh…
During this time, my phone suddenly started vibrating. The person calling
me is-
“…I’m sorry, Aguri-san. Can I pick up this call?”
“Eh, sheesh, Amanocchi. You’re really going to pick up the phone when
chatting alone with an adorable girl-“
“It’s Main-san.”
“PICK IT UP. YOU’LL DIE!”
After Aguri-san’s violent permission, I immediately picked up the call

with Main-san.
“Hey, hey-“
“Too slow. Game over, Amako. I’ll go burn your house down right now.”
It’s an undoubted dead end, but it can’t be helped. It’s my fault for
spending too much time choosing the option to interact with Main-san. It’s
just my house getting burnt. I’ll allow it.
“Understood. However, forget about me. Can you at least let my parents
and little brother leave in peace?”
“Eh, why did you just accept it? Are you insane? It’s disgusting even
though you’re scared…”
“…………”
I think she bullied me like this before. I’m still terrible at dealing with this
person…
I sighed. Main-san can’t stop laughing on the other side of the phone.
“Hiya, you’re still you. I’m getting excited after chatting with you for two
seconds. Love you.”
“That’s the worst ‘love you’ I’ve heard in my life.”
“Sure, let’s get married then.”
“Uwah!”
“You’re a hundred times more scared than when I said I’ll burn your
house down. What are you trying to say, asshole? I’ll really kill you, socially.
I’ll put Mii to good use.”
“Please don’t propose a scenario that’s a hundred times more realistic than
burning my house down. It’s horrifying.”
However, honestly, an intelligent kid like Mii-chan can accomplish Main-

san’s mission perfectly. I’ll be eradicated from society. …I remembered
stepping on her once like she’s a Kuriboh because of how small she is (in
Super Mario).
I took a huge sigh and urged Main-san to continue.
“So, what do you want, Main-san? I’m chatting with Aguri-san right
now…”
“Ah, sorry for intruding on your after-sex chattering.”
“That after-sex is absolutely unnecessary! We’re just chatting normally!
It’s a routine!”
“Ah, the routine…love motel…meeting?”
“It’s a family restaurant meeting! What do you mean by love motel!?

We’re not that erotic!”
I yelled. Aguri-san heard that and started coughing. “Love…!?” …Crap,

it’s a trap. This person can attack Aguri-san and me at the same time across
the phone.
After Main-san laughed cheerfully for a while, she seemed satisfied and
continued.
“I’ll tell you something first. Just then, I received a message from your ex-
girlfriend.”
“…Eh?”
The unexpected conversation made me answered dazedly.
“That Antarctica expedition team’s captain’s…?”
“…Oh, no. What is this? It’s been a long time since a genius like me can’t
understand what someone’s saying. Scary. You’re incredible, Amako.”
I think I just got unbelievably praised. I cleared my throat and corrected

myself.
“Well, so, Tendou-san messaged you?”
“Ah, yes.”
“By the way, when did you two exchange contacts?”
“Hmm? Ah, we exchanged information when we were fighting last time.”
“Exchanged information…? Ah, you mean using QR codes or IDs-”
“No, Morse code.”
“Morse code!?”
“We gave each other’s ID by pressing the buttons in a rhythm during the
fight.”
“You stupid geniuses!”
Is there a rule that says a Game Club president must be weird?
Just as I felt speechless, Main-san said, “Anyway, she contacted me.”
“I think she’s picking a fight with me. Your ownership is on the line
here.”
“Sigh, again…”
I can’t help but sigh.
Well, honestly, I already know that Tendou-san would rechallenge her

sooner or later. It’s just that I didn’t expect to be this quick. In reality, I don’t
think she can win yet…
I wrapped my hands around my head and moaned. Main-san got

uncharacteristically surprised and continued, “It’s just that…”
“Unexpectedly, she asked whether it’s possible to not do a 1v1.”
“Not 1v1? Well, what does that…”
“Yeah, she wants a 4-player, Smash Bros. style fight. In other words…”
“You’re saying that there are two more aside from Tendou-san and Main-
san?”
“Yes, and the members are already in place. It’s Chiaki Hoshinomori and
that Nina Osio girl.”
“Ha? What’s with the members?”
“I don’t know. Anyway, it’s these 4 people. The one who wins can obtain
your ownership.”
“No, no, no, I mean-“
What’s wrong with them? The choice of members is already pretty

strange. There’s no reason for Chiaki to join, considering her skills. Also, I
don’t understand why Oiso-senpai wants my ownership as well. Shouldn’t
Tendou-san and Main-san fight alone?
The problem with the members…
“Hey, Amanocchi, Amanocchi, tell me what’s happening too.”
“Eh, ah, well…”
I started explaining to this high school girl with my phone next to my ears.
Aguri-san is also confused.
“Even though I don’t know about games, …isn’t Main-san at a super

disadvantage here? Although it’s an individual match in name, this is
practically a 3v1, right?”
“Well, I’m going to ask that too…”
It’s pretty clear who’s in favor of winning in a Smash Bros. game. Also,
they are going to be fighting a common “enemy” to obtain my ownership. A
person like her is guaranteed to be ganged up.
Honestly, this match is so unfair that it didn’t sound like Tendou-san

suggested. However, Main-san continued as if she’s defending her.
“Well, I’m fine with it. You brats are all banding together. That’s how I
feel.”
“You’re still that arrogant demon king.”
“Ah, but, aside from that, Karen Tendou also emphasized that’s a
complete personal battle. No matter what, the related…”
“Huh! …I-I see.”
In reality, right now, even though Tendou-san and Chiaki aren’t

competing over my ownership, they are still fighting over me. When there’s a
battle of my ownership, they don’t want to lose to each other, not to mention
Main-san…
But, if that’s the case, isn’t it simply dangerous to let Oiso-senpai join the
game? If this is a true 1v1v1v1, she’s an enemy on the same level as Main-
san. It’s just increasing the difficulty.
Well, but, in this sense, Chiaki will probably lose. I think it’s an excellent
opportunity for Tendou-san to kick her away too-
“Ah, also, I think Karen Tendou’s training with Chiaki Hoshinomori in

her own house for around a week before the start of the battle.”
“Ha!?”
Training with Chiaki? Why? Aren’t they rivals? By the way, there’s no
benefit to Tendou-san in terms of skills, right? What’s wrong with her? Eh,
what is my ex-girlfriend trying to do?
My head’s slowly getting dizzy. …Karen Tendou is really an
unpredictable person. Perhaps even Main-san is easier to understand.
She’s smart and dumb, talented and clumsy, realistic yet passionate.
I don’t know what reasons she used to achieve this conclusion. When I
think about it- I can’t help but laugh.
So, I can’t help but gradually smile. Then, I realized Aguri-san’s looking
at me with a mischievous smile. I coughed to cover up my embarrassment
and continued talking to Main-san.
“So, you accepted the challenge?”
“Ah, of course. It’s taking place next Wednesday after school at the Game
Club.”
“I see. …By the way, what are you going to do if you win? My ownership
is already yours, right?”
“Well, about that. Karen Tendou asked me that too just then. I did request
something.”
“What is it? Don’t tell me you want all of their ownerships…”
“I didn’t. Do I look like such an annoying person?”
“You literally are.”
“Alright, but I really didn’t ask for that this time. Appreciate my
generosity, Amako.”
“Eh, really. Thanks, so what did you ask for…?”
“Ah, well.”
Main-san paused for a moment here. After that, she cheerfully- told me
this.
“I’ll have the right to decide who you’ll be dating.”
“HOW COULD YOU!?”
This is the worst result for Tendou-san, Chiaki, and me. What’s wrong
with this person? She’s too talented at hitting her opponents at the weakest
spot, right?
I trembled and urged her.
“W-Well, …how did Tendou-san-“
“Yeah, she moaned for a while as if she’s being burnt with fire. But, she
accepted it eventually.”
“Can you stop torturing my ex-girlfriend mentally!?”
“Well, she’s the one that proposed this competition. It’s guaranteed to be
a 3v1. So, I have the right to ask for an equivalent reward.”
Tck, there goes her irritatingly correct logic again…! But, the one thing
that I don’t understand is…
“Well, there’s no need for me, who isn’t even in the battle, to be dragged
into this, right…”
“Hey, hey, Amako. Girls are fighting for you, and yet you’re still
dragging your feet on paying the consequences. Ha, you disappoint me.”
“Ugh, …it’s because everyone will-“
“Amako.”
Main-san suddenly stopped her joking attitude. She asked seriously.
“Did you really think that Karen Tendou asked for a fight on the premise
that she would lose?”
“…………”
I can’t help but clench my fist after hearing that.
Right, …I already considered Main-san as an absolute existence since a

long time ago. I began to follow her orders subconsciously.
Indeed, I can’t beat her. However, …I didn’t get to decide whether

Tendou-san can defeat her or not. That’s- different from “worrying” about
her, right.
“…………”
I closed my eyes and thought for a moment.
At the next second, I opened my eyes and spoke up determinedly.
“No, I’ll trust Tendou-san if she thinks she can.”
“In other words?”
“…I’ll accept the condition too. You can do whatever you want with my
relationship if you win. I’m betting on Tendou-san- no, Tendou-san and
Chiaki.”
“Very well. You’re a great person, after all.”
After she said that, Main-san’s tone returned to normal.
“Hey, relax. AlthoughI didn’t say this because I want to hype up Karen
Tendou, I won’t force you to date someone you don’t like even if I win.”
“Eh, really?”
“Yes, I’m always saying this, right? I love you. I’ll definitely make you
happy.”
“…………”
I can’t help but scratch my cheeks. Ah, …this person is unexpectedly

kind-
“But, honestly, I thought it would be interesting for you to date Tasuku

Uehara.”
“Yep, you’re that kind of person!”
“Actually, I really don’t want you to date someone you don’t love. But,
while I said that, I want you to date a girl you’ve been craving for in your
heart.”
“Ah, also, right now, the girl you’ve been craving for- is actually me.
Hiya, this is embarrassing.”
“We can’t afford to lose this war!”
What kind of agreement did you come up with, my ex-girlfriend!? Let me

say this first, your opponent is a devil beyond your imagination! This person
plans to break our carefully crafted love stories like it’s a useless and boring
vase!
Main-san chuckled and said, “Well, that’s all.” She hung up while I’m
still enraged. Damn, …she just wants entertainment from other people. The
depression I’ve been having after Chiaki’s kiss is already-
…………
…N-No, wait, it’s impossible. She’s not kind enough to do something like
this, right. Hmm. …I guess not, right?
“Amanocchi, Amanocchi. Hey, explain to me as well.”
“Ah, right, sorry.”
I snapped out of it once Aguri-san urged me. I explained in detail about

Tendou-san’s fight.
After she hears all of it, Aguri-san is a bit dumbfounded. “Why are you
guys…”
“What’s wrong with all of you? Are all gamers retarded?”
“That’s the worst thing you can say to gamers! Even though I feel like I
must retort here, all of the people I met are really retarded. So, I have nothing
to say!”
I wrapped my hands around my brain. Aguri-san bitterly smiled and

continued.
“However, …I’m a bit envious of how simple and innocent you are.”
“Hmm? Aguri-san?”
Aguri-san put her cup onto its mat. She looked outside the window and
got uncharacteristically upset. I shot her a- worried look, even though I’m not
in such a position.
Aguri-san noticed me and tried to cover it up.
“What’s with your face, Amanocchi? I’m okay. There is some progress
between Tasuku and me. We got a lot closer.”
“Hmm? But, if that’s the case, you’re…”
“Ugh, …well.”
Aguri-san said that as she searched the bag next to her. Then, she
grabbed…
“…Labears?”
“Yes.”
We bought that for our loved ones during the school trip. However, in the
end, we didn’t manage to hand them out because we broke up. It’s a pair of
teddy bears.
Aguri-san played with the teddy bears and said this dazedly.
I love Tasuku so much. This will never change. Even though there might
be some hesitation during the expressing feeling part, …recently, this is what
I think.”
“What?”
“Perhaps Tasuku- loves the ‘present’ the most.”
“…………”
The snow on the window is slowly melting because of the indoor

temperature. Aguri-san looked at the people rushing home and squeezed a
smile.
“Ah, but I love the ‘present’ the most too. So, we don’t need to push-“
“Aguri-san.”
I interrupted Aguri-san and smiled.
“I’m glad that I met Aguri-san.”
“W-What are you saying? Is this a confession?”
“Well, you can think of it however you want.”
“N-No, I don’t think I can…”
Aguri-san’s still confused. But, I ignored her and continued.
“I was always helplessly alone until I met everyone in the Game Hobby
Club. However, …there was still something you need to fight for, even if
you’re a loner.”
“…What is it?”
“You want to stay in the present. …You have to be exhaustingly aware of

it to avoid your high school life take a turn for the worse.”
“Amanocchi…”
Aguri-san’s looking at me sympathetically. I’m a bit embarrassed, so I

looked outside the snowy window.
“But, the ‘present’ is the same as the snow. No matter how much you
want to protect something important to you, it’ll still end up melting away
and drip off between your fingers. That’s why my high school life…is slowly
yet concretely taking the worse turn.”
“…………”
“However, the people who changed this are Tendou-san, Uehara-kun,

Chiaki, and Aguri-san, using your sincere words. …Everything started
because we said honest things that could’ve led to hatred.”
“…………”
“I must’ve opened my hands at that time. I hadn't noticed it at that time.
…Confessing my feelings to the person in front of me is my favorite thing to
do. I didn’t care how much snow had fallen off my palm. …Rejecting
Tendou-san’s invitation, bickering with Uehara-kun and Chiaki, then…”
I looked at the girl in front of me again and spoke up honestly.
“…You taught me how precious it is to love someone.”
“!”
Something’s sparkling in Aguri-san’s eyes.
Finally, I tried to come to a conclusion. “So, that’s how I’m thinking right
now.”
“The ‘present’ isn’t turned from the past that you’ve held dearly. Instead,
it’s the future you try so hard to grasp with the energy from the past. That’s
what the ‘present’ means.”
“Amanocchi, …I, …I…”
Aguri-san lowered her head as if she didn’t want me to see how

embarrassed she was.
I should encourage her- I thought about that and continued.
“To make the ‘present’ that Uehara-kun loves even shinier, Aguri-san, all
you need to do is to move forward determinedly like before. That’s the
Aguri-san I…love.”
Aguri-san lowered her head and wiped the corner of her eyes. …Finally,
she returned to her usual tone and made a comeback.
“Hehe, …that’s indeed a confession, Amanocchi.”
“Who knows? But, even if that’s the case, what you’ll do and how you
feel won’t be moved by this, am I right?”
I asked.
Aguri-san rubbed her eyes with her wrist.
“…Of course!”
She answered proudly and raised her refreshed face.
“I love Tasuku the most! Then, -I’ll confess this feeling with my whole
body! This is me!”
“….Yes, this is how my Master Aguri-san should be.”
We smiled at each other. …So, the losers’ family restaurant meeting has a
moment of peace we never experienced before-
“Ah, so, sorry, Amanocchi. I just physically can’t accept gaming otaku.”
“Yep, you just had to ruin the mood and reject me! This isn’t a
confession, by the way! Even if it is, can’t you just reject it more subtly and
gently!?”
“Hey, didn’t Amanocchi just say something about being honest?”
“I did say that! But that doesn’t mean an indiscriminate attack!”
“Shut up. …You just compared the ‘present’ to the snow to express your
feelings, disgusting otakus…”
“HAAAAA!? I take back what I said! Take back your honest words, you
thick-lined gal!”
“HAAAAA!? You treat your master as a thick-lined gal!? How
disrespectful!? You didn’t improve at all. This hikineet didn’t improve in this
year at all.”
“Ha, right back at the cliché and slow-burn couple!”
“You mad? Did you say that? Did you really say that? I’ll have to say
something too if you say that!”
“W-What!? I’ll get furious depending on what you’re going to say!?”
“Amanocchi as a boyfriend really lacks future-“
“DAMN YOUUUUUU!”
So, the family restaurant meeting returned to its usual idiocy.
…………
It looks like there’s still some time before the family restaurant meeting
can truly calm down.
Chapter 3 – Gamers and Final Battle
The day of the final battle came in a flash.
It’s the second Wednesday of March, just a little bit away from White
Day.
The after-school Game Club room is filled with a silent yet hot
atmosphere.
Of course. After all, right now, in the room-
“Are you kidding me!?”
-Suddenly, Uehara-kun stepped forward. He started complaining and
looked around with sweat on his face.
“Isn’t there too many people in the room!?”
“…Ha.”
After hearing that, everyone thought, “he finally said it,” and sighed.
Indeed, …we didn’t bring it up just then. However, right now, the room
that can only allow a maximum of 6 people-
-There are 12 people in here. The heat is suffocating.
Uehara-kun sighed deeply and continued.
“Anyway, the girls camp in this battle, …Main Fushiguro-san, Karen
Tendou, Chiaki Hoshinomori, and Nina Oiso-san, are supposed to be here.”
Uehara-kun said that and looked at the four girls sitting around the
monitor in the center. I nodded and observed around again.
The room today looks a bit different. Some modifications are made for
this significant competition. The usual long tables are folded and placed
against the wall. The empty middle area is occupied by the largest monitor in
the room. The four are standing in front with their controllers. It’s Chiaki,
Tendou-san, Main-san, and Oiso-senpai in order.
After that, the 8 audiences are sitting around them in a semicircle. …Well,
honestly, it’s guaranteed for us to have to squeeze in such a packed room.
During this time, Uehara-kun suddenly looked at me.
“Also, …it’s okay for Amano to be here since he’s the prize.”
“Hey, can you not say I’m the prize?”
I can’t help but interrupt Uehara-kun.
“Even though it’s related to my ownership, the winner doesn’t have to like
me…”
“Eh?”
“Eh?”
Chiaki and Tendou-san turned around and looked at me. Just as I’m
feeling dazed, Oiso-senpai, who turned a bit slower, said lazily.
“I was trying to make you clean my house and do laundry…”
“That’s how you’re going to use my ownership!? Eh, don’t tell me Chiaki
and Tendou-san are thinking of the same thing!? You want me to do all that,
just like Main-san!?”
“…………”
“W-Why are you two looking away!?”
I’m a bit hurt. Suddenly, Main-san chuckled.
“Hoho, such an exciting thought, Amako.”
“M-Main-san, …but, honestly, I feel like I’m Princess Peach waiting for
the Mario Bros to come to save me from Bowser. That’s how I trusted
Tendou-san and Chiaki…”
“Ah, you thought the main goal was to take something back from the
enemy, right? Actually, you planned to do that when you’re betting Agu’s
ownership, right. However, …look, look at their eyes.”
Main-san said that and looked at the girl’s camp.
“This isn’t the eyes of Mario coming to save Peach from Bowser. This
is-“
Then, …she announced loudly.
“-It’s Wario trying to snatch Peach as a prize away from Bowser.”
“You mean there’s not even one righteous partner here!?”
I’m sweating profusely. …This is the brutal reality.
…Yes, indeed, even if the ownership is transferred to Oiso-senpai. There
should be no change compared to when Main-san’s owning me. In other
words, right now, …I’m not actually here to cheer anyone up? Am I just
Princess Peach looking at Wario and Bowser fighting outside the castle with
dead eyes?
Just as I’m staring into nothing, Uehara-kun cleared his throat forcefully.
Come to think of it, he’s only halfway through his complaint.
I took a step back. Uehara-kun continued.
“Well, according to the situation, as you all know, there are only 5 people
in this match – the girl’s camp and Amano. They are responsible for this. In
other words, they should be in this fight. However…”
Uehara-kun paused for a moment. At the next moment, he screamed in
this overpopulated club room.
“What’s with the other people!? Non-club members shouldn’t be here!”
“Hey, Tasuku Uehara, are you really in a position to say this?”
Gakuto Kase-senpai, whose glasses are shining, complained.
“Ugh…” Uehara-kun moaned and took a step back. Kase-senpai
continued calmly.
“Everyone aside from the Game Club is outsiders to us. Right, Mizumi?”
“Uh, well, I don’t hate this lively room, though…”
“…Hmph.”
Mizumi-kun was suddenly brought up. He smiled bitterly. Kase-senpai
hmphed disappointingly. …Ah, Mizumi-kun is still pretty awkward here.
Mizumi-kun and I exchanged looks to comfort each other. In comparison,
Kase-senpai glared at Uehara-kun once again.
“Well, according to what we’re doing today, I’m okay with those 5 you
mentioned entering here. However, the other people, …especially you, and
the girl that’s your lover, you two have no right to be here, am I correct?”
Kase-senpai’s glasses are sparkling with sarcasm. Uehara-kun is a bit
scared.
“No, …well! Aguri and I! We’re in the Game Hobby Club with Amano!”
“So, it’s not the Game Club, you two.”
“Well, aren’t we brother clubs or something!? Especially with Amano as
the medium here! Then, when we’re deciding the fate of Amano, …the Game
Hobby Club should have observing rights! You agree, Aguri!?”
“Yeah, Tasuku.”
“See?”
Uehara-kun and Aguri-san are having fun. …Ugh, how should I say this?
I’m a bit triggered now. “That couple intern is honestly so annoying, right?”
I’m getting this feeling.
Of course, Kase-senpai is even more triggered at this first-time-entering-
clubroom excitement. He pushed his glasses and made an even more severe
warning.
“Get out right now, you two. Sheesh, what do you think this holy Game
Club room is…?”
“Ha?”
However, Aguri-san is mad with Kase-senpai’s attitude. The sweet
attitude she showed to Uehara-kun disappeared utterly. She equipped my- no,
our otakus’ worst fear, “a gal’s despising look.” She soon counterattacked
Kase-senpai.
“I’ve been hearing what you’re saying for a while now. What? I mean,
Amanocchi’s on the line here. Isn’t the one that’s the least interested and
serious glasses-senpai?”
Glasses-senpai. Kase-senpai’s character is entirely destroyed with this
nickname. Of course, he couldn’t retort to Aguri-san’s sharp and logical
attack. In the end-
“Ugh…! I-I’ll take a hundred steps back and acknowledge you two!”
-He avoided the fight just as usual. Oiso-senpai mumbled in the middle of
the room, “How embarrassing.” I’m sorry, Kase-senpai. …That’s the most
reasonable point as a Game Club member.
Kase-senpai cleared his throat and covered it up.
His next target is- the junior duo next to me.
“Hey, those two from other schools! Where…did you two come from!?”
Kase-senpai pointed at them with a confused look.
To his complaint, …the two sitting next to me- Kousei Amano and
Konoha Hoshinomori-san answered at the exact same time calmly. It’s like
they already anticipated it.
“Relatives. You got a problem?”
“What do you mean by you got a problem!? What kind of reason is this!?
You think this is a public lecture!?”
Kase-senpai is really pissed with the impolite duo. I sighed helplessly and
looked at the little brother and sister that are seemingly guarding me.
“You two aren’t this school’s students. It’s a bit…”
“Yeah!”
For some reason, Uehara-kun suddenly agreed with me. The person that
said there are too many people in the room started getting arrogant again.
“It already has nothing to do with the Game Club and Game Hobby Club.
You two aren’t even from Otobuki. Isn’t it weird to be here like nothing’s
wrong!?”
“Really?”
“Yeah! You guys are really cheeky! Seriously, give some face to your
senpai and get out, okay!?”
…Hmm, well, even though he’s unwilling to budge, in a sense, it’s
reasonable.
However, these two, …Konoha-san and Kousei, won’t back down with
that alone.
The two chuckled like Uehara-kun’s an idiot. They said at the same time
again.
“Family relationships are much deeper than friendships in school…!”
“I-I guess so!”
Even though Uehara-kun’s complaining, he looked away after seeing the
two’s determined eyes. Then, finally…
“…E-Even so, …no matter what, Mii’s weird to be here. Mii…”
“Yeah, yeah.”
…Finally, Uehara-kun turned to the little girl that looked the weakest.
Kase-senpai agreed.
The girls in the room sent despising looks to the guys, considering how
embarrassing we are. …What’s wrong? These girls’ aura even gives Mizumi-
kun and me enormous pressure, even though we have nothing to do with it!
Kousei’s still putting out his usual slightly pissed look!
Among all of this, the little girl who’s suddenly brought up, Mii-chan,
she’s calmer than everyone. …Then, she sent the most lethal attack to the
guys’ camp.
“No, no, I feel like the weirdest part is the people that actually waste time
on this.”
“Uwah!?”
Mii-chan inherited Main-san’s logical spears and sent the guys’ camp
straight to the grave.
Kousei suddenly smiled next to me for some reason.
“Hiya, you’re constantly at your A-game, Mii-chan. …I want to learn
from you too.”
“W-What are you trying to learn, Kousei?”
My little brother is really unusual these days. What happened? Did he
receive some lousy influence? From Main-san…
Just as I’m thinking about that, Main-san yelled “hey” violently. I can’t
help but straighten my back.
Main-san showed a disdaining smile on the foldable chair. After that, she
turned to the audience and said this to everyone.
“Hey, let’s not waste my time- you excited brats.”
“…………”
Everyone immediately chickened out after feeling her pressure and violent
aura.
However, I sighed at Main-san and shrugged.
“My, my, look who’s talking. You’re the one that looks the happiest
here.”
Main-san immediately curled up her lips after I pointed it out. She showed
an innocent, youth-like smile.
“Oh, you saw it?”
“I saw it a long time ago. Even though I realized it, …can you please not
intimidate someone other than Aguri-san, Mii-chan, and me? I mean your
devil king aura.”
“Hmm? Stop saying nonsense, Amako. I’m actually the enemy of every
single one of you, right?”
Main-san said that as she observed everyone’s faces again. She laughed
even more excitedly.
“Ah, sorry, allow me to correct myself. None of you are qualified to be
called my enemy.”
Main-san turned back to the screen as if she lost interest.
Right away, even Kase-senpai and Mizumi-kun released their aggressive
aura silently, not to mention Konoha-san and Kousei.
…Hiya, you’re a genius! This person is a genius at making enemies!
Making people hate her is like breathing to this person!
(Well, but this is just “planting” the seed, right…)
I think she’s trying to cultivate a serious opponent as she did to me before.
“…Sigh.”
Once we snapped out of it, Aguri-san, Mii-chan, and I sighed at the same
time. Sigh, I feel we’re parents taking care of a capricious child…
Main-san ignored our worries and completely controlled the mood here.
“Well, let me confirm this for the last time. The next match is an
individual battle instead of a team fight. The winner- can obtain Keita
Amano’s ownership. No problem? Otobuki High School Game Club
president Karen Tendou-san?”
Main-san stared at the blonde high school girl next to her provocatively.
However, Tendou-san wasn’t moved by an inch. She answered calmly.
“Yes, no problem. Former Game Club president, Main Fushiguro-san.
Also, you get to decide who Amano-kun will be dating if you win.”
Main-san turned to me as she said that. Kousei and Konoha-san
immediately took a step forward and glared at Main-san ferociously. …I-I’m
happy that you two are stepping up for me. However, I think that’s just her
acting. Actually, recently, this person really wanted me to be happy…
Well, I think Main-san will beat me to death if I say that out loud here. So,
I won’t explain it. …The actual problem is that the “Keita Amano being
happy” in Main-san’s heart is slightly different than my imagination. In this
sense, it’s a fact that my future is highly unstable.
“Well, let’s start.”
Tendou-san said that and picked up the controller. The testing screen
switched to the title screen of the game.
I can see Aguri-san’s pulling at Uehara-kun’s sleeves.
“Hey, Tasuku. It’s probably super bad timing to ask this right now. …
What game is this?”
“What? Aguri, you don’t even know what <Smash Bros.> is?” [It’s
actually not Smash Bros. but something called <Sutoshisu>. It’s practically
the same as Smash Bros.]
“I don’t know. What is that? Is it the most interesting?”
“What do you mean by the most interesting?”
Uehara-kun dropped his shoulder dumbfoundedly. …Yep, Aguri-san
really doesn’t know anything about this game. She just came here to
accompany Uehara-kun. …Thanks for the work, Uehara-kun.
When Tendou-san pressed the start button and entered the menu, Uehara-
kun started explaining it to Aguri-san.
“<Smash Bros.> is a multiplayer combat game. You can have at a max of
4 people on a screen.”
“Oh, that’s affordable.”
“I don’t really understand your feedback. Anyway, let’s continue. The
best part about it…is that you can use characters in various games!”
Coincidentally, the screen is displaying the character selection screen just
as Uehara-kun is explaining this part excitedly. Every protagonist on there is
from famous games.
Looking at this breathtaking scene, Aguri-san can’t help but- hug Uehara-
kun.
“…Hey, who are they?”
“Don’t act like you’re a child staying at a distant cousin’s home!
Everyone is pretty famous there!”
“I see. …T-Thanks for the work.”
“Distance! You know what, whatever! A-Anyway, you can choose your
favorite character to fight from these amazing people. There are some
specific rules about the actual combat…”
“Ah, I see. It’s a civic trial, right. Civic trial.”
“That’s too much! Didn’t I say it’s a combat fighting game!?”
“Well, but a couple girls are deciding their love with this game. Isn’t this
the most important…”
“What do you mean by that’s the most important!? It’s not a trial! It’s a
battle!”
“…This is really the worst situation.”
“Yep, I knew I always lived in a different world than you! Even though
it’s a battle, it’s not like there will be bloodshed. Think about the world in
<Smash Bros.>”
“I see. It’s easy to understand. You’re incredible, Tasuku. Unlike some
lonely otakus!”
“Oi.”
I can’t help but glare at Aguri-san. She immediately looked away. This
gal…!
Uehara-kun cleared his throat and continued the explanation.
“So, the one different thing is that this isn’t based on HP. All of the stages
are like floating islands. You lose when you fall or get kicked out of the
screen.”
“Uh, …so it’s like a Dohyo ring except the outside is filled with
piranhas?” [The ring you see in sumo.]
“Well, that’s a sudden game of death. Honestly, I’m a bit shocked at my
ex-girlfriend’s lack of knowledge. But, I think you got the point.”
“So, to put it simply, whoever survives wins, right?”
“Well, …that’s based on the rules. Some allow you to respawn
immediately and count points instead. Then, there’s also the battle royale
mode Aguri just said. This time is…”
Uehara-kun paused for a moment and continued a bit nervously.
“…It’s battle royale.”
“Hmm? This is not the normal game mode?”
“Ah, …it is. But…”
“People normally play by the point system in <Smash Bros.> since you
can revive after dying. So, everyone can always enjoy the game. Also, even if
there are some random elements, you won’t immediately lose because of a
single match. This rule can reflect your average skill level pretty well. It’s
fair and square. However, battle royale…isn’t the same.”
The girls chose their characters and are now selecting the stage. I
continued my thought.
(People will lose one by one in a battle royale. Of course, this is actually
an interesting and exciting rule. However, honestly, if you’re asking me
whether this shows your true skill, I’ll answer no. It’s all over if an
overwhelmingly strong character dies in an accident.)
…However, …no, that’s why Tendou-san chose this game mode. In other
words…
(She’s throwing everything away to try and beat Main-san in a short
time…)
Uehara-kun and I, …no, people who know this game understand that.
That’s why this room is filled with an unusual nervousness.
Mizumi-kun is in awe as he’s watching the girls.
“Choosing a one-chance battle royale in such an important fight, …I
would never do that.”
It’s not just Mizumi-kun. I bet everyone’s thinking about the same thing.
This will be a short fight, no matter what. That’s why I’m even more
nervous than when we were playing <CM>. After all, it’s over when you die.
You don’t get to count your total score in the end. The entire thing will be
over in something like 3 minutes.
I can’t believe they are betting on some of the most critical stuff in their
lives in such a short time. They are already at the athlete level.
(Also, this is even heavier when they trained for a week…)
My stomach is already hurting as the audience alone.
The voltage in the room is slowly increasing when the level is chosen.
Kousei, who was observing the situation, got his face close to my ears and
whispered.
“…It’s not just a battle royale. There are also no items, no special
mechanics on the stage. It’s just a normal stage. …This condition is way too
harsh for Chiaki-senpai, onii-san.”
“…Yeah.”
Honestly, I can’t let this go as well.
Such an environment…is extremely hardcore. No, I think skilled people
like Tendou-san, Main-san, and Oiso-senpai are already used to it. But that’s
not the same for Chiaki.
Come to think of it, it’s already weird when Chiaki can join these people.
Also, Chiaki basically faded into nothing after coming here.
“Onii-san…”
Kousei looked like he wanted to say something. …I know. I should be the
one to say this here. This isn’t fair to Chiaki. However…
“It’s okay, Kousei.”
“Onii-san?”
Kousei is confused. However, I looked at Chiaki. …She’s watching the
screen fearlessly and determinedly.
“I would be insulting Chiaki if I say that for her right here.”
“…I see. …Yeah.”
“What?”
“It’s nothing.”
Kousei said that as he smiled childishly and innocently. …Even though I
don’t get to see it that much, …this is his characteristic gentle smile.
I smiled at my adorable little brother.
Finally-
“Well- let’s begin.”
-The final battle is here with Tendou-san’s declaration.
*
“Onii-san, this is indeed too…”
Kousei is saying this worriedly next to me. My forehead began to sweat.
It’s only been 30 seconds. However, …the difference between the players
is already clear to the audience.
(Chiaki’s falling too far behind everyone else…)
Honestly, they are so amazing that casual gamers like us can’t explain it
perfectly. Main-san, Tendou-san, and Oiso-senpai’s movement already
reached an e-sport player’s level.
Defense, evasion, cancellation, receiving, rotation, dislocation, jumping,
diving, these three already mastered the basic movements common to all
characters. Aside from that, their character-specific reactions are also carried
out at an impressive speed. So, newbie audiences like us can’t tell the tide
aside from the percentage below.
However, even so, we still clearly know that…one person, Chiaki, is
falling behind.
Honestly, she’s not even worth being the other three’s opponent. It’s not
weird for her to be immediately kicked out too. But, ironically, it’s because
the other three are letting her live because she’s not worth defeating. As a
result, although it’s still a danger if she gets hurt, Chiaki is still trying her best
to survive.
Mizumi-kun, who has the smallest skill difference to those three, tried to
support Chiaki out and explained.
“Actually, Hoshinomori-san is already an above-average player. That
must be the result of the sleepover, right? It’s just that the other three are
monsters…”
Aguri-san nodded.
“Ah, those three are amazing.”
“Yes. It’s so amazing that I won’t suspect if you say this is a world
competition’s footage.”
“Really? Ah, …who’s leading then? Mizumin.”
“Mizumin…?”
Mizumi-kun froze when he received a sudden nickname. However, he still
looked at the screen and said, “Well…” Everyone aside from Aguri-san
looked at the screen too. Mizumi-kun announced with a solemn face.
“From my perspective, Main Fushiguro-san and Oiso-senpai are the same.
Tendou-san is barely keeping up…”
“I-I see…”
Aguri-san smiled bitterly. …The Game Hobby Club, Konoha-san, and
Kousei reacted in the same way.
We wish to cheer Tendou-san and Chiaki up. It’s not just because of my
ownership. We just hope they can do well- but the reality is often really
harsh.
Main-san laughed cheerfully in the middle of the fight.
“But, I really didn’t expect this! Even though I've heard for a bit in the
past, …you’re quite good, Oiso!”
“Thanks, …even though I literally never have heard your name.”
“Yeah, it’s because I don't really play fighting games these days!”
“!”
Main-san said that as she delivered a heavy blow to Oiso-senpai. …This
person is really your overwhelmingly strong demon king. Why does a person
that “doesn’t really play fighting games” have the same or even higher
combat power than Oiso-senpai? …Sheesh.
Oiso-senpai’s character distanced herself and then immediately switched
to attacking Tendou-san. At the same time, Main-san continued.
“But, I don’t get it, Karen Tendou!”
“W-What…?”
Tendou-san barely evaded the attacks as she answered. When Oiso-senpai
is casually dealing with Chiaki’s character, Main-san pressed on.
“Why aren’t you three ganging up on me? I thought this would be the
case. I’m really disappointed, …ah!”
“!”
Main-san’s sharp attack hit Tendou-san. Including the sustained damage,
Tendou-san’s character was kicked out of the island.
Aguri-san gasped because she didn't understand the game. Mii-chan’s
actually the one to answer her, “It’s still okay, Aguri-nee-chan.”
She looked at the screen happily and explained.
“You’re more likely to be knocked out the more damage you take.
However, you can still come back if you put in the effort.”
“The effort?”
“Yes, just like that.”
Mii-chan pointed at the screen. During this time, Tendou-san’s
character…either double-jumped or used her ultimate to get back to the
island.
Aguri-san understood. “I see.”
“This is different from other fighting games. You don’t lose after taking a
certain amount of attacks. Instead, you’re out if you fall off.”
“Like a home run?”
“Yes, yes.”
For some reason, Mii-chan and Aguri-san’s conversation made us smile in
this hardcore fight.
Then, Konoha-san cleared her throat and added to Mii-chan’s explanation.
“So, it’s also possible to knock someone out relentlessly when they’re
trying to get back, Agu-senpai.”
“Really? Well, is it like blocking the net in volleyball?”
“Yeah, perhaps it’s just that this is even more aggressive. How should I
put it? It’s like jumping over the net and blocking the opponent in their zone.
Of course, you’re finished if you fall too.”
“I-I see. So, why didn’t Main-nee-san knock Tendou-san…”
“Well, it’s because Oiso-san is right behind her. It’s a battle royale, after
all. You’ll die if you’re not careful. So, it’s not worth it to continue chasing.
…A lot of people die because they try to force a kill in this game.”
“I-I see. …This is different than girls playing a lively game together. I
didn’t expect this to be that brutal. <Smash Bros.>…”
“Yes, I rank this as the most possible game to devolve into a real-life fist
galore. Just a side note, the other games on this list are <Momotaro Dentetsu>
and <Bomberman>.” [It’s a board game that combines Monopoly and Snakes
and Ladders.]
Konoha-san smiled after explaining that. I didn’t expect this side of her,
so I asked.
“You actually know it, Konoha-san? I didn’t expect you to play these
games…”
“What’s wrong, senpai? Why don’t you tell me what games I play?”
“A-Ah, well…”
I can’t say “hentai games” in front of these people, no matter what.
Konoha-san enjoyed my awkward face for a while. Then, she looked at her
onee-chan, who’s still trying her best to put up a fight. She continued.
“I do play family games too with onee-chan. …This is the same as
senpai.”
“Hmm? Really…”
Well, it’s not something weird. Kousei does the same thing too. Even
though he’s not particularly a gamer, he does play with his siblings.
…………
I remembered something, but now’s not the time to think about that. I
immediately paid attention back to the screen again.
The girls’ battle is getting more intense.
“Hey, hey, what’s wrong, Oiso, Tendou? Is that all the Otobuki Game
Club got?”
“Tck…!”
Although Main-san keeps irritating them, the two are still fighting.
Then…
“Ahhh….”
…Even though she only took the shockwave from the three’s battle,
Chiaki’s accumulated damage is already at the breaking point. I don’t think
she can come back after another strong hit.
“…………”
Konoha-san’s eyes are filled with strength as she watches over her onee-
chan.
During this time, Uehara-kun is slightly surprised and tells Aguri-san.
“However…”
“They are really not going to cooperate.”
“Ganging up on Main-nee-san together? But I thought Tendou-san hated
cheap tactics like this.”
“Well, picking on the best one is more of a strategy than being cheap. By
the way, why did they pick 1v1v1v1?”
“Hmm, doesn’t this make it more possible to take Amanocchi back from
Main-nee-san?”
“Possible, …well, I guess.”
Uehara-kun watched the screen again. Right now, Oiso-senpai knocked
Main-san out. Of course, Main-san came back with her brilliant movements.
However, because of that, they took the same amount of damage.
Aguri-san looked at the screen and mumbled.
“Indeed, there’s a slim chance if it’s Oiso-senpai…”
That’s all. Right now, Oiso-senpai and Main-san are on the same level. If
that’s the case, according to the situation…
During this time, Main-san continued her mind-boggling controls and
kept picking on Tendou-san.
“I see. Even if you can’t beat me, …it’s okay as long as this Oiso wins,
Karen Tendou.”
“…………”
“Not ordering someone rudely like me, and also not participating in the
love battles around Amako, this Oiso is really the best victor. You gave a lot
of thought into this, current Game Club president.”
“…………”
“This is nice. I love- ruining trivial cleverness like this.”
“!”
Main-san’s long-awaited “meaning aura” is here.
At the next moment, Main-san’s character moved supersonically. Is it a
bug?
“Wha-“
Everyone is shocked. Main-san’s character- went over to Oiso-senpai’s
back brilliantly. So-
“Shi-“
“Too late.”
-Oiso-senpai was sent flying to the sky without any time to react. Her
round ended with a one-hit KO.
“…………”
We couldn’t follow up with the tragedy.
Main-san chuckled and explained.
“That’s the bug-like movement skill that originated from this Game Club.
Few people know about it. When you’re doing an emergency evasion while
using your ultimate, it’s possible to achieve an insane amount of speed and
trajectory. …Well, even though it’s only a legendary skill because there’s no
way to recreate that in battle.”
“Tck, …even I only know about that…! I didn’t expect anyone to be able
to execute that…”
Oiso-senpai mumbled, unwilling to admit defeat. Main-san’s laughing
even louder.
“Well, it’s just that you didn’t see it coming. I couldn’t pull it off if you’re
aware of it. So, right now, it should be useless to Tendou, right…”
During this time, …Main-san shot a cold and insulting glare at Tendou-
san.
“HOWEVER, the largest threat is already neutralized. There should be no
problem, right?”
“!”
Tendou-san bit her lips tightly to the declaration that practically said the
rest of the time is just garbage.
“Who knows!”
Her eyes are still burning with determination. Main-san looked at her and
smiled, “Not bad.”
So, the remaining two are about to start the final battle-
“Oho, before that.”
“Uh?”
-That moment.
When everyone’s not noticing-
It’s literally like an accident.
The demon king-sama, the demon king-sama that grasps everything. The
weakling at the side-
-which is Chiaki’s character. She knocked her out with a sudden attack.
“--!”
At this moment, even Tendou-san’s face turned stiff, not to mention
Chiaki.
Chiaki immediately tried to make a comeback. As for Tendou-san, as if
she’s avenging her- she attacked furiously with the window caused by Main-
san attacking Chiaki.
“AHHHHHHHHHH!”
“Oh, nice, I love this momentum! It reminds me of- Amako in the past!”
So, with Chiaki’s defeat, the two hardcore gamers are about to start their
final battle.
Also, Chiaki tried her best and didn’t get one-hit KOed like Oiso-senpai.
However, that just makes it even sadder.
“…Eh, eh, eh.”
“…………”
This is a hopeless distance, no matter what. -Chiaki’s character is
struggling with all her might outside the main screen. There has to be a small
screen to show that.
…Honestly, I can’t see it anymore. It’s like watching a Koshien high
school player trying his best to throw the ball back to home base even though
he can’t make it.
I can’t watch her anymore.
On the other hand, Main-san and Tendou-san’s battle is reaching the
climax.
“Damn…!”
-Tendou-san was knocked out by Main-san’s defensive attack.
Even though it’s not as lethal as Chiaki and Oiso-senpai, she’ll lose if she
falls.
Of course, she immediately started to make her way back to the island,
however- at this moment.
“It’s time to end this.”
“!?”
Main-san jumped off the island to pursue Tendou-san. She’s trying to
strike Tendou-san down while ignoring her safety.
“Ah, this is what it means to block the net- she’s striking someone down
viciously!”
Aguri-san remembered the explanation and yelled. At the same time,
Main-san is slowly closing her distance to Tendou-san.
So, Main-san showed a devilish smile and struck Tendou-san- at that
moment.
“-That’s what I’ve been waiting for!”
A flash of light sparkled in Tendou-san’s eyes. She used her ultimate
strategy to return to the island- nope, the miracle didn’t happen.
-Instead, she threw out an energy ball that knocked her even further out of
the island.
“Ha!?”
Main-san froze for a moment because of her illogical choice. However,
the demon king-sama is incredible. She immediately canceled her ultimate
and dodged Tendou-san’s energy ball.
“Hey, hey, Karen Tendou. That’s not even a bad strategy. You’re literally
just suiciding.”
Main-san shrugged helplessly and sighed. I think it’s because she’s
genuinely disappointed. Even the mood of the audience got heavy. Then,
Main-san continued.
“You disappoint me-“
-However, Main-san stopped. After that…
“-----“
All of us are holding our breaths too.
To ask why-
It’s because for some reason, right there- on the screen of the two’s aerial
battle-
A being that’s no place to be here-
-Another character showed up from outside the screen.
“…………”
When everyone and Main-san are shocked, this character-
“Ah.”
-She stepped on Tendou-san’s character’s head.
With her as a jumping board, she then-
-She finally and brilliantly jumped on Main-san’s character’s head.
“----“
At this point, Main-san finally saw something wrong and tried to react-
but it’s too late.
She’s already going to take this ultimate.
Main-san can’t do anything aside from sweating from her forehead.
“HEY, HEY, DID YOU SERIOUSLY JUST GET BACK FROM THAT
DISTANCE-“
Finally, she called the true hero’s name that’ll bring her the final attack.
“---CHIAKI HOSHINOMORI!”
Completing the miraculous recovery that no one expected, our hero of
light said…
“That’s me.”
At the next moment, the weakest girl’s ultimate landed on the strongest
demon king in history’s head.
Karen Tendou
The first time I noticed Chiaki-san’s gaming style was around two weeks
ago -on the day of that kiss.
Honestly, that day’s goal is to find a game that can be used to defeat Main
Fushiguro-san.
Then, Chiaki-san, Amano-kun, and I moved together. Of course, Chiaki-
san played with me a couple times too.
So, my first impression of her gaming skills are-
“Yep, she’s indeed at the same level as Amano-kun.”
-That. Well, which means that…she sucks. (I’m sorry, Amano-kun,
Chiaki-san.)
It’s just that I anticipated this. After all, these two are practically clones.
It’s just that I didn’t expect one thing. That is-
-There’s a slight difference in why they are not good at it.
Honestly, both of them aren’t talented in gaming. Aside from that-
Amano-kun will always give up victory because he emphasizes having
fun.
Meanwhile, Chiaki-san will always spend effort on weird places and lose.
If we’re comparing this to cooking, Amano-kun is the type to focus on the
appearance of the bento (making cartoon pictures with the ingredients). As
for Chiaki-san, she’s the type to hide plums inside rice balls.
Chiaki-san often does a lot of unexpectedly unnecessary things. This is
different from Amano-kun, who enjoys spending time on the entertainment
part.
I think that’s because she’s a creator.
Anyway, when Chiaki-san’s playing games, I always can’t help but
complain, “Why did you do that in that situation!?”
…Ah, no, perhaps that’s not just for games.
…Even that day’s kiss is-
…Ahem! B-Back to the topic.
Anyway, Chiaki-san doesn’t have a particular playstyle or follows a
certain meta.
…However, that’s not totally a bad thing.
It’s more like, including me, all professional players do something like
this, more or less.
Especially when it comes to developing new metas and strategies.
So, I suddenly thought of something after knowing this side of her.
Chiaki-san, …perhaps she does have a secret “weapon” that not even she
knows of.
In the end, I didn’t manage to ask her about it because of that shocking
incident.
So, things started changing 2 days after that.
On that day, Chiaki-san bumped into me while we’re still affected by that
kissing incident. Our hands touched when we’re grabbing the game in the
second-hand area. That’s how we met, strangely.
That game is <Smash Bros.>.
So, I followed my strange instincts and half-kidnapped her back home. I
brought her to my room and battled with her…
At that moment, my instinct turned into reality.
Yes, Chiaki-san does have a secret weapon.
That’s a secret weapon that not even Main-san knows, and that is-
“The return strategy developed by Chiaki Hoshinomori that no one on the
net knows…”
“Yes, that’s why she could return from that distance. Surprised you,
right?”
“Indeed. I didn’t expect it at all. …I lost, Chiaki Hoshinomori.”
“A-Ah, well, thanks…”
It has been around 10 minutes after that legendary battle, which resulted
in Chiaki-san’s victory.
After the audience calmed down, …right now, Main-san, who showed an
uncharacteristically admiring face, begged me to explain that situation. Also,
the players stood up and turned around to talk to everyone.
After listening to me, Main-san said, “I see.” She stroked her chin and
nodded in interest. As for the audience that heard us, Aguri-san raised her
hand and yelled, “I have a question.”
She immediately asked after Chiaki-san and I looked at her.
“Why is Hoshino so good at that returning thing?”
“Ah, that’s because-“
“That’s because I’m wrecking onee-chan every day.”
Chiaki-san’s little sister Konoha-san interrupted and answered Aguri-
san’s question.
She continued a bit awkwardly.
“Honestly, onee-chan and I’ve always played <Smash Bros.>.”
“Really? Ah, that’s why Hoshino can keep up, despite being a weakling.”
“I-I think someone said something mean about me!”
Chiaki-san interrupted angrily after hearing Aguri-san.
“Despite my looks, I’m pretty confident with <Smash Bros.>! Konoha
and I started playing it when we’re young, after all!”
“Eh, really? Ah, in other words, Hoshino’s <Smash Bros.> is like
Amanocchi’s <CM>. Both of you poured your heart and soul into the games,
right?”
“Yes, yes!”
Chiaki-san puffed up her chest and hmphed in satisfaction. Konoha-san
and Aguri-san smiled at each other bitterly before continuing.
“Well, that’s all. So, onee-chan often plays <Smash Bros.> with me. …
However, did you notice something here?”
“Hmm?”
“My number of battles is basically the same as onee-chan. -In other
words?”
“Ah, well, the elite Konohacchi must be better. This must be it.”
“Yes.”
“Hey-“
Everyone nodded. Only Chiaki-san is protesting in disatisfaction.
However, Konoha-san ignored her onee-chan and continued.
“So, basically, I always knock out onee-chan. …After that, I’m not
satisfied because I win too easily. However, onee-chan seems to want to play
with me, no matter what. In the end…”
“Ah, so Hoshino is only good at returning, right. …Eh, what’s with this
pathetic description. I’ll cry if I’m at home.”
“Hey! Can everyone please don’t pity me!?”
Chiaki-san’s protesting even more vehemently, but it doesn’t work. …
Everyone is giving her sympathetic looks. …It must be hard for her. …I can’t
help but hug Chiaki-san tightly the first time I heard it.
Chiaki-san is moaning embarrassedly. Aguri-san seems to feel a bit guilty.
So, she threw another question and changed the topic. “W-Well.”
“In the end, what did Hoshino and Tendou-san do in the stayover?
Hoshino should’ve already known that disgusting combo, right?”
“D-Disgusting combo…”
Chiaki-san dropped her shoulders after hearing the usual mean remarks.
I answered the question for her.
“Ah, that’s just to improve Chiaki-san’s basics. If Chiaki-san was still at
that level, she would’ve been destroyed before using that perverted return
strategy…”
“Perverted…”
Even though Chiaki-san’s the winner, she’s getting more and more
depressed.
Aguri-san backed down after saying, “I see.” This time, Kase-senpai
raised his hand uncharacteristically. Senpai pushed his glasses and asked after
I looked at him.
“Why are you helping Chiaki Hoshinomori? It should be faster for you to
learn her weird return strategy, right?”
“Weird…”
Chiaki-san’s finally trembling with a face as red as a tomato. …I don’t
think that’s how we should treat a winner.
Anyway, I answered Kase-senpai’s question first.
“Yes, of course, I tried to train for that too—her return skill. Well, …
that’s why I need a way that normal people can’t achieve in a week. …
Instead of saying that’s a skill, it’s already like magic to me.”
“Magic…!”
Chiaki-san freaked out after hearing what I said. She bit her tongue with
teary eyes. …Hiya, she’s adorable.
Just as I’m enjoying my adorable partner, suddenly, …Nina-senpai, who
has been observing dazedly, got right into the chase.
“Hey, well, in the end, why did Tendou let Hoshinomori win?”
“…………”
Nina-senpai threw out the question on everyone’s head cold-heartedly. …
Sheesh, she has always been like this.
I can feel everyone’s immediately turning to me, …especially Amano-
kun. His glance is twice as heavy as the others.
I hesitated for a moment. Main-san continued Nina-senpai’s question to
adjust the mood.
“I’m also pretty curious, too, Karen Tendou. What…are you planning to
do, hmm? I’ll- get Amako a Pawnee haircut if I don’t like your answer.”
“Why!?”
Amano-kun is suddenly under attack and freaked out. …I can’t help but
smile after seeing his startled face.
(I see. I think I can slightly understand why Amano-kun isn’t
badmouthing Main-san.)
This person is a tornado, whether good or bad, right. …She can blow up
all the pollution as well.
“Come, Karen Tendou, answer me. If you’re not going to answer, …your
ex-boyfriend will attack the village, okay?”
“A Pawnee haircut, and I’ll end up in a post-apocalyptic world!? By the
way, apologize to those who have a Pawnee haircut!”
“Shut up, you’re annoying, Poniko.” [Pawnee = Poni]
“My nickname got changed!? T-Tendou-san, can you please answer
quickly!?”
“Eh? Ah, sure…”
I was urged for some strange reason.
I cleared my throat and faced Main-san again to explain.
“First of all, Main-san should know the best since you’re here, …that
ultimate is Chiaki-san and my plan all along- that wasn’t true at all, right,
Chiaki-san?”
“Y-Yes!”
Chiaki-san nodded repeatedly. Main-san scratched her head and said, “I
do know that.”
“That miraculous flow can’t be pulled off by sheer will alone.”
“Yes.”
“However, at the same time, this is what I’ve been thinking. That- can’t be
explained with luck alone, right.”
Main-san’s eyes got sharper. I looked at her and nodded.
“Yes, I admit that too. We practiced that stomp many times during the
sleepover. However, I didn’t expect this to really go that way…”
“I see. You’re saying that this is just a miracle based on that particular
situation.”
“Yes.”
“…In other words, you didn’t join this thinking that you’ll let Chiaki
Hoshinomori win?”
“Of course, I, Karen Tendou, will always play a game with the absolute
will to win.”
I answered a bit angrily. Unexpectedly, Main-san apologized sincerely.
“Ah, sorry, I was being impolite. Forgive me, Karen Tendou.”
“Ah, w-well…”
Her unusual apology halved my anger.
However, Main-san immediately returned to her usual expression and
gazed at me.
“That’s why I don’t understand. Karen Tendou, …you’re more sincere to
games than everyone else. So, you should have an unimaginable amount of
love for Amako as an ex-girlfriend, right?”
“…Yes.”
I put my hand on my chest and clenched it determinedly.
Then, Chiaki-san and Amano-kun held their breaths as they listened to our
conversation.
Main-san squinted her eyes. …She’s releasing an unprecedented amount
of pressure.
“That’s why…I have to ask you. What are you planning to do, Karen
Tendou?”
“!”
Main-san’s aura suddenly changed.
“At that time, if you’re just doing it for your own sake, …even if you
can’t defeat me, you won’t let the worst opponent- rival Chiaki Hoshinomori
obtain the ownership of your loved one. Am I correct?”
“…Well-“
“Why did you choose to let…your rival, Chiaki Hoshinomori, win?”
Main-san’s forcing an answer out of me with her emotional tone.
Her overwhelming pressure is sending chills to everyone’s spine.
(This is Main-san’s…serious questioning that Amano-kun brought up
before…)
After seeing her like this, I can understand her arrogance a bit since that’s
her character. Amano-kun isn’t really that scared of the usual her anymore.
On this side, …her serious mode’s pressure is orders of magnitudes higher.
(This means that she’s seriously…questioning me, Karen Tendou…)
I don’t understand the reason at all. However, I’m afraid it’s because of
what I did. …Giving your loved one to another person must’ve triggered this
Main Fushiguro.
In an overwhelming silence, I gulped and-
(But, …there’s something I can’t back down on too!)
I puffed up my chest- and explained legitimately.
“It’s because- that’s the best.”
“…Eh?”
Perhaps she didn’t expect this answer. Main-san’s pressure disappeared as
she bulged her eyes. Looking at her, I-
-My eyes are sparkling as I continued excitedly!
“It’s because that’s Chiaki-san? That’s Chiaki Hoshinomori-san!? The girl
at the same level with Amano-kun- which is a complete weakling, Chiaki
Hoshinomori-san!”
“Hey…”
Amano-kun and Chiaki-san look like they want to complain. But, now’s
not the time for that!
I continued excitedly to Main-san!
“That Chiaki Hoshinomori-san…rushed into a battle filled with strong
opponents. Right now, she’s about to attack the strongest demon king-sama!
Seeing that situation, …there’s no way for me to just stop what she’s about to
do, right!? Right!? Main Fushiguro-san!? RIGHT!?”
“Eh, hmm? Well, I…think the best thing to do is to choose a way that’s
the easiest to win…”
“You’re saying that you won’t let it happen!? Even though all of the
elements are there!? You’re saying that you’re still putting your victory as the
first priority!? ARE YOU SURE!?”
I got closer and closer to her and stared into her eyes.
“…Well.”
Main-san looked away slightly awkwardly. During this time, the two
relatives around her mumbled a bit admiringly.
“…This is the first time I see Main-nee-san freaking out.”
“…Me too.”
They bulged their eyes as if they saw supernatural things.
I continued to Main-san.
“Yes, yes, Main-san! Your greed to victory! That’s an attitude for an elite
gamer, right! It’s worthy of praise! You’re incredible, former Game Club
president! I can do nothing but admire you!”
“Ha? I-I think I was suddenly praised. I, …well, me.”
Main-san’s clearly confused.
I chuckled.
“…However, Main-san. While I do respect you, right now, …I can’t help
but think that-“
“What…?”
At this point, I secretly glanced at those annoying, twisted, and lonely
boys.
A tinge of warmth appeared in my chest. I expressed my feelings with
confident sincerity.
“Enjoying a game is just as important as winning.”
“…………”
After hearing my conclusion, everyone- especially Amano-kun, smiled.
The Game Club room is filled with the warmest atmosphere of today.
However, of course, only Main-san laughed at my conclusion like a
demon king.
“Ho, it sounds like what an innocent Amako would say. Sheesh, …and
you just have to be my kouhai as well. I can’t believe the Otobuki Game Club
president would say that. The next generation is screwed…”
Main-san’s still complaining viciously.
I apologized, …but, actually, I noticed it.
I noticed that her anger disappeared. Also, I realized that even though she
sighed at my naïve conclusion, she didn’t completely reject it.
Anyway, the room is filled with a lively mood.
-That glasses-senpai, who’ve been commented as not being able to read
the mood, mumbled dazedly as usual.
“-Even so, it’s a fact that Tendou lost and Chiaki Hoshinomori acquired
Keita Amano’s ownership.”
“…………”
Then, facing the suddenly coldhearted reality, all of the relaxed, happy
end feeling I stored up disappeared completely.
Everyone dropped their jaws. …As the Game Club president, I, Karen
Tendou, hugged my head tightly and yelled!
“NO! WHY ARE YOU SAYING THAT NOW!?”
“Hey, aren’t you just regretting this like a normal person right now!?”
Main-san fell speechless and looked at me, even though I convinced her a
while ago.
I yelled at her with teary eyes!
“Why did you lose to Chiaki-san, ex-president!? Are you really the final
boss!?”
“You’re already insane for pushing the responsibility onto me! Chiaki
Hoshinomori only won because of your cooperation, right!?”
“Aren’t you the final boss that far exceeds our imagination!? Where’s
your second and third form!?”
“This is my final form! You’re annoying, kouhai!”
Main-san stared at me helplessly. Finally, she comforted me in a very not
final boss way.
“Also, well, Chiaki Hoshinomori just took Keita Amano’s ownership
away from me. That doesn’t mean any of you have won-“
“Hey, in terms of love, stuff like ownership- doesn’t that mean the same
thing as his body?”
“NO!?”
Nina-senpai just threw that possibility that everyone had thought of
slightly but is too embarrassed to say it out. She easily accomplished
something that not even us can do. There’s no hesitation or embarrassment
too. I’m just irritated now.
Konoha-san’s a bit excited when I’m falling into chaos.
“Right, right! Hiya, this is exciting! Even though I love pre-marital sex, I
also love the scary feeling of having sex before the relationship is matured.
Uh, it’s nothing. Yes, please don’t mind.”
Konoha-san suddenly snapped out of it and wiped her mouth. Kousei-kun
looked at her with an extremely disgusting look and mumbled, “Damn you,
rotten hentai girl.” During this time, Uehara-kun finally grasped the situation
and started talking.
“Hey, calm down, Tendou. Come to think of it, if it’s really like what
Nina-senpai said, Amano should’ve already been stained by Main-san…”
“Ah, r-right…!”
What Uehara-kun said cheered me up again. However, at the next
moment, an unexpected ambush got me. It’s the little girl- Mii Fushiguro.
“Ah, come to think of it, …Mom did ask me how hard Keita-nii-chan’s
bed is, right?”
“NO! SHE’S OBVIOUSLY GOING TO DO IT!”
Finally, I started swinging my blonde hair crazily. Main-san looked at Mii
and mumbled something.
“…Well, it was really just a simple question. …But, I like this too since
it’s fun.”
I think she said something important, but I can’t hear it right now.
I’m really depressed. Aguri-san seems unable to stand this anymore and
stepped forward.
“So? In the end, Hoshino, what are you going to do with Amanocchi’s
ownership?”
“Eh? W-Well, I, uh…”
Chiaki-san looks a bit startled when she’s suddenly brought up. After she
carefully observed around, she faced Main-san and me…before lowering her
head a bit embarrassingly.
“Well, …it’s something hard to say to Karen-san…”
“HA!? It’s his body, right!? You’re craving for Amano-kun’s body,
Chiaki-san! Tck, you bitch!”
I bit the handkerchief I used to wipe my tears. Blood began to drip from
my eyes.
Chiaki-san blushed. “N-No, it’s not like that!” She denied.
Then, she looked around again.
Finally, she faced Amano-kun and cleared her throat. She raised her right
hand as if she’s an athlete doing an oath. After that…
“I, Chiaki Hoshinomori, hereby declare that-“
…She said a conclusion that’s impossible to come out of a winner’s
mouth after several days of grinding and a miracle.
“-I declare that I’ll return Keita Amano’s ownership to himself.”
She’s a bit embarrassed, …but she meant it.
Chiaki Hoshinomori
It’s been around 20 minutes since the end of that battle of the century.
Right now- for some reason, I’m sitting on the last row of the bus with
Keita. There’s practically no one here.
I’m watching the Otobuki High School getting farther and farther with a
web of complicated emotions. As for Keita, he sat next to me and chatted
with me with an unprecedented amount of excitement.
“By the way, I didn’t expect Chiaki to have that talent!”
“Hey, I’ve already said this many times. That’s thanks to Karen-san’s
help. How many times do I have to explain it until you understand!?”
“Even so! At least that unique return combo belongs to Chiaki, right?”
“Uh, well, yeah…”
“That’s still amazing! It’s because this means that Chiaki has a secret
attack that not even Main-san can imagine!?”
“Maybe, but…”
“I’m saying that’s an amazing talent! You’re really creative, NOBE!”
“U-Ugh…”
Keita’s eyes are shining. He’s in his passionate fan mode now and keeps
praising me at such a close distance. Moreover, since the seats are pretty
narrow, I can’t help but feel his body temperature when his arm touches
mine. It’s just making me even more embarrassed.
(Ah, I guess you can say this as a reward…!)
My most beloved boy is praising me extremely closely.
That’s like winning the lottery. …However, regrettably, for a useless girl
like me, I can’t handle such an amount of happiness at all.
It’s because if you compare a normal girl’s happiness capacity as a draft
beer cup, mine is like Yakult, okay!? Even if you pour that much happiness
champagne, I’ll have no idea what to do. [Yakult’s 100 mL / 3.5 oz.]
Anyway, I looked away from Keita to avoid being poisoned by happiness.
Amidst the garden scenery filled with snow, I can see the tiny Otobuki
standing out.
…I just achieved victory in that building’s classroom 20 minutes ago.
Then, I kicked away the rewards of winning. I’m not trying to act cool there.
Instead, I think that’s the best for everyone, so I did it. Also, in reality,
everyone gave me a round of applause. It’s indeed an ideal ending screen.
…This feeling lasted until the demon king turned everything around.
(I didn’t expect Main-sama to be so pissed…)
Following Karen-san’s choice to relinquish the ownership, even that
annoying demon king-sama, …Main Fushiguro, was triggered by me.
She sent an overwhelming amount of pressure on me and said, “You
really dared to say that!” However, there’s something I don’t want to back
down on too. So, I puffed up my chest and stared at her. In the end, Main-san
suddenly shrugged helplessly and sighed.
“Whether it’s Amako, Karen Tendou, or you, all of you are too stingy. It’s
not adorable at all.”
Even though she said that, Main-san looked very happy.
So, I was relieved- and that was when I made a mistake.
Just as we were letting our guard down, as if she predicted this moment-
she suggested this.
“Even so, it’s not good to not give the winner any reward. That’ll make
our competition meaningless. So, Amako, you’re walking seaweed head
home today. Got it, you two?”
“Ah, sure. -What?”
-So, that’s where I ended up with…
(Ah, by the way, when she’s looking at Keita and me leaving, Karen-san’s
smile…always sends chills down my spine, no matter how many times I
think about it!)
On the surface, that’s a mature smile for understanding her female friend
is leaving with her ex-boyfriend. -It looks like that. However, I can
understand since I had a sleepover in her house for a week. That smile…is
the same as the smile Karen-san gives when she sees an arrogant foreigner in
an online game chatroom! …Ah, also, 10 minutes later after that, the
foreigner-
“Tck, …tck, …sheesh, …you crazy Japanese people. …Tck.”
That was all he could say.
“Tck, …oh, …Karen-san, …tck.”
“Hmm? Chiaki, why are you mumbling to yourself? Your eyes look pretty
dead.”
“…It’s nothing.”
Hiya, I’m glad that the sleepover is finished. I’ll really suicide on the train
if I still have to return to Karen-san’s home today.
Let’s put all of that aside first. Anyway, thanks to Karen-san, my
excitement toned down for a bit.
I looked at Keita after adjusting my breath. However…
“…………”
“Chiaki? What’s wrong?”
“Uh, …well.”
…Of course, I calmed down. But, this time, I started to notice how
physically close we are. Logically, that reminded me of what happened a
couple days ago…
“Why are you looking at my lips? Ah, is there something on there- ah?”
“…Ah.”
The worst part is that perhaps it’s my reaction. Unexpectedly, he’s not
dense enough to not remember what happened too. Finally…
“…………”
A bittersweet mood surrounded the two blushing souls. …I-I didn’t really
hope for this. It’s just because, as I said before, my capacity is too small. I
can’t handle all these feelings at once.
Only the snowy scenery outside is rushing past us in this awkward silence.
…During this time, Keita’s the first to act to remove this awkwardness.
“B-But, honestly, is it okay for Chiaki to give up my ownership?”
“Hmm? You mean?”
I asked. Keita continued. “Think about it.”
“Isn’t it great to order me around like Main-san?”
“I’m not planning to order you around, man. …Also, with such poor
abilities, Keita is just a useless servant, right.”
“That’s mean.”
“Also, I can do whatever Keita can since we’re the same…”
“B-But, there must be something I can do, or you want me to do, right…”
“Eh? W-Well, …uh, there is…”
I scratched my cheeks. Then, Keita’s eyes brightened up, and he got close
to me. “See?”
“Even though it’s not Main-san, giving me my ownership back without
asking for anything else…is slightly embarrassing for me as a guy.”
“R-Really?”
“Yes! So, at least for today, I’ll do anything Chiaki says! Think about it, is
there something you want me to do? So, go ahead. There’s no need to be
polite!”
Keita kept asking for my wish. He’s as excited as the spirit inside a magic
lamp.
Looking at him, I…
“Eh, b-but, w-well, u-uh, …i-it’s because…”
…My face flared up. My kneecaps can’t stop shaking.
I can’t help but…express my feelings with a nearly silent voice.
“…I did think about what Oiso-senpai said early, so…”
“Hmm? What Oiso-senpai said was, …ah. My bod-“
Keita blushed again. After that…

“…………”
…Here comes the new and even more bittersweet time again.
However, unlike the previous one, I tried my best to explain!
“B-But, even though I’m thinking in that direction, I’m not going to do
whatever you’re thinking right now!”
“Yeah, I know what you want to say, …I think. Maybe…you want to hold
hands or something?”
“Yes! That’s it! I’m not asking anything more than that from you!”
“I-I know!”
“Yes! I just want things like hand holding, hugs, and head pats!”
“Yep!”
“Also, …ah, right, I want you to kiss me!”
“Eh?”
“Eh?”
…………
Yes, this is the third bittersweet moment of the day. It’s just that…I can
barely taste the sweetness anymore. It’s just bitter. Both of us trembled
embarrassingly.
I wrapped my hands around my head embarrassingly and forced an
answer.
“I-In other words, …it’s okay. Here’s your ownership.”
“Ah, uh, …yes. T-Thanks…”
“Y-You’re welcome…”
We plopped our heads down again.
At this point, …I can’t help but smile again. Keita’s a bit confused.
“I feel like…I’m Karen-san right now.”
“Ha? Like Tendou-san? What does that, …ah, …right.”
Keita noticed what I wanted to say and started chuckling.
“Indeed. That…feeling of giving up your advantage for strange beliefs.
That does feel like Tendou-san.”
“Right?”
“Hmm, she influenced Chiaki during the sleepover, right?”
“Maybe. At the sleepover, I noticed how interesting…Karen-san is
again.”
“Hmm, yeah. Tendou-san is always interesting. …She has always been.”
Keita said that as he glanced faraway belovingly.

…………
I looked at his face for a while.
Then, without any hesitation, I confessed to him smoothly.
“Keita, I-I love you. …I love you just as much as Karen-san loves you.”
“…………”
This time, the mood didn’t turn bittersweet.
To my confession, …Keita showed me his warmest and most gentle
expression.
“Yes, thank you so much. I mean it.”
“…You’re welcome.”
Why in the world am I appreciated here? I…I’m just saying the feelings I
have for him as another girl. …It has always been like this since I confessed
under the starry sky.
Even though this love I have for him- only causes nothing but troubles for
Karen-san and him.
However, …even right now, I don’t see the slightest bitterness on Keita’s
face. Instead, he answered my feelings directly.
He looked into my eyes calmly.
“You’re incredible, Chiaki.”
“Are you still talking about the game? I think we can move on already…”
“No, I’m talking about you. You, including your gaming style and
attitude, …that’s why you can defeat the demon king when Tendou-san and I
couldn’t.
“…What are you talking about?”
“Yeah, I wonder what I’m talking about as well. I don't even know it. …I
guess I’m saying I respect Chiaki, …and NOBE sincerely from the bottom of
my heart.”
Keita spoke calmly and refreshingly. However, looking at him, I can’t
help but look away like I’m throwing a tantrum.
“…I don’t want Keita to respect me at all.”
“…Hmm, well, …I understand. …I should say this properly.”
Keita mumbled to himself and scratched his cheeks dazedly.
“…So, let’s make a promise again.”
“What promise?”
To my question-
Keita…stared into my eyes and announced.

“On the day after tomorrow, which is White Day -I’ll confess all the
feelings I have for Chiaki.”
His eyes are filled with a sheer amount of determination.
I also- answered with the determination to accept everything.
“Okay, …I understand. I’ll also look forward to it.”
“Yes…”
So, here comes the countless times of silence today.
It’s not sweet. It’s not sour. …However, it’s definitely not bitter as well.
We’re enveloped in silence, as calm as the snow outside.
…Yes.
“Hey!? Eh, uh, Chiaki…!?”
“Hey. …I-I think I can look forward to something at this level, …right?”
“…Yeah, go ahead.”
“..Well, well.”
After I said that- I leaned my head on Keita’s shoulder lightly once again.
For a moment, I can feel his scent.
His shoulders are stiff due to nervousness. Honestly, it’s not comfortable,
even if I put it politely.
I can feel his body temperature from where we touched.
I can also feel his calm breathing. It seems to be making me sleepy.
Also- our resonating heartbeat.
“…………”
Inside the bus warmed by heaters-
I can feel such a blessed moment that I may break into tears.

Gamers! Volume 11 Chapter 4 & 5
Chapter 4 – Tasuku Uehara and No More Restarts

“Ha? You can’t match her?”
Amano explicitly despised me as he walked.
I fixed my scarf and sighed.
“Don’t be so mad. I already paid the fee for this discussion, right?”
“I guess…”
My dear friend said that as he looked at the convenience store coffee with
complicated emotions. That’s the one I paid for him a couple minutes ago.
After taking a couple of sips, right now, he can’t be complaining.
I bitterly smiled and turned to Amano, who showed an explicitly
disgusted face.
“Well, I’m not planning to say something that’ll make you nervous.
That’s a promise.”
“…Really? Aren’t you planning to say you don’t match Aguri-san as a
boyfriend?”
Indeed, that’s how he sees me. But, honestly, perhaps I really thought
about that.
I waved my hands and said.
“I’m not saying it. That’s really not what I’m going to talk about.”
“I-I see.”
Amano immediately sighed in relief. Looking at him, I can’t help but
smile gently.
(…This guy is always putting us ahead of anything else.)
Especially today- it’s the last day before White Day. I don’t think Amano
has much free time too.
Even so, he still sacrificed his after-school time and stayed with a person
like me. …He’s sincerely worried about me.
I appreciated it. At the same time, I swore that I have to be closer to his
heart as well.
He took another sip of the coffee with a bitter face. I started talking to him
once again.
“So, I’m definitely not talking about whether I match her. Instead, it’s a
more realistic and urgent issue.”
“In other words, …the present for White Day?”
“Correct.”
“Well, …but, Uehara-kun, didn’t you walk around the town alone to find

a White Day present?”
“Yeah, I bumped into Hoshinomori too and heard about her ‘zenpai’
thing.”
“Chiaki’s zenpai thing? Eh, what’s with that? I want to join too if that’s
about a game.”
“Ah, nope. How should I put it? …Well, even though I think I should tell
you first.”
So, I gave a simple explanation about Hoshinomori’s troubles and cleared
my throat.
“Well, that’s everything. In the end, after that, …I’m still hesitating about
the gift for White Day.”
“Really? That would be an issue for loners like me. …But, I feel like
choosing gifts for girls should be easy for Uehara-kun.”
“Hmm, …that would be the case for people that gave me obligatory
chocolate. I made up my mind quickly and prepared them. It’s just cheap,
small snacks you can buy online.”
I clicked on my phone and showed him the snack. Amano dropped his
shoulders depressingly.
“Uwah, what is this? That’s a guy living in a completely different world
than mine…”
“Hmm? Come to think of it, what did you prepare? The obligatory
chocolate present.”
“Eh? Well, honestly, aside from the Black Thunder I got from Aguri-san,
the rest are honmei chocolate…”
“You’re even ‘normier’ than I do!”
“Wel, I guess you can call that a normie…! However, in contrast, I have
to bear extra pain for not being able to return a casual gift like Uehara-
kun…!”
Amano tried his best to explain. Looking at him, I said-
“Yes, that’s it!”
-At the same time, I took a step forward. Amano nearly jumped as I
continued.
“Facing Aguri’s feelings- her handmade honmei chocolate, I have no idea
what I should give back!”
“Ah, …I see.”
Amano nodded his head.

“Indeed, I’m pretty troubled by this too. Honestly, I don’t know how I
should answer Tendou-san, Chiaki, and Konoha-san’s loving presents.”
“See!? You can’t decide at all, right!?”
I grabbed his shoulders and asked for agreement. Yet, Amano looked
away a bit sorrily.
“Well, I already thought about this a long time ago. …So, I’m already
prepared.”
“Huh!? You!?”
“That’s pretty mean!”
Amano’s triggered. I said sorry and rubbed my eyes as we talked toward
the street.
“But, seriously, the more I think about this, the harder it gets. Presents…”
“Well, yeah. …It’s different from presents for obligatory chocolate. You
can’t just base your standards on the price.”
“Yeah, I do want to find things that Aguri loves. However, the more I
think about it, the more I feel like nothing can match a handmade gift.”
“I get it.”
“However, why don’t I just make something instead? I thought about it
and felt like that’s not what I should do. Hmm, but I’m not a cliché guy that
feels only girls should make handmade snacks…”
“Yes. Honestly, no one wants Uehara-kun’s handmade cookies, right. I
don’t like it.”
“Oi.”
I knocked Amano’s head gently. He said, “Ouch!” But, he immediately
stroked his head happily. I bet he craves for boy’s interactions like this, right.
…I feel like this guy’s just as subtly miserable as when I first met him.
He chuckled for a while and noticed my sympathetic look. So, he cleared
his throat and took another sip of the coffee.
“So, Uehara-kun wants me to help with finding something to match
Aguri-san’s feelings?”
“Hmm, …well, of course, I know this is something that I should figure
out myself. But, it would be great if I can have some suggestions.”
“Hmm…”
Amano showed a bewildered expression after hearing that. He thought for
a while and said a bit sorrily.
“Hmm, I do want to tell my presents for White Day to Uehara-kun for

your reference. …But, I still feel like the girls should know it first. Or, I
should say this is my sincerity…”
Amano rubbed his shoulder awkwardly. I still love how honest this person
is, and I agreed with him. “You’re right.”
“Sorry, Amano. I wasn’t planning for you to tell me. It’s okay. You can
keep your White Day present as a secret.”
“Really? …I’m sorry.”
“Yeah, it’s okay. I should be the one to say sorry for you worrying about
me. Anyway, you don’t need to say what you’ve prepared for White Day. I
simply want to chat with you about what Aguri loves…”
“Hmm, things that Aguri-san likes…”
Amano walked for a while as he mumbled. Then, he raised his head with
a bitter smile.
“Honestly, I think Aguri-san would be happy no matter what you give her,
as long as it’s from Uehara-kun, right.”
“Hmm, …perhaps. However, that’s why I want to make her happier.”
“Yes, …I understand. Very much.”
Amano said that with a gentle smile. …Seeing his face, I can’t help but
open my mouth for a moment. …But, I managed to keep it inside my throat.
“…………”
Both of us fell silent. For a while, I can only hear the lively street and the
sound of stepping on snow.
So, we snapped out of it after a while. Then, we’re at the alley where we
fought a long time ago.
Both of us can’t help but stop at the same time. After that, we faced each
other and smiled.
-Just like that time, we grabbed each other’s collar.
I showed a despising look to Amano- but I’m smiling.
“Hey, virgin, who do you think you are? I guess you already treated
yourself as a normie after being surrounded by beautiful girls recently.”
Facing my insult, Amano’s eyes turned sharp too- but he’s also smiling.
“You’re the same. What’s up? Where’s your ‘cricket’ theory? Did you
stop sucking blood from others? Moreover, you’re always giving to others in
this year to the point that it hurts.”
“You said it, you so-called twisted gamer. You’re just the same. Even
though you said all you need is games- you ended up giving up your New

Year because of a friend. Seriously, forgive me, don’t be like that anymore.”
It seems that we’re criticizing each other. In reality, this sounds more like
flirting. I can’t retort even if he said that.
…Since that day, our relationship has changed violently.
However, it seems that we’re still always bickering with each other.
At least, from my point, Amano has always stayed the same. His courage
and communication skills have improved a bit. But, his inner “Keita Amano”
hasn’t changed.
…………
…I’m the same. No matter how much I try to laugh, cover, pretend as a
normie or love master-
In the end, …I, Tasuku Uehara, is just a hardworking idiot.
…It was hard for me to accept this in the past. But, for some reason, right
now…
“Isn’t that great, Uehara-kun?”
Once I snapped out of it, Amano already let go of my collar and looked at
me gently.
Instead of saying he read my mind, that’s more like the answer to our
discussion…
“…………”
I slowly released his collar.
Then, I nodded determinedly and asked.
“Do you…think that’s true?”
“Yes. Of course, as I said before, Aguri-san will love whatever Uehara-
kun gives. Yes, what ‘Uehara-kun’ gives.”
“I..see.”
During this time, I finally made up my mind and decided what I should
give to Aguri.
Finally- I shook hands with the guy that I found annoying a year ago.
“Yo, thanks, lonely virgin asshole.”
“It’s nothing, you flippant normie asshole.”
*
Then, it’s finally here. March 14.
I arrived at where I’ll meet Aguri a bit earlier. The “presents” showcased
inside the shop windows attracted my eyes. I leaned on the wall and waited
dazedly.

I sighed and looked at the sky. The sunset’s bathing the street as the snow
trickles down. The clouds are pretty thin. It’s a romantic weather for White
Day. However, this coldness is slowly freezing my heart.
(…Aguri…will be here, …right?)
I bet Amano will get mad at me if I tell my worries to him. Yet, this
insecurity is slowly spreading inside my chest.
Of course, I trust Aguri.
Compared to the lighthearted teenager a year ago, I already have a solid
bond with Aguri. We understood each other a lot more.
However, that’s why I can’t help but think about that possibility.
“Do I suit Aguri better than Amanocchi?”
“!?”
I hastily lowered my head. Then, I realized Aguri’s already next to me in
her uniform. She leaned on the wall too.
Aguri looked at the sky dazedly, just like I did.
“Tasuku, you always prioritize others over yourselves, for good or for
bad.”
“I-I’m sorry…”
This is what getting a fever on your face feels like. Next, I’m about to
hand my important present to the girl I love. I have to show my disgusting
jealousy and weak mentality.
I didn’t know you can be that embarrassing as a guy.
Facing my utter depression, Aguri continued staring at the sky.
“You’re honest. I- really hate this part of you, Tasuku. Also, I have to be
sincere here.”
“…Hmm?”
“-I really love Amanocchi.”
“…Hmm.”
“For example, if my parents forced me to marry him- I won’t feel pain at
all. I think that’s called love.”
“…I see.”
Come to think of it, I guess this is the first time I heard how Aguri thinks
of Amano seriously. After all, she always said absolutely no for the surface
Amano. That’s why I’m worried.
Then, that’s why, …unexpectedly, I wasn’t shocked at her confession.
I’m even a little bit happy about it.

…What the hell is wrong with me? Am I glad because Aguri opened her
heart to me? Or is it because my friend is praised? Either way, I’m just the
same-
“Hiya, …Tasuku really considers others before yourself.”
-Once I snapped out of it, Aguri’s looking at me dumbfoundedly. I looked
away with a blush, “T-This is embarrassing.”
Aguri teased me and sighed. …Then, she continued as if this is just usual
chatter.
“So, I met with Amanocchi before coming here and encouraged his White
Day. …However, half of that is based on another reason.”
“Another reason?”
“Yes- I want to confirm the feelings between Amanocchi and me. To put
it simply- I got really close to Amanocchi.”
“Wha-? …W-Well, in the end, how did it…?”
My heart can’t stop pounding. However, in contrast to this, Aguri bitterly
smiled and answered.
“He vehemently and impolitely rejected me. He even got really, really
mad at me.”
“H-He got mad at you?”
I was a bit shocked at the unexpected result. Aguri continued.
“Amanocchi said he knew what I was going to do. I couldn’t do that even
if it’s just a joke. It’s because he doesn’t want to hurt Tasuku- and my
feelings so casually. He told me, ‘Instead of doing dumb stuff like this, how
about you just go and find Uehara-kun, who’s been waiting in the chilling
wind, you dense gal? He got so mad at me. I thoroughly pissed him off.”
“Haha, …that’s how he does things.”
“Really. That’s why he’s a short-fused person…”
At this point, we made direct eye contact for the first time today. We
smiled sincerely.
After that, Aguri started explaining the result. “However, that’s why…”
“I understood. It’s because Amanocchi encouraged me. This time, I can
finally say it out loud without making Tasuku suspect anything.”
“…………”
At this point, Aguri stood up from the wall and turned to me.
The street behind her is painted with the sunset.
As usual, she showed her innocent, lighthearted, yet most adorable smile.

Finally- she said the thing that I’ve been craving since meeting her.
“I love Tasuku more than anyone else.”
“…………”
Huh, my vision is getting blurry. …For some reason, I can’t see my
beloved girl clearly anymore. Even though it’s such a reassuring answer, my
cheeks flared up as I plopped my head down bashfully.
Aguri didn’t mind my embarrassing reaction and continued.
“Amanocchi’s really amazing. He can even get mad at Main-nee-san for
me. I don’t know anyone that can act like this aside from him. As for Tasuku,
you simply won’t get into a fight with anyone. You’re smooth, slick, and
treat all girls nicely. Moreover, you even include boys as well. You simply
think that it’s best if everyone related to you is happy. What a helplessly
wholesome and flippant boy.”
“…Yeah, you’re right. I have nothing compared to Amano-“
“However, that’s why I- love Tasuku.”
“…………”
“…I said this before, right? I fell in love with you during middle
school…”
“Yes, I remember that. …I can’t forget it.”
“Really? That’s great.”
Aguri sighed in relief. …At this point, I finally made up my mind.
“Aguri.”
I called her name and raised my head. My eyes are filled with
determination.
I looked into her eyes solemnly- and puffed up my chest.
“I hope you can go out with me once again.”
Upon hearing that, Aguri…answered with two words without any
hesitation.
“Of course! Looking forward to being with you again, Tasuku!”
“…Yes!”
I nearly broke into tears for a moment. However, I don’t want Aguri to
see such an embarrassing side of me.
In the end, I lowered my head and adjusted my breath. Suddenly, Aguri
handed me something.
“This is for you.”
“Hmm? What’s this?”

I took it with my hands.
“…Labears keychain?”
“Yes, this is called Labears. …As I’ve said before, I actually wanted to
give you this during the school trip.”
“Ah…”
I see. This is…the present I haven’t got my hands on until now. It was
robbed by Main-san, and then my friend protected it - the Labears.
I stared at the teddy bears on my head. Aguri asked a bit worriedly.
“Hey, …can you take it this time?”
To this question-
I sighed for a long while. …Then, I raised my head determinedly and held
the Labears tightly with a smile.
“Yeah, of course! Thank you, Aguri! I’ll treasure this with my life!”
Aguri smiled in relief after hearing my answer.
“Glad to hear that! Ah, but doesn’t this feel weird?”
“Hmm? Why?”
“…I gave you something first, even though it’s White Day.”
“Ah, that’s right. …We’re still really bad at keeping secrets.”
“Yeah. …I’m sorry, Tasuku.”
“Why is the one that gave something out apologizing? Are you an idiot?”
I said that and rubbed Aguri’s head. Then, I stood up from the wall and
walked next to her.
“Even so, let me give you a present on White Day, Aguri. After all, I
managed to prepare something that’ll make you super happy.”
After hearing that, Aguri said, “Eh, seriously!?” She jumped like a gal and
hugged my arms.
“What is it? What is it? I’m excited. Is it a luxurious bag, makeup kit, or
jewelry? …Huh, don’t tell me it’s a ring!?”
“Ah, yeah. Well, I want that if I’m picking from the shop windows.”
“Seriously!? Ah, you’re amazing, Tasuku. Unlike a certain lonely gamer,
you understand-“
“We’re here.”
“-Eh?”
We took…around 5 steps from where we met. Aguri kept blinking her
eyes after hearing that we’re at the destination.
“Eh, but, this is-“

She questioned me confusedly.
“This is the arcade, …right?”
“Yes.”
I nodded.
I pointed at the-
-UFO machine behind the window with an innocent smile.
“I’ll get anything you want today- my most beautiful lady.”
“Ah…”
For a moment, Aguri’s eyes are filled with tears.
Indeed- this is to recreate the scene where I first met Aguri in middle
school.
This is my- most beloving present for White Day.
However…
“…H-Hey?”
…Aguri’s head remained lowered, just like mine before.
I’m suddenly getting super worried.
(Eh, don’t tell me I ruined the mood!? W-Well, I think the difference
between a ring and a UFO machine is too big! C-Crap, I messed up! My
inner gamer got lured out once I’m here-)
-Suddenly, Aguri buried her face into my chest and hugged me tightly.
“A-Aguri?”
Even though I’m shocked, I still embraced her tightly. The customers
around are giving us weird looks, …but I don’t really care at this point.
“…………”
Both of us hugged each other for a while. We want each other to feel our
body temperature.
These 30 seconds felt like an eternity.
Aguri raised her head gently.
“…Well, I’m looking forward to it, …my hardworking side-part hair-
kun.”
The young girl laughed cheerfully.
I smiled.
“Oh, you can rely on me!”
So, we immediately returned to the UFO machine in our memories-
“Ah, but I still want one more thing before that.”
“Ah? What? Don’t tell me you still want the ring-“

I didn’t notice until I finished saying that. Aguri…closed her eyes and
turned to me. …Of course, I know what she wants me to do.
My face is getting hotter and hotter with each passing second.
“A-Are you an idiot? We’re in front of so many people right now. This is
an arcade as well. The mood isn’t romantic-“
“It’s okay. Let’s do it right here, right now.”
“…Ah, …but…”
“I said it’s okay to do it right here, right now. …What about you,
Tasuku?”
“…Sheesh, of course.”
I made up my mind and hugged Aguri’s petite body. Our faces got closer.
It’s been around 2 years since we first met each other.
Even though we keep going around in circles-
However, today, at this moment-
In front of the UFO machine in our memories-
“…………”
-We kissed each other for the first time.
Chapter 5 – Keita Amano and Endgame Preparation
I found out that the demon king was already waiting for me when I
returned home on White Day.
…………
I know you don’t know what I’m saying. It’s okay. Even the narrator is
confused too.
“…………”
Anyway, I closed my door and observed again.
First of all, the wooden sign with an ugly “Keita” name carved onto it
came into view. I made that myself in elementary school. It’s a bit
embarrassing to look at it now. However, I didn’t really need to get a new
sign. So, this just stayed here.
“…………”
Well, at this point, I’m 99% sure that this is Keita Amano’s room.
However, I can’t eliminate the possibility of someone changing the signs. In

other words, it’s like the ones you see in rom-coms or detective novels. They
change the room numbers or male/female signs to cause some situations.
So, I turned around and observed the surroundings first.
The location of the stairs that connected the 1st floor of Amano’s house:
Normal
The location of the window opposite the corridor: Normal
The location of my little brother’s room: Normal
Finally, the scar on the door I made when I fell down: Clearly visible
…………
So, after gathering all the evidence, I finally acquired that one true fact.
“I see. This is a parallel world-“
“No, it’s not.”
Suddenly, the door opened forcefully. The demon king-sama, the
beautiful office lady, Main Fushiguro, appeared.
I didn’t even dare to move and smiled stiffly.
“H-Hiya? This is weird. I don’t remember summoning a demon king-
sama in my room…”
“Really? It’s quite normal for a beautiful girl to befall in a useless
passerby’s room, right. You shouldn’t even be surprised at this point.”
“It’s not going to help even if you tell me rom-com plots like that.”
“I mean, this timeline belongs in a rom-com setting, right?”
I can’t immediately deny her. Well, if something has to happen in a rom-
com world…!
“E-Even if that’s true, why does it have to be you? Doraemon can appear
in Nobita’s room, but why the hell is Jyaian here?”
“Who’s Jyaian? You want me to beat you to death, Amako? Socially.”
“That’s even worse than Jyaian!”
“Well, forget it. Come in first, Amako. Even though this is a room filled
with a virgin’s smell.”
“You’re still just as refreshingly awful!”
Main-san urged me. I dragged my feet to enter my room. After Main-san
closed the door forcefully, I sighed and walked to the table. Then, I hung my
school bag and leaned on the table. “So?” I turned back and asked.
“Seriously, why the hell are you here…?”
“Hey, hey, Amako. You’re saying that like I just barged into your house.”
“I didn’t actually invite you, right!?”

“But no one says anything when the hero is literally stealing from the
villagers’ home.”
“You’ll be punished in real life! Don’t you have common sense!?”
“Ha, you’re saying that like I’m a criminal.”
“Yeah, this is already a crime, after all!”
I screamed angrily at the woman that intruded my house. However, Main-
san just walked next to my bed and chuckled as usual. She jumped onto it and
laid down.
“Phew, …other people’s beds are really hygienically disgusting..”
“Stop!”
Barging into someone’s room and talking trash about the guy’s bed. She’s
already a burglar.
After I showed disappointment, Main-san changed her pose on the bed.
She put her elbows on the pillow and looked at me. Her legs are crossed like
a photo idol. Also, her skirt is really short today. Honestly, I’m not sure
where I should look. So, I can’t help but look at the snowy scenery outside.
…I even prepared myself to be teased due to that virgin reaction.
Unexpectedly, Main-san didn’t attack me for that. Instead, she went right into
the topic.
“Hey, Amako. I heard you’re…giving an ending to your love on White
Day?”
“…Yeah, I guess so.”
I avoided her glance and answered. Indeed, today- I’m giving a
conclusion to my love.
Well, it’s just giving Tendou-san and Chiaki answers as we’ve promised
before.
Of course, I already made a promise to them. I also prepared the gifts for
White Day too. So, I’m supposed to make preparations here before meeting
them individually.
After I got home, I anxiously opened the door, and yet- the demon king is
there.
Anyway, I’m pretty anxious right now because I still have things to do.
However, Main-san doesn’t seem to end the conversation. She continued
while lying on my bed.
“The conclusion means giving presents to the weird girls that gave you
honmei chocolate. You’re going to decide their fate, right?”

“…Why the hell do I have to tell you?”
I can finally look at Main-san’s eyes. …It’s fine if she’s just going to
mess with me. Those kinds of looks- that despise someone that has feelings
for me are upsetting.
Perhaps Main-san understood what I meant. She immediately sat upright
and apologized.
“Indeed, even though I was joking, it’s probably really impolite to Karen
Tendou and Chiaki Hoshinomori. Forgive me.”
“…It’s fine as long as you can understand.”
I can’t help but avoid her eyes again. …This part of her is really cunning.
She’ll throw her logic at you violently. Yet, she’ll immediately admit her
mistakes and apologize. That’s why there’s no way I can be genuinely mad at
her.
I scratched my cheeks. Main-san toned down her expression and
continued.
“Well, I lost your ownership already. So, right now, …I’m simply asking
this as a friend of yours. Are you going to meet with the girls that gave you
honmei chocolate?”
Main-san looked at me with an unprecedentedly serious face. Although I
hesitated for a moment, …I still answered her question honestly…as her
friend.
“Yeah, I’m meeting them. It’s just that…I’ll only be seeing Tendou-san
and Chiaki today. Konoha-san has her own request, so we delayed it.”
“I see.”
“Yes.”
The conversation ended. The snowflakes are dancing outside.
…I got it. Main-san didn’t come here for the sole purpose of teasing me.
However, I still don’t understand what she’s thinking. Well, even though I’ve
never understood what’s on her mind.
During this time, I suddenly remembered something that I wanted to ask
her.
“Come to think of it, that <Smash Bros.> fight is really-“
Main-san laughed and interrupted me.
“You’re so not romantic, Amako. I played it seriously and lost to that
seaweed head. That’s all. …There’s no boring truth behind this.”
“…I see. Well, that’s all I have to say. I won’t bother you again.”

“Yes, that’s all.”
Main-san crossed her arms as we smiled at each other. …Finally, I can
feel both of our hearts are slightly connected.
Suddenly, I saw the clock on the wall. It’s almost time to meet the girls.
I urged Main-san to leave, “Well…” At the same time, I started packing
up the presents for White Day in my drawers.
“It’s time for me to go. Are you good now?”
Even though I’m in a rush here, I still reminded her tactfully.
However- unexpectedly, Main-san’s answer was no.
“No, you can’t. There’s still something.”
“Ha? Something?”
I didn’t expect her rejection at this point. My voice is gradually getting
impatient.
“What’s wrong? Say it earlier if you have to.”
I prepared my stuff and urged her. But, Main-san continued as if she’s
changing the topic.
“I mean, you’re the one that should say it now.”
“Ha?”
“Listen, Amako. I’m already ready. So, don’t hesitate to ‘put it down’
here.”
“…What are you talking about?”
I have no idea what she’s saying. Even though I never really understand
her, I’m exceptionally pissed when she’s dragging me while I’m in a rush.
This way, that moment that I felt our hearts connecting to each other is really
upsetting.
I shoved my presents into my schoolbag and turned back impatiently.
Main-san’s sitting on the bed as she looked at me with her usual arrogant
eyes.
Just as I’m curious about her silence, she suddenly changed the topic
again.
“Amako, you gave a suggestion for Tasuku Uehara’s White Day present
yesterday, right?”
“What? Why did you ask me that? Also, who told you about this?”
“My ‘eyes’ are everywhere on the street.”
Who the hell are you?
But I don’t really need to keep this a secret. So, I sighed and answered

helplessly.
“Well, yeah. It’s a suggestion for White Day. …So?”
“It’s nothing.”
It’s not nothing. My precious White Day is slowly fading away.
I’m genuinely impatient now. However, …as if Main-san’s messing with
me, she changed the topic again.
“By the way, Amako, Agu forced you into a corner today, right?”
“Ha? Well, I guess…”
Indeed, Aguri-san got her face really close to me as I’m going back today.
I guess you can call her trying to force me. But that’s…
“Yeah, I know the details. You were really cold to her, right?”
“Well, …uh, yes.”
I thought she’ll be mad because I hurt her cousin, but Main-san doesn’t
look angry. She pressed on calmly.
“Actually, you don’t have much free time right now. Yet, you still
encouraged Tasuku Uehara and Agu. …Hey, you’re really gentle, Amako.”
“…What are you saying?”
“By the way, good news, Amako. Agu and Tasuku Uehara got together.
Hiya, congrats-“
“What the hell are you going to say!?”
My impatience reached its limit. I yelled violently at the woman that has a
higher status than I do.
However, Main-san said this with a gentle expression that I’ve never seen
before.
“You’re really gentle. Really. I’m not teasing you. Also, you’re the most
determined person, at least from all the people I know.”
“What are you saying…?”
“However, that’s why you dealt with ‘it’ brilliantly. Moreover, you gave it
a beautiful conclusion. No one understood it. You’re amazing. Well, …at
least I can’t do that.”
“What…are you talking about…”
I can clearly feel that my voice is shaking.
Main-san slowly stood up from the bed and walked to me.
“…Hey, Amako. Let say you’re the protagonist in this rom-com. If there’s
any meaning for me to barge in, that will be for moments like this. …That’s
what I think.”

“…Stop.”
“So, …Amako. Even if you’re just going to do it for a second, you can
throw ‘that’ onto an ‘outsider’ like me. It’ll lighten up your heart.”
“…!”
I can’t stay here and entertain her anymore.
At this point, I quickly grabbed the school bag filled with my White Day
presents. This demon king-sama can be left here. Just as I’m about to leave
the room, I put my hands onto the door handle-
“You can leave your ‘little breakup’ with Aguri Sakurano here.”
The demon king-sama pointed out the worst and the most crucial fact that
I didn’t plan to reveal.
*
“There’s something I have to tell you.”
It’s been a couple seconds since that annoying famous detective revealed
her terrible conclusion.
“Right now, I don’t have any feelings for Aguri-san, not even a little. So,
you’re over-exaggerating to say that it’s a breakup.”
“I feel the same.”
Main-san agreed with me quickly. So, she started announcing her theory
chicly.
“I thought Amako has always yearned for Agu ever since you met her. I
know this pretty well. It’s just like the feeling Chiaki Hoshinomori has for
Tasuku Uehara. You two are really like clones.”
“…Well, if you know it, why are you still-“
“However, the problem is-“
Main-san interrupted. She raised her finger.
“You didn’t let anyone around you notice it.”
“…………”
“N-No, you just hide it inside your heart perfectly…”
…I can’t help but scratch my head.
“Well, it’s true that you can’t call that love, after all…”
I looked away. Unexpectedly, Main-san understood what I said. “Yes.”
“That’s why you have a feeling to ‘yearn’ after her like that seaweed head,
right.”
“Sigh, I guess so. It’s just that, well, …how should I put it? I don’t think
it’s like how Chiaki felt about Uehara-kun. Think about it, I’m not really

yearning for Aguri-san. It’s more like I feel pretty close to her since the
start.”
“Yeah, that’s who Agu is as a person. It’s more like that’s where my
cousin is attractive.”
“Yes. So, instead of saying yearning, it’s more like I thought about, ‘What
if I can go out with this girl?’ like a normie. However, that’s..”
“Indeed, it’s a bit too serious to call it love. It’s actually just a
hypothesis.”
“Right?”
“However, even if it just lasted for a moment, this is evidence of you
seeing her as a lover, right?”
“…Sigh.”
It’s a bit embarrassing since I’m practically robbing my friend’s girlfriend
away with a confession. But, indeed, for a moment, this is how I felt about
Aguri-san, even though she has a boyfriend. However, that’s why, after that,
I-
-Main-san interrupted my thoughts.
“Amako, you’ve always put out that ‘I will never treat Aguri-san as a
lover’ attitude to me. Well, honestly, it’s a bit too much.”
“Ah, …I see. I guess so.”
Indeed, I’m always saying that to Aguri-san. However, that’s even more
so when I’m fighting with Main-san. It’s because that was the only time that
it’s true. …I was going to take Aguri-san away. So, whether it’s for Aguri-
san, Uehara-kun, or for myself, who’s about to engage in a real relationship,
…I can’t lower my guard.
Main-san’s face smoothed down after seeing my embarrassed look.
“It’s nothing, sorry. I’m not taking your yearning out of your heart and
making fun of it.”
“Eh!? You aren’t!?”
“What’s with your overly unexpected reaction? Even a woman like me
can be hurt. By the way, what’s my image in your head?”
“Well, …uh, aside from demon king, it would be…”
Suddenly, I thought of comparison. …At the next moment, I just spat it
out.
“You’re the person to kill people with a smile while humming <Amazing
Grace>.”

“You’re seriously biased.”
“Sorry.”
“Whatever, I’m quite happy, anyway. I get to tease Amako until you’re
half-dead.”
“Oi.”
This person is indeed the worst. But, she’s a person like that. This is the
happy serial killer in training, Main Fushiguro. Well, even though I already
said the killing part out loud.
I can’t help but smile bitterly.
Looking at me, suddenly- Main-san showed a purely and
uncharacteristically beautiful smile.
“However, even if that’s just the tiniest sense of love.”
She said her sincere words out loud with an unprecedented amount of
warmth.
“You didn’t let anyone find out. Moreover, you even tried your best to
encourage them. I think, for a child like this, an outsider like me can at least
praise you for a bit.”
“…………”
“Also- even if it’s a tiny wound that can immediately heal, you’ll never
tell this to Karen Tendou and Chiaki Hoshinomori. Of course, that includes
Agu and Tasuku Uehara too, right? So, that’s why I’m here. …Amako, you
can leave half of that in here.”
Main-san patted her chest at this point.
“…You’re really…”
Yep, I’m- pretty bad at dealing with her.
She tramples on other people’s feelings and collects happiness
everywhere. Yet, in the end, she’ll buff and return them to everyone.
There’s no way I can hate things like this. So, I’m pretty bad at dealing
with her.
“Here, that’s it. Pounce into my attractive chest, Amako.”
“…I’ll obey rather than respect then.”
I said that and pounced on Main-san’s chest- no, I just leaned my head on
her shoulder for a while. Even though Main-san looked very unsatisfied, she
still didn’t try to hug me. This person does get her stuff together in serious
moments.
Finally, I raised my head after a good 5 seconds. Then, I showed Main-

san my bright and hazeless smile.
I have to admit it. …Compared to when I just entered the room, I feel
much better now.
I have to admit Main-san gave me the courage to face those two girls’
feelings.
After seeing me getting charged up, Main-san returned to her usual
mischievous attitude. “But.”
“You did more or less notice it, right?”
“Hmm? What?”
“Don’t fool me. It’s about the ‘robbing away’ I suggested before. About
that, half of you wanted to take Agu away, right?”
“Ah, I see. Indeed, I did more or less think about that. But, I just ignored it
as a joke and absorbed other serious parts.”
“…Tck. In other words, you already made up your mind about Agu’s
feelings since that time. Sheesh, I feel like I just gave my appreciation to an
idiot.”
“It’s not like that. Well, I already made up my mind a long time ago.
However, I still feel refreshed after saying it to someone out loud. It’s like
getting rid of your constipation.”
“You’re treating Agu as constipation? …You’re even meaner than me.”
“Anyway, all I want to say is thanks. Thank you.”
“…O-Oh.”
Main-san said that and looked away a bit embarrassingly. …Okay, not
going to lie, she looks a bit cute.
Anyway, I’ve completely prepared myself mentally.
All that’s left is to move forward.
“…Well, it’s time for me to go, Main-san.”
“…Sure.”
This time, Main-san didn’t stop me.
I walked next to her and grabbed the handle. I pressed it down and finally
entered the corridor-
“…………”
-At that time, I stopped again.
“Hmm? What’s wrong, Amako? Did you forget something?”
Main-san looked at me confusedly.
I turned and looked at her eyes silently.

At the next second, I walked to the table and searched in the drawers.
“Hey? What’s wrong, Amako? Did you forget something?”
“Well, I guess so. …Ah, here it is.”
I got what I want a couple seconds later. Then, I showed Main-san. She
squinted her eyes curiously.
“Hmm? What? Chocolate? …Black Thunder? …Uh, ah, that’s the
important Valentine’s chocolate Mii said earlier…”
Main-san finally realized it. Yep, …it’s good that she knows what this is.
I showed a charming smile and slowly peeled off the wrapping paper-
-I tore Aguri-san’s Black Thunder chocolate’s wrap apart.
At the next moment-
“Ah, hey-“
-Main-san dropped her jaw as I shoved all of the chocolate into my
mouth.
So, I chewed the tasteless chocolate violently.
Then, I rubbed the wrapping paper and threw it into the bin before
walking to the door. After that, when I’m passing over Main-san- I yelled
loudly with my mouth full of chocolate.

“I’ll be leaving!”
Facing my utterly idiotic action-
Main-san looks shocked for a moment. However, she immediately said,
“Fantastic!” She showed a genuinely happy smile. …Thanks.
So, I stomped on the ground loudly as I went out. Main-san sent me her
usual mischievous laughs.
Usually, this laughter does nothing but bother me. However, right now,
for some reason, …her flippant laughs comforted me.
I walked to the stairs that lead downward before turning around again.
After that, Main-san- she’s right outside of my room. Although she still
finds this pretty amusing as she hugged her chest while laughing, she gave
me a strong thumbs up. The person said her farewell.
“Go, Amako. I’ll hug you- if you crashed into pieces.”

Chapter 6 – Gamers and Youth Master-up

Chiaki Hoshinomori
“Haa, it has to be so far from the school. P-Phew…”
I nearly ran out of breath as I’m mumbling to myself on a dark and
extremely cold mountain path.
The snow path alone is already making me suffer more than I have to. If
we’re including conditions like mountains, slopes, and evening, I’m totally
helpless. Honestly, I kept thinking about whether I should give up and go
home.
“This…is…totally…the wrong option, …Keita.”
The spot that we’ll meet on White Day just has to be that plaza. I
complained angrily.
Indeed, right now, I’m going to the place that we visited around 5 months
ago-
-<Starry Plaza>.
That’s a dating spot built on a high platform filled with stairs. You can
reach it by the mountain paths. Just like its name, it’s a place where you can
see beautiful stars. Also…
(That’s…where I confessed to Keita…)
At this point, my cheeks still flare up whether I think about it.
I stood dazedly for a while and calmed down. Then, I gripped onto the
handle with a layer of snow as I moved to the plaza once again.
Luckily, even though it’s infrequent, a bus leads from the school to this
<Starry Plaza>. That’s why I prevented any additional waste of stamina and
arrived at the start of the path. At least, compared to wasting a whole day
using the GPS of the mobile game last time, I feel much better now. Well,
even though the snow is draining my strength as well.
“Phew, …phew…”
Even so, I worked my way to the destination. I climbed on the path that’s
nearly buried in snow.
“…I’m here…!”
I finally arrived at the destination - <Starry Plaza>.
This is a semicircular plaza that’s a bit far away from the mountain slope.
There are double-seat benches on the circumference. The back of the benches
is all facing upward.
It’s the same as when I came here in October.

However, all of these are covered in a thin layer of snow. Also, there were
a lot of couples before. Yet, this time, there’s no one besides me.
“It’s hard to blame them…”
I mumbled and walked to the center of the plaza. I stared at the scenery
dazedly.
…Actually, <Starry Plaza> isn’t a dating hotspot during winter. The
reason is simply because of the cold while seeing the stars on the benches.
Even though the sky is just as beautiful, it’s not a place that couples can
casually challenge.
Even so, this <Starry Plaza> has to be the place.
“…Keita really lacks a nerve.”
Usually, he cares about other people’s opinions and feelings. However, he
always acts by his values on important things. …He doesn’t care about the
consequences at all.
“I bet he made a promise with Karen-san too…”
Even so.
I’m afraid this is just a good place to end everything with me. That’s why
he simply chose a lonely and far away location.
“…I’m such a talentless girl, …sheesh.”
I looked at the sunset. The stars are already sparkling. …I can’t help but
mumble with a bitter smile.
Although I’m already at the place, Keita’s not here yet.
I carefully swept away the snow on the couple's bench and took a seat.
Although I can’t lean on it, my back still feels pretty cold even with a jacket.
So, I planned to make a cushion with my school bag. I took out all the things
inside first. Stationery bag, make-up kit (in-name-only, it’s actually filled
with random stuff), then-
“Ah, right, I also brought this today!”
-I found the handheld console that I’ve always used. It’s exciting to know
this.
I immediately put my school bag onto the bench and the rest onto my lap.
After that, I grabbed the console while wearing gloves.
“Ho, ho, ho, I won’t be bored with this, no matter how long I have to
wait…!”
Honestly, the battery is running out. It’s not recommended to play in such
an extreme temperature. But, I have to do it now.

I quickly turned it on and continued from the save.
…Playing games instead of watching the starry sky in a snowy mountain
on White Day. I suspected whether this is something a high school girl in
love should do. …Well, who cares?
It’s because I’m the twisted gamer, Chiaki Hoshinomori! However…
“…E-Eh, we’re starting from the boss fight? …Ugh.”
I opened the game excitedly. Yet, I realized I’m in the deepest part of the
maze. The savepoint is right before the boss battle.
Also, this game has to be an action RPG. It’s very difficult to control it
precisely with gloves on. Even so…
“…But, it doesn’t feel right to avoid a fight here…!”
Chiaki Hoshinomori’s mysterious determination is ignited! I controlled
the protagonist and entered the boss room. The boss fight showed up after a
big warning. It’s a giant made with trees.
(Gulp…)
I got nervous. Also, this game is the rare kind that punishes you for dying.
You have to start from the maze entrance if you fail. Why don’t I just start
from the savepoint before the boss fight? Regrettably, that’s just a temporary
one that’ll disappear after starting the adventure.
In other words, I’ll waste a lot of time if the boss kills me here.
The nervousness is subconsciously skyrocketing. Well, that’s one of the
selling points of this game too.
Anyway, I should distance myself from him for now. However-
<Click!>
“!?”
Suddenly, wooden spears were thrown out from the forest and paled my
character. It looks like traps will activate if I run too far away from the boss
forest. Moreover, spears shoot out if I get too close to the woods. I don’t
know what to do…?
(Hmm? Come to think of it, …I kind of remember this…)
Although the strange familiarity is worrying, I still continued the battle.
I’m a gamer, after all. I can counter the boss’s attack in an action RPG
after seeing it once.
So, even though I’m still hit pretty badly, my evasion is slowly improving.
It’s finally here. I’ll win if I can keep up the attacks- at that moment.
A bad feeling flashed in my brain,

(Ah, hmm? I have a bad feeling, …but this is the first time I’m fighting
this boss.)
It looks like the answer is inside my memories. However, I can’t piece
anything together, no matter how much I think about it.
I scrambled my brain as I continued fighting. …Then, I suddenly noticed
it.
(Ah, hey, …isn’t this the memory from the previous game?)
I felt like I’m a step closer to the crux of the problem.
Indeed, I…played the previous version around 9 months ago.
That name is- <Dream Tale Aigis VIII>. [Read Vol.1 Ch.3 and Vol.5
Ch.2 if you forgot what game this is.]
“…!?”
Just as I’m lost in thoughts, the tree giant started burning with very little
HP left.
I can’t really deal with this unexpected situation.
(S-Should I flee for now? O-Or should I just attack him before he does
something? Ah, there’s no time to hesitate-)
I have to make up my mind now, no matter which side I choose.
However-
“-Kill it!”
-I can hear someone at this moment.
At the next second, I started an all-out attack on the boss.
“Go! Go! Go! Go!”
“!”
Someone kept cheering next to me. I pressed the attack button furiously
and let out a storm. Then, when the tree giant started flashing, which means
that he’s about to release the power-
“!”
-The boss’s HP is reduced to 0.
After a moment of silence, the tree started disintegrating into ashes.
Then, when the completion screen appeared- I couldn't help but stand up.
Then, I looked at him, who appeared next to me from nowhere. I can’t
help but say.
“That’s great!”
His right hand clapped with my left one.
“…………”

Then, after I snapped out of it, we’re now holding each other’s hands…
and smiling.
That’s- a too-perfect recreation of the day we met each other.
I looked at him a bit mischievously. My mouth curled up and asked him,
just like that day.
“Hey, can I ask who you are?”
Facing my question, he…answered with a slightly embarrassed smile.
“I’m a lonely gamer like you.”
*
“Seriously, I’ve already failed the moment I chose this place. It’s far and
cold…”
Keita bitterly smiled and sat next to me like usual.
I grabbed the school bag I used as a cushion. Then, I put my console and
stuff inside it as I answered.
“That’s how you feel too. Well, why did you pick here?”
“Uh, well, that’s because-“
Keita scratched his cheeks a bit embarrassedly. I immediately realized the
meaning. My cheeks are flaring up too.
Indeed, the reason is unquestionable. It’s because this is our memorial-
“Of course, this is where the rare boss appeared in <GOM>!”
“Give me back my feelings!”
I didn’t expect him to answer the boss’s location of the mobile game.
Keita’s already playing on his phone after I complained. T-This gaming
otaku, in times like this…!
For some reason, my nervousness vanished in an instant. I sighed and sat
next to Keita.
Glancing at him, …he’s still passionate about games like a child.
“Ah, Chiaki- no, Mono should play too? <GOM>. Even though I don’t
think you know it, this score is super amazing right now.”
“Alright, alright…”
His passion cheered me. So, I took out my phone and opened <GOM>.
After that, I confirmed the location and, indeed…
“Yeah, this is…a super good hidden spot! Isn’t this the best counter to
that raiding battle boss!?”
“Right? I know Mono must understand!”
“Yeah! This is useful! Thank you, Tsucchi.”

“We’re just helping each other out, Mono.”
So, both of us clicked on the phone excitedly. …Seriously, I have no idea
why we visited a snowy mountain in winter during White Day. However, for
some reason, my chest feels much warmer than when I just got here.
So, after around 3 minutes, we finished what we had to do here. Both of
us smiled and put our phones back as we looked up. The night sky is really
quiet and beautiful.
Unlike last time, now’s not the time that you can see a sky filled with
stars. However, there’s a red-purple gradient view across the top. It’s like a
fantasy.
“…………”
The scarcely sparkling stars reminded me of the memory during mid-
October.
The beautiful sunset made me remember the kiss in <Twilight Platform>.
(…Yeah, this is indeed the best place.)
Although I complained to Keita about it, I wasn’t talking about White
Day. Instead-
-It’s the place where I ended my youth.
I clenched my fists on my lap as I slowly prepared myself.
During this time, Keita finally started talking.
“Then, well, first of all, …here’s your present for White Day.”
“Oh, sure. Thank…you?”
I received the present from Keita calmly. However, my eyes can’t stop
blinking.
“Hey, …is this a…letter?”
“Uh, well, yeah. Think about it, …Chiaki also wrote me a letter on
Valentine’s Day, right?”
“That’s…”
I didn’t have the courage to give him chocolate. So, I just took a step back
and sent him a hastily-written letter. It wasn’t meant to be a present.
Keita’s expression turned stiff. Perhaps it’s because my thoughts are all
written on my face.
“Ah, hey, am I making you embarrassed? Do you hate me?”
“Eh? Of course not! It’s impossible! It’s more like…”
I looked at the letter from Keita and took a breath.
“Well, …I’m really happy. This letter is filled with Keita’s feelings…”

“That’s…great.”
I can’t help but hug the letter on my chest tightly. What I just said is pure
feedback. My heart can’t stop pounding when I face something tangible
that’s full of Keita’s feelings for me.
I felt the beating of my heart as I quickly opened the letter-
“Ah, wait!”
-Keita stopped me just as I’m about to see the content.
He scratched his cheeks a bit embarrassedly.
“U-Uh, …I hope that you can read it at home instead of here. This feels…
super embarrassing…”
“…I see. I got you.”
I made up my mind after seeing Keita’s look. He sighed in relief.
“Very well. So-“
“Well, well, well, let’s read it now!”
“Chiaki-san!?”
Keita couldn’t hide his confusion after seeing my anxious look. But that
can’t be helped. After all, …it’s an item that’ll make Keita feel embarrassed.
How can I not confirm it now!?
I slapped Keita’s hand and took the letter out. …Let me confirm this
incredibly bittersweet content as soon as possible! After that, I realized
what’s written inside-
<Feedback for NOBE’s games! By Tsucchi!>
“GIVE ME BACK MY FEELINGS!”
“HEY, DON’T THROW- DON’T THROW IT AWAY!”
I can’t help but stand up furiously. My hand is about to throw the letter
away. Keita’s trying his best to stop me.
I turned to him with teary eyes and started complaining angrily!
“What does this mean, Keita!?”
“Eh, you’re asking me that. …Uh, it’s like from a Famitsu editor’s
perspective?”
“Why is your White Day present a letter from a Famitsu editor!? There
should be something else on the letter, right!?”
“Eh? …Ah, information for new releases?”
“You’re really a Famitsu editor, aren’t you!? I don’t want to hear about
how an editor feels! No! I’m saying…your boiling passion for me, …for
example!”

“Eh? Isn’t this my boiling passion for NOBE?”
“No! …Ah, sheesh!”
My brain overheated from anger. So, I gave up and sat on the bench
before starting to read.
Keita was still twisting around embarrassedly at the start. He’s annoying.
Yet, …his disruption didn’t last long.
It’s because…
“T-This is…really everything I made…”
“Hmm? Of course? I wrote that because of this.”
Keita’s showing me a “why are you talking about this at this point” face.
But, …there’s clearly something unusual here.
I turned the paper to Keita and asked again.
“Eh, it’s because…you wrote more than 20 pages for each of my games.
This…”
“Ah, …hmm, sorry, honestly, I already deleted a bunch of content.
There’s a lot I want to say when it comes to NOBE’s work…”
“…………”
I flipped each page with a surprised face. …It’s just like what Keita said.
It’s filled with detailed feedback for all of my games. Also…
“All of them…are praising me.”
After hearing that, Keita started laughing awkwardly. “Ahaha…”
“Even though I say it’s feedback, …I’m basically a big fan of NOBE’s
games. I even treated the imperfections as attractive points. So, once I have to
write it…”
“…I see.”
I smiled again. …What Keita just said should be half-true, right. I know
my games are riddled with bugs and errors. However, …this person, Tsucchi,
knows.
He knows I’m the type that likes making games “happily” rather than
making them for achievement.
That’s why he gave up on using the words that’ll make me upset. He
handed a letter filled with praises and cheers as a gift for me, right.
“Hoho…”
This boy still hasn’t changed. He’s very clumsy, …yet he’s always
considerate to me.
I flipped over the pages and said what I noticed.

“Keita, …you played everything again to write this?”
“Ugh, …you saw it? Uh, well, even though I’m a fan, I can’t remember
all the details. So, I took the opportunity to replay everything. …Yeah.”
“…I see.”
“I-I’m sorry…”
For some reason, Keita looked quite apologetic. However, my heart is
slowly filled with appreciation. It’s because it took him at least 100 hours to
beat all of my games. This person, …I bet he started doing it after taking my
chocolate last month, right.
All that- for a letter to me as a present.
I continued reading the comments. The final page is tilted <Chiaki
Hoshinomori>. At this moment, Keita seriously stopped me from reading it.
“Uh, that’s really…”
“Alright, alright, I know it. I'm even a bit embarrassed about it too.”
“I-I guess so.”
“Yes…”
Both of us plopped our heads down. …Honestly, I peeked for a moment.
The text under <Chiaki Hoshinomori> is also filled with praises too.
In other words, after I opened it, …it’s a present that’s even more perfect
than I looked forward to.
However, that’s why-
(Yes- this must be Keita’s resolve, right…)
-Right here, he’s giving me everything, including myself.
Well, in other words, …we’re…already…

I can’t help but lower my head. Keita is perhaps reminded of something after
seeing my look. …He added on a bit hastily.
“Ah, well, it’s too little if I just give you a letter, no matter what. I still
prepared something! This is for you!”
“H-Ha…”
Actually, I’m not disappointed. …It’s more like things like prices or my
chocolate are nothing compared to this letter filled with feelings and effort…
However, Keita seems to think that I’m very disappointed with the letter.
He searched and grabbed something new from his schoolbag again. Ah, this
boy is still the same. Instead of saying he’s dense, it’s more he’s not
confident. …Well, but I’m not in a position to say this too.
By the way, what else does he have for me?
From Keita’s perspective, it seems that this is more important than the
letter. However, something that can send more feelings than that letter
shouldn’t exist-
-During this time, the long-awaited love detective, Chiaki Hoshinomori, is
here!
(…Ahhhhh.)
I realized that was the only possibility. My body can’t help but tremble.
There’s nothing else. It’s the only one.
Something that’s more special and contains more feelings than that letter.
That object is famous for its immense feelings in the world of love. You
can even call it the ultimate item.
Isn’t there something like this in the world!?
“…Ah, I found it.”
Keita took that out of the school bag. …I can feel my heart’s pounding. I
held my breath and looked forward to it.
Indeed- that’s a gift that can send an overwhelming amount of love
compared to that letter.
That would be, …yes, its name is <Ring>.
“Ta-da, a classic dinosaur-hunting game!”
“GIVE. ME. BACK. MY. FEELINGS! AHHHHHHHHHH!”
I stood up abruptly and screamed. Keita bulged his eyes at me.
“Uwah!? Chiaki, why did you suddenly let out a strange noise!? Woah, all
the birds in the mountain are flying!? Hey, you’re amazing! Damn! It’s

literally a miracle!”
“THAT DOESN’T MATTER! AHHHHHHH!”
“It does matter! I’ll get a million views if I upload this!”
Keita ignored my protesting voice straight out of hell. He’s still being his
usual dense idiot. …Sheesh.
“That’s enough…”
I said that and walked to the railing of the platform.
“…Phew.”
I put my hands on the railing covered with snow. …Actually, I wasn’t
angry at Keita’s purity. It’s just that…
(Well, …right. There’s no way…I’ll have a ring.)
The “future” that I yearned for a moment now feels incredibly empty.
At this point, Keita came next to me. He enjoyed the view with me and
said,
“…Hey, Chiaki? I’m not joking…”
“Alright, I know. I’m sorry for having weird expectations.”
“Weird expectations?”
“F-Forget about it. Anyway, …why did you give me that game? Also, it’s
the previous version for mobile phones.”
“Ah, yes. …Think about it, …we were both still friendless when this
game was at its peak, right.”
“Hmm, …I guess so. …Hey, what’s with the sudden black history?”
I didn’t understand what he meant and glared at him. Keita continued a bit
hastily, “Ah, but-“
“Right now, …we have, right?”
“What? We have?”
I still didn’t understand what he meant. Keita mumbled embarrassedly.
“That is…”
“I have Chiaki. Chiaki has me. We have each other.”
“----“
I can’t help but bulge my eyes after hearing that.
That’s…because…because…I’ve…always…always…
Just as I’m swept by the tsunami of feelings in my heart, Keita continued.
“So, …I want to play this game with Chiaki together.”
“Keita, …that, …in other words…”
I slowly turned to Keita.

The miraculous sunset view has already vanished.
“…………”
Keita’s facing me directly.
His eyes…are filled with determination.
Then, he took a deep breath to ease the tension.
Finally, he said it-
-The sentence that ends and begins everything. The boy said it out
wholeheartedly.
“Chiaki, please-“
Karen Tendou
“This is too late, right.”
After the club was over, I quickly dashed from the old school building to
the corridor. At the same time, I mumbled to myself.
The sun is already setting. It’s around 7 PM right now. The usual club
activity ends at 6. It’s a bit unusual today. However, this is the only day that
it can’t be helped. It’s because…
“This is the last time that the senpais are here.”
Indeed, today’s not just White Day. At the same time, it’s also the last day
that Kase-senpai and Nina-senpai are in the Game Club as a student.
I can’t help but sigh.
“Well, the graduation ceremony is just two days later. I do really
appreciate them for showing up every day for 3 years…”
Even so, excluding the ghost members, two of the four members in the
Game Club are about to quit. It’s hard to not feel lonely as the president.
“Ah, I’ll have to recruit members again…”
I remembered what happened a year ago. A different sense of melancholy
appeared on my face. I already spent a lot of effort on recruiting the senpais
and the two ghost members. Aside from that…
“…Ah, sheesh, once it’s about Amano-kun, I…!”
Waves of regret flushed over my cheeks to the point that it’s about to
catch on fire every time I think about that.
“Uwah, it’s embarrassing no matter how many times I think about it…!”
I always put myself in a higher position when I’m interacting with
Amano-kun. I’ve always despised his favorite games. In the end, I turned into
a blonde loser then ran out crying.

I’m saying that I’m such an arrogant yet untalented girl.
…Uwah.
This must be the so-called black history. Compared to such experiences, a
notebook filled with chunni quotes is a very adorable memory.
To me, all of the things that make me embarrassed are all in someone
else’s hands. …Also, it has to be the boy that I love the most. How bitter and
embarrassing this can be!?
“…Seriously, I should build a time machine.”
I mumbled something that doesn’t sound serious at all.
However, I immediately sighed deeply and stood up. Then, I continued to
the destination- the place where I promised Amano-kun.
“…………”
No one’s inside the slightly dark school building. It’s incredibly quiet. It’s
because the Game Club is just ahead. Although I don’t want to think about it,
I can’t help but get more depressed.
So, after I’m at the entrance, I looked at the shoe lockers of my class-
“…………”
-I looked at Chiaki-san’s locker and sighed.
(At this time, Amano-kun and Chiaki-san…)
The worries that I’ve hidden in my heart today finally surfaced.
I can’t help but close my eyes tightly. At the same time, I clenched my
uniform tightly.
(No, that’s just simply because of the time. I still had to join the last Game
Club activity of this year. That’s why Amano-kun went to meet Chiaki-san
first. There’s no other…meaning…to this…)
I still sighed again after thinking about that.
Love always gives you lemons.
Of course, I don’t regret falling in love with Amano-kun at all. However,
…if you’re asking me whether I’m truly happy, I can’t answer.
It’s the same for games.
You have to put time and effort into it if you wish to win. But that’s
actually distancing yourself from the “entertainment” part.
Of course, it’s fun to put in the time and effort too. However, …there are
times that it won’t result in fruition. It’s impossible to not regret it, no matter
how many comforts you received. The more hearts and souls you’ve put into
it, the more upsetting it gets. It’s helpless.

However, …even though I don’t want to admit it, well…
“Huh, …the black history isn’t just inviting him to the club.”
The wrong choices I’ve made this year appeared in my weakened soul one
by one.
The Karen Tendou that upset Amano-kun on our first date.
The Karen Tendou that always suspected his relationship with Aguri-san.
The Karen Tendou that couldn’t answer Amano-kun’s sincere confession
brilliantly.
The Karen Tendou that didn’t get closer to him despite leading him to my
room.
Finally, the Karen Tendou that broke up with him at the worst possible
time in the school trip.
The Karen Tendou that lowered her guard and let Chiaki-san took away
her lover’s lips.
Then, …the Karen Tendou that gave her the decisive blow in a fight
deciding Amano-kun’s ownership.
…………
“…Uwah.”
Also, the Karen Tendou that’s wrapping her hands around her head in the
entrance. If this continues, my MP will reach 0 before I can get to the
destination.
After all, the “conclusion” is imminent. My emotions are starting to
destabilize.
So…
(Yeah, that’s why he met Chiaki-san first, right…!?)
…I started interpreting it negatively again.
(They said they were visiting their memorial place, <Starry Plaza> when I
asked them. This is already…already…!)
Also, compared to that, the place where Amano-kun meets me is just a
normal school. …The difference in romance is too large. It’s too much. Hey,
God. …Uh, well, even though Amano-kun chose that place.
A sense of defeat made me tremble. I’m a person that really hates losing.
However, I’ve never been this terrified of failure.
It’s like the world is about to end.
If the Karen Tendou a year ago saw this, I bet she’ll say something along
the lines of, “Ha, love is just being over-dramatic…” She’ll despise me. In

reality, this is still how I think now.
Even if my love is shattered, it’s not the end of everything. Nothing will
change.
It’s like seeing a game you want has sold out. It won’t affect your life.
Even if my love ends in failure, …I’ve always lived alone, anyway.
Karen Tendou is a girl that can live beautifully even when alone.’
So, …so, I can’t overestimate the happiness when Chiaki-san can be
together with Amano-kun since they match each other so much.
That’s why I broke up with him and brought everyone back to the starting
line. I wanted to find a path where everyone can be truly happy. After that…
After that…
“Eh…?”
I should be thinking about this calmly with the logical part of my brain.
However, …suddenly, a stroke of tears dripped down my left cheeks.
I quickly wiped it with the back of my hand. Strangely, tears are only
dripping from my left eye.
“…Haha. I’m just playing too many games. It’s nothing.”
I said this jokingly and cheered myself up.
Perhaps it’s because I cried. The depression toned down for a bit.
Simultaneously, I found the delicateness that made me cry a couple
seconds ago all that more repulsive. How did Karen Tendou turn into this
miserable state? It’s just because I keep overthinking every day that I'm with
Amano-kun.
But…
“…Yes.”
This- is different from me messing up when I was inviting Amano-kun.
The memories of this love, …including everything, will never be in the
“embarrassing section” of my brain. That’s the one thing I’m sure of. So…
“…Isn’t that already enough?”
I mumbled to myself and took a step forward once more with a refreshed
mind.
I’m here to complete my promise with Amano-kun.
The destination is- the 2F classroom he’s in.
*
“Excuse me.”
Although almost all students have gone home, I still made a greeting, just

in case. I opened the door of the 2F classroom.
Then, unexpectedly, someone answered from the seat near the window.
“Here, Tendou-san.”
“…Amano-kun?”
“Yes.”
I took a good look. Amano-kun’s smile is brightened by the stars in the
lightless classroom.
I can’t help but reach my hand to the light switch. Amano-kun quickly
stopped me.
“It’s better to keep the lights off, Tendou-san.”
“Hmm? Why?”
“Well, …think about it, it’s already this time.”
“…Oh.”
I immediately understood. In reality, the old school building is used for
club activities. The teachers won’t get mad at you even if you’re still in the
clubroom at 7.
Especially for the classrooms that no one’s using, as long as it’s not the
school festival. Teachers will get mad if you turn on the lights. Although they
don’t really care since it’s near the graduation ceremony now, let’s keep it
quiet.
I accepted Amano-kun’s advice and walked into the dark classroom.
Luckily, the moon and the stars are pretty bright tonight. There’s no
pressure.
I stood next to Amano-kun and looked at the sky filled with stars.
“It’s beautiful…”
“Yeah, it’s just like the mountains. I can see it clearly here too.”
“The mountains…”
After I repeated what he said, Amano-kun raised his head on the seat and
looked at me worriedly.
“Well, as I’ve said before, I met with Chiaki first today and gave her the
present for White Day. The <Starry Plaza>…”
“Yeah, …I know. Is it good?”
“Hmm, well, …the sunset is pretty incredible.”
“Really…”
“Yes…”
The conversation ended awkwardly. …I’m such a hateful woman. I

pretend to have a big heart, …yet it’s incredibly narrow inside. My chest is
about to rip from pain once I imagine Amano-kun being happy with other
girls.
I looked at the starry sky again and changed the topic a bit forcefully.
“It’s the last day for senpais to be in the club.”
“Yeah, I heard that from you. …Kase-senpai and Oiso-senpai are finally
graduating. …It must be lonely for you.”
“Yeah. By the way, the Game Club’s membership is in the danger zone.”
“Eh!? Really!? Ah, well, uh…”
Amano-kun is lost in thoughts. Looking at him, I can’t help but smile
bitterly.
(…Sheesh, you’re not our member. Even more, you rejected my invitation
fiercely. Yet, …you’re showing that face.)
You’re just a sly boy. You’re only interested in playing games in your
own style. …Even though you’re such a twisted person, you can still throw
your beliefs away for other people immediately. That’s why I’m always
moved by you. That’s why I fell in love with you…
“…Tendou-san? What’s wrong?”
Amano-kun noticed that I was looking at him and asked. Looking at him-
I remembered something. After that, I got really close to him a bit forcefully.
I showed a business-like smile that’ll leave a good impression in other’s
hearts. …Then, I begged him with a coquettish tone.
“Amano-kun, you should still come to my club, alright? Please? I’m very
interested in you.”
“Eh? Uh, well- I mean, that’s…”
For a moment, Amano-kun showed confusion, but he immediately
realized it. …Those are the lines when I invited him to the club back in
spring. He squinted his eyes a bit nostalgically. After that, he answered
determinedly.
“N-No, thanks. There aren’t any games I want to play in the Game Club.”
That’s a new way of putting what he said before. Upon hearing that, I
showed a clearly dissatisfied look and frowned.
“I’m okay if you think that’s for the best. Amano-kun can’t help us at all,
anyway.”
“I guess so. But, I sincerely think that Tendou-san is a talented person. It
makes people want to cheer for you in secret. You should keep it up too.”

“…Okay, yeah!”
We recreated that invitation calmly.
Both of us can’t help but laugh.
“Ahaha, …Amano-kun, your acting is unexpectedly good.”
“Tendou-san’s the same. You remembered all of the lines, right? I had to
try my best to keep up…”
“It’s the same for me. Well, but, in a way, perhaps you ruminate more.”
I’m talking about the overwhelming regret of my black history.
I cleared my throat and changed the subject. “By the way…”
“Whether it’s then or now, you keep saying that I’m talented. Honestly,
…what is your definition of talent?”
“Eh? What’s with this utterly annoying question? …Well, even though it
fits Tendou-san.”
“What do you mean by that? What fits me?”
“Alright, sorry. Let’s move on.”
“Tck…”
If I had to say how Amano-kun has changed, he’s a lot better at dealing
with me now. Even though I’m the one that keeps getting pranked, …sheesh.
“…Tendou-san? Are you not happy? Are you mad at me?”
“…I’m not happy.”
“You’re finally telling the truth. …I feel like…Tendou-san’s being
smart…is perhaps a disaster. You’ll always achieve your own conclusion and
can’t control your emotions.”
“Ugh…”
He’s on the point again. Damn, …ah, stop being so arrogant. You’re just
Amano-kun. I can predict Amano-kun if I want to, …want to…
…Very well.
“Amano-kun. Then, please provide a sincerely convincing definition of
‘talent’ for me!”
Bam!
“Hey, why did you suddenly raise the bar that high!? T-Tendou-san!?”
Amano-kun started trembling after hearing my declaration. …Very well,
I’m in control now! Even though it’s a bit different than I expected.
Well, either way, I put up an exciting pose to hear Amano-kun’s “talent”
talk. As for him, he moaned while struggling to come up with an answer. …
After that, he took a huge sigh.

“Well, …honestly, I don’t have a definition of talent. I can only give you
an ordinary answer.”
“…I’m very disappointed in you, Amano-kun.”
“Ah! It’s been a long time. This is Tendou-san’s cold and terrifying gaze!
Ouch! But aren’t you too unreasonable!? Tendou-san’s the one to look
forward to it, right!?”
“Ha? Can’t you give me a definition that makes hearts appear in my eyes?
Karen Tendou has always looked forward to Keita Amano like this.”
“You’re giving me too much stress, Karen Tendou! Ugh, …but there’s
really nothing I can do about my lack of experience. I’m not a talented
person, and I don’t have experience of being defeated by talents. Well, I
guess the battle with Main-san counts…”
Amano-kun looks a bit deflated. I looked at him and showed a bitter
smile.
“Sorry, I said something weird. However, the word ‘talent’ has always
accompanied me. So, I want to hear everyone’s definition of talent.
“I see. …Well, I do want to help you out.”
Amano-kun said that and moaned gently again. …He’s indeed a weird
person. On the surface, he looks uninterested in other people. …However,
he’s more interested than everyone else.
So, my chest is also satisfied by looking at Amano-kun’s expression
alone. During this time, unexpectedly, Amano-kun seems to have thought of
something. “Ah, right.”
He looked into my eyes and spoke up a bit unconfidently.
“I don’t really have any philosophical definition of talent. …But, I do
have something inside my heart when I say the word.”
“Ha, inside your heart? What is it?”
“Well, that would be…”
Amano-kun smiled. He has always been like this. …Then, he spoke up
with warmth.
“I won’t say the word ‘talent’ to deny someone’s effort.”
“…………”
I can’t help but bulge my eyes after hearing that. However, …Amano-kun
didn’t notice my reaction and continued his explanation a bit embarrassedly.
“Ah, well, ‘You’re really talented!’ This sentence alone is a simple praise
and doesn’t do any harm. It would be great if the appreciated person can

accept it. However, if it’s ‘Tck, that guy already does pretty well on his own,
after all.’ I will never say the word ‘talent’ with this meaning. I already made
up my mind about it.”
“Why…is that?”
“Eh? Why? Isn’t that obvious?”
Then, he looked at my eyes determinedly and said it out clearly.
“It’s because I’ve been watching Tendou-san’s life this year.”
“…………”
His words made me blush again. In this sense, he indeed didn’t meet my
expectations.
No, it’s not just that-
“…Tendou-san? W-What’s wrong? You’re suddenly lowering your
head…”
“…Shut up.”
-Just like that, my tears won’t stop falling. …There’s a limit to being
unexpected.
Ah, sheesh, so annoying! That’s why I hate Keita Amano as a person. I
hate him the most. From the moment we met, I’ve always, always, always,
always, always…hated him.
“…………”
After that, even Amano-kun seems to have realized something’s wrong
with me. I think he realized I’m trying to hide my tears away. He slowly
pulled his chair and stood up.
Then, he looked to the sky outside the window.
“For me, …actually, in the beginning, while I’ve always admired Tendou-
san, …I hate you as well. …I’m very bad at dealing with you.”
“…………”
“It’s because isn’t this true? I’m…always miserable whenever it involves
you.”
That’s what I want to say as well. …I would’ve said it if it weren’t for my
tears.
However, my throat is struck down by the violent wave of emotions rising
from my chest. It’s like I lost my ability to express myself.
Seeing me unable to retort, Amano-kun stood in front of me and
continued his speech.
“Even when we’re together, you just make me even more aware of myself

instead of making me feel relieved. Especially after we started dating, your
expectation of me keeps rising. …This is just a joke, but my relationship with
Tendou-san has more pain than happiness.”
That’s what I want to say too! I screamed desperately in my heart.
However, I can’t say it out loud, no matter what.
As for Amano-kun, …he still continued cold heartedly.
“Instead, I feel really relaxed and cheerful whenever I’m with Uehara-kun
and Aguri-san. Also, it’s not just that-“
At this point, Amano-kun’s face is filled with bitterness for a moment. …
However, he immediately showed a determined expression and said the most
important thing.
“-I’m really relieved whenever I’m with Chiaki.”
“…!”
“So…”
This is what Amano-kun sincerely thinks. He has hidden it until now.
Finally, he said it out loud.
My chest feels so painful that I can’t breathe.
I’m upset. I really want to run away. I don’t want to hear it anymore. I
want to pretend none of this has happened.
However, this is something I said first- we have to give each other an
ending.
So, I, …Karen Tendou, have to listen until the last moment. That’s the
least I can do. But, that’s why…
“…………”
I wiped my tears and leaned forward. I prepared myself for what’s about
to come. I’ll accept any outcome.
Then, I faced Amano-kun’s eyes again.
His eyes are filled with incredible sadness- It’s not just that. He’s also
filled with an overwhelming sense of determination. I felt dazed.
At this moment, I understood.
(…I guess this is it.)
I can’t help but look up to the sky over the window.
…My vision is getting blurry. The atmosphere in winter feels very cold.
Countless stars are blinking as if they are witnessing an ending to a
relationship.

Keita Amano
I, Keita Amano, have prepared three things for White Day.
Two of them are for Chiaki, one of them is for Tendou-san.
I spent around a month preparing Chiaki’s present. It’s a letter filled with
my feelings and a game I bought after considering what we experienced.
In other words, I spent a lot of time and effort preparing those two gifts.
In comparison, the present I have for Tendou-san- is nothing out of the
ordinary.
That’s something I already have. So, I don’t need to take any time
thinking about it, not to mention effort.
It’s just that I have to take that from my home.
The next is about where I’m handing out the presents.
One is the best spot where you’ll have to take the bus to arrive.
The other one…is an ordinary and common classroom. Also, you can’t
turn on the lights due to the time. It’s an even worse environment than a
typical classroom.
Moreover, the priorities are pretty brutal as well.
I satisfied Chiaki first before coming to Tendou-san for the remaining
time.
…At this point, my answer is already clear to Tendou-san.
Also, I’m facing Tendou-san, who’s trying to keep the White Day
promise, even though her eyes are already filled with heartbreaking tears.
The lights from the stars are shining into the window. …I said.
“…Tendou-san, perhaps you know this already. …Just then, I-“
I can’t help but hesitate for a moment. However, I suppressed my
cowardness down- and looked at Tendou-san’s eyes with sincerity.
“-I confessed to Chiaki.”
“…! …I see.”
Tendou-san’s pupils are shaking violently. She hugged herself as if to
prevent herself from trembling.
…Right now, I’m about to be surrounded by regret and pain.
Even so, I still moved forward without any hesitation. I’m not running
away.
“Chiaki…accepted it as well.”
“…That’s…great.”
“…Yes, …it’s great.”

What the hell is great right now? Both of us are saying energetic words
like “great” under the starry sky. Yet, you can’t feel happiness from both of
our faces.
We looked at each other’s heartbreaking expressions. Then, I thought
about how I should say the following words.
“…Hey, Tendou-san.”
“…Hmm.”
“As I’ve said before, …things aren’t calm at all when we’re together.”
“…Hmm.”
“Whether it’s with Uehara-kun, Aguri-san, …Konoha-san, Kousei, Main-
san, or even Chiaki, they are all different. Our time spent together is anything
but calm.”
“…Hmm.”
“So, in other words-“
At this point, I finally- smiled.
I faced Tendou-san and said what I truly thought.
“-To me, that's proof that you’re more special to me than anyone else.”
“…Eh?”
Tendou-san’s eyes are filled with tears once again.
I reached my hand into my jacket’s pocket. Then, I took out the present-
that I’ve decided to give to Tendou-san since the start.
However, I still clenched my right hand tightly to not let her see what’s
inside. …I continued.
“I said I confessed to Chiaki before, right?”
“…Yes.”
“…The actual content of the confession is, well, … a bit hard to explain to
Tendou-san…”
“…………”
Tendou-san didn’t say anything. She just clenched her arms tightly.
I said this to her- with an embarrassed smile.
“I told her- the ‘confession I failed to make’ on that day.”
“Eh…? That…day?”
“Yes, that day. The day where all of us are involved- that summer last
year where we confessed wrongly. It’s the day I first met Chiaki.”
“Ah, …eh? But, the failed confession that Amano-kun is talking about, …
that would be- to become friends…”

Tendou-san seems to have noticed something and bulged her eyes
suddenly.
After that, I can see her eyes are slowly turning wet.
I reached out my right hand containing the present and continued.
“Now, even though I know this is utterly boring and ordinary, I still-“
I opened my hand and revealed the present.
“-I’m not making the confession I failed to make on that day. Instead, I’m
repeating the confession I made to you.”
So, the present is revealed in my palm.
Of course, that’s something I’ve always wanted to give her – the proof
that we’re lovers: Labears.
“Ah, …ah…”
Tendou-san took the Labears. Her tears won’t stop coming out of her
eyes.
It looks like my sincerity has already reached her.
However, I still have to differentiate her from other people.
This person crying in front of me- is my most beloved girl.
“Tendou-san, please-“
This time, it’s not a misunderstanding or an impulse at all.
Instead, I confessed to her properly, clearly, and determinedly.
“Please go out with me.”
To my confession, Tendou-san-
(Please be “friends” with me, Chiaki.)
She showed the same teary smile as Chiaki after I confessed to her at
<Starry Plaza>.
Also, even her answer is the same as Chiaki’s-
“Sure-“
-Her eyes are filled with sparkles of happiness and determination as if
she’s answering Chiaki’s tears.
Finally.
Under the starry sky and the silent night-
She- no, them.
Although they are about to break into tears due to the pain, the two girls
answered my confession with an incredibly cheerful smile.
“Sure, I would love to.”

[End of Vol.11]

Gamers! Volume 11 Afterword
Hello, I’m the guy that can’t stop burping after eating something spicy,
Sekina Aoi.
Hey, kami-sama, can you not give such a weakness to an old man like
me? Why don’t you just give it to a beautiful girl? No one likes an old man
that sweats, cries, and burps profusely after eating something slightly spicy,
right.
That’s why I’ve never appreciated kami-sama. However, I’m truly
thankful for a short, 3-page afterword this time. Well, I guess I can
reluctantly appreciate him (unnecessary tsundere moment).
Alright, <Gamers!> is already in its 11th volume. Perhaps this is my
longest series to date. I use “perhaps” because even though the <Student
Council> series only has 10 books, there are many spinoffs and
continuations. It’s still going to be an issue with counting them.
Well, but this is still my first time writing “Volume 11.” I had a really
hard time too. The characters may ask, “What did you even make us do in
this volume?” I’m sorry, Otobuki Game Hobby Club. Well, think about it,
isn’t this volume…right?
So, here’s the episode to end everything.
Even though this is like the final volume, there’s still Volume 12. That’s
the real final volume. …I think.
Well, I plan to end the main story at Volume 12. However, the DLCs are
still ongoing. Even the author is unsure whether this is an ending.
Well, anyway, the end of the story is at Volume 12. Please look forward
to it.
I think it’ll be released in Spring 2019.
As I’ve said before, I treated Volume 11 as the end. It’s supposed to
conclude everything in the series.
So, the next volume- the final one will be a <Gamers!>’s style rom-com.
Please support it.
Well, here’s the appreciation speech.

Cactus-sensei, you’ve always conveyed my overflowing imaginations
during the writing into fabulous illustrations. Thank you for helping out in
this volume too. I’ll look forward to continuing working with you.
Next, it’s the editor. Even though this volume is close to the final one, I
didn’t give up a heads-up for the actual content. Terribly sorry for that. Well,
actually, I don’t get to decide everything they want to do. …Uh, like business
contacts, for example. The final volume’s content is probably about Konoha
Hoshinomori accidentally going back to the Edo period. She’ll use her
modern knowledge and weapons to make innovative pornography. It’ll be a
masterpiece that can ease the thirst of truly interested people, humanely, of
course.
Finally, it’s the readers. The content preview is a complete lie. Please
don’t worry about it. The next volume will return to a cheerful and relaxed
rom-com. Hope you’ll enjoy it!
Well, see you at the final volume, or DLC 2!
Sekina Aoi

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Gamers!

Volume 11 Prologue & Chapter

Chapter 1 – Karen Tendou and Chiaki Hoshinomori and Rival Encounter

I started backing up to the bed as I freaked out. Karen-san started laughing

The family restaurant meeting between Aguri-san and me is going on as

“Hoshino. She’s really a good child, just like Amanocchi.”

“Ah, I think Konoha-san said something similar a while ago.”

“Yeah, …well, she’s definitely not praising me.”

“Ahaha, I get it.”

“Uwah, your laugh is really annoying.”

“…What’s wrong, Amanocchi? You keep looking at me. Is it because I’m

I answered the gal half-jokingly.

Aguri-san smiled bitterly. I looked outside the window when she’s

“So? Aguri-san, you want to complain about Chiaki and I pretending to be

“But, Amanocchi was unexpectedly distressed too even at that time.”

“Eh, isn’t there an inflation of your body value yet?”

“How is it possible!? Who do you think I am!?”

“An MC in the latter part of a rom-com novel.”

“HA! There’s no way for a person like me to provide that sort of

“Actually, can I ask you how much EXP you have?”

“Uwah, I asked again. There’s a limit to passiveness, you disgusting

“Why am I on the receiving end of such unreasonable complaints!? I’ve

“My heart wouldn’t stop pounding, of course-“

Just as I’m about to retort, I saw Aguri-san’s mischievous smile. …I

Aguri-san’s staring at me arrogantly with her evil smile.

“Hehehe, your heart wouldn’t stop pounding, Amanocchi. When Hoshino,

“Damn, …you’re like an annoying relative…!”

I looked at the white scenery outside and sighed.

“Yes. …Actually, I wanted to kiss Tendou-san at that time.”

“Ah, …I see. That makes sense…”

Aguri-san understood as she looked outside the window too.

“Let’s forget about the dangerous metaphor, but you’re right.”

“Hiya, that’s because you’re Amanocchi.”

“I don’t need that!”

Aguri-san said that as she pushed her cup to me.

Aguri-san said, “Amanocchi sucks.” Then, she mischievously smiled and

“Yeah, …I think we treat each other as precious friends.”

I started to feel like this can’t continue anymore. Honestly, my kissing

I began to frown. Aguri-san started teasing me again.

Also, I know full well that I’m the cause.

Suddenly, I remembered accidentally breaking Mom’s favorite vase. At

As for me, …all I could do is to grab my sleeves tightly. There’s nothing I

I grabbed the phone from my table. The black screen is reflecting a

Then, reasonably, the Game Hobby Club stopped meeting too.

(I wonder what they are doing right now…)

I thought about this countless times after that day.

I looked outside the window to relieve this bitterness of youth. Then-

“Amanocchi decided to escape reality pathetically!”

“Eh, it’s because you and Amano-kun kis-“

“Yay! I love pulling sleds! This is so much fun!”

…Hiya, my imagination of beautiful girls is unexpectedly fascinating.

Suddenly, I looked in front. Aguri-san’s staring at me with half-dead eyes.

“Stop it, Aguri-san. Don’t apologize to a human’s innate sense of

“Wow, your comfort just brought me back to reality.”

Yeah, …that is obviously…not an illusion, …ugh.

“…Aguri-san, what should I do…?”

Facing a guy that asked painfully, Aguri-san showed a bewildered

Aguri-san looked mysteriously regretful. She shook her head helplessly

“Right now, I can only tell you one sure thing.”