It was the first time someone had ever complimented me.
I was so happy to have my efforts recognized that I almost started crying.
“There, there, you worked really hard. It must’ve been tough.”
As she said that, the blonde-haired beauty hugged my head.
I wasn’t sure how much time had passed. The bell may have already rung by now.
Even so, she stayed by my side.
“I’m Kana Ōgami (大神カナ). I think we’re in the same grade.”
She said “I think” because we had the same color of indoor shoes.
I had assumed she was an upperclassman. It was hard to believe that someone this cute was the same age as me.
“My name is…”
“I know. That story has already reached my class, too.”
It seemed the story had spread pretty far.
It wouldn’t be long before I became the laughingstock of the entire school.
“Your name is Riku, right?”
“Y-Yeah. Kana-san…”
“Just call me Kana. Hey, Riku, do you like games?”
“G-Games? Well, I guess I like them, sort of.”
I spent most of my time gaming, but because I was in front of a girl, I tried to play it cool.
There’s no way I could admit I really loved games with a beautiful girl in front of me.
“So, so! Do you play Street Artist 5, the fighting game?”
“Yeah, I play it.”
“What rank are you!?”
“Uh… just below the top rank…”
Street Artist 5 was one of the most famous fighting games, so I figured a lot of people played it, but what’s with this excitement?
“I play it too! Hey, let’s play together!”
“S-Sure, but I’m not good at holding back.”
“No worries! I’m a ranked player!”
“For real!? You’re more hardcore than me!”
“Of course! So, who’s your main character?”
With our shared interest in gaming, Kana and I quickly became closer.
Thanks to the topic, I wasn’t overly aware of her as the opposite sex, and I was able to act naturally.
“See you tomorrow! Let’s chat again at lunch!”
Waving goodbye, Kana left.
The lingering scent of her presence brought me a bit of relief.
Later that night, I sent her a friend request, and we played a few rounds. The result? I lost every single match.
* * *
The next day at lunchtime, I was torn about whether or not I should go up to the rooftop.
Kana Ōgami was the most beautiful girl in the school—the one everyone wanted to be with. I wasn’t sure if someone like me should be involved with her.
“Hey, Riku. You’ve got some cash, right? Lend me a bit.”
“…Why should I?”
Yūji, with his rough-looking face, approached my desk with a menacing tone.
There’s no way I’d give my money to them anymore.
“Huh? Who do you think made it possible for you to go out with Saki, even for a little while?”
“…You tricked me.”
“What the hell, you wallet! We gave a loser like you a chance to dream, even if it was just for a moment!”
It was clear from the atmosphere that I was about to get hit, but then a certain someone cut through the tension.
“Riku! I came to get you!”
“K-Kana!?”
She came up to me, grabbing my arm, and in her haste, even pressed her ample chest against me.
The commotion from my classmates echoed through the hallway, everyone shocked by the unbelievable scene unfolding before them.
"W-Why is Kana Ōgami with him!?"
“Come on, let’s go.”
“A-Okay.”
“Wait, Riku! You think trash like you can just ignore us? Hey!”
Ignoring Saki’s screams, I was led to the rooftop.
Kana reluctantly let go of my arm, and like yesterday, we sat down.
“T-Thanks for saving me.”
“What for? I didn’t notice anything. All I saw were some monkeys making noise.”
That response left me unsure how to reply.
Was this the kind of composure that came from being the school’s beauty?
“More importantly, yesterday you lost pretty badly, huh!”
“Kana, you’re just too strong. I couldn’t even put up a fight.”
“See, I told you! I work really hard, you know.”
“You’re amazing, really.”
“But… I don’t usually work hard for other people, though.”
Saying that, she pulled out a lunchbox wrapped in a cloth from her bag and handed it to me.
“Let’s eat together!”
“Wait, but I’d feel bad…”
“It’s fine! I invited you, so just eat.”
The pink container was filled with simple but lovingly prepared food—octopus-shaped sausages, tamagoyaki (Japanese rolled omelette), and more.
“Is it good?”
“It’s delicious… Are you a pro?”
“Come on, you’re exaggerating! But you can keep the compliments coming!”
“Uh, sure.”
Then, just like yesterday, we talked a lot about games.
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