(LN) Gamers! - Volume 06
(LN) Gamers! - Volume 06
(LN) Gamers! - Volume 06
However, one time... when I easily won over the girl that
said she's good at running. After we reached the finish line,
she ran to her mother with tears in her eyes and sweat all
•
over her body.
After all-
Even so, I can't change the fact that I hate "going easy"
from the bottom of my heart.
Yes.
***
This time, I said this as I blast the head off the character
controlled by Kase-senpai, who's still trembling. Nina-senpai
immediately started sweatdropping.
"I-It looks like you're right... Uh, is it that you got bored
with that FPS... "
"Yeah. So, what's wrong with senpai, why are you acting
like I'm a fragile little girl."
"By the way, senpai, this brand of tissue tastes very well."
•
"What a ridiculous way to show that you lost your mind!"
So—
"...Ugh."
•
However, he is THE protagonist, Eiichi Misumi, after all.
Perhaps it's because of the emotion of "I'm not giving up on
my friend no matter how hopeless the situation is!" He seems
to be racking his brain for a solution. A true protagonist.
•
"Objection! I've thought about this all the time, Don't
Prosecutor Tendou think you're always trying to monopolize
everything! Now that we're talking about it, I wanted to be
allocated more time for me to play with Amano-kun as well!"
"W-What?"
***
•
Just as everyone in the Game Club was speechless at that
depressing look, Nina-senpai, who got rather close to him,
tried to strike up a conversation with him, tremblingly.
"You too, Tendou. Don't just give people wet wipes like
you're handing out chips!"
"Yes."
『I can't believe you said no... S-Sorry, I'm not giving you
the no.1 spot.』
•
First, Uehara-kun talked about his view of this whole event
"Ugh!"
•
Misumi-kun was forced to lean back by Uehara-kun's
imposing manner.
"W-Well then..."
"OHHHHHHHHHHH!"
"UWAHHHHHHHH!"
•
Misumi-kun wrapped his arms around his head and vexed
again. Although this victory made Uehara-kun and I looked at
each other before smiling in satisfaction, then we realized.
"Eh, this doesn't help anything?" The two of us then dropped
our shoulders depressingly... Why did we call everyone to
court in the first place...
"The four-eyed FPS guy, can you just shut up for real?"
"That's true. But there are other reasons when there are
accidental friendly fires in FPS."
"Ugh!"
•
This made Uehara-kun started to sweat on his face, but he
still managed to retort.
"W-What..."
"Ugh!"
Uehara-kun and I can't help but gasp. Crap. I feel like this...
is going to be bad for us!
•
"The same goes for this whole "double date" plan. While
I'm not sure about Uehara-kun's girlfriend, this plan clearly
doesn't fit with Amano-kun's style. Right now, can I please
ask the two of you... Who and what is the goal behind this
whole plan?"
"W-Well...!"
"AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!"
"Then?"
•
This time, Attorney Misumi calmed down for a moment...
Then, he smiled brightly as he threw this out!
"U-UWAHHHHHHHHHH!"
•
with the defendant Keita Amano!"
"Permitted."
•
"AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!"
"Yep... I've been active in this club for a long time, but this
is the first time that I'm involved in something like this."
"Innocent."
***
"Even so, I also felt the most terrible for Tendou-san and
Uehara-kun."
"...I know you care about me, but you don't need to go out
of your way to walk home with me."
•
"Yeah, you're really a protagonist from the bottom of your
heart."
"Ugh..."
"...Y-You're right."
"It's because you two are the most deeply hurt in this
incident, and I agree with that wholeheartedly. I know how
you two felt."
•
The two of us walked under this extremely gloomy mood
for a while, the old wooden floorboards will often make a
cracking voice.
"............"
"...Yeah."
"I feel like you two shouldn't take the blame. For example...
if I saw Amano-kun and my sister-in-law did that, I think I
•
would be pretty shocked as well."
•
To make up my mind, I walked as I took a couple deep
breaths.
The texture of the floor went from the old wooden boards
to the brand-new plastic of the main building, the footsteps of
the two of us followed were lighter. I took another deep
breath before continuing.
"Well..."
•
"Ah... I think I understand how those kids felt when they're
unwilling to admit that I defeated them..."
"T-Tendou-san?"
"Eh..."
"Eh?"
"Eh, am I wrong?"
"No, you're right, perhaps that's the case. It's actually the
same as gaming, both sides can never go according to plan...
Also, that's why... I wanted to face them seriously..."
•
Chapter 02: Keita Amano and All-out Defeat
A-Anyway.
•
This is the title bestowed upon on loners... which is me at
the same time, Keita Amano.
"............"
"............"
"............"
Klink...
We put the cup back onto the table at the exact same time.
"............"
•
...Why are we still coming to the restaurant together, are
we trying to show off our wealth?
How should I put it? Even so, the two of us still thought
that "we need to discuss this face-to-face" as soon as possible.
In reality, it's been two days since that incident passed.
During this period, of course, Aguri-san and I tried our best to
explain it to each of our partners... However, we're just
getting busy on our own. The two of us never had a uniform
conclusion.
""...!""
"............"
•
Aguri-san then chuckled quietly and smoothed things over.
"Ufufu... r-really?"
"Yep. Right now, I'm not going to lie on things like this. It's
alright, you didn't mess it up."
"——That's a no as well!"
"Ugh!"
•
I ended up getting punched. She's quite brutal, and my
cheeks hurt. Also, the waiter got scared away.
Klink...
"...Pfft!"
***
"Yes."
•
After the conference started, Aguri-san crossed her arms
on the table and looked at me face-to-face.
"Me too. I'm the type of guy that's never sure of his
opinions. However, I think I'm definitely right about this.
After all, I..."
"Yep, me too..."
"By the way... when I found out the person in front was
Amanocchi instead of Tasuku after the lights were turned on.
I was so depressed!"
"W-Why are you acting like you're the sole victim! I was
the same as well! When the angelic Tendou-san in my mind
suddenly turned into a rebellious gal, that's a big
disappointment!"
"Wha...! I-If you're putting it that way, I was the one that
was hurt the most when my handsome boyfriend turned into
a bean sprout little kid!"
•
So, we ended this mutual attack and even took the
beverages from the drink bar on our own to change the mood
before we discuss it again.
"R-Really... I understand."
"No. How should I put it... you can clearly sense that it's
just an accident between the two girls. No matter how I put it,
you wouldn't seriously suspect that they're interested in each
other, right?"
•
"Uh, you're right..."
•
"No, no, no, what's wrong with you! Tasuku wanting to
touch you is the main issue here!"
I cleared my throat.
"Hmm..."
"...Yeah."
"Yeah."
"............"
"Amanocchi?"
I didn't go along with her, Aguri-san then stood up, and she
looked at me.
"............"
"Well..."
"——E-E-E-E-E-E-Excuse me!"
"!"
"C-Chiaki?" "Hoshinomori-san?"
•
She ignored that we're still shocked and even stick her soft
body to me and try to squeeze space for her to sit. Aguri-san
and I immediately moved inwards as we went speechless.
Chiaki was the one that ran to us, but she blushed real hard
like she's very embarrassed... However, at the same time, she
glared severely at Aguri-san and me
Then, as if she's trying to blame us, the girl cried out for
some dumbfounded reason.
"...What?"
"...W-What?"
***
•
Aguri-san and I looked at each other and sighed helplessly.
"No, well... our parents aren't home today. So, Konoha and
I came to the family restaurant for dinner... However, when I
witnessed the moment that you two are talking to each other
intimately, my mind replayed that scene a couple days ago.
My anger flared up... Once I realized, I'm already sitting next
to Keita..."
"...Really."
That sounds like she's falling in love with me. Hmph, this
isn't a rom-com, anyway.
•
"You two are chatting!"
"Me too! Man, why does the middle part is the most
compelling in these type of games!"
"Yeah! That's it! Once you start leveling up, it already feels
like you're not doing it to beat the boss, you're just doing it for
the sake of gaining experience! You don't like going through
the story anymore, am I right!"
•
"I feel like I would just live there. That's like getting stuffed
up in an all-you-can-eat buffet."
The two of us just looked at the sky and let out a reveled
sigh.
"............"
""HUH?""
•
We instantly glared at each other fiercely. Suddenly, loud
claps can be heard from the seat in front.
"S-Sorry..."
"Really?"
•
Aguri-san was thoroughly shocked for some reason. Also,
Chiaki blushed suddenly as well. She doesn't need to be that
pissed with a joke of this level, right...
""No.""
•
gave us a slightly caring look.
"Well... even so, we're not absolutely not believing you two.
It's just that... we can't find a compromise between that and
what we've witnessed."
"U-Ugh..."
"—Bu!?"
Ms. Chiaki spewed all her black tea out. Luckily, it was only
on the table and didn't reach the food or anyone. I do feel
terrible for her. Chiaki is coughing hard from her choke, she
even wiped the table with tissues quickly as she answered.
"C-Calm down, Chiaki. That's the first time I've seen such a
•
reaction aside from humor comics. So, I don't know what to
do, just calm down for now, anyway."
"You good?"
"Yep... I'm fine. Sorry for scaring you two. I'll take a sip of
my black tea first."
"—Bu!?"
"—Bu!?"
"This is unreasonable!"
I thought about this, but the stress coming from the two
girls is immense. So, I zipped my mouth.
•
Chiaki finally sipped her black tea normally and slowly.
She rested for a while.
"You're right..."
"It's really not right to say that in front of a girl! But... the
regretful thing is, I can understand what Hoshino is trying to
say..."
"H-Hoshino?"
•
"Uh, I can change it back if you don't like it..."
"No, please just use the nickname! Yes, please call me with
the nickname!"
"Really, if that's so... I'll keep it like that. Right, then I..."
"Big Sis?"
"I-It's because..."
The two girls went back and forth about the name... So, 5
minutes later, the two finally managed to find a compromise
and solution.
•
"I-I guess it can't be helped..."
"Yes, Agu-nee."
"Yeah..."
"Hmm..."
""WHA-""
The two scolded at me. Even so, I'm still not backing down.
"Well..."
"............"
The two girls back down and fell silent. I quickly cheered
them up.
"——W-Wait up!"
"Amanocchi.."
•
"Thanks, Aguri-san."
"Also, Keita, even if you broke up... Uhhhh, it's not like
your future is totally over yet! There's a chance for you to
continue your youth! You can have a great life!"
•
mage. It's more like being able to date Tendou-san for a short
time is already a miracle. I will forever treasure that
memory."
"You are taking yourself too lightly! Even though I'm the
same as well!"
"Alright."
•
"Yeah."
"While I'm not sure what are you trying to say, anyway, can
I punch you?"
"Eh? Oh... it's actually hard. You need to fight your way to
the boss without a lot of save points. It's tough to challenge
again as well."
"Yeah, you'll lose all your items once you lost in this
generation... Thanks to this, currently, my team is very fragile
from my losing streak."
"Eh? Why? Didn't you also level up your team before you
fight a risky boss like a well-prepared player? Why are you
wasting your time for additional tries and even sacrificing all
your stuff..."
•
"Eh? Right... I guess you're right once you said that. Really?
While I don't look like it, I think I was influenced by Tendou-
san quite a lot without me knowing it."
"?"
I'm not sure what she meant. Just as I'm about to ask her,
at that moment, Aguri-san, who's at the front, turned back
and asked us.
"By the way, Amanocchi and Hoshino, is it fine for you two
just walk to downtown with me?"
"Ah, yes. I'm taking the bus. Let's walk together for now."
...But, by the way, come to think of it, it's quite rare for the
•
three us to be in a group. Although we're all Game Hobby
Club members, perhaps it's not easy to only see a 3-person
gathering.
"Eh, w-weird?"
•
"...What?"
............
***
"If that's so, how would you explain the fact that you
played with my body during the date!?"
"This is injustice!"
•
"Please just calm down. We shouldn't be arguing like that
in public..."
"No, like I've said before, we really just met each other
coincidentally. Then, you're the one that overreacted and
makes a big deal over this——"
"——No, no, no, Tendou. You should ask her to take back
that whole 'pornstar that sold his body' thing-"
That's because...
"Crap!"
•
"What?"
Tendou-san was struck with the fact that her boyfriend just
swore to her brutally. I'm sorry, Tendou-san... However, I
think the problem has to do with the people talking like that
in the station...
"The court?"
"Yes. So, we're not in the mood to suspect whether you two
are cheating or not..."
•
But if we're trusted this way, I need to sincerely appreciate
them.
"...Ah, right..."
There's a very silent voice that only I can hear coming from
the side... So, I turned my head and looked. Then, right
there...
"Chiaki..."
............
•
At that moment, I finally made up my mind and decided to
screw it — Alright.
"?"
"!?"
"A-Alright."
"............"
With that, she pondered about it with her eyes closed for
nearly 10 seconds.
"Really..."
"——Aguri-san!"
After all, right now... I'm only halfway through the 'end' I
wanted to make.
"Amano-kun——"
•
Tendou-san reached her hand to me and wanted to say
something.
"——THAT'S DIFFERENT!"
Tendou-san was scared right away. Also, the same goes for
everyone and a couple of passersby that are just joining in the
fun... Ufufu, this is embarrassing. But I don't care.
"Hiya!"
•
"!?"
I continued my confession.
"I love your smile! Your smile pulled this plain and useless
boy out of his miserable daily lives. It makes me sincerely
attracted to you!"
•
thinking, maybe this is how it feels to be in love with
someone. Yes, I can sense that it is a part of love! Thank you
very much!"'
•
"Ah! N-N-N-No..."
"Amano-kun..."
"............"
"The 'end' that you k-keep talking about... what are you
trying to end?"
"...Eh?"
"...Oh..."
I continued.
"Think about it, the chance for us to start dating... it's based
on a series of biases, misunderstandings, and verbal error.
•
How should I put it... I can't get it off my head. No matter how
we'll break up, I still feel like I need to confess to you
properly.
"Amano-kun..."
"After all, if I don't do this... I'll feel terrible for those who
confessed to you sincerely and got rejected... I didn't even say
anything remotely related to a confession. Then I acted like a
boyfriend because of your kindness... I think I'm definitely
not supposed to do that."
"............"
"However... I'm glad that I said this out. It feels far better.
Think about it, it's like fighting a boss in RPG that you can
never hope to win. Although you can just quit early on and
restart, right now, I still feel like I should do an all-out
challenge, then got annihilated and return to the title screen. I
just think it feels way better."
"............"
•
"Uh, that's all. Thank you for dating me before, Tendou-
san!"
"Tendou-san?"
"What?"
•
In reality, I think no one heard that as well, all of them
stepped closer to Tendou-san.
"...Huh?"
"No, no, no, Tendou-san, i-it's because you just said 'let's
end this relationship' to Keita, right? Doesn't that mean you
two are breaking up..."
"I-It's not like that! It's not that! I... uh... meant that from
the start... that's why I'm here..."
•
Konoha-san interrupted her mumbling sharply.
"You meant that at the start? This means that you planned
to forgive Amano-senpai from the beginning and stay as a
couple? If that's the case, why are you saying that you wanted
to end this relationship...?"
"Ufufu..."
"...!?"
Then.
***
"............"
"............"
•
Moreover, this awkwardness isn't caused by tensions... The
embarrassment caused by both sides liking each other is way
too novel. I didn't know what to do, my chest and my stomach
are so itchy.
"............"
"............"
"............"
•
Crap, this is just telling each other that we're embarrassed.
This is getting even more awkward. What's wrong with my
chatting ability? I'm utterly hopeless with myself.
"Sigh..."
"Eh? What does that mean? I feel like I'm not getting
praised..."
"Ouch!"
It's true when you think about it, but I'm still struck hard
nonetheless. From my impression, Tendou-san was
considerate to me with an angelic smile... Sigh, now that I
remembered it, that smile and reply was literally the polite
version of Tendou-san.
"I think the ratio between the good impression and disgust
is 9:1."
After the bus started moving, there's not a lot of time for us
to be alone together. It was embarrassing just then, but now
I'm starting to miss the time we had.
"............"
"............"
"............"
•
——What... should I do...
"............"
"..........."
So, at the next moment, she put her finger on her own lips.
She's so beautiful.
"...Okay..."
•
This is too much love for me. I can't help but answer
dazedly.
"Alright, bye."
"...............WHAT!?"
•
I immediately apologized to the driver before sitting once
again.
•
Chapter 03: Keita Amano and Karen Tendou and Complete
Victory
Her cheeks are blushing with a faint sakura color from the
heat, and her watery eyes look as if she's begging me.
"T-Tendou-san!"
If the girl acted like this, the guy can't stay silent!
"Tendou-san!"
•
"A-Amano-kun! I-If you go that fast right away, I-I will...!"
"If this continues, I-I will...! Ugh, just like every time
before... AHH!"
『FINISH!』
Tendou-san, who's next to me, sat on the bed as she let out
a huge sigh and glared at me with the corner of her eyes.
"Ouch...!"
"N-No, think about it, even the e-sports players don't have
a consistent victory rate in fighting games..."
•
"I've said this before. This is the first time that I've played
this..."
"............"
"Uh, b-but, I'm the type that grows in battle, let's just play a
couple more rounds..."
"............"
"............"
"...Tendou-san no baka..."
"You know that I'm this type of player, right! I'll go all-out
even if I'm up against a newbie!"
"I know! I know you. If that's the case... then please don't
give me requests like 'I hope Amano-kun ('s ranking) can be
on top sometimes' when I can't even do it!"
"I-It's because I'm on top (of the ranking) every time... I'm
the only one that feels good (when I'm playing the game)...
Amano-kun, that's why I hope that sometimes, you can fondle
with my (character's) body..."
•
"Ay, I'm not going to force you, but you, as a girlfriend,
should at least contribute something, right?"
"Ugh...!"
Clang!
***
•
Even if the misunderstanding is solved, the fact that her
daughter's boyfriend messed up at the first meeting will never
disappear.
"Really...?"
•
So, Tendou-san tried to be considerate and changed the
topic.
"...Correct."
•
"———————"
——I feel like I'm already satisfied with my life, but it's
going to be troublesome if I died here....
"Ah, yes! P-Please say it! I'll prepare with everything I got!"
•
Tendou-san smiled at my energetic look as she continued.
"......Huh?"
Tendou-san continued.
"...Really."
"Uh, ah, right, Amano-kun. I think it's better for you to just
pick stationary as a present for me, yes! T-Think about it. This
way, I can smile idiotically at it during lessons. Yep, what a
great idea! It really only has to be something cheap, Amano-
kun, please?"
"Tendou-san..."
At the same time, the bus arrived and opened the door in
the middle. I'm the only one that's getting on here, so I can't
drag things out.
"Bye, Amano-kun."
"...Sigh."
"...Let's do it."
***
"Huh?"
"That's my line! You know how much you suck, yet you're
begging me with that kind of extremely troublesome and
•
stressful chores!"
"I-I'll pay you something! I'll give you the invitation code of
the mobile game as thanks!"
"H-How about I'll give you 10 coupons that you can use to
play video games with me!"
"I told you I don't need it! Why are you giving me this kind
of weird 'massage coupons' suggestions! Also, you're still the
only one who's benefiting in the end!"
•
Uehara-kun gasped. "Ugh..." Then, he let out a huge sigh...
After that, he finally backed down.
"...I got it. Anyway... I'll train with you at the arcade today."
***
•
I ignored my defeated character on the screen and shook
my head helplessly.
"Why are you still acting all smug right now! Please, learn
for a bit. How could someone be weaker as they played more
rounds..."
"That's the worst thing you can take away from fighting
games! The most important thing to do everything is to never
give up and stay high-spirited! Most manga and anime
mentioned that time and time again, right!"
"?"
"O-Oiso-senpai?"
•
The beautiful gamer girl with a bit of lazy temperament is
standing there just as usual. She put her hands in the pockets
of her sloppy uniform as she chewed bubble gum
emotionlessly.
But now's not the time for that. I gulped and begged
sincerely to this relatively unfamiliar senpai.
•
Uehara-kun, who's still busy fighting the CPU, managed to
interrupt. "You idiot, how can a noob like you drag Nina-
senpai down into this mess...!"
"The one thing that I hate the most is that kind of 'shortcut'
attitude, you should know——"
"——I know!"
However, I cut her off and shouted. Just as the two are a
bit surprised... I clenched my fist tightly and stared at the
floor of the arcade, stuck full of bubble gum... Although I'm
•
about to give in to my own embarrassment, I still said my
arrogant and capricious wish.
"............"
"Even a guy like me knows that the worst attitude you can
have is to rely on cheats or shortcuts when you want to be
better at gaming! So, the two of you can despise as much as
you like! But... even so, I'm still trying to hold my
embarrassment back and beg you two! Please, teach me a
shortcut! I beg you!"
"............" "...Amano..."
"............"
•
"...Raise your head, Keita Amano."
***
Just as I'm waiting for the game to load, I yelled out quite
excitedly.
"Eh?"
"E. Hongo is so fast that I'm feeling terrible for him to only
be a sumo player!"
•
"I want to ask, how could you say that to Mr. E. Hongo?"
"Am I going to switch? No, no, no. I'm really picking this
character."
"............"
"YES!"
"Hm-mmm-mm-hmm!♪"
Tendou-san was shocked. But... now's not the time for that!
I have to do this if I have to beat you within a week!
•
"Ugh... then I'll use this!"
"Hiya!"
"Wha—"
"W-What was that? That expert input skill and the ability to
act according to the situation. It doesn't look like you!"
•
"Tendou-san... It's a mistake for you to use the word 'guilty'
right now."
『2P WIN!』
So, when we're waiting for the next round to start, Tendou-
san glared at me fiercely.
•
anti-air attacks.
『FINISH!』
"Ah."
『2P WIN!"』
"PERFECT!"
—I can't believe I didn't get hit for even once, a total win is
achieved.
"............"
•
"Amano-kun..."
"...Sigh."
***
"Of course. I didn't even sleep for this week just to practice
•
that... Phew."
"Ugh..."
"Wait."
•
spoke quietly with her goddess-like face.
"T-Tendou-san?"
"...Hoho!"
"!"
"Tendou-san..."
Clang!
•
""...Sigh.""
•
Chapter 04: Tasuku Uehara and Weakened Restart
"Yes."
"Nope."
"It's not about fast. Like I've said at the start, I got to meet
someone important today after school."
"You can always delay small things like that. I guess it's just
your daily walk home with Aguri, right?"
"No, no, no, that's not related whether you're free or not!
I'm talking about the prioritization!"
•
"Hey, hey, hey... why are you being so stubborn. What's in
it for you if I meet with that girl?"
I take back when I've said. This guy is honest, kind, and so
cheerful that it's hard for people to dislike him, but he's a
total prick inside... By the way, a douche that doesn't make
people hate him is quite terrible, right?
"You and that girl are the only ones winning, right!"
•
"Ugh..."
"Ugh..."
Exactly. Aguri and I... aren't going too well these days. We
treated it as a misunderstanding about the time when she
almost kissed Amano. Even so, a separate issue is that we
need to slowly figure out how we should treat each other.
——No, it's not just 'it looks like.' ...things really aren't
great for us...
"Still, no."
"............"
"Sigh..."
"Alright, after school, the girl will wait for you behind the
old school building that's originally a parking lot for bicycles.
Thanks!"
However...
•
...I'm pretty sure that I made a wrong friend.
***
Even when I'm stepping onto the grass that grew between
the gaps of the stone slab road, of course, the only place that I
can see doesn't even have a wall to lean onto. This is
extremely uncomfortable.
•
That's why I was described as a smooth and slick person,
right? But this is really who I am, I can't help—
"!"
"Yeah, I heard that you two did nothing even dating for
half a year, isn't that right?"
"Uh, well, if you know that I have a girlfriend, why are you
looking for me?"
"Why? You mean why I'm looking for you, right. You're
really asking me this? Uh, ah, how about please go out with
me, senpai."
"No, it's not fine. How should I put it... Uh... this is just a
temporary roadblock... I still have my feelings for her..."
•
Why am I saying this in front of a junior that I just met for
the first time? My face is blushing from all the
embarrassment.
"——Ah, alright."
"...Eh?"
Even so, it's great to know that the girl is willing to back
down. I raised my hand lightly and continued.
"...!"
"..."
"Really? But senpai, I'm pretty sure that I can make you
happier."
"Yeah. Of course."
"!"
"Please, senpai, can you not act like this? I'm feeling cold."
"——THAT'S ENOUGH!"
"How should I put it, Tsuji... Anyway, I'm not really trying
to reject you. Although I'm not in love with you, I still think
•
it's not bad to do that with you."
"............"
"Ugh!"
I planned to leave after I said that. Tsuji didn't stop me, but
she said "I'll go with senpai as well" before walking next to
me.
"It's fine. I'll leave Tasuku-senpai before the girl finds out."
"Ugh..."
"Really... Sigh, but I don't think you can be one when you
rejected a girl's confession that blatantly."
"Ugh."
Tsuji twirled the tip of her hair as she casually replied with
a bitter comeback. Although I was hurt for a bit... even so, I
still answered in my own style.
"I think it's okay as long as I'm chasing after the 'enriched
normie life' in my heart——"
•
"——Ah, Hiro! Eh, you guys are not going to the club
activity today? Wow... I'm glad to know that! Then I'll go with
you too! Hey, hey, hey, if you got the time, why don't we find
a quiet place? I'm just kidding... Hiya, I'm really sorry."
"Eh, you're too slow! Didn't you say that you'll come back
quickly!"
•
"F-Friends! Y-You're right, we're friends... Y-Yes."
During this time, Amano slightly tilted his head and asked
me.
"By the way, Uehara-kun, where did you go? It looks like
you're walking to the entrance from outside..."
"Nope, it's not like that. Although I want to bicker with you,
it's really just something trivial."
•
"No, no, no, you're really annoying right now."
"Eehhh."
"Yeah, but I'm the one that asked to go with you. In reality,
I'm interested in vintage games as well."
"Hmm?"
"Nope... it's not like that at all. Your side is way more
meaningful, and I also prioritized you first."
•
"R-Really? That's good to know..."
"Shut up."
"Ouch!"
•
Chapter 05: Chiaki Hoshinomori and Broken Multiplayer
After I covered my lips with the scarf that I'm not used to
wearing because it stings my skin, I'm still waiting for the bus
to the school alone while sighing as usual.
The same can be said for the fluffy scarf that I covered my
chin in, nobody knows how long did I observe the
surroundings and how determined I am to wear it. My little
sister Konoha even said this.
"From this perspective, I'm the girl that's paying the most
attention to her outfits!"
............
"Ah..."
•
view is...
『Sender: Tsucchi』
"!"
"Ah..."
"Phew..."
When the bus started, I put my bag to the side and took off
my scarf and let out a sigh in relief.
"...W-W-WHAT!?"
However...
『That's great! Then we'll figure out a time where we're both
free, let's head out as soon as possible! I'm looking forward to
it!』
•
"I'm the one that's looking forward to it!"
"...Ah."
***
As for me, I sat on the stairs two steps from the platform
and grabbed my phone with both hands before speaking up
with watery eyes.
•
"Well, I do admire the fact that you're willing to trust me
and view me as a friend, even going so far to provide all the
online interactions you've done."
"Nope, it's not that at all. You're just nagging over the
intelligence that I gathered a long time ago once more."
"By the way, how're you going to face Amano now? Don't
you view him as your rival?"
"W-Well..."
"Sigh, you can keep that part to your own. I already figured
things out on my own."
"I-I'm convinced."
So, his confession earlier was really just a joke, right? Well,
•
I guess so... but... hmm...
"Usually, why don't you just say that 『I'm still busy』 and
reject him?"
"I-I can't say that. I already said that I'm joining at the
beginning, and the date is already in the 'a time that both of
us figured out that we're convenient' phase. Right now, I'm
afraid that I can never come up with a good reason to reject
him and say we can't go together..."
"I-I'm sorry..."
"Also, the regretful thing is, I'm even freer than him!"
•
blessed!"
In the end, I feel like we're back to square one... While I'm
not sure whether I can say that, but Uehara-kun and I were
back to each other's "discussing partners" once more. Thank
god... Hmm...
"I-It's not just me! All the veterans must belong in the GOM
faction. It has always been like this since the release of the
game. Right, why don't you ask Keita and see what he'll say! I
bet that he'll be just as pissed as I do when you're using a
weak abbreviation like that! He'll fight until his last breath!"
"R-Really. So, you two won't let that weird temper out
often..."
"As for FF, our attitude is, of course, hoping that it could
explicitly use the vintage name Space Warrior. However,
basically, there're absolutely no issues to just call it FF."
"Can you really 'of course' that? It's not right. I think that
•
part definitely varies from person to person!"
•
"I want to go out happily with Keita as well!"
"I-It's not like that! It's not because I have any feelings for
Keita! Uh, well... this is just a great activity that represents the
accumulation of feelings between Mono and Tsucchi! I feel
like it's too much if I'm giving it to my little sister..."
"Eh?"
"I... I guess that's true when you're putting it that way. He's
not a crappy player like you..."
"I got you covered. After all, I already decided that I'll
support you more than anyone."
"............."
"............"
I can only plop my head down and slowly walk down the
stairs.
"?"
***
Amano Keita
•
"I-It's nothing, I feel like... right now, it's not out of the
realm of possibility for me to receive an inter-dimensional
punch to my face."
"——There is."
"Eh?"
•
"That's a big problem!"
"The time that was initially just for you and me will be
robbed away by some other girls. Moreover, it's a game
activity that feels quite interesting. I feel lonely."
"Y-You're right! Uh, if that's the case, why don't you just
come with us..."
"——Ugh."
"Hoshinomori-san..."
"Eh? Ah, it's not like that. She just came up on my head
because I'm considering people related to Konoha-san... Also,
the reason that I call her name directly is only that it has
•
always been this way since I met her..."
"Eh..."
"Karen."
"............"
"............"
•
..................................
...UWAHHHHHHHH.
•
Crap. This is so embarrassing. What the hell? Why is this 10
times more embarrassing than when I'm confessing?
I guess I can skip the part for thinking, "who the hell do
you think you are" when I'm calling Tendou-san's name
directly.
Well, the deeper part is that our hearts suddenly got too
close together.
"Like what?"
"You can use the new 'GOM Search' function right away. I
think it's still entertaining if you treat it as a real-time location
game. Also, the abilities of the starting characters are quite
good as well, perhaps they're even better than veterans like
Mono and me."
"Really? Well, let's forget about this one first. The real issue
is the next one."
"Hmm?"
"............"
"Why?"
Then, it wrote...
•
"What's going on?"
"What?"
Tendou-san blinked.
***
Uehara Tasuku
Under the clear sky, I went through the park and arrived at
the fountain, which is where we decided to meet. Then, I saw
someone I know not far away in front of me.
"Aguri."
"Oh, hello."
"You went out of your way to come here. Sorry, I'm forcing
you even if you're uninterested."
"...Good morning."
•
Also, it included us four plus Amano and Tendou, 6 people
in total. To put it simply, it's the Game Hobby Club +1.
""Ouch...""
"Really? Konohacchi."
•
"Really. Well..."
"In the end, all of us get to enjoy this happily. Isn't that
great, Konohacchi!?"
"I'm sorry. I really can't help but get into a fight with the
gentle Agu-senpai."
While both of them are still smiling, but I can feel that
they're slightly triggered... I think these two don't match each
other very well. However, instead of saying this as a
relationship conflict, I guess this has more to do with the
two's completely different personalities.
•
"Hey, hey, but anyway, I'm still glad that this turned into a
wholesome and enjoyable activity!"
"...Really?"
Just as I'm thinking about all that, we can already see the
fountain that we're meeting at. Also, the long bench at the
side...
"...Uh, I would like to ask all the seniors that are studying
in Otobuki here... is that person acting explicitly like that?"
"For real..."
...Right there.
"Is it okay for a person like that to exist outside the world
of light novels! Isn't that too weird!"
•
"""G-Good morning."""
"Why are you making him salute? But, I guess it's quite
strange for Amano to be late."
The part that he went out of his way to contact us that he'll
•
be late for a minute is really like Amano.
"Eh?"
Aguri mumbled.
"I think it's a guy... who's that? I have never seen him at
school."
•
"None of the Otobuki students knows him. Perhaps it's just
Amano-senpai's old friend, right?"
"I-It's fine..."
•
Also, he's not the same as me. He's letting off a completely
natural aura. I guess I can represent this kind of
"outstanding" existence if I say that his impression matches
that of Karen Tendou's.
"""B-Brother?"""
We said the exact same thing out of our shock. The tall boy
looked at us a bit embarrassingly... Then, he rubbed Amano's
back, who's still coughing nonstop as he spoke up.
***
Hoshinomori Konoha
•
In the end, we chatted happily as we strolled along the
park excitedly and went from checkpoint to checkpoint. Two
hours had already passed before we knew it.
"Ugh! I really hate myself for not being able to retort and
can do nothing aside from getting sulky!"
"Hey, hey, brother, I'm sorry for being such an elite little
brother."
•
...Hm. It looks like the relationship between the brothers is
even closer than us sisters in a sense. However, if that's the
case, why doesn't he just call him "bro" directly... perhaps this
is the difference between sisters and brothers.
"...Yep."
•
for lunch, alright. Everyone agrees?"
"7 in total, right? Uh, right now... let me see. All of you will
be split into two 4-person tables that are a bit far away, will
that be too inconvenient?"
In the end...
"............"
"............"
•
Tendou-senpai is with Trashara, and I'm with the little
brother... We stared at each other silently as if we're at a
funeral.
"............"
"""...Sigh."""
"............."
"At least, bitches like you will never be his type. Know your
place, slut."
"Oh. Really..."
""!""
•
confusion to our stiff attitude... Yep, I must be imagining
things. That's great, I thought something went wrong for a
second.
"...Hmm?"
•
refreshing smile.
"R-Really."
"R-Really?"
•
"Yeah! Please continue to pretend as a 'fake friend' and
'fake girlfriend' from now on. It would be great if you two can
stay on good terms with my brother for a long time!"
"F-Fake...?"
"Yeah! After all, you two aren't in the same league with my
brother at all. However, right now, he misunderstood that you
two are his friend and girlfriend. So, it's a fact that he earned
some sort of mental comfort from this. In this sense, I think
the two of you are still really important to my brother."
"R-Really..."
"!"
""...Uh...""
•
after hearing that.
"Why!?"
"Eh? You say... I'm acting innocently? What are you talking
about?"
"No, no, no! I'm the one that should feel regret right now!"
"Ah, okay, what is your question? U... Ue... the green leaves
senpai who's just acting as a foil to my brother."
•
"Aguri-senpai and Chiaki-senpai. I really respect them.
Sigh... my brother got himself two great friends in high
school. To that, I'm delighted to know this today..."
Kousei wiped the tears off the corner of his eyes after he
said that... T-This guy is crazy. He's excelling my "hentai game
lover despite being a student council president" side. He's a
complete psycho. I can't believe Amano-senpai's little brother
is actually a guy like this...
"Uh... Kousei-kun?"
"R-Really...?"
"...Eh?"
"Quite possible."
"............"
He continued.
•
"So, the reason that I'm giving you guys a bad rating is just
that I hate 'people that thought they're smooth and slick' at
everything. My brother has always been hurt by people like
that......... including myself."
"!"
...Ohhh?
"Huh?"
"...Uwah..."
•
"W-Well, what should we do next?"
"U-Ugh, Kousei..."
"............"
•
——Before we ate that lunch... I can sincerely agree... he's
trying to be a 'good little brother that knows when to exhort
his brother' when he said that.
"I wanted to play for just a little bit more like Keita..."
...Anyway.
•
Just like that, -everyone "agreed" to retake a stroll for the
checkpoints.
***
Amano Keita
We're already in the rural area that's far away from the
downtown area filled with game stores and other shops. It's
only a short walk away from the area that's full of natural
scenery. However, right now, there are only food processing
factories and car reseller shops that no one visits. There's
nothing that can calm down my restless heart at the moment.
In the end, I can only put my mind on the friends that are
walking in front of me...
"............"
So, just as he's... chatting with the three people that he just
sat with for lunch extra peacefully, I finally realized.
——Ay, but I guess this is not all bad. I think I'm acting a
•
bit too proud lately.
"Eh?"
•
morning. It lasted all the way until we had lunch.
"Eh?"
"...It's okay..."
•
Tendou-san is holding herself with her arms tightly for
some reason. She's even looking away from me...?
This time, Chiaki was the one that walked next to me while
I'm feeling hopeless.
•
She's looking at me with her usual, slightly provoking
stance.
"Huh? Why are you asking that? I mean, it's okay... but
you're not the one that cooked it, anyways."
"You're right..."
"It's nothing... Hmm, good to know that. Yes. Sorry for the
simple diet."
"Uh, why are you saying that like you cooked it."
•
Chiaki laughed. "Good boy." Then, she stood next to me
and checked her game as well.
"...Really."
——I think I've seen her playing GOM a while ago... was it
just my imagination?
•
"What kind of fetish do I need for me to be turned on with
a game screen like that..."
"By the way, why are you calling yourself Haru (Spring)?"
•
"Eh, really? What characters?"
"...Hmm?"
"!"
"...Hiya?"
She was shocked for a while. After that, she answered with
something that's not even remotely related.
"What are you talking about? You can get this character,
this one. Don't you remember?"
I can't believe this person is Mono that I've played with for
so long... at the same time, she's supposed to be the F2P game
creator NOBE that I respect. Even if my brain understands,
right now, I still feel like they're not related to Konoha-san.
•
——Despite confirming Konoha-san's username from her
phone, I still feel unrealistic... From this perspective, I think
I'm quite weird as well.
Just like that, she wrapped her arms around her older
sister's shoulders. Then, she even glanced at me before
whispering about something I don't know.
——I feel like it's better for me to not listen to it. Even
though I don't know what do the girls want.
So...
•
Konoha-san suddenly came back to me and self-introduced
herself again, which has been repeated so many times at this
point.
............
•
glanced at the two people that are far behind the group.
The sisters are surely close. I feel like Kousei doesn't like
me very much, so I can do nothing aside from getting envious.
***
".........."
".........."
Even Tendou-san can't hide her tired look. This shows that
how exhausting and unconstructive today really is.
"Ah, we're going at 6:35 PM. We're quite close to you guys."
"Really..."
The conversation ended entirely. Yes, it's over. It's not like
the usual "after a subtle silence," instead, it's absolutely over.
I can say that everyone doesn't want to talk in the least bit.
——Uh... ah!
"Ah."
"I'm okay. I'm just reading the online news, yes. W-What
about you, Keita?"
"Really?"
"Yeah."
Our conversation ended, just like that... I let out a faint sigh
as I stared at the screen once again.
——I really want this. But... it's really far and the bus is
arriving soon...
——Ah, right...
•
"——Ah, I'm sorry, Amano-senpai. Just a second... phew!"
Once we walked out of the rest area and arrived at the bus
terminus, Uehara-kun turned back and looked at us as he
concluded.
•
the other.
"Phew."
"Hmm? Nope, it's not like that. I'm not you, brother. I'm
not afraid of people."
"Ugh..."
"However—"
"Kousei..."
"...Who knows."
•
Kousei chuckled like there's a deeper meaning behind this.
What a humble person. I really like him for not being
arrogant. This is the little brother of my house. I should say
that he's very social while keeping his true self.
In comparison, I...
"............"
6:25 PM... During this time, the bus in front that's heading
to downtown is starting.
"............"
•
The screen of GOM Search that I opened earlier filled my
sight.
...Sigh, fine.
"Kousei."
"Y-Yeah?"
***
Hoshinomori Chiaki
"...Phew."
"Alright..."
"...I'm here...!"
Starry Plaza.
——I really wish there's a place for me to sit down and rest
if possible...
"...Wow."
The late bus, the exhausted body, and all the stairs are
worth it.
•
I wanted to see the sky with him. Then, together...
——No.
•
I stared at the bright sky as I can't help but smile bitterly.
Yes. The reason that I'm asking Konoha to go back first and
to go out of my way to come here... I'm not trying to flood
myself with that kind of sweet imagination.
"——Chiaki?"
"............"
•
"Good evening, Chiaki. I didn't expect you're that similar to
me to the point that we're here to watch the stars alone... This
is a bit hilarious."
"Weird, what's wrong with you? You're sitting all the way at
the edge."
"I didn't say that... but it's hard for me to talk to you when
you're that far away."
"You... you're right. I-I feel like this bench can squeeze 5
people in."
•
"Then come closer if you know that."
"We're just chatting. Why are you thinking in the same way
as Konoha-san does? Uh, it's more like..."
"After all... it's not good to talk loudly in places like this,
right?"
"By the way, Keita, why are you here? Where's your little
brother?"
"My little brother got home first. Then, the reason that I'm
here..."
"Keita?"
•
"Uh, it's not like that."
"T-This is..."
"............"
I can't help but take a deep breath when I saw what was on
the screen.
"............"
"!"
"...!"
I fell speechless.
•
this happening? I... I...
"...Alright..."
"!"
Then...
"...It's beautiful..."
"By the way, Chiaki, why are you here all alone? Do you
like watching the stars?"
•
"Eh? Ah..."
"Yeah. I love it... I love it to the point that I wish I can just
lie down and stare at it forever."
"While it's been a long time since I can watch the stars like
this... hmm, I guess it's not too bad to do this sometimes."
"Yep."
"Haha, it's not your style to look at the night sky for ideas.
•
For example, the Peony Cake Eater..."
"I-It's not like that! As long as I wished for it, I can also
write something that will go down in the history of the entire
universe...! Ah, speaking of the universe, did you get Star
Hero 5 in the end?"
"Ah, exactly. I'm not a fan of the series, but I still had a
good time. I like the refreshing battles, and the degree of
completion is really high."
However-
Then, after the game talk ended, Keita still stared at the sky
as he spoke up a bit respectfully. "Ah, right."
•
"Hmm? W-Why are you suddenly thanking me?"
——Uh...
"Ah? W-Well..."
•
"Ay, sometimes."
"...Yeah."
Like right now... even though I'm alone with you, and
you're next to me. I still can't say anything.
•
"...Sigh."
"...Eh?"
•
"Think about it, the only reason that we know each other is
because I was basically trying to strike up a conversation with
you back then, right?
•
things' because of my first success. I guess a part of me still
view it that way."
"...Keita."
"So, thank you, Chiaki. Thank you for willing to... uh,
become friends with me."
"............"
Then.
"Eh?"
•
"What's wrong, Chiaki? We're going?"
"Hiya."
"Ah."
"Oops."
"Eh? GOM?"
•
T-Think about this... I need to think about this as quickly as
possible! I'm the best at overcoming difficult situations like
this, yes!
"............"
•
"...Eh?"
"!"
"...Chiaki?"
"Chiaki...? How did you... know all of that...? Ah, did you
•
hear that from Konoha-san... No, even if that's true, you're
way too familiar..."
"You're... Mono...?"
"...Huh?"
•
"Uh, so... how should I put this... Well... you always thought
that Konoha is your 'online friend.' In reality, it was me all
along... Well... I accidentally lied to you because I'm too
embarrassed..."
"............"
•
look... So, he slowly raised his head.
"!"
•
"However, I think 'excitement' is overflowing in my heart
right now."
"............"
Keita continued.
"............"
——Keita... I... I
•
"?"
——Ahhhh.
Suddenly.
"Chiaki?"
•
Afterword
Hello, I'm the author that washes his upper left arm first
during a bath, Sekina Aoi.
"Well, if you guys are saying that, it can't be helped. For the
readers, and for the reputation of 'lengthy afterwords,' I
wanted to write a long afterword too. But I'm impressed by
your enthusiasm. Alright, I decided to...not write a lengthy
afterword this time!"
I can answer like that too. Please let me answer that way.
Please. I beg you. I can kneel down, or I can lick your shoes.
"We have X pages for this time. ...Is it okay? Do you want to
change it?"
•
I accepted it casually. Everything's my fault, ...yet I kept
blabbing. Sekina Aoi is undoubtedly annoying. I'm really
sorry.
It's like playing a game for two hours without saving, and
then the fuse blew. This feeling. Also, after reading that
description-
"I can't believe Sekina Aoi spent two hours on a text like
this? It looks like he's not talented to write afterwords."
It's also quite rare for a volume to have plot twists in the
middle and at the end.
............
.........
Uh, although I just wrote a setting like that, I'm not sure
whether Tendou-san is an "udon lover." I entirely made that
up just then. However, if the author specifically mentioned
that in the afterword, it's obviously a BTS setting, right. Yep,
but if we actually ask Tendou-san...
So, just like the example above, it's not BTS settings if you
made it up later. It only counts as the author saying random
things. I'm sorry. The stage is not based on an afterlife world.
...Uh, even though if you say the characters are actually in the
"Hell of Romantic Comedy," I feel like a lot of parts can be
explained at once.
Uh? You're asking why? ...After all, perhaps I'll use it later
•
in some other places. Even if I don't, it'll be extremely
embarrassing if people started complaining about it. More
importantly, to the people who have only read 『Gamers!』,
that's something that they would never care about. ...Or I
should say, it's not worth mentioning to someone else...
............
So, that's all for the BTS settings for 『Gamers!』. Hey, it's
really an afterword-style afterword! I feel like a healthy light
novel author right now! The guy that spent 5 pages
complaining about afterwords wasn't me at all!
I've heard that every afterword will start with this sentence
from now on...
...Uh, sorry, this series will still end before the 100th
episode.
Then, props to the editor. Even though I'm the weirdo that
agreed to write a lengthy afterword and nag about it, you still
patiently accompanied me. Thank you so much. I can
guarantee that I'll write something long about this next time
too. Hope you don't mind.
•
Finally, thank you, readers. Thanks for reading this
volume. You guys even read the afterword that's full of
complaints, not to mention the annoying main story. Perhaps
your stomach is full already, but the story and afterwords will
continue. So, I hope everyone can spend a few months on
digestion.
- Sekina Aoi
•
Credits
Source/Translator:
reddit.com/user/your_pingas
skythewood.blogspot.com
PDF+ePUB:
fb.com/AdminAzuraRen