“...Hey.”
“Ah, this is nice...”
“It might suit Rira-tan~”
“Eh. But something like this would suit Hiyori better.”
“Anything would look good on Rira-tan~ Since you’re naturally cute~”
......
“Hey, you guys.”
“Ah, this skirt is for Hiyori! Definitely Hiyori!”
“Eh? Isn't it too fluffy~?”
................
“Hey, don't ignore me!”
“Muu. What is it, Akito? You're being annoying.”
“No, well. I’m very sorry to interrupt your conversation, but... are you still buying more?”
There were a large number of paper bags in my arms. At least fifteen, no less.
All of them were items bought by Riran and Hiyori.
It's their freedom to buy as much as they want... plus, we just received our model fees recently.
“What are you talking about? We're just getting started.”
“Just getting started, huh...”
Well, they're not heavy, so it's fine.
When I let out a soft sigh, Asahiko wore a troubled expression.
“Ahaha... I should carry some too, Akito-san.”
“Ah, no, it's not like they're heavy. More importantly, are you okay, Asahiko? Aren't you tired?”
“Yes, I'm fine. Thank you for your concern.”
Even though he said that, I could see a bit of fatigue.
The two girls seem so absorbed in shopping that they haven't noticed.
I sighed once more.
Unintentionally, Asahiko sighed at the same time.
We reflexively looked at each other and both chuckled.
“It’s hard for both of us, having such cute girlfriends.”
“You said it.”
Even that part of her feels cute and precious to me.
I really do love Riran from the bottom of my heart.
While I was realizing such an obvious thing, the two finally returned.
“Asa-tan, Sana-tan. We're back~”
“Sorry for making you wait.”
“Oh, welcome back.”
As expected, the luggage had increased again.
Girls really do love shopping, don't they?
“Now then, where should we go next?”
“Wait, wait. Let's go where Asahiko wants to go for a change. The goal of today was to hang out together.”
“Ah. That's true. I'm sorry, Asahiko-kun.”
“N-No. I'm fine. ...Ah.”
Hm? Asahiko, where are you looking... ah.
“An arcade, huh?”
“Is this the rumored game center!?”
“Rumored? Have you never been?”
“Yes! I was bedridden the whole time!”
It's hard to know how to react when he says that with such a sparkling smile.
“Then, shall we go in?”
“Is it okay!?”
“Yeah. You two are okay with it, right?”
“Of course.”
“Let's go, let's go~!”
◆
After leaving our bags in a coin locker, we arrived at the arcade.
It's the largest arcade in this area, with everything from karaoke and bowling to billiards and a batting center.
During prize periods, I come here with Ryūya and Neika to make a killing.
Well, because of that, we were banned for a while. Mainly because of Neika.
I haven't been to an arcade lately because I’ve been busy. This bustle. This atmosphere. It's been a while.
When I was about to ask what they wanted to play, Riran looked around curiously.
“Heh. Arcades are actually quite clean.”
“Hm? Is this your first time too, Riran?”
“Yes. I’m not interested in games, and I had this image that only sketchy people came here.”
“What are you, from the Showa era?”
It might depend on the place, but this is a safe arcade.
There are groups of girls, and elementary schoolers often come here to play.
Nowadays, sketchy people don't really loiter around.
“So, how about it, Asahiko? Is there anything you want to do?”
“............”
“...Asahiko?”
“...This is... this is a game center...! I've finally arrived, the utopia I've longed for...!”
“No, you're exaggerating.”
“I am not exaggerating!!”
Whoa!? Hey, your face is too close...!
“Just how much do you think I've gamed on my bed until now!? How many games have I played through, how many completionist elements have I cleared, how much darkness have I experienced, how many worlds have I saved, and how many princesses have I rescued!?!?”
“I’m sorry.”
I apologized instinctively.
B-B-B-Because his eyes were dead serious. It was scary. Pien.
“As long as you understand.”
Asahiko put his hands on his hips and puffed his chest out proudly.
This guy is a veteran.
No, the word veteran is too mild.
Asahiko. This man... is a Shura (Gulp).
“Men are all idiots.”
“But that's part of what makes them cute~”
“I get it.”