Several hours passed, still at the game center. Releasing both of my hands from the game machine I had been playing since earlier, I stretched my body with satisfaction.

"So this is what it feels like to play arcade games after school..."

Because the shopping mall in this city isn't very developed, I can only play arcade games occasionally on holidays, and even that means having to take a train to go to the distant neighboring city.

"Even though the game selection here is small, at least this one's from a series I know..."

For example, like Ztreet Wighter. I played it against Yona many times and aside from the character designs and their stories being vastly different, the mechanics were still the same.

"You could say, this is like playing a localized version of the game from my old world."

"So, which world did you used to live in, Ren?"

Accidentally hearing what I muttered—Yona, coming from the other side of the arcade machine, spoke while lightly massaging her palm. Maybe because it was sore after keeping me company for hours of playing.

I lifted the corners of my mouth.

"A world where swords and magic exist. I haven't told anyone this, but actually I'm the reincarnation of a hero who defeated the demon king and brought peace."

"Really? A hero who won against the demon king, but keeps losing over and over to me in a game?"

With a small laugh, Yona managed to stab my heart by pointing out the fact of my inability to play competitive games, even if it was only against her; who is a complete amateur.

"T-That's because I just wasn't ready yet."

If only I were used to this arcade machine's controls, I definitely could've beaten her, definitely!

"... By the way Yona, do you still have time after this? Want me to take you to a café for a bit? As thanks for keeping me company while playing, I'll treat you."

The girl with the ponytail raised an eyebrow, and quickly raised both hands, refusing.

"No need. Actually, I should be the one thanking you for agreeing to come here with me. I don't mind going to a café, but let's split the bill."

"Is that so? In that case, let's just go home."

Standing up from the chair, I took my bag and carried it, ready to go home.

"Eh?"

Surprised by my sudden action, Yona only let out a confused sound.

"It feels wrong to ask you to hang out again when you're already sore from keeping me company. Especially since you don't want me to treat you. It's better to just go home and rest."

Deliberately letting out an exaggerated sigh, I shook my head, pretending to be disappointed.

"I actually wanted to take you out again tomorrow, since it's Sunday. But I guess that's impossible."

I moved my feet and even though it was just one step, just as I expected, a hand immediately grabbed my arm.

At first, I thought she would panic and accept my offer to treat her. But unexpectedly, she just held my arm and after a two-second pause, I could feel her head somehow already resting on my back.

"... Mean."

That word came out of her mouth.

Soft and quiet, but it sounded so clear it reached my ears.

...Haven't you always said I was a good person before? Why are you calling me mean now?

I swallowed, and without realizing it, her hand that was holding me started to move, slowly sliding down to reach my fingers.

The scent from her long hair touched my nose, making my body unable to move.

Then, even though she was behind, I could almost imagine what expression she was making when her voice was heard again.

"Please, don't tease me more than this... Ren. You don't need to always try to get back at what I did. Besides, spending time with you like this... is already more than enough to make me happy compared to any treat you could offer."

"So-Sorry."

Yona didn't look at me at all, but I reflexively turned away. Blood flowed through my whole body and a faint heat could be felt from my face.

...Why does she always like saying embarrassing things like this? Especially in public.

My back was already drenched in sweat since I was playing earlier. As she leaned her head more, the occasional breaths touched directly onto my skin, causing a strange ticklish feeling.

"O-Okay, for now let's go find a café. We can deal with the bill later."

"Um."

She still didn't let go of the grip, and didn't seem like she intended to.

Because the reactions from the people around started to make me even more embarrassed, all I could do was hold her hand tighter and hurry away.

The staff standing nearby lowered her hat and looked away.

A couple passing by laughed softly as if they were seeing themselves in us.

A girl with twin tails let out a clear gasp and started walking toward me.

Honestly, because everyone immediately looked at us the moment we entered their view, for a moment I felt like a real criminal—

No, wait.

Why is there a girl approaching? We did attract attention, but we weren’t over the top enough to be disturbing, were we?

I had a bad feeling and started to walk faster, which made Yona, who I was pulling, become confused.

"...Ren?"

Unfortunately, the girl managed to catch up and block both of us from the front. Standing with legs apart, her twin tails swayed and her index finger pointed at me.

"You cheater bastard!"

Huh?

Her face finally came into view clearly and now that I think about it... I feel like I've seen her somewhere before.

"...Yuri's little sister?"

"Don't you dare say her name with your filthy mouth! My sister didn't go to school for one day and you've already shown your true colors, you shameless gigolo!"

G-Gigolo?

Also, what was she talking about all this time? Who here is cheating? Didn't I always lose against Yona earlier!?

Yuri's little sister then stepped back with a disgusted expression, crossed her arms and hugged herself like she wanted to distance my touch from her. 

"Your name's Ren, right? I should've never trusted you. From the start, there's no way my sister could get a boyfriend, let alone invite one to her room. And it turns out to be true, you're just playing with her heart!"

More or less, I understand now... but, when did I try to play with someone's heart!?

"You're mistaken—"

I tried to approach and talk to her. But my shoulder was stopped by someone. Looking back, I saw Yona.

Her eyes weren’t looking at me. Her smile had long disappeared. All that remained was a chilling presence, more terrifying than murderous intent, directed at Yuri’s little sister.

I tried to stop her. But, her strength was beyond what I expected as she quickly walked up to Yuri’s little sister, then grabbed her by the collar.

"Don’t you dare say his name with your filthy mouth, you damn slut. I don’t know exactly what you’re talking about, but if you try to hurt MY Ren’s feelings again—even a little ... don’t expect to go home with both of your twintails intact."

"Yona, enough..."

Turning around, I saw Yuri’s little sister clenching her fists and gritting her teeth hard. Her eyes stared straight at Yona, and then... tears fell from them.

"M-Mom, help me..."