After the characters were selected, the TV screen instantly switched to a fighting arena. Each chosen fighter stood on opposite sides.
Watching the countdown on screen, I glanced at Komari. She was focused intently on the TV.
...Does she really love gaming that much?...
As the countdown neared zero, I didn’t dwell on it. I turned my serious gaze to the screen.
The moment it hit zero, Komari charged her character forward.
—Such a fierce attack!
No time to admire it. I quickly defended against her relentless assault. She clearly knew this game well.
As a first-time player, I could only focus on defense. I needed to learn my character’s moves before counterattacking.
Soon, the battle reached a stalemate. My lecherous old man character was forced into a corner. He passively defended against her furious barrage.
Since it was my first try, I lost the first round quickly. But I wasn’t discouraged at all.
Though I lost, I’d mastered my character’s combos. I’d also learned Komari’s fighting style.
Now, the real battle begins!
“Heh heh heh...”
After winning, Komari glanced at Kamidou Chiyo. To her surprise, a slight smile curled his lips. He showed no trace of disappointment.
...This guy is a formidable opponent!
That thought flashed in her mind. But she’d already won one round. Just one more victory would secure the match!
The best-of-three match moved to round two. As it began, I swiftly attacked with my character.
My chances of losing were high this round.
But against a player like her who knew the game inside out, I’d use chaotic, rapid attacks. I’d disrupt her rhythm.
Simply put, I’d force intense combat with constant strikes. I’d make her rely on basic combos like me.
—Secret technique! Overwhelm the master with wild punches!!
The battle ended with a narrow victory for me. My health bar was down to one pixel.
But Komari’s expression showed she’d spotted this tactic’s flaw. I couldn’t use it again in the final round.
By now, the outcome was no longer in doubt. I’d completely figured out her character’s style. No matter how she fought, she couldn’t win.
The decisive third round began fast. This time, neither of us moved first. We stood deadlocked on screen.
I glanced at child-sized Komari beside me. A trace of confidence showed on her face.
Seeing that, I knew something was wrong. Suddenly, the Hamster Cape Guy unleashed his ultimate move. A giant brown hamster phantom appeared around his body.
—No good! He’s entered berserk mode!!
The berserk fighter’s eyes glowed brown. He charged at my character at lightning speed. He unleashed a furious combo.
“Heh heh heh...” Komari let out an oddly excited sound.
My health bar dwindled. I stopped operating my controller.
...Am I going to lose?... Of course not!!!
Just then, the Hamster Cape Guy used a rapid uppercut combo.
—Now! There’s an opening!! Time to counterattack!
A gleam flashed across my glasses. My fingers flew over the controller. They blurred across the gamepad.
On screen, the lecherous old man unleashed his ultimate. He transformed into a raging gale. It struck the airborne, stunned Hamster Cape Guy.
—Face the gale!!
The gale sliced back and forth across his opponent. Combo damage piled up instantly. The Hamster Cape Guy floated mid-air, continuously stunned. His health bar hit rock bottom. He crashed to the ground.
As he tried to rise, the old man extended iron claws. He grabbed him. He slammed him down with an overhead throw.
At that moment, the last of his health vanished. Crimson letters—K.O.—slowly appeared on screen.
I slowly let out a breath. I turned to look at Komari.
She lay sprawled on the floor. A disgruntled expression covered her child-sized face.
“No way! I don’t wanna go cherry blossom viewing!” Defeated, Komari acted like a spoiled child, throwing a tantrum.
“That won’t do,” Taihei Doma walked over. “You have to keep your word!”
“But...” Komari rolled to her brother’s feet. She looked up at him pitifully.
“No! This time, no excuses. On the weekend, you’re coming with me and Chiyo’s family to view the cherry blossoms!”
Taihei crossed his arms. His tone was firm.
Seeing his resolve, Komari slumped in defeat. She rolled over, crawled to the bed, and flopped onto it.
Embarrassed, I glanced out the window. Pitch-black night filled the view. I checked the time. “Senior, it’s late. I should head home.”
“Visit more often, Chiyo!”
“Mhm! I will! Thanks for having me.”
I nodded. I grabbed my backpack. I walked to the genkan, put on my shoes, and left the apartment.
As I stepped into the corridor, I spotted a purple-haired girl. She stood there, gazing up at the night sky.
A white eyepatch covered her left eye. Bandages wrapped her hands. She wore a Gothic dress and black over-the-knee socks.
Seeing such an eerie girl, I felt awkward. Did I open the door wrong?... Should I go back and try again?...
I didn’t turn back. I tiptoed forward, planning to slip past her.
Just as I reached behind her, the girl turned around expressionlessly. She stared straight at me.
“...I saw it...”
