“Ohhh, so this is the rumored e-sports cafe that I’ve heard so much about…!” (Keitaro)
A sigh of admiration escaped naturally from my lips.
In front of me were rows of gaming PCs, and near the back, I could see something resembling a bar counter. There were even special seats for spectators equipped with monitors and giant displays.
“Hehe, impressive, isn’t it? It’s the largest gaming facility in the country.” (Serika)
Indeed, it was a facility large enough to even host national tournaments. I nodded in agreement, acknowledging Serika’s proud smile.
On a certain holiday, I found myself at a newly opened e-sports cafe. The reason for my visit stems from an invitation from my childhood friend who was currently lounging next to me.
One night, I received a message from Serika asking if I wanted to go to a gaming cafe next time we were free and I couldn’t help but think, “What’s gotten into her all of a sudden?” But now that I’m here, I can safely say that it was the right decision.
“Wow, this is amazing… I’ve never been to a place like this before, but it’s way more impressive than I imagined. My gamer blood is boiling!” (Keitaro)
“Oh, it’s your first time?” (Serika)
“Heh, yeah. I’m more of a solo player, you know. I didn’t have any acquaintances who would drag me to places like this.” (Keitaro)
“…Don’t try to make being a loner sound cool.” (Serika)
As expected of Serika, being my childhood friend, she understands me all too well. And she’s merciless.
“But well, it worked out for the best, didn’t it? You should be grateful to me for creating this opportunity.” (Serika)
“Yeah, seriously, I’m grateful. Thank you, Serika.” (Keitaro)
“…Yay (yatta)! I helped Ketaro…!” (Serika)
Serika seemed to be doing some sort of strange victory pose, but putting that aside, I was absorbed in looking around the store. It would be exciting to see highlights of games on the big screen.
“Wow, it’s so big…! This is amazing, Kei-kun!” (Nozomi)
As I was pondering such thoughts, a voice came from behind, and when I turned around, Yuki was smiling and expressing her thoughts while looking around just like me.
Since Yuki had seen our exchange on messaging, she asked if she could join us, to which Serika readily agreed.
…I feel like the line that shouldn’t be crossed is getting lower and lower. Well, just for today, I have no choice but to reluctantly accept it as just classmates hanging out.
“Huh… is it me or does it seem like there’s no one else here?” (Nozomi)
At that moment, Yuki started to look around as if she had suddenly noticed something.
…Now that she mentioned it, I was so excited that I hadn’t noticed, but are there really no other people here besides us?
The store was eerily quiet, with not even a single customer or staff member in sight. What’s going on?
“Ah, well, of course. I reserved the whole place today.” (Serika)
“Reserved? You can do that? That’s amazing!” (Nozomi)
Yuki seemed impressed and surprised by Serika’s words, but I was surprised for a different reason.
“For you to reserve an entire facility like this… the scale of your actions is as messed up as ever…” (Keitaro)
“What are you talking about? This is nothing special.” (Serika)
“Huh? What do you mean by ‘nothing special’?” (Nozomi)
Upon hearing our conversation, Yuki tilted her head. Why is it that every little gesture of hers is so cute? Well, putting that aside, I hesitated for a moment before directing my gaze towards Serika, wondering if it was okay to say anything. When Serika noticed my gaze, she nodded slightly, giving me the okay.
“Actually, Serika is from a really prestigious family. Her parents are from the founding family of a major corporation—” (Keitaro)
As I mentioned the name of the company, which I’m sure everyone knows…
“Eh, that big company!?” (Nozomi)
Yuki looked surprised, as expected.
“Yeah, that’s right. So, since this facility belongs to our group, I could reserve it quite easily.” (Serika)
Serika’s straightforward and proud manner of speaking without hiding things like this is so typical of her.
Well, I’ve known her for a long time so I know that she always states the facts as it is without any intention of sarcasm or stuff like that, but this tends to lead to misunderstanding with others not so familiar with her personality.
“Wow, that’s amazing, Serika-chan!” (Nozomi)
Fortunately, Yuki seemed genuinely impressed. She’s so honest. She’s truly an angel.
“Heh, well, it’s nothing much, really.” (Serika)
“Don’t get too carried away.” (Keitaro)
“I-I’m not getting carried away or anything! I don’t usually do stuff like this, you know. Today is special, really special! I went out of my way to reserve it just to invite you, my oshi!” (Serika)
Serika boasted with a smug expression. Honestly, I’m torn between thinking “she didn’t have to go that far” and “she went that far just for me?” It’s hard to know if I should just be happy about it or not. I understand the feeling of wanting to do something for your oshi, but her scale of doing things is just way too different.
“Heh, well, that just shows how much I support Ketaro.” (Serika)
Serika, for some reason, directed a triumphant glance at Yuki. I feel bad for feeling oddly satisfied by it, but…
“Yeah, but isn’t reserving the whole place going a bit overboard?” (Keitaro)
“W-What do you mean? It’s not going overboard at all. Besides, with top-level influencers gathering here, it’s only natural to reserve it, given the circumstances.” (Serika)
“Oh, yeah, I guess that makes sense…” (Keitaro)
Leaving aside Mariel-sama, whose real identity is supposed to be hidden, if a top idol like Yuki is coming, such considerations might indeed be necessary. It could cause a panic otherwise.
But still, Serika is one of the few people who could reserve the whole place for such a reason.
“Oh, definitely. There is an idol, a VTuber… and also the new hottest game streamer here.” (Nozomi)
“…? Wait, are you talking about me?” (Keitaro)
“Of course she is. If there were customers here and they found out you were that Kei, it would cause a huge panic.” (Serika)
“How much are you overestimating me!? There’s no way that would happen!” (Keitaro)
“No, Serika-san is right. It would probably cause a riot with people clamoring for Kei-kun’s autograph. As expected of Serika-san, she foresaw that!” (Nozomi)
“Heh, exactly. You understand it all too well, Yukina Nozomi!” (Serika)
…Wait, why are they mysteriously bonding over this? If anyone were to cause a riot when discovered, it would be them, not me. Why are they lifting me up like this while ignoring themselves? Their exaggerated praise of me is starting to scare me.
After all the excitement, Serika then continues with, “And also…”
“Influencers aren’t the only ones here, you know. There’s also a certain popular cosplayer.” (Serika)
Serika directed her gaze towards behind me. Perhaps in response to her words, I felt a tight grip on my clothes from behind.
When I turned around, I saw Sana peeking cautiously from behind me, as if trying to hide her presence. Actually, Sana had also come here with us today.
When Serika and Yuki expressed their desire to meet her, I hesitantly asked if she wanted to come along, and surprisingly, she agreed. She’s generally an indoorsy type and wasn’t really interested in games or anything like that, but I’m glad that she came.
However, it’s not good for her to keep hiding behind me like this. Sana is naturally shy, but it’s the first time I’ve seen her so cautious. Could it be that she’s feeling overwhelmed by Serika and Yuki’s strong personalities? I can understand that feeling.
“Come on, it’s about time you came out and said hello.” (Keitaro)
Leaving that aside, I lightly pushed Sana’s back to encourage her. At first, she seemed hesitant, but eventually, she stepped forward and looked directly at Serika.
“…Amamiya Sana. Onii-chan imouto desu.” (Sana)
“Saionji Serika. Ketaro’s childhood friend.” (Serika)
After this brief and concise exchange, for some reason, they continued to stare silently at each other without saying a word. A moment of silence passed, and there was a tense atmosphere in the air.
…What’s with this atmosphere?
But eventually, they both opened their mouths simultaneously and spoke.
“…Cute.” (Serika & Sana)
And just as their voices harmonized beautifully, for some reason, this time both of them turned their sharp gazes towards me. Caught off guard, I instinctively took a step back.
“Hey Ketaro, I didn’t expect imouto-san to be this cute!” (Serika)
“…Onii-chan, you’ve never mentioned that your childhood friend is this beautiful.” (Sana)
“W-Wait, how is this my fault!?” (Keitaro)
“Concealment of information.” (Serika)
“Failure to report.” (Sana)
“This makes no sense!” (Keitaro)
“Besides, how is it possible that I’ve never heard that you had an imouto until recently? What’s the meaning of this?” (Serika)
“…Sana didn’t hear anything about onii-chan having a childhood friend either. And a girl, no less.” (Sana)
“Well, it can’t be helped! We haven’t seen each other in years!” (Keitaro)
“Haa, looks like we’re both having a hard time. Let’s get along from now on.” (Serika)
“…Likewise.” (Sana)
Somehow they’ve ended up getting along… which is fine and all, but what was up with that whole exchange?
As I was feeling bewildered, I heard a soft, dreamy voice, “Fuwaa…” and when I turned around, Yuki was sending warm glances towards Sana.
“Kei-kun’s imouto-sanis so cute… I thought she was cute when I saw her cosplay photos, but seeing her in person, she’s even cuter… that’s amazing…” (Nozomi)
“…T-Thank you.” (Sana)
Sana mumbled in confusion in response to Yuki’s constant praise.
Seems like she’s feeling embarrassed being called cute repeatedly, as her face turned red and she fidgeted nervously.
“I’m Yukina Nozomi. I’m Kei-kun’s classmate. Nice to meet you, Sana-chan.” (Nozomi)
“…N-Nice to meet you too.” (Sana)
Seemingly overwhelmed by Yuki’s straightforward demeanor, Sana turned towards me as if seeking refuge.
“…She’s different from what Sana expected. She’s still incredibly beautiful, but the image I had from seeing her on TV or in videos was more, like, cool and charismatic…” (Sana)
“Yeah, I get what you’re saying. I was also taken aback at first.” (Keitaro)
“Ah, I’m sorry. I just can’t help but get excited when I’m with Kei-kun. I try to be mindful of it, but… But seeing Kei-kun like this just gets me so pumped up. Ahh~ seeing Kei-kun acting like an older brother for the first time…! His slightly blunt demeanor is rare and cool…! Precious…!” (Nozomi)
Both Sana and I were at a loss for words at Yuki’s sudden outburst.
“Kei-kun must be such a reliable older brother… ‘If you have any problems, just tell me. Onii-chan will solve it for you,’ kind of vibe, right…? Ah~ it’s too much…!” (Nozomi)
“That’s not true.” (Both)
Once again, both Sana and I chimed in to retort against Yuki’s wild imagination.
I mean, it’s nice to be admired by your oshi, but being overly idealized can be troublesome. It seems like Sana is also taken aback by this part of her.
“…She’s strong. Sana senses an unpredictable aura around her…” (Sana)
“What kind of impression is that supposed to be?” (Keitaro)
Sana looked at Yuki with a cautious expression as she squirmed. Mysterious.
“Alright, now that introductions are over, let’s get started.” (Serika)
At that moment, Serika clapped her hands together and announced it.
TL Notes:
Thanks for reading!
I’m sorry that it’s a bit shorter than usual. I was supposed to translate this yesterday, but Star Rail 2.0 came out so… yeh. I still haven’t finished the new story and CNY is coming up so I’m pretty busy this week.
Well, after next week, I’ll be more free. Just gotta write one last school report before finally being done with everything.
Footnote:
- None