Chapter 5 – Gamers and the Past and Future
Translator: your_pingas
“Amano-kun, you’re asking me how did I feel when you rejected my club invitation, right?”
Someday after I started dating Tendou-san.
We opened our bento in the Game Club room just as usual. I asked her a question that I want to know the answer to since a long time ago.
“Why are you suddenly asking this, Amano-kun?”
Tendou-san enjoyed her little octopus-shaped sausages as she expressed her confusion.
I scratched my cheeks and continued.
“Well, how do I put it…? I’ve always felt guilty about that, and I’m really sorry to Tendou-san at that time.”
“Amano-kun, you didn’t change at all. I already forgot about that. Moreover, I can understand what Amano-kun was thinking.”
“But you were really mad at that time, right?”
“W-Well…”
Tendou-san didn’t know how to answer. She put another piece of octopus-shaped sausage into her mouth awkwardly.
I mustered up my courage and asked further.
“S-So, Tendou-san, what were you thinking at that time?”
“…Then, I’ll answer honestly?”
“Please do that!”
Tendou-san bent to my determination with a deflated expression. She sighed and put down her chopsticks for the moment.
“…It can’t be helped. Well, right here, please allow me to…recreate what I was thinking at that time.”
“P-Please.”
“Ahem.”
She cleared her throat and sat straight. Then, she stared at me directly-
-Suddenly, she was on the verge of crying and screamed at the top of her lungs!
“H-How could you do that! I hate you! I hate you so much! Idiot, you’re a big idiot! Uwah!”
“Gurk!?”
Keita Amano suddenly suffered massive mental damage! I can’t help but grab my own chest along with the shirt.
On the other hand, Tendou-san…
“…Just like that.”
In conclusion, she reverted to her usual calmness and started digging in her rice.
“I’m really sorry…”
I can’t help but apologize and freaked Tendou-san out.
“W-Why are you apologizing now? Like what I said before, I already understood you.”
“But, I still really want to sincerely apologize to Tendou-san at that time…”
Tendou-san chuckled upon hearing what I said.
“What’s wrong? Really, you’re way too honest.”
Tendou-san looked at me, passionately.
I looked away. She continued. “However-“
“Come to think of it, I really want to know this. At that moment, what did Amano-kun think about me at that time?”
“Oh, really? When?”
After hearing my question, Tendou-san slightly sipped her tea and answered.
“Can you sincerely tell me what was your first impression and feelings when I first talked to you in the game store?”
“Eh, what?”
“Please tell me, alright!”
Tendou really looks forward to my answer. …This is hard.
(However, …I must answer seriously as well, yep.)
I made up my mind. Then, I injected my mind into the past and presented my feelings.
So, …facing Tendou-san’s passionate eyes, I tried my best to recreate what I was thinking.
“H-Hiya!? What is this! Why…? This is freaking me out…! I want to go home…!”
“That’s what Junji Inagawa says when he encounters a ghost, right!?” [Note: Junji Inagawa, an actor and director specialized in horror stories.]
Tendou was shocked as she fell speechless. I started getting anxious and asked her.
“Tendou-san, what’s wrong!? Did the fried chicken in your bento just talk?”
“That’s scary! Nobody thinks like you!”
“That’s too common, right!”
“No!”
“See, …that fried chicken over there is staring at me angrily. It’s mumbling “coward” over and over again. When you stab it with your chopsticks, they will scream sternly as their meat juice is scattered everywhere…”
“Don’t imitate Junji Inagawa when he didn’t even say something like this, alright!?”
So, Tendou-san cleared her throat and calmed down.
“Let’s move on. Why Amano-kun’s first impression of me is like that?
“Oh, Tendou-san, you weren’t at fault. It’s just that I’m a coward.”
“What did you say?”
“Ay, think about it, it’s that Karen Tendou, after all, right? That Karen Tendou stands on the top of the word. She is the treasure of the world, the legendary hero, and she comes from another dimension, right?”
“I don’t know who that Karen Tendou is.”
“She started talking to a guy like me. …This means something terrible is about to happen!”
“That was mean!”
“Anyway, I feel extremely honored and scared.”
“I-I see. That’s okay…”
Tendou-san pouted for some reason.
I picked up some vegetables and continued casually.
“So, of course, my heart is filled with feelings like ‘she’s beautiful,’ ‘she’s an angel,’ ‘she’s so gentle,’ ‘she smells really good,’ ‘it’s like I’m dreaming,’ ‘I’m so blessed.’ I skipped all these because I don’t think I need to say them.”
“R-Really. …I see…”
Tendou-san powerlessly answered as she plopped her head down. For some reason, her ears are all red as she avoided looking at me.
So, I can only continue eating silently.
Well, after I finished my meals, …I spoke up to her again.
“There’s one more thing. It’s about what I was thinking that day…no, it’s about how I think since then. There’s something I want to tell you.”
“How you think since then? …You mean you really love games?”
“Hahaha, it’s been like that for a couple years.”
“You’re right, me too.”
Both of us chuckled. This way, the embarrassment and anxiety finally disappeared. …So, I said my “appreciation” out loud.
“…I’m really glad that I can meet Tendou-san.”
“Eh…”
She bulged her eyes. I continued with a little bit of embarrassment.
“Recently, Tendou-san and I, …no, there are also Uehara-kun, Aguri-san, and Chiaki as well. A lot of things happened to us.”
“…You’re right.”
“…I guess it will be the same afterward.”
“Yes, I can guarantee that. How regrettable.”
We smiled at each other.
I faced Tendou-san again and smiled. “Even so…”
“Tendou-san, I’m really glad that you talked to me at that time. Right now, I feel sincerely blessed. So, …thank you, Tendou-san.”
I plopped my head down.
Tendou-san smiled and answered.
“Amano-kun, I should be the one thanking you. I’m also sincerely glad that I get to meet you. …This will stay true, no matter what happens.”
We stared at each other lovingly.
Then, as if we’re being attracted by something, we slowly stood up from our seats…
“Ding!”
“Ah!”
The bell that signaled the end of the lunch break rang suddenly. We quickly snapped out of it.
(What was I trying to do…)
Embarrassment quickly overwhelmed me. Well, Tendou-san’s face is as red as a tomato too.
“A-Amano-kun, it’s time for us to leave!”
“Y-You’re right, Tendou-san!”
We hastily packed everything up and dashed out of the clubroom.
So, the two of us walked towards our classrooms in the corridor. I asked her something to relieve this awkward atmosphere.
“B-By the way, Tendou-san, when you were saying ‘no matter what happens,’ what were you actually referring to?”
After she heard my question, Tendou-san walked next to me as she thought about it. “Let me think…”
“For example, …I suspect that Amano-kun fell in love with someone else?”
“Hahaha, that’s a good joke. It’s impossible. How would I dare?”
I teased at her concerns. She asked me a bit unhappily.
“Amano-kun, what’s going to happen in the future?”
“Oh, …personally, I think I will have more friends and get to know more people. The school trip will be great!”
“Yeah. I guess your optimism isn’t entirely unjustified.”
“See!”
I’m looking forward to it!
However, if I’m looking forward to something good, I have to prepare for the worst as well.
“Then. …perhaps Tendou-san will break up with me?”
“Let’s see.”
She laughed. Y-Yeah, it’s impossible.
Then, we strolled along the corridor as we thought about our future.
When we arrived at the sideroads to our respective classrooms, …we faced each other and smiled.
“No matter what, Amano-kun. From now on…”
“Yes, Tendou-san. From now on…”
We took a step closer to each other. Then-
-We shook each other’s hand.
“We have to enjoy gaming.”
After that, we turned around and bid farewell energetically.
…………
Well, no matter how our relationship will go, before we even became couples, -we’re always partners that love gaming.
Chapter 6 – Karen Tendou and Football Club
“I used to be interested in the Football Club.”
Someday, when we were on our way home, I asked Tendou-san. “Did you think of doing something else aside from the Game Club?” In the end, I got an unexpected answer.
Tendou-san put out a nostalgic expression. She stared at the sunset and continued.
“After all, chasing after a single ball, charging forward relentlessly-“
“Training the abilities of all these teenagers and becoming the strongest army, isn’t that fun!”
“You still ended up in a player’s perspective!? You’re actually interested in Road to the World instead of football, right!?”
“Then, I want to write a book in the future. It’ll be called <What If a High School Football Club Manager Girl Played SEGA’s Road to the World?>.”
“You really think a gloomy girl that uses her management skills in the wrong place can become a successful manager!?”
“Amano-kun, you shouldn’t underestimate games.”
“No, I’m not underestimating games. I’m underestimating a certain blonde-haired girl.”
The school idol shrugged for some reason. “You can’t be helped.” She sighed.
“You’re too naïve, Amano-kun. Did you really think that I’m just satisfied with becoming a dumb coach girl?”
“I really thought about that…”
“Amano-kun, don’t underestimate me. I didn’t think that I can deal with all the problems of a manager just because I played Road to the World.”
“Glad to hear that. It looks like my girlfriend is barely sane-“
“However, after I’m done investigating eFootball PES, I will become the perfect manager that can understand what operators, coaches, and contestants do!”
“You’re only becoming a crazy manager girl that is misunderstood by all gamers!”
I’m okay with manager girls playing football games. However, if you’re acting all mighty while giving suggestions to the players even though all you played are games, I bet they can’t take it.
I gave up. Tendou-san blinked her eyes a bit unbelievably.
“Amano-kun, you’re saying that…I’m just trouble to the Football Club.”
“You do realize that! Although I like playing games too, and I understand Tendou-san’s strengths better than anyone, you can’t just substitute games into reality…”
I feel sorry for people that try their best in the Football Club every day.
“Uwah, …Amano-kun suddenly started to complain about Moshidora…” [Note: Moshidora, a light novel about a high school baseball manager girl that trains her team using Peter Drucker’s methods.]
“No, I didn’t. That’s a good novel. It gave us something new by merging management into baseball clubs!”
“Yeah. So, it’s the same if I bring Road to the World and PES into the Football Club…”
“Same my butt! You’re just a temporary manager girl that played video games and pretended that she knows everything, not to mention whether the idea is new or not, right!?”
“New ideas. …It can’t be helped. Well, I’ll train myself with Power Pros as well.”
“For what!? You still ended up relying on in-game knowledge alone!”
“Well, how about I investigate Girl's Side as well?” [Girl’s Side, a dating sim for girls.]
“Please don’t go and learn how to trick athletic boys’ hearts!”
“However, in conclusion, isn’t that what Moshidora is about?”
“Apologize to Moshidora at this second!”
“Also, …I’m very good at learning Dr. Goodjob’s skill. I can make uniforms that can enhance the player’s capabilities. “
“Explain why does a player need to learn the skill Plunder.”
“After I’m done playing Metal Gear, I can even destroy the enemy team’s morale.”s
“This world doesn’t need a manager girl that can subdue opposing players with a stun gun!”
“Also, after I played Ace Combat, I can transport the players to anywhere I want.”
“Wow, that’s like a line from a criminal that can’t tell reality and games apart.”
“Sorry that was impossible.”
“Nice reflection. However, you sound like the other options are possible. I can’t just ignore that.”
Just as I’m about to complain further, Tendou-san suddenly said something weird.
“Well, you should understand by now, right?”
“Hmm? What?”
After I said that, …Tendou-san answered with a bitter smile.
“Perhaps I’ll be in something other than the Game Club in another timeline. …However, I’m still me. I, Karen Tendou, will always love gaming the most.”
“…I see.”
I smiled after hearing this very Tendou-san styled conclusion. Then, I unintentionally stared at the sunset in front of the street…and mumbled quietly.
“Well, …no matter which world I’m in, I’ll always fall in love with Tendou-san.”
“Hmm? What did you say?”
Under the circumstances, Tendou-san activated her “deaf protagonist” skill again just as usual. She asked me. “It’s nothing.” I smiled and said.
“By the way, Tendou-san, are you interested in culture clubs or something like that-“
We continued strolling on this idyllic…yet blessed road to home.
Chapter 7 – Thanksgiving: Karen Tendou’s Episode
“By the way, Amano-kun, why don’t we visit the southern islands when we get a chance?”
“Eh?”
Someday when we’re going home, after we chatted about “what if we’re in the Football Club,” Tendou-san suddenly smiled and said this.
After hearing the unexpected question, I answered a bit unsettledly.
“Uh, what does that mean…”
“What do you mean by what does that mean? I’m just saying, …why don’t we go travel together?”
“…Y-You’re not talking about online games, right?”
“No. Amano-kun, who do you think I am?”
“A scarily hardcore gamer.”
“I mean, you’re right. However, I was talking about real-life traveling.”
“Really…”
I never would’ve expected that my lover is suggesting a day without any gaming elements at all. I’m thoroughly throbbed.
Tendou-san looked at the dusk sky as she continued with bright eyes.
“It’s going to be great. …An endless sunny sky, the blue ocean, sparkling beaches, cheerful couples…”
“Yep, …it’s great.”
Although I’m always in the indoor gang, nothing is better than spending time with your beloved ones like this-
“Also, an unending swarm of zombies.”
“Stop right there.”
-I interrupted the blonde-haired girl forcefully. She bulged her eyes.
“First of all, …sorry, Tendou-san.”
“Hiya, what’s wrong, Amano-kun?”
“I want to say, …just then, the security sensor that leads to my ‘Dream Kingdom’ at the departure hall detected something extremely dangerous. …Please, can you walk over it once again?”
“Hiya, that freaked me out. But I didn’t bring anything weird…”
To my airport setting, my girlfriend responded cooperatively. …She’s such a smart girl. Hmm, …it was indeed my imagination, right?”
I started checking her.
“Well, please tell me the things that are in your right hand’s ‘Dream Luggage,’ alright?”
“No problem. Let me think about it. ‘An endless sky,’ ‘the blue ocean,’ ‘sparkling beaches,’ ‘cheerful couples’-“
“Yes, yes, there’s no problem-“
“-‘zombie swarms,’ ‘heavy-caliber gunfire,’ ‘a throbbing plot,’ ‘a grand open-world’-“
“Alright, please come to the room here.”
I grabbed Tendou-san’s arm forcefully and dragged her. She tilted her head unbelievably.
I cleared my throat and started a trial against this extremely suspicious blonde-haired girl.
“Hey, …Miss? What’s with the ‘imagination of the southern islands’ here…?”
“Uh, you’re asking what? …Aren’t these zombie fight elements…?”
“Hmm, that’s strange. You can’t bring these things in a real-life holiday imagination, right?”
“No, no, officer-san, you’re wrong. We’re traveling to the southern islands, right? Aren’t people only looking forward to one thing at that place?”
“What?”
“Epidemic.”
“Okay, 17:32, we caught a core terrorist.”
I pretended to be looking at my watch as I grabbed Tendou-san’s arm tightly and dragged her.
Tendou-san let go of my hand as she protested with a bewildered expression.
“W-What does this mean, Amano-kun!? I’m just…I’m just looking forward to a ‘real-life zombie fight’ during the trip!”
“No, no, no! It’s not going to happen!”
“Ehhh!? Aren’t we talking about the southern islands!?”
“What did you expect the southern islands to be!?”
After I complained, Tendou-san was shocked and nearly tripped over.
“H-How’s that possible…? Well, then why are people visiting the southern islands…”
“They’re just going there for swimming in the ocean, surfing, and sightseeing!”
“Unbelievable. …Sigh.”
Tendou-san is depressed. …Come to think of it, why does she believe that zombies exist? Did Chiaki teach her that?
…No matter the cause, I can’t just let my girlfriend remain upset forever.
I scratched my cheeks awkwardly. ….Then, I tried my best to hide my embarrassment in my heart and told her.
“I-It’s fine even if there are no zombies…as long as we can spend time together.”
“Eh?”
“…Nevermind.”
Yep, I immediately regretted after saying it. I-It’s so embarrassing! How can I say such a normie line! I need to explode right here! Where is my self-destruct button!?
My face flared up as I quickly walked away. …As for Tendou-san, she immediately chased after me. Her depressed look disappeared into nowhere. She carried a cheerful expression and stared at me with her watery eyes.
“Hmm? Hmm? Amano-kun, what did you say? Can you say that again?”
“T…That’s why I said nevermind!”
My head is dizzy from the embarrassment, and I can’t help but rudely reply as I walked forward.
As for her, she kept a couple steps behind me…and chuckled alone before answering quietly.
“…Yeah. We’re already…in the actual paradise.”
Chapter 8 – Fantasia 2018 Short Story
“Eh, Tendou-san, you’ve never worn a furisode before?” [Note: Furisode is basically the long-sleeve version of kimono.]
“Yeah.”
Someday after New Year, I suddenly bumped into Tendou-san in the city. We strolled towards the station slowly as we chatted.
She suddenly revealed a surprising piece of information.
I glared at the angel that can’t hide her perfect figures even she’s in a coat- No, she’s my ex-girlfriend, Karen Tendou. Then, I spoke up angrily.
“D-Don’t you feel responsible as a beautiful character!?”
“…Uh, I have no idea why I pissed my ex-boyfriend off just then?”
“That’s not how fanservice works! It’s okay for gloomy characters like Chiaki and me. However, I can’t believe a girl like you still haven’t tried out all clothing in the world. Do you have any idea how much an impact you’ll have on the entertainment industry!?”
“The entertainment industry isn’t my business.”
“Why are you not wearing furisode!? Do you prefer agility over defense!?”
“What kind of standard is that? Well, even though the agility of furisode is indeed lower than suits.”
Tendou sighed deeply and explained.
“It’s just that I’m not suited to furisode, and the same goes for kimono as well. Think about it, …my hair is colored like this. How should I put it? It looks like I’m traveling to Japan, or I’m a cosplayer…”
She twirled her hair with the tip of her finger and smiled bitterly at me.
When I saw that, …I turned around forcefully and said this to her with a serious look.
“So, why does that matter? Whether it’s cosplay or not, I just want to see Tendou-san wearing something beautiful.”
“…………”
Tendou-san’s face immediately flared up. Then, as if she’s trying to cover up for something, she walked in front of me and hastily spoke up.
“W-Whatever, how should I put it…? If Amano-kun said it, …uh, …on the premise that you’re the only one seeing it, …I guess…I can wear it…for you…someday.”
I chased her with sparkling eyes after hearing that. “Eh, really!?”
“Well, well, when will Tendou-san hold a furisode conference!”
“Uh, no, don’t rush. …Moreover, it’s past New Year already. I’m not supposed to go out while wearing furisode, right?”
“W-Well, …I guess you’re right.”
I can’t help but feel upset after hearing Tendou-san. …Yeah, …I already missed the chance to see Tendou-san in a kimono this year. …Come to think of it, our relationships were a mess at the end of last year. …No, I shouldn’t say that in past tense.
“…Uh.”
Tendou-san felt a bit sorry when she saw my depressed face. Her expression slowly darkens.
Only the footsteps on snow and the cheers of the city can be heard between us.
“…………”
So, we fell into a temporary silence as we walked. We didn’t manage to improve the mood before we arrived at the station. This persisted until we’re about to go our separate ways.
“Uh, …well, ….Tendou-san, …I’ll see you later…”
“O-Okay. …Goodbye, Amano-kun…”
So, we waved and bid farewell to each other stiffly. Just as we’re about to turn around-
“…Ay.”
We turned back at the same time.
Then, with our face blushed to the max, we said this simultaneously with trembling lips and determined eyes.
“Next year, we’ll go pay a visit to the shrine together!”
This invitation is a bit too early.
“…………”
For a moment, we bulged our eyes and freaked out because we said the same suggestion at the exact same moment.
However, we immediately chuckled.
“Hehe, …why are we always like this?”
“Ay, you’re right. We’re promising that we’re going to the shrine together next year, and it might not even happen. The ghosts would be teasing at us.”
“Yep. However…”
“Yep, even so…”
Even though we understand how ridiculous this promise is, …we still looked at each other’s eyes and smiled as we swore to each other.
“It’s a promise.”
So, we walked toward the respective station we need to go. Our hearts are no longer filled with regret and worry.
I arrived at the station and waved at Tendou-san, who’s doing the same thing far away.
Then, I raised my head and looked at the dusky sky as I imagined the future. I mumbled quietly.
“Wow, I can’t wait to see Tendou-san in furisode.”
-At the same time, I made up my mind. One year later, I have to stand next to her.
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