Kasumigaoka Utaha, typically the epitome of elegance and composure, now resembled a timid quail, keeping her head bowed in silent mortification.
She was the type to indulge in daydreams and savor romance, so this sudden "impromptu hotel trip" felt surreal. It wasn't to escape the rain or even to take a bath—just a straightforward expression of emotions. Damn it.
Of course, the truth might not align with her current train of thought. Her junior might simply have wanted to tease her a little. Perhaps once they reached the room, he'd abruptly stop, as if hitting the brakes. And even if he didn't, at worst… at worst… it wouldn't go that far, right?
This belief was her lifeline, her constant self-hypnosis. She convinced herself she'd stop at the edge of the cliff, resisting the pull of the atmosphere. Even if her junior indulged in embarrassing antics right before her, even spilling milk on her… she'd remain unperturbed. Definitely.
She even started envisioning potential next steps—such as going along with the flow and proposing a relationship. Naturally, she preferred that her junior take the initiative. If he did, she might just reward him… a little.
Her thoughts spiraled further, imagining how she could flaunt her new loyal boyfriend to Eriri. She'd show that golden-haired loser just how happy they were together, proving there was no hope left for her. Eriri would have no choice but to accept her fate as a pathetic bystander.
If Eriri behaved herself, Utaha might even share a few private photos of her junior as an extra jab.
Her mind was running wild. The more she thought about it, the more she felt this "get-on-the-train-first" approach might work. It was underhanded, sure, but sometimes, the ends justified the means. Any shortcomings could be rectified later by her junior's earnest efforts to make it up to her.
Thinking this, she began to feel a tinge of anticipation—until the surrounding noise grew louder and louder.
"…?"
Why was it so noisy? Even the shoddiest hotel couldn't have such bad soundproofing. And this noise… it didn't match the scenario she'd imagined at all. Focusing, she caught phrases like "Ah, missed it again!" and "Wow, finally got this gacha capsule!" Someone even shouted, "Now's the time, Shun Goku Satsu!"
"…?"
A sense of foreboding crept in. Finally mustering her courage, she raised her head to survey her surroundings.
Right ahead stood a row of gleaming claw machines, surrounded by couples and groups of friends battling wits against the machines. Nearby, the gacha capsule machines were equally popular, each one flanked by clusters of excited participants. Occasionally, someone would exclaim, "Yes! I got it!" drawing envious glances from the surrounding crowd.
But the real highlight was the rows of pristine arcade machines. Nearly every seat was occupied, and the versus section buzzed with spectators standing behind the players. Cheers erupted as people shouted, "Yatta ze! Take the match in one go!"
"…"
Kasumigaoka Utaha froze, rendered speechless.
In stark contrast, Natsukawa Kanade was utterly thrilled.
"I've heard about this place for ages! Apparently, it's a recently opened arcade. All the equipment is brand new, but they still have all the classic games. Seeing it in person, it's just as amazing as the rumors said! I also heard the owner is a hardcore arcade fan who made a fortune in business. When he returned to his hometown and found his favorite arcade gone, he personally funded a new one. To attract today's youth, he even commissioned a batch of 'easy win' claw machines and gacha machines. No wonder this place is always packed."
"This atmosphere really brings out the fun of gaming."
As he explained, Kanade's eyes gleamed with boundless enthusiasm. He was practically itching to dive in.
His original plan had been to stop by here after buying some manga and new releases. But since his senior had tagged along, he thought showing her this place might not be a bad idea.
At least, she seemed very shocked at the moment.
Or so it appeared to him.
In reality, Utaha's aura of suppressed fury was almost palpable. Her legs trembled, itching to stomp something, while shadows seemed to gather in her eyes. She murmured incomprehensible phrases under her breath, like, "Heh heh… I knew it… Unforgivable… Heh…"
Her anger built and finally broke free.
She turned to Kanade, who was clutching a handful of game tokens, contemplating which game to play first. In a voice laced with icy sarcasm, she muttered, "Truly, you're full of surprises, Scumbag-kun. Your methods of toying with innocent girls are always so… innovative."
"Eh? W-What did I do this time?" Kanade was baffled. Why had her tone suddenly turned so venomous?
"Bringing a girl to a place like this. You're the worst! Absolutely the worst!"
"Wait, wasn't it you who said you'd go anywhere I wanted?" Kanade protested, feeling wronged. She had agreed, so why was she blaming him now? How was this fair?
"How was I supposed to know you'd bring me to… here! I thought you were taking me to a…" Utaha faltered, flushing. Sure, she had agreed to accompany him, but he could've at least told her where they were going! She had genuinely thought they were headed to a hotel!
"To a what?" Kanade blinked, sensing layers of meaning in her words.
"…" Utaha pursed her lips and stayed silent.
There was no way she could admit what she had imagined. Especially now, realizing that instead of some risqué scenario, they were in a thoroughly "all-ages-appropriate" setting. Her earlier "questionable" thoughts were now even more impossible to confess.
She still had some pride, after all.
But since she was already here, she decided to channel her indignation into action.
"Tch… I'm going to the claw machines." Utaha's face was expressionless.
She wasn't particularly fond of dolls or plushies, but in this setting, they were the only thing that sparked any interest.
"Eh? But I wanted to try…"
"Claw machines." She repeated flatly.
"…"
Kanade sighed in defeat. "Fine. We'll play the claw machines first…"
He cast a longing glance at the row of arcade machines, where a group of mushroom-haired grade schoolers gleefully battled it out. His hands itched to join, but since he had invited her, he couldn't just suggest splitting up. That felt like asking for an even harsher scolding.
Utaha, oblivious to his internal struggle, walked briskly toward the claw machines. Her mood had yet to improve.