To wait for Lin Wuming to return, Yomikawa Aiho had to find a way to keep the visiting girl occupied.
Due to her recent obsession with video games, Yomikawa Aiho had all her gaming equipment placed in the most accessible spots. Thus, she skillfully turned on the power and connected the controllers.
Then she enthusiastically asked, "Classmate Torami, what kind of games do you like? I have all the mainstream blockbusters here."
"Eh?" Torami Toumi looked somewhat confused, taking the controller. "I haven't played games much, so I don't know how to choose..."
"Then let's try everything. We'll start with games suitable for two players..."
Recalling the games she and Lin Wuming played together, Yomikawa Aiho quickly made a choice.
—Fighting games.
For games suitable for two players, competitive multiplayer was definitely the first choice.
"Fighting games?" Torami Toumi frowned. She wasn't completely clueless about how to play, but she was limited to theoretical knowledge.
Due to her difficult childhood environment, Torami Toumi couldn't have luxury items like "video game consoles." Instead of fighting games and shooter games, she experienced real combat, paid for with blood and life, with no chance to restart.
Therefore, she instinctively disliked these games, not out of fear, but disdain.
In Torami Toumi's opinion, game players were just a bunch of childish people playing make-believe, and she, a combat veteran, existed in a completely different world. Thus, even after coming to the highly developed gaming industry of Academy City, she rarely engaged in this form of entertainment.
Then, she was soundly defeated by Yomikawa Aiho.
Again and again...
"Whew!" The girl let out a long breath, her gaze sharp, as if trying to pierce the TV screen in front of her.
Her slender, long fingers were like cast iron, seemingly ready to crush the game controller at any moment.
Her beautiful blonde hair bristled like a lion's mane, showcasing the intense, pent-up emotions within the girl.
Rage was practically erupting from every pore of the girl's body, and the surrounding air seemed to grow warmer.
Finally, Yomikawa Aiho, immersed in the fun of the game, was startled by the fierce anger, even killing intent, beside her, and only then realized the seriousness of the situation.
—Crap, I got too engrossed in playing and forgot that the girl next to me is a beginner. I used my full skill to control my character and unilaterally beat her up.
Moreover, Torami Toumi was known in the Judgment force for her "drastic emotional fluctuations," especially her quick temper.
Recalling her actions, Yomikawa Aiho felt she was lighting a fuse on a bomb!
—This is bad, I messed up... this is all Wuming-kun's fault!
She knew that when Lin Wuming usually played with her, Yomikawa Aiho would unreservedly give it her all.
Under psychic manipulation, Lin Wuming's gaming skills were excellent. Regardless of Yomikawa Aiho's strength, he could handle it, acting as the perfect "sparring partner."
But now, the person playing with her wasn't Lin Wuming, but an irritable and quick-tempered newbie.
Distracted, Yomikawa Aiho forgot to control her character. Her game avatar stood frozen on the screen, giving the highly focused Torami Toumi a chance to launch a frantic counterattack.
Yomikawa Aiho didn't resist, performing a few random button presses to feign struggle, and was predictably defeated.
After a massive victory, Torami Toumi's anger finally subsided, and she breathed a sigh of relief. Her bristling blonde hair smoothed back down.
"Hmm, let's switch games," Yomikawa Aiho said, pretending to be nonchalant. "Honestly, I don't really like this type of game either."
"Eh~" The girl glanced over. "Sensei doesn't like this type of game? But you seemed to be having so much fun just now!"
"Ahem! I just got carried away for a moment." Yomikawa Aiho coughed. "You see, I'm a Judgment officer, right? In my work, I inevitably encounter fighting and killing. So, even in games, I can't help but take it seriously..."
"Oh, I see." Torami Toumi nodded empathetically.
"That's why I don't really like this type of game," Yomikawa Aiho said. "It feels like I'm still working even when playing..."
"Exactly, exactly! Sensei makes a lot of sense!" The girl nodded repeatedly. Her reason for disliking games was similar, and she felt she had found a kindred spirit.
Yomikawa Aiho secretly wiped a cold sweat—thank goodness she knew about Torami Toumi's past experiences and had obtained a degree in educational psychology through self-study.
For the rest of the time, Yomikawa Aiho chose gentler, non-confrontational games, then comfortably acted as a gaming companion, fully cooperating with Torami Toumi to enhance her gaming experience.
In a moment of realization, Yomikawa Aiho suddenly noticed that the role she was playing now was exactly the role Lin Wuming usually played—only then did she realize that when Lin Wuming played games with her, he probably felt the same way.
"To be looked after by a child..." Yomikawa Aiho, the adult, muttered.
"What did you say, Sensei?" Torami Toumi asked.
"I was talking about Wuming-kun. Did he really get lost? Why is he taking so long!" Yomikawa Aiho complained, changing the subject.
"It has been quite a while," Torami Toumi agreed, putting down the controller.
She confirmed again—she truly disliked games.
However, Yomikawa Aiho then enthusiastically said, "It looks like we'll have to wait a bit longer for him to return... It's about time, Classmate Torami, why don't you stay for lunch too?"
"Well..." Torami Toumi hesitated. According to her plan, a first visit shouldn't last too long. However, just as Yomikawa Aiho thought, her main goal was to visit Lin Wuming, and who knew the main guy would happen to be out...
It felt a little unsatisfying to just leave.
"Stay, stay," Yomikawa Aiho warmly insisted. "Wuming-kun's cooking is excellent; he definitely won't disappoint you!"
Talking about something she was happy and proud of, Yomikawa Aiho spared no praise or boasts for Lin Wuming's cooking.
Seeing her glowing with enthusiasm, Torami Toumi couldn't help but retort, "I already know Lin Wuming is great, but why are you so proud, Sensei?"
Yomikawa Aiho laughed and said, "I'm his guardian, after all, so I'm like a parent. Seeing the child I look after be so outstanding and grow so fast, of course I feel proud!"
"No," Torami Toumi continued her retort. "I can tell already, you are the one being looked after!"
Yomikawa Aiho scratched her head, her gaze shifting slightly.