Ch 179 – 16 June, Takao 04

It had been a long time for Kouta to wake up alone like this. He had thought that Utaha or Eriri would stay over and the like. But it seemed that both of them had business on the same day, so his plan to gather the four girls didn't happen for now. At least he got a good answer from Takao. Besides, when he thought about it, it had been a long time since he had spent time with Takao.

Takao messaged Kouta that today was the schedule for the game she would like to be on sale—

Kouta is basically people who never queue up to buy games physically, both in his past and present life. After doing his usual morning routine, Kouta changed into the appropriate clothes for a date before leaving his house. Actually, Kouta had thought of picking Takao up at her home. However, Takao asked to meet near a famous game store among high-spirited game maniacs.

"It's such a good series, Madouson series. It's such a retro game that captivated many fans when the first series was released. The series' next installment became the biggest hit ever on its first release day. But at this moment, there were some development troubles because the original staff got transferred to another company, and they made several sequels that were regarded as trash. But this time, this game that was released today was made by the original staff and is rumored to be the greatest game!"

Takao explained the game they were going to buy with such great excitement. Not only that, she also showed her smug grin. She really looked cute and happy talking about her favorite game. She also wore a different outfit than usual, so her family was surprised she wasn't wearing her usual attire, like a shirt or jersey.

Yeah, it's a date, after all, Takao, wearing those cute clothes. She usually sleeps while waiting in line, but she was waiting with Kouta this time, so she had a person to talk to. She never really thought she would have a boyfriend, and having a boyfriend was not something she thought about since usually, most of the time, she spent her time playing games or making games.

'It's fun—' Takao thought as she said, "I really want the special bonus item, Mareen's ride—the dolphin endorga's cell phone strap, but with your presence here. I can also get a Mareen cell phone strap. Hehehe—"

Yeah, with Kouta's presence in this queue, he will also get special bonus items that are limited in physical game purchases like this. Kouta himself is not a fan of this game, but he has no problem buying this game as one that his girlfriend recommended. He is also fine to give those limited bonuses to Takao. It's not much different from giving a gift to his girlfriend.

"Hehehe, really, you don't have to do that. But if you insist, I will take it." Takao acted as if she was trying to reject it first, but there was no effort at all coming out of her behavior. Even she added, "Hm— I never thought that having a boyfriend would have this kind of benefit."

When Kouta heard Takao's words, he immediately guessed what his nerd girlfriend thought. She was probably thinking that she would bring him to every queue to get limited bonuses in the future. Well, Kouta felt fine because, in the end, he could get something else from Takao. After all, considering their relationship, small things like this were not a problem for Kouta as long as Takao was happy. Basically, he is a boyfriend who has many other women besides Takao, after all.

However, their casual date changes a bit when one of their acquaintances, Roka, shows up. Basically, Roka is also a girl who likes to play games and seems to have the same interests as Takao. In fact, unlike Takao, Roka also arrived early enough to put up a tent.

"Oh, isn't it Kouta and Takao—" Roka spoke in a sleepy tone and looked at the two of them. She glanced at the two of them, wondering. "So you guys like the Madouson series, too?" She said this with a sparkle in her eye.

"Well, to be honest, I've never played this game. This is probably the first time I've tried this series. Takao likes this game. Wait, you two never met, even though you often queued up to buy this game." Kouta answered Roka's question and couldn't help but ask the question he was wondering—

"Well— Since I'm usually sleeping when waiting."

"Well— I always come first, so of course, I never noticed Takao in the queue."

"Somehow, it feels like the answers from you guys really deserve your behavior," Kouta commented on both of them after listening to their answers. Listening to Kouta's criticism, both Roka and Takao looked shy because somehow they both felt Kouta's words were a compliment.

"However, you two have been getting closer in the past few days. Wait, is this a date or something?" Roka felt she realized something and threw those questions.

Kouta himself was quite surprised since Roka has never been seen as a sensitive person regarding romantic matters in the manga.

"Yeah, we're going on a date. It's a weekend after all—" Kouta answered Roka's question honestly. Takao himself was pleased when Kouta answered like that. Basically, she knew that Kouta had a relationship with another girl, so she never thought that he would be upfront about their relationship like this. Since she thought their relationship would be more secretive. She immediately wrapped her arm around his arms.

"Yes— We're on a date."

"Is that so—" Roka was quite dejected when she heard about that. "It must be nice—" She added.

"Hm— It's nice. I will get two limited bonus items, too, " Takao told Roka.

Kouta didn't know why, but it felt like he could see a thunder of realization in Roka's mind.

"That's— that's— so unfair—" Roka said as she fell to the floor, while somehow Takao gave such a smug face as if she had won. "I want to get more limited bonus items, too." She added that, and she was silent for a moment. Before, she looked at Kouta so fast. Still, she had a resolute facial expression this time because she was already determined.

"In that case, can I also ask for help accompanying me in the— No,  a date as well?"

"Eh, what are you asking him like that before me!" Takao actually said that while she pinched both of Roka's cheeks, they were pretty strong, too,

"But I want to get a more limited bonus too—"

"Yes, I know. But could you not ask the guy I'm dating with? And it would be much better to ask the guy you like or something." Takao gave a reasonable piece of advice, but that backfired since what came out of Roka's mouth was something Takao never expected.

"Hm, that may be true— That's why I asked him too. Since he may be the guy I like the most in my life."

Roka said something outrageous in this situation. Kouta could feel most of the people staring at him, jealous. He could hear people saying outlandish things like he was cheating— Wait, he has had affairs with many women, so what people are saying is the truth.

Kouta wondered if Roka realized what she said was a kind of confession of love. He felt like Roka looked like a person who spoke her mind if he remembered her demeanor in the manga. But he never expected her to be this straightforward.