'I'm never going to the net café with that jerk again.'
That was Umaru's only thought after today's so-called "gaming date" with Takashi.
Weren't they just supposed to play games?
So how did it turn into that?
Since when did gaming require kissing?
And it wasn't just one kiss—it went on and on!
When they left the café, Umaru even checked herself in the restroom.
Her hair and clothes were messy, her lips swollen, and there was a hickey on her collarbone, left by that jerk Takashi.
So this is what he meant by gaming!?
"You liar!"
She turned away from him and muttered under her breath as he held her hand beside her.
From now on, no matter what Takashi said about going to a net café to game, she wasn't buying it.
That was like saying, "My cat can do backflips."
"What'd you say?" Takashi asked.
Her voice had been too soft, and a passing car had honked just as she spoke.
"Nothing…"
She only dared to whisper.
If he actually heard her, she'd probably be thoroughly bullied again.
Like a pair of typical young lovers, they strolled hand-in-hand through the residential neighborhood.
The street was dim, only the lamps lighting the way for kids returning home.
Tree branches cast shadows on the ground like swaying lakeweed.
"I'm home," Umaru said, pausing at her apartment entrance.
She held onto Takashi's hand, reluctant to let go. "I'm home now."
"Go to bed early. Stop staying up so late," Takashi gently pinched her soft cheek. "Look at yourself—your dark circles are showing."
"It's because you forced me into that bet."
By now, Umaru was used to Takashi's occasional touchy behavior.
She didn't resist—in fact, she found it sweet.
"You dummy."
Takashi pinched her cheek a little harder. When she winced and glared at him, he said, "Couldn't you tell?"
"That was just an excuse to chase after you. You took it seriously?"
"You're the dummy! I didn't study late because of a stupid bet."
Umaru turned her head, muttering in her heart, You really think I didn't see through your little plan?
That so-called bet had been a dating ploy.
Even if she hadn't realized at first, she eventually figured out it was Takashi's way of getting closer to her.
Even if there hadn't been a bet, he would've found another excuse to approach her.
Did he think she was stupid?
The reason she played along, the reason she studied so hard…
Wasn't it obvious?
It was because she liked Takashi.
What other reason could there be?
Someone who truly likes you will fall for the dumbest tricks.
Someone who doesn't like you won't be moved no matter how clever your approach.
It's the same with confessions.
What Umaru hated wasn't being confessed to in front of everyone, but that the person confessing wasn't Takashi—it was Izuno Ren.
If it had been Takashi standing in Koshien confessing to her that day, she absolutely wouldn't have walked away with someone else.
If you don't like someone, you just don't. There's no why. You don't need a reason.
"You really want to beat me that badly?"
Takashi seemed to think of something, a metaphorical lightbulb flickering on over his head.
"You're such an idiot, Takashi!"
Umaru snapped, stomping upstairs with rapid clicks of her little leather shoes.
"So stupid!"
"Totally dumb!"
"Where's that usual cleverness of yours? Why are you suddenly such an idiot now?"
She muttered angrily as she ran.
She couldn't understand it—Takashi had been so crafty when chasing her, with eyes that could see right into her heart, instantly guessing what she was thinking.
So why did he become so clueless after getting together with her?
Do men become stupid once they fall in love?
Was she even trying to win?
What was there to gain from winning against him?
Umaru ran up the stairs and glanced back down—Takashi was still standing there.
The old streetlight flickered, but the boy's figure remained tall and steady.
She had been mad—so mad she planned to ignore him all night. But in the end, she couldn't help it and waved goodbye.
Takashi raised his hand and waved back.
…
Click!
As the key turned and unlocked the door, Umaru called, "I'm home."
As soon as the door opened, she was greeted by the thunderous face of Doma Taihei—and she instantly reverted to her chibi form in fright.
"B-brother…"
"You still know how to come home?"
Doma Taihei's face was dark, staring down at his now significantly shrunken little sister.
"Do you even know what time it is?"
Umaru snuck a glance at the wall clock. Her calves started trembling.
She hadn't noticed how time had flown while she was with Takashi.
Now she saw—it was already 21:17.
No wonder her brother looked so pissed.
"I'm sorry, Onii-chan," she quickly apologized.
"You—" Doma Taihei was just about to start lecturing her when a strange sound interrupted him.
Gurgle...
"You haven't eaten?" he asked.
Umaru rubbed her stomach and realized she'd actually skipped dinner.
They had planned to just play games—but once they got into the private room, things had gotten heated. They ended up kissing, hugging…
Then they put on a movie, and somewhere along the way they forgot all about eating.
"Yeah…" she murmured.
"…Wait here," Taihei muttered, his stern expression melting away.
Thinking he'd scold her after dinner, he turned toward the kitchen to reheat food.
"You're the best, Onii-chan~" Umaru called out behind him.
Taihei sighed at the flattery.
No matter what, he could never stay angry at his sister.
Ten minutes later, he brought out the hot meal—only to find Umaru already deep in her studies.
"Eat first. Study later," he reminded her.
"Okay."
She took the bowl and chopsticks, clapped her hands, and said, "Thanks for the food!"
Then she began eating while glancing at her homework, occasionally setting down her chopsticks to scribble on scratch paper.
"Can't you just finish eating before you study?" Taihei said, exasperated.
He felt like she was really pushing her luck now.
"Onii-chan, can you explain this problem to me?" Umaru asked, pointing to a difficult question.
Taihei snatched the paper and ordered, "Eat first. I'll explain after you're done."
She pouted but obeyed.
"Is this test really that important?"
Lately, Taihei felt like he couldn't understand his sister anymore.
She didn't even play games anymore—just studied as soon as she got home.
She hadn't always been like this.
She used to cram only the night before the exam and drag him into helping her.
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