Yukinoshita Yukino, once again half-coaxed, half-willing, followed Masao Tanaka back to his home.
Yesterday they were still studying, but after finishing their exams today, they naturally chose to relax.
There was still some time before dinner, so Masao Tanaka connected the game console to the living room TV screen.
He opened a fighting game and handed one of the controllers to Yukinoshita Yukino.
"Xuezhixia Classmate, would you like to play a round?"
"No interest."
"Xuezhixia Classmate, have you never played a two-player versus game before? Are you not confident in playing against me?"
Upon hearing this, Yukinoshita Yukino brushed her hair back and said disdainfully,
"Heh, Tanaka-kin, that's a simple and clumsy provocation."
She reached out and took the controller.
"However, I accept."
One of Yukinoshita Yukino's Strategy Guidelines (Strategy Rules):
[Yukinoshita Yukino has an extremely strong desire to win; no matter how simple or clumsy the provocation, it can successfully stimulate her.]
Masao Tanaka: So, can I...
...
A few minutes later.
Masao Tanaka was focused, his expression solemn, his fingers frantically pressing the controller in his hand, a drop of cold sweat sliding down his temple.
But no matter how hard he tried, he couldn't change the predetermined outcome.
Masao Tanaka threw the controller on the ground, pounded the floor in frustration, and said with great reluctance,
"I can't do anything, I can't do anything."
Yukinoshita Yukino, like a victorious Demon King, looked down at Masao Tanaka and said mockingly,
"You're really weak, Tanaka-kin."
"Give me another chance, I want to try again."
"No matter how many times you try, the result will be the same; Tanaka-kin, it's impossible for you to win."
A so-called genius is someone who is great at everything they do.
Yukinoshita Yukino, with her clever mind and nimble fingers,
was able to completely crush Masao Tanaka after only accumulating three games of experience.
After losing a few more rounds, the light in Masao Tanaka's eyes completely faded.
"Give up, Tanaka-kin, you can't win against me now."
"Can't win at all, I don't understand..."
Just as a light was about to appear on Masao Tanaka, dispelling the darkness brought by Yukinoshita Yukino, a figure suddenly interrupted his casting.
"Move aside, let me do it."
Kashi had been itching to play for a while.
"Yukino, let me have a match with you."
Looking at Kashi, who was challenging her, Yukinoshita Yukino, like an undefeated queen, showed a faint smile.
"Even for little Kashi, I won't hold back."
...
Ten minutes later.
Kashi's wails came from the living room.
"How can this be? I can't win at all! It must be because the hands of this body are too small to exert my full strength."
Compared to Masao Tanaka, Kashi was an even bigger noob among noobs.
Yukinoshita Yukino could even easily win without taking any damage.
Masao Tanaka patted Kashi's shoulder and encouraged her,
"Don't be discouraged, as long as you work hard, you'll definitely succeed. I'll help you."
"Masao, you..."
Seeing Masao Tanaka, who she usually didn't get along with, actually coming over to comfort her, Kashi was quite touched.
[Masao, you're such a good person. I definitely won't secretly add sugar to your vegetable juice next time.]
Masao Tanaka: I knew it! I've been wondering why the vegetable juice tasted better lately. I originally thought I had just gotten used to it, but I didn't expect it was your doing.
Kashi, you're actually hindering my weight loss! What a malicious heart. Don't think I'll let you off just because you gave me a little sweetness.
...
Five minutes later.
Masao Tanaka's hearty laughter came from the living room.
"Ah haha, Kashi, you're really bad. Oh, is this what it feels like to bully a noob? It's really too satisfying. AI Kashi."
"You bastard..."
Kashi clenched her fists, puffed out her cheeks, and her wheat-colored skin flushed crimson.
A girl's blush surpasses all words.
[I'm going to fill your vegetable juice with sugar so you can never successfully lose weight in this lifetime.]
Seeing Masao Tanaka bullying Kashi again, Yukinoshita Yukino stepped in.
"Come, Kashi, ignore Tanaka-kin and come with me."
Upon hearing Yukinoshita Yukino's invitation, Kashi was almost moved to tears.
The weak need no words.
Seeing that he couldn't beat Yukinoshita Yukino, Masao Tanaka switched to a three-player co-op mini-game.
Although Kashi was bad, being bad also had its advantages.
That is, she would often perform some outrageous actions that made people laugh and cry.
Kashi was like this; Masao Tanaka and Yukinoshita Yukino only needed to focus on fighting, while Kashi had much more to consider.
"Hey, Kashi, why did you jump there?"
"I wanted to see if there was a hidden level inside."
"Kashi, you're the one who attracted the enemies."
"I don't know how they came over, hurry and help me."
After much difficulty, they finally succeeded in clearing the level, and Kashi let out a long breath.
"Phew, the three of us are really amazing."
"Hmm, very amazing, very amazing."
Masao Tanaka praised her perfunctorily.
After about half an hour of gaming, it was time for dinner.
As soon as she heard it was time to eat, Kashi immediately put down the controller and ran to the dining table.
"Wash your hands before eating."
"Yes."
...
The five of them had been eating dinner together for over a week, and it could be said that they had become quite familiar with each other; the initial sense of unfamiliarity had vanished without a trace.
Kazumi Tanaka picked up her cup and said,
"Alright, let's toast to our greatest contributor, Yukino.
You've really worked hard tutoring Masao during this time."
Yukinoshita Yukino raised her cup, took a sip, and said,
"Auntie, you're too kind. I'm not tired at all, and teaching others is also part of learning, which is very helpful for my own review."
"Oh, Yukino is still so polite. Just relax and be yourself in front of Auntie."
Kazumi Tanaka had already started to assist.
"That way, if Masao has any flaws, or does anything poorly, or makes you angry, you can tell me everything."
Upon hearing this, Yukinoshita Yukino couldn't help but glance at Masao Tanaka, with a hint of teasing in her eyes.
Masao Tanaka saw her gaze and instantly understood Yukinoshita Yukino's meaning.
[Your mom said I can talk about some things about you. Should I mention some of your little hobbies or something?]
Cold sweat immediately ran down Masao Tanaka's back.
It's well known that everyone has a facade; they might act very obedient in front of their parents, but then let loose in front of their peers.
And there's nothing more socially mortifying than letting your parents know your true self.
[Xuezhixia Classmate, please don't! I'll agree to any condition you have.]
Under Masao Tanaka's nervous gaze, Yukinoshita Yukino spoke.
"Tanaka-kun is still very diligent."
Masao Tanaka breathed a sigh of relief upon hearing this.
"Is that so?"
Kazumi Tanaka's eyes showed confusion.
[They're exchanging glances; are they hiding something from me? I hope it's what I'm thinking.]
After dinner, Masao Tanaka walked Yukinoshita Yukino home, arriving at the bottom of her Apartment building.
"Well then, Xuezhixia Classmate, we'll see each other at the station tomorrow."
"Mhm, see you tomorrow."