I, Who Was Reincarnated as an Evil Character With Cheat-Level Stats in an Eroge, Will Live Freely in This Life
“What?! Senpai, are you really a beginner?!”
We had arrived at the game center, and now Kana was standing in front of me, puffing out her cheeks and saying that.
The game we were playing was a fighting game, and I was truly a beginner.
Well, to be precise, I had some experience with fighting games in my previous life, but they were completely different from this game, despite sharing the same genre.
“Well, that’s true… but even if it’s the same genre, I’ve only played it a few times.”
“Then why did I lose five times in a row!? Senpai, you’re too strong!! I’ve never beaten my brother, but I’ve always beaten Miku-nee and Saki-nee!”
Well, I know I’m not particularly good at games.
So why am I winning? I think it’s probably because Kana is too weak. Actually, there’s no other explanation.
Even while we were fighting, I honestly thought, “Wait, maybe…”
Before we started, she was so confident, saying things like, “Don’t get discouraged even if you lose,” so I thought she was really good.
Does that mean Miku and Saki are weaker than Kana?
That thought crossed my mind for a moment, but I quickly remembered.
I don’t know about Miku, but there’s no way Saki is weaker than Kana.
After all, even though Saki doesn’t play games on stream, she must have played some games in her private time.
So… does that mean she was intentionally losing to Kana?
“Come on! Why are you silent, Seito-senpai? The next game is one I’m more confident in!”
While I was silently thinking about that, Kana grabbed my arm and started walking.
◇
—A while later.
After playing a few games, Kana and I were sitting in chairs.
“…I’m sorry.”
“Don’t apologize. It’s embarrassing…”
Actually, I won all the games after that, which is why we’re in this situation now.
No, I thought it might be better to lose, but it was impossible.
I feel bad for Kana, but I think it’s safe to say that her gaming skills are hopeless.
In racing games, she’d throw obstacles in front of herself, but for some reason, she’d end up stepping on them every time, which was just hopeless.
So I suggested trying a crane game, but that also ended in disaster.
Seeing Kana looking so disappointed about not being able to get the prize, I tried a few times myself and almost got it, but even then, the prize ended up going back to where it started.
She was looking downcast.
It seems that she had been very confident before coming here today, and she was embarrassed about saying things like, “I’ll teach you many times!”
For me, it was fun to see a side of Kana I hadn’t seen before, so that was enough.
What’s wrong with being bad at games?
“Anyway, thank you for today, Kana.”
“Seito-senpai, what’s wrong all of a sudden?”
“No, I just thought it was great that you invited me. It was so much fun, and I’ve never hung out with friends like this before, so I’m really glad I came.”
When I said that, Kana replied shyly.
“But I was pretty lame today, wasn’t I… I was so cocky at first… I didn’t think Senpai was so good at games…”
I put aside the thought that I was good at it and continued talking.
“There’s nothing uncool about it. Well… I can’t put it into words, but I thought that part was cute. I can honestly say that I’m really glad I came with Kana.”
When I said that, Kana blushed shyly.
“C-cute…”
“Yeah. It was nice to see that unexpected side of you.”
“Oh, really… Maybe that’s a good thing…”
Kana looked down shyly and murmured in a small voice.
“Hey, Kana. Here, take this.”
I said that and took out the cat plush toy, about the size of a basketball, that Kana had been wanting from the crane game earlier.
“I knew you had something, but is this…”
“You seemed to want it, and since you’re here, I thought you should take it home. It’s also a thank you for today.”
“Is that okay?”
“I got it for that reason, so of course it’s okay.”
When I said that, Kana gently took the stuffed animal, hugged it lightly, and smiled.
“Thank you very much. Seito-senpai! I’m so happy! I’ll treasure it forever!!”
“I’m glad you like it. By the way, are you thirsty? You’ve been shouting a lot.”
“Yeah, I might be a little thirsty.”
“Then I’ll go buy something from the vending machine we saw earlier. What would you like?”
“Thank you! I’ll have orange juice, please.”
“Got it. I’ll be right back.”
“Okay!”
◇
When I came back with my tea and Kana’s orange juice, there was a man standing near Kana.
What was going on? I thought to myself as I approached them, and Kana noticed me.
“Ah! Senpai, welcome back!”
Kana said that and hugged my arm with her eyes looking up at me.
Then, glancing at the man, she clicked her tongue in annoyance.
Seeing that, I understood the situation and said to Kana, “I’m back, Kana,” then lightly hugged her with my free hand, as if to show off to the man.
Seeing that, the man clicked his tongue again and walked away.
“He’s gone. It seems like you’re okay now, Kana.”
I said that, but Kana, who had her face buried in my chest, didn’t respond.
“Kana?”
A few seconds after I called out to her again, Kana pulled away from me and said,
“I’m fine! I’m sorry. I’ll just go to the restroom!”
“Ah, okay…”
Kana’s face was very red, and she seemed very flustered in the way she spoke.
◇
A little while later, Kana returned.
“Seito-senpai! I’m back!”
“Welcome back. Here’s some orange juice.”
“Thank you.”
Kana’s face was still a little red, and her speech was a little awkward, but I didn’t let it bother me and continued talking.
“By the way, it’s getting late. What should we do now?”
“Well, if you don’t mind, would you like to eat somewhere before going home?”
“I’m fine with that, but are you okay with it?”
“Yes, I’m fine with it!”
“Then let’s do that.”
“Thank you very much!”
When I replied, Kana said happily.
◇
――After eating with Kana, I was walking home with her.
“Thanks for today, Kana.”
“I already heard that.”
“I just wanted to say it again.”
“That’s fine. Besides, ‘thank you’ is my line. Today was a really happy day for me too.”
“I see. I’m relieved to hear you feel the same way.”
“Seito-senpai…”
“What’s wrong?”
“Will you play with me again?”
“Why are you suddenly asking that?”
“Well… I was acting weird for most of the second half of today… I’m worried that you were bored because of that…”
Kana asked me that question with a slightly anxious and nervous tone.
It’s true that after what happened at the game center, Kana was sometimes energetic and sometimes shy, and there were times when she couldn’t respond to my words.
She was almost silent while eating dinner too… But I kind of understand the reason why.
“Of course. Besides, you said it yourself when we talked at the cafe, right? That you’d always be by my side from now on. Those words meant a lot to me… So if you don’t do that, I’m the one who’ll be in trouble.”
I said that because I wanted Kana to cheer up, but she remained silent.
It was a bit dark outside, so I couldn’t see what kind of expression Kana had on her face as she looked down.
“Kana?”
“I-I will always be by your side… Did I say that!?”
Kana said that with the most surprise of the day.
“Didn’t you say that after I told you about my past?”
“Ah, ah, at that time, I really wanted to help you because I was thinking about you, but did I say something like that!!?? I think I was sad at that time, so I just blurted out what I was thinking!! It’s true that I was thinking that, but I don’t think I meant to say it. I just said what I was thinking in my heart!!! Ah! But being by your side… no, never mind. Anyway, that’s what I meant!!”
Kana said this quickly, her face bright red.
Come to think of it, after she said that, Kana cried for a long time and was looked at strangely by those around her.
It’s not surprising that she doesn’t remember what she said.
Still, it’s rare to see Kana so embarrassed and upset.
“Calm down, Kana. What I’m trying to say is, I want us to stay friends forever. If you’re okay with it, I’d like to get even closer.”
“Of course! I’m the one who should be thanking you!!! Well, my house is just around the corner, so I’ll be fine from here!!! Let’s hang out again sometime!!!”
She said that and ran off before I could respond.
Maiban
Aww.
Kana is so Cute.