Chapter 75 ~ Double Date
<span style="font-weight:400">Dressed in a checkered blue, white, and ck cored shirt over a ck t-shirt and long, ck jeans, Raku stood in front of the train station while fiddling with his phone. His promised lock ne dangled down his neck as he looked around once in a while to see if hispanions had arrived.
<span style="font-weight:400">It was the day he had been dreading… The day of his “date” with Chitoge.
<span style="font-weight:400">He couldn’t even begin to exin how much he had been dreading going on a date with such a violent and unreasonable girl. If he had a choice, then he’d rather go on a date with Onodera instead, or not at all.
<span style="font-weight:400">Unfortunately, he didn’t have a say since it was ordered by his father to make sure this fake rtionship wasn’t found out by the rest of the Shuuei n members. After all, this fake rtionship between him and Chitoge was the only thing that’s preventing all out war between the Shuuei yakuza n and Beehive Mafia gang.
<span style="font-weight:400">Chitoge was simrly dreading it, apparent from the short, concise message she sent to Raku to decide on the time and ce of their meeting. But, she didn’t have a choice in this either. So, both of them had to bite the bullet so that no real bullets would kill members of their family’s ns.
<span style="font-weight:400">Thankfully, Yuuji helped him alleviate the situation a bit by turning this date into a “double date”. He’ll be joining along with Viktoriya on the pretext that he’ll be introducing her to the various ces in the city, and act as a couple in this fake double date.
<span style="font-weight:400">With the two of them with him, Raku could finally feel a bit of relief. At the very least, he wouldn''t need to face this kind of thing alone…
<span style="font-weight:400">Just then, he began hearing gasps and whispersing from people around him. He looked up from his phone and saw many of the females looking in one direction with wide eyes and redly blushing cheeks as they covered their gaping mouths, while the males all had a look of shock on their faces.
<span style="font-weight:400">It was a familiar sight that had now be synonymous to a premonition of <i><span style="font-weight:400">his</i><span style="font-weight:400"> arrival. And as Raku expected, he saw Yuuji’s figure at the center of everyone’s attention and awe.
<span style="font-weight:400">Dressed in a gray, cored shirt and navy blue jeans with an obsidian diamond ne that rested right below his bare cor bones, Yuuji’s mere presence turned heads and stole hearts as he walked towards him.
<span style="font-weight:400">He was dressed in nothing especially eye-catching, but he looked as if he had just walked out of a fashion magazine for male top models. His chiseled, slim, yet muscr body figure and stunning countenance were the ones that enhanced his fashion instead of the other way around.
<span style="font-weight:400">Even as a guy, Raku couldn’t help but look at him in awe with his mouth agape.
<span style="font-weight:400">“Hey, did you wait long?”
<span style="font-weight:400">Yuuji waved his hand in a casual greeting. He had arrived around 15 minutes early from the promised time, expecting that Raku wouldn’t arrive yet given how much he had been dreading it. So he was quite surprised to see him already here.
<span style="font-weight:400">If he knew he woulde early, he would’ve stopped working on his multiverse messaging app earlier and gotten here sooner to apany him.
<span style="font-weight:400">“Eh?! Ah- No, I just got here.”
<span style="font-weight:400">“I see. Viktoriya will be here soon. How about Chitoge?”
<span style="font-weight:400">“...I don’t know. She might be here soon too, I guess?”
<span style="font-weight:400">Yuuji looked at him weirdly, slightly surprised.
<span style="font-weight:400">“Eh? Aren’t you in contact with her?”
<span style="font-weight:400">“Huh? Of course. She sent me the time and ce for our meet up.”
<span style="font-weight:400">“... Beyond that?”
<span style="font-weight:400">“No. Why would we…?”
<span style="font-weight:400">A sigh escaped Yuuji’s lips as he shook his head. And in a slight and inconspicuous movement, Yuuji leaned in towards Raku for a whisper.
<span style="font-weight:400">“Ryuu and the Shuuei n guys are already here hiding around us. You should act like you’re really dating her.”
<span style="font-weight:400">“H-Huh?! T-They’re already here? Where? The date hadn’t even started yet!”
<span style="font-weight:400">Raku nced around in a panic. He had been saying all this stuff because he believed they’d onlye once they begin their date. He didn’t know they’d be here already!
<span style="font-weight:400">He acted as if he didn’t care about Chitoge while talking with Yuuji. What if they notice?!
<span style="font-weight:400">He tried to find even a glimpse of Ryuu and his father’s subordinates, but even after finding out that they’re here, he couldn''t find anyone from his n.
<span style="font-weight:400">“You should act better. At least look like you care. I’ll do my best to assist you.”
<span style="font-weight:400">“A-Alright… T-Thanks.”
<span style="font-weight:400">Raku took a deep breath and calmed himself, steeling his heart and hardening his resolve to do this for his family.
<span style="font-weight:400">A few minutester, Chitoge arrived with her ponytail tied by her beloved red ribbon fluttering in the breeze. She wore a cute white top with loose frills around her shoulders and a blue ribbon on her chest, a blue skirt, and a red handbag with a long strap hung over her shoulders.
<span style="font-weight:400">And the moment she saw Yuuji, she froze mid step and was mesmerized for a moment.
<i><span style="font-weight:400">Wow… He looks so cool…!</i>
<span style="font-weight:400">A loud thump reverberated in her chest, which quickly became louder and more frequent with every passing moment.
<span style="font-weight:400">But as she was appreciating his figure, her bubble was popped by the beansprout’s voice.
<span style="font-weight:400">“Y-Yo! Good morning…”
<span style="font-weight:400">Her eyes narrowed as she shot a re at him. But when she saw his face, she noticed his forced smile and twitching lips.
<i><span style="font-weight:400">What’s wrong with this beansprout…? His face looks even weirder than usual.</i>
<span style="font-weight:400">Such thoughts crossed her mind. But in the next instant, she remembered that ude and several other members of the Beehive gang had alsoe to watch this date unfold!
<i><span style="font-weight:400">Crap! I-I need to act like I like him!!!</i>
<span style="font-weight:400">Her lips curled into a forced smile and she raised her voice slightly.
<span style="font-weight:400">“G-Good morning, darling~! I’m sorry for making you wait~!”
<span style="font-weight:400">Chitoge wanted to barf as she internally cringed at her own voice and action.
<span style="font-weight:400">And while she was cringing, Yuuji nudged Raku and whispered.
<span style="font-weight:400">“Compliment her outfit.”
<span style="font-weight:400">Immediately, Raku tried his best toe up withpliments to give her.
<span style="font-weight:400">“Y-You look very good, today! Y-Your outfit is very cute!”
<span style="font-weight:400">“T-Thanks. Y-You look good too…!”
<span style="font-weight:400">Raku stammered while heplimented her with a forced smile, and Chitoge returned thepliment with twitching lips.
<span style="font-weight:400">Seeing these two act like this, Yuuji couldn’t help but sigh and shake his head inwardly.
<i><span style="font-weight:400">I’d rather show Viktoriya around with Mira, Aika, Yuna, and Nina…</i>
<span style="font-weight:400">Deciding to break the awkward atmosphere, Yuuji intervened with these two awkward people and greeted Chitoge.
<span style="font-weight:400">“Good morning, Chitoge. You dressed up very nicely. Are you excited for this date?”
<span style="font-weight:400">“A-Ah, good morning, Yuuji! Y-Yes, I am. T-Thank you so much. Ahahaha!”
<span style="font-weight:400">A pink blush emerged on Chitoge’s pale white cheeks, and this time, her voice was even higher than when she replied to Raku.
<span style="font-weight:400">She averted her gaze down, asionally ncing at Yuuji, as she fidgeted with her hands and feet.
<span style="font-weight:400">“Are your parents doing well? I’ve heard that your father is doing quite well for himself in Japan, but Hana-san is as busy as ever.”
<span style="font-weight:400">“U-Uhn. Papa is doing well for himself. But mama is… busy. It’s just the usual though.”
<span style="font-weight:400">“I see…”
<span style="font-weight:400">Yuuji frowned slightly when he heard a twinge of sadness leaking out from the tone of her voice as Chitoge failed to mask her true feelings.
<span style="font-weight:400">Chitoge’s mother, Kirisaki Hana, was a world renown business consultant <i><span style="font-weight:400">and</i><span style="font-weight:400"> one of Mira’s close friends.
<span style="font-weight:400">They’ve been very close since they were young, and although their path began to diverge when Hana chose to focus on her career while Mira chose to focus on her family, they still maintained close contact with each other. Or at least, as much contact as they could considering Hana’s packed schedule.
<span style="font-weight:400">Yuuji also remembered meeting her a few times in the past. Although it was only a few times and only for a few moments, she treated him very kindly every time they met and he already considered her his aunt.
<span style="font-weight:400">But, as perfect as she seemed, she was not without fault. She had always been a very driven woman, but she was an especially stubborn one.
<span style="font-weight:400">Yuuji had always admired her as a businesswomanparable to even Mira, the person he admired the most in the world. But after seeing how much she neglected Chitoge and her family, he couldn''t help but feel a bit disappointed.
<span style="font-weight:400">Unlike his step-mother who wholeheartedly took care of their family in exchange for pursuing her career, Hana chose to take her career into the sky and left her family. It was inevitable. After all, there’s only so many hours in the day.
<span style="font-weight:400">Even so… Yuuji still couldn’t agree with her decision.
<span style="font-weight:400">Looking at Chitoge’s lonely expression, Yuuji began to think if he could somehow help Hana with her situation…
<i><span style="font-weight:400">Perhaps I should make an AI that could help with Hana-san’s work…?</i>
<span style="font-weight:400">With the MCGX Supeputer and his “Programming Proficiency”, there’s almost no software, no matter how fantastical it was, that he couldn’t make.
<span style="font-weight:400">He had made a software that could predict the stock market with more than 90% uracy and almostpleted a software that would allow him to chat with people from different worlds. A simple AI that could help a world renown business consultant shouldn’t be that hard, right…?
<i><span style="font-weight:400">I should consult Mira about this… And maybe Mayumi as well once Ipleted the multiverse messaging app.</i>
<span style="font-weight:400">In that moment, the system architecture for what would be known as the greatest business consultant AI began to form in his mind.
<span style="font-weight:400">But just then, his thoughts were halted when she noticed Viktoriya’s arrival as she was making her way towards them.
<span style="font-weight:400">“I’m sorry for making you wait!”
<span style="font-weight:400">Dressed beautifully in a frilly, light yellow, one-piece dress that matched her golden hair while holding a light blue purse in her hand, Viktoriya appeared in a slight jog.
<span style="font-weight:400">It was still five minutes before the promised meeting time, but she felt bad for making the three wait.
<span style="font-weight:400">Yuuji smiled softly and immediately greeted her.
<span style="font-weight:400">“Good morning, Viktoriya.”
<span style="font-weight:400">“Good morning, Yuuji! I’m sorry for beingte.”
<span style="font-weight:400">“You’re notte. We all just got here. Don’t worry about it.”
<span style="font-weight:400">Yuuji shook his head and handed her a handkerchief.
<span style="font-weight:400">“A-Ah, <i><span style="font-weight:400">d-danke</i><span style="font-weight:400">…”
<span style="font-weight:400">With blushing cheeks, Viktoriya shyly took the handkerchief and lightly wipe the sweat off her forehead.
<span style="font-weight:400">“You look beautiful, Viktoriya. Your light yellow one piece suits your beautiful golden hair very well.”
<span style="font-weight:400">Viktoriya bloomed with a bright smile at hispliment.
<span style="font-weight:400">“Hehe~ Thank you, Yuuji! You look very handsome as well!”<span style="font-weight:400">
<span style="font-weight:400">“Thank you. I’m d that I at least don’t look like a bum beside you.”
<span style="font-weight:400">“Ahahaha, what are you saying, Yuuji? You never look like a bum!”<span style="font-weight:400">
<span style="font-weight:400">The two exchanged giggles before Viktoriya turned towards Raku and Chitoge, who were watching them with lightly blushing cheeks, and bowed her head.
<span style="font-weight:400">“Good morning, Kirisaki-san, Ichijou-san. I’m sorry for making you wait.”
<span style="font-weight:400">“N-No! You didn’t make us wait, Serebryakov-san!”
<span style="font-weight:400">“That’s right! Ah, and please just call me Chitoge! You can also speak in English with me if you feel morefortable with it.”
<span style="font-weight:400">“Thank you, Ichijou-san. And I will do so from now on, Chitoge. Thank you for your suggestion, but I want to improve my Japanese, so I’ll try my best to speak Japanese as much as possible! Only if I can’t convey it in Japanese will I speak in english, okay?”
<span style="font-weight:400">“Uhn! That’s fine! I’ll help you out as well!”
<span style="font-weight:400">“Thank you!”
<span style="font-weight:400">Watching the girls’ interaction with each other, Yuuji let out a sigh of relief inwardly.
<span style="font-weight:400">Although it wouldn’t look too much like a date, at least with Viktoriya here, Chitoge and Raku won’t be interacting too much and risk revealing how much they hate each other to their families.
<span style="font-weight:400">But perhaps he’d need to create chances for these two to interact with each other and make them seem like an actual couple to convince their families. If they don’t interact with each other at all, there might be a chance that the Shuuei n and Beehive Gang not count this as a date and a simple outing with friends.
<span style="font-weight:400">“Well then, let’s not dally much longer and head to our first destination. Raku, where are we going?”
<span style="font-weight:400">“E-Eh? A-Ah, h-how about a cafe?”
<span style="font-weight:400">“A cafe, huh? Alright. Is there one you want to rmend?”
<span style="font-weight:400">“Ah, if it’s a cafe, then can we visit Aunt Aika’s Rose Cafe? I wanted to try it!”
<span style="font-weight:400">Viktoriya asked excitedly.
<span style="font-weight:400">“Of course. Is that okay, Raku, Chitoge?”
<span style="font-weight:400">“Eh? Ah, sure!”
<span style="font-weight:400">“Mm, I’d love to try it as well!”
<span style="font-weight:400">“Then, let’s go.”
<span style="font-weight:400">With that, the “two couples” made their way to Aika’s “Rose Cafe”, one of the most popr cafes in the city.
<span style="font-weight:400">As usual, the cafe was filled with plenty of customers. But even then, it still maintained its serene and cozy atmosphere despite the number of people.
<span style="font-weight:400">And upon arriving, almost everyone within the cafe, staff and customers included, perked up when they saw Yuuji.
<span style="font-weight:400">“Ah! It’s Yuuji-kun~!!!”<span style="font-weight:400">
<span style="font-weight:400">“Eh?! I-It’s Yuuji-san!”
<span style="font-weight:400">“How lucky!!! I was depressed when I found out he’s not working today, but thankfully he still came!!!”
<span style="font-weight:400">“Yuuji! I miss you!!! When are you going to help us out again!!!”
<span style="font-weight:400">“Ah, Yuuji-senpai~! You still haven’t taught me how to use the milk foamer~! Did you forget your promise~?”
<span style="font-weight:400">The female customers and staff he had worked with while working in his aunt’s cafe part time all greeted him in excitement.
<span style="font-weight:400">Meanwhile, the male staff…
<span style="font-weight:400">“Eh? Who are those girls? They couldn’t be his girlfriend, right?”
<span style="font-weight:400">“Kuh…! Last time when he was working, he’s also talking with beauties!”
<span style="font-weight:400">“This junior really needs a beating, huh? Are you trying to show off?”
<span style="font-weight:400">Yuuji couldn’t help but shake his head at his seniors… Though at the same time, he couldn’t help but pity them.
<span style="font-weight:400">After all, many of them came to work in this cafe hoping they could interact with beautiful customers or get close with the beautiful female staff, including Aika. But instead, they became pack mules andborers… And even when they got a chance to serve as a waiter, Yuuji’s poprity shrouded them in eternal darkness.
<span style="font-weight:400">Of course, Yuuji actually got along well with them. Just that their envy and jealousy seeped through the crack once in a while…
<span style="font-weight:400">“Oi! Stop cursing my nephew and get back to work!”
<span style="font-weight:400">““H-Hiii!!! Yes, ma’am!!!””
<span style="font-weight:400">Just then, Aika appeared and bonked all three male staff on the head with a tray before turning towards Yuuji and his friends.
<span style="font-weight:400">“Hey! It’s been a while, Chitoge-chan, Raku-kun. And wee to my cafe, Viktoriya-chan. It’s your first time here, right?”
<span style="font-weight:400">“It’s been a while, Aika-san! It’s good to see you again!”
<span style="font-weight:400">“I-It has been a while!”
<span style="font-weight:400">“Yes! I''ve been very curious about your cafe ever since you told me about it, so I suggesteding here first!”
<span style="font-weight:400">“I see. Well, you guys can take any seat that’s open. I’ll have a talk with Yuuji first.”
<span style="font-weight:400">“Yes.”<span style="font-weight:400">
<span style="font-weight:400">Raku, Chitoge, and Viktoriya went ahead and searched for an open table. And once they left, Aika put her elbow on the counter and rested her cheek on her hand.
<span style="font-weight:400">“So this is the “double date” your talking about, huh? Quite the peculiar group.”
<span style="font-weight:400">Yuuji smiled helplessly and nodded.
<span style="font-weight:400">“Yes. You know about Raku and Chitoge’s situation, and how they got along like water and oil. So… yeah.”
<span style="font-weight:400">“Yeah yeah, I know. It’s a headache, alright. But it can’t be helped. You do a good job helping them, alright? I don’t want the area around my cafe to be turned into a battlefield.”
<span style="font-weight:400">“Of course. I’ll do my best.”
<span style="font-weight:400">“Also…”
<span style="font-weight:400">“Hm?”
<span style="font-weight:400">Aika went silent for a bit as her cheeks blushed.
<span style="font-weight:400">“...Come and help me out more often. It’s so damn busy because of you. So take responsibility.”
<span style="font-weight:400">Yuuji’s eyes widened in surprise upon seeing his step-aunt’s adorableness. Despite Aika trying her best to mask her true desire, Yuuji saw through it in an instant.
<i><span style="font-weight:400">She’s such a tsundere!</i>
<span style="font-weight:400">Yuuji narrowed his eyes and smiled teasingly.
<span style="font-weight:400">“Hm~ I guess if it’s because my beautiful step-aunt wants to spend more time with me, then It can’t be helped~”<span style="font-weight:400">
<span style="font-weight:400">“W-W-Who wants to spend more time with you, idiot!”<span style="font-weight:400">
<span style="font-weight:400">“Eh~? You don’t? Then, there’s no reason for me toe here…”
<span style="font-weight:400">“T-That’s not- S-Stop teasing me, you brat!!!”
<span style="font-weight:400">“Ahahaha! See youter, auntie~”
<span style="font-weight:400">Yuuji easily dodged Aika’s grapple and made his way to the table his friends were at.
<span style="font-weight:400">When he arrived, he saw Chitoge and Viktoriya reading the menu with sparkling eyes while Raku struggled to read the french and english names, even though there’s the katakana for them.
<span style="font-weight:400">“So? Have you decided?”
<span style="font-weight:400">“Mmm… There’s so many I want to try. But I don’t think I’d be able to finish it…!”<span style="font-weight:400">
<span style="font-weight:400">“Me too…”
<span style="font-weight:400">“Don’t worry. As long as it’s not too much, Raku and I can finish them for you. Right, Raku?”
<span style="font-weight:400">“E-Eh?! U-Uhn!”
<span style="font-weight:400">“Really?! Thank you, Yuuji!”
<span style="font-weight:400">“T-Thanks… Then, I’ll take you up on your offer.”
<span style="font-weight:400">Raku seemed worried for his life, but Yuuji was quite calm. After all, with his [Divine Physique] SSR, he could eat any amount of food and his body would stay at its optimum condition. And although he always ate a normal amount, he could eat a lot more and turn the excess into energy and magic.
<span style="font-weight:400">He was, in Yuna and Mira’s words, the perfect “trash can” since they could just let him eat all of their leftovers they couldn’t finish.
<span style="font-weight:400">As Chitoge and Viktoriya discussed what they’re going to order, Yuuji nced around the cafe and noticed quite a lot of Beehive and Shuuei n members snooping around and watching the inside of the cafe.
<span style="font-weight:400">Ryuu as well as ude were also watching them closely, and Yuuji felt ude’s gaze on him more often than he expected. It seemed like he noticed his differencepared to when theyst met, which was when he was very young.
<span style="font-weight:400">Well, as long as they don’t cause problems, then he wouldn’t mind them keeping a surveince. After all, this was their primary objective for this “double date”. If they return home convinced of Raku and Chitoge’s rtionship, then it’s a sess.
<span style="font-weight:400">But if they choose to cause problems… Then he’ll take action to stop them, even if they were to use bullets and katanas.
<span style="font-weight:400">--------------------------------X--------------------------------
<span style="font-weight:400">After finishing their meals, Yuuji and Raku paid for the girls and they made their way to their next destination.
<span style="font-weight:400">The girls were both super satisfied and happy after being able to taste every single cake and pastry they’re interested in. While Raku was having a bit of trouble walking from being too full.
<i><span style="font-weight:400">They… They really didn’t hold back… They really ordered everything they wanted and shoved the ones they couldn''t finish to us… But how is Yuuji still looking fine?! He ate way more than me!!!</i>
<span style="font-weight:400">Did he secretly throw them away somewhere? No, Raku clearly saw him eating them. But he still looks fine! How was that possible?!<span style="font-weight:400">
<span style="font-weight:400">“So? Where are we going next, Yuuji?”<span style="font-weight:400">
<span style="font-weight:400">Viktoriya asked in excitement.
<span style="font-weight:400">“Hm, how about the arcade? Japan’s arcades are known for their interesting variety of games.”
<span style="font-weight:400">“Oh, yes! I’ve heard and seen about it from the inte! They looked much more interesting than the ones in Germany! Let’s go!”<span style="font-weight:400">
<span style="font-weight:400">“Raku, Chitoge, are you fine with that?”
<span style="font-weight:400">“Uhn! Let’s go! I’m also interested in going to one!”
<span style="font-weight:400">“S-Sure…”
<span style="font-weight:400">“Alright, then let’s go.”
<span style="font-weight:400">They made their way to the arcade, attracting gazes and attention as they walked through the popr entertainment street.
<span style="font-weight:400">And once they arrived at the arcade, they were weed by tens of crane game machines on the first floor of the arcade, filled with various plush toys, figurines, merchandise from anime or games, and even instant food and snacks.
<span style="font-weight:400">It was as if they entered another world.
<span style="font-weight:400">Colorful, shy lights, peppy game music, and mechanical sounds of cranes moving filled the entire first floor.
<span style="font-weight:400">And the girls’ attention were immediately attracted to the various plushies of animals and characters from anime and games.
<span style="font-weight:400">“This is amazing…! Yuuji, there’s so many cute things here!!!”
<span style="font-weight:400">“They''re really is. How about you try it out, Viktoriya?”
<span style="font-weight:400">“Uhn!”
<span style="font-weight:400">Yuuji and Viktoriya immediately entered the building with Raku and Chitoge following after them.
<span style="font-weight:400">Viktoriya walked around in awe, her eyes sparkling brightly, while Yuuji went to the exchanging machine to turn his bills into 100 yen coins to be used in the crane game.
<span style="font-weight:400">Then, he gave Viktoriya a few coins so she could try ying.
<span style="font-weight:400">“Thank you! I’ll try this one!!!”
<span style="font-weight:400">Viktoriya took the coins and immediately put several into the crane game with arge plushie of a cat with a piece of toast around its neck.
<span style="font-weight:400">And as she was trying, Yuuji turned towards Chitoge and Raku and raised his voice slightly so they could hear him in the midst of the loud music.
<span style="font-weight:400">“Hey, you guys can go ahead and y around! I’ll stay with Viktoriya.”
<span style="font-weight:400">“A-Ah, sure!”
<span style="font-weight:400">“Alright…”<span style="font-weight:400">
<span style="font-weight:400">The two then walked away, clearly unwilling to be alone with each other. But with the many games there were in this arcade, Yuuji hoped they could get distracted from their bad blood with each other and at least act like friends to show their family’s mafia and yakuza members.
<span style="font-weight:400">“Muuuuh…! I can’t get it…! It won’t budge!”
<span style="font-weight:400">Yuuji turned back towards Viktoriya and saw her pouting slightly as she stared at the cat plush, which was currently stuck in between the narrow part of two poles holding it up.
<span style="font-weight:400">“Do you need help?”
<span style="font-weight:400">“...No! I’ll do it on my own!”
<span style="font-weight:400">“Then, can I at least teach you the trick?”<span style="font-weight:400">
<span style="font-weight:400">“Mm.”
<span style="font-weight:400">Yuuji then began teaching her.
<span style="font-weight:400">Unlike regr crane games, the crane game machines in Japan relied less in luck and more in skill.
<span style="font-weight:400">Instead of trying to catch the prize with the weak crane arms in one fell swoop, they need to nudge the prize little by little using the crane arms until it falls into the hole.
<span style="font-weight:400">For this particr crane machine, Viktoriya would need to nudge the cat toast plush from the narrow part of the opening to the wider part by nudging the plush to the right little by little.
<span style="font-weight:400">But, it could get stuck easily even when it’s on the wider part of the opening since the toast part of the plush was very wide.
<span style="font-weight:400">It took Viktoriya several tries of trial and error, and when she got stuck, Yuuji would call on the arcade staff member to help reset the position of the plush and put it in an easier ce.
<span style="font-weight:400">And after a few tries, the cat toast plush finally fell into the hole.
<span style="font-weight:400">“I finally got it!!!”
<span style="font-weight:400">“Congrattions! You’re getting the hang of it near the end, there!”
<span style="font-weight:400">“Uhn! It’s all thanks to you! A-And uhm, I-I’ll pay you back for all the coins I used!”
<span style="font-weight:400">Yuuji waved his hand dismissively.
<span style="font-weight:400">“Don’t worry about it. Is there anything else that caught your interest? I can help you catch some if you want.”
<span style="font-weight:400">“Eh? Really…? Then…”
<span style="font-weight:400">Viktoriya walked up to a crane game machine and pointed at it shyly.
<span style="font-weight:400">“This… I-I really loved watching this anime when I was young…”
<span style="font-weight:400">Yuuji looked at the crane game machine she was pointing at and couldn’t help but widen his eyes.
<span style="font-weight:400">It was a crane game with the figure of “Genshiro” from “Fist of the South Star” as the prize.
<span style="font-weight:400">A small giggle escaped Yuuji’s lips.
<span style="font-weight:400">“I didn’t expect you to like “Fist of the South Star”. We’re not even born yet when this anime came out.”
<span style="font-weight:400">“M-Mama showed me it when I was young, and I got hooked on it. I-It’s weird isn’t it? For a girl to like this kind of show.”
<span style="font-weight:400">Yuuji shrugged and walked over to the crane game machine.
<span style="font-weight:400">“No. It’s rare, but it’s not weird. Now, let me try this out.”
<span style="font-weight:400">This time, the crane game machine needed him to drag the figure box forward by pulling onto the circr handle attached to its front and making it fall onto the hole in front of it. What makes it hard is that the surface in which the figure box was standing on was rubbery, making it very difficult to drag across.
<span style="font-weight:400">For experts crane gamers, it would take 10 tries at the very least. Maybe less if they’re lucky or someone before them had moved it a bit forward.
<span style="font-weight:400">But with Yuuji’splete control over his body, his enhanced senses, and luck, it took him only three tries to get it.
<span style="font-weight:400">“Here you go.”
<span style="font-weight:400">“Wow! That’s amazing! Yuuji, you’re so skilled at crane games!!!”<span style="font-weight:400">
<span style="font-weight:400">“Thank you. Then, is there anything else you want?”
<span style="font-weight:400">“Hm… I-Is it okay to have more?”<span style="font-weight:400">
<span style="font-weight:400">“Of course. Don’t hold back.”
<span style="font-weight:400">“Then…”
<span style="font-weight:400">The two then began emptying the entire first floor of the arcade. Every time Viktoriya pointed at a prize, Yuuji would help her get it in less than five tries. And before long, they’re already holding fourrge bags of plush, figures, and various merchandise that Viktoriya liked and also some gifts for Mira, Aika, Yuna, and Nina.
<span style="font-weight:400">Then, after having their fill, they began to search for Raku and Chitoge.
<span style="font-weight:400">“Hm? Where did they go?”
<span style="font-weight:400">“They might be on the second floor. Should we go there?”
<span style="font-weight:400">“The second floor?”<span style="font-weight:400">
<span style="font-weight:400">“Yes. Unlike the first floor, it’s filled with more traditional arcade games, like racing games, shooting games, or rhythm games. Do you want to see?”
<span style="font-weight:400">“Yes! Let’s go!”
<span style="font-weight:400">Yuuji and Viktoriya made their way to the second floor, and as they expected, they saw Raku and Chitoge there.
<span style="font-weight:400">But instead of looking like a couple of friends ying together and having fun, they both yelling at each other while ying a cooperative shooting game.
<span style="font-weight:400">“You stupid bean sprout! Can’t you even aim?!?! Is your hand-eye coordination that bad?!”
<span style="font-weight:400">“You’re going too far ahead by yourself, you stupid gori woman! And shoot the grenades!!! We die multiple times because you only shoot the boss instead of the grenades!”
<span style="font-weight:400">“Huh?! If the boss dies, then we won’t have to bother shooting grenades! You should shoot the boss with me!”<span style="font-weight:400">
<span style="font-weight:400">“That’s not how this game works!!!”<span style="font-weight:400">
<span style="font-weight:400">““...””
<span style="font-weight:400">Yuuji and Viktoriya could only stare dumbfoundedly at them.
<i><span style="font-weight:400">“A-Are they really a couple…? Do they even get along…?”</i>
<i><span style="font-weight:400">“...It’splicated.”</i>
<span style="font-weight:400">The two exchanged their sentiments in German.
<span style="font-weight:400">Yuuji let out a sigh… At least there’s no members of the Beehive Gang or the Shuuei n here on the second floor. So no one could see this mess.
<span style="font-weight:400">“Well, let’s leave them to their… fun. Do you want to try ying the shooting games too?”<span style="font-weight:400">
<span style="font-weight:400">“Sure! I would love that!”
<span style="font-weight:400">The two then began making their way to another cooperative shooting game machine and started ying.
<span style="font-weight:400">And in contrast to Raku and Chitoge’s mess, they worked very well together. Theirmunications were clear and they would always cover each other. But the most impressive part that quickly attracted a big crowd towards them was their aim.
<span style="font-weight:400">“Oi, are you seeing this? They’re insane!”
<span style="font-weight:400">“He’s not missing at all… And that beauty’s aim is also insane!”
<span style="font-weight:400">“I’ve never seen them ying in these parts… Are they God Gamers from a different arcade?”
<span style="font-weight:400">“No way… They got to the final stage with just one life… I’ve never seen anything like this…!”
<span style="font-weight:400">With Yuuji’s “Gun Proficiency”, it was impossible for him to miss when using firearms. So a simple shooting game in an arcade was child’s y before his skills.
<span style="font-weight:400">But it wasn’t the same for Viktoriya. So Yuuji was extremely impressed with Viktoriya’s aiming skill.
<span style="font-weight:400">“You’re amazing… I didn’t think you would be this good at aiming.”
<span style="font-weight:400">“Hehe, I''ve also trained with firearms ever since I was young, and I’m quite used to it. Compared to that, the gun in this game doesn''t have any recoil, so it’s easier for me to aim. You’re the amazing one, Yuuji! Did you train with firearms as well? I didn’t see you miss even once just now!”<span style="font-weight:400">
<span style="font-weight:400">“No. I’ve never trained with firearms. Perhaps, I’m just lucky.”
<span style="font-weight:400">“If it’s only once or twice, then it might be luck. But you’ve never miss! You must have an incredible hidden talent with firearms!”<span style="font-weight:400">
<span style="font-weight:400">“Hahaha, thank you. Are there any other games you wish to y? Maybe we can y with Raku and Chitoge too.”
<span style="font-weight:400">“Hm, then let’s y air hockey!!!”
<span style="font-weight:400">“Alright. Let’s go.”
<span style="font-weight:400">Yuuji and Viktoriya then went to find the two and dragged the still fighting couple to y air hockey.
<span style="font-weight:400">As usual, Chitoge and Raku fought all the way and med each other while Yuuji and Viktoriya had wless teamwork.
<span style="font-weight:400">And then, they yed a basketball game where they shot basketballs into the hoop and tally their scores.
<span style="font-weight:400">Needless to say, Yuuji got the highest score, followed by Viktoriya and Chitoge, who had excellent physical capabilities, and Raku.
<span style="font-weight:400">Then, after ying around for a bit, the group decided to stop and head to another cafe for some tea and rest.
<span style="font-weight:400">But as they’re walking out of the arcade building, Chitoge stopped in her tracks and stared at a crane game machine.
<span style="font-weight:400">“...Chitoge? What are you doing?”
<span style="font-weight:400">Raku asked as the whole group stopped and turned towards her. And when they follow the direction of her gaze, they saw the crane game machine with a blonde-haired gori plush within it.
<span style="font-weight:400">“...Do you want that?”
<span style="font-weight:400">Raku asked, and Chitoge immediately blushed.
<span style="font-weight:400">“T-T-That’s right! It’s because you haven’t won anything for me yet!”
<span style="font-weight:400">“Guhkk… I-It’s not my fault that I’m bad at this kind of stuff… Or rather, I can’t understand how Yuuji could get these many.”
<span style="font-weight:400">Raku nced at the fourrge bags of prizes Yuuji’s holding.
<span style="font-weight:400">“Ahahaha… Then, do you want me to teach you?”
<span style="font-weight:400">“...Sure.”<span style="font-weight:400">
<span style="font-weight:400">Raku let out a sigh. It’s a bit of a pain, but if he didn’t give Chitoge any plush or gifts, the Beehive Gang members might get upset at him.
<span style="font-weight:400">Though… if he got her a gori plush, wouldn’t they also get upset as well…?
<span style="font-weight:400">“Alright. Then, let’s try it out.”
<span style="font-weight:400">“Mm…”
<span style="font-weight:400">Yuuji tried his best to teach Raku. But, it turns out that he’s… very bad at it. No… Even that would be an understatement.
<span style="font-weight:400">In the end, Yuuji had to help him using his “Space Maniption” magic to keep the plush in the crame arms and with it.
<span style="font-weight:400">“Finally…! This was a freaking scam!!!”<span style="font-weight:400">
<span style="font-weight:400">“No, you’re just too hopeless… Well, never mind that. Go on, give it to her.”
<span style="font-weight:400">“A-Ah, sure.”
<span style="font-weight:400">Yuuji pushed him towards Chitoge and watched as Raku gave her the gori plush with Viktoriya.
<span style="font-weight:400">“Hehe~ I’m d they made up.”
<span style="font-weight:400">“...Yes.”
<span style="font-weight:400">Yuuji then nced around and sensed ude, Ryuu, and members of the Beehive Gang and Shuuei n’s presence around them.
<i><span style="font-weight:400">Good. They must be watching this now.</i>
<span style="font-weight:400">With this, the purpose of their “double date” is reached. He didn’t know if they would bepletely convinced, especially considering ude’s cynical personality. But at least, they can’t rule out the possibility of them being a real couplepletely.
<i><span style="font-weight:400">Hah… I really hope they can fix this mess up quickly…</i>