Gamers!

Short Story Collection: Chapter 8 – Fantasia 2018 Short Story

Translator: your_pingas

“Eh, Tendou-san, you’ve never worn a furisode before?” [Note: Furisode is basically the long-sleeve version of kimono.]

“Yeah.”

Someday after New Year, I suddenly bumped into Tendou-san in the city. We strolled towards the station slowly as we chatted.

She suddenly revealed a surprising piece of information.

I glared at the angel that can’t hide her perfect figures even she’s in a coat- No, she’s my ex-girlfriend, Karen Tendou. Then, I spoke up angrily.

“D-Don’t you feel responsible as a beautiful character!?”

“…Uh, I have no idea why I pissed my ex-boyfriend off just then?”

“That’s not how fanservice works! It’s okay for gloomy characters like Chiaki and me. However, I can’t believe a girl like you still haven’t tried out all clothing in the world. Do you have any idea how much an impact you’ll have on the entertainment industry!?”

“The entertainment industry isn’t my business.”

“Why are you not wearing furisode!? Do you prefer agility over defense!?”

“What kind of standard is that? Well, even though the agility of furisode is indeed lower than suits.”

Tendou sighed deeply and explained.

“It’s just that I’m not suited to furisode, and the same goes for kimono as well. Think about it, …my hair is colored like this. How should I put it? It looks like I’m traveling to Japan, or I’m a cosplayer…”

She twirled her hair with the tip of her finger and smiled bitterly at me.

When I saw that, …I turned around forcefully and said this to her with a serious look.

“So, why does that matter? Whether it’s cosplay or not, I just want to see Tendou-san wearing something beautiful.”

“…………”

Tendou-san’s face immediately flared up. Then, as if she’s trying to cover up for something, she walked in front of me and hastily spoke up.

“W-Whatever, how should I put it…? If Amano-kun said it, …uh, …on the premise that you’re the only one seeing it, …I guess…I can wear it…for you…someday.”

I chased her with sparkling eyes after hearing that. “Eh, really!?”

“Well, well, when will Tendou-san hold a furisode conference!”

“Uh, no, don’t rush. …Moreover, it’s past New Year already. I’m not supposed to go out while wearing furisode, right?”

“W-Well, …I guess you’re right.”

I can’t help but feel upset after hearing Tendou-san. …Yeah, …I already missed the chance to see Tendou-san in a kimono this year. …Come to think of it, our relationships were a mess at the end of last year. …No, I shouldn’t say that in past tense.

“…Uh.”

Tendou-san felt a bit sorry when she saw my depressed face. Her expression slowly darkens.

Only the footsteps on snow and the cheers of the city can be heard between us.

“…………”

So, we fell into a temporary silence as we walked. We didn’t manage to improve the mood before we arrived at the station. This persisted until we’re about to go our separate ways.

“Uh, …well, ….Tendou-san, …I’ll see you later…”

“O-Okay. …Goodbye, Amano-kun…”

So, we waved and bid farewell to each other stiffly. Just as we’re about to turn around-

“…Ay.”

We turned back at the same time.

Then, with our face blushed to the max, we said this simultaneously with trembling lips and determined eyes.

“Next year, we’ll go pay a visit to the shrine together!”

This invitation is a bit too early.

“…………”

For a moment, we bulged our eyes and freaked out because we said the same suggestion at the exact same moment.

However, we immediately chuckled.

“Hehe, …why are we always like this?”

“Ay, you’re right. We’re promising that we’re going to the shrine together next year, and it might not even happen. The ghosts would be teasing at us.”

“Yep. However…”

“Yep, even so…”

Even though we understand how ridiculous this promise is, …we still looked at each other’s eyes and smiled as we swore to each other.

“It’s a promise.”

So, we walked toward the respective station we need to go. Our hearts are no longer filled with regret and worry.

I arrived at the station and waved at Tendou-san, who’s doing the same thing far away.

Then, I raised my head and looked at the dusky sky as I imagined the future. I mumbled quietly.

“Wow, I can’t wait to see Tendou-san in furisode.”

-At the same time, I made up my mind. One year later, I have to stand next to her.