I never would have imagined that I’d fought the imposter, and the card he was using was a fake card he’d made himself.
“I’m glad I beat the imposter. I was worried I’d done something terrible to the creator.”
“Yeah.” Patrick nodded.
“You didn’t get a chance to play today, but you must be interested in Yugimaster now, right? Why don’t we play together when we get home?”
“Uh, I think I’ll pass.”
“Don’t worry, I won’t use the deck I used against the fake Yunico. Remember the guy I fought before him? I’m sure you’ll have fun if it’s like that.”
“I can’t talk that much, so I think I’m good...”
“Oh. Okay.”
After seeing such an exciting, vigorous battle, Patrick didn’t seem too interested. Strange...but I won’t give up! I’ll turn Patrick into a Yugimaster player one day!
After leaving the card shop, we were on our way home. I’d had so much fun today. I knew that this was the best date we’d ever had, and Patrick probably had fun too... At least I thought he did!
We were on our way home because we were following Eleanora’s plans that said, “Don’t go to dinner and return home, because it’s best when you leave just wanting a little more time together.”
Wait... I thought going home would be the end of things, but there’s something written on the back. “Say what you like about each other.” I’m going to pretend I didn’t see that...
I crumbled up the notes and stuffed them in my pocket. Patrick definitely didn’t see that, so I was in the clear.
As we walked home, Patrick suddenly spoke up. “Today was kind of refreshing. We’ve gone out together several times, but it was never like this.”
That’s true. It was my first time dressing up to go out, and I’ve always avoided fancy cafés like that place we went to. We’ve also had plenty of dungeon dates, which were dates where we just went to beat up a bunch of monsters. And, the biggest difference is...
“Yeah, I think it was also the first time I played Yugimaster in front of you.”
“That part actually felt the same as our usual dates...”
I see. I guess Patrick still isn’t interested in Yugimaster... As that thought crossed my mind, Patrick continued.
“I loved our meetup in the morning and our time at the café, but the Yumiella I fell for likes to have fun playing children’s games and is disciplined to the point that some people may be put off by it but still has the kindness to worry about taking down the creator of a game...”
Wait? Huh? What? Did you read that note, Pat-Pat? No way, he couldn’t have. Unless he can see through objects, he wouldn’t have had a chance to read that thing. That means he’s doing this unprompted, not because of Eleanora’s instructions.
As I felt my face growing hot, Patrick continued.
“That’s the Yumiella I love.”
Usually I would go out of my way to say something weird and change the subject, but I had Eleanora’s notes encouraging me. That’s why I was able to share my embarrassing thoughts with Patrick.
“You know, Patrick, I also...”
Once we got home, Eleanora would probably interrogate us about the date. I would tell her all about the café, and I’d maybe even throw in what happened at the card shop. But as for what I said to Patrick on our way home, that would be between the two of us.