The sixth and seventh cosplay rounds that followed were a lot of fun as well. Mrs. Hotei exceeded their expectations and had burned the midnight oil to produce seven entire costumes per person in time for the shoot. They cosplayed their hearts out and took every promotional photo the company could possibly need. By the time they started packing up, it was already nighttime. They really played the day away.
Mrs. Hotei picked the three up and took them to a family restaurant for a celebratory dinner. While there was naturally no alcohol involved, they all talked and laughed with great cheer. They had no shortage of subjects to discuss, such as how Kai kept sneaking glances at Kaguya’s chest, or how Kai kept sneaking glances at Kanroji’s chest, or how Kai kept sneaking glances at Shion’s chest.
Kai had some mistakes to reflect on.
After he got home, the leftover exhilaration made it hard to fall asleep, but the satisfying soreness running through his body gradually brought him to the world of slumber. The next day was a Sunday so he would’ve loved nothing more than to just sleep in until noon, but sadly the work shift he had first thing in the morning meant that wouldn’t be possible. He shared this shift with Kotobuki, and once they opened, they had to put in a hard day’s work. Saying they were tired from the day before wouldn’t cut it as an excuse.
And so, it was time for their afternoon break. Kai followed Kotobuki to Mitsuba, a hole-in-the-wall eatery about five minutes away. Kotobuki had suggested it that morning over LINE.
“I must thank you for yesterday, Nakamura.”
“Oh no, if anything, the gratitude should come from me.”
“My parents were quite pleased with our results. They said that each photo was lively and wonderful.”
“That’s a relief to hear. It’s important to please one’s sponsor.”
“Heh, you’re quite right. There’s still the job of selecting which photos to use, however.”
“Allow me to help. I’m certain it must be a massive undertaking.”
“Oh, please do, Nakamura.”
“Then I shall. I’m sure it will be a job I’ll very much enjoy.”
The pair walked side by side down the cramped sidewalk, cutting across big streets and small alleys. They chatted idly to fill the time as they traveled at a leisurely pace, one that met the speed of Kotobuki’s gait.
“Nakamura, in addition to that request...I have something serious that I’d like to discuss.”
Due to their height differences, Kotobuki looked up at Kai as she changed the subject.
I see, realized Kai. It’s something she couldn’t talk about at Beaver. She must’ve invited me to Mitsuba just to get us away from there.
“Very well,” he said as he straightened his posture. “Go right ahead.”
“I had a lot of fun yesterday. I truly did.”
“And...this is a serious discussion?”
“Please, let me continue. It wasn’t long ago that we played games together with Miyakawa, correct? I truly don’t mean to say that I didn’t enjoy that day at all...but if I were to be perfectly honest, it was rather exhausting. Not through any fault of yours, of course. Far from it; you did more than I could ever ask for to make me feel welcome... I wonder if video games simply aren’t for me.”
“Well, we all have our likes and dislikes.” Kai considered it a shame, but hobbies weren’t something to be forced on others.
“So, could the three of us perhaps cosplay again sometime? I think it’d be nice if we could do it once a month. My mother would go all out for a costume that was challenging enough.”
“Why, that sounds like a dream come true. I’m certain Jun would be thrilled as well.”
“And I’d like to view more anime together. As well as go see movies. Promare’s been receiving high praise, you know.”
“Would you mind if Jun joined us for those as well?”
“Not at all. In fact, it’d feel a tad lonely without her.”
Kai blinked, wondering what in the world had gotten into her.
“I mean what I asked. My requests no longer have an ulterior motive.”
“Which is to say you’ve had ulterior motives before?”
“A slip of the tongue.” Kotobuki playfully stuck her tongue out. She was a mischievous little devil. “Anyway, I find Miyakawa a rather fascinating person. She’s quite fun to have around.”
“I know, right?”
“As such, I can fully understand your feelings.”
“Which feelings specifically, may I ask?”
“The feeling that it’s more enjoyable to play together without a care in the world than it is to strain yourself to date someone. That a friend is more valuable than a lover. And that I have some growing up to do.”
Kotobuki then paused, as though to lead into her final question. Kai had a hunch that he knew what it would be, but he lended an ear anyway. Eventually, Kotobuki came out and said it.
“Kai, I can’t be your lover. Perhaps we could just be friends?”
Just as Kai figured.
“Hm. Does this mean that I was the one who got dumped?” Kai joked before bursting out in laughter. “But I must say, I can’t help but laugh at how cliche your method of rejection is.”
“Wh-What choice did I have? There was simply no other way to phrase it. The fact that this saying has survived for so many generations means that it must speak to a universal truth.”
“That it certainly does.” Kai laughed joyously once again. He felt like a weight had been taken off his shoulders. He decided that whatever he ordered for lunch would be an extra large. The uninhabited alley that led to Mitsuba suddenly seemed just a little brighter than moments ago.
Just then, Kotobuki took his right hand in hers, holding it as they continued to walk. Surprised, Kai looked over to discern what she was thinking, but Kotobuki just looked straight ahead and pretended not to notice. In fact, Kotobuki doubled down by intertwining her fingers with his. It was the infamous lover’s hand-holding.
“May I ask what this is, Kotobuki?” Kai gave up and asked the question. His eyes had squinted into a glare. But Kotobuki kept her eyes on the horizon and gave a firm answer.
“I’m merely holding your hand as a friend. Is there any problem?”
“This is what you do as a friend?”
“Yes. You do the same with Jun, do you not? I’ve heard as much.”
“I have never once walked while holding Jun’s hand!”
“And what of the other things you do as friends?”
“...”