Friday. 9:38 PM – Online Voice Chat
Ren stared at the glowing screen, headset on, fingers hovering over his keyboard.
Then came the chime.
🎮 [RikaChan_47 has joined the lobby.]
"Yo, partner," came Rika Minami's voice—smooth, playful, and slightly drowsy. "You ready to grind until sunrise?"
Ren smiled. "You always say that. But last time you fell asleep mid-raid."
"Lies. Propaganda. Gaslighting," she shot back. "Now get in the server before I uninstall you."
Round 1: Digital Chaos, Real-Time Bonding
They jumped into their usual co-op shooter.
Grenades flying, enemies swarming, health bars blinking red.
"Cover me!" Ren shouted.
"Already three steps ahead," Rika replied, sniping from a rooftop.
Despite her sharp tongue, she was always reliable. Always watching his back.
Always… there.
1:03 AM – Game Break
They took a breather. Rika switched to voice-only.
"Hey, Ren…"
Her tone changed. Softer.
"Ever think about… why I play games so much?"
He stayed quiet.
She continued. "It's not just fun. It's escape. Comfort. Control. When I'm in-game, no one judges me. Not for being too quiet, too sarcastic, too… weird."
He replied, "I don't think you're weird."
"Liar."
"I mean it."
There was silence.
Then a quiet laugh. "Thanks. That actually… means more than I expected."
2:21 AM – After the Final Match
They sat in silence on the digital lobby screen, avatars idle.
"I like this," she murmured. "This quiet. This version of you. Late-night Ren is kinda cute."
"...Rika?"
She yawned. "You don't have to say anything. Just… know that I like playing with you. And I'm not just talking about the game."
She disconnected before he could respond.
[RikaChan_47 has left the lobby.]
Ren sat back, stunned.
"…Was that a confession or a critical hit to my heart?"
Later That Night
He checked his messages.
📩 Rika: "Don't forget, tomorrow is the weekend. I might drop by IRL. Don't wear lame clothes."
Ren sighed.
Now all five girls have had their moment.And somehow, I don't want any of them to stop showing up.