Riku Kisaragi sat at his desk, surrounded by papers, gaming guides, and a stack of energy drinks. His eyes were bloodshot from lack of sleep and his fingers ached from hours of playing. The last few days had been a blur of one failed attempt after another to outsmart Aiko in their gaming matches. His pride was in shambles, but he was determined to win.
No longer would he just settle for being the "cool guy" who was good at everything except the one thing that really mattered. Aiko.
He had one more shot, and this time, he was going to do it differently.
"Alright, Riku," he muttered to himself. "This is it. Time to step it up. No more holding back."
At School
The next day at lunch, Riku walked in with a newfound sense of purpose. He wasn't just going to play like he normally did. This time, he was going to be the best. He had a plan. He'd been studying Aiko's every move, analyzing her gaming style, and even practicing techniques that were far beyond his usual level of skill.
"I've got it all figured out now," he said to Kenta, who was eyeing him like he had two heads. "This time, I'm going to challenge Aiko to a one-on-one battle—and I'm going to make sure it's on my terms."
Kenta's eyebrow arched in disbelief. "Wait… you're seriously gonna try that again? After the last three total wipeouts?"
Riku grinned like a man possessed. "You don't get it, Kenta. I've got a secret weapon now. I've been practicing strategy. Real strategy." He leaned in closer, whispering like he was about to reveal something earth-shattering. "I watched a thousand YouTube tutorials. I've read up on every pro player's strategy. This time, Aiko won't stand a chance."
Kenta blinked at him. "You really spent all night watching random tutorials? Dude, you know there's no 'hack' to win against her, right?"
But Riku wasn't listening. He was already too far gone in his delusion of grandeur. "I'll show you, Kenta. I'm going to be unstoppable."
Later That Evening – The Ultimate Showdown
When Riku logged into the game later that night, he was ready. He had his snacks, his strategies, and most importantly, his new persona.
He messaged Aiko:Riku: "Aiko, let's settle this once and for all. You and me, no distractions. I've been practicing."
Aiko responded almost immediately:Aiko: "Oh? You're on. But don't get too cocky. I'll go easy on you."
Riku felt a wave of confidence wash over him. She was finally underestimating him! This was exactly what he needed. He entered the game room, determined to make the most of it.
As the match began, Riku immediately took charge. He activated every strategy he'd been working on for the past few days—high-level moves, tactical retreats, quick counter-attacks—he was like a different person. His fingers flew over the controller, executing moves with precision.
And for a moment, just a brief, shining moment, he felt like he might actually win.
But then, Aiko's character made a move that stopped Riku dead in his tracks. She barely looked at him as she knocked out his character in one swift, effortless move.
Aiko: "You really thought that would work?"
Riku blinked, his jaw hanging open as he stared at the screen in disbelief. "Wait… what? You… You knew about that move?"
Aiko: "Of course I did. You've been spamming that same move for the last five minutes."
Riku's confidence crumbled in an instant. "No way… that was supposed to be the ultimate strategy!"
Aiko didn't even flinch. She was back to playing with the same calm focus, as if she were taking a casual stroll through the park. Riku's hands froze on his controller, staring at the screen in disbelief.
He'd been outplayed—again.
After the Match
Riku slumped in his chair, utterly defeated. He didn't even have the energy to complain. It was clear now: Aiko was leagues ahead of him, and no amount of studying, practice, or strategy was going to change that.
But then, something unexpected happened. Aiko messaged him after the game ended.
Aiko: "You're getting better, Riku. I'll give you that. But you need to stop overthinking it. Just play."
Riku's head tilted. What? "Just play"? Was that all he needed to do? He was completely confused. He'd thought it was all about strategy and being the best, but now she was telling him to just… play?
He sighed and rubbed his temples. This was a lot more complicated than he had imagined.
The Next Day at School
Riku entered school the next morning, his mind still spinning from last night's match. He was greeted by Kenta, who was already looking at him like he'd lost his mind.
"So, how'd it go, Mr. Top Gamer?" Kenta asked with a grin.
Riku threw him a weak smile. "Yeah, so… I kind of got my butt handed to me again. But Aiko said something weird."
Kenta raised an eyebrow. "What? You gonna give up already?"
"No," Riku grumbled. "She said I should stop overthinking it and just play. I guess she's right… I've been trying to be someone I'm not instead of just being myself."
Kenta stared at him for a second before laughing. "Wait… is that the new plan? You're going to stop trying so hard and just… be yourself? That's it?"
Riku scratched the back of his head awkwardly. "I guess? I don't know. It just feels like everything I've done so far has been the exact opposite of what she likes."
"Well, there you go," Kenta said, leaning back in his chair with a grin. "Maybe the 'real' you is the one who'll win her over after all."