Volume 1. Chapter 71

The arcade zone was massive — bright lights of the machines shimmered in neon colors, and the air was filled with the sound of victory jingles, disappointed exclamations, and cries of excitement. Ken’s group noisily moved from one attraction to the next, trying everything they could.

Lily, watching from the sidelines, was amazed at how naturally Ken fit into any situation. He didn’t just follow the group — he was the center of it all.

— Ken, play fighting games with us! — Hayato pleaded, tossing a token into the machine.

— Yeah, come on! — Naoko chimed in.

— Only for fun, — Ken stretched lazily, taking his spot in front of the screen.

He wasn’t even trying. At least it seemed that way. He played one-handed, let Sayaka cover his eyes as a joke, and yet...

He crushed everyone, one after another.

— How is this even possible?! — Saito threw up his hands after yet another defeat.

— This can’t be real… — Ayaka muttered, frowning.

— Genius... just a genius, — Hayato chuckled, shaking his head in awe.

Lily smiled quietly.

He really is talented at everything. It seems like nothing’s beyond him. But he’s just smart and a fast learner… and he works hard for it.

She had seen it — how he analyzed every situation, every mechanism, every pattern with care. This wasn’t just luck.

And yet…

Why does Sayaka cling to him so much?!

Lily frowned, watching as Sayaka hugged Ken’s shoulders or playfully nudged his leg under the table.

But then… she took a deep breath.

I was inside his body… I felt his thoughts...

Ken didn’t have romantic feelings for Sayaka.

More like… a younger sister.

And for Rin?

There was something like fatherly care.

It calmed Lily down a little, but a slight tinge of jealousy still lingered.

Time flew by at the arcade.

As they were leaving, the group noticed a claw machine.

— Ken, Keeeen! Get me that teddy bear! — Naoko cried with excitement.

— And that cat for me! — added Ayaka.

— And I want the bunny! — Sayaka beamed with joy.

— Alright, alright, one at a time, — Ken sighed, stepping up to the machine.

Naturally, he pulled out each toy on the first try.

Lily shook her head. Even this… he’s perfect.

Of course, Sayaka didn’t miss her chance.

Laughing gleefully, she hugged Ken, hanging onto his arm.

— You’re the best!

Ken just smiled wearily.

But when he handed a toy to Rin, his voice softened.

— You did great. Second place in the whole school isn’t easy. You’ve worked hard, Rin.

Rin froze, clutching the teddy bear to her chest.

— You write beautifully, — Ken added. — Keep it up.

Rin blushed.

And then her eyes welled up with tears again.

— Thank you… — she whispered, voice trembling slightly.

Lily felt something stir inside her.

A kind of… inexplicable, warm pride.

Ken gently patted Rin on the head.

At that moment, Sayaka suddenly grabbed his arm.

— Enough with the mushy stuff, come with me!

— Where to? — Ken asked, surprised.

— I want to give you something.

She pulled him toward a small jewelry kiosk.

A minute later, Ken was holding a small silver pendant.

— What’s this?

Sayaka crossed her arms.

— It’s for you!

— Why?

— What do you mean “why?” — she huffed. — You got first place at school! You won us food! You saved us! It’s just a thank you.

— Alright then, thank you, — Ken smiled.

Sayaka watched with satisfaction as he put the pendant around his neck.

Lily narrowed her eyes slightly.

She definitely did that to mark her territory.

Evening came.

The group decided it was time to part ways.

— Thanks for inviting me… and thank you… for today, — Rin said softly, standing in front of Ken.

— You know I would’ve invited you no matter what. You earned it — he smiled.

She hugged the teddy tightly to her chest.

— Still… thank you for pulling me out of my shell.

Ken smiled gently.

— You were never in a shell, Rin. Sometimes it’s just hard to take the first step. But if you want to, you can handle anything. I believe in you. And you should believe in yourself more too.

She nodded, blushing, then turned and ran off.

Lily felt a strange tightness in her chest.

But then…

— Keeeeen!

Sayaka.

She stood next to him and grabbed his hand.

— We’re heading the same way!

Lily tensed.

Wait…

What is she going to do alone with him?!

No… I don’t want to see this!

She summoned all her willpower.

Exit.

I need to get out!

The world started to blur.

And…

Lily opened her eyes abruptly.

Morning.

Soft light filtered through the fabric of the tent.

She felt warmth beside her.

Ken.

He was asleep. Peacefully. Quietly.

She brought her hands to her face.

That… wasn’t just a dream.

Those were his memories.

She bit her lip.

— He’s so amazing… And incredibly kind and caring — she whispered.

And how many girls in his world throw themselves at him?!

She shook her head.

What matters is…

What matters is that he’s here.

With her.

She stood up quietly, careful not to wake him.

— I won’t let you go so easily… — she murmured.

And, thinking over everything she saw in her dream, she began preparing breakfast.