Gamer Chika

It's been a while since my eyes have been this puffy and my face so red. The midnight hour has long passed, yet I can't get in an ounce of sleep, nor can I think about anything but Zane. What's come over me? Why was I acting that way all day with him? I came off as overtly flirty, clearly making him uncomfortable. I hope he doesn't hate me, but when an introvert is suddenly met with a girl who says she likes his looks, I guess it's natural flags would be raised.

The fact of the matter is I'm a celebrity, he's just a fledgling author about to make it big. We're not on the same standing, nor do I imagine he'd think off the bat that I really am falling for him. I myself want to know that too.

Though it might seem odd to some, by definition I am a well-qualified otaku thanks to all the stories I read in preparation for my roles. Like any fan, I get enamored with the story and characters, revering the author for their masterful craft. I've worked with so many authors, yet none... none have ever been as hot as Zane. I really wasn't expecting him to have good looks... It's not fair. If he weren't so good-looking...

And that was when my mind sobered up. On our date, I made a point about being an open-minded woman, which is true, but would it go to the extent that I'd be swooning over him if say he was short and fat? No. If that were the case, I'd probably have remained completely professional. Yet thanks to those good looks of his, I've found myself enchanted by him. I want to get closer to him, I want to do all the lovey things a girl would normally do with her boyfriend.

Wait, boyfriend!? Ah mo, bad Chika! Bad Chika!

In the end, rolling around on the bed in a flustered state helped tire me out. Awakening the next morning, I checked my schedule to find I was free. Next was my mind. Still thinking about Zane. Ah, why can't I stop thinking of him? Maybe I need to clear it with a focus session at the arcade.

For my arcade excursions, my outfit of choice is always on the sporty, but plain, casual side. I'm well-aware cameras are everywhere, and while I don't mind showing off my gaming skills on set or before a TV crew with prior arrangements made, this is one of those times I don't want to be bothered.

Opting to pair my plain white bra top with dark blue capri jeans, my next step was choosing a hoodie that wouldn't make me stand out. I had plenty of plain hoodies, but some were already known to the paparazzi. My options were thus limited to 5 colors, dark aqua, dark grey, dark blue, bright white, or bright yellow. I'll be in an arcade, so bright is the last thing I want, but the dim lights there might mask the brightness. Still, it's probably best to go darker.

With the grey, I'm surprised it hasn't been discovered by the paparazzi considering how obvious it would be, but then again, maybe it looks so common, they don't think it's me. However, I'm feeling a tad drawn to the dark green. We'll go with that.

Approaching the entryway, the final order of business was shoes. In contrast to the dark aesthetic I had going, I opted for a pair of all-white sneakers. If I coordinated my outfit to match too well, people might question if I'm a fashionista, which then leads to further investigation and possible identity exposure. Though if I dress too casually, that might also draw attention. Thus, I've opted for a mix that could be considered a perfect balance between common and stylish. All I need now is a mask, and gamer Chika is a go.

###

As I headed for the arcade, I always made sure to check my surroundings as I walked. Paparazzi could be anywhere. Though I doubt they'd be willing to approach and interrupt me, the moment they catch me doing something, the harder it becomes to do it privately in the future. I'll give the paparazzi the credit of at least keeping their distance, but the problem is when their outings result in fans and sometimes unsavory folks learning of my favorite haunts and approaching me when I'm trying to enjoy myself as just another human being.

Such is the price of fame. Perhaps this is why the super rich have bowling alleys and pools in their mansions so as to enjoy the fun amenities of the normal without worry of being accosted. But that also sounds like a lonely life. What fun is it if you can't go out and enjoy yourself in the world?

Reaching the arcade, it seemed like I was in the clear as I didn't catch anyone that looked like they were filming me intentionally. My first order of business was to check the coin pushers for any rare cards I don't have. Seeing none were present, I decided to partake in my usual ritual of indulging with the drumming arcade. I'm no master, but it always feels good to hit plastic upon plastic while listening to songs I'm familiar with.

The ritual complete, I decided to wander and found myself before a basketball game. I've never really played these, but I guess since this new project is about basketball, might as well get some practice in should they ever have a feature on set where we need to shoot some hoops in the future. Once the coin was inserted, basketballs rolled down towards me as a timer began to tick down. These balls are smaller and easier to grasp than a standard basketball, but that didn't mean I'd have an easier time sinking them into the hoop. I tried throwing one-handed, two-handed, most would just bounce off the back. In the end, I managed to only make 3 baskets. Seems there's still a long way to go for me.

Before I could insert another coin, the sound of a basketball sinking into the hoop in the neighboring arcade console drew my attention. Balls were flying into the hoop one after another without a single miss. I was entranced by the fluid and satisfying motion until the buzzer rang and the balls stopped coming. The next path for my vision was naturally to the one that had played the perfect game, but when I saw who it was, I couldn't stop myself from gasping aloud.

"Z- Zane-kun!?"