Neo Terra Chapter 1: I REALLY DON’T WANT TO PLAY AGAIN!!! ~Returned Champion~

Two years ago... This is... what you wanted right? It doesn't matter how many lives you throw away as long as you get this... this piece of junk! You disappoint me. I'd rather not meet you again. Goodbye. The things on my arms on those moments were... the unmoving bodies of my precious partners. It was unclear whether the wet feeling on my face that time were my tears or just the cliche rain on a tragic moment. But the only thing on my mind back then was... I'll never play this game ever again! Back to the present. "Yo, Tadahiro-kun. Are you free after school?" "I don't remember putting a price tag on myself and I know that I'll never give myself away without payment." I gave a sarcastic retort to my seatmate, Fuyuki Hideaki. He might sound like a total player or that funny classmate that cheers you up and never gets the girl type of person but his looks might want you to reconsider checking if there is a gender between male and female. Cute facial features but with a cool boyish style, something like that. "Ah, that's harsh. Should I take that as a no?" Instantly, he became gloomy. Cute, he is a guy, but Fuyuki is an exception. "You don't even know the clear sarcasm in my words. I never said yes or no either, but it would depend on what I will be doing." "Ah, you just have to come with me shopping." Oh, he became energetic again. "Sounds gay. Are you sure you're still a guy in there Fuyuki? Asking guys to go out shopping is a girl thing you know?" "Not that part. Well, my sister did say we ran out of eggs and milk but I'm asking you to come with me and buy some games. I got this month's check." With a big smile on his face, he showed his wallet. Hey, do you want to get robbed or something? I forgot to mention that he works part time on some shop downtown. He wouldn't tell me which one, so I won't bother anymore. But if I had to guess, it must be some cosplay cafe or a geeky store since he has such an appearance and gets flustered whenever it's on topic. "Oh that. Well, I guess I could spare some time. What game are you planning to buy anyway?" "Well, there's that new TCG out la-" Without letting him finish, I covered his mouth with my hand. I think I know where this is going. "Let me stop you there. If you're going there, then forget about bringing me with you. Just ask Shinazaki this time." "Eh? Why? Is there something wrong with what I said?" "It's about Neo busters right?" "Shinazaki?!" Speak of the devil. A new girl enters the conversation despite not being in the same class and sixth period is about to start. A girl with daunting looks and dark hair tied to the back looking like a violent sporty person, Shinazaki Asakuro. "Eh? What are you doing here?" "I heard my name being called as a reason to escape from something, so I came to check." Talk about omnipresence, despite the fact that I just saw her pass by our classroom a while ago heading to the bathroom. This girl just likes to show off. Not really bothered by Shinazaki, Fuyuki went back on topic. "So what about Neo Busters? It's just Neo Terra's parent game right?" "Shinazaki!" I glared at her but she simply brushed it off. Goddamnit, Shinazaki, you're so dead later! "Come on, Tadahiro-kun. Unlike me who knows you from middle school, Fuyuki just met you last year so he should at least know what I know as friends." Shinazaki gave a smile as she laughs at my demise. Can't you at least do it when I'm not around? Well, not like it's that important. Just a childhood trauma or something that I don't want to remember. God, why am I still underaged? I want to drown myself in alcohol and forget already. "Well, I was just his classmate back then and we weren't that close so I don't know much, but pretty much everyone in school knows.." Looking at the curious Fuyuki, Shinazaki continued. "Actually..." The tension gradually rose as Shinazaki made short pauses and Fuyuki seemed so interested that his eyes were filled with anticipation. Just get on it already! "Tadahiro is a closet-otaku!" Dafuq. It isn't some sort of censorship from a rude phrase. My expression was of that stupid word. Getting ahead of herself. Shinazaki continued. "Don't worry Tadahiro-kun. No need to hide that now. Everyone in middle school already knows how obsessed you were with those cards that you even made a club about it." She started busting out in laughter. Meanwhile, let's not forget about Fuyuki who's making a shocked face on what he just learned. "Is that true, Tadahiro? No need to be shy about it then. We could have fun by each other. I won't judge. Knowing him, he probably meant that but that wasn't the case... "No. That's not the problem. I already quit that kind of thing. We even disbanded the club." Shinazaki, after recollecting herself, placed a finger on her chin as if remembering something. "Oh yeah. What was that all about. You guys in that club were so noisy about it that it was like your entire lives. Why'd you suddenly disband? I didn't hear any problems besides about that game?" "The problem was the game. Anyways, I ain't going back to that game. Got it."