It was lunchtime, and your plans were simple. Go to the vending machine, get a drink, rejoin the Kasumi siblings, and beat Kai in a game of cards whilst Himari purposely loses so that she doesn't avenge his loss. You chuckled at the thought, excited to spend time with the siblings.

Then a different individual occupied your mind. Someone whom you've been avoiding ever since the blackout incident.

Aimi. The last time you properly talked to her was at the infirmary.

"Wait! (Y/n)!"

You paused. "(Y/n)?"

"A-ah. I mean, (L/n)-san."

You suppressed the urge to narrow your eyes in suspicion at the slip up. "Need me for something?"

She was silent. "Nevermind. Sorry for holding you up."

You've seen Aimi here and there since you two were in the same class. It wasn't anything significant; awkward eye contact and brief exchanges such as 'excuse me' or 'the teacher told me to give you this'. There was an odd unspoken tension between you two. Not friends, not exactly enemies. She was someone you were cautious around, but also didn't pose as a much of a threat as the male leads. Well, maybe not yet.

"I should confront her soon..." You mumbled. "No point in dragging this out any longer."

The moment you turned the corner, you spotted Aimi. Okay, when you mentioned soon you did not mean THIS soon. A little apprehensive to approach her, you slowed your steps. But that apprehension soon melted into confusion when you saw her cradling five different boxes of milk in her hands in front of the vending machine.

It wasn't long before Aimi noticed you. The two of you just... stared at each other for a good few seconds. You felt like all the tension of finally talking to her properly had melted in an instant.

"Were..." You glanced at her hand that was holding a coin. "... You about to get another one?"

Aimi blushed in embarrassment. "N-no."

"Alright then." You didn't believe her. "Is it okay if you move? I'd like to get a drink as well."

"R-right! I was blocking the way. Haha, my bad. Oh! Did you want to get (f/d)?"

You gave her an suspicious look. How did she know your go-to drink?

Aimi clasped a hand over her lips. "Uhm. I just––"

"Did you know my favourite drink from our past together?"

Yes, you just dropped that bomb on her. No mercy, catch em while they're off guard. Aimi remained silent at your words, avoiding your eyes that searched for some kind of reaction.

"Aimi-san, I think it's time we both dropped the act."

"Haha..." Her shoulders dropped. You were surprised at how quick she was to comply. "I guess so?"

"I'd like to talk with you for a bit. You're free, right?"

Aimi stood up a little straighter. "Talk?"

"Come to the student council room with me. It should be empty. We'll need the privacy."

Aimi obediently followed you to the student council room. It was really uncomfortable since she kept on walking behind rather than beside you even with your attempts to slow down so that she could catch up. When you opened the door to the student council room you were relieved to find that it was empty.

You gestured Aimi to sit on the couch and you sat on the one across from her; a single table separated you two.

"Can I ask why you have so much milk?"

Normally you'd avoid the small talk, but you were actually curious.

"I woke up late and couldn't eat breakfast," she replied sheepishly.

"Why don't you get actual food?"

Aimi looked at you as if you had asked the strangest question on earth. "I like milk."

"... Okay?"

You gave Aimi some time to have her lunch(?) before starting the conversation.

"I'll get straight to the point," you said. "You're not from this world, right? Did you transmigrate here?"

The blonde was silent, which you assume was because she didn't want to give away any information. Ironically, it did the opposite. All you needed was to observe her expression and body language. Aimi displayed no signs of confusion by what you meant, instead she guiltily averted her eyes.

"Are you participating in some sort of... game?"

The milk box was empty, but the girl kept her lips on the straw to avoid talking to you.

"What's your objective? Is it revenge?"

Finally, she spoke up. "Revenge?"

"I killed you didn't I? I wouldn't blame you if you were bitter about that and detested me."

Again, Aimi remained silent. It looked like an ocean of words were begging to be let out from the way she was fidgeting and furrowing her eyebrows. It didn't seem like she was hostile towards you. In fact, it looked like she wanted to refute your words.

Well, there was only so much information you could gain from someone unwilling to talk.

You sighed, beginning to leave your seat. "If you're not going to talk, then there's no point in me being here."

"Wait!" Aimi's tone was strained with desperation. "We..." Her voice wavered with hesitation and conflict. "We knew each other. Before all of this...I... Yes, I have an objective. But I can't tell you!"

For a moment you struggled to comprehend what she just said. "So you are in a similar position as me," you confirmed. "And is it that you can't tell me your objective or you won't tell me?"

Aimi ignored your last question. "And I don't hate you! I'm not here for revenge. I'm trying to make things right."

Make things right? What does that even mean?

"And does that include trying to make me fail the game?"

"What?" Aimi looked genuinely hurt. "How did you come to that conclusion?"

You gave her a 'are you serious look'

"Aimi-san, I know you were trying to get Satoshi-san to hurt you," you answered. "That means that you're aware of my objective to prevent any casualties."

Well, there could be other assumptions. But you were going to accuse her confidently to see how she reacts.

"I... I just."

You sat up and leaned over the table, face closer to hers. "Who are you to me? What have you been doing all this time? If you're not my enemy, will you be willing to help?"

Aimi's cheeks flushed at the proximity and words were lodged in her throat. Her body was as still as a statue, it was as if she was savouring this moment. You sighed and she flinched at the brief touch of your breath on her skin. You settled back in your seat, crossing your arms and thinking of a way to get her to tell you more information.

[ Oh? Finally the two players of the game speak to each other! ]

A holographic screen flashed in front of you. Soon after it shattered into a shower of green pixels and materialised into a very familiar young man. Es gave you a cheeky grin and slid up his tinted glasses to sjoot you a wink.

"We meet again."

"Get off the table."

Aimi jumped off the couch and ran over to your side. She stood in front of you, glaring daggers at Es. You've never seen her delicate features display so much hostility. Was she... shielding you from him?

You tilted your head to the side so that you could see Es from behind Aimi. "Es, what are you doing here?"

Aimi shot you a confused look. "Es?"

"Don't worry, no one will see us! I'll escape the moment I sense someone coming here."

"Cool. What are you doing here?"

"To see you."

"Great. I'm trying to talk to Aimi-san." Aimi's hostile expression softened when you mentioned her. "So, uh, how about another time?"

"Nahh, you won't be getting answers out of her. I also have a hard time getting her to talk." Es sighed dramatically, hopping off the table. "Even though I'm so charming. Guess she has no taste."

That made you wonder what Aimi's relationship was with Es. She didn't seem shocked to see his physical form and she was extremely on guard.

Es's eyes narrowed slyly, the shape sharp like a fox's, as he looked at Aimi.

"You could just walk out right now, so why stay? Why stay when you have nothing to offer to (Y/n)?"

His words seemed to have struck a nerve. "That's because..."

Was Es trying to help you? You sent him a look, a look that told him to not meddle. You didn't want or need his help. He shrugged and raised his arms up.

"Kay, kay. I just dropped by to check in on you anyway, (Y/n). I'll be going now!"

Just as abruptly as he arrived, Es vanished with a snap of his fingers. The room was enveloped in silence for a few seconds as you collected your thoughts.

"Aimi-san, no matter what your goal is, you're not on my side, right?"

Just with those words, Aimi's blue eyes became glassy. "No, no. I..." She bit her lips. "I'm... I promise I'm doing this for you. For us."

Okayyy, did NOT expect that from someone I apparently murdered in the past.

"Pretty hard to be flattered by your words when you're being so vague."

"I know, I know." Aimi took a deep breath, steeling her nerves. Then she faced you again, determined. "I will accomplish my goal. I don't plan on backing down."

You hummed in amusement. "So, you're declaring war?"

"... Yes." She smiled. "And my spoils will be you."



===



As per usual, you and Yusei were alone in the student council room. You were currently putting away some books on the shelves, your attention barely on the task at hand as your thoughts swarmed with Aimi.

"And my spoils will be you."

"Who the hell does she think she is?" you mumbled. Thankfully, Yusei didn't hear you.

You were not something to be won. The fact that she claimed everything to be for 'us'––it sounded like an excuse for her to get what she wanted. If it was truly for the both of you, she'd tell you everything. Explain so that you understood, so that you could give your input, your opinion––anything.

Aimi left you in the dark and she expected you to just accept that?

You sighed. You were getting heated. Why were you getting so mad? Some of your thoughts didn't even make sense. It should be easy to ignore her words and focus on your objective, treat her like an opponent. But there was this feeling that latched onto you, a feeling of disappointment. Did it have to do with your connection to her in the past?

You noticed something in the corner of your eye, which pulled you out of your thoughts. On instinct you dropped whatever was in your hands and rushed over to Yusei. You grabbed onto his arm before he fell.

"Dude, are you okay?"

Yusei returned your words with a languid nod, an uncharastically dazed look in his eyes. It wasn't long before he gave you his usual charismatic smile.

"You know, it would be more romantic if you had caught me."

You let go of his arm, unamused. "Very funny. But seriously, you've been tired lately. Are you pushing yourself too hard?"

"Everyone gets tired. Don't worry about me. Just had a few nights of bad sleep." He shrugged. "You're cute when you're concerned, though."

"Yusei, I'm being serious. Take a break. You and I both know I don't buy that explanation."

"Hm... But there isn't a comfortable space to relax here."

"The couch."

"But where should I rest my head?"

You grinned and held up a finger. "I came prepared."

You proceeded to pull out a plush from your bag. Not as big as a pillow, but sufficient enough for someone to rest their head. You gestured to the couch as you placed the plush down. Yusei's lips strained into a tired smile, but he showed no signs of listening to you. You huffed.

Alright, plan B.

Yusei watched curiously as you sat on the couch and placed the plush on your lap. With a light tap on the plush, you said, "Is this enough of an incentive?"

Yusei's eyes widened. You got to witness a rare sight; he was hesitant and at a loss for words.

"I'm going to stand up in three seconds if you don't come over."

Yusei slowly walked over, a blush threatening to suffuse his cheeks. You expected him to carefully settle his head on your lap, which was why you flinched in surprise when he abruptly dropped his head onto the plush. You were ready to scold him, but stopped when you saw him timidly covering his face.

... He's kind of cute.

You gently brushed over his fingers and tried prying his hands open to see his face. Yusei's breath hitched at your feather-like touches, but he refused to show his expression. With a chuckle, you ignored his resistance and removed his hands from his face.

Yusei was desperately trying to grasp onto any remainder of composure left. With a breathy chuckle, he whispered,

"This position... (Y/n), what are you trying to do to me?"

You swallowed, your own cheeks warm.

"I'm trying to get you to stop working 24/7. Though, I guess your heart rate must be working pretty hard right now, huh?"

Yusei rolled his eyes. "Very funny."

He suddenly sat up, almost hitting your face if you hadn't leaned back in time.

"Sorry, it's hard to relax like this."

Yusei unbuttoned the top button of his uniform and loosened his tie before leaning his back against your shoulder. The sudden force almost made you fall over. You groaned, annoyed, and Yusei simply laughed in response.

"Hmm, this isn't so bad as well."

"What am I? A wall?"

"A cute one."

"What kind of flirtatious comment was that?"

Yusei laughed again. This time, the weariness in his voice was more prominent.

"Fine," you muttered. "I'll be your personal wall if it means you would relax."

The room was quiet, and for a moment you thought Yusei was finally catching up on some sleep. A whisper left him, one filled with gratitude.

"Thank you." Yusei sighed blissfully. "(Y/n), can I ask you something?"

"What is it?"

"When you think of my name, what comes to mind?"

The way he asked the question was lighthearted, but you had a feeling it had significant weight.

"I think of you as the guy who can't do arts and crafts even if his life was on the line. It's hilarious."

"I should've expected that from you."

Despite his playful delivery, there was relief in his tone.

"What? Did you want me to flatter you?" You teased. "Yusei, what kind of response you were hoping I wouldn't say?"

"Perfect grades, good work ethic, willingness to lend a helping hand no matter how busy he may be––any of that," he listed, the words flowing as easily as water. "That's what everyone else says."

Yusei didn't sound like he was bragging. In fact, despite these good qualities being associated with him, he sounded so tired of it.

"Hey, (Y/n)?" His voice was so quiet, so fragile. "Is it okay if I rant a little...?"

You blinked in surprise. "Of course."

Yusei took a deep breath, sinking further down. It honestly felt like a therapy session, only that you were nowhere near qualified.

"You know what's funny? All these expectations I put onto myself to be a good student was to gain some sort of acknowledgement from my parents. But they could not care less. No matter how many accomplishments, good grades, praises from teachers, they barely glance my way. And once I graduate? No one here would remember me anymore than 'the one student who did well academically'. All meaningless. But I... don't feel like I'm anyone worthwhile if I don't keep up this image."

He paused, the silence stretched for a few seconds.

"I know I have bad habits, such as taking advantage of people's weaknesses. But when I do that, I feel like I have some form of identity, some form of control. I am at least competent in something even if it's bad. It's... ah, am I even making any sense?"

You didn't respond, unsure of what kind of response to give. A half assed 'no, you're so much more than that' and 'you could change and be better' when you couldn't fully understand his struggles would only earn a grateful smile before being forgotten the next day.

So you told him based on what you could relate to.

"You know, the fact that you're telling me all this is a good step. You recognise your faults. I think there's hope in that, isn't there? There's so much time in the world, there's time to change and be someone we can be proud of. I personally..."

Yusei got off your shoulder and repositioned himself to face you. He was listening attentively, paying close attention to every word you spoke. His encouraging look gave you the confidence on what you were about to say next.

"... I'm pretty sure you're aware of this, but I have a habit of not telling people anything regarding how I feel. Thinking about it now, I think it's because I can't control that. I can't control how people would react to my vulnerability, I can't stop them from taking advantage of it. It's uncertain. I hate it." You paused. "But I guess it's useless trying to fight against something unpredictable... Sorry, I'm not even sure how this applies to you. Did I just accidentally rant when I said I'd hear you out?"

Yusei shook his head, a quiet chuckle leaving his lips. "Just the fact that we can openly express our troubles makes me feel like I'm not alone." He smiled, adoration in his eyes. You almost thought he'd kiss you right then and there. "I'm happy that you opened up to me, even if it was a little. You're really comfortable to be around, you know that?"

Before you could respond, Yusei yawned. "Alright, a nap is pretty tempting right now. Wake me up in ten minutes?"

"I suck at writing emails and I'll probably nag you for help anyway."

Yusei stifled a chuckle.

"Alright. And... Thanks. Thanks for being here so that I don't feel lonely," he said. "It's no wonder I fell for you."



===



[ Additional information for Shichirou Yusei has been unlocked ]

"Uh. Okay. Not what I expected to see when I'm out of the shower."

A towel in your hair, you awkwardly closed the holographic screen and went to your room. You closed the curtains and settled on your bed with a satisfying thud. So you've unlocked more information on Yusei. Was it because you two opened up to each other earlier today at school?

Well, you had time. Might as well check it out, right?

This may be an invasion of your privacy, but I'll need all the information I can get for this game. Sorry, Yusei.

[ Additional information: Shichirou Yusei

Would you like to view it? ]

You expected to pass out the moment you selected yes. Instead, the world around you dissolved into millions of pixels before forming into an entirely new landscape. A hint of nausea was in your stomach at the change in environment, but you were quick to recover.

You were in a dimly lit room and quickly recognised it to be Yusei's. The only source of light was from a single lamp on a lonely desk. There, a certain student was writing away in his book. Studying, huh? You weren't surprised. You approached Yusei and waved a hand over his face. His concentration didn't falter. Kay, you were like a ghost. Nice.

He looks a younger than usual.

You glanced at his laptop and checked the date. Ah, it was two years ago. Yusei was in his first year of high school.

You looked at the test papers that were scattered on his desk. The grades were pretty average. Some were pretty high, but they weren't the perfect scores you were used to seeing him get. Others weren't the best, but he didn't seem to fail any subjects.

However, there was a singular piece of paper that stood out. One where he received full marks.

"Good job..." He mumbled. "Father praised me for the first time today."

Yusei glanced at the paper with perfect marks.

"Hah... It was kind of a fluke."

You began to feel whatever Yusei was feeling. It was a weird sensation, as if your emotions and feelings were temporarily discarded and replaced with someone else's.

Yusei thought that if he could continue to receive perfect marks, he would gain the approval of his parents, that they would look at him more often. He had a small taste of validation and he wanted more. The boy was a timid and shy nobody in his first year of high school. He didn't really find it all too bad since no one bullied him, but it also made him feel insignificant and replaceable. Like he was someone not worth any attention, good or bad.

Your surroundings changed again. The location was the same, but there were differences to hint at a skip in time. More textbooks lined up the shelves, more stationary on the table, and more folders. Yusei was at his desk late at night again. You checked the date, it was his second year of high school.

"Not enough." He sighed. "I need to have more social connections. But there's no way I can maintain my grades if I go to parties or hang out with people."

Yusei wasn't naturally talented in academics. He needed to work harder than most to maintain his grades. He talked to more teachers than others, did more practice questions than others, and reviewed concepts more times than anyone else.

There was no time for genuine friendships, but he could always create the illusion of one. It would boost his reputation, and if he made friends with the right people it could also help his family. Not that his parents needed any help, but he wanted to show them that he was useful; he was someone worth acknowledging as their son.

There was a need for validation because Yusei truly believed that no one would like him for who he was.

Again, the room changed. More papers on the desk, more text books, more perfect scores on test papers. Third year of highschool. The year you met him. Upon closer inspection of the date, you realised that this was the night before you met him earlier today.

A frustrated look was on Yusei's expression, his hands tangled in his purple hair.

"Why can't I get the solution?"

A singular maths problem. One single problem that should only take a few minutes ate up half an hour of his time and he still couldn't understand it. That time could've been used to organise student council things. That time could have been used to study other subjects.

Should he ask a teacher? No, he can't ask for help too many times. It'd look bad on him. Ask a classmate? No, they should be coming to him for help. That's who he was. A reliable individual who can do everything alone because he was perfect. He was capable.

School was getting harder and he needed to work twice as hard to keep up. Yusei felt the consequences of the all-nighters and the few hours of sleep he was getting. Dark circles, a clouded mind, and a body that would collapse if he did even the smallest bit of exercise.

"I... I need to calm down."

Any longer on this maths problem and he'd probably break his pen out of frustration, begin calling himself incompetent, and waste more time mulling over why he couldn't understand something that he should understand.

Yusei pulled out a drawer from beside him and took out some origami paper. His shoulders relaxed. He'll try and make something for you. Even though his handcrafted gifts were horrendous, you seemed to like them the most. Imagining your smile helped quell his frustrations.

You were his solace, he loved being in your presence. Someone he could feel at ease around. Someone who he could simply talk to. No expectations, no need to be a perfect student, no need to be anything that wasn't truly him.

Yusei also admired you. In fact, even a little envious of you at times. You made friends easily. It wasn't as many people he was connected with, but you made a small group of genuine friends. Was it because of your straightforward personality? Sharp nature? Persistence? Thinking about it now, who wouldn't want to be friends with you?

A soft smile graced his lips and warmth suffused his heart as he worked on the piece of paper. It was already turning out horribly, but it was fun. Thinking about your possible reactions made him happy. Seeing your smile made him happy. It was a smile that comforted him, a smile that he wanted to see everyday, a smile he wanted to preserve forever.

"(Y/n)," he mumbled. "I wonder what you're doing at this time."

Ah, how Yusei wished he could see you right now.

If only you weren't just a friend to him. He wanted to hold your hand, kiss your lips, spoil you with gifts, be someone you could rely on. Be the only one you could rely on. Yusei told himself he'd be patient, that he would make you fall for him slowly. But the more time he spent with you, the more that patience thinned out. You were just too loveable.

What would make you fall for him quicker?

"I can make sure that I'm her only choice." He hummed. "Or I can get rid of some... annoyances for her."

Despite your attempts to hide it, you always seemed to be troubled with something. If only you could open up to him more, he'd help you with whatever challenges you were facing within a heartbeat. After all, if he proved to be someone you could rely on, naturally you'd feel closer to him.

He had a few people in mind. Perhaps he should get a little serious.