Chapter 2 | The Struggles of an Online Game Addict

The air had turned pleasantly mild, the kind of weather that signaled the approach of the cultural festival season. After school, I found myself deep in thought, grappling with the usual chaos of planning.

“Online game addict,” a classmate called out, her tone light but teasing. “I managed to find someone who can handle the costumes, but with our schedule, making enough for everyone’s gonna be tough.”

“Got it,” I replied, scratching my head. “I know a place we can borrow from. If it comes down to it, I’ll sort something out.”

She nodded, satisfied, but before I could catch my breath, another girl chimed in. “Hey, Online game addict, the concept needs more work. The menu’s kinda bland, and the interior…”

“Yeah, I hear you,” I said, stifling a sigh. “I’ll gather some opinions later and tweak it myself.”

“Online game addict—”

“Hold on,” I cut in, unable to let it slide any longer. “Everyone keeps calling me Online game addict, but I’m not that bad. Real addicts are glued to their screens twenty hours a day.”

My protest only earned a round of teasing smirks from my classmates. No use fighting it, I guess. Resigned, I slumped back into my seat, letting out a weary “haa.”

“Quite the popular guy, aren’t you, Ayanokoji-kun?” Saito’s voice dripped with amusement as he slid into the seat beside me. “Or should I say, Online game addict?”

“Shut up, Saito,” I grumbled, shooting him a glare.

He grinned, unfazed, adjusting his glasses with a sly flick. “By the way, I need to pick your brain. You know a ton about butler cafes, right?”

“More like maid cafes,” I corrected, “but yeah, I can manage butler stuff too.”

We spread a sheet of paper across the desk, scribbling down ideas as they came. Halfway through, a guy I rarely spoke to sauntered over. “Yo, Online game addict. Who’re you actually dating? Not Nana-chan, right?”

“I’m not dating anyone,” I said flatly.

Well, except for a certain popular idol who insists she’s my wife.

“Not Tachibana, or that cat, or any of your online game characters—”

“Nope! Definitely not!” I snapped, cutting him off.

“Heh, good to know. Yeah, no way, right? Thanks, Online game addict.” He laughed, visibly relieved, and strode back to his seat.

…Huh? I froze, suddenly aware of several pairs of eyes on me. My classmates must’ve overheard. They quickly returned to their tasks, but the lingering stares left me uneasy.

“Saito,” I muttered, leaning toward him.

“What’s up?”

“Don’t you think I’m being looked at… weirdly? Not like I’m standing out, exactly, but… it’s off.”

Saito smirked. “Always have been.”

“Huh?”

“You play it low-key, but people have always seen you as eccentric.”

“…So it’s true.” Kiyokawa had said the same thing. If even Saito agreed, it was probably fact.

“Plus, with the recent rumors and you stepping up as cultural festival leader…”

“Yeah, I guess,” I mumbled, rubbing my neck.

“It’s fine. It’s just friendly teasing.”

“I’m bad with teasing,” I groaned. All I wanted was to stay out of the spotlight, to live quietly. That’s me.

“What’s with this sudden change, stepping into the limelight?” Saito asked, raising an eyebrow.

“I just… thought I’d try doing what I can.” Being around someone who’s always pushing forward probably rubs off on you, even a little.

“May I have a moment?” Rinka’s voice cut through, cool and formal. She stood beside me, her expression unreadable, lacking the warmth she usually showed when we were alone.

“Rinka?” I looked up, surprised.

“Sorry, but I’ll have to head home for today,” she said, her tone clipped.

“Idol stuff?” I asked, already knowing the answer.

As expected, she nodded. “Yes. Sorry.”

“It’s fine. Thanks for staying even a little.”

No one would blame Rinka for leaving early. Less than half the class was still here—only three guys, including me, and five girls. Most were off at club activities. For now, we were just hammering out schedules and roles, but once preparations kicked into high gear, more would stick around.

“…Rinka?” I tilted my head, noticing her glance around the classroom, lips pursed in dissatisfaction.

“It’s nothing,” she said curtly, then turned on her heel and left without another word.

…What was that about? The answer came during lunch the next day.

☆

“I’m so irritated,” Rinka muttered under her breath, sitting across from me. “Kazuto’s so charming, it’s only natural he’s popular… ugh, it’s complicated. All I can do is watch my husband get hit on by other girls.”

We were in a quiet room in the old school building, stealing a rare moment together during lunch. An empty bento box sat on the desk between us—Rinka’s homemade cooking, the first I’d had in a while. Since summer break ended, her idol schedule had been relentless, leaving no time for bentos. She’d apologized, but I felt guiltier than she did.

“Didn’t Satoko-san say it too?” Rinka continued, barely pausing. “A guy who gets a girlfriend and gains confidence becomes more attractive. No, I’m not a girlfriend, I’m a wife, so—”

“Rinka?” I interrupted, feeling uneasy as she muttered to herself.

She blinked, as if snapping out of a trance. “Up until now, Kazuto, you were the guy who stayed in the background.”

“Yeah,” I agreed cautiously.

“So girls who noticed you found it hard to approach.”

“Huh?”

“What, after all I’ve said, you still haven’t noticed?” Her voice sharpened. “Kazuto, you’re really popular.”

“Me? The guy they call Online game addict?” I scoffed.

“That’s a nickname with affection,” she insisted. “Calling you something light to close the distance—it’s common.”

“It’s not just light—it’s practically an insult,” I shot back. The term wasn’t exactly dripping with kindness.

“Who talks to you more, guys or girls?” she asked, folding her arms.

I thought for a moment. “…Girls, I guess.”

“See?” Her tone was triumphant.

“It’s just cultural festival prep,” I said, shrugging. “That’s how it goes. Some guys slack off, but girls are usually more cooperative.”

“I wonder,” Rinka said skeptically. “Some girls ask you unnecessary things just to talk to you.”

“You’re overthinking it… maybe.”

“Right now, you’re at the center of the class as the leader. Plus, the Online game addict nickname makes you approachable. Girls who’ve liked you for a while are seizing the chance to get close!”

“Is that so?” I asked, still doubtful.

“Even though we’re married…” Rinka’s voice trembled, her cheeks puffing out childishly. “Kazuto, you’re married to me…”

“W-We’ve k-k-kissed… so many times!” she stammered, her face flushing. “W-We’ve even b-b-bathed together… slept in the same bed, and even under the bed!”

“Uh…?” I blinked, caught off guard.

“And yet… and yet…!” Her voice rose, quivering with frustration.

“Rinka?”

“I can’t take it anymore!” she burst out, standing abruptly. She wobbled slightly, circling the desk to stand beside me as I sat in my chair.

“What’s going on?” I asked, tilting my head in confusion.

After a brief hesitation, Rinka placed her hands on my shoulders and, in one swift motion, straddled my knees.

“Wha—” My voice caught in my throat as she lowered herself onto my lap, facing me. Her face was bright red, her embarrassment plain, but her eyes locked onto mine with a sulky intensity.

“O-Only I, your wife, can do this to you, Kazuto…!” she declared, her voice trembling but firm.

“Uh, hold on… what?” I stammered, my mind reeling.

“Listen, Kazuto. The only one allowed on your lap is me, your wife.”

Her possessiveness was unmistakable, and I couldn’t help but nod, stunned. “It’s still bright out, and you’re so bold…”

“I-I can’t help it,” she said, her voice softening. “It’s… your fault, Kazuto.”

“My fault?” I echoed, bewildered.

“Yes, it’s all your fault. I won’t forgive you.”

That felt unfair, but oddly, I didn’t mind. Her clinginess was… kind of cute.

“What’ll it take for you to forgive me?” I asked, half-smiling.

“Well… say you love me.”

I swallowed hard. That was way too embarrassing. “Kazuto?” she prompted, her gaze unwavering.

“That’s…” I mumbled, struggling.

“We’re husband and wife,” she said firmly. “Expressing love is only natural.”

Unable to meet her eyes, I turned my face away. “…I love you,” I muttered, my cheeks burning.

I might’ve melted from the heat in my face. What was with this sappy exchange? It wasn’t sweet—it was mortifying. Maybe it was the mood, or because we were at school, but this was easily the most embarrassing moment I’d ever had with Rinka.

Her disheveled appearance, so close, made my heart race. Gulp…

Glancing at Rinka’s face, I noticed her cheeks had flushed an even deeper red.

“Rinka, your face is bright red,” I teased gently.

“…It’s your fault,” she muttered, her voice barely above a whisper.

“Blaming me again?”

Rinka fell silent, nestled on my lap, her gaze fixed downward. The quiet closeness wasn’t awkward at all. Instead, it felt like we were wholly absorbed in each other, lost in the warmth of the moment.

“Hey, Kazuto,” she said suddenly.

“Hm?”

“I want to walk around the cultural festival with you.”

“…”

“Sorry, that was selfish… It’s impossible, isn’t it?” Regret tinged her voice as she clamped her mouth shut, as if wishing she could take back her impulsive words.

I almost let something slip but caught myself. It’s not certain yet, so I can’t say.

“Oh, right. I need to tell you something important,” Rinka added, her tone brightening as if to dispel the heavy mood.

“What? Sounds scary.”

“It’s about the cultural festival. Another class asked for my help. They’re doing a haunted house and want me to play a ghost… just for a short time.”

“Got it. We’ll adjust the schedule later.”

“Thanks, Kazuto. But I’m a bit worried.”

“About what?”

“The ghost I’m playing—it’s a woman who was dumped by her boyfriend, despaired, and died.”

“That’s pretty specific.”

“They’ve got a clear theme. But I’ve never been dumped, or even had a boyfriend, so it’s hard to get into the role…”

You do have a boyfriend. He’s right here, with you sitting on his lap. I swallowed a wry smile and offered honest praise instead. “That’s amazing, Rinka. You’re going all out for the festival.”

“It’s exactly because it’s the festival. It’ll be a great experience.” Imagining a vibrant, lively event, Rinka’s lips curved into a faint smile. Just seeing her face sparked a renewed determination in me.

“Kazuto, can you watch my ghost acting once?”

“Sure. Not just once—I’ll watch as many times as you need.”

“Thanks. Alright…” Rinka let her bangs fall over her face. Through the gaps, her eyes rolled upward, revealing the whites in a chilling stare. Terrifying—too terrifying. Not a face a cool idol should make. She was the embodiment of a grudge.

Her mouth slackened, and a distorted, metallic screech escaped: “…Ka… aa… u…”

“R-Rinka—”

“V… a… Why… Kazuto… Kazuto!!”

“Eek!!” The overwhelming intensity of her grudge, as if she might strangle me any moment, froze the blood in my veins. I was so scared I nearly lost it.

☆

“Wow… Mizuki-san, you’re so cool!”

“It really suits you, Mizuki-san!”

“So dignified and cute!”

After school, in the classroom, girls surrounded Rinka, their gasps of admiration filling the air. Even guys watching from a distance chimed in: “Awesome…” “Seeing a cool idol in a butler outfit is super rare, right?” “Cool and cute…!”

We’d prioritized making one butler outfit, and Rinka was trying it on. The idea was that seeing it would boost everyone’s motivation. As expected, nearly the entire class stayed after school. …I also wanted to see it ASAP, though.

“This is my first time wearing something like this… Not bad. It feels right,” Rinka said, looking down at herself, moving her arms and legs to test the fit. The typical butler outfit had a cosplay vibe, but that worked in its favor. It suited Rinka’s sharp expression and graceful posture perfectly. Black complemented her already, and the masculine look matched her image flawlessly.

“Mizuki-san, try saying some lines as if it’s the real thing,” someone suggested.

“Sure… It’d be easier if someone played the customer.”

“Me! Me!” A girl with braids jumped up and down, raising her hand. Other girls, and even the guys, seemed eager to volunteer. This could get chaotic. Perhaps sensing the same, Rinka’s sharp gaze locked onto me.

“It’d be best if the leader played the customer, don’t you think?”

“Online game addict? Hmm, well, he is the leader…” The braided girl sounded disappointed but reluctantly agreed. The other classmates watched the situation unfold, seemingly accepting it.

“Is that okay, Leader?” Rinka asked.

“Uh, sure…?”

“Can you step out of the classroom for a moment? Then come back in as a customer.”

“Got it.”

Being called “Leader” by Rinka felt a bit strange. Noticing the oddity, I stepped out and re-entered the classroom. There, Rinka was waiting—

“Welcome back, Master.”

“—!” Her dead-serious expression was perfect, making her the ideal cool butler. Her calm delivery was spot-on, like a dashing butler who could handle anything. The girls in the class squealed, unable to contain their excitement, as if watching an idol perform live. The guys, though—“Tch, that online game addict…!” “So jealous!”—glared at me. I got it. If I were in their shoes, I’d feel the same. Still, I scratched my cheek, feeling awkward.

“Not quite right,” Rinka muttered, placing a hand on her chin thoughtfully.

“Huh? It was awesome, though.”

“No, it’s off for me. Sorry, but I want to see an example from you, Ka—Leader.”

“No way, impossible!”

“It’s fine. Just say the line I did. I want to hear it from someone else.”

“Even so…”

“Either way, as the leader, you’ll be working as a butler too, so you should practice.”

That was true, but… I wasn’t mentally prepared for this. “Go for it, Online game addict!” “Say it, say it!” my classmates egged me on teasingly. There was no escaping it now. If I didn’t say the line, I’d be branded as the mood-killing, clueless leader. I took a deep breath and steeled myself.

“W-Welcome back… M-My Lady…”

I totally flubbed it. I was dying of embarrassment. From a group of girls, I heard, “Too nervous—ahaha!” followed by laughter. I wanted to log out of life right then.

“Can you try again?” Rinka pressed.

“…Again?”

She was ruthless. “Yes. You’ll be fine this time.” Her gentle smile somehow gave me confidence.

“Welcome back, My Lady.” The second time, the line slipped out smoothly.

“Good. Now with my name?”

“Welcome back, Rinka-sama.”

“…Phew… That’s very, very good.” Her cheeks faintly flushed, Rinka wore a blissful expression. Then, as if struck by an idea, she pulled out her phone and aimed it at me.

“For reference, I’ll record this.”

“Reference? I’m sensing ulterior motives.”

“No, it’s for reference. I’ll listen to it over and over to memorize it.”

It’s such a short line—you wouldn’t struggle to memorize it… Also, you said it first, Rinka.

“Come on, hurry.”

“…Welcome back, Rinka-sama.”

“Thank you. Now whisper it in my ear?”

“No way! That’s too much!” I wasn’t going that far. I was aiming for a wholesome, high school-appropriate cafe.

“…Somehow, Mizuki-san and Online game addict seem close…” The braided girl’s sudden comment made Rinka and me jump back, hastily putting distance between us.

“We’re just taking it seriously. You’re reading too much into it,” Rinka said, brushing her hair back with her usual cool composure. No one questioned her, accepting it and moving on to the next topic. The braided girl started chatting with the girl next to her as if nothing had happened. It seemed like she was just mildly curious, not seriously suspicious. Still, that was close. We needed to be more careful…

“I got carried away,” Rinka muttered softly, in a voice only I could hear. …Even a girl called a cool idol can lose herself sometimes.

—Welcome back, My Lady. That line was a bundle of dreams and desires, a magical phrase that drove people wild.

☆

Back home, I stared at the paper summarizing the butler cafe’s concept. It was my first time with real responsibility, and no matter how many times I checked, the anxiety didn’t fade. But it’s kinda like an online game. Working hard together… it was the same in games. Some people took games lightly, but others dove in seriously because it was a game. I’d mostly dealt with the serious ones, though I’d had my share of stomach-churning moments. Compared to that, being the class leader for the cultural festival might not be so bad. Surprisingly, everyone was pretty supportive.

“Oh.” My phone, left on the desk, chimed with an incoming call. It was Rinka’s sister, Kasumi-san. Probably about that.

“Hello?”

“Yo, Kazuto-boy! Good news!”

“Good news… then?”

“Yup, Rinka and Kazuto-boy’s marriage has been approved by Grandpa and Grandma!”

“No, that’s not it! What are you talking about?”

“Haha, just kidding!” Kasumi-san laughed brightly, as expected of an older sister. I wished she’d stop startling me like that. I was already overwhelmed by the Mizuki family—adding grandparents to the mix would be terrifying.

“The butler outfits and that thing are ready.”

“Thank you so much. You’re the only one I could ask about this.”

Kasumi-san owned a ton of cosplay costumes. Knowing that, I’d consulted her right after becoming the leader. She’d said she might be able to arrange the costumes, and she came through.

“Well, when my little sister’s husband asks for help, you know?”

“Husband… Did I make things hard for you?”

“Nope, not at all. I just called some friends and borrowed some dusty costumes. When I explained it’s for the cultural festival, they lent them happily.”

“…Thank you so much.”

“That thing turned out great too. It’s for you, right, Kazuto-boy?”

“Yes. It’s my secret weapon to walk around the festival with Rinka.”

“Nice, that’s fun!” Rinka wanted to explore the festival with me. With that thing, we should be able to.

“Take care of Rinka, okay?”

“Yes.”

I was about to hang up when—

“Hey! Is that Kazuto-nii-chan?” That voice—my angel!!

“Kasumi-onee-chan!”

“Alright, alright. Kazuto-boy, I’m passing it to Nonoa.”

“Um, I want to see Nonoa-chan’s face.”

“You’re finally making demands, Kazuto-boy. Fine,” Kasumi-san said, sounding exasperated but agreeing. Switching to video call, Nonoa-chan’s angelic smile filled the phone screen.

“Yay, it’s Kazuto-nii-chan!”

“Nonoa-chan…!” My heart was being purified. I wanted a little sister who was this happy to see me.

“Guess what? I’m going to the cultural festival too!”

“Yeah—wait, no! That’s bad!”

“Huh? I… can’t go?” Nonoa-chan’s eyes welled up with sadness. It hurt my heart, but…

“The cultural festival is for us students to shine.”

“…Yeah.”

“If Nonoa-chan shows up—she’ll steal the spotlight!”

“Huh?”

“Because Nonoa-chan is so cute… an angel…!” My voice trembled with emotion.

“Oh no, Kazuto-boy’s weirdo side is getting worse,” I heard Kasumi-san’s wary voice. I’m not a weirdo. I was just captivated by an angel’s charm.