Crossover: After deciding to give up, i became popular

"Want to play a game?" Kanade waved a controller in Mahiru's direction.

After finishing their meal, he was already thinking about how to spend their weekend together. Having recently rekindled his gaming hobby, Kanade had picked up some new consoles and multiplayer games, including Overcooked.

"It's a co-op game where we cook and serve food to earn money. Interested?" He shifted slightly, making space for Mahiru on the floor cushion beside him.

Mahiru sat down gracefully, curiosity in her eyes. "Cooking and making money? Sounds like fun. Let's try it."

The idea of playing a game about running a restaurant together felt oddly domestic, almost like a preview of their future. It was a thought she didn't dislike—spending time with Kanade always made her happy.

That was how she felt at first, anyway.

…

"Why is the food burning so fast?! I swear I was watching it!" Mahiru pouted, her eyes locked on the screen, her cheeks puffed in frustration. "And these customers are way too picky! How dare they pay so little for our delicious food! They're not welcome at my restaurant anymore!"

"It's just a game…" Kanade said gently, trying to calm her down.

Despite his earlier explanations of the rules, Mahiru struggled to keep up. Not that he was doing much better—he wasn't exactly a pro himself.

"How about we try a different game?" Kanade offered, pulling out another cartridge. "This one's called It Takes Two. It's co-op as well, with an interesting story."

Mahiru nodded obediently. "Alright. I'll play whatever you choose."

Yet, mere minutes into the game, after just watching the introductory cutscene, Mahiru frowned.

"This game's no good, Kanade. Let's pick another one."

"But we haven't even started…"

"It's just a feeling! I don't think it'll be fun." Mahiru turned her head, her mood dipping into a small sulk.

A couple on the brink of divorce trying to reconcile? Absolutely not! She'd never divorce Kanade! Not in a million years!

"…Fine." Kanade sighed in defeat.

He was running out of options. He'd only recently started gaming again and had bought a few trending co-op games. Now both were ruled out. What was left? His single-player games? Downloading something new would take time...

"Don't mind me, Kanade. You can play on your own. I'll just watch." Mahiru offered, sensing his dilemma.

She hadn't come over to play games specifically—she just wanted to spend the day with him. It didn't matter what they did as long as they were together.

"Well… alright." Kanade nodded, albeit reluctantly.

He'd always imagined gaming as one of those perfect activities to bond with someone. But if Mahiru didn't enjoy it, he couldn't force her. Being watched was nice too, in its own way.

He pulled out another cartridge, this one containing his favorite game: Mario Maker 2.

A Nintendo loyalist at heart, Kanade saw the company's exclusives as the essence of gaming. Open-world epics like Zelda were masterpieces best enjoyed solo, but Mario Maker 2's chaotic multiplayer mode was perfect for showcasing his skills.

This was his chance to impress Mahiru with his gaming prowess. A few victories, a nonchalant "Oh, it's nothing," and he'd be one step closer to fulfilling the ultimate boyhood dream: looking cool in front of a girl.

The game booted up.

First match: Kanade eliminated two players but got outmaneuvered at the finish line.

Second match: He played aggressively but was beaten by someone taking a shortcut.

Third match: A disaster. He lost due to poor map choices and bad luck.

Kanade sighed heavily, his confidence in tatters.

"I'm done," he declared, closing the game.

"You're stopping already? I thought it was fun to watch," Mahiru said, tilting her head curiously.

"Nope, I'm done." Kanade shook his head. Losing was one thing, but losing repeatedly with Mahiru watching? Too embarrassing.

"I've never played before… Should I give it a try? You could teach me," Mahiru suggested shyly.

"You want to? I can show you how…" Kanade brightened up slightly, thinking it might be fun to guide her.

"N-No, never mind!" Mahiru suddenly waved her hands, her face reddening.

What was she thinking? If Kanade held her hands to teach her… or worse, if she sat in his lap to get a closer look at the screen…!

"Forget it! I'll just watch!" Mahiru's voice pitched up as she shook her head vigorously, trying to suppress her runaway thoughts.

"…Alright then," Kanade said, deciding not to press further.

With gaming off the table, though, he was running out of ideas for how to spend the day. He couldn't very well suggest watching anime together—it'd probably bore Mahiru.

"How about we go out for a bit?" he proposed instead.

Girls liked shopping, right? Even Eriri and Kasumigaoka enjoyed browsing shops, so Mahiru probably would too.

"Go out…" Mahiru considered this before nodding.

She had planned to spend the whole day inside with Kanade, but going out sounded nice too. It felt like a date—a proper outing with her… boyfriend?

"I'll just go home and change first!" Mahiru stammered, her cheeks flushed. "No peeking, okay?!"

"I'm not going to peek…" Kanade deadpanned.

Mahiru could be so strange sometimes. One moment she trusted him enough to nap on his sofa, and the next, she was treating him like some sort of intruder.

Was inconsistency a special talent of hers? Girls really were a mystery.