The six of them fan out. Lucy and Kota immediately gravitate towards a high-energy fighting game, the screen flashing with vibrant colours as they trade blows. Sabrina and Ryuuji huddle over a complex puzzle game, whispering strategies to each other. Uzzah and Ouzou try out a racing game, Uzzah skilfully weaving past cars. Laughter and playful banter fill the air as the evening unfolds and they explore the many games together.
++++++ @satodemonedarktriplets
+Lucy vs. Kota – Retro Rivalry & Sweet Victory+
After their fighting game match ends in a heated draw—much to Lucy’s dramatic dismay—they cool off in the retro section of the arcade, drawn in by the nostalgic glow of **Pac-Man** and **Donkey Kong** machines.
*Lucy: (Huffs)
“Okay, Mr. ‘Yellow is the color of winners’—let’s see how well you do chasing ghosts without a sword or fireball to save you.”
*Kota: (Chuckling, sliding a coin in)
“You’re on. But if I beat your score, you owe me a smoothie. Banana flavored—like the champion I am.”
*Lucy: (she can’t help but laugh out loud)
Oh no! Are you channeling Commander Gori!?!
*Kota: (he just laughs in response)
They play side by side, neck and neck on the leaderboard. Lucy is laser-focused, tongue poking out slightly as she expertly darts around ghosts.
*Kota: (Watching her in awe)
“You know, for a ninja, you’re weirdly good at navigating mazes.”
*Lucy: (Grinning mid-play)
“It’s all about instincts—and I *never* back down from a chase.”
Eventually, Kota’s Pac-Man dies in a corner, while Lucy survives just a few seconds longer to break the tie.
*Lucy: (Leaping up, hands in the air)
“Victory is mine! Bow before your queen of quarter-eating games!”
*Kota: (Mock bows, then leans closer)
“Fine, your highness… but how about we share that smoothie?”
*Lucy: (Pausing, then gently bumps her shoulder against his)
“Only if you admit I’m the coolest gamer on this island.”
*Kota: (Smiling genuinely)
“You’re the coolest… period.”
They end up sharing the drink under a palm tree, the sunset casting golden hues as Lucy leans on Kota’s shoulder, cheeks warm—not from competition this time.
—
#Sabrina & Ryuuji – Decks of Strategy & Quiet Affection#
Tucked in a quieter corner, Sabrina and Ryuuji sit at a sleek digital table playing a virtual version of **Magic: The Gathering**. Animated cards float and flicker as they take turns, each move precise and strategic.
*Sabrina: (Summoning a legendary creature)
“You’ve fallen right into my trap. I’ve been saving this card since the second turn.”
*Ryuuji: (Raises an eyebrow, impressed)
“You built a trap deck? That’s… genius. I thought you preferred control builds.”
*Sabrina: (Smirking softly)
“Only when I want to *toy* with someone. But you’re worth the challenge.”
He responds with a perfect counter spell, their virtual battlefield ablaze with competing effects. The game ends in a narrow draw, both visibly impressed by the other.
*Ryuuji: (Leaning back, pushing his glasses up)
“I haven’t had this much fun since that tournament in SugarTokyo. You remember? We snuck in as a ‘study group’?”
*Sabrina: (Laughs softly)
“How could I forget? You beat a guy three years older, and then blushed so hard you knocked over your drink.”
A moment of silence falls between them, but it’s the comfortable kind. Their hands brush as they gather virtual cards for the next game.
*Ryuuji: (Quietly)
“I like this. Being here with you. Competing, but… together.”
*Sabrina: (Soft smile)
“Same. Brains and banter make the best combo.”
They continue into the next match, speaking in low voices, swapping both card lore and subtle affection.
—
=Ouzou & Uzzah – Fortnite Frenzy & Fierce Loyalty=
In the co-op VR arena, Ouzou and Uzzah strap on visors and are dropped into a vibrant, candy-colored battle royale game called **”PixelBlitz!”**—clearly inspired by Fortnite, but cuter.
Their avatars hit the ground running: Uzzah with sniper-like precision, and Ouzou charging in like a shielded tank, drawing fire to protect her.
*Ouzou: (Over the headset, ducking behind cover)
“Go, go, I got this side! You line up your shots—I trust you.”
*Uzzah: (Focus intense, eyes sharp behind the visor)
“Already on it. I won’t let anyone hurt you, not even virtually.”
They move like a well-oiled machine—Uzzah eliminating players from rooftops while Ouzou builds cover and revives her twice with a laugh.
*Uzzah: (After a particularly close call)
“You jumped in front of that rocket for me.”
*Ouzou: (Shrugs)
“Reflex. No one’s getting to you while I’m around.”
As they win the match together, the game flashes **”Victory Blitz!”**, fireworks exploding on-screen. Uzzah tackles him in a hug as they take off their visors.
*Uzzah: (Smiling, resting her head against his shoulder)
“You’re the best partner—both in-game and out.”
*Ouzou: (Softly)
“You give me something to protect. That makes me better at everything.”
They leave the VR zone hand-in-hand, still grinning from the adrenaline, closer than ever.