I Just Want A Single Ending!

"Here."

Without a second thought, Saku Kamigawa handed the dolphin plushie he'd just won to Ikuyo Kita.

"Saku-senpai, are you sure you've never played a claw machine before?"

Winning on the first try made her wonder if he was telling the truth.

"Of course," Saku answered confidently. "I didn't even expect to get the plush on my first attempt."

It must be some kind of beginner's luck.

"But either way, it's great that you won it!"

Ikuyo squeezed the dolphin plush, smiling up at him. "Thank you, Saku-senpai!"

Even though he won it quickly, she'd managed to snap all the pictures she needed for the story.

"Don't mention it."

Saku handed the remaining coins back to her, waving off any fuss.

He wasn't interested in a second round—winning a plushie for 100 yen was a rare deal. If he kept trying, he'd likely just be wasting money.

Then Ikuyo held the plushie beside her face, pulling out her phone for a selfie.

This photo set would be called: "The Plush My Boyfriend Won for Me!"

After a few pictures, she felt something was missing. Unsure if it was the angle or the lighting, she glanced around thoughtfully—then noticed Saku checking out other arcade games nearby.

There!

She'd figured out what the photos lacked.

If the set was called "The Plush My Boyfriend Won for Me," then it wouldn't be complete without the boyfriend!

With this revelation, Ikuyo called over, "Saku-senpai, come here for a sec. Let's take a photo with the plush together!"

"…Fine."

Saku sighed, resigned.

It seemed he couldn't escape the inevitable couple photo.

With a deep breath, he walked over to her. "So, how do you want to take it?"

"Let's both hold the plush in the middle," Ikuyo replied, her pose planned out in an instant.

"Alright."

Saku complied, following her instructions.

To fit both of them in the camera frame, they had to stand close together.

There was no physical contact, though—just standing near each other. This was something Saku could tolerate.

"Smile, Saku-senpai!"

Ikuyo directed, her finger hovering over the shutter.

A smile would make the picture better, especially for someone like Saku.

"Alright."

Saku managed a practiced smile, and Ikuyo grinned brightly beside him.

And so, their "couple photo" was immortalized.

"Let's try a different pose!"

"From another angle!"

And on it went, with Ikuyo capturing multiple shots before finally wrapping up the photo session.

Looking through the photos, she couldn't help but remark, "Wow, Saku-senpai, you're so photogenic! I look more like a fan begging you for a picture!"

Saku could only respond with an awkward smile.

The more she looked at the photos, the more real their "couple" vibe seemed.

But she knew it was just an illusion.

After today, they'd still be just classmates and friends.

"Oh, and by the way—keep these photos from the mall and here for yourself, just to show your friends, okay? Don't post them online."

Knowing her online habits, Saku made sure to give her a little reminder.

As someone committed to his single status, he definitely didn't want any strange rumors spreading.

"Don't worry! I won't post them anywhere!" Ikuyo assured him with a confident nod. But after a beat, she couldn't resist asking, "Although… you really seem against having photos or videos of yourself online, Saku-senpai. Can I ask why?"

"With how good you look, any photos of you would draw tons of followers."

In today's image-driven world, Saku's face was practically a magnet.

With a serious expression, he replied, "I'm actually very shy."

"Ahaha! Good one, Saku-senpai!" Ikuyo burst out laughing.

If he was shy, then what did that make Hitori Gotoh?

There wasn't even a word for it.

"It's really just that I don't want any unnecessary attention," Saku clarified.

"Oh, I get it."

Ikuyo accepted his answer easily.

"Anyway, now that we're done with the claw machine, what do you want to try next?" Saku asked, his curiosity about the arcade not yet satisfied.

"Definitely a two-player game. Today, we're a couple!"

Stowing her phone, Ikuyo spoke with cheerful determination.

As Saku scanned the area for two-player games, she pointed excitedly to a pair of basketball hoops nearby. "Saku-senpai, want to see who scores higher?"

"Compete with me in basketball?"

Following her gaze, Saku held back a laugh.

Was she seriously challenging him?

But if they were going to play, he'd go easy on her.

Otherwise, it wouldn't be fun for her at all.

"Yup! And the winner gets to make a request from the loser—just like in that truth-or-dare game we did during the study session," Ikuyo added with a grin. "And of course, the loser can veto anything too over the top."

"Fine by me."

For him, games like this were easily won—or lost, depending on his mood.

But with a request on the line, he couldn't go easy on her just yet.

Standing at the basketball hoops, they each got ready. Just before starting, the system options popped up.

[Win]

[Let Her Win]

After eyeing the choices, Saku turned to Ikuyo, "Ikuyo, have you thought of what you'll ask for if you win?"

"Not really," she said, shaking her head.

The wager was more of a whim, something she'd thought of to spice things up.

Besides, with the stakes low, it was all in good fun.

"Why? Saku-senpai, have you already planned your request if you win?"

"I'm thinking about it."

Saku smirked as he dropped in his coin, and Ikuyo quickly followed suit.

With a steady stream of swishes, the final outcome was no surprise:

Saku claimed an easy victory.

[Stamina +10]

---

Thank you for reading this chapter!

Wise-Senpai leads the way, sharing stories that inspire and connect us all. Your support is like the encouragement of a loyal companion, pushing this journey forward and lighting the path ahead.

If you'd like to support Wise-Senpai, you can visit:

[patreon.com/WiseTL].

Every contribution strengthens our resolve, paving the way for the stories yet to come!

Let's continue to explore these worlds together!

-Mash Kyrielight 💜