Linked Paths

Arc II - Many Firsts [Chapter 2: Dates]

I believe him. I don't detect any insincerity in his body language.

Tamamushi: "Besides, it's about being together, not about winning, isn't it?", *smiles*

I return his smile, "Uhn. That's right."

Kotatsu: *steps up to the table, sips her drink*, "Nice! Another round means I can try to beat my Strike record again.", *smirks confidently*, "And winning makes things even cooler after all."

I agree with her in a way. Winning isn't really important, of course, but it would still be kind of cool. I automatically take another look at our scores for this round. My gap to Kotatsu isn't that big. Maybe I can beat her in the next round. But it's going to be very tricky, I need more Strikes...

Tamamushi: "Well, I'm here to help."

I giggle slightly with his reaction, "Cute." Oh, did I just say that out loud?!

Flustered I avoid looking at him, also I'm glad he doesn't say something about it. All the more I can sense his gaze from the side.

Kotatsu: "Don't worry about it, if I'm in it, others can't win anyway."

She kind of reminds me of someone specific at this moment. The corner of my mouth twitches upwards.

Then I look at Shin. Well, concerning him...I don't even need to ask him if he's up for another round. Anything's fine with him as long as he can drool over Kotatsu. Said person rises, now that his turn has come and thus opens the ninth frame. Kotatsu gives him a cute look and approaches him.

Kotatsu: "Good luck.", *grins*

Shin immediately blushes, his shark grin appearing, but at least he manages to nod before he then walks onto the court to pick up his bowling ball.

I can't help but watch those two closely a lot of the time. Not only is it totally interesting, but they are so cute together! Now I see it too, and I can confirm Laha's statement that Kotatsu is interested in Shin on a romantic level. That's so exciting!

Tamamushi: *chuckles with amusement*

I look at him questioningly, "Hm?"

Tamamushi: *waves off*, "Nothing.", *winks at me*

I understand and get rosy-cheeked again, "Sorry."

Tamamushi: "It's all good. I'm just happy getting to know you better."

"Yes, me too.", I reply shyly.

To compose myself, I take a sip of my Cola, then I speak up again, "Thank you for agreeing to play another round."

Tamamushi: "Well, who knows, maybe I'll manage to get a Spare at least once in the process? I mean, I've already gotten a bit better, haven't I?"

"Uhn! Ganbatte!", I cheer him on.

Tamamushi: *blushes*, "You don't know how adorable you are."

I bite my lip, "T-thanks."

Kotatsu's subsequent cheering for Shin, who is now trying to get a Spare too, draws my attention back to my buddy. A welcome distraction for me right now, admittedly.

Kotatsu: "Go! If you succeed, I'll give you a kiss!"

However, her words have the exact opposite effect. Even from a distance, I can see how Shin's body immediately stiffens completely. As he swings to drive his ball, he has terrible form. Everything goes extremely wrong. The ball flies at full speed at an almost 90-degree angle towards the ceiling instead of down the lane towards the pins, as if he was a noob that totally messed up.