Chapter 63: Kicked out

"Ugh…" I groaned in boredom. The only good thing about this boredom of mine was that the aesthetic of the world after the rain brought another type of beauty. The air felt cleaner and cooler, but I knew for a fact that tomorrow, the humidity would suck. The way the sun's golden rays hit the puddles made everything seem brighter, giving the world more color.

Welp, I got kicked out. Fortunately, it wasn't raining, so I didn't get thrown out into the rain! Though, now I had to figure out my plan for the rest of the day. Ruby was at school, and Mahiru had to catch up on schoolwork. Sawako…

"Hah~"

I could only sigh. It wasn't like I could call the boys up either. Yuta was at his club, and Itsuki was with his girlfriend.

[I recommend you just walk around.]

'I mean, it's really all we got.'

[Think on the bright side. Who knows what could happen?]

'Haha~ we've come a long way if you're comforting me.'

[You did spend a lot of money, so it's only natural.]

'I would prefer you didn't say it like that.'

The system made it sound like I was paying it to help me—not in a "being there for me" kind of way, but as if I had hired it as a therapist. The way it spoke, you'd think I was subscribed to a damn mental health service!

Grabbing my phone, I took note of the time—it was just after 1 PM, meaning people were out and about. Not many students, obviously, since nearly all schools were still in session, so it was unlikely I'd run into anyone my age.

Stopping at a crosswalk, I looked around, scanning for anything that seemed fun or at least interesting. There were many things numerous stores with clothes, shoes, figurines, books, etc. There were cafés and places to eat, but none of those fit my mood right now.

'Hm? I found it!'

It was a massive arcade, stacked with crane machines and other games—definitely a great way to waste time.

The light turned green, and I hurried over, reaching the entrance in an instant, excitement bubbling up like that of a little kid. To be fair, I was technically still a kid, physically at least, soooo suck it, mental age! I was going to waste my day today! Screw it all!

[Oh heavens, my host has lost it ;-;]

'D-Did you just type fake tears?'

[I can type anything I want. Heh.]

'System…'

[Yes, dear host?]

'We are losing it, aren't we?'

[That's what boredom does!]

Dudu~ 

Ding Ding~ 

The hum of machines, the flashing neon lights, the cheerful beeping of games—'this place was heaven-sent!' My inner kid burst free, and I didn't care what anyone thought about me acting weird. I just wanted to have fun!

[This is what you get for trying to put on an act all the time.]

'It's not an act! I just haven't had this kind of time to myself in a while.'

[Whatever you want to call it.]

I ignored the system and walked up to the kiosk. I entered the equivalent of $100 and grabbed a plastic bag from the hanger on the side.

'Thank god they give out bags, but I'm surprised it's plastic. You'd think they'd use something else, but it works out regardless!'

The tokens filled the bag, and it was surprisingly heavy for just a bag of tokens. I should have figured this would happen, though. This thing was a weapon—a weapon to get me prizes!

I walked further in, scanning the array of flashing games and neon-lit claw machines stacked with plushies.

'Alright, where do we start?'

[How about something easy? Maybe a claw machine?]

'Hmm...Sure!' 

There were many claw machines with each one having different prizes. Some expensive, some common, and some unique. The unique one's were the one's I sought! 

'This one!' 

A purple-gold arcade machine stood out, filled to the brim with unique plushies, each one unlike the next. It was strange to see so many variations crammed into a single machine, but a bold, oversized sign plastered on the glass read:

"Kon Uniques!"

Every plush inside was either holding or dressed in the arcade's signature colors—purple and gold—making the collection feel exclusive and special.

'Sukuna and Satoru are a must—they'd look absolutely sick in the living room. Now, let's see… The cinnamon roll plush for Mahiru, Artoria for Ruby, and for my lovely Sawako, the almighty Yoruichi.'

Sukuna and Gojo were clad in their final fight attire, but instead of their usual colors, the outfits were redesigned in a striking purple-gold theme.

The cinnamon roll plush featured a purple-gold icing decoration on top, giving it an elegant yet playful touch.

Artoria's Excalibur wasn't just any sword—it was engraved with the arcade's name, making it a unique, commemorative piece.

Yoruichi, in her human form, was dressed in her classic orange-black ensemble, but instead, it had been reworked in deep purple and gold, giving her an even more regal, electrifying presence.

Each gift had its own meaning, but honestly, I just picked what looked cool or cute things, I thought they'd enjoy looking at. I didn't expect them to be obsessed with the characters themselves, but rather to appreciate the aesthetic and the fact that it was a gift.

'I hope they actually like gifts from me…'

[They will. Why even doubt that?]

'Women are complicated. Maybe they don't even want gifts perhaps they'd prefer something else entirely.'

[Fair enough. If that's the case, just put in more effort.]

'True… I just don't know what else I could do.'

[That's just how life goes.]