Shopping, Secrets, and the King of Games

It was a pleasant Saturday morning, and a warm ray of sunlight peeked through the windows of the shared house. With no school, everyone had finally relaxed—a calm before the adventure. In just two days, they'd be leaving for the long-awaited school trip to Mount Fuji.

Inside the dining area, the aroma of freshly cooked breakfast filled the air.As usual, Yuta was up early, wearing his apron and flipping golden-brown toast with practiced ease. By his side stood Yuki, quietly brewing fresh coffee and chopping fruit.

"Breakfast is ready," Yuta announced with a soft smile.

Everyone gathered around the table, their faces lighting up as they saw the delicious spread. Egg rolls, miso soup, perfectly toasted bread, and fresh-cut fruits.

"You're a lifesaver, Chef-kun," Mai said cheerfully, grabbing her plate.

"You've spoiled us," Erika added, grinning as she dug in.

While munching her food, Erika suddenly spoke, "Oh! I need to go shopping today for the school trip. I haven't bought anything yet."

Mai's eyes sparkled. "Me too! I need a new hoodie and a cute backpack."

Yuki, softly brushing her bangs back, nodded. "I need some clothes and a few essentials as well."

At that moment, Amane, who had been silently observing, smirked with excitement. In his mind, he saw the perfect plan for a casual triple date taking shape—Yuta and Yuki, Erika and himself, Mai and Izumi.

"Ahem," Amane cleared his throat dramatically. "Then how about we all go together? Makes it more fun!"

Izumi, always eager for a chance to hang out, added, "That's a great idea! We'll cover more stores faster too."

Yuta, who had just poured himself some tea, looked thoughtful and said, "Yeah, I need a few things too. Let's do it."

And just like that, their normal Saturday morning turned into the beginning of something far more exciting...

The group finally reached the mall—a massive shopping complex bustling with weekend shoppers and bright lights. As they stepped through the main entrance, something unexpected happened.

The entire atmosphere shifted.

Whispers. Gasps. Stares.

Eyes turned toward them from every direction. Passersby halted mid-step, heads turned, and phone cameras discreetly lifted into the air. It wasn't just curiosity—it was awe.

The sight of three stunning girls—Yuki, Mai, and Erika—walking together with Yuta was enough to stir attention. But it was more than that. It was their vibe. Their closeness. Their unspoken chemistry.

Erika, stylish as ever in her crop top and jacket combo, immediately caught the attention of a few boys nearby. Some even took photos sneakily—especially when she walked close beside Yuta.

Mai, with her sporty, confident stride, radiated the energy of a celebrity athlete.

Yuki, wearing a soft pastel dress and light makeup, had a quiet elegance that made people pause just to admire her.

And right in the center of it all… Yuta. Calm, casual, in a simple T-shirt and jeans. But his vibe had changed. Confidence. A glow. A warmth. Maybe it was the apron charm or his quiet hero moments—but now, even strangers were noticing.

"Hey... isn't that girl from Insta?""Wait, are they dating?""Look at the guy with them… is he a model or something?""Erika and that boy… I swear I saw them in a photo together."

Some clicks echoed in the background—pictures being taken without permission.

Feeling the heavy stares, Yuta blinked and rubbed the back of his neck nervously. "Uhh… is there something on my face or something? Why is everyone staring at us?"

The three girls turned to him in sync.

And blushing—deep red—they all said at once,"You're really stupid."

Yuta tilted his head, confused. "Huh? What did I do?"

"You really don't get it?" Yuki mumbled, looking away, trying to hide her red cheeks.

Erika crossed her arms but looked amused. "Sometimes you're too dense for your own good."

Mai nudged him playfully. "You look good, idiot."

Yuta just stood there, stunned and clueless, as the others giggled softly, trying to move on while more attention gathered around them.

After the wave of stares and playful teasing, the group made their way deeper into the mall. Their next stop? The biggest clothing store on the second floor.

As soon as they entered, rows of outfits, flashing displays, and trial room mirrors greeted them like a fashion battlefield.

Yuta looked around, overwhelmed. "Uhh... I think I'll just grab a black hoodie and jeans."

Amane instantly smacked his forehead. "Bro! You wear the same thing every time!"

Izumi nodded with a sigh. "Yeah, you need some fashion evolution. Why do you always dress like an NPC?"

Yuta shrugged. "You both know I have zero fashion sense."

Suddenly, Erika stepped in confidently, flipping her hair back. "Then let your fashionable roommates handle this."

Yuki gave a rare smile. "Yeah, we'll pick outfits for you. Something that actually suits you."

Mai grinned. "This will be fun."

Yuta blinked. "Wait, wait—what?"

Erika raised a hand like a judge. "Here are the rules: We'll all pick outfits for you, one by one. You have to try them all. The outfit that looks best on you, you will buy."

Yuki added, "And the budget is 10,000 yen. Don't worry, we'll choose wisely."

Yuta groaned. "This sounds like a punishment game."

"Shut up and go to the changing room," Mai ordered with a smirk.

Outfit #1 – Izumi's Choice: The Regal Yukata

Izumi was the first to step up. He returned with a deep blue traditional Yukata set. Gold patterns lined the sleeves, and a dark obi sash completed the royal look.

"This one's a little... historical," Izumi grinned, handing it over.

Yuta hesitantly stepped into the trial room.

A few minutes later, he stepped out.

Stunned silence.

He didn't just look good.

He looked like a prince straight out of an old-school samurai drama. The Yukata clung just right to his shoulders, his hair slightly messy, and his sharp eyes added a noble, cool aura.

Some girls shopping nearby gasped.

"Who is that guy!?""Is he a model? He looks like royalty!""Can I take a photo?""He's with those three girls—who's his girlfriend?!"

The group stood frozen for a moment. Then...

"Dude…," Amane said, mouth open. "Are you a hidden lord or something!?"

Yuki coughed, her cheeks red. "O-Okay… didn't expect this."

Mai gave a low whistle. "This should be illegal."

Erika folded her arms, smiling slightly. "I hate to admit it, but… you actually look hot in that."

Yuta just blinked, dumbfounded. "I'm never wearing this in public."

Erika smirked. "Too late. Girls are already taking your pictures."

Yuta turned and spotted a few schoolgirls pretending to browse socks while sneakily snapping photos of him from behind the display rack.

He froze. "Please… kill me."

Everyone burst into laughter.

Outfit #2 – Amane's Choice: The Rockstar Hero Look

"Alright, my turn!" Amane announced, rubbing his hands like a mad scientist.

He dashed off toward the trendy men's section and came back holding a confident smirk—and a set of modern, bold streetwear.

It had a sleeveless black jacket, open zip, a low-hanging chain, and tight black jeans. The inner tank was missing.

Yuta blinked at the outfit. "Uhh... where's the shirt?"

Amane smirked. "Who needs one when you've got abs now?"

"I don't have abs!" Yuta protested.

"You ran three days in a row and cook healthy every morning. Trust me—you've got baby abs at least," Amane winked.

The group forced Yuta back into the changing room.

After a bit of struggling and dramatic sighs, Yuta stepped out.

The moment he did—everyone froze.

The outfit clung to him in just the right places. His shoulders looked broad, and his slight abs peeked out under the vest's open zip. The chains added a cool, edgy touch.

He looked like some rising K-pop rockstar who just landed in the mall.

And then—

Chaos.

Several girls nearby squealed.

"Oh my god, who IS he!?""He looks like he's from a music video!""Wait—isn't that the guy from Insta who was with Erika-san?""Click his photo—he's trending!"

Erika quickly looked away, blushing. "Okay—nope. Nope. Too dangerous. Go change."

Yuki covered her face slightly. "This is... too much."

Mai crossed her arms, blushing fiercely. "Take. That. Off. Right now."

Izumi burst out laughing. "Dude, you're going to get kidnapped."

Yuta was overwhelmed. "I feel naked!"

Amane nodded proudly. "And yet... majestic."

"You're crazy!" Yuta snapped, running back to the changing room like his life depended on it.

"Cover that chest before you start a stampede!" Mai yelled after him.

The girls giggled. Yuta's popularity was getting out of control.

Outfit #3 – Mai's Choice: The Badminton Athlete Look

After the wild Rockstar outfit incident, Yuta finally returned from the changing room, completely flustered.

"Please… no more 'abs show,' I beg," he muttered.

Everyone laughed.

Then, Mai stepped forward, holding a sporty set in her hands with a confident grin.

"Alright, my turn," she said.

Everyone looked at the outfit—it was a badminton player's tracksuit, sleek navy blue with white stripes and a logo of Japan's national team. It looked light, flexible, and super clean.

"Wait," Yuta blinked. "This is just… normal sportswear?"

Mai smirked. "Exactly. But try it on first."

Yuta shrugged and went in.

A few moments later, he walked out wearing the tracksuit, and the entire vibe changed.

He didn't look like a prince or a K-pop star this time.

He looked like a serious athlete—focused, sharp, and cool. Like the kind of guy who gets the winning smash in the finals of a championship.

Everyone paused.

"Whoa…" Amane mumbled."He looks like our school's new ace," Izumi said.Yuki nodded. "Very sporty… but somehow really cool."

Erika smiled softly. "Unexpectedly… this might suit you the best."

Mai blushed a little, then stepped closer. "You look good in it."

Yuta tilted his head. "Really?"

Mai nodded. "This is the kind of outfit I wear for my badminton matches. When I saw it, I just thought… you'd look cool in it."

Yuta's eyes widened.

"…Then I'm buying this one."

Everyone blinked. "Huh?"

"I want to play badminton too," Yuta said with a determined smile. "And you'll be my coach, right, Mai?"

Mai's cheeks went pink. She looked down, flustered. "W-Well… sure. I'll teach you. But don't think I'll go easy on you just because we're roommates!"

Yuta chuckled. "Good. I want to learn it properly."

Amane whistled. "Okay, now this feels like a sports anime."

Erika leaned toward Yuki and whispered, "That was kinda smooth…"

Yuki pouted. "I want to teach him something too…"

Outfit #4 – Erika's Choice: The Celebrity Look

After Yuta chose the sporty outfit from Mai's pick, he was feeling more confident. But just as he was about to go and pay for it…

"Hold on," Erika said, stepping forward with a little smirk.

She walked toward him holding a sleek, stylish outfit set—a black designer blazer with silver chains, a fitted V-neck, tailored pants, and a pair of shining leather shoes.

It was so stunning that even the shop assistants stared.

"Uh… Erika," Yuta blinked. "Is this… for me?"

She nodded proudly. "Of course. You're the only one I imagined wearing this."

Amane leaned in to Izumi. "That's the type of outfit you see on Tokyo Fashion Week runways…"

Yuki raised an eyebrow. "That blazer… I saw that in a magazine worn by a Korean pop idol."

Yuta hesitated. "It… it looks really cool, but—"Erika pushed him toward the changing room. "Just try it first."

Moments later, Yuta stepped out, looking like he had just walked off a billboard.

Everyone froze.

Even random customers in the store turned heads. Some even whispered:

"Is that a celebrity?"

"Wait, isn't he the same guy we saw earlier with those three girls?"

"He's seriously model-level…"

Erika gave a small nod of approval and smiled.

"You're perfect," she whispered.

Yuta, flustered beyond belief, muttered, "Uh… thanks, I guess…"

Amane, meanwhile, was dying inside. "He looks like the male lead of a shoujo manga…"

But then, Yuta glanced at the price tag.

His jaw dropped.

"10… this is ten times more than the budget!! Erika, this is 100,000 yen!!"

Erika blinked. "Really?"

Everyone facepalmed.

Yuki crossed her arms. "You didn't even check the price, did you?"

Erika scratched her cheek with a smile. "I didn't know what to pick, so I searched the outfits worn by top male idols online. This one had the highest rating."

Mai sighed. "That's not how budgets work…"

Izumi said, "Erika, you're treating this like a red carpet event!"

Yuta took a deep breath and smiled kindly. "Thanks, Erika. It's a really cool outfit. But maybe I'll wear it when I become rich or famous."

Erika looked a bit embarrassed but happy. "Fine… but promise you'll wear it someday."

Yuta nodded. "Deal."

Everyone laughed.

After the dramatic fashion show with Erika's designer pick, the group finally settled on a decision.

Yuki, always calm and composed, stepped forward last."I think we've had enough shock for one day," she smiled softly and handed over a neatly folded outfit to Yuta.

It was a loose white knit sweater—minimal but stylish, paired with slim-fit black jeans. Yuta changed into it and stepped out.

Everyone paused.

He looked… incredibly cool. The sweater gave him a soft, approachable vibe, and the jeans gave just the right sharp edge. It was a perfect mix of comfort and charm.

Erika blinked. "How… how does this look so good?"

Mai nodded. "This is the best combo by far."

Amane sighed. "I hate to admit it, but this actually makes him look like a magazine model."

Yuta looked at himself in the mirror. "I look… normal, but cool?"Yuki smiled. "That's the point. It's realistic and repeatable. You can buy this sweater in more colors too."

Yuta nodded with a smile. "Alright. Final decision—Yuki's and Mai's outfits. I'm buying both."

After shopping, everyone moved to the café to rest, laughing and chatting.

Except for Yuki.

She waved her hand. "You all go ahead. I've got a little work. I'll catch up soon."

Ten minutes later, Yuta's phone buzzed.

Yuki:"Can you come to the girls' clothing store near the front escalator? I want to show you something."

Yuta scratched his head. "Huh? What now?"

He walked over… and then froze.

Standing in front of a mirror, trying on a new outfit, was a beautiful girl in a pastel pink off-shoulder top, a black pleated skirt, stockings, and cute heels. Her hair was open and flowing, and she wasn't wearing her usual glasses—instead, she had contact lenses, which made her large, expressive eyes even more striking.

She looked… like a fashion model.

Yuta's jaw dropped.

"…Y-Yuki?!"

The girl turned with a small blush and nodded. "Y-Yeah. It's me."

They quickly moved to a quiet corner in the store away from the public eye.

Yuki shyly looked up. "So… how do I look?"

Yuta gulped and replied without thinking, "You look so cute… and hot."

As soon as the words escaped his mouth, he turned red.

"S-Sorry! I didn't mean— I mean, I meant— I mean, I shouldn't have said—!"

Yuki stared at him, stunned… and then her face flushed red too.

(He… he called me hot?! Did he really just say that?!)

But she gathered herself and took a step closer.

"No. I'm not going out in front of everyone like this," she said calmly.

"Eh?" Yuta tilted his head.

Yuki gave a small smile. "This outfit… this look… it's only for you."

Yuta's eyes widened. "W-What?!"

She continued, gently tucking her hair behind her ear. "I trust you. And also… I wanted to try something new. Something bold. And I thought… since you topped the class, this could be your little… reward."

Yuta turned crimson.

"I-I'm really lucky then…"

Their eyes met. Both were smiling. Both were blushing.

Yuki took a small breath and said, "Alright. I'll go change now. Don't tell anyone about this, okay?"

"Yeah… promise," Yuta said softly.

As Yuki walked toward the changing room, both of them looked back at each other… smiling shyly like two kids keeping a sweet little secret.

After the heart-fluttering moment, Yuki returned to her usual calm look—putting on her glasses again and tying her hair in a low ponytail.

When she and Yuta joined the others at the café, no one could've guessed the storm of blushes that had passed between them.

"Sorry to keep you waiting," Yuki said casually, sipping her iced tea.

Erika narrowed her eyes. "You both took a while... did you—"

"NOPE. JUST SHOPPING," Yuta replied instantly, sitting down like nothing happened.

🛍️ Shopping Wrap-Up – What Everyone Bought

As they finished their drinks, everyone began listing what they bought for the trip.

Mai: "I bought some comfy hiking shoes and a cute cap. Oh, and I got this mosquito repellent spray. You'll all thank me later!"

Erika: "I got sunscreen, snacks, and… uh, I may have bought a waterproof makeup kit. A girl needs to look good even on a mountain!"

Amane: "I grabbed an extra battery pack and a Bluetooth speaker. If we're camping, we need music."

Izumi: "I got a foldable travel pillow and a portable fan. I don't care if we're in the wild, I need my sleep setup."

Yuki: "I got a compact first-aid kit, a journal to note things… and some chocolates."

Yuta smiled. "I just bought instant ramen, flashlights, and matches. I'm going full survival mode."

Mai blinked. "Yuta, are you planning to live in the forest?"

Erika laughed. "Someone stop this wild camper!"

Yuki smiled, quietly. "Well… I like his energy."

🌙 Saturday Night Plan – Games & Bonding

After wrapping up shopping, everyone returned home, bags full and hearts light.

Amane stretched his arms. "So! We still have Sunday. And tonight's a holiday night. Anyone up for some games?"

"Games?" Yuta asked.

Mai grinned. "Yeah! Like card games, truth or dare, Uno, even a horror movie if we dare."

"I'm in," Erika said instantly. "But I vote against horror."

"Coward," Amane teased.

"I'll make popcorn!" said Izumi.

Yuki nodded. "Let's all play something. It'll help us relax before the trip."

Yuta looked around, feeling the warmth in the group.Six different people… different personalities… yet somehow, it felt like a family.

"Alright," he said, smiling. "Let's make this night count."

Everyone cheered.

🎮 Saturday Night: Game Console Showdown

The house was cozy and quiet as night crept in. With snacks and drinks laid out, Amane whipped out his game console—a beloved system from childhood, now still in pristine condition.

"Alright, everyone. Time for game night," he declared, holding up the controller like a prize.

Yuta's eyes lit up. "This is my favorite part."

Erika giggled. "You've been training them since last night?"

Yuta nodded with a grin. "I've been playing these since I was a kid. I learned all the combos and tricks."

🎮 Game: Battle Fantasy—Local Co-Op Mode

Yuta handed controllers to the girls.

First up – Erika: She struggled with the buttons at first, but under Yuta's guidance, she quickly caught on. "Left, right, double triangle—yes, yes! I got it!"

When Erika's character landed a perfect finishing move, she screamed: "I DID IT!"

Yuta high‑fived her gently. "See? You're a natural."

Next – Mai: Known for her athletic reflexes in badminton, she adapted fast—smashing enemies on screen with ease."Nice reflexes!" Yuta praised. "You're unbeatable."

Mai puffed out her chest. "Of course I am."

Then – Yuki: The calm studious one, who surprised everyone with her strategic moves."Nice timing," Yuta said with pride. "Your planning is top-tier."

Yuki nodded, smiling faintly. "It reminds me of solving equations."

Final – Amane & Izumi (Co-op): They teamed up, and their combo moves—though not perfect—were comedic and full of energy.Amane taunted: "We're unbeatable!"Izumi cheered: "Let's do this!"

🎮 Yuta vs. Everyone: Showdown Begins!

After an hour of hilarious training and epic laughs, everyone had finally gotten the hang of the controls.

Erika stretched her arms. "Alright, now that we've learned… let's team up and defeat the boss."

Amane smirked. "Actually… I have a better idea."

Yuki tilted her head. "What?"

Amane pointed his controller at Yuta."Let's all team up and fight him! One versus five!"

Everyone looked at each other.

Izumi chuckled. "Oh, now that's interesting."

Erika raised a brow. "Yuta, are you ready?"

Yuta leaned back, controller in hand, and gave a confident smirk."Bring it on. Let's see if you can beat the king."

⚔️ Game Mode: Free-For-All – Yuta vs Roommates

Round Start!

The room lit up with chaotic energy. Erika charged forward. Mai launched attacks from behind. Yuki used traps. Amane and Izumi tried to combo.

For a moment—it looked like they might overpower him.

But...

"Triple Counter!" — Yuta's character teleports behind them and KOs Erika."Reversal Smash!" — Amane and Izumi sent flying."Dash Dodge & Critical!" — Yuki's ultimate gets perfectly countered.

Mai, the last one standing, yelled, "I won't go down alone!"Yuta: "Nice try."

Final KO – WINNER: YUTA

💢 Aftermath Reactions:

Erika: "No way… I gave it my all!"

Yuki (pouting cutely): "You memorized every pattern, didn't you?"

Mai: "Even I couldn't land a proper shot… Are you even human?"

Amane: "He's a demon lord in disguise!"

Izumi: "I feel like I just got combo'd in real life…"

Yuta laughed and leaned forward.

"You all tried your best—but you'll need more than five players to beat me."

He winked playfully.

"Next time, bring the entire school."

Everyone groaned and threw pillows at him.But deep inside, they were smiling—because this was a night they'd never forget.

💬 To Be Continued…

What happens when a "quiet boy" turns into an unbeatable legend? And what memories will be made at the Mount Fuji school trip?

❤️ Don't forget to leave a comment and share your favorite gaming moment!

🎮 Who would YOU team up with to defeat Yuta?