117 - The King's Game

RAW

Shizuku proposed playing the King’s Game.

In response, Ayaka frowned slightly.

“Aren’t we here to study today, Shizuku-chan? Playing around too much isn’t good.”

“Aya-senpai, efficient work is brought about by efficient breaks. Taking proper rests to recover focus helps studying go more smoothly.”

“But... the King’s Game is a bit much...”

Ayaka hesitated.

“That game is the one where you have to obey the king’s orders, right?”

“Exactly! …Oh, could it be, Aya-senpai, that you’re imagining something indecent? What a closet perv!”

“I’m not!”

Ayaka’s face turned crimson as she protested, while Shizuku teased her, turning to Saki for her input.

“What about you, Saki-senpai? Are you against the King’s Game?”

“Hmm... I wouldn’t say I’m against it, but the game gives me the impression of college guys suggesting it at mixers with ulterior motives.”

Saki folded her arms as she spoke but continued with a slight smile.

“Still, it sounds like fun. I’d play if there were some conditions.”

“What conditions?”

“Nothing that forces someone to do something they’re uncomfortable with or demands excessive physical contact, for starters.”

Shizuku nodded at Saki’s conditions.

“Understood. Then, how about a wholesome and sensible King’s Game? What do you think, Aya-senpai?”

“If that’s the case...”

Ayaka gave a small nod, glancing toward Haruto to gauge his reaction. Shizuku also looked at him for his thoughts.

“I don’t mind as long as everyone’s okay with it. What about you, Tomoya?”

“Same here. If the ladies are fine with it, I’m in.”

Satisfied with the responses, Shizuku took some chopsticks from a snack bag and spoke enthusiastically.

“Alright then, let’s play the King’s Game!”

Her usually stoic tone carried a rare excitement, prompting Tomoya to chuckle wryly.

“Wait, did you have those chopsticks ready just for this?”

“Of course!”

Shizuku gave a thumbs-up, causing Saki to raise an eyebrow.

“I thought Shizuku-chan might be the type to use chopsticks for chips, but you planned this all along.”

“I eat chips with my hands, and licking the seasoning off my fingers is pure bliss.”

Shizuku retrieved a marker from her pencil case and numbered the ends of the chopsticks from 1 to 4, plus a crown for the King. She then held them with the marked ends hidden, extending them toward the table.

“All set! Everyone, pick a stick.”

After a moment’s pause, Haruto reached out first, followed by the others.

“Everyone ready? On my count, draw your stick. Let’s see who the King is!”

At Shizuku’s call, everyone drew a stick, quickly checking their numbers.

“Not the King.”

“Same here,” Tomoya confirmed after Saki announced her result.

Shizuku, pouting slightly, added, “I’m not the King either. Haru-senpai, what about you?”

“Nope.”

Haruto shook his head, shifting his gaze to Ayaka.

“Uh, I’m the King,” Ayaka said hesitantly, raising her hand.

“Aya-senpai, the closet perv, is the King!”

“I told you, I’m not like that!”

Ayaka snapped at Shizuku, who was enjoying teasing her. Saki grinned and posed the next question.

“So, King Ayaka, what’s your command?”

“Um... let’s see... Number 3 has to compliment Number 1.”

Ayaka hesitated before settling on her command. Saki chuckled.

“That’s such a peaceful choice, very Ayaka-like.”

Shizuku chimed in, “I thought for sure you’d go for something scandalous.”

“Stop it! I’m not like that!”

“Really?”

Shizuku’s skeptical look made Ayaka puff her cheeks in annoyance.

“Enough of that! Who’s Number 3?”

Haruto raised his hand.

“That’s me.”

“Ah, Haru’s going to compliment me! I’m Number 1!” Tomoya grinned, showing his chopstick to Haruto.

“Praising you, huh? That’s a tough one.”

“Hey, I’m so amazing it’d take half a day to list everything!”

Haruto glanced at Tomoya with mock disdain before beginning earnestly.

“Tomoya, I honestly think you’re an incredible person and I’m lucky to have you as a friend. Though you come off as carefree and irresponsible, you’re observant and considerate, always lending a hand when someone’s in trouble. I admire that and want to learn from you.”

Haruto’s heartfelt words left Tomoya scratching his cheek awkwardly.

“Uh, thanks...”

“Tomoya, your face is red!” Saki teased, pointing at him with a laugh.

Shizuku reclaimed the chopsticks and announced, “Alright, let’s keep going. Everyone, pick a stick!”

This time, Saki became the King.

“Hmm, what should I command... Oh! Number 2 has to make the funniest face they can!”

Everyone checked their numbers.

“Thank goodness I’m Number 1...” Ayaka sighed in relief.

“I’m Number 2,” Shizuku declared.

“Shizuku’s funny face? This’ll be good,” Haruto smirked.

With a deadpan expression, Shizuku placed her hands on her cheeks and squished her face.

“Behold, my ultimate sour plum face!”

The exaggerated expression drew immediate laughter.

“Pfft, that’s hilarious!”

“Shizuku-chan, stop, I can’t—ahaha!”

Even stoic Shizuku joined the laughter, proving to be the perfect mood-maker for the group.