Chapter 39

Conditions for Continuing

Translated by NotBlueYet

Edited by Kingavent

It was completely dark around the area.

We took the train from Shibuya station to our respective nearest stations.

After about ten minutes, we arrived at Rio’s nearest station.

“It’s already dark, I’ll walk you home.”

“Eh, are you okay? I always walk alone.”

“I want to.”

“Thank you.”

Saying that, I got off at the nearest station to Rio.

It is not so far from here to my house.

Although there are street lights and it is bright, I was a little worried about letting a girl walk alone.

At this time of the day, the daylight is gone and it feels much cooler.

“Hey, why don’t we sit down for a while?”

Rio said, pointing to a bench in the park.

“Oh, sure.”

Today, Rio was feeling somewhat different from usual.

We sat side by side on the bench illuminated by the streetlight.

“I’m going to get something to drink. What do you want?”

“Something sweet.”

“Yes, please.”

I go to the vending machine and buy a café au lait for Rio and a coffee for myself.

I take them and go back to Rio.

“Here you go.”

“Thank you.”

Rio takes the coffee and tries to take her wallet out of her pocket.

“No, I don’t mind that much.”

“Then I’ll take your word for it.”

And we open the pull-tab of our drinks.

“Nothing, you’re not going to ask?”

“I’ll wait until Rio wants to talk. Everyone has something to say.”

I also kept my secret that I was a professional gamer and that I had won a world championship.

“I live alone.”

“Yes.”

I know that Rio lives alone.

I was wondering if there was any reason for her to live alone as a high school student, but I didn’t ask her anything about it.

“My father is the president of the company. I’m an only child, so he doesn’t approve of this activity.”

“Is that so?”

“Yeah. Have you ever heard of Natsume Holdings?”

“I think I know it. I mean, I think it’s very famous.”

It is a group that operates various restaurants throughout Japan.

Probably, it is a company at the level that there is no one who does not know if you live in Japan.

“I pushed through the opposition and did this activity. In order to be recognized, it is a condition to participate in the world championship and leave a result.”

After saying that, Rio squeezed the can of café au lait.

“I see.”

I sipped my coffee.

“You’re not angry, are you?”

“Why would I be angry?”

“Because I tried to use Ryo for my personal reasons.”

Rio’s voice was shaking.

“I don’t think I was taken advantage of. I was happy when Rio invited me to the world championship.”

With Rio’s ability, it would be possible for her to achieve results in the world championship by herself.

But she chose me as her partner.

“I was happy when you said we would aim for it together with me.”

“Thank you. ……”

“So don’t worry about it so much. Let’s take the top together.”

I put my own hand on Rio’s hand.

“I was also saved by Rio. She made me want to do my best again. Let’s work hard together and have fun at ……!”

“Oh!　Let’s have fun!”

Rio dared to say “Let’s have fun”.

I feel that this was Rio’s own determination.

“I’m going to take out the trash.”

“That’s so sweet.”

I threw the cans into the trash for both of us.

“Shall we go home?”

“Yeah.”

I walked Rio back to her apartment.

“Thank you for walking me home. And for listening to me.”

“Really, don’t worry about it.”

“Bye.”

Rio gave a small wave and went into the entrance of the apartment.

Then she went up in the elevator.

“Well, I’m going home, too.”

After Rio was out of sight, I started my way home.