(Y/N)

It was another annoying and awkward day with Tsurugi, considering what happened yesterday. After Tsurugi finished his breakfast, he sat on the couch, glued to his PC. He constantly does this.

I opened an active chatroom in our messenger queue.

>>Tenma logged on.
>>BlueSkyLander logged on.
>>(Y/N) logged on.
>>•MusicVirtuoso• logged on.
>>Fei logged on.
>>cRaZypRanKZ logged on.
>>Tsuugi logged on.

Tenma: So the virus code is 16 years ago?

BlueSkyLander: What does that mean? I thought we would know everything after Tsurugi solved the code.

Kirino: Same here

•MusicVirtuoso•: Did something happen 16 years ago that triggered this hacking?

(Y/N): that's what im thinking too, Shindou

cRaZypRanKZ: No idea whatever happened

cRaZypRanKZ: I was just a fetus that time

Fei: You're 21 now, Kariya

cRaZypRanKZ: i was 5 years old that time

•MusicVirtuoso•: Kirino and I was already 7 years old

Tsurugi: According to the data I gathered now, there were no major events involving the internet and games, except that there was a huge success in launching apps, games and gambling propers.

Tsurugi: Lancelot was also founded 16 years ago.

cRaZypRanKZ: so the hacker was thinking

cRaZypRanKZ: "Yes the gaming franchise and companies flourished in that era but im gonna destroy their whole career today"

BlueSkyLander: Are we really sure that Kariya isn't the villian

cRaZypRanKZ: No, of course not! I'm a good boi ^^

Kirino: This prankster got a point, mind you

Kirino: Suppose he has hatred towards gaming

Fei: That kid had a rough childhood

Tenma: I wouldn't understand for sure. I mean, its fun. Why would he want to destroy them?

(Y/N): Tsurugi, you said that this messenger was founded years ago

Tsurugi: Yes why

(Y/N): Maybe this isn't hatred towards gaming

(Y/N): Did the Lancelot Company had a misunderstanding with someone when it was being built?

Tsurugi: To be frank, I don't remember much about the company back then

Tsurugi: I was only a 5 year old kid who plays soccer and video games and I was too young to care what was happening around me.

Tsurugi: Actually I still don't care

•MusicVirtuoso•: I think not...?

•MusicVirtuoso•: His father is very kind and in civil terms with his business partners

BlueSkyLander: What if it was the hint on how old is he

Tsurugi: I cannot accept that.

Tsurugi: If that is true, it would be a big insult for the people older than him

Kirino: I agree. I would feel very downgraded

Tenma: Let's rest easy now shall we? We had an update that all hacked games had gained access on their system and they're trying to retrieve the lost data of the players.

Tenma: Everything works in the good pace.

•MusicVirtuoso•: But the virus perpetrator can strike again anytime

Fei: Thats true but arent we allowed to rest JUST THIS ONCE

BlueSkyLander: I'm relaxing now tho

BlueSkyLander: I'm going to feed my cats. Update me if there's.
anything new, okay?

>>BlueSkyLander has logged off.

cRaZypRanKZ: So, any plans for today?

Kirino: Not one. I'm too tired to move after yesterday.

(Y/N): Aww, I can't wait to get out of this house at this moment

Tsurugi: Did I do something wrong?

(Y/N): No, no! I mean I wanted to hang out with everyone

Tenma: I'm sorry, (Y/N), but its just as Kirino said. Man, I'm so bummed.

Fei: Me too

Fei: Facing those huge stacks of paperworks is hell

cRaZypRanKZ: I'd rather play soccer

Tenma: MOOD

Tsurugi: I understand that you guys are too tired to even play a single game so you better go back to your beda before afternoon

(Y/N): Rest well, everyone

•MusicVirtuoso•: Thanks, (Y/N).

(Y/N): You're welcome! Tsurugi will do everything to find clues for this incident.

Tsurugi: You'll help me.

(Y/N): Of course I will.

Tenma: You guys seem to be in very good terms. Isn't that great?

Kirino: That's expected. They're living in the same roof after all.

•MusicVirtuoso•: Who knows? Maybe someone made a move already?

Tenma: ???

Tsurugi: Where exactly are we getting at?

Kirino: Nothing! I'll go back to sleep again. Laterz!

>>Kirino has logged off.
>>•MusicVirtuoso• has logged off.

Tenma: Byeeee

>>Tenma has logged off.

cRaZypRanKZ: Hey, Fei. U free later?

Fei: Why?

cRaZypRanKZ: I need to buy a new device. My tablet's LCD is broken. Can u go with me??

Fei: Sure thing. Lets go laterzz

Fei: Bye, you two! (Y/N), take care of Tsurugi!

(Y/N): noted

>>Fei has logged off.
>>cRaZypRanKZ has logged off.

Tsurugi cleared his throat after the conversation ended, "Hey, (Y/N)."

"Uh, yes?"

"What do you feel about our current situation?"

I placed my finger on my chin, "If I'm being honest, I feel kind of uneasy, anxious and scared. Well, who wouldn't feel this way if someone who got big apps infected with a virus is after you and we don't know what other things that hacker can do. I wish everything just go back to normal. How about you?"

"I am feeling the same things."

"Oh? Doesn't seem like it."

"Yeah. They say I'm an expert on hiding what I really feel and always comes with a blank face, but trust me, I'm a human with emotions."

I smiled. Its nice to know that he's telling me these things even if I'm not asking.

"In that case, perhaps we can ease our anxiety." He folded his laptop.

"Hm? You're suggesting what?"

He stayed quiet for a while with an unsure expression. He finally spoke.

"I'm suggesting that... we should go out together."

I was like a shocked pikachu in my seat, "W-What?"

I was unresponsive for a while that Tsurugi had to repeat what he said.

"I said, let's go somewhere and have fun. I mean, a change of atmosphere wouldn't be bad, right? But only if you want to," He looked away, hiding his face from me.

"E-Eh? N-No! I'm not against it! I-I appreciate your offer... I accept it..."

"I'll get ready, then." He was about to go upstairs but stopped midway, "Oh, wait. (Y/N), since when did you started programming?"

"I started when I was 16. Why?"

"Nothing."

—

"Oi, (Y/N)! You sure take an hour in the bathroom. You move so slow! Get dressed and get down here, old hag!" Tsurugi yelled at me while impatiently waiting downstairs.

I opened the bathroom door with a tower covering me, "Shut up and don't call me old hag! I'm younger than you, so you're the old one! Don't worry, I'll get down there and punch you in the face!"

"Let's see if that punch will land on me. I'll be waiting outside."

I ran to my room and rummaged across my cabinets. He's already done in such a short time, but here I am, still coming up with a decent outfit and look for today.

I tried atleast 4 combinations of clothes before I got satisfied with this one. I wore flat shoes and below knee socks, a long sleeved blouse and a skirt. I quickly walked downstairs, applied a little make up and wore various accessories. I hope that I didn't make him mad.

Locking the door, I found Tsurugi waiting near the gate, crossing arms, "Damn, you were taking so long! I—" He instantly stopped talking when he saw me.

"I'm fucking sorry, okay?! I didn't have a prepared outfit for this day, so I had to find first last minute! I'm sorry!" I bowed.

I can't tell him that I did my best to look better in his eyes for I'll be so ashamed. I don't know if he's staring at her or not, but this is so embarassing!

"U-Uh... No, lift your head up. I'm not upset. Its alright."

"R-Really? I'm glad,"  I sighed, pulling my socks up before looking at him.

"You... You look cute."

(Y/N).exe has stopped working.

"D-Don't make me repeat myself! I'm only saying that once!" He added.

I felt my face heat up that I looked away to avoid his gaze, "I-I'm certainly not but... thanks."

I'm still not used hearing him say nice things about me, but I've been denying every compliment I get from him so... probably this time I'll let him say what he wants to say.

I stole a glance at him, surprised on how good-looking he is right now. His outfit consists of a red jacket with a black shirt inside, black pants, a dog tag necklace and a pair of black and red wristband. His headset wouldn't disappear in his every outfit though. I might be exaggerating, but he looks so bad ass and handsome as fuck.

"Is there something in my face?" He asked, noticing me.

"No but... y-you ...look handsome," I complimented back.

He grinned, with a hint of teasing, "Thank you. So, where's the punch you're talking about earlier?"

I pouted a little. I was irritated a while ago, but I can't possibly punch that gorgeous face.

"I was kidding. I'll do it next time."

"I see. Let's go?"

"Okay!"

We walked together, gradually getting farther from my house. "Is there a place that do you want to go to?"

"E-Eh? Uh... nothing really... perhaps the new amusement park?"

"Hmm, I'll keep that in mind. Let's stop on the gaming cafe first though. I want to buy necessary parts for my gadgets." He said, while moving to my right side. [The road was on my right].

"No problem! I wanna stop by there as well,"

Soon after, we went on the new amusement park near a mall. There are so many people here this morning, now that they just opened and its making Tsurugi's blood boil.

"(Y/N), you know I'm a person that don't like being in this crowd." He said with a visible vein in his forehead close to popping.

"No, I don't. We're already here and its the pain in the ass to go back home, so can we wait longer? Please?" I said.

"I'm not saying that we should go home. But you really want to go here, don't you?"

"Of course! I heard that there are anime and game themed parks in here, so I wanted see and try them out!" I brimmed an excited smile. "I wonder if they sell some merch here?"

He laughed a bit, covering his mouth, "What a childish woman. An adult wouldn't get hyped because of that."

"Huh?! I just happened to like anime and games! Aren't you like that too? You're such a hypocrite!"

"Blah, blah. I don't hear anything."

"You—!"

Before we knew it, we were next in the line from the ticket counter. Tsurugi opted to pay everything, but I won't let him so we argued a bit before our turn came.

"Good morning ma'am, sir! Welcome to the Land Of Dreams! 2 tickets for a couple?" The girl in the counter asked.

"What?" Tsurugi and I paused in confusion.

"Since our amusement park opened this February, we have an opening promo; a discount of 50% in tickets for couples. Its just for this week though,"

Tsurugi immediately grabbed my hand and told the lady, "She's my girlfriend."

My eyes widened in shock and my cheeks blushed at the same time, "N-NO I'M—"

He squeezed my hand, signalling me to shut up and go along his plan. I gulped as looked at him with intimidating glare, but then flashed a fake smile when he looked at the lady again. I bashfully looked down, now that I couldn't do anything. I could feel his big, warm hand against mine instead.

"Seems a sweet pair. Here you go, enjoy your time in here!" The lady said as she gave our tickets.

"Thank you." Tsurugi replied, then quickly walked away from the crowd.

"W-Why would you do that?! We aren't a couple!" I stammered.

"For the discount, of course." He said, fixing his collar.

"For discount! You're rich as hell and you went for the discount?! And I believe I told you that I'll pay as well!"

"In my situation, you know that I'm broke. My money hasn't reached me yet, and shouldn't you be thankful that the expenses today was reduced?"

"B-B-But that was unnecessary!"

He smirked, teasing me, "But I know you liked it."

"O-Of course not!" I crossed my arms.

"You're stammering and your face is way too red. You don't have to deny it." He chuckled.

"D'AH!! TSURUGI! I SWEAR YOU'RE SUCH A JERK!"

"Oh, anyways." He handed me something.

A surgical mask?

"You don't want to catch the damn virus, right? Wear it. I have one with me."

I looked at it before I decided to wear it. It doesn't fit with my attire today, but health is wealth. "Thank you..."

"So, what ride should we try first?"

"The Roller Coaster! The Attack On Titan themed one!" I pointed.

"That sounds amazing. Let's go!"

We walked together, mixing with the busy crowd. I feel like I'll get lost in the middle of it but, not like I'll panic if I got separated with him because we have phones.

We entered the ride and I picked the front seat.

"Are you sure you want to sit in front?" He asked.

"Hah, why not! It'll be more thrilling if we're in here." I gave him a smug grin while fastening my seatbelts.

He smirked back, "You sound confident. Try not to scream out loud and don't go puking on me after this."

"You bet!"

All the seats were filled a few minutes later and the ride started to move up. As it goes higher, I looked down to see what's below me, but I instantly regretted it.

ITS SO HIGH. HOW MANY METERS ABOVE THE GROUND ARE WE?

I can't help but to tremble in nervousness.

"Are you scared?"

I gasped. "M-Me? S-Scared? Are you kidding me me?"

He sighed, "Of course. You picked the front seat after all. But you were shaking right now, so you can hold my hand."

I stared at him as he offered his hand to me. I blushed but reluctantly took it. It does make me feel at ease when I squeezed it a bit.

We were at the highest point of the ride, "Thank you, Tsurugi—"

The roller coaster went on it full speed, going down all of the sudden the went on a lot of tunnels.

"AAAAAAH FUCKING TITANS!!" I shouted as the statues or whatever inside that tunnel got close to me, and the ride never slowed down. I think it almost hit me!

I screamed more as it goes in circular and curved tracks. It's so quick!

Meanwhile, Tsurugi kept his composure while the wind rushes to his hair and face. I giggled, because the expression he has with his face is kind of funny.

And then we went on another downtrack. Ah shit, here we go again.

—

"Damn you, Tsurugi!" I said, turning the steering wheel of the bumper car.

Tsurugi kept on chasing me and hitting the back of my ride with his, "I told you not to scream in my ears! And you're hands are damn sweaty! Take this!" He crashed his car against me again.

"Its not my fault that they get sweaty whenever I get nervous!" I steered the car, hitting his car this time.

The kids on the waiting area we're staring at us, but I don't care anymore.

"Mama, aren't they too old to ride bumper cars?" A little girl asked.

Her mother laughed, patting her daughter's head, "They might be but, no one's too old to have fun, honey."

—

"Hah! I won again," Tsurugi smirked as he looked at his score on the screen.

I was annoyed at my consecutive losses. Why can't I hit the target properly?! I know myself I aimed accurately for that!

"Another round!" I demanded. I refuse to lose like this!

"You don't know when to give up, do you? Are you sure that you're not related to Tenma in anyway?"

I pressed the start button and another round began. C'mon, c'mon, just let me win this one! I tried my best to hit all the targets shown in the screen, but Tsurugi's water gun shots were so fast that it hit everything almost at the same time. It didn't took long for him to finish the round again.

"Give it up. You'll never win any game against me."

I pouted in further irritation until this stupid idea came across my head.

"NEVER!" I exclaimed, shooting the water gun in his face and ran away.

"Argh, you dimwit! Come back here!"

—

"Look, Tsurugi!" My eyes widened and sparkled when I saw a pink, huge and stuff toy in the rewards counter of the games section. "Its so cute!!"

"Pff, its a Pegasus stuff toy. Do you want it?"

"YES! I'm going to play this game!"

"Oh, thank you for stopping by, ma'am and sir. My game is very easy! You just have to hit the platform with enough power until it the arrow reaches its highest point!"

"Really? Piece of cake! Give me the hammer!"

The man gave it to me and the time I got my hands on it, I aimed the hammer high and slammed it on the platform.

I heard Tsurugi laughed inwardly behind me. I looked at the meter and in my surprise, I just reached the 1/4 of it!

"...so weak," He said between his laughs.

I fumed in anger and opted to try again for countless times, but to no avail. I'm very much embarrassed right now.

"Give me the hammer."

"Huh?"

"I'll try on your behalf."

I gave handed him the hammer. He aimed for a momentum and smashed the platform. In an instant, the arrow
reached the highest point. I was speechless. I didn't know he is THIS strong.

"Wow, that was awesome! You almost crumpled the platform." The man commended, "You won the grand prize though, here you go."

The scout of the game placed the stuff toy in his arms. My eyes sparkled again when I stared at it, admiring its features.

"So cuuuute!" I mumbled.

Tsurugi sighed in annoyance. "I don't have a female sibling and my mom isn't a kid, so you can have it."

He softly smashed it in my face but I cuddled it immediately, "Awww, so soft. Thank you, Tsurugi!"

He stared at her for a while before placing his large hand on my head, patting it. I blinked in surprise, but pleased at the same time. The way he rubbed my hair really gentle that I couldn't help but smile in satisfaction.

"You're really a kid, you know?" This time, he said it without teasing me.

It was already 5pm and the sunset bursted among the clouds, covering the sky with orange and yellow color. Tsurugi and I walked down the road again, eating ice cream.

"Man, I'm so tired, but in a good way, I guess." I said, hugging the giant pegasus stuff toy in my left arm tighter.

"Oi, watch out. You'll stain that thing with your ice cream."

"Don't worry, I'll be careful."

Tsurugi finished his snack and rested his headset from his ears to his shoulders, "Hey, (Y/N)?"

"Yes?"

"Did you have fun?"

I thought, remembering the moments I had earlier. I smiled, "I really had fun. I totally forgot about our problem and just went crazy. I'm at ease now, thanks to you, Tsurugi. Thank you for spending your time with me."

He smiled back a little, "Why, of course. I'm happy to hear that."

The sun setted in the sky completely and darkness took over. For some reason, I have this unnamed, pleasant feeling with me that I couldn't stop smiling.

I don't want this moment to end yet, but what can I do?

[art by author-chan ^^]

—

Tsurugi stayed on his room all night after eating dinner. Had not he noticed these small details, he wouldn't be more cautious and worried. He scrolled the codes once more and checked the three main virus codes. Something is really up to this virus perpetrator.

[Lancelot activated]
[Private Chat enabled]

>>Tsurugi logged on.
>>Shindou logged on.
>>Kirino logged on.

Tsurugi: Good evening.

Tsurugi: Sorry to bother you, Shindou-kun, Kirino-kun. I have to tell you something very important.

Kirino: Seems so. Its not like you to chat me out of the blue.

Shindou: And you bothered creating another group chat.

Shindou: What is this exactly all about? You have my attention, Tsurugi.

Tsurugi: The virus perpetrator that hacked Minecraft doesn't target me alone.

Tsurugi: But (Y/N) as well.

Shindou: WHAT?

Kirino: How did you know?

Tsurugi: I noticed that the virus codes are somewhat connected to (Y/N).

Tsurugi: The first code 4417 is (Y/N)'s address, which is 4417 Storm R street.

Tsurugi: I already told you that addition of this numbers results to 16.

Tsurugi: (Y/N) was 16 years old when she started programming.

Tsurugi: I had to ask her for confirmation though.

Shindou: I find it creepy to know. But you're so smart to notice these subtle messages.

Kirino: Are you sure that these codes are indeed connected to her? Maybe its just a coincidence?

Tsurugi: I thought so at first, but the other codes connected to her gave it away.

Tsurugi: The second part

Tsurugi: The cjdzu and 11100110 - 10000110 - 11110110 thing

Tsurugi: It was written on her lecture notes back in her med education days

Kirino: ...

Kirino: I'm not sure what to say. This is indeed disturbing.

Shindou: Doesn't that put her in suspicion that (Y/N) herself made that virus to attack Minecraft??

Tsurugi: She wasn't the one who wrote it.

Tsurugi: Someone wrote it in her notebook, as I noticed that the penmanship isn't the same than the rest of the lecture.

Tsurugi: I think we have an idea on who is this hacker.

Tsurugi: She isn't familiar with the virus codes too. We talked and I saw her confused expression. If she's indeed the one who wrote it, she'd be familiar with those would've remembered.

Shindou: That makes sense. So, the hacker is (Y/N)'s former classmate?

Tsurugi: If I'm not wrong, he is.

Kirino: If this information is so important, shouldn't we disclose this to the others? And we could've directly asked (Y/N).

Shindou: I believe that will incite more anxiety on (Y/N)'s part.

Shindou: I mean, who wouldn't be scared if she found out that the virus code is connected to her and the hacker might be after her?

Kirino: Ah, you're right.

Tsurugi: That's it, I guess. I don't want to worry everyone with this, so I'll pass this burden to both of you.

Tsurugi: Please help me prevent this information from reaching (Y/N).

Shindou: Got it.

Kirino: Okaaaay

Shindou: WAIT TSURUGI

Shindou: WHAT IS THIS PHOTO WITH YOU AND (Y/N)

Kirino: Ok now this is interesting

Tsurugi: We just went to an amusement park because (Y/N) was so bored in her house quarantine. There's no hidden meaning in it.

Kirino: Basically a date.

Shindou: Yes, a date indeed.

Kirino: Do the two of you share a bed?

Tsurugi: No.

Tsurugi: This is enough. Goodnight.

>>Tsurugi logged off.
>>Shindou logged off.
>>Kirino logged off.