BXBX NOVEL DLC 3, 1 – Keita Amano and Chiaki Route
DLC 3, Chapter 1 – Keita Amano and Chiaki Route
Translator: your_pingas
I, Keita Amano, am finally facing the moment to bid farewell to my past as a lonely passerby high schooler. At the same time, this moment is also one of the most important events in my life – sending a friend request to Tendou-san.
Even though I wanted to draw the line based on personal reasons initially, it caused suspicion and misunderstandings for other people. It’s a huge event that dragged everyone in. Also, with that development, this evolved into a situation that no one has expected.
When I noticed it, I, Keita Amano, already-
-started going out with my rival, Chiaki Hoshinomori.
*
“Chiaki, are you going home already?”
“Ah, yes.”
Chiaki greeted me in the 2A classroom as she stood up from the chair just as usual. She grabbed her school bag and left the seat before smiling at me.
-It’s been 2 months since we started going out. That was on a day in August, during the summer holiday.
If we have to explain our relationship in a single sentence, that will be-
“H-Hey, …Keita. Do you…w-want to stop by my house and play today?”
“Eh? Oh, sure. …W-Well, …uh, …I, …I would love to.”
“R-Really?”
“Yes…”
-We pretended that we’re experienced lovers, but in reality, we aren’t even close. So, that’s our current situation.
“…………”
Most students already left the 2A classroom. The sunset lightened up our slightly blushing cheeks.
We found ourselves in this awkward situation again. To help myself to accept this, I already remembered what happened countless times before.
Our relationship was at its lowest point at first. Of course. I messed up my friend request to Tendou-san, and we didn’t even know how to manage our distance. Forget about Chiaki. When Uehara-kun knew what happened to us, he laughed annoyingly as he “blessed” us. In reality, that just looked like I was the one being rejected.
In other words, this relationship started with both of us insulting each other.
Of course, Chiaki and I wanted to escape from this situation as soon as possible. However, …you know us. After a chain of events and misunderstandings, we even had to pretend our relationship was going well. So, that left “breaking up” out of the option.
Again, of course, Chiaki and I weren’t amused by this at all. No, we weren’t supposed to find this funny. That should’ve been the case.
In the end, Chiaki and I…are just partners with the same hobbies. As we spent more and more time with each other, naturally, our conversation grew more peaceful. Everything was fine when we were just treating each other as “friends”.
Also, when we dated each other for a month, …both of us found our fateful relationship as if something pushed us. We’re actually friends in the mobile game, and she’s NOBE-san. After that, we grew even more fond of each other.
Finally, after a lot of accidents, we’re “lovers” at this moment. Of course, both of us aren’t entirely confident of it, but we do have feelings for each other.
However, that’s why, unlike when we were rivals or friends, recently, a strange sense of embarrassment and nervousness will surround us.
So, if Chiaki invited me to her house under this situation, well…
(I-I’ve played in Chiaki’s house before! Why am I so-)
I’ve been slowly realizing my feelings for this girl. This girl has been slowly realizing her feelings for me too. With this combination, I can’t help but think-
“A-Ahem!”
“!”
-Suddenly, the two of us are interrupted by someone’s cough.
Secretly glancing at our shocked expressions, …the beautiful blonde girl – Karen Tendou glared at us unhappily, even though she’s smiling.
Just as we’re still recovering from the surprise, she maintained her slightly horrifying smile and continued.
“A-Amano-kun, and also Hoshinomori-san? A-Although I didn’t hear what you two were talking about, …w-well, can you two release ‘this atmosphere’ when alone instead?”
Both of us tilted our heads after hearing Tendou-san.
“This atmosphere?”
“Tck, …you dense couple…!”
My school’s idol, Karen Tendou, clenched her fists in anger for some reason. …Even though a lot has happened to us, surprisingly, we’re still keeping an intimate relationship with Tendou-san. It’s just that we’ll trigger Tendou-san for some reason. Are we that bad at playing games?
Tendou-san slowly sighed and withdrew her fists. She spoke up again.
“A-Are you two going home together today as well?”
I represented both of us and answered Tendou-san’s question.
“Ah, yes. It’s because we don’t have a Game Hobby Club meeting today. But, come to think of it, Tendou-san, you’re going to the Game Club, right?”
“Uh, yes. It’s just that, …well…”
For some reason, she started curling the tip of her hair with her finger. Then, she continued sheepishly.
“I-If you two wanted to, well, it’s okay for me to go home with you two…”
Facing this suggestion, Chiaki and I glanced at each other for a moment. …After that, both of us smiled and answered her at the same time.
“No, thanks! Please go to the Game Club!”
“Ugh!”
We chose our words carefully after considering her feelings. However, somehow, Tendou-san looked visibly upset. …Why? Even though both Chiaki and I really want to play with Tendou-san, it’s bad for us to ask for something unreasonable, right? We shouldn’t cause her to be absent from the Game Club.
Chiaki and I smiled as we waved and bid farewell to Tendou-san, who’s supposed to go to the Game Club. However, Tendou-san remained still and continued chatting with us.
“B-By the way! H-How are things…going for you two? H-How far have you two gone?”
We tilt our heads again with this confusing question. But, we immediately realized it and answered with a smile.
“We’re collecting points as we level up in Ch.5 of the Finale!”
“I’m not asking about games! Also, I didn’t know you two even have the same progress in games!”
“Hmm? What else could it be other than games…?”
“Eh? Ah, no, I mean, well, …uh…”
For some reason, Tendou-san blushed really hard as she plopped her head down. Chiaki and I thought about it for a moment. …Then, we clapped at the same time and asked Tendou-san.
“Are you asking about our relationships?”
“Yes! That’s it! It’s rare for you two to understand-“
“Our classmates’ eyes look just as cold as usual!”
“No! Well, …but please allow me to pat both of your heads and calm down.”
After that, she patted each of our heads one by one. …Although I’m excited, how should I put it? Well, Chiaki and I felt a bit throbbed.
When she was done patting us, Tendou-san spoke again.
“Sheesh. What I really want to ask is you two, …well, how far have you two gone as lovers…?”
We finally knew Tendou-san’s true question. However, …both of us still tilted our heads.
“Eh, why are you asking us that?”
“Ugh!”
Tendou-san looked like she was struck down again. …I think we kept seeing her acting like this after Chiaki and I started going out. Well, even though I have no idea why.
Tendou-san continued hastily. Her hands flailed around as if she was covering something.
“A-As a fellow Game Hobby Club member, …I have to understand the relationships between each member, okay! L-Look, …for example, if you two are having an argument behind us, it would be embarrassing for us to try and leave you guys alone, right!? Right!?”
“H-Ha, I-I see…”
Chiaki and I only understood half of it.
Tendou-san continued.
“Then, how far did you two go!? …Are you two still at the ‘friends’ level? Or is it already the final countdown? Don’t tell me you two have already broken up!?”
“Why are you so negative about us!?”
Chiaki and I still can’t understand this Karen Tendou girl in front of us. She’s sometimes an angel that’s worrying about us. But, at other times, she looks like a devil that wants us to encounter tragedy.
Even so, we still have to answer this question.
Chiaki and I glanced at each other…and answered at the same time.
“There’s no progress at all…”
“YES!”
“Yes!?”
Tendou-san did a victory pose before distancing herself from Chiaki and me for some reason. Eh, what happened? Do people hate us going out this much? What did we even do?
Tendou-san cleared her throat after noticing our faces. …Her mood got better somehow. She smiled and continued.
“I’m glad to hear that. …Yes, what a relief! I, Karen Tendou, can go to my club safely today!”
“H-Ha…”
What should I do? I don’t understand Tendou-san the more I talk to her.
She hummed a song as she grabbed her school bag.
“I’m going to the club. You two should head home, okay?”
“O-Okay.”
Well, …even though I don’t really understand, if she’s going to the club, there’s no reason for us to stay. So, Chiaki, Tendou-san, and I walked out of the classroom.
The three of us walked across the corridor until we arrived at the old school, where the Game Club is located. We bid farewell to each other again before heading in different directions-
“Ah, by the way.”
“Hmm?”
-Tendou-san asked us from behind casually.
“Are you two going to the game store today? Hmm, even though it’s Thursday, there are no new releases that catch your eye, right?”
“Well…”
Indeed, today’s the new release day. However, just like Tendou-san said, both Chiaki and I don’t really want to buy any games.
So, both of us turned back. I answered.
“No, we aren’t going to the game store today. We’ll just go home.”
“Oh, I see. Eh, that’s pretty nice. A good student should go home right away after school-“
“Yes, I’m going to Chiaki’s house. Both of us will play together! Well, see you!”
We bid farewell to Tendou-san. She turned around and walked towards the entrance.
We can hear Tendou-san’s mumbling to herself.
“I see. That’s really-“
Tendou-san suddenly stopped in the middle. Then, we heard something falling onto the ground.
“?”
Chiaki and I turned around again. …We can see a couple of PE teachers’ backs. They yelled, “Watch the stairs when you walk!” Both of us dashed to the entrance as if we were escaping.
Chiaki changed her shoes as she asked me.
“Is Tendou-san okay?”
“Hmm, well, I guess she’s fine. It’s Tendou-san, after all. Isn’t she always clumsy?”
“Ah, you’re right. I feel like that has become way more common since I started dating Keita. Do you remember? …When I took off something on Keita’s face, Tendou-san looked like her soul was sucked out of her body.”
“Yeah, I wonder why? This is quite intriguing.”
“Yeah, it’s intriguing.”
So, the two of us thought about the wonderful Tendou-san as we walked out of the school gate.
*
“Ara? Isn’t this Amanocchi?”
“Oh, you’re right. Hey, Amano and Hoshinomori.”
When we’re waiting for the bus next to the school, the normie couple in the Hobby Club saw us.
Chiaki and I are still not used to being called a couple yet. Aguri-san already smiled mischievously before we even get to explain. She put her left hand on my shoulder as she poked me with her right fist.
“Ara ara? Are you two waiting for the bus heading to Hoshinomori-san’s house? …Hiya, I underestimated you, Amanocchi!”
“You’re speaking like an old man! Stop, stop, stop!”
“Here you go again. There’s no need to hide your excitement and nervousness, Amanocchi.”
“D-Don’t use testing my heartbeat as an excuse to touch my chest! It’s itchy!”
“What are you two going to do next? Tell me everything, sheesh.”
“Hey! A-Ahaha! Stop, don’t poke my waist, Aguri-san!”
It quickly turned into a body-touching contest between Aguri-san and me. I started asking Aguri-san for relationship guides even more when I began dating Chiaki. In the end, right now, Aguri-san and I are already like family. Even so…
“…Eek!”
“…………”
Come to think of it, this isn’t the first day that Uehara-kun and Chiaki gave us cold stares. So, …Aguri-san and I quickly separated. Both of us coughed…and started explaining.
“Ah, this is just our daily routine…”
“That’s why we’re worried about you two!”
Our lovers complained about us respectively. …Well, I guess they are right. It would be kind of unacceptable if Uehara-kun and Chiaki touched each other like that. However, even so…
Aguri-san laughed as she pointed at me.
“It’s impossible for me to go out with a little animal like this guy!”
“Hey, I’m going out with him right now, though…”
Chiaki mumbled quietly. So, unwilling to admit defeat, I glared at Aguri-san too.
“Ha, not a single man wants to go out with an unreasonable and gluttonous gal like you! So, if someone like that exists, we should add another class of -phile for him! Let’s call it Aguri-phile!”
“Oi, I don’t have weird fetishes like that…”
Uehara-kun dropped his shoulders for some reason. In the end, both Chiaki and Uehara-kun…got even more upset.
“Hey…”
Aguri-san and I noticed that this isn’t going to end well. So, we changed the topic again to cover it up.
“B-By the way, Aguri-san, are you two going shopping next?”
“Ah, yes, we are! We’re going to the arcade next!”
“Ah, you two are indeed close. I’m envious of you two!”
“The same goes for you, Amanocchi.”
At this point, we turned around and glanced at Uehara-kun and Chiaki. …Both of them lowered their heads. They looked slightly embarrassed.
This can work.
Both of us became more confident and pushed the conversation.
“The arcade’s nice!”
“Nah, playing in your girlfriend’s house is more…”
“Yeah! Aguri-san and I have never visited any place alone!”
“Y-Yeah! Both of us are just wasting time together!”
“You’re right! Ah, how should I put it? We never thought about doing something special!”
“Yeah, I’m happy as long as I’m with Amanocchi…”
If Aguri-san said so, …it looks like we can finally take a break.
“…Ah. I see…”
For some reason, Chiaki and Uehara-kun look even more depressed! How!? Why!? Did Aguri-san and I do something that made these two so upset!?
Anyway, it looks like there’s nothing we can do today.
Aguri-san and I exchanged looks. …We used our last resort to minimize the damage. That is…
“W-Well, we’ll see you tomorrow, Amanocchi!”
“Oh, sure! Enjoy the rest of your day, Aguri-san!”
Retreat! This is the ultimate stop-loss choice when we can’t recover any HP, EXP, or money!
Aguri-san dragged her boyfriend away with all her might. I waved at the couple.
So, the normie couple slowly disappeared from our sight.
Just as I’m secretly turning around to see my girlfriend’s expression, I can suddenly feel that she’s tugging the sleeve of my uniform.
“…Chiaki?”
I looked at her. Chiak plopped her head down and pouted slightly. The girl tugged my sleeve as she spoke up.
“…But I’m also…”
“Eh?”
Chiaki mumbled to herself softly as if she’s throwing a small tantrum.
“But I’m also…v-very happy…whenever I get to be with Keita…too.”
“!”
This was…cuteness overload.
I can feel that my heartbeat is intensifying. Finally, after a long while, I managed to squeeze out my answer.
“…Well, …I’m actually…the same.”
“…Really?”
“…Yes.”
…………
We couldn’t even look at each other before the bus arrived, not to mention having a proper conversation.
*
Chiaki led me into her living room. When I put down my school bag in the corner, I suddenly felt that something’s different. Once I snapped out of it, I can’t help but voice out my confusion. “Hmm?”
Chiaki turned around and looked at me with a baffled face.
“What’s wrong, Keita?”
“Eh? Ah, no, I feel like your parents and Konoha-san aren’t home…”
“Ah, you’re right. We’re alone.”
“Eh?”
“Well, I’ll change my clothes first.”
Chiaki didn’t seem to notice what I’m thinking. She said that before heading into her room. I stood still for a moment. Then, I suddenly realized that my heart was beating so quickly when I put my hand on my chest.
(W-Why am I getting all nervous!? Sheesh! It’s okay for the two of us to play games alone, right? Moreover, even if Chiaki’s parents are home, we’ll end up playing alone anyways…)
Although I tried my best to convince myself, my heartbeat isn’t slowing by any means. I even started hating myself for being too self-conscious. So, eventually, I stopped thinking about these things and sighed quietly.
(I’ll affect all gamers’ reputation if I start thinking dirty about girls before even beginning to play. Isn’t this what I hate the most?)
The TV is showing explicit programs like < Apps that can bring joy to the party! > and < Board games that can make couples closer! >. But, honestly, I can’t bring myself to accept these things.
However, it’s because I can’t tolerate these things. Also, since I’m a lonely gamer with weird beliefs, I’m pretty stubborn about not thinking dirty things when playing games.
Once I snapped out of it, I can already hear Chiaki’s footsteps from the corridor.
“Sorry to make you wait, Keita.”
She said that and pushed the door of the living room. I quickly patted my face and switched back into reality.
(Wake up, Keita! Forget about those weird thoughts-)
I forced myself to wake up. Suddenly-
< Bam! >
“…Eh?”
Chiaki, …my girlfriend, tripped brutally inside the house she’s most familiar with.
“…………”
Time stopped when I’m still trying to figure out what happened.
My girlfriend, who’s wearing her home clothes and a skirt, fell down. Due to the angle, I can slightly see her bra inside the collar of her shirt.
I hastily looked away. I felt the temperature on my cheeks as I spoke up.
“A-Are you okay, Chiaki?”
“Eh? Ahaha, I-I’m fine…”
She said that and slowly stood up.
…………
…It looks like I’m not the only one nervous about us being alone.
“…………”
Both of us remained still due to all kinds of embarrassment. Even though I wanted to voice out, I can’t just leave Chiaki on the ground.
I tried my best to look away from her chest and reached my hand out to her.
“T-Thank you…”
Chiaki thanked me as she held my hand tightly. …The softness of her hand made me feel like my heart was about to jump out.
It’s more like, I don’t even know this nervousness of my heart is caused by Chiaki or by the game.
Chiaki pulled my hand and stood up.
This isn’t a rom-com, after all. So, of course, things like both of us falling together again won’t happen. However, even so…
“…………”
We are just holding each other’s hands while standing in the living room. This just creates a subtle distance between us. Both of us can’t look at each other. An otaku couple that just stands in the living room, …what’s wrong with us?
“A-Ahem!”
I can’t tolerate this anymore. So, I cleared my throat on purpose.
So, Chiaki cooperated and spoke up.
“K-Keita, well, …ah, let’s go and play!”
“Ah, sure. We don’t have much time left.”
“You’re right!”
We moved as we said that. Chiaki went to the fridge to make tea while I prepared the game. …However, during this period, we didn’t look at each other at all. …Well, it would be embarrassing if she saw my thoroughly blushed face, right? The same goes for her too.
Finally, both of us sat on the sofa in front of the TV with controllers in hand. …We maintained a bit of distance.
We’re playing a third-person co-op action RPG today. Well, basically, it’s just a hack-and-slash game.
The stage is set upon a zombie-infested Earth. Players have to avoid the zombie horde as they fight and explore the world. You can exchange the drops you got from defeating zombies. There are also features like a technology tree and power upgrades. At the same time, it supports offline co-op as well. The screen splits into two. So, it’s easy to control whether you want to adventure together or split up the work.
…Well, to put it simply, you can see games like this everywhere. It’s not unique in any way. In reality, I think most gaming magazines just gave it a 7/10. Even if you look online, the reviews aren’t overwhelmingly positive or negative either.
However, …both Chiaki and I…don’t really hate games like this.
…………
No, honestly.
We simply just love playing games together.
“Oh, yes! I finally got this birch tree log, Chiaki!”
“Nice one, Keita! Well, let’s group up then!”
The initial nervousness completely disappeared 30 minutes later. We’re just enjoying gaming just as usual today.
After we grouped up, we began using the materials to improve the blockades around our base.
Chiaki’s character moved the materials from the storage to the site. As for me, I’m responsible for making and upgrading the roadblocks. Honestly, on the surface, this doesn’t seem fun at all. However, both of us are enjoying it.
Chiaki continued her task. Then, she suddenly laughed.
“For some reason, I love construction games like this.”
“I know! It’s quite refreshing to spend a huge amount of money to improve your equipment. Don’t you feel comfortable as you slowly level up and reinforce your base!?”
“Yes! Ah, …I really like moving things around, even though I’m just pressing the button repeatedly.”
“I love maintenance too, even though I just have to keep pressing the button.”
So, both of us looked at the screen as we continued the simple tasks.
…Even so, the two of us still spent nearly 5 minutes on such a simple task.
We started chatting with each other as our hands remained busy.
“I didn’t know that we love co-op games like this.”
“Same, it’s more like we don’t like playing 1v1 games when we’re alone.”
“Ah, you’re right. I do play versus games when I’m with my little brother and the Hobby Club. So, I shouldn’t hate games like those…”
“Yeah, this feels like something special that only Keita and I will do.”
I turned around and met Chiaki’s eyes. I quickly looked away as I continued the tasks and said.
“Ah, well, right. Like whenever I’m with Tendou-san, we are always fighting each other-“
“…………”
“-Uh, hey, …Chiaki?”
Chiaki had already stopped moving the materials around when I noticed it. She looked a bit irritated and pouted slightly.
I tilted my head in confusion. Chiaki stared at the screen as she mumbled quietly.
“…If Keita’s going to talk about dating Tendou-san, and I’m saying if, …well, then I don’t really want to hear about things like this.”
“Eh?”
I suddenly realized what she’s trying to say. So, I quickly added.
“I-It’s not like that, okay? I didn’t mean anything. …In the end, I’m just using Tendou-san, who has a completely different gaming style, as an example…”
After hearing that, Chiaki gasped in shock. …Her face went “poof” and all red.
“I-I’m sorry…”
“No, it’s fine…”
I finally realized the emotion she was giving out. …I guess it’s what people call “jealousy”, right? Once I snapped out of it, I plopped my head down, and my face was as red as a tomato too.
“…………”
Both of us aren’t really playing the game anymore.
…No, …what’s with this heat surrounding my chest? We can’t play if this continues.
Due to this feeling, I can’t even finish the simple tasks anymore.
I sighed slowly.
(…Is this my dirty thoughts? …I’m being very impolite to games, …no, to Chiaki.)
I put the controller onto the table, straightened my back, and faced Chiaki.
“Ah! Hey…”
Chiaki freaked out after seeing my face. She also put her controller onto the table, coughed slightly, and awaited me with a nervous look.
So, both of us remained in our poses for a few silent seconds.
I made up my mind and spoke up.
“Hey, …Chiaki. I’m actually…”
“Ah.”
I don’t know what Chiaki’s thinking. But, anyway, she closed her eyes after making up her mind.
I put my hands on her shoulders.
Chiaki looks like she’s hoping for something. Her body is trembling a bit. …So, I decided to muster up my courage and convey my feelings to her.
“I-I want to be closer to Chiaki-san!”
“…Hmm, what?”
Chiaki opened her eyes. She looked a bit disappointed. In contrast, my body turned stiff due to nervousness as I continued.
“Well, how should I say it? …I feel like we always get nervous for some reason. So, I think, well, we should talk about and identify our feelings, …at least that’s what I think.”
“H-Ha, …our feelings?”
“Yeah, feelings! Think about it. Even though we started dating a while ago, we used to be rivals. Then, we became friends. Don’t you think we have a very complicated relationship?”
“I-I see.”
Chiaki accepted the fact, but my hands remained on her shoulders. I continued.
“S-So, with this opportunity, I want to…let you know how I feel.”
“Keita’s feelings. …Hmm, it would be…that, right…?”
Chiaki nodded. This time, …I smiled and repeated what I said again.
“Right now, I, Keita Amano, …want to be close to Chiaki Hoshinomori.”
“…………”
“That’s all. I really wanted you to know my feelings. If you still don’t fully understand, it’s probably because I get unnecessarily nervous in front of Chiaki. …So, I’m sorry about that.”
“Keita…”
Chiaki smiled at me.
She gently put my hand onto her cheeks and mumbled happily.
“Me too. …I want to…be closer to Keita.”
“Chiaki…”
It’s quite unbelievable. The nervousness that had radiated between us disappeared in an instant. We’ve never thought that having the same feelings for each other can be so fulfilling.
“………….”
Our distance grew shorter as time passed. Chiaki’s tone sounds a bit flirtatious as well.
“Keita? …How does Keita want to…be closer with me…?”
“Chiaki…”
“…I…I want to…”
She’s breathing heavily. I can feel how hot her breaths are. Then, as if we’re about to fall together-
“I’M HOOOMMMMEEEE!”
-We grabbed the controllers on the table as fast as possible. Then, we continued playing with that weird pose.
After that, the person slammed the door and headed straight to the bedroom from the living room without turning back. She’s Chiaki Hoshinomori’s little sister, Konoha Hoshinomori.
Also, if I have to describe our relationship-
“Ara ara. I can always see you in my house recently, …this cockroach.”
“A-Ahaha, …good afternoon.”
-It’s the literal worst. Anyway, I wish I didn’t know her. In summary, this girl is just a terrible otaku that tries to keep her reputation in front of her onee-chan. Also, since I know her hidden hobby – hentai games, her hostility toward me is through the roof…
“Sheesh, …what’s so great about this guy…?”
Konoha-san sighed dumbfoundedly. So, she stared at us for a while and returned to her room after a “hmph”.
We finally caught a breath. Chiaki mumbled after freeing herself from the nervousness just then.
“Konoha still really hates you, Keita.”
“Ugh. …I-It’s just because we met each other in a bad situation. There must be a chance for us to improve our relationship in the future, right…?”
“Yeah. However, even if there’s a timeline where you two can get along, it’s hard to imagine my super perfect little sister to acknowledge you.”
“Y-You’re right…”
Although her hobby is hentai games, Konoha-san is still a pretty serious person. So, I can’t imagine her chatting with us casually at all.
We started playing again after taking a deep breath. Eventually, we finished upgrading the roadblock.
“…………”
The task ended as we looked at the screen silently.
…Honestly, the upgraded numbers aren’t anything out of the ordinary. Although the color of the wood changed, the actual performance only increased by about 10%.
However, even so.
Even so, the two of us…felt pretty satisfied after finishing the upgrade.
We can’t help but laugh after looking at each other.
“Even if it’s just a little, as long as we’re moving forward, …I can enjoy it to the fullest.”
“You’re right. Well, at least I think this level is just right for ourselves.”
Our conversation grew from here.
“…Well, let’s move toward the next small goal!”
“Sure!”
-The two of us will probably continue playing games at our own pace from now on.