Masako had always been shy. Being an exchange student in a new country, trying to navigate an unfamiliar culture while also dealing with high school pressures, wasn't easy. But she kept her head down, focused on her studies, and most importantly—her love for video games.
Unfortunately, not everyone thought her hobbies were normal.
It started small—side comments in the hallways, whispers behind her back.
"Ugh, she's such a nerd."
"Did you see her playing on her DS at lunch? Pathetic."
"She'll never get a boyfriend like that."
Then, it got worse.
A group of popular girls took it upon themselves to remind her every day that she was different. They mocked her accent, made fun of her interests, and when she wore a shirt with a game character on it, they burst into laughter.
"Wow, Masako, you're such a loser."
"Are you seriously still playing kids' games?"
"Maybe if you actually tried to be attractive, people wouldn't ignore you."
Masako never fought back. She never knew how. She just endured it, swallowing the humiliation and keeping to herself.
But then, he stepped in.
One afternoon, when the bullying was particularly bad, a voice cut through the cruelty.
"Hey."
The girls turned, their smug expressions faltering. Standing behind them was Kazuma, one of the most charismatic and well-liked guys in school.
He was tall, athletic, and confident—a star player on the tennis team. His reputation as a smooth talker made him popular with both students and teachers alike.
But right now? He wasn't smiling.
He crossed his arms, blue eyes sharp. "What's your problem?"
One of the girls scoffed. "Kazuma, this isn't your business."
"It is when you're acting like a bunch of pathetic cowards," he shot back. "Picking on someone for what she likes? That's pretty sad."
Masako's heart pounded. No one had ever defended her before.
The girls sneered, but Kazuma wasn't backing down.
"Besides," he added, smirking slightly, "Masako actually has good taste. Maybe if you had half her gaming skills, people would actually want to hang out with you."
The girls flushed with embarrassment.
"You're such a pain, Kazuma," one of them huffed before storming off, the others quickly following.
Once they were gone, Kazuma turned back to Masako, his usual friendly grin returning.
"You okay?" he asked, tilting his head.
Masako, still stunned, nodded slowly. "...Yeah."
Kazuma chuckled. "Good. But man, you should really stand up for yourself more. They're not worth your time."
Masako hesitated before murmuring softly, "Thank you."
Kazuma smiled, sitting on the bench beside her. "No problem. So… what were you playing, anyway?"
Her golden eyes widened. "...You like games?"
Kazuma laughed. "Of course I do. I'm great at fighting games. You play?"
Masako's shy expression shifted into excitement as she nodded. "I love fighting games!"
Kazuma grinned. "Alright, we gotta play sometime. But I warn you—I don't go easy on anyone."
Masako, for the first time in a while, smiled brightly.
That was the start of everything.
From that day on, Kazuma and Masako became inseparable.
They bonded over games, late-night chats, and friendly banter. Kazuma would bring his handheld console to school, and they'd sneak in multiplayer matches during lunch.
Masako opened up around him, her shyness slowly fading.
Then, one day, she made a bold move.
She joined the tennis club.
At first, Kazuma was shocked.
"You? Playing tennis? Really?" he teased.
Masako blushed but stood her ground. "I just… wanted to try it."
Kazuma smirked. "You just wanna spend more time with me, huh?"
Masako turned completely red. "T-That's not—!"
Kazuma laughed, ruffling her hair. "I'm just messing with you, sweetie. I think it's great."
And so, their bond deepened.
Through video games and tennis, teasing and laughter, moments of quiet understanding— they became each other's most important person.
Then came graduation.
Masako had plans to attend community college in another city. They had always been together, but now…
They'd have to say goodbye.
The night before she left, they met at their usual spot—the school tennis court, now empty in the late evening.
Masako stood there, fidgeting. She looked nervous, conflicted.
Kazuma, leaning against the fence, sighed. "So… this is it, huh?"
Masako nodded slowly. "Yeah…"
A heavy silence fell between them.
Kazuma hated it. He hated the thought of her leaving.
So, before he could think twice, he said it.
"Masako." He turned to face her, taking a deep breath. "Go out with me."
Masako froze.
Her heart pounded.
For a moment, she thought she misheard. "Wh-What?"
Kazuma grinned, scratching his cheek. "I mean, I've kinda been crazy about you for a while now. And I know you're leaving, but… I don't care. I wanna be with you, no matter what."
Masako didn't hesitate.
She smiled—a beautiful, radiant smile—before jumping onto him, wrapping her arms around his neck.
Kazuma barely had time to catch her before she kissed him.
It was soft, warm, full of emotion.
When she finally pulled back, her face was flushed, her golden eyes shining.
"Yes," she whispered breathlessly. "Yes, yes, a thousand times yes!"
Kazuma laughed, holding her close. "I was hoping you'd say that."
As the night sky stretched above them, they knew.
No matter how far apart they were, no matter what challenges came next—they belonged together.
And from that moment on, they were unstoppable.