System. Screen. Stat. System. Cheat on. Hm… Open. No? Fuck. Uh… "System."
Nope. Saying it doesn't do anything, that just made me look like a fool in front of Sohee. So I don't have any of that after all. Damn, I guess we're doing this the hard way.
And by that, I mean just ask these girls what I have to do to get in outright. "Is there any way for me to change any of your votes?"
No one replies.
But Varrie, raising her eyebrow and lowering her mask. "No one's gonna say it but me. Nothing, 'kay. Just go home."
"It can't be 'nothing.'"
"Well, it's, man," she snickers, "If you turnnout t'be woman, maybe it isn't."
"Done."
"What you mean done?"
"I am officially a woman now."
"Fuck you talkin' bout. You still've your dick?" She averts her eyes from Sohee.
While mine down on my crotch, "I still do."
"Then you ain't damn women!"
So this world doesn't work like that, huh?
Even Sohee is looking at me weirdly. I'm sorry, I was just trying something out here, you know. I thought I'd turn into one on the spot. How? I'm not sure. I might be just hoping, after I declare myself one, there'd be magic and stuff that does that. Seems like there's none. I am still a man.
Varrie shakes her red head, "This damn school, why'd let this guy here in the first place?"
Shizuka is watching us all this time, quietly. She seemed to be expecting something. And now she is as disappointed as Sohee is.
"Shizuka finds it weird, too," she says, "She was prepared for any plan or scheme thrown by the people at the other side of the couch. Yet there was none. Shizuka thought maybe there was no plan at all."
Well, you're sharp.
"There… wasn't?"
That one came from Sohee. Her eyes are about to bawl out. What did I say about lying?
I nod. At this point, I guess I don't have to cover it up anymore. It'd only harm my chance further.
"Sunbae's a nice guy," Sohee starts, her face dips down in shadow, "He's smart and funny. A good tutor. I'd know because I wouldn't be here if not for his lesson."
Right… so I have been teaching people before.
The pink head bobs, as if to confirm to herself what she said. Light hit her face. "He can help you guys. In everything, I mean it. Nelly. I know how it looks to you, but I swear this could only be good. I'm positive. You've done so well compared to the first time we met. But I can only do so much. Sunbae… he can help. All you have to do is give him a chance."
Now, now… Sohee, you have to control yourself in this situation. You look like you're about to cry.
As if she heard me, she nodded with determination. Her pink eyes are a lot brighter now.
"And Varrie. You always complain that I don't understand you, since I don't actually play video games. What about Sunbae? He's beaten me in 'Rabbit Kart Three' five times!"
The red-haired half-girl, half dragon, looks intrigued. "Rabbit Kart? How much did you win?"
"... Four."
Sohee, couldn't you just lie and say something lower than that? You actually made it worse. Look at those red eyes saying, 'Wow, you were beaten four times in Rabbit Kart 3 by some nerd with pink hair?' Not me. I wasn't the one who lost to her. I'm sure I could do it better— two. I'd lose to her two times, at least. So tone down the judging glare.
"You guys could be friends."
That was cute, Sohee.
"Don't need any more," Varrie says, "I've my squad, and we're full now."
"But—"
"I ain't changing it, Sohee."
Sohee bites her lips.
You've done well. There there. I pat her thigh four times, the exact amount of wins she had in Rabbit Kart 3. When she realized that I was telling the truth, she must have felt like she had to do something, so she started pointing out all of my good points. In hope, the girls decide to change their vote. She failed.
Don't worry, I'll think of something. I had to.
How'd I manage this… we can rule out Claire and Nelly for now, right? Since Claire is not here to be persuaded, I can't do anything about that. And then there's Nelly, who refuses to even look at me. I think she just shuts her brain down if I try to speak to her. Not to mention, the way Sohee talks about Nelly in her rant… seems to clue me in a little about our girl with emerald eyes. She might not be just shy.
Shizuka did say yes. Might probably because, for whatever reason, she hated to be on the same side as Varrie is. I have to watch her carefully then.
All that's left is Varrie.
If I can only make her say yes. Hold on. She calls herself a gamer, right? I think I could use that.
"Wha, what are you lookin' at me for?"
"Bury Your Ash. Are you a true gamer?"
"Huh? 'Course I am."
"Then what about a challenge?"
She remains quiet for a while. Of course, I don't expect her to be easy to fish. But I set out the bait.
And sure enough, gradually, her hand dropped to her thigh. "You tryin' something?"
"What could you mean by that?"
"I'm no stupid."
"I know, you said it yourself. You're a true gamer. What's a gamer without getting challenged?"
Her eyes twitch, "I bite."
The string tug. A dragon bit the hook. Time to reel her in.
"But what's it in for me?"
'Anything you want' works most of the time. But I think we could be more specific here. "A new gaming console," I say with a smile, "yours seems to be a little old."
She puts her guard up, "I bought this a year ago, it ain't old. You're old!"
Ignoring the last part… I shrug, "Couldn't hurt to buy you a new one, right? I could get it for you tomorrow, if you want to."
"Yeah right," She sneers, "You talk too much. Guessin' you want me to change my vote if I lose?"
You got me. I raise my hands. "That's how a game works, right?"
Just like that, there is a light to be seen here. Maybe I don't have to die this evening.
The other girls start shifting their impression toward me. Shizuka is cupping her chin, nodding. She has stopped typing. Nelly was calm since the two nos, and now she is back trembling. And Sohee… her mouth is open slightly. When I turn to her, her lips stretch up.
She has regained her hope in me.
That's a good face to see.
Varrie completely lets go of her game console. Now she is crossing her arms. Her red eyes watch me in amusement.
"So what' we're playin'?"