"You lose!"

It is this phrase. Again . Losing isn't my cup of tea, but finding out ways to win isn't either. Therefore, instead of trying to clear this stage, I should just give myself a rest and go to sleep as I have school tomorrow, I get to sleep less at school after all.

As I throw myself onto the bed with my phone still in hand, I accidentally hit the informative page of the game, where all the descriptions of the characters can be found, even the bosses that I haven't cleared. And the image of the final boss I was trying to fight flashed onto the screen, along with most of his information. Seems like I have to clear the boss in order to read the full description of him, which is a turn-off, since I thought I might enjoy a little bit of reading. Nonetheless, I dive into the story of this boss since I have nothing better to do.

He is said to be King Leo III, a ruler of England in the 17th century. The short discography indicates that he was an outstanding individual: from his appearance to his talents, everything was perfect. This reminds me of someone from school, Mikage Reo - Mr. Perfect. I don't intend to know him, but his name is all over the place: the fangirls and fanboys, the teachers, the media,... It is hard to miss someone like that, especially when his rankings always come first, right above mine in every single subject. Thinking back, he's pretty much the "in real life" boss I have to defeat. I really dislike losing.

The discography also provides profile pictures of the character, which allows the players to see their opponents and allies in a better view. Upon looking at the pictures, I finally get where the weird feeling of familiarity came from. The character King Leo III looks almost the same as Mikage Reo, from the long purple hair to the bright sharp eyes, even their physiques look alike. It is amazing how the character designers could render the model to look as if he were really alive, as King Leo III looks like Mikage Reo in a costume.

But why do I remember so many things about Mikage, though?

The full description of the character is not available yet, since I haven't defeated him, but there is a short story to give people a lead into his life. It reveals that King Reo III was the only son of King Reo II, therefore he directly inherited the throne without having to fight for it, unlike the royals most of the time. Good for him, all those fighting seemed like a hassle.

But he didn't think like me. He hated that life was too easy on him, so he tried to find something challenging to accomplish. Ever since he was a Prince, from the age of 13, he had tried from martial arts such as horse riding, fencing, to arts such as poems, painting, from infiltrating and gasping the economic flow, to combating on the field of politics, and aced every-single-thing easily , so he was not satisfied. I can never understand how some people just love to bother themselves with unnecessary woes such as finding a passion . If I was given such an enjoyable life, I would just take what was offered. 

He was still on his path to achieve something truly meaningful to him when he officially inherited the throne, which is impressive, but excessive to me. I wonder if he found a passion for himself before dying. As the main story goes, it seems like Shiro, the main character who I'm playing as, was fighting him when Prince Leo had just become King Leo, and the King was invading his country. It hasn't been revealed why King Leo wanted this land since I haven't cleared the boss, but I'm quite curious.

But still, I have to go to sleep now, or else I won't be able to wake up for school. King Leo will have to wait for a while.

—-----------------------------------

It's lunch time, so I head to the stairs to my afternoon class with a pack of nutrient drink in my mouth as usual. I like it here, because it is not only close to the class (so I don't have to walk much), but it is also less crowded for some reasons. And once I'm here, there is only one thing to do: play video games.

Having lost to King Leo III three times already, I find his Special Skill annoying. It is called "Flawless  Duplication". I mean, who even has a skill like that? That should not be called a skill, it is just copying people. I know that I sound like a sour loser, because I am. I have already upgraded my character as far as I can go, which took quite an amount of time and effort, so I have a pretty powerful set of skills to use in a battle. I was sure that I could defeat him, but that was before I got to experience his copying skill. King Reo III copied every single skill that I have ever equipped in a flash, and those hits even do more damage! Which then results in my character losing health too fast and dying.

I'm too lazy to think of a tactic to shut down his "Flawless Duplication", and I'm used to just fighting mindlessly, so that's the way I'll be going with this. It seems like I get closer to victory each time I fight him anyway. So let's start nice and slow with some slashings and piercings... He blocked them. Then straight kicks... He dodge them. Why does it seem harder this time? A combo of straight slash  and spinning kick... I finally manage to hit him, but the damage is too low. This is going to take a long while. Let's try and speed up the game. If I pulled a special skill then a combo, he wouldn't be able to copy it, right?

"Flawless Duplication!"

Totally flabbergasted. Right now? It hasn't been more than half a minute into the game yet.

- Oh my! Sorry!

Right when King Leo III pulls his sickening skill, someone passes by and bumps into my back. The doubled surprise causes me to lose my grip on the phone and let it fly down the stairs. Well I might be lazy, but I'm not letting my phone die like that! And I can't just let King Leo do whatever he wants, goddamn it!

With that in mind, my body seems to act on its own. I leap down from the top of the stars to the bottom, catching the phone with my foot. I hurriedly check the game, only to see the phrase "You lose!" flashing on the screen. This person has just caused me to lose my game! (It's just me finding something to blame. I would have lost anyway.)

I look back up at the top of the stairs only to see the one who disturbed me is still there, eyes widening in awe. His purple eyes are sparkling as he looks at me, and I don't remember being looked at like that before. The owner of those eyes is none other than Mikage Reo, the twin of the boss I'm trying to fight. The fact that I lost to King Leo partly because of Mikage's push is both amusing and irritating to me. I'm about to turn away when I see him skipping down the stairs like he is flying, his eyes shining brighter and brighter. Before I can comprehend what he wants to do, he wraps his arm around my neck and enthusiastically says:

- I like your skill! Let's play football!

- Sounds like a hassle. - I say the first thing that came to mind.

- That phone trap of yours seriously gave me chills! That talent should be spent on the grass field! - Mikage persuades.

- You are that rich boy aren't you? Then give me money. - The rich guys hate this, don't they? Please leave me alone.

Mikage's eyes widen again, but in surprise this time. How are his eyes so expressive?

- You're a funny one! - He laughed as he patted my back. His touch is delicate, as expected of the riches. But I actually kind of like it, compared to the damages my character has been receiving from King Leo. - Let's meet again after class.

- Can I refuse?

- You can't. - He winked as he said before leaving promptly.

I flinch and feel something click somewhere in my chest. Weird. Either way, I lost to King Leo again. I guess I'll switch to the other games in the meantime. But the screen isn't displaying the game over announcement like the norms. Instead, the image of King Leo appears and the storyline continues without me having to clear the stage, which is unusual for this and every game.

- You should have accepted your defeat after losing for the first time, Shiro. - King Reo said as he used his sword to lift Shiro's chin up so he would be looking at him, which must be humiliating. - You won't ever be able to defeat me if you stay naive like this.

Naive? What does he mean by "naive"? Is it just another sickening way for the developers to make fun of the loser?

- What's with those eyes? Are you dissatisfied with your loss? Still thinking that you can defeat me? - He arrogantly says, as if he can see my face.

"..."

"You pulled dirty moves on me."

The two choices of words flash on the screen. I think choosing to be silent will be less problematic, and that's how my in-real-life self will act too, but I'm curious how this will turn out. So I choose to speak my mind.

- Dirty moves? - He laughs humorlessly, quite different from the heartily laugh I heard from Mikage earlier. - I would never do such unsightly things like that, dear naive general. I'd like to discuss my methods with you longer, but my my, this is not the time for such chit chat. I should be on my way to behead your useless king. Farewell, general.

King Leo hopped back onto his horse then sped to the castle, where the King of Shiro's country was hiding. Looking from Shiro's point of view, he got on his horse and started following Leo, despite his wounds. What an undying devotion. I could never. The main character hadn't tagged along for long before King Leo suddenly turned back, which made me flinch slightly, and stuck his tongue out in a provoking manner. He then sped up even more, leaving the wounded general in his dust.

Being a loser is surely hard.

The story skips to when King Leo had already beheaded the now former ruler of Shiro's country. The main character was kneeling on the floor in front of Leo, who was sitting on his new throne with the corpse of the old King under his feet.

- I will be honest, dear general. I like your talents. Be my knight.

I have a feeling like his eyes glinted as he said the last line, reminding me of how Mikage's did earlier. The choices appeared on the screen again:

"Okay."

"I will never!"

"..."

These kinds of choices again... The most interesting one should be...

- I will never! - Shiro shouted.

King Leo cocked his eyebrow, then broke out laughing. His laughter sounded dry.

- It's rich coming from someone who's kneeling on the floor. However, I like your spirit. I will make you my slave no matter what.

His last sentence sounded full of malice. What's the big deal though? Why must he put Shiro through such inconveniences? King Leo then got off his throne to get closer to Shiro, lifted his chin with his gloved hands and said:

- You are an interesting one, Shiro. I would love to wreck you.

The bells signaling the end of the lunch break broke out right when I was wondering what kind of "wreck" he was talking about. I am now completely in the dark about what was going to happen next, therefore I'm eager for classes to end.

Unfortunately, classes seem even longer than before now that I have something waiting for me at the end of them. The teachers drone on and on, and the naps I get are lighter than before, which altogether make going through this afternoon harder. Irritated, I check the clock constantly, but it just proves that time is ticking painfully slowly. What in the world King Leo was going to do with Shiro though? I need to know. I don't know why, but I need to know.

When he said "slave", what was going through his mind? Was he going to make Shiro go through laborious work? But he probably had better people for that, who could do the work properly. Was he going to torture Shiro? Just for fun? Was it because he felt like his life was too boring? Just what kind of sickening way to entertain oneself is that? But he said he loved Shiro's skill though, so-

"Ringgggg"

The bells ring again, cutting through my thought process. Why does it always have to ring at these kinds of moments? Whatever, I need to go home as fast as I can to continue reading the story. I pack up and leave promptly, just like how I do everyday. I am always the one to leave class soonest, as my classmates are busy doing unnecessary things. Home sweet home, here I come.

But my plan is ruined.

Mikage Reo, the in real life King Leo III, and his long limousine pulls up right in front of the school gate, blocking my way. Whispers start to spread, people are admiring how long his ride was. Mikage gets down from his car, immediately receives a rain of greetings and squeals from his fans, to which he smiles and waves back. He's like a celebrity, isn't he? But his smiles seem genuine though, unlike most famous people who are trying to gather fame. The smile looks warm. I like it.

Mikage returns every greeting, his big round eyes looking at everybody but me. But like, hello? You are heading straight towards me, you should be looking at me only, Mikage Reo. Then his eyes finally fall onto me, and that's when I see those sparks fly again.

- Come with me, will you? - He asks.

Whispers start buzzing again, questioning why he was talking to a 'nobody' like me. I thought he would mind that, since he has to keep his image and he ought to stay away from individuals like me, but he ignores them all, with a smile for me that never falters from his face.

- Where to? - I reply.

- I'll take you to your home. In exchange, you will listen to what I have to say.

He answers as he reaches for my hand, which catches me off-guard. Is he always this intimate with other people? Seems like he won't take no for an answer, since he is leading me to his limousine. Well, whatever then. I won't have to walk home, which consumes too much energy. Besides, his hand is soft, like my favorite pillow...

After entering the car, he drops my hand, then looks straight into my eyes. His purple orbs are now flaming, which means I'd better listen to what he's got to say carefully.

- Nagi Seishiro. - He calls. - I like you.

He likes me? What kind of twist is it? What do I do now?

- Lend me your talents. - He continues.

Oh, it was my talent that he's after... Is it about that football thing again? I've already turned him down, haven't I? So persistent...

- Let's play football!

- It's a hassle. And I have never played any sport before.

- That's even better! - Reo's, I mean. Mikage's eyes lit up even brighter than before. - You are a rough gem that I found. Therefore, I'll take it upon me to polish you, so that you will shine the brightest.

- But it's still a lot of work. - I protest. - And I don't have the slightest idea about football.

- All you have to do is to look at me. - Reo states as he inches closer, so close that I can even feel his hot breath on my cheek.

- I can't refuse?

- You can't. You are my own treasure from now on.

- But I'm lazy.

- That's okay. I can handle most of the work for you.

- I'm unmotivated.

- I know. I just need you to follow me.

- I...

- Ah, we're here. - He cuts in as he gestures toward the window. - We've arrived at your house. Just have a nice rest, and I'll pick you up tomorrow. Have a goodnight!

With a beam, he closes the door after I get out of the car and instructs his driver to drive off. So I belong to Reo now. Not as some mere possession, but a treasure . I have to admit, the word "treasure" from his lips has a nice ring to it. I wonder what he would make me do tomorrow?

That reminds me. What will King Leo do to Shiro? I can't believe this was what I was wondering about the whole afternoon, and then Reo just came in and washed it out of my head!

I run into my house, get changed, lie on my bed and start the game. King Leo's face flashes onto the screen as I open the main story line. He has a new outfit, which is more flashy than his armor, and it seems like he and Shiro were in his room. Leo made Shiro kneel on the ground, his foot caressing his chin as he said:

- Dear Shiro, you will be combating in my name from now on. Don't disappoint me.

Why does it sound like what Reo said to me but more forceful? Furthermore, seeing him talking like this with a face like Reo's is somewhat ironic, because compared to King Leo, Reo is nothing more than a ball of sunshine. And what's with the suggestive caress?

"What if I don't?"

"Whatever."

"When will you release me?"

The choices appear again. Why is there always a choice where Shiro speaks like he wants nothing more than to stab Leo's throat? But it is probably the funniest one to choose.

- What if I don't? - Shiro challenged.

- I thought you must have known the rules already. - King Leo smiled mockingly as he replied. - If you don't try to stay alive in a combat, you die.

His eyes glowered warningly as he shifted his foot to press on Shiro's shoulder, to which the main character glared at him.

- I'll take that as a yes then. - Leo laughed again. He loved to laugh, didn't he? - You are my treasure from now on. - He whispered.

What? The sentence sends chills down my spine, I feel goosebumps emerging onto my skin. That's exactly what Reo told me.

... I don't want to think about it right now.

The timeline of the game skipped to when the main character faced off with his first opponent as Leo's fighter. I've read about this before, where the aristocrats buy fighters to entertain themselves, letting the men clash and betting money on them. I thought Leo tried a lot of hobbies? Why did he have to stick to an interest like this?

I control Shiro to defeat the enemy with ease. After facing King Leo and his "Flawless Duplication", every opponent seems a bit easier to fight. As for now, I'm more interested in the story line than the fighting, when it used to be the other way around.

- Good job on defeating your first opponent. I know you have the talents. - King Leo told Shiro as they were back in his chamber again. - Come, I'll give you your reward.

Do as he said.

Remain at your place.

I will try to do as he said for once to see what will happen.

Shiro, still on his knees, moved to Leo's feet.

- Good boy. - The King said as he lightly patted Shiro's head.

Suddenly, he threaded his hand through Shiro's hair and grabbed a fistful of it, pulling his head back. His other hand quickly pried open the main character's lips and pushed some kind of pill into his mouth, then he covered his mouth, forcing him to swallow it down.

- That's your reward. You may leave now.

What in the world? What did he feed him? And why did it feel suspiciously suggestive? I'm eager to know, I can't wait to know. In the next chapter, Shiro was seen facing off another fighter. Time to do some fighting then. I defeat the enemy promptly, receive the player's reward and proceed. They were back in Leo's room again, with Shiro kneeling as usual.

- What do you want as your reward, my dear treasure?

"Freedom."

"Nothing."

"Wash my hair for me."

What's with the last choice? But it seems fun though.

- Wash my hair for me. - Shiro brazenly said.

King Leo's eyes widened, then he laughed amusingly.

-You want me, your King, to wash your hair for you?

- You are not my King. - Shiro answered without me having to choose.

- Am I not? - Leo giggled. Why does he seem so much like Reo here? - Well, I guess I can spoil you once in a while.

He agreed? What's going on inside his head? This plot is messing with me, I've had enough. I'm going to sleep.

"Ding dong!"

I'm pretty sure I just closed my eyes a few seconds ago. Why is it morning already? I haven't even comprehended the timeline yet, people need to chill! Who is it though? I haven't had visitors for ages.

Oh. Reo told me he would pick me up yesterday.

- Nagi? Let's go to school! - He calls loudly.

Let's just let him enter so he would stop shouting.

- ... You've just woken up, haven't you? - He says as soon as he sees my face. - You wake up too late!

- I can't wake up early.

- ... You can eat in my car, so hurry up and get dressed! - He says as he pushes me back into the house.

I waddle to the bathroom and start doing my morning routine. This is such a hassle, I wish someone could just do it for me...

- Nagi? Nagi Seishiro! - I open my eyes to see Reo shaking my shoulders.

Did I doze off?

- It is amazing how you can just fall asleep in the bathroom like that. - He sighs.

It is a normal occurrence to me.

- It can't be helped. Open your mouth.

- What are you going to do?

- Brush your teeth for you.

My wish has been answered. I obediently open my mouth and let Reo do all the work. He slides the toothbrush in gently and cleans my teeth skillfully, which is unexpected of a rich kid like him. I like this.

- Clean my face for me too.

- Yes, yes. I know. But you have to get dressed by yourself.

- Okay.

Being coddled like this is not so bad once in a while. I can indulge myself a bit longer.

I regret indulging myself. Did Reo coddle me just to be harsh with me on the field? What kind of hellish practice did he put me through just now? 

- I can't with this anymore, Reoooo. - I whine while lying on the grass field, hoping to get the attention of the football lover who is now practicing alone in the penalty area.

- Getting tired already? - Reo asks as he runs to me. Looking at him from this view, I can be certain that one of the reasons he has so many fans is that he looks beautiful from every angle.

- I can't move an inch... - I continue whining.

- Well, it is getting late... Let's go home then. I'll try to find a more suitable practice regimen for you next time.

- I can't moveeeee... - Get the hint!

- Would you like me to carry you on my back then?

- ... Yes.

- It can't be helped. - He sighs. - Get on.

At age 17, I got myself a limited limousine, whose price can't be measured by money.

- Reo is the best limousine...

- Am I? - He giggles, and sounds almost the same as King Leo. I'm starting to wonder if Reo was the one who voiced Leo.

I lean on his back, exhausted. I can't even think straight. I have never been so tired in my entire life.

- Are you that tired? - Reo asks, he sounds concerned.

- Yeah... I have never moved that much in my 17 years of life...

- There there, I know you'll get used to it in no time. - He pats my head lightly as he says.

I like this feeling. Am I that touch-deprived? No, I'm pretty sure that was because of him.

He drops me off at my door like yesterday, but he doesn't leave. Instead, he gets out of his car and follows me into the house.

- I have to monitor your nutrient intake. - He explain. - May I have a look into your fridge?

- There's nothing to look at though. - I say as I don't want him to look at the huge storage of protein drinks I have instead of actual food. He'll probably chew me out for it, just like my mom, who visited me last summer.

He opens it without another word and is stunned by what is inside.

- ... I've actually anticipated this. But seeing it for real...

- ... You have a good institution.

- You can't eat like this anymore. I'm calling my butler to bring us food.

- Us?

- Yes. I'm staying here tonight. Is that okay?

- ...It's okay. - I must clean my room, mustn't I?

- In the meantime, let's do homework.

- Homework?

- Why do you sound so surprised? ...You always do it at the last minute possible, don't you?

- ... Yes.

- You should do something about that. The school won't allow you to join the football club without properly completing your main tasks.

- ... It's a hassle.

- You have to!

- Then can you wash my hair for me?

- That's so random. - He laughs. - I really don't know what to do with you.

He turns to face me, his eyes stare straight into mine. The eyes that are always sharp and passionate have gone soft, it shows that he really treasures me. Right?

- Let's get into the bathroom. I'll wash your hair for you.

... He's so good that this is dangerous. His force is just right, and he knows how to massage, which is a big plus since I have never experienced this before.I might just fall asleep...

- Don't fall asleep now! - Reo says as he holds my head, preventing me from hitting the sink.

- But it is too comfortable...

- I'm almost done. You'll just have to wait until I'm done drying your hair. But you'll have to shower too.

- Don't you have to shower too?

- Yes, I'll do that after you.

- Do it with me too.

- So you can sleep while I splash water on you?

- You read me.

He sighs but then he does all of the things I request him to without a single complaint. He can go this far for football? Reo must love his dream really much. I'll have to try my best then...

The night passes by fast when Reo is here. It feels like I have just arrived at my house when the clock strikes midnight. Reo is finally soundly asleep, it's gaming time. I need to know what will happen next.

It goes like every time before, with me defeating the enemies and King Leo rewarding Shiro with different things. So far I've made him ask for a hair wash, a shower, a massage and a horse. Those were all weird choices, but they were fun.

- You'll be facing off with the strongest of the country soon. Therefore, in order to win, I'd like to teach you some skills.

Don't tell me he's about to teach me "Flawless Duplication" now, 'cause that would be awesome.

- Your body is not fit for "Flawless Duplication", but there are skills that are just right with your flexible body.

And then a pop-up store shows up and I'll have some time to purchase the skills before the store disappears. No sweat, I'm overflowing with resources now, so I'll buy them all. I wonder what the price will be if I win this match?

I actually lost for the first time in a while. To say King Leo is not pleased is an understatement.

- What a waste of resources. - He said as he coldly stared at Shiro. - It is amusing how you dared to ask for that much while being that pathetic in the match. Maybe I'm not able to turn you into a better gem after all.

... I'm going to sleep. Those eyes of that fictional character resemble Reo's so much that I can easily imagine how Reo would look like if he was disappointed. And I don't want to see that look on his face, especially if it's because of me. I put away my phone and look for Reo in the dark. He is still sleeping soundly right beside me, his back facing me. But why does he feel so far away? Something inside me urges me to inch closer and wrap my arm around him. I'm sure he doesn't mind.

- Did something happen last night? Was it a nightmare? - Reo asks as soon as the alarm wakes us both. - I felt you hugging me. Are you okay?

- I'm okay now. - I feel absolutely refreshed. We should do this more often.

- Do you need me to research how to get a good night's sleep?

- It's just a one timing thing. There's no need.

- If you say so then. Let's go to the bathroom. I'll brush your teeth for you.

- You don't need to. I can do that myself now. - I hurriedly say. I don't want him to find me troublesome. Therefore I shouldn't ask for too much.

- You don't like it?

- I do, but I can do that myself at least.

- There's nothing to be shy about. Get in.

- ... Yes boss

- Good boy.

In the end, I let myself be spoiled by him again. I find myself inching closer to him each and every time we're together. I seek to touch him and for him to touch me more. I really like being close to him. So much that I feel like I'll have the power to do things such as football just with him around. Doing everything seems so easy and fun with him around.

I still secretly play games in the middle of the night, since Reo told me that I should cut off my gaming time, but I just can't, at least until I finish this arc.

- You are the one I defeated last time. - The chapter started with Shiro randomly meeting the previous opponent, who I couldn't beat.

"Teach me."

The game is forcing me to choose this option now? But Shiro has already got King Leo teaching him a bunch of skills, isn't that enough? Why so many teachers?

- I'm here to say just that, warrior. - He patted Shiro's arm, but it looked like he was slapping him. It looks hurtful. - I'm actually a resident of a country that Leo robbed. I'm here for revenge. I'm sure that you're planning to do the same thing aren't you?

- I am. - Shiro answered on his own.

What is this? I don't want revenge? Why would he get revenge on King Leo? This ungrateful bastard.

- Nice spirit! I knew I could count on you!

Ew, don't count on me.

Shiro then came back to King Leo and acted as if nothing happened, and he was even clingier than before. King Leo was still disappointed that Shiro, or I, lost the last battle, but he still spoiled him rotten. That's why you need to get yourself together, Shiro! Can't you see that just being the King's knight is definitely easier than whatever you're doing?

The story goes on with Shiro staying with Leo most of the time, but he would sneak out whenever he could to practice with the opponent whose name I forgot. Leo showed his suspicions occasionally, but he. still. coddled. Shiro! Why, King Leo? Why, Shiro? At this point, I doubt that the game is made by someone with rational thinking. That or they might just love the idea of torturing players.

The storyline of the game makes no sense at all, but still, I have to read to the end. However, I have to stop playing for a while since I entered Blue Lock with Reo, where we had our phones confiscated. Playing football with him is still enjoyable, and he still spoils me often, so it's no problem for me. And it seems like Reo has collected another group of supporters right here in the egoistic cage, which is impressive. I guess I have nothing to worry about after all.

That was before I knew we were not unbeatable. We were still on our winning streak when we met team Z. But then the match got devastating. I saw Reo looking hopeless for the first time, so I tried doing everything in my power to get the sparks back in those eyes, but I couldn't.

Maybe I relied on Reo too much, so when it's time for Reo to rely on me, I can't handle it. I'm not strong enough for him to lean on. I wasn't good enough, so he couldn't pass to me. Therefore, I need to get stronger, so we can continue our dream of becoming the best in the world together. In order to be powerful enough for Reo to lean on, I need to get detached from him and learn to be independent again. And that's what I do. I split up with Reo and team up with Isagi, who defeated us with the hope to learn from him and become stronger for both of us. Just you wait Reo, when I come back, I'll be the man whom you can rely on.

Reo looks sad after we split. I am too, but this is for the best. I'm sure he understands that. Reo is just more expressive than me.

During this time, I got my phone back and started playing the game again. The plot is still unbearable but it is getting close to the end of this arc. Leo and Shiro are in Leo's room after a combat, as usual. However, compared to the beginning of the story, they seemed closer and more intimate. I hope this will stop Shiro from betraying Leo.

- You are getting better and better. - King Leo said as he held Shiro's scarred hand in his. - Soon enough, you'll be the perfect warrior, the best in the world. As expected of my treasure.

"I know."

"Can you release my hand?"

"Am I just a treasure to you?"

- Am I just a treasure to you? Like a possession with no feelings? Don't you see me as something... more?

Oh no you don't, game developers.

- You want to be something more? You'll have to work for it then.

- Yes, master.

- Good boy.

The image of Reo smiling and calling me a "good boy" flash through my mind, making me want to smile too. I miss those times, miss his passes, miss his caring acts, miss his eyes, his smile. I miss him. But I can't go back now. I'm still not good enough.

When I redirect my attention to the game, Shiro has already got on top of Leo in a suspicious position.

- Can you close your eyes? - Shiro whispered, which is a bad sign. Everything he does is a bad sign now.

Leo smiled at him, the most gentle smile from the beginning of the game until now and closed his eyes.

Wait. No. It is coming to an end, isn't it?

I can't. How do I stop this from happening? How do I retrieve this betrayal? 

I turn off the phone right after seeing Shiro pull something out from his belt. I don't know why, but it is making me feel bad.

I have to finish it nonetheless.

With a powerful thrust, Shiro pierced the dagger right into Leo's chest. Leo's delicate face crumbled in pain, but not a single wincing can be heard.

- You control everything, so you see everything. But did you see this? I was always in your blindspot, didn't I.

- ... I actually... anticipated this. You're... finally polished now,... my gem . - Leo slowly reached up to pat his hair with his last bits of strength. - Thank you.

So he knew. But he still stupidly allowed it to happen. Is it because Leo just saw Shiro as a gem, but not as something more? So he was fine with the betrayal, no, he didn't even see it as a betrayal. It was just his toy acting a little different, no big deal. He might even be planning his death, planning to be free from his boring life, using Shiro as an excuse. It is all coming to light now.

Shiro emotionlessly watched as life got drained through the wound on Leo's chest, then the arc ended as Leo closed his eyes, which infuriated me to no end.

... But why am I so pissed off though?

Oh, my relationship with Reo is kind of like that. Does that mean I leaving Reo is like a betrayal? Did Reo predict it like Leo? Is that why he looks so sad after we part? I know that I might just be making things up, but I can't calm down now that I know Reo might have misunderstood me. I have to meet him.

- Oh, Reo doesn't want to see your face right now. - Chigiri, the red panther says as soon as he sees me at the door.

- I need to talk to him. Move.

- Rude. - Chirigi frowns as he intends to close the door into my face.

I catch the door, stopping it from closing and push my way in. I have to talk to Reo at all costs. I can't let my relationship with him go south. As I enter the room, the first thing I see is Reo lying on his bed with Kunigami by his side, looking concerned.

First thing first. I'm the first and the last one to be with Reo like that. Nobody should have that pleasure other than me. I'm his treasure.

- Nagi? - Reo calls as he sees me. - Why are you here?

- We need to talk.

- I don't want to.

- But there's something I have to tell you.

- Leave that to when I finally catch up, will you?

I'm about to protest, but then his eyes meet mine. They are still the passionate eyes that used to look at me. The corners of his mouth pull up to a small smile. I can't turn him down if he looks at me like that.

- Okay then. But please claim what's yours soon. I already can't wait.

- I promise.

From the look on his face, I can tell that he understands. That's all I need. The confession can wait a while longer.