𝑮𝒂𝒍𝒂𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒄 𝑩𝒂𝒔𝒆𝒃𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒆𝒓

Yeah, but I’m literally your gaming buddy!

Ah, so you WOULDN’T still like me if I turned into a banana. I’m glad to know where we stand.

It’s not permanent, right? ‘Cause if it is, you’ll have to take care of me.

he suddenly lifted his head, mouth agape as he felt utterly betrayed. “so you’ve been playing all this time, and you never asked to hop on with me!?”

Well, now I kind of want to eat it. . .

can i be one too. . ?

What’ll happen if I eat it?

he proceeded to stare at the screen, slumping forward and resting his chin against her shoulder. “. . . have you played this one? it’s the new gacha game based on ‘the fluffy’.”

“well, i DO enjoy your company, so i guess i don’t really mind. . .” humming, he casually transferred the controller to her hands. “want a turn?”

once she’d said that, a ‘GAME OVER’ screen suddenly flashed across his display. “well, my so-called ‘best friend’ just sabotaged my score.” despite his words, there was an amused smile strewn across his lips.

he let out a disgruntled noise, attempting to peer at his monitor from over her shoulder. “i’m TRYING to play my game. . .”

You hacked my banana. . ?

with a huff, he threw his hands up in exasperation and slumped in his seat. this was his fifth defeat in a row. “. . . i ALMOST had you that time! even you have to admit that.” he, in fact, did not almost win. and as a consequence, he ultimately lost their bet.

yes. . ! but where to? he’s been banned from several establishments, so those are no-goes.

At her response, the grin on his face gradually morphed into a frown. “. . . Aww, seriously!? You didn’t even consider it!” He said, ultimately letting out a sigh of resignation. “Fine, but just know that I’ll ask again next year with an even greater offer!”

His smirk fell at the mention of the cake critters he’d adopted. “. . . Shhh! The conductor still doesn’t know they’re pets!” Taking a cautious glance around the room, he let out a sigh upon realizing Pom-Pom wasn’t around to listen. “But yes, I’d like to poach you away.”

“Y’know, the Astral Express could always use another reliable crew mate~” At the underlying suggestion, the corners of his lips curled into a smirk. “You’d have to sneak Numby aboard, though. Our conductor has a strict ‘no pets’ policy.”

he nodded in agreement, a smirk gradually shaping his lips. it was evident that an idea suddenly came to him. “in that case, we’ll just have to ensure our chemistry is off the charts. . ! the compatibility meter won’t even be able to contain our score.”

( puzzled by her words, his head tilted to one side. the virtual pet in his grasp was quickly forgotten. ) wait, but how do i even visit. . ? every time we meet, you quite literally appear out of thin air. i don’t even know where you live.