Chapter 87 - Advantage to the One Who Takes the Corner (1/2)

Initially, it just started off as a way to kill time.

“Alright, with this, that’s three wins in a row for me.”

“Haruka-san, are you sure you didn’t count wrong?”

“No, I am sure I didn’t count wrong In addition, isn’t it obvious who won if we just look at the board?”

I glanced at the board in amazement, my black pieces had been completely overwhelmed by her white pieces.

“It’s been a while since I’ve played Othello.”

Haah, that was fun, Hiiragi-chan said as she stretched her hands.

However, I won’t settle for just this. I bet my will and pride, no matter what, I want to win at least once…!

“O-one more time.”

“Eeeh? Didn’t you say the same thing earlier, Seiji-kun?”

“But, still, let’s just do one more time…”

“Fufu, did losing against me frustrate you to that degree?”

While grinning, Hiiragi-chan glanced in my direction.

That’s right, I’m frustrated. With the face of a man, I want to at least win once.

“I thought of something nice! Since just playing is kind of boring, how about the loser has play a penalty game?”

“That’s fine. No take backs later, okay? It can’t be changed.”

“Seiji-kun, that’s tying the noose around your neck, you know? How about we do this, if you lose you have to say ten things you like about the other person! Man… this is great!”

I’m sorry if you’re just starting to get excited about this, but the person who will dominate the board next will be me. I know of a little trick.

——The person who takes the corner has an advantage! Or, so I just noticed.

Taking the pieces back into my hand, we started our fourth round.

You were able to take three straight wins from me as I was ignorant, but now that I understand everything, can you still win against me.

Pata, I turned over a white piece towards the black side.

“Ten things you like about the other person. Isn’t that quite a lot?”

“It isn’t that much. For me the number of things I like about Seiji-kun, is probably the same as the number of cells in your body.”

“That’s way too many, right?”

“I love you down to your cells ♡”

“That statement, is a little scary…”

Pata pata, Hiiragi-chan dyed my black pieces white.

… Ah, uhhh. T-the corners have been taken before I even noticed. The black pieces are super outnumbered.

“… Ha-Haruka-san, would you mind making some coffee?”

“Yeah. Wait a moment.”

Hiiragi-chan stood up from her seat and headed in the direction of the kitchen. As she was turned away, I fiddled around with the board a bit.

“Seiji-kun, you really like coffee. I’m a black tea person, I don’t really get why coffee could taste good—Here’s your coffee.”

“Ah, yeah, thanks.”

While tilting the cup with coffee in it, I casually observed Hiiragi-chan.

“Ummmm, next is my turn, right…?”

Pata, she set down a white piece and turned over my piece.

What!? The piece that I secretly fixed earlier has all of a sudden turned back to white!? I put in so much effort to move the pieces without being noticed too!

“Haruka-san, you just moved that piece, right?”

“That’s because Seiji-kun did it first, right?”

It’ll become like that, so I can’t point it out.

When did it happen…? She’s too quick, that I didn’t even realize it.

“Haruka-san, I think I would like some milk today…”

“Ah, sorry. I just thought that you usually want it black.”

“It’s fine, it’s fine. Don’t worry about it.”

Hiiragi-chan once again stood up from her seat. Aiming for the moment that she turned away, I moved the pieces of the board to my advantage. Like this, I’ll be able to make a comeback with my next move.

“Put as much as you want,” Hiiragi-chan said as she brought three packages of creamer and set them on the table.

“Yeah, thanks.”

Opening the cover, I dumped one into the cup.

“My turn is done, it’s your turn.”

Now then, my one turn come back… wait…? W-what!? It’s already flipped back!? I don’t remember losing sight of it…!

As I took a sidelong glance at Hiiragi-chan, she was smiling. However, it was weird. If she noticed, then wouldn’t she point out that I was cheating. She normally says everything in a straightforward manner.

Under the table, Hiiragi-chan entangled her tights covered legs with mine.

“…Is something wrong?”