However, she agreed at last.
“Just one game.” She repeated, and we made our way in.
Her presence in the large living room added more verve to the wide furniture space and masses of draping curtains.
It felt nice to have her around, though I wasn’t sure it was appropriate.
However, the appropriateness of the situation was clouded by my desire to have her around me.
She just had this blissful aura around her, and I didn’t think I was the only one who couldn’t completely resist it.
“What are we playing tonight?” She asked, slowly taking off her jacket.
Then she neatly folded it and kept it next to her. I thought she looked more relaxed than a few minutes ago.
“Super Smash Bros.”
“Hm.” From her minimal reaction, I could deduce she knew nothing about games.
“Please help yourself. You can have anything from the kitchen, or should we order some pizza?”
“No, there’s no need for that.” She disagreed and walked over to the fridge while I prepared the game.
“I know it’s been a long day, but I am sure you will enjoy it,” I assured her when she returned to the sofa, handing her the control.
“So…what is the game about?” She asked.
“It’s literally about characters fighting each other. The slain loses. There are several characters you could pick from.”
“I hope I do not get killed too early,” she chuckled.
“If you do not, I will give you whatever you want,” I promised.
“I think I am now motivated.” She sounded as excited as a child who had just been promised a lollipop.
“Cute.” I must have subconsciously muttered.
“What?” She blinked.
“You looked cute just now.” I chuckled.
Slowly, she receded behind me. I could see blood rush on her face. She bashfully looked away.
I must have hit a line I wasn’t supposed to. But before the situation could become terribly awkward, I soon took up the responsibility of introducing her to the franchises Nintendo had to offer in Super Smash Bros.
“He must be especially dexterous,” she commented when I mentioned Mario, the titular character of the Super Mario series.
“Definitely.”
“Do you play him often?”
“No.”
“Why, if I may ask?” She appeared to be curious.
“Though he’s good, I think he might be overrated,” I answered.
“I see,” she nodded, throwing her hair back.
“Who do you prefer then?” She continued.
“Donkey Kong,” I responded. “Him.” I pointed at the TV screen, which displayed the wild ape of a character.
“I feel he’s going to make his opponent clueless of what to expect.” She decided after a critical examination.
“He’s lovable, though.” I chuckled.
“That is his camouflage. I think I know why you like him.” She smiled knowingly.
At last, she settled on Kirby. A character whose replicating powers I wouldn’t have known would entice her. Undoubtedly, I had so much fun playing with her that it felt like deja vu.
We had fun as kids even though I was quite older. Since I had been really close to Allison, there was no way I could have avoided Fiona.
The memories came flooding my mind, putting endless smiles on my face.
She lost in the first game and in the second and third ones, too.
“But I would still give you whatever you ask for,” I said as she reclined against the sofa, briefly shutting her eyes.
