Chapter 113: A Gift for Haruna
The date with Renako was different from others, as Ren ended up taking her to an internet cafe instead of a love hotel.
Since Renako had no interest in shopping or karaoke, she preferred spending more time playing games with Ren.
At the internet cafe, Ren booked a private booth—a unique service offered by Japanese internet cafes. The booth contained a reclining chair, a computer, and a small area where one could lie down and rest. Blanket rentals were also available, and some places even offered showers and laundry facilities.
If someone was short on money or hotels were fully booked, resting at an internet cafe wasn't a bad option.
However, Ren and Renako were there to play games. The cafe's chairs were spacious enough to comfortably seat two people.
Ren sat on the left, while Renako sat on the right, skillfully controlling the mouse to launch the game.
"Senpai, how about one of us controls the keyboard and the other controls the mouse? I've always wanted to try this with someone," she suggested enthusiastically.
It was the familiar Apex Legends, and Renako was brimming with excitement.
Even when playing games, couples always found ways to add a unique twist.
This little game not only helped deepen their bond but also trained their coordination—a win-win situation.
"No problem," Ren replied with a smile, cooperating with Renako as they started playing.
Ren considered himself to have a very calm temper. He had never gotten angry while playing with Renako, even when her skills tended to hold them back.
But this time was different. Since they were sharing control of the same character and device, Ren kept getting frustrated by Renako's slightly delayed reactions.
Little frustrations piled up. At first, Ren could still laugh and offer comforting words to Renako, but as time went on, he fell silent. Sensing that she was indeed holding them back, Renako gradually lost her cheerfulness and eventually started rambling incoherently.
"I think it might be better to save gaming for the evenings. What do you think, Renako?"
Ren noticed that his cheeks—no, his entire head—felt warm. He decided to end this "bonding" game before things escalated.
It had been fun at first, but after losing repeatedly, they couldn't help but take it seriously—and they kept losing. If they continued, it wouldn't just be their emotions heating up.
"..."
Renako nodded weakly, lowering her head in discouragement.
"Hey, it's just a game. If you feel bad about it..."
After taking a deep breath to shake off the effects of the game, Ren leaned down and kissed Renako on the forehead. Then, he pulled her into his arms, opened a streaming platform, and held her while they leaned back in the chair to watch a movie together.
As time passed, the tension from their earlier gaming session gradually faded.
"Senpai, when we go to eat later, can we pick up Haruna and bring her along? My parents get off work late, and if I'm not home, she'll be all by herself."
After the movie, as they left the internet cafe to get dinner, Renako brought up the matter of Haruna.
Though she had improved herself now, Renako would never forget Haruna's contributions. Her clothing and makeup were all thanks to Haruna's help—otherwise, she might have ended up as plain as Hitori in her tracksuit, perhaps never catching Ren's eye at all.
"Of course, that's fine. Is she at home or out?"
Ren never turned down such requests. Dates didn't always have to be just two people; sometimes adding an outsider or a wingman could be more effective.
"She's at home. I'll tell her she doesn't need to cook tonight."
After saying this, Renako took out her phone and messaged Haruna. While she was happily dating, Haruna would be left alone at home, lonely and desolate. As her older sister, Renako couldn't just ignore that.
"Sis is such a fool. I'm not that fragile, you know. But since you've invited me, I'm going to make you treat me to something lavish tonight, brother-in-law!"
After picking up Haruna from the Amaori household, Haruna waved cheerfully at Ren, declaring her intention to make him splurge on her.
Renako wasn't very sharp about daily expenses, having spent all her money on games, so she only knew that Ren seemed wealthy—after all, he was a big star—but she had no idea just how rich he was.
Haruna, however, knew better. While having money was a plus, being too wealthy made her anxious; just sitting in the Maybach's seat, she worried about accidentally dirtying the luxury car.
Despite her talk of making Ren treat her extravagantly, Haruna ultimately chose an affordable all-you-can-eat hot pot restaurant—it didn't cost much, but with enough boldness, one could eat to their heart's content and feel satisfied.
"Haruna, don't forget to take the gift from the trunk before you go home. I already gave your sister her share earlier—this one's for you."
After the meal, Ren had no further plans. He drove Renako and Haruna home and, before they left, reminded Haruna to take her gift.
Unlike dealing with someone as young as Futari, where gift-giving required careful consideration—since first meetings were both appropriate and awkward, and receiving a gift might not mean much if the relationship was still distant—once they had gotten to know each other and unexpectedly grown close and comfortable, it was the right time for presents.
Haruna was a sunny, outgoing, and fashion-conscious athletic girl, so Ren gifted her a full set of Chanel cosmetics and skincare products, with perfume included, of course.
"Brother-in-law, I don't think I can accept this... Sis doesn't have anything like this, does she?"
After taking the gift from the trunk and glancing at the bag, packaging, and the receipt Ren had intentionally left inside, Haruna felt the present was almost too hot to handle.
These were cosmetics she had only ever dared to look at and dream about—even saving her allowance for a year might not be enough to buy a single bottle.
Now that Ren had given her an entire set, she was deeply tempted, but it was too extravagant; she could never repay such a kindness, even if she sold herself.
Moreover, since she helped Renako with her styling and makeup every day, she knew all too well whether Renako owned anything like this.
Renako had no idea about this. What if the other person misunderstood? Even between sisters, such matters couldn't be handled recklessly—showing favoritism could easily lead to trouble.
"Do you really think Renako is the type who likes such gifts? All her gifts are already in her games. Besides, this isn't a free handout. Renako mentioned that you're the one helping her with makeup and styling, so these are essentially for her use too. Your responsibility is to make sure she looks pretty and smells nice—that will be your reward."
Ren provided this prepared explanation, giving Haruna an easy way out. Haruna, whose heart was already fluttering, found this reasoning quite plausible and reluctantly accepted the gift.
Beaming with joy, she finally returned home, glancing back every few steps to wave goodbye to Ren. Once home, she couldn't wait to carefully try out the products.
Renako, who had little interest in such things, didn't keep her company. Instead, she retreated to her room to play games, leaving Haruna alone at the vanity, utterly captivated as she admired the array of cosmetics and skincare products.