[Absolute Only-Me King's Game] Something’s Off About the King's Game Started By My Childhood Friend Beauties With Me. A Story of Endlessly Fun Times with Girls Whose Personal Boundaries Keeps Going Off the Rails!

Chapter 36

Interlude

“Hmm, nice weather. Perfect for a picnic.”

The sunlight is soft, and the air still carries the morning’s lingering freshness. The park’s lawn stretches out in a sea of green, and each sway of dappled sunlight through the trees brushes my cheeks with a gentle breeze. On this early afternoon holiday, I stand at the entrance to our usual “little world” created by the four of us.

Today, Fuwari, the number-one cook, promised to make homemade sweets, so we’ve all come to a nearby park for a picnic.

Anna wears an aqua dress with a thin cardigan, a matching ribbon at her chest. Her refreshing vibe is in full force, as always.

Fuwari is in a reddish-pink dress with a pale pink apron slung over her shoulders, exuding a maternal softness.

Suzune sports a yellow hoodie with jeans and a small yellow hairpin. The three’s colors harmonize like a tiny traffic light.

Ever since the ero puri incident, they must have taken a liking to their “settings,” because lately, they’ve been coordinating their clothes and even their underwear with their signature colors, almost as if planned.

(What’s their underwear like today… No, no, what am I thinking?)

Thinking such base thoughts in broad daylight would earn me some serious eye-rolls.

But… they keep showing me, all three of them.

I can’t let this turn into a youthful splash-fest outdoors. Today, I’ve got to keep it together.

“Rei-kun, I found a great spot!”

Anna excitedly spreads out a blanket. Her voice is always so bright, and even when she pushes boundaries, there’s a charm to it.

“Fuwari, what’d you make today?”

I ask, and Fuwari, with a hint of pride, pulls a wrapped case from her tote bag. The scent of cocoa and the sweet aroma of baked goods waft up.

“Fuwari’s special scones and chocolate mousse. Reiji-kun, I bet you’ll love them~”

Fuwari smiles in her leisurely tone. Just that makes me feel warm and fuzzy.

“Suzune prepared cut fruits too.”

Suzune swiftly sets out drinks, revealing a small three-tier bento box packed with seasonal fruits. Her usual polite speech softens in these gatherings, and her small gestures and expressions loosen up adorably. Today, I especially love how her eyes sparkle at the corners now and then.

“Smells good…”

Anna says, her eyes serious, as if fully embracing the joy of sharing delicious food. I chuckle lightly, pretending to help as I break a scone. It’s fluffy inside, with buttery flavor spreading gently.

Under the sunlight, sharing food draws our distances closer effortlessly. Anna sits snugly beside me, Fuwari leans back against me as she settles down, and Suzune pulls out a small cushion for a lap pillow, smiling, “Reiji-kun, take a nap if you want.”

Being with the four of us feels more comfortable than anything.

※

The picnic seems to proceed peacefully… or so it appears, but things never stay calm with Anna’s quality. Her mischievous ideas always strike out of nowhere.

“Hey, Rei-kun, let’s do a quiz! Loser has to feed with an ‘ahh’!”

She claps her hands gleefully. Her aqua sleeve flutters, and her eyes melt.

“A quiz? I’m not ready for sudden questions.”

I reply with a wry smile, but that only eggs her on.

“Easy, easy! Can you eat this scone in one bite?”

At Anna’s question, Fuwari tilts her head, smiling, “That’s up to Reiji-kun~” Suzune, a bit shy, whispers, “Suzune will join too…!”

It starts as a lighthearted game. But, as is our way, the rules evolve, naturally escalating from “ahh contest” to “feeding each other” to “sneaky closeness challenge.”

Anna deftly picks up a scone, deliberately breaking it into two bites, and holds it out, “Here, Rei-kun.”

What’s offered isn’t just a scone. Her smile, the warmth of her hand, and her subtly spiced gestures make it a special treat.

“Okay, then—ahh.”

I say, and Anna happily opens her mouth, accepting the bite I offer.

From the side, Fuwari chimes, “Next~ I’ll feed you~” and offers a small spoonful of mousse.

The warmth of her fingertips transfers directly. Suzune, hesitantly holding a slice of yellow fruit, her hand trembling slightly, says, “Here you go.”

Eating together is more than just tasting. The glances, breaths, fleeting touches of fingers, the warmth when our knees accidentally brush—before I know it, these turn the ordinary into something extraordinary.

※

After eating, we decide to lie on the grass for a nap. Clouds drift slowly, and the shade occasionally patterns our faces. Fuwari stretches grandly as always, gently resting her arm on my shoulder. Her warmth is soft, radiating comfort.

“Reiji-kun, napping here feels so nice~”

Fuwari lets out a gentle sigh. Her chest is warm, and my breathing instinctively shallows.

Anna leans close to my head, grinning, “Rei-kun, spoil us lots today too,” she whispers. Her words, like a spell, quietly seize my nerves.

Just lying there, time melts gently. With the four of us, the world feels strangely safe, small, and kind. Yet in that safety, our feet or hands brush occasionally. Is it innocent contact or something more intimate? The boundary is thin but undeniably there.

The calm afternoon sometimes bursts into roaring laughter.

Anna suddenly teases, “So, what animal would Rei-kun be?”

Fuwari says softly, “Hmm, Reiji-kun’s probably… a puppy~”

Suzune tilts her head, “Suzune thinks a cat,” giving a slightly odd answer. I smirk, muttering, “A puppy, really…?” as I playfully retort.

“Nn~ Nfufu… Eii!”

“Gwah!?”

In that moment, Anna pounces onto my chest, clinging to me shamelessly.

(Oof… S-Soft!)

From light teasing to full-on clinging is our usual flow, and I find myself giving in. Fuwari smiles and wraps her arm around me, while Suzune, blushing fiercely, entwines her arm with mine. With the four of us, the world is always this warm.

Fuwari’s soft fingers ruffle my hair, Anna whispers devilishly in my ear, and Suzune lets out small breaths, occasionally giggling “uhehe.” Her laugh is half-embarrassed, half-delighted. I take it all in, layering each moment in my heart.

This extraordinary space feels like the ultimate happiness.

As childhood friends, we’ve been together forever. We’ve done things like this countless times, yet just expressing our feelings makes it so special, filling me with an indescribable joy.

※

On the way home, dusk deepens, and the air cools. We sit on a park bench, holding hands or leaning shoulders, walking slowly.

“Rei-kun, was today fun?”

Anna gazes at me with beautiful eyes. Her face is still childishly innocent, but there’s a hidden care in it.

“Yeah. Fuwari’s sweets were delicious, Suzune’s dessert was great. But most of all, being with everyone… that was the happiest part.”

I answer honestly.

Suzune, a bit shy, says, “Suzune had fun too… uhehe,” letting out her signature laugh. Fuwari squeezes my hand, murmuring, “Let’s come again~”

Then Anna, with a sudden expression, says,

“Hey, Rei-kun. Wanna hang out again tonight? Let’s have a sleepover at your place and play the King Game again. It’s a bit embarrassing outside, but indoors… you know?”

Her smile is genuine, with a mix of seriousness and playfulness.

I catch my breath, searching for a good response. Feeling a warmth spread in my chest, I nod slowly.

That world is ours alone. The King Game, silly orders, sweet closeness—it’s all “our little game.” To the outside world, it’s probably trivial. But to me, it’s a treasure.

Today’s picnic is etched vividly in my memory. Anna’s excitement, Fuwari’s gentle embrace, Suzune’s shy giggles. They balance like a traffic light’s three colors, and I’m at the center, basking in happiness.

I can already imagine the atmosphere tonight at my place. A touch of nerves, but solid anticipation—our promise to return keeps my steps light. The bell for the next King Game is about to ring.

The holiday continues tomorrow. The girls calling their moms about the “sleepover” makes my heart race, whether I like it or not.