Recently, the raising game "Volleyball Dream Factory" has become a huge hit, so you download it too.
Among all the adorable little character portraits, you can't decide, so you choose to draw a card.
You draw a little character named Oikawa.
He has cool brown hair and eyes, wears a white-and-green tracksuit, and has a smile on his face.
You poke him with your finger. The little guy tilts to one side, then hugs your finger, a huge question mark in his big eyes.
A-aw, he's kind of cute...
How about writing him a letter to tell him how much you like him? You choose a pink envelope and, after much thought, write just four big words: "You're so cute."
It's a little plain, so before mailing it, you use a full-screen effect.
That's much cuter!
After reading the letter, the little guy stands frozen in place for a long time.
Did it move him? Adorable!
And so, you set off down the road of no return: spending money on the game.
The little guy has run out of stamina, so you buy him food that restores it!
The little guy needs good grades in his classes, so you buy him notes and a private tutor! You sign him up for the best classes!
The little guy's sneakers are badly worn, so you buy him the best gear!
The little guy wants a girlfriend, so you buy him...
Huh? That's not something you can buy, kid!
The little guy lowers his head sadly and curls up in a corner, miserable. He won't eat or drink.
You: "..."
Fine, you'll buy him a lucky charm to attract love.
-
Recently, Oikawa Tooru has been having a rough time. Not only is he dreaming about playing volleyball, but he's also being harassed by a crazed fan in real life.
It started with a letter in his shoe locker.
When he opened it, the entire page was covered in the words "You're so cute."
-So creepy.
Later, homemade cookies appeared along with another equally creepy letter.
He didn't dare eat them.
The next day, he received a huge pile of snacks in different flavors.
What is this, a threat?
After one training session, Oikawa was so hungry he could barely think. He saw the lunchbox in his bag and ate it without thinking.
It was pretty good... Wait, why do I feel like I'm strong enough to kill a tiger?
Oikawa fell into deep thought.
What kind of miserable life had he been living before?
Coach! I can play another billion balls!
-
Because the little guy in the game is so cute, you start getting interested in volleyball too and go to a match with a friend.
Then you see a boy who looks exactly like your little guy, only life-sized. Even his name is similar.
What is this, a giant figurine? I want him!
You find that the game has had a major update, with more interaction. Oikawa starts constantly telling you what he wants and even asks you for photos.
Isn't this supposed to be a raising game? Why does it feel more and more like an otome game...?
You ponder it, then hesitantly take a selfie and send it to Oikawa. The photo automatically turns into a chibi-style anime drawing... That's not right! Why did they process a player's photo with AI without telling me?
You angrily file a complaint against the game and don't log in for a week. In the end, you can't bear to abandon your little guy, and after receiving an apology and a promise from the game company, you reluctantly log in to take a look. There are so many letters: confused, anxious, apologetic, hurt and accusing... There's even a love letter mixed in.
You: ...Fine. You had a vague idea that something was off about this game anyway. After all, no matter how you look at him, that Oikawa Tooru is exactly the same as your little Oikawa!
You start sneaking off to watch his matches. Even though you nervously disguise yourself every time, your eyes always meet the boy's on the court during breaks.
Finally, after one match, he blocks your way, looking furious.
"How much longer are you going to keep avoiding me?" he complains, sounding hurt.
-
Reader's Guide:
1. The main story is written in third person.
2. OOC warning.
3. More to come if I think of anything.
Theme: Love can overcome any obstacle