Tactical Embarrassment

I stared at my computer screen in horror, my Sunday morning ruined by a digital catastrophe.

"You've got to be kidding me," I muttered, scrolling through KuroSage73's resignation message for the third time.

Effective immediately, I am stepping down as Logistics Coordinator. The loot distribution system is broken beyond repair, and I refuse to be the lightning rod for everyone's complaints. Good luck finding someone else willing to be yelled at over virtual equipment. I've attached the current spreadsheets, though half the data is probably corrupted by now.

Sixty-three guild notifications. Five officers threatening to quit. One corrupted spreadsheet that looked like it had been run through a digital blender. And me, Miyako Yukihana—feared guild leader CrimsonQueen by night, fashionable gyaru queen by day—with a massive headache forming behind my perfectly shaped eyebrows.

I grabbed my phone and texted Airi immediately:

"Did you see the guild meltdown? KuroSage quit! Half the raid team is threatening to leave!"

Her response came seconds later:

"Just woke up to the chaos. What's the plan?"

I bit my lip, considering our options. The corrupted spreadsheet on my screen represented months of careful loot distribution tracking, now mangled beyond recognition. There was only one person I knew who could fix this disaster—the same person who'd designed our original distribution system before KuroSage ruined it with his "improvements."

Emergency meeting tonight at 8. But we need ShadowTank21. Operation Tank Recruitment begins tomorrow at school.

Andie Ryuu. The quiet, seemingly detached boy who secretly possessed the most organised mind I'd ever encountered. The boy I'd been harbouring feelings for since junior high school. The boy who barely seemed to notice my existence outside of gaming—and even there, he treated me with a respectful professionalism that drove me crazy.

Every time I looked at him, I was drawn to those eyes—slightly larger than typical Japanese features with a distinctive shape that revealed his mixed heritage. They were expressive in a way that contradicted his carefully controlled face, betraying emotions he thought he was hiding. When he focused on gaming strategy, they lit up with an intensity that made my heart skip.

My phone rang—Airi calling for immediate consultation.

"This is a disaster," she said without preamble. "BlossomBlade's already messaging me about taking her healing team to Sapphire Vanguard."

"I know," I sighed, pulling my hair into a messy bun. No need for perfect styling when facing a guild crisis. "We need to stop the bleeding today and implement a real solution tomorrow."

"And by 'real solution,' you mean Andie."

"Exactly." I clicked through the corrupted formulas, wincing at the damage. "Only he understands how the original system worked. Without him, we're looking at weeks of rebuilding from scratch."

"But you know how he is about taking on responsibilities," Airi pointed out. "He's turned down officer positions three times."

I smiled despite the stress. "That's why we're not going to ask him directly. We're going to create a situation where he feels like he's doing us a favour he can refuse."

"Ah, the Miyako Yukihana special," Airi laughed. "Another elaborate scheme to interact with your crush under the guise of guild business."

"It's not—" I began, then stopped myself. What was the point of lying to Airi? She'd been watching me manufacture reasons to be near Andie for years. "Fine. Yes. But this time we actually do need his help, so my ulterior motives are irrelevant."

"If you say so. What's the plan?"

I outlined my strategy—we'd position ourselves in the computer lab during lunch, looking appropriately distressed over our spreadsheet problem. Andie always checked out the new computer equipment on the first day of school, so he'd walk right into our trap.

"We'll need leverage," Airi mused. "Something to seal the deal when he inevitably tries to weasel out of helping."

A thought struck me. "Doesn't your cousin work at Collector's Paradise? Andie's been trying to get that Battle Sorceress figurine for months—the special edition with all the lace details."

"The one with the unnecessarily detailed lingerie under the battle armour?" Airi asked. "I think he has a pre-order in already."

"Even better," I replied, a plan forming. "Your cousin can tell us if they're actually getting their shipment. We can offer to pay for it if he helps us. The pre-orders are already in his name, so we don't need to bring it to school."

"Sneaky," Airi approved. "I'll call him and check the details."

While she made the call, I turned back to damage control, sending reassuring messages to our most flight-prone guild members. By the time Airi called back twenty minutes later, I'd managed to stem at least the immediate exodus.

"I've got news," she announced. "My cousin says they are getting a shipment tomorrow, but they're only receiving three of those figurines—apparently there was a distribution error, and most stores had their orders cancelled."

"Is Andie's name on one of them?" I asked, hardly daring to hope.

"Yes! He was one of the first to pre-order. My cousin says the detail work is even better than the promotional images. The lace patterns are apparently 'extraordinarily intricate' according to the product description."

I couldn't help smiling. "Perfect. That's exactly the kind of thing Andie can't resist."

"You know, I still don't understand his fascination with lace details on battle figurines."

"Everyone has their thing," I shrugged, though privately I'd found his secret interest endearing when I'd first discovered it. There was something charmingly contradictory about the stoic, mysterious Andie Ryuu collecting figurines with delicate lacework.

With our plan taking shape, I spent the rest of Sunday preparing for the emergency guild meeting that night, organising our strategy to keep everyone on board until Andie could fix the system.

I couldn't help but think back to how our gaming journey had begun, so different from what it had become. Four years ago, I was fourteen and still finding my footing in the complex social ecosystem of junior high school. I'd been hunched over my gaming laptop in an empty classroom during lunch, desperately trying to finish a dungeon before class resumed.

"Yukihana-san? What are you playing?"

I'd nearly jumped out of my skin. Standing behind me, peering over my shoulder with curious eyes, was Andie Ryuu—the quiet boy who sat three seats ahead, who always had his nose in a book.

"N-nothing!" I stammered, quickly moving to close the laptop, but it was too late.

"Is that Champions of Eternity?" he asked, his voice betraying genuine interest. "The new Crimson Caverns dungeon?"

I froze, social survival instincts warring with the unexpected realisation that Andie Ryuu, of all people, recognised the game. "You... know CoE?"

He nodded, his usual reserve momentarily forgotten as enthusiasm lit his eyes. Those eyes—I'd never noticed how expressive they were until that moment.

"Level 48 Tank. Just unlocked the Bastion Shield skill tree last weekend," he said. Then he added with a hint of a smile, "CoE is much more fun than Singapore's COE, though."

"Huh?" I blinked in confusion.

"Sorry," he looked slightly embarrassed. "Bad joke. In Singapore, COE is 'Certificate of Entitlement'—basically a very expensive permit you need to buy a car. My granddad used to complain about it."

I found myself smiling at this unexpected glimpse into his background. Something about the way he shared that small personal detail, then immediately looked self-conscious, was strangely endearing.

"I'm a level 52 Mage," I admitted, still wary but intrigued by this unexpected common ground. "Specialising in Arcane Barriers."

"Seriously? That's one of the hardest specialisations to master. The spell rotation timing is brutal."

Before I could respond, Airi entered, holding her own laptop. "Miyako, did you finish the—" She stopped abruptly, eyes widening at the sight of Andie.

That afternoon, we'd added him to our friend list, and a new routine was born. Weeknight dungeon runs, weekend raid coordination, late-night strategy sessions that often drifted into conversations about school and life. It became our secret triangle—me, Airi, and Andie, united by our shared love of gaming and bound by the promise to keep our "nerdy" side hidden.

And if I sometimes found myself looking forward to those gaming sessions a little too eagerly, well, that was my own secret to keep.

At 8:00 PM sharp, I donned my digital crown as CrimsonQueen, addressing forty increasingly hostile guild members assembled in our virtual headquarters.

"Thank you all for coming," I began, my voice carrying the authority that had earned me the guild leadership position years ago. "I know everyone is concerned about KuroSage's departure and the current state of our loot distribution system."

"Concerned is an understatement!" BlossomBlade interrupted immediately. "I've been waiting six weeks for my weapon upgrade, while DarkestKnight got three pieces of gear in the last raid!"

"That's because I actually show up for progression nights," DarkestKnight shot back. "Maybe if you weren't always 'too busy' on Thursdays—"

"ENOUGH," I cut in, my tone leaving no room for argument. "I understand everyone's frustrated. That's why I've called this meeting—to address the problem and implement a solution."

"What kind of solution?" MoonlitShadow asked sceptically. "Because right now, half the DPS team is threatening to transfer to Sapphire Vanguard."

I took a deep breath. "I'm bringing in an expert to rebuild our logistics system from the ground up—someone who understands both the technical aspects and the human element of fair distribution."

"Who?" several voices asked simultaneously.

"ShadowTank21," I announced.

The response was immediate—a mixture of approval and surprise.

"He doesn't do guild leadership," StarBlade pointed out. "He's turned down officer positions three times."

"He'll do this," I said with more confidence than I felt. "I'm meeting with him tomorrow to discuss details."

"And if he says no?" DarkestKnight pressed.

"He won't," I assured them, silently adding, Not once he sees what I'm offering.

As the meeting continued, I noticed several familiar names joining the voice chat—Kazuki (ArchmageSupreme), Sora (AxeNinja42), Yuto (HealingBreeze), Hiroko (FrostWitch33), and Sakura (RosePetal27). Our school friends who called themselves "CORE: Community, Otaku, Rollenspiel, Eskapismus," that bizarre multilingual acronym they'd been using since junior high. Unlike my situation with my gyaru friends, Kazuki's group knew about my gaming identity, but respected my need for secrecy from my fashion-conscious friends.

"Speaking of ShadowTank21," Kazuki's voice came through. "We're planning a raid night tonight after this meeting. Is your guild invited, CrimsonQueen? We could use your strategising."

"Depends on if I can get our logistics situation sorted," I replied. "If he agrees tomorrow, we should be available."

"Excellent!" Kazuki's enthusiasm was identical online and off. "It'll be like old times—your guild and our group taking down bosses together!"

"Just like last week, you mean?" Airi commented dryly, earning a laugh from the others.

By the time the meeting ended, I'd managed to restore some semblance of order, promising a new system within 48 hours. Now I just needed to deliver on that promise—which meant successfully recruiting Andie tomorrow.

As the others logged off, Airi and I switched to a private call.

"Do you think this will actually work?" she asked. "What if he just refuses?"

"Then I'll have to be very, very persuasive," I replied. "But I don't think it'll come to that. Andie takes gaming seriously, even if he pretends not to. He won't let the guild collapse if he can prevent it."

"And the figurine pre-order will seal the deal," Airi agreed. "We should go to Collector's Paradise together after school tomorrow to see it in person. My cousin says they're putting them on display."

"Definitely," I nodded. "We can bring Andie with us. Let him see exactly what he's getting." I paused, then added, "I want to go in person anyway. If we're going to bribe him with this, I want to make sure it's perfect."

"Someone's putting in extra effort," Airi teased.

I ignored her comment. "I should get some sleep. Tomorrow's a big day."

"Operation Tank Recruitment is a go," Airi confirmed. "Sweet dreams about your future guild saviour!"

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I rolled my eyes even though she couldn't see me. "Goodnight, Airi."

Monday morning arrived with the shrill beeping of my 5:30 AM alarm. Paradise Heights Junior College deserved nothing less than the full Miyako Yukihana experience on its first day, which meant starting my beauty routine with ample time for perfection.

After my shower, I stood wrapped in a towel before my open wardrobe, pondering what would go under my carefully modified uniform. First-day undergarments were as important as the visible outfit—the foundation of confidence even if no one saw them.

I pulled open my lingerie drawer, considering my options. My fingers paused over a set I'd purchased two weeks ago but hadn't worn yet—an intricate lace bra and matching panties with delicate flower accents along the straps and cups. Something about the pattern tugged at my memory.

Finding pretty lingerie in my size had always been a challenge—Japanese H cups weren't exactly standard inventory in most shops. This particular set had been a rare find, specially ordered from a boutique shop that catered to more generous proportions without sacrificing the delicate aesthetic I preferred. Airi, with her G cups, at least had more options than I did.

On a whim, I grabbed my phone and searched for images of the Battle Sorceress figurine Andie had pre-ordered. The comparison made me laugh out loud—the lacework on the figurine's armour featured a remarkably similar floral pattern to my lingerie set.

"Well, this feels like destiny," I murmured, pulling out the matching set. The pale blue lace was adorned with tiny embroidered cherry blossoms that cascaded along the straps and formed an intricate border around the cups.

I held the bra up, noting with a mixture of amusement and mild insecurity how the figurine's proportions were somehow both exaggerated and petite simultaneously—that impossible anime body type that bore little resemblance to my own very real Japanese H-cup reality. Unlike me, the Battle Sorceress wouldn't have to deal with the daily challenges of finding clothes that fit properly. Still, the craftsmanship of the lace patterns was undeniably similar—exactly the kind of intricate detail work that would appeal to Andie's secret aesthetic.

I slipped it on, admiring the way the pattern showed just slightly through my white school blouse. Not enough to be inappropriate, but visible if someone was looking closely—which no one would be.

It was silly, perhaps, but wearing something that echoed Andie's secret interest felt like a private connection, even if he'd never know about it.

That's what I told myself, anyway.

The rest of my morning routine proceeded with military precision. By 7:15, I was the picture of gyaru perfection, my uniform subtly modified to accentuate without breaking regulations. The first day of school was prime territory-marking time, and I intended to reclaim my crown as the fashion trendsetter.

My bedroom reflected the duality of my life—a vanity area with perfectly organised makeup, styling tools, and fashion magazines next to a high-end gaming setup complete with dual monitors and a custom mechanical keyboard. Two worlds that rarely intersected except in the privacy of these four walls.

I met Airi at the corner of my street, and we began our walk to Paradise Heights. She seemed distracted, glancing at me repeatedly until I finally stopped walking.

"What? Is my hair off? Did I miss a spot with my foundation?" I asked, reaching for my compact mirror.

"No, your makeup is perfect as always," Airi said, still studying me. Her eyes narrowed suddenly, focusing on my chest. "Wait a minute..."

I felt my cheeks warm slightly. "What?"

A slow, knowing smile spread across her face. "That's an interesting pattern showing through your blouse. Almost looks like...lace with flower details?"

I crossed my arms defensively, which only emphasized what I was trying to hide. With my H-cup proportions, the school uniform's standard blouse had always been a bit more revealing than I'd like—another reason I'd become skilled at subtle uniform modifications. "So?"

"So..." Airi's grin widened. "Those look an awful lot like the patterns on a certain Battle Sorceress figurine. Becoming the sorceress yourself now, are we?"

"It's just a coincidence," I lied, resuming our walk with as much dignity as I could muster.

"Sure, it is," Airi laughed, falling into step beside me. "Nothing to do with Andie's collection at all."

"The Battle Sorceress has excellent taste," I sniffed. "That's all."

"And you just happened to wear it on the day we're recruiting Andie?"

I refused to give her the satisfaction of a response, which only made her laugh harder.

"Well," she said as we approached the school gates, "if our computer lab plan fails, you could always just unbutton your top and ask if he's noticed any similarities to his collection."

"Airi!" I gasped, genuinely scandalised. "I would never!"

"I know," she said, suddenly more serious. "That's what makes your crush so endearing. For all your elaborate schemes, you're actually very proper about it."

I wasn't sure if I should be flattered or offended, so I changed the subject. "Remember the plan. Computer lab during lunch. You'll set up the spreadsheets, and I'll bring Andie."

"Roger that, Guild Master," Airi saluted mockingly. "Operation Tank Recruitment is a go."

As we passed through the gates of Paradise Heights, I shifted effortlessly into my public persona—confident stride, casual elegance, the gyaru queen returning to her domain. My private feelings about Andie and my secret identity as CrimsonQueen were locked away beneath perfectly applied makeup and a carefully cultivated image.

But as I spotted him across the courtyard, adjusting his tie with that familiar look of mild irritation, I couldn't help but feel the delicate lace against my skin like a secret message only I understood. Today would be different. Today, I'd finally get him to see me as more than just his guild leader or the gyaru queen.

The morning passed in a blur of introductions, syllabi, and carefully orchestrated social interactions. When the lunch bell finally rang, I gave Airi our pre-arranged signal. It was showtime.

"I need to handle this boring computer thing for my mother's business," I announced dramatically to my gyaru friends. "Airi's helping me since she's good with that technical stuff."

"On the first day?" Haruka pouted. "That's so unfair."

"I know, right?" I rolled my eyes expressively. "But family obligations and all that. Save me a seat if I make it to the cafeteria?"

With that plausible excuse established, Airi headed to the computer lab while I lingered a moment, watching Andie from the corner of my eye. As Hitomi and her sporty girls approached him, I took my cue.

I swooped in like the tactical genius I was, intercepting their invitation with practised ease.

"Sorry, Miss Muscles, but Andie promised to help me with something in the computer lab," I announced, taking Andie's arm before he could protest.

I saw the surprise flicker across his face—those expressive eyes widening slightly—but to his credit, he didn't contradict me. He never did, one of the many small kindnesses he thought no one noticed.

Hitomi's face fell slightly. "Oh. Maybe tomorrow then?"

"Maybe," Andie echoed, sounding resigned.

As Hitomi walked away, I caught Ayaka and Kurenai exchanging glances. I'd deal with that social ripple later. Right now, the operation was proceeding as planned.

"Come on, lone wolf. I actually do need your help," I said, tugging him toward the door.

He followed with minimal resistance, which I counted as a victory. As we walked down the hallway, I was acutely aware of my hand on his arm, the slight warmth radiating through his uniform sleeve. It was ridiculous how such a small contact could affect me after all these years.

In a strange way, I envied the Kimochi sisters a little. Despite whatever had happened between them and Andie—something I still didn't understand—they had once been close enough to call him a friend without pretence or schemes. Though truthfully, a larger part of me understood Andie's feelings toward them. The way he still watched them from a distance, the lingering sadness in his eyes when they avoided him—it reminded me of my own hopeless pining.

Airi was already positioned at a computer when we arrived, looking appropriately concerned as she studied the spreadsheet displayed on screen.

"Did you bring him?" she asked, looking up.

"Of course," I replied, guiding Andie to a chair. "Andie, we have a problem."

He raised an eyebrow, looking between us with that cautious expression he used when he suspected he was being manipulated. "A real problem or a game problem?"

"Is there a difference?" Airi asked with complete sincerity, her eyes wide behind the glasses she only wore for gaming and studying.

I quickly glanced toward the door, making sure it was closed. "Keep your voice down," I hissed at Airi. "You know the rules. Code names only at school."

Airi rolled her eyes. "No one's here but us."

"You can never be too careful," I insisted, feeling a genuine flicker of anxiety. If Rina or Haruka discovered my secret gaming life, my carefully maintained social hierarchy would collapse. "What if Rina or Haruka walked in? Our social lives would be over."

I could see Andie watching our exchange with that subtle amusement he thought he was hiding. He found our dual identities entertaining—easy for him to say when he made no effort to be popular.

"Our—" I lowered my voice to a whisper, "—guild is falling apart. The logistics coordinator quit after that drama with the loot distribution, and somehow I got volunteered to take over."

"And this concerns me because...?" he asked, though I could tell from his eyes that he was already interested. He couldn't resist a systems problem.

"Because you're the only one who understands both the game mechanics and has the patience to deal with twenty fragile egos," Airi explained. "Please? We'll pay for that limited edition figurine you've been eyeing."

I watched as Andie stiffened, wariness entering his expression. "What figurine?"

"The Battle Sorceress one," I smiled, enjoying his discomfort just a little. "The super-detailed collector's version with the lacework. You know, the one with those intricate patterns on her outfit that you stare at for hours."

A flush crept up his neck, and I had to suppress a surge of fondness. For someone so composed most of the time, Andie was adorably transparent about his secret collections.

"How did you—" he began.

"We have our ways," I waved dismissively. "And by ways, I mean Airi's cousin works at the hobby store and saw you place a pre-order. That special edition with the upgraded lacework details costs what, 30,000 yen? Are you helping or not?"

Andie sighed deeply, his surrender evident. "Fine. But find someone else before the semester gets busy."

Victory! Operation Tank Recruitment was a success. Relief and triumph surged through me, and I did something I hadn't consciously planned—something that, in retrospect, was either brilliant improvisation or complete idiocy.

"You're the best!" I exclaimed, dropping my gyaru persona. Before I could overthink it, I jumped up from my chair and moved behind him, wrapping my arms tightly around his shoulders in an enthusiastic hug.

The moment my chest pressed against his back, I felt him freeze. I froze too, suddenly hyperaware of what I'd done—crossed the carefully maintained boundary between us, invaded his personal space in a way I never had before. But there was no going back now.

My generous H-cup proportions made this impulsive gesture far more intimate than I'd intended. There was absolutely no way he couldn't feel the pressure of my chest against him, the contours unmistakable even through our uniforms. And worse (or better?), the delicate pattern of my Battle Sorceress-inspired lace bra was likely detectable against his back through the thin fabric. The intricate floral design that had so deliberately matched his figurine collection was now essentially pressed directly against him.

Part of me wanted to die of embarrassment. Another part—a bold, impulsive part—thought: Good. Let him feel it. Let him notice me as a woman, not just a guild leader or classmate.

"M-Miyako!" he stammered, his voice strangled with surprise.

The door suddenly opened, and Haruka appeared, her timing spectacularly awful as always.

"There you are! We've been looking everywhere—" Her eyes widened at the sight of me still hugging Andie from behind, my arms wrapped around his shoulders. "Well, well. Are you two dating now? Why is Miyako being so... intimate with you, Andie-kun?"

"No!" Andie protested, his face flushing deeper.

I made a split-second decision, leaning into the chaos rather than backing away. With one arm still around his shoulders, I used my free hand to quickly minimize the game stats. I leaned forward to reach the mouse, and felt Andie tense slightly beneath me. His head shifted downward minutely—was he looking at something? I suddenly remembered how my school blouse sometimes gaped between buttons when I leaned forward, especially given my proportions. My heart skipped nervously. Had he just gotten a direct view of the Battle Sorceress-inspired lacework?

Before I could dwell on that possibility, I brought up a fashion website with practiced ease. "Just showing Andie the new TrendMasters collection!" I explained smoothly, still holding him with one arm, feeling the heat radiating from his increasingly flushed face. "What do you think of these platform boots?"

Andie stared at the screen, clearly bewildered by the sudden change in topic and acutely aware of me still partially embracing him. "They're... tall?"

Haruka rolled her eyes. "You are hopeless. Anyway, Rina saved us spots in the cafeteria. You coming?"

"Be right there!" I smiled brightly until Haruka disappeared, then slumped in relief. "That was close."

"Your secret identity remains intact, O Great Guild Master," Andie said dryly, though I noticed his face was still flushed. Whether from embarrassment or something else, I couldn't tell.

"Mock all you want, but some of us have reputations to maintain," I replied, finally releasing him and standing up. "We'll finish this discussion later. Eight o'clock, usual server?"

He nodded, and I gathered my things, trying to act as though my heart wasn't still hammering from our unexpected proximity. I wondered if he'd noticed the lace pattern, if he'd made the connection to his figurine collection. Probably not—Andie could be remarkably dense for someone so intelligent.

"We can stop by Collector's Paradise after school tomorrow to check out your figurine," I added casually. "Airi's cousin says it's even better than the promotional images."

"I—okay," he agreed, still looking slightly dazed.

As Airi and I walked toward the cafeteria, she waited until we were out of earshot before whispering, "What was that? The hug wasn't part of the plan!"

"Improvisation," I replied, feeling my cheeks heat up despite my best efforts. "It seemed... strategic in the moment."

"Strategic?" Airi raised an eyebrow. "Or was it just an excuse to get your hands on him?"

"Both," I admitted after a pause. "I wanted him to see me as more than just CrimsonQueen or Miyako-chan the gyaru. Even if it was just for a moment."

I hesitated, then added in a lower voice, "And I think he might have gotten more than he bargained for. When I leaned forward to change the screen, I felt him tense up and his head definitely moved. I'm pretty sure he got a direct view of my Battle Sorceress-inspired lacework."

Airi's eyes widened. "You're kidding! Right down your blouse?"

I nodded, feeling a strange mixture of embarrassment and satisfaction. "It wasn't intentional, but..."

"But you're not exactly devastated it happened," Airi finished for me, grinning. "Between feeling your chest against his back and then getting a visual confirmation of your themed lingerie? The poor boy's brain probably short-circuited."

"His face was the colour of a tomato," Airi continued, shaking her head in amusement. "Planning down to the underwear level? You're either a tactical genius or completely obsessed."

"Both," I said again, unable to contain a smile

"You know," Airi leaned in closer with a mischievous glint in her eye, "what if I hadn't been there? What then? Would you have followed through with your 'strategic improvisation' and gone for something more... direct?"

I felt my cheeks heat up. "I don't know what you're talking about."

"Oh please," she rolled her eyes. "I saw your face when you were hugging him. That wasn't just guild business. I'm starting to think Operation Tank Recruitment is just the tip of your tactical iceberg."

"The guild crisis is real," I protested, though my voice lacked conviction even to my own ears.

"And so is your crush," Airi countered. "One of these days, you're going to have to stop hiding behind game mechanics and actually tell him how you feel."

"Operation Tank Recruitment was a success," I said, deliberately changing the subject. "He agreed to help with the spreadsheet, which means the guild is saved."

"And you got to hug your crush while wearing thematically appropriate underwear. A win-win situation."

I didn't argue with that assessment. For all my careful planning and strategic thinking, that impulsive hug had been pure emotion—a moment of genuine connection I'd been seeking for years.

The afternoon passed in a blur of first-day formalities. When I got home, I headed straight for my dual-zone bedroom—makeup and clothes on one side, gaming rig on the other. This space was the only place where both sides of me could coexist without judgment. I carefully removed my makeup, letting the gyaru queen take a rest while I prepared for tonight's raid.

As I changed into comfortable clothes, I caught a glimpse of the Battle Sorceress figurine on my own shelf—a standard edition I'd secretly purchased the day after discovering Andie's collection. I'd traced my fingers over its delicate lacework countless times, imagining conversations we might have about it if I ever worked up the courage to reveal this shared interest. It wasn't the collector's version he coveted, but I treasured it as a tangible connection to him—a private shrine to feelings I couldn't express, hidden in plain sight among my other possessions. Sometimes, on nights when the distance between us felt unbearable, I'd hold it and wonder if he treated his collection with the same tender reverence.

That night, I logged on at precisely eight o'clock for our raid, ready to introduce our newly secured logistics expert to the guild. But as time ticked by, there was no sign of Andie. Ten minutes passed, then twenty, then an hour—still nothing.

"He's not coming," Airi finally said through our private voice channel. "What do we do now?"

I frowned, a mixture of worry and irritation brewing. "This isn't like him. He always keeps his word, especially about game stuff."

"Maybe something came up?"

"Maybe," I replied, but I couldn't shake the feeling that something was wrong. Andie took his gaming commitments seriously—it was one of the things I admired about him. For him to agree to help and then simply not show up was completely out of character.

We managed to placate the guild for one more night, making excuses about technical issues and promising a proper solution tomorrow. But by the time I logged off, my concern had only grown.

As I lay in bed staring at my ceiling, I replayed the day's events. The guild crisis was still looming, potentially worse now that I'd promised Andie's help and he hadn't delivered. Yet strangely, that wasn't what occupied my thoughts. Instead, I kept remembering the brief moment of connection when I'd hugged him—the warmth of his body, the scent of his hair, the way he'd frozen in surprise.

Despite the setback with the raid, I couldn't regret my impulsive action. For once, I'd acted on my feelings instead of hiding behind elaborate schemes. I'd crossed a boundary, and while the immediate outcome wasn't clear, something had definitively changed between us.

Tomorrow, I'd confront him about his absence, of course. The guild needed him. I needed him, if I was honest with myself. Not just for the logistics problem, but because he was the only person besides Airi who knew both sides of me—the gyaru queen and the ruthless guild leader—and accepted them equally.

"No more hiding," I whispered to myself in the darkness. "Not completely, anyway."

With that promise, I closed my eyes, allowing myself to hope that tomorrow might bring answers—about Andie's absence, about the future of my guild, and maybe, just maybe, about the feelings I'd kept locked away for far too long.