Game Market 1983
Chapter 222: Complete Joy - (2)

As the celebration stage for the Virtual Idol came to an end, the official sales began, and amidst the gradually dwindling queue, there was both excitement and a tinge of anxiety coursing through me.

Glancing around discreetly, I spotted a total of 5 cash registers. So, if I could just scatter in different directions after Mayumi and swiftly grab all the titles I wanted, stashing them in my shopping bag, it'd be a smooth exit back home.

Just in case she wants to peek into the bag, maybe asking for some tape on the shopping bag wouldn't hurt?

Running simulations in my mind, devising various ways to evade her gaze, I found myself inside the Pentagon Shop facing five checkout counters.

'Where should I go? I need to calculate far from Mayumi.'

If she heads for the center counter, it's game over. But if I position myself on either end... that's the prime spot.

Swiftly extracting a crinkled envelope from my bag, I slyly slipped money into my back pocket when Mayumi turned her head the other way.

"All right. First mission: accomplished."

Just you wait. My complete Laon...!!

As I nervously observed the queue diminishing, pretending to browse the store, I monitored the people heading to the counters, calculating their sequence.

"On average, it takes about 3 to 4 minutes per person to buy a console and software. If that's the case, Mayumi will be at Counter 4. It's a shame it's not 1 or 2, but 4 isn't bad. At least if I manage 1 or 2, she won't see what I'm buying."

Gosh, buying a game with my own money shouldn't be this intense...

Thankfully, there seemed to be no shortage of the Virtual Idol heroines. But a quick glance indicated that the Tsubaki version was selling out the fastest.

"Oh, it's our turn next already."

"Y-yeah. You're just getting the console and Virtual Idol Erica version, right?"

"Yes, to get Kanna's autograph."

"That's a great idea! I might do that too."

"Huh? Didn't you say you were getting the Tsubaki version?"

Oops!! What a foolish mistake... to mess up at such a crucial moment!!

Avoiding Mayumi's suspicious gaze already, I turned my head only to hear the Pentagon staff member's voice from behind.

"Next customer, please head to Counter 4."

"Oh, okay!"

I glanced at Mayumi heading towards Counter 4 and impatiently waited for my turn.

'Whether it's Counter 1 or 2, just hurry up and finish... please!!'

But my expectations were completely off...

"Next customer, please head to Counter 3."

... I was doomed. Of all places, right next to Mayumi.

Trying to keep my distance as much as possible, suddenly, a customer from Counter 1 didn't leave with their shopping bag?

In that moment, I momentarily pretended to stumble, making my way swiftly to Counter 1.

"Ah, over here~!!"

Though the voice of the cashier at Counter 3 called out from behind, I quickly rushed to Counter 1, ready with my prepared lines.

"One Complete Laon, and four versions of the Virtual Idol. All limited editions!! Also, Full Metal Gear and the remake version, please!!"

"So, you mean all the products launched today along with Complete Laon?"

"Yes!!"

I nodded hastily as the cashier explained the products to Mayumi, who was listening. Then, a female employee emerged from the back, bringing out the products and stacking them like a pile on the counter. After a discreet cough into the microphone, an employee made an announcement.

"With the recent purchase of the esteemed customer, we regret to inform you that all limited editions of the Virtual Idol Sawano Tsubaki and Erica have been sold out."

Nice!! The last limited editions of Tsubaki and Erica were mine!!

Wait, Erica...?

I only planned to buy Tsubaki... revealing Erica too?

With a sinking feeling, I turned my head, and our eyes met squarely at Counter 4 where Mayumi was stationed.

"Sir, would you like a brief explanation about the Complete Laon you've purchased?"

"No, I have urgent matters, so please proceed quickly."

"Then, please refer to the manual before playing. The total for the Complete Laon and the accompanying software amounts to 80,080 yen."

At 9,280 yen per limited edition Virtual Idol and buying four, it's more expensive than Complete Laon.

But was it the thrill of snagging the last limited editions? I swiftly handed over eight 10,000 yen bills and one 100 yen coin to the cashier.

"Thank you. I've received 80,100 yen. Here's your change of 20 yen."

As I received the change and stuffed the hefty Complete Laon into the shopping bag, I grabbed the receipt and hastily exited the Pentagon shop.

"Kensuke!!"

Following soon after, Mayumi emerged from the store, holding a shopping bag similar in size to mine, striding towards me.

"How much did you even buy!?"

"Oh, it's nothing. I just got one more Erica version for Kan..."

"But why is your bag ballooning like it's about to explode? Let me see it for a sec."

"No, seriously! I really just got those two!!"

"Then, just show me for a moment!"

"Oh, come on. Why are you acting so childish?"

Trying to avoid her forceful approach, I moved towards the sidewalk, dodging Mayumi's attempts to reach for the shopping bag.

Luckily, there was a railing, so I didn't fall, but I struggled to keep the shopping bag away from her towards the road.

Suddenly...

Wham~!!

It felt like someone had hit the back of my hand. Something's missing...

"Uh?"

Glancing down at the hand stretched towards the road, all I held was the handle of the large shopping bag.

"Huh? What's this?"

Wham~!!

As I turned my head, the thick shopping bag that had been in my hand moments ago was now cradled by someone sitting on the backseat of a motorcycle.

Is this a pickpocketing attempt?

The sudden snatch of my bag took me by surprise. I darted my gaze towards the source, only to see a figure perched on the motorcycle, firmly clutching the shopping bag.

"Hey! What's going on?"

But before I could react further, the motorcycle roared to life and sped off into the distance, leaving me stunned on the sidewalk.

"Wait, my bag!!"

The realization hit hard. That bag contained everything I'd just purchased—the Complete Laon and all those limited editions.

In a panic, I looked around frantically, hoping against hope to catch a glimpse of the thief or any sign of my stolen goods.

"Did that just happen?"

I stood there, utterly dumbfounded, processing the abrupt turn of events.

"Are you okay?"

A voice pulled me out of my stupor. It was Mayumi, who had followed me in concern.

"My bag, it's gone! Everything I bought..."

Mayumi's eyes widened in shock as she processed what had transpired.

"Let's call the police right away!"

Without wasting a moment, we both reached for our phones, frantically dialing for help. As we waited for the authorities to arrive, a whirlwind of emotions churned within me—frustration, disbelief, and a tinge of anger at the brazen theft.

Minutes stretched like hours until the police finally arrived. We provided them with every detail, recounting the incident meticulously.

As the officers assured us of their efforts to track down the thief, reality sunk in—I had lost all those prized possessions in a matter of seconds.

"It's... all gone."

The weight of those words echoed in my mind as I watched the police take statements and gather evidence.

Mayumi, too, stood by me, offering support in the face of this unexpected ordeal.

"Are you okay?"

Her concern was palpable, and amidst the chaos, her presence was a comforting anchor.

"Yeah... I'll manage. Thanks, Mayumi."

We exchanged a solemn look, acknowledging the unfortunate turn of events. In that moment, amidst the loss, there was a sense of camaraderie—an unspoken understanding that we were in this together.

The authorities continued their investigation, and though the chances seemed slim, a glimmer of hope lingered—that perhaps, just perhaps, my stolen treasures would replace their way back to me.

As the day drew to a close, we left the scene, the events of the day etched vividly in our memories—the thrill of the purchases, the abrupt theft, and the unexpected camaraderie born from adversity.

And amidst it all, a resolve emerged—a determination to not let this setback overshadow the joy that gaming and camaraderie brought into our lives.

As we parted ways, Mayumi offered a reassuring smile, a silent gesture of support in this trying moment.

"Take care. We'll get through this."

With those parting words, we went our separate ways, each carrying the weight of the day's unexpected turn, yet bolstered by the shared resolve to overcome it.

And so, the day that began with excitement and anticipation ended with an unexpected twist, leaving behind a tale of resilience, camaraderie, and the unwavering spirit to forge ahead despite the challenges.

>

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