"Gabriel, what game do you want to buy?"
Slap!
Gabriel smacked away the hand on her head, completely absorbed in the game brochure.
"Hiroshi, don't call me Gabriel! Also, I want this, this, and this!"
Her finger quickly skimmed across the pages, selecting her desired games with practiced ease.
Stretching out her hand toward Hiroshi, Gabriel demanded, "Total: 34,000 yen."
"Fine."
With a reluctant expression, Hiroshi took out 35,000 yen and handed it over, shaking his wallet in frustration.
"When will they let us pay with QR codes? Back home, I haven't used cash in years."
"QR code?"
Shoving the money into her pocket, Gabriel's eyes caught something at a nearby display: a grand competition with a brand-new PS console as the first-place prize.
Tugging on Hiroshi's sleeve, she pointed to the prize.
"Forget the weird stuff. As payment for the earlier photo task, I want that game console."
"Sure, sure."
Hiroshi ruffled her golden hair, releasing her only after receiving a fierce glare.
"Don't worry, I'll win first place today."
Scanning the large screen displaying the game rules, Hiroshi took Ruri Gokou's hand with a smile.
"Would my princess accompany me to this grand stage?"
Lifting her dress slightly, Ruri Gokou chuckled.
"By my contractor's command, the Fallen Saint Black Cat shall accompany you till the end of time."
"Then let's go."
"Excellent! After a fierce competition, only five teams remain in the 'Couples: I Know What You Think' finals!"
"As your host, I'm Tanaka, here to guide you through the excitement!"
Wielding a microphone while sporting a shirt adorned with anime characters, the young host enthusiastically introduced the remaining five teams to the massive audience.
"Contestant #1: Haruka Kasugano and his wife, Sora Kasugano!"
"Despite societal disapproval, the two left their hometown for Tokyo, where they built a happy life together."
"They've even officially tied the knot this year!"
"Though they resemble siblings, recalling my bossy, clueless sister makes me realize such a loving little sister is fiction!"
With teary eyes, Tanaka waved his hand and shouted emotionally:
"A cute sister who loves her brother enough to marry him doesn't exist in the real world!"
"Let's move on to Contestant #2!"
Before Tanaka could continue, a hand snatched the microphone.
"I'm here for the third-place prize: the Magical Girl Meruru Collector's Edition!" declared Kirino Kousaka proudly.
"So, listen up! That Meruru set is already mine!"
Grabbing the mic back, Tanaka sighed and continued:
"Due to some interruptions, let me reintroduce Contestant #2: Kyosuke Kousaka and his girlfriend, Kirino Kousaka!"
"Despite his average appearance, Kyosuke found himself a stunning girlfriend with the same surname—truly destiny!"
"Though she resembles my annoying sister, we still wish them happiness."
Ignoring Kirino's restrained fury, Tanaka shifted gears.
"Next up is Contestant #3: Miyuki Shirogane and his girlfriend, Kaguya Shinomiya!"
"Not only are they both prestigious Shuchiin Academy students, but they also lead the school's student council!"
"Their relationship is a perfect match of talent and beauty!"
"Let's wish them eternal happiness!"
Under Shinomiya's approving smile, Tanaka exhaled with relief.
'Great! I did well. Promotion, here I come!'
Feeling reinvigorated, he approached the next pair.
"Now, Contestant #4: The Hero of Dark Flames, Yuuta Togashi, and the Wicked Eye, Rikka Takanashi!"
"Though still in high school, they've faced countless challenges together."
"Their mutual understanding rivals that of a cohabiting couple!"
"What envy! I wish I could live with a cute chuunibyou girlfriend too!"
After regaining composure, Tanaka coughed and added:
"Let's introduce the final team: Contestant #5: Hiroshi and his fiancée, the Fallen Saint Black Cat!"
"Darn it! Why are cute chuunibyou girlfriends so easy to find?"
"Maybe I should embrace chuunibyou too—assign me a cute chuunibyou girlfriend already!"
With despair-filled wails, Tanaka collapsed dramatically.
"Why did they make a lonely guy like me the host? Any cute loli spectators interested? I can take care of you!"
Spotting Gabriel nearby, he added:
"Hey, blond loli! You look like a seasoned slacker. Wanna chat?"
Gabriel deadpanned, "Scram."
"Excellent spirit!" Tanaka exclaimed.
"Thus, the First 'Couples: I Know What You Think' Grand Finals begins!"
"I'm your host, Tanaka! Let's get started!"
"Here comes the first question!"