Tao Kinouchi – SSR: “The Brave”
The Destination of the Invitation?
Part 1
HAMA House – Living Room
(Whew… I’m glad today’s work proved productive.
Not only was the project plan I brought well received, I even got an invitation to the pop-up shop for the game.
That being said, I really don’t know much about this game, “Final Brave”…
I wonder if it’s okay for someone such as myself to go…?)
Did you just get back, Chief?
Ah, Tao-kun. Yeah, I just got back after finishing up some work.
Nice job out there. I was just about to brew some coffee, so if you’d like, I can make you a cup, too.
Wait, is that a ticket to the FB pop-up shop!?
(FB… He must be referring to Final Brave.)
It is. My business client today was a game company, and they gave me an invitation to their upcoming, limited pop-up shop.
Wow, that’s super lucky!
Those tickets are so popular right now, the next three months are already sold out!
I didn’t know that…! I hope it’s okay that I received something so valuable.
From what I’ve heard, Final Brave isn’t only popular in Japan, but also around the world. I’ve never played it, though…
You’ve never played Final Brave!? Is that even possible at your age to have never played it once!?
S-so it is crazy!?
Ah, no… Sorry. It’s not that weird at all.
It’s probably more embarrassing that I’m making such a fuss over a game at my age…
Hm?
Ah, never mind. So are you going? To the pop-up shop, I mean.
I’d like to go since they were kind enough to invite me, but… I’m worried about whether or not it’s okay for me to go, since I don’t know much about the game.
You seem to be interested, though, Tao-kun. Why don’t I give you the ticket, and you can go check it out?
Eh, are you sure!?
Yeah. I think it would be better for someone who can actually enjoy it fully to go rather than someone who doesn’t know anything about the game, like myself.
T-that’s… Well, you’re right that I’m curious to go check it out.
It’s written here that it admits two people.
Huh? Ah, you’re right. I didn’t notice at all…
In that case, why don’t you come along?
If I go alone, then the next time you meet with the game company, they might ask you about it, and it could be awkward…
I think it could be good material for your next conversation with them!
True… Above all, it seems like it could be a great way to learn more about FB.
Huh? You want to learn more about FB, Chief?
If it’s strange to have never experienced the game in my lifetime, then by all means.
Uh… that was just a figure of speech, or something… Sorry…
Haha, I was just teasing. I’d be really grateful to have someone as knowledgeable as you with me.
I’m looking forward to it!
Yeah. I’m looking forward to it, too!
Part 2
Pop-up Shop
Amazing… There’s a lot more merchandise than I was expecting.
There really is! I didn’t know there was this much official FB merch—
Wait, is that the hero’s sword from II!?
A life-sized replica? It seems to be a photo spot.
There are tons of customers here, in every age range, too. It’s split equally between men and women, as well, and everyone looks to be having fun.
……
Should I take a photo of you, Tao-kun? It’s a bit crowded, but since we’re here, I can line up—
No, it’s okay!
Huh? But lots of people are taking photos…
Anyway, let’s go take a closer look at everything! I’m sure there’s more to see!
O-okay…
——— A moment later…
Wow, this merch is so cute!
There are items with monsters printed on them, and a chopstick rest shaped like a castle… I could use these in my everyday life, so it’s really tempting!
Agreed. Although the shopping basket is already about to burst.
Whoa, when did you grab that basket!? It’s already filled to the brim and overflowing like a bucket of popcorn…
Well, when I look at it all, I just want to buy everything. This coaster with the hero’s emblem is really nifty, and this keychain is a great reproduction of the monster from III—
…Anyway, that’s part of it, but mostly, I really just want to bring back souvenirs for everyone!
I think Natsume-san would enjoy this demon king’s sword muddler1.
(Would he like it…? It doesn’t really look like something Yodaka-san would own…
Which is to say…)
Tao-kun, are you holding back?
Huh?
It seems like you really love FB more than you’re letting on.
If so, I’d like you to relax and enjoy yourself. Or was there something else on your mind?
Something else on my mind…
I was worried you might be turned off by a grown adult being obsessed about a game…
What!?
I don’t care about that at all! What you like has nothing to do with your age, and I think it’s great to be really passionate about something!
Besides, it’s fun to listen when you talk enthusiastically about games, so please don’t worry about something like that.
Chief…
Thank you. Somehow, I think in a weird way, trying to look cool only made me look uncool.
Alright! Starting right now, I’m going to enjoy myself to the max! I’m going to explore this store from top to bottom!
Yeah, that’s the spirit! I’d be delighted if you could tell me more about the game.
Of course! I’ll talk your ear off until you beg me to stop! Now then—
I’m going to grab another shopping basket!
Ehhh, you’re going to shop more!?
——— A while later…
Whew… I had a blast!
Delivery drones are really convenient. I’m amazed they can carry two full cardboard boxes.
There were two full boxes!? You really bought a lot…
Yeah, I thought I’d definitely regret it if I didn’t buy it now!
True, many items are often exclusive to the venue.
But I’m glad you were able to enjoy yourself to the fullest. Well then, shall we head home for today?
Ah… Can I ask one last thing?
Hm?
I said I was okay before, but…
I do actually want to take a photo at the hero’s sword spot…
A-are you okay taking a picture for me?
Tao-kun…
Of course… Alright, let’s snap that photo! Okay, make a pose!
——— The Chief snaps a picture of Tao.
How’s this?
Thank you! Um…
Uh, Chief… Is one more okay?
Sure?
I’d like to take a photo with you. Is that all right?
Since we came here together, as a memento.
Ah, sure. That’s fine…
Alright, I’ll take it. Chihiro taught me how to take a good selfie.
Um, like this…
Sorry, Chief, but can you please get a bit closer?
O-okay!
Alright, say, “Cheese.”
——— Tao snaps a selfie of the two of them.
Alright, that seems like a good one. Thank you again!
(I’m glad Tao-kun seems so happy…!)
Footnotes
- A muddler is a bartender’s tool, used like a pestle to mash (or “muddle”) fruits, herbs, and spices in the bottom of a glass to release their flavor. ↩︎
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