I met Yuuki-san and... Hiro about a year ago. At that time, it was normal for me to have free time. Bored, so incredibly bored... I had nothing to do and felt as though I might just shrivel up. It was then that I happened to see a commercial for an online game. Should I play it? I thought, out of sheer boredom and a lack of anything better to do. That's how I, Iris, descended into the world of "FanNex". A world of swords and sorcery. A boundless expanse of land stretching endlessly. A limitless sky. A deep sea. It was so realistic that it hardly seemed like a game. And there were many people embarking on "adventures". I was thrilled. Perhaps this place could dispel my boredom. It might satisfy my soul. And so I started playing "FanNex"... Only to feel on the brink of giving up within the first hour. The tutorial of this game was bafflingly unclear. There is a thorough explanation, but it requires accepting a special quest first. Yet, there's no clear guidance on how to get it. As a result, I ended up in a field without going through the tutorial... I barely understood how to control my character, and I kept getting thrashed by enemies. A relentless cycle. Wouldn't anyone feel like giving up? "...Sigh, maybe I should just quit." Just as I was about to throw in the towel, "Without using skills properly, you'll find battles quite challenging, you know?" Someone called out to me like that. A beastman with ears and a tail, more rugged than handsome. In "FanNex" you can choose from many races and customize your character to your liking. "Huh? ...Skills?" "I noticed you haven't been using any skills, just auto-attacks, so I couldn't help but call out... I'm sorry if I'm bothering you." "Oh no, it's fine. More importantly..." He seems genuinely helpful. He suggests there's a proper way to engage in battle. Would he teach me if I asked? But wouldn't that be too impudent? "Would you like me to show you some combat techniques?" "Is that okay?" "Yes. I just finished today's quota, and happen to have some free time." Quota? There's a quota even in a game?

"Um, then please, I'm counting on you." "Got it. Ah, by the way, my name's Hiro." "I'm Iris." ...This was how Iris and Hiro first met. ―――――――――― As usual, after returning from school, I booted up 'FanNex'. It was supposed to be just a way to pass the time, but... Now, I'm totally addicted. "Oh, there's Hiro." The auto-chat notified me that "Hiro has logged in". Because we're in the same clan, I get an alert when he logs in. "Heya, Hiro♪" "Hi there." It's been a few months now since I met Hiro. We've become quite good friends. "You're on early today as well." "You too, Iris." "What's the plan?" "First, we need to gather materials for our weapons. Oh, has this week's supply piled up?" "Um... maybe we should try the endgame content?" "I'd like to try it, but... isn't it too soon? We're not well-equipped, and we still have a lot to learn about executing our skills." "Yeah, I know... but I really do want to try it someday! And I want to clear it with Hiro!" "Agreed." "So, let's go fishing instead today." "What about the casino?" "...I lost big at the slots." "Ouch... Do you want me to share some of my medals?" "I shall not need your pity!" "What's up with that way of speaking?" "So that settles it, we're going fishing!" "You're pretty forceful. But, okay." "Thanks♪" I think I'm being rather selfish. Pushing through with what I want to do. Though I give Hiro's suggestions a listen, they are usually turned down. Ugh, I'm awful. But Hiro always laughed and joined in with me. Even while saying "Can't be helped, huh?" he seemed to enjoy himself. Hiro is by my side. Being there with me. Before I knew it, the loneliness I always felt had vanished. "Mmm..." As I cast a fishing line in the river, I watch Hiro.

Ears and a tail like those of a wolf. A face designed with a wild look. He could be called handsome. But... This is strictly the world of a game. Different from reality. What does the real Hiro look like, I wonder? He's probably a student like me. Judging by the times we play together... And sometimes he disappears for a week or so. I think it's during exam periods. So, he might be a middle or high school student? I don't think he's in college. If he were a college student, he'd have a lot more free time, right? I wonder what other hobbies Hiro has? What's his favorite food? If I made that for him, would he be happy? How does the real Hiro laugh, I wonder? Is it just like in the game? Or will he show me a side I've never seen before? "Iris?" "..." "Hey, Iris? Did you fall asleep?" "Huh? Oh, yeah. What's up?" I was was so caught up in thoughts about Hero that I didn't notice the chat messages. "I've got a really big catch!" "Really? Show me, show me!" "Here... it's a pair of long boots." "...Pfft, ahahaha! A gag item, huh? Catching something like that is oddly rare! So rare!" "Right? Think I could let them 'swim' in my fish tank?" "Putting long boots in a fish tank is just too absurd. Stop, you're making me laugh so hard it hurts." I burst into laughter in front of the screen. It's always like this. Being with Hiro, I find myself always smiling. We have such enjoyable times together. I wonder... what about Hiro? Does he find joy in our constant companionship, I wonder? Is he smiling on the other side of the screen? If so... that would make me so happy. "Hey, Hiro," "Hmm?" "... Never mind, it’s nothing♪" Thank you for everything, always. Also... I like you. I am in love with you.