Chapter 10: New Cards And New Feelings
Anzu: "It's getting a little late, guys. I think we should start heading home."
The sun was already setting outside the game shop.
Yugi: "I'll walk you home, Anzu-chan."
Anzu: "Thanks, Yugi!"
Jounouchi: "Well, Honda and I will get going too. See you tomorrow, guys!"
"Bye, everyone."
After they all left the game shop, Akia and her grandfather started getting ready to close the store.
"Hey, grandpa? Are you hungry? I feel like going to buy something to eat at the convenience store."
Sugoroku: "Well, since you'll be going, could you get me a pork steamed bun? It's been a while since I ate convenience store foods, your mother always says it's not healthy..."
"I know what you mean... Well, I'll be going then."
Sugoroku: "Oh, by the way. I got these new packs of Duel Monster cards and I thought you'd be interested to take one of them."
"Great! I felt like I needed to upgrade my deck a little more. How many cards are in one pack?"
Sugoroku: "I think four. They usually contain more rare cards, that's why."
Akia went to pick a random pack.
"Thanks, grandpa. I'll check them out on my way to the store."
Sugoroku: "Have fun, Akia. Don't take too long!"
As Akia was walking to the store, she excitedly opened her card packs
'Awesome! Can't wait to check these cards out! Let's see... First card is... Banisher of the Light (100/2000) Huge defence! It looks like it has a special effect too... As long as it's face up, all cards that are supposed to go to the graveyard are removed from play instead? Well, how would that benefit me... Maybe there are cards that are stronger when there are cards that are removed from play? Well, in any case, it's going in my deck because of that huge defense. Second card, now... Different Dimension Warrior (1200/1000)... Another effect monster? When it battles with another monster, they're both removed from play after damage calculation. What is this? Removed from play edition? Well, it could get rid of strong monsters. In my deck, then! Third card is... Man-Eater Bug (450/600)... Well, that's an ugly monster. When it's flipped, it destroys a monster on the field. Could come in handy... Now, last card is a trap! I needed some! Sakuretsu Armor? This trap can destroy one attacking monster. Well, well... Pretty good power-ups for my deck! Thank you, grandpa!'
She finally arrived at the convenience store after checking out her new cards. The twin sister bought a few steamed buns as well as some other snacks that she felt like eating.
'Well, I should get back before the sun sets... I wonder if Yugi's back. Having all the fun with Anzu... Hehehe, I'll totally tease him about this.'
She opened the shop door and the jingle sounded.
"Grandpa, I'm back!"
Sugoroku: "Finally! I was craving those steamed buns!"
"Let's eat them here before mom finds us out..."
The game shop's door chime sounded once more as Yugi came in.
Yugi: "I'm back... Wait, are these convenience store steamed buns?"
"Want some?"
Yugi: "Give me some! It's been forever since we had those."
"So Yugi, did you kiss her?"
Yugi's face turned all shades of red.
Yugi: "W-W-W-What? K-K-K-Kiss? It's... It's not like... like that b-b-between me and Anzu-chan!"
"Yeah, right! You're head over heels for that girl! When are you going to man up and tell her how you feel?"
Yugi: "She doesn't feel the same way about me... Look, can we stop talking about this?"
"Fine... Sooooo did you at least hug her?"
Yugi: "Akia!"
"Sorry, sorry! I couldn't help it! Hey, guess what! I got some new cards today, want to play against my new deck?"
Yugi: "Like you needed any extra power-ups... Well, it'll be fun, I guess. Let's see what you've got."
The next day at school, Akia recounted the events of the night.
"And that's how I won again."
Jounouchi: "Geez... I feel sorry for ya Yugi."
Yugi: "Can't help it... Those new cards are a serious power-up."
Bakura: "Good job, Akia-chan. If I wasn't so busy with all the catching up, I would've already made my own deck by now..."
"Come on, Bakura, when you're done with all that useless studying, I'll make sure that we have a proper duel."
Bakura: "Thanks, Akia-chan."
Akia slightly blushed at the smile that Bakura gave her.
Jounouchi: "I caught that, Akia! You're blushing! So adorable!"
"Shut up, Jounouchi!"
Akia smacked the back of Jounouchi's head, and tried to hide her blush, that got deeper, with her other hand. She didn't get how Jounouchi could be so insensitive sometimes... The one she really, truly liked was him. She had to admit that Bakura didn't leave her indifferent, but that was because he was extremely good-looking... and nice... and considerate... and... there was something familiar about the spirit in his ring.
Jounouchi rubbed the back of his head, moaning in pain. He then ruffled Akia's hair.
"Hey! What was that for?"
Jounouchi: "Payback for touching my beautiful head!"
"Nothing's beautiful about it..."
Akia mumbled while trying to fix her hair.
"There... Hey, Bakura, is my hair less crazy now?"
Bakura: "Wait... There's a hair sticking out..."
Bakura extended his hand and arranged the rebellious strand. He caressed it down and his hand paused when it was positioned on the side of Akia's face. He then stared longingly into her eyes. Akia felt herself blush uncontrollably.
"B... Bakura? Is there something on my face?"
Bakura flinched, as if he was snapping out of a dream. He retracted his hand, and scratched the back of his head, looking around in embarrassment.
Bakura: "I-I'm really sorry about that, Akia-chan... I don't know what took me..."
"It's okay, don't worry about it. Thanks... for adjusting my hair."
They were both avoiding making eye contact.
Anzu: "Akia, Bakura! The teacher's here!"
They both snapped out of their stupor and rushed to take their seats.
'Man, that was weird... But it felt... nice...'