The tutor opened the window and let the cool breeze fill the room. Leaning against the sill she turned towards that young master and watched as he did his studies just as she had instructed.

“Once you finish that our session for today is done.”

Mikoto gave the woman a side glance and nodded his head in acknowledgement. He then glanced at the spot at the end of the bed where there was a pile of pillows and blankets on this otherwise freshly made bed. He didn't want her finding out what was underneath and tell his father. He cringed at the thought of his father finding out. Mikoto then closed his textbook and turned towards the older woman.

"I'm finished." He told her rather bluntly. She walked over to see his work but Mikoto wasn't having any of that. A quick look at the clock told him it was almost time. Instead he handed her his book and papers and ushered her out of the room ignoring her protests. As soon as she was out he closed the door and checked his phone pretending he didn't hear her knocks.

He wasn't normally like this, but this was the first time he had asked his older brother to come over. Haru usually was the one who made surprise visits and forced Mikoto into playing these games with him. His phone showed no new messages.

"Yo!" Mikoto spat out in surprise. He turned towards the window to see his brother climbing in through the open window.

"...why?" Mikoto said in a deadpan, "You could have come in through the front door."

"This way is faster." Haru laughed and sat back comfortably on the bed. "It's rare that I get a call from my cute little brother. Why did you call me here anyway?"

Mikoto lightly pushed his brother out of the way and pulled out a bag from underneath the pile of blankets. "This is an early birthday present for you."

Haru looked through the bag and almost fell off the bed. "Holy shit! Mikoto how did you get your hands on this? I heard it was sold out in seconds!"

"Brother said he was looking forward to this game." Mikoto explained. "It wasn't too hard to get a hold of it. " If you have money that is, but he wasn't about to say that out loud.

"This is awesome!" Haru pulled Mikoto into a bear hug. "We should play it now!"

"Now?"

"Yeah!" Haru pulled out the two games that and two unopened NerveGear consoles out of the bag. "It looks like you were planning on playing as well! It just came out today so now is the best time to start!"

Mikoto opened his mouth to say something but it was too late Haru started booting everything up.

"Come here," Haru waved him over, "The cord only reaches so far." Mikoto sat beside his brother and Haru placed one of the NerveGear helmets on him. "Now to get it started you have to say 'Link Start', okay?"

Mikoto nodded and repeated the phrase just as Haru had instructed, "Link Start."