Life In The Limelight : I Married A Gamer Girl-Chapter 58: Research : Tennis

Kazuma and Masako had already covered several aspects of their slice-of-life game, but now it was time to focus on sports mechanics. Wanting to include realistic athletic activities in the game, they decided to start with tennis, one of their favorite sports.

The best way to research? Compete in a real tournament.

So, they signed up for a local doubles tennis tournament featuring eight teams. It was a small but competitive event, perfect for gathering authentic gameplay data while also having fun.

The sun was high overhead as the tournament began, and the couple stood side by side on the court, dressed in matching white and blue tennis outfits. Kazuma wore a comfortable polo and shorts, while Masako sported a fitted athletic dress that flattered her curves beautifully. Her toned legs looked stunning under the short hem, and her ponytail swayed every time she moved.

Kazuma had to force himself to focus on the tournament instead of his wife.

Masako grinned, twirling her racket. "Alright, dear, let's put on a show. We need to make sure our game has the best doubles mechanics possible."

Kazuma smirked, adjusting his grip on his racket. "You just want an excuse to crush people, don't you?"

Masako giggled. "You know me so well."

Their first-round opponents were a tough duo—two athletic guys who had impressive speed and power. Right from the start, Kazuma and Masako could tell that their opponents were not to be underestimated.

The match began with an explosive rally.

The opposing team played aggressively, slamming powerful serves and lightning-fast volleys. Kazuma barely managed to return the first shot, sending the ball high into the air.

Masako immediately dashed forward, adjusting her stance. "I got it!"

She leaped and smashed the ball back with precision. Their opponents reacted quickly, sending it flying back even harder.

Kazuma gritted his teeth. They're fast!

Masako narrowed her golden eyes. "Dear, switch formation!"

Kazuma nodded, instantly adjusting to a defensive stance while Masako took the aggressive front position.

For the next few minutes, the match was a blur of rapid exchanges. The opposing duo had incredible strength and agility, making it difficult to land a solid point.

But they had one weakness.

Kazuma noticed it first—their coordination was completely off.

Despite their skill, the two players weren't in sync. One would rush ahead while the other lagged behind. Their reactions were mismatched, and their positioning was sloppy.

Masako caught on immediately. She smirked. "Dear, let's show them what a real team looks like."

Kazuma grinned. "Time for some couple synergy."

They began targeting the gaps in their opponents' teamwork.

When one opponent ran forward, Kazuma lobbed the ball over their head. When the other tried to cover, Masako sent a sharp cross-court shot that left them scrambling.

The crowd murmured in admiration. The difference in team chemistry was clear—while their opponents were two skilled individuals, Kazuma and Masako were a true duo.

They moved in sync, anticipating each other's plays without words.

Masako dashed forward, hitting a fast volley. Kazuma was already prepared, jumping in with a perfectly timed smash.

"Game, set, and match!"

The scoreboard flashed their victory.

Kazuma and Masako high-fived, then Masako pulled him into a quick hug. "Flawless teamwork, dear!"

Kazuma chuckled. "You carried that one, sweetie."

Masako winked. "Of course. But you made the perfect partner."

Their first-round match was over, and the power couple advanced to the next round.

As they walked off the court, hand in hand, Masako smirked. "This is fun. Let's win the whole tournament, dear."

Kazuma smirked back. "You read my mind."

The next match awaited—but the power couple was just getting started.

Kazuma and Masako advanced to the semi-finals, ready to take on their next opponents. This time, their competition was a pair of sisters—skilled, precise, and known for their flawless coordination.

The sisters, Ayame and Rika, were both lean and athletic, moving in perfect sync as they warmed up. Unlike their previous opponents, these two lacked raw power but compensated with sharp reflexes and near-perfect teamwork.

Masako adjusted her grip on her racket, golden eyes gleaming. "Dear, these two are different. Their teamwork is seamless."

Kazuma nodded. "Yeah, they're reading each other's movements perfectly. No wasted steps, no hesitation."

Masako smirked. "Then we'll have to break their rhythm."

The match started with a fast-paced rally. The sisters played with flawless precision, never missing a shot, returning everything Kazuma and Masako threw at them.

Kazuma smashed the ball with power, but Ayame absorbed the impact with a perfect block, sending the ball back with pinpoint control.

Masako responded instantly, slicing the ball at an angle. Rika was already in position, returning it with a beautiful drop shot.

The game dragged on intensely, neither side gaining a clear advantage.

Kazuma gritted his teeth. "They're too precise. We need an opening."

Masako smirked. "Then let's make one."

She changed tactics.

Instead of going for powerful returns, Masako started playing with deception.

She sent fake-out shots, pretending to hit hard but softening her swings at the last second. The sisters reacted quickly but overcommitted, leaving tiny gaps in their formation.

That was all Kazuma needed.

Masako sent a soft lob, baiting them forward. The moment Ayame stepped up, Kazuma unleashed a brutal spike, smashing the ball into the open space behind them.

Point.

The sisters stiffened, realizing what had happened.

Masako giggled, twirling her racket. "Oh? What's wrong? You don't like surprises?"

Ayame frowned. "You tricked us..."

Masako winked. "That's the game, sweetie."

Now that they had found a strategy, Kazuma and Masako kept the pressure up.

Masako focused on manipulating their opponents, forcing the sisters into bad positions. Every time they moved out of sync for even a second, Kazuma smashed the ball down, using his strength to end the rallies unpredictably.

The sisters tried to adjust, but Masako was too clever, constantly shifting their formation while Kazuma attacked relentlessly.

With one final thunderous spike, Kazuma blasted the ball past them, securing the win.

Game, set, and match!

The moment the scoreboard flashed their victory, Masako launched herself at Kazuma.

She jumped into his arms, wrapping her thick, toned thighs around his waist as she hugged him tightly.

Kazuma stumbled back slightly, laughing as he caught her. "Whoa, sweetie!"

Masako giggled, squeezing him in her embrace. "We did it, dear! We're in the finals!"

Kazuma held her close, spinning her slightly before setting her down, his arms still wrapped around her. "That was incredible, Masako."

Masako grinned. "Mmm, I had fun watching you dominate the court. That power of yours is so sexy."

Kazuma smirked. "And your strategy was genius. You set everything up perfectly."

Masako leaned up, pressing a quick kiss to his cheek. "You know me, dear. I love making you look good."

The crowd cheered for them as they walked off the court, hand in hand.

They had conquered another challenging match.

Now, only one final round stood between them and victory.

Kazuma smirked. "One more win to go."

Masako's golden eyes shone with excitement. "Let's finish this tournament in style."

The finals awaited.

The day of the finals had arrived, and the air around the court buzzed with excitement. Kazuma and Masako stood side by side, their hands briefly brushing as they watched their opponents enter the court. The final match was between them and another couple, Hiro and Reina—two seasoned players known for their years of experience and calculated precision.

Unlike their previous opponents, Hiro and Reina had excellent teamwork and could match Kazuma and Masako's coordination. What they lacked, however, was speed.

Masako smirked, gripping her racket. "Dear, they look strong, but I think we've got the edge."

Kazuma adjusted his stance, his blue eyes focused. "Yeah, we'll have to outrun them. Let's use our speed to keep them on their toes."

Masako giggled, leaning closer. "Think you can keep up with me?"

Kazuma smirked. "Always, sweetie."

The referee blew the whistle, signaling the start of the match.

From the very first serve, it was clear that Hiro and Reina were formidable opponents. They played with patience and precision, sending calculated shots that forced Kazuma and Masako to sprint across the court.

Kazuma darted forward, returning a sharp volley, while Masako dashed to the side, intercepting Reina's counterattack. Their speed allowed them to keep up, and for a while, the match seemed evenly matched.

But halfway through the game, things took a turn.

Masako lunged to return a high shot, landing awkwardly on her right foot. She stumbled slightly, her face twisting in pain.

Kazuma noticed immediately. "Masako!"

The whistle blew as the game paused. Kazuma rushed over to her, his heart pounding. "Sweetie, are you okay?"

Masako winced, leaning against him for support. "I... I think I twisted my ankle."

Kazuma frowned, his concern overwhelming. Without a second thought, he scooped her up in his arms, carrying her off the court.

The crowd murmured as he gently set her down on a bench, inspecting her ankle. "We're forfeiting," he said firmly, his blue eyes serious. "I'm not risking you getting hurt worse."

But Masako grabbed his wrist, stopping him. "No, dear. You're not giving up now."

Kazuma blinked. "Masako, you're hurt. I'm not going to keep playing while you're—"

Masako smiled softly, cupping his cheek. "Listen, I'm fine. It's just a little strain. You've worked so hard to get here, and I know how much you hate leaving things unfinished."

Kazuma hesitated, torn between his worry for her and her words.

Then, Masako's smile turned mischievous. She leaned closer, her golden eyes gleaming. "Tell you what... if you win this, I'll give you a little reward."

Kazuma raised an eyebrow. "A reward?"

Masako tugged the collar of her shirt slightly, revealing a hint of her cleavage. "Mmm, let's just say... I'll let you have me all to yourself tonight."

Kazuma's face turned bright red. "M-Masako!"

She giggled, enjoying his reaction. "What? Does the idea of a victory celebration not motivate you?"

Kazuma coughed, trying to regain his composure. "You're unbelievable."

Masako tilted her head, smirking. "Is that a no, dear?"

Kazuma exhaled sharply, standing up and gripping his racket. "No way. I'm finishing this. For you."

Masako leaned back, satisfied. "Good boy. Now go show them what you're made of."

With renewed determination, Kazuma stepped back onto the court.

The energy in the air shifted as the match resumed. Hiro and Reina tried to regain control, but Kazuma was on fire.

He moved with lightning speed, smashing the ball into impossible corners and landing unpredictable shots that left his opponents scrambling. Every ounce of hesitation they showed was exploited.

Masako watched from the sidelines, her heart pounding as Kazuma dominated the court. "That's my dear," she whispered with a smile, her cheeks tinged with warmth.

With one final, thunderous spike, Kazuma ended the match.

Game, set, and match!

The crowd erupted into cheers as the referee declared Kazuma the winner.

He immediately turned and ran over to Masako, dropping his racket as he crouched in front of her. "Sweetie, we did it!"

Masako's eyes sparkled with pride. She threw her arms around his neck, pulling him into a tight hug. "You were amazing, dear! I knew you could do it!"

Kazuma hugged her back, holding her gently as he whispered, "I only won because of you."

Masako giggled. "And don't you forget it."

After the awards ceremony, Kazuma carried Masako back to their car, determined to take care of her. But just as he opened the car door to set her down, Masako grabbed his collar and tugged him into the driver's seat, pinning him down.

"Masako—!"

Her golden eyes gleamed as she leaned in close, her lips brushing against his ear. "You worked so hard today, dear. I think it's time I repaid you..."

Kazuma's heart raced as Masako straddled him, her fingers running through his hair. She licked her lips, smirking. "Don't think I forgot our deal."

That evening, their victory celebration was one for the books, and Kazuma made a mental note to always trust Masako's promises.

After all, his wife always knew how to reward him.