“Link Play”, page 18

You may want to re-read "Double Down," because you are 100% misreading Mike's mental state in this chapter. Mike literally hates himself, and whether you think that's warranted or not based on his prior actions, I can almost guarantee you that intentionally hurting Lucy is the furthest thing from his mind. If you're reading anything other than guilt on his face in these scenes, I think you're grievously missing the point of this chapter so far.

Alec

I like how James can pick up on some weird vibes and attempts to diffuse a situation.

Haruhi Hatake

"Rubbing it in that he has friends" nah.

hazel

Yeah the guy who told her she's so unlikable that all her friends hate her, causing her to be physically ill and ultimately attempt suicide, then bawled his eyes out TO THE GIRL HE PUSHED TO ATTEMPT SUICIDE and then KISSED HER the moment things didn't turn out, just to dump her the next day because he doesn't have the guts to admit he's not happy is not really wrong in this scene, where he's rubbing it in that he has friends and appears likable because *checks notes* he is a grey cat with a scarf. Yes. The right thing to do here would be to turn to James and say "oh no my explosive diarrhea, sorry I can't stay" and then excuse himself.

orange slice

Yeah! How dare Mike *checks notes* try to have a good time with his new friends while actively trying to avoid Lucy like he promised he would without causing a scene. What a jerk that Mike is, am I right? Look, I get Mike is far from blameless for the events in this comic, and don't blame anyone for disliking him. But... he's not really doing anything in this scene? Honestly, aside from maybe pulling James aside for a bit to explain things, he's handling this as best he can, and I sincerely doubt he's thinking straight at the moment.

Alec

In no universe does Mike despise Lucy though.

When I say amicable, I mean amicable for Mike & Lucy standards which essentially means "they still despise each other but they're at least willing to leave on civil terms"

Steven Marshall

Sheer stupid positivity, the Lucy Weakness

Ren

I kinda feel like it’ll be a mix of 2 and 3. I don’t see this scenario turning very amicable, but maybe some level of communication might open a little.

Potat-Dragon

James is nice. Can't say the same about Mike

orange slice

I've been hoping for James to say something that might actually, legitimately defuse the tension. Atta boy

Antares

Mike: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3tRn6NMDN0s

SCD

Those eyes.. You must be a Trainer too!

Adranova

Lucy's surliness vs James' oblivious cheerfulness FIGHT

AlisterTX

Three ways I see this going down: 1) Lucy says no - Mike is left feeling guilty and ends up leaving the arcade early 2) Lucy says yes - they get competitive and start arguing - they begin saying things that leave an intense emotional impact while the friend group has to watch awkwardly on the sidelines - both leave on a dire note 3) Lucy says yes - they actually start having fun and memories of their childhood playing games together come flooding back - relationship is still fractured but they're at least willing to admit they had fun and leave on an amicable note

Steven Marshall

Is this the Link Play?

Insomni-act

Dang Lucy, if looks could kill

Insomni-act

James is a precious bean.

CasterXDesigns

prediction: lucy beats mike's ass at this game and now theyre even

audrey