Another world Game Developers in Japan`s 1991

Wednesday, December 25, 1991

At the Zage office, the once-busy atmosphere had now settled into silence. All employees had already left for their holiday break, with plans to return on January 2st. Zaboru had encouraged them to avoid overtime, insisting they spend time with their families. However, Yugo, ever the workaholic, had expressed his desire to stay and assist Zaboru through the holiday season. Zaboru, with a small chuckle, firmly refused and instead asked Yuna to escort her twin brother home, ensuring that he, too, took a well-earned break.

Despite the empty office, Zaboru remained at his desk, his mind deeply immersed in his projects. He was making significant progress on his upcoming ZEPS titles: Z-Man and SpongeBob, both slated for release in January. Z-Man AD particularly close to completion, with its scheduled launch date set for December 29th. Zaboru had already prepared the advertisement, and all that remained were a few finishing touches from the ad agency.

As he continued coding, the door to his office suddenly burst open. "Nii-san!" a familiar voice called out.

Zaboru turned his head, slightly startled. To his surprise, his entire family stood in the doorway. His younger sister, Sanika, beamed excitedly, while his parents, Zanichi and Keiko, followed behind. Zanichi grinned smugly. "I'll be damned. How am I supposed to compete with a guy who keeps working even on holidays?"

Keiko chuckled, shaking her head. "Zaboru, did you really think you could spend the holiday locked away in your office? You're wrong!" She placed her hands on her hips, playfully scolding him.

Zaboru couldn't help but smile at the sight of his caring family. Just as he was about to respond, Sanika rushed up to him, eyes sparkling. "Nii-sama! Did you know that almost everyone in my class plays ZEPS now? I have so many new friends, and guess what? I'm actually the best player among them!"

Zaboru raised an amused eyebrow. "Oh? Really? Then you must be really good!"

Sanika grinned proudly and nodded before rushing over to the CRT TV in his office. She grabbed the controller and eagerly started playing ZEPS. Zaboru simply watched, his heart warmed by her enthusiasm.

Meanwhile, Keiko set down a basket filled with food. "I brought plenty for us to enjoy together," she said cheerfully.

Zanichi, however, had his eyes on Zaboru's work. He peered over at the lines of code on his son's screen, stroking his chin thoughtfully. Zaboru caught his father's gaze and smirked. "Trying to steal some trade secrets, old man?"

Zanichi grinned. "Heh, just curious. Besides, don't underestimate me. I can still make a game that might surprise even you, Mr. CEO."

Keiko sighed, placing a hand on her husband's arm. "Anata, why are you always trying to compete with our son? Why not just join him?"

Zanichi chuckled, crossing his arms. "First, I want to prove that I'm not too shabby when it comes to game development. And second, isn't a little competition fun, CEO?"

Zaboru grinned and nodded. "Dad's right, Mom. Don't worry about it."

Before Keiko could reply, the office door opened once again. This time, it was Ayumi.

"Oh, I thought Zaboru would be alone... Good morning, Keiko-san, Zanichi-san," she greeted politely.

Her eyes landed on Sanika, who immediately perked up. "Ayumi-nee! I missed you!"

Ayumi chuckled warmly, patting the younger girl's head. "I missed you too, Sani-chan."

Sanika beamed. "Let's play ZEPS together!"

Ayumi nodded. "Okay, but later, alright?"

She then turned to Zaboru. "Still working even on the holidays, huh?" she teased.

Zaboru scratched his head. "Yeah... something like that. Anyway on the phone yesterday, you mentioned your brother was looking for me?"

Ayumi nodded. "Yes. Nii-sama sent a message saying he'd be stopping by tomorrow to meet you or he will give you address to visit him."

Zaboru raised an eyebrow. "Akechi-san did? Well, alright. I'll be here tomorrow, anyway."

Ayumi sat down beside Keiko, who looked absolutely delighted. "Ayumi-chan, you're as beautiful as ever."

Ayumi giggled. "You too, Keiko-san."

Keiko smirked mischievously. "So, Ayumi... does Zaboru always ignore you?"

Zaboru visibly flinched at the question, but Ayumi simply smiled and shook her head. "No, Keiko-san. Zaboru is always busy, but I understand."

Keiko pouted. "Zaboru! How could you ignore such a beautiful girlfriend and choose work instead?"

Zaboru sighed. "Mom, I don't ignore her. She always visits on weekends, and we spend time together. Right, Ayumi? Even if it's in my office..."

Keiko giggled. "Ara~? Alone together in your office?"

Zaboru groaned. "Mom... it's not like that. Anyway, since you're all here, I guess I won't be getting any work done. So how about we take a trip? Maybe an amusement park or something?"

Sanika's eyes sparkled. "Yeah! I want to go to an amusement park!"

Zaboru grinned. "But first, let's go to the mall. I'll buy whatever you guys want."

Zanichi smirked. "Heh, flashing your CEO money now?"

Sanika, on the other hand, was already bouncing in excitement. "Yay! Let's go, let's go!"

And with that, the Zaboru family and Ayumi piled into Zanichi's car, setting off for a day of shopping and fun.

To be continued...

Author note : Well bonus chapter for you, sorry if I'm blabbering too much hahaha. And thinking there is new chapter but it turns out just me blabering. I'm sorry!, so this is my apology token

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