Game Developer in the World of Anime

After confirming the time for tomorrow, Yukino Yukinoshita returned to her clubroom to continue reading.

The moment Yukino left, Eriri let out a huge sigh of relief. "Phew, finally dodged a bullet!"

"Huh?" Ichin looked at Eriri's exaggerated reaction with curiosity. "What's going on with you?"

Although the door was already closed, Eriri double-checked it before explaining. "It's all because of the upcoming midterms! Yukino found out my grades were just average, so she insisted that club activities shouldn't interfere with academics and dragged me into study sessions! She even planned to continue tutoring me over the weekend. Two straight days of studying would've been unbearable, so I thought I'd escape to your studio for a day. When I heard you were having an event, I figured I'd bring Yukino along to cover my tracks."

With a helpless sigh, Eriri spread her hands. "After getting to know her better, I realized Yukino is indeed outstanding, but she's just too cold, overly strict, and her words are always blunt. Honestly, I think it's only because I have a good temper; anyone else would've gotten mad ages ago!"

"I think it's more because you can't argue with her," Utaha quipped with a smirk.

"Uh…"

That single remark froze Eriri in place.

"Ahem, that's not important!" Shaking her twin tails, Eriri clenched her small fists. "I do appreciate Yukino helping me study and even trying to change how my classmates view my hobbies. But at the same time, I want to help change her personality. Even though we're not in the same class, I know Yukino hasn't made a single friend since the start of the semester!"

Although Eriri's complaints about tutoring were clear, neither Ichin nor Utaha had expected her to have such a thoughtful plan. It was surprising.

Ichin rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "Hmm… So that's your reasoning. Yukino does seem a bit icy. The atmosphere at the studio might be a bit uncomfortable for her at first, but it could help her open up."

At the studio, while Umiko was also strict, she was warm-hearted beneath her tough exterior. Coupled with the cheerful personalities of the other girls, it would be interesting to see how Yukino reacted.

After explaining her situation, Eriri returned to the neighboring clubroom to continue her "study hell." Despite her complaints, she was determined to finish what she had agreed to do, even if it meant enduring the torture.

Meanwhile, Ichin and Utaha finished tidying up their clubroom and took a short break before heading home.

On the way, the two stopped by the supermarket to pick up some ingredients for tomorrow's cooking competition.

As she eyed the bags Ichin was carrying, Utaha asked curiously, "What are you planning to make tomorrow?"

"I'm still deciding," Ichin replied with a smile. "I bought a few options. I'll pick tomorrow, but it'll probably be either braised pork or sweet-and-sour ribs."

Having bought both pork belly and ribs, he figured he'd just choose one on the day of the event.

Since there was only one bag, Utaha didn't need to carry anything. Ichin carried the groceries in one hand while holding her hand with the other, strolling leisurely down the road.

Utaha's fingers were long and slender, soft and pleasant to hold.

Feeling her hand gently squeezed, Utaha blushed and glanced at Ichin. "Don't move your hand around, Ichin-kun!"

"I'm not moving it around!" Ichin protested awkwardly. "It's just… this feels new to me."

After spending the past few days with him, Utaha was now completely certain—Ichin had never been in a relationship before. In fact, he was even more nervous about it than she was.

Squinting her eyes playfully, Utaha chuckled softly. "I feel the same way, Ichin-kun."

Exchanging a smile with her, Ichin happened to spot a bubble tea shop across the street.

"Want one? I can also bring some for everyone at the studio."

Utaha glanced at the shop and smiled, nodding. "Sure, let's go. But Ichin-kun, you really are a thoughtful boss who cares about his employees."

"Right? I think so too," Ichin replied with a laugh.

After picking out a variety of flavors from the shop, they finally headed back to their apartment building.

As usual, they stopped by their apartments first to change clothes and put things away before heading to the studio on the third floor.

The studio was as quiet as ever. Everyone was wearing headphones, deeply immersed in their work. Communication, if necessary, was handled through chat software, minimizing interruptions.

Walking in, Ichin placed the drinks on a table and called out, "Take a break, everyone! I brought bubble tea."

"Yay! Drinks!"

The first to respond was Shinoda Hajime, who immediately removed her headphones and ran over with a grin. "What flavors did you get?"

"I picked a mix of flavors—take your pick," Ichin said.

"Well then, first come, first served! I'll take the cocoa one!" Shinoda grabbed a cocoa bubble tea, sitting down happily to drink it.

The commotion brought the others over, and Aoba Suzukaze pouted. "Ah! Hajime-senpai, you're way too fast! I wanted the cocoa one too!"

Sipping her drink and swallowing, Shinoda held out her cup with a smile. "Want to trade?"

"No thanks," Aoba declined immediately. She had no interest in a drink that Shinoda had already consumed a quarter of in one gulp—it just wasn't worth it.

After some deliberation, everyone chose their favorite flavors and sat down together for a break, chatting and enjoying the tea.

Stretching her arms, Kō Yagami sighed contentedly. "Ahh, I've been working since 1 PM, and I don't think I've taken a proper break until now. My neck feels a little stiff."

"You're all working too hard," Ichin said with a chuckle. "It's okay to take short breaks in between. I wouldn't say anything about it anyway, and I wouldn't even notice most of the time."

Sitting beside Kō, Rin Toyama chimed in. "It's mostly because everyone finds this game's concept and genre so interesting. We can't help but throw ourselves into it."

Rin's words made the others nod in agreement.

Seeing their responses, Ichin felt a wave of gratitude. "Hiring all of you was definitely the right decision. But remember, this is our own studio—we're not working for some big corporate boss. Take things at your own pace; there's no need to overwork yourselves. For the rest of today, just relax and unwind. And don't forget, tomorrow's the cooking competition!"

The mention of the cooking competition made Kō's expression turn awkward.

It was clear she hadn't done any preparation at all.

...

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