Game Developer in the World of Anime

In the end, it was Rin Toyama who raised her hand, saying that if she had some free time, she could help cook for everyone, easing the awkwardness. Then Yun Iijima also volunteered—she knew how to cook and was willing to assist.

As for the others, except for Aoba Suzukaze, who lived with her family, the rest all rented their own places. When they used to work at Eagle Jump, they often had to stay late, and dinners were typically solved with convenience store food or takeout. The life of game developers was indeed tough.

---

Noon, Toyogasaki Academy

Carrying her lunch box, Utaha Kasumigaoka left her classroom and made her way to the clubroom. She took out the key she got from Ichin earlier in the morning, unlocked the door, and walked inside. After taking a few bites of her lunch, there was a knock at the door.

Utaha went over to open it and found Eriri standing there.

"What brings you here?" she asked, but didn't stop Eriri from coming in.

Eriri was also holding a lunch box. After stepping inside, she replied, "I overdid it during the break, so I wanted a place to rest during lunch. I can't get any proper rest in the classroom. Why are you here alone? Where's Ichin-kun?"

"He took the day off and isn't at school," Utaha replied.

"He took a day off?" Eriri asked curiously as she pulled up a chair. "Is he sick?"

"No, he just got his studio up and running. Today is its first official day of operation, so he took the day off to work with his team."

"What?! The studio's already up and running?" Eriri's eyes widened in surprise. "How big is it?"

"Not many people—only eight, including Ichin-kun," Utaha recalled. "He recruited seven people—one for programming, one for animation, and five for art. They're all experienced professionals. They're probably starting on the new game already."

"That's impressive! He's already starting a new game? I haven't even played much of Slay the Spire yet!" Eriri reflected on her seven-day break. Besides rushing her own art deadlines, she spent most of her time playing Slay the Spire. She had only managed to reach Ascension 4 with two characters, and that felt like her limit.

Seeing Eriri's expression, Utaha chuckled softly, "Stop dreaming. You're never going to catch up. Who knows if you'll even make it in this lifetime."

"Shut up! It's none of your business!" Eriri retorted, her face flushing red as she glared at Utaha. "Anyway, where's Ichin-kun's studio? I've never visited a game studio before, and I'd like to check it out. Didn't you say he hired five artists? Maybe I could learn something from them."

Want to visit, huh? 

Utaha narrowed her eyes slightly, her mind already calculating. To be honest, she herself had been tempted to take the day off today. Even if Ichin seemed indifferent, the fact remained that the studio was filled with female staff members, all of whom were quite attractive and of various types.

Especially Hifumi Takimoto—her appearance and figure were exceptional. Aside from the height difference, Hifumi was on par with Utaha in many respects. Not to mention, her gentle and shy nature made her irresistible to most guys.

Leaving Ichin in an environment surrounded by girls like that?

No Way!

Utaha couldn't rest easy. She knew she had to take action—be more proactive and secure her place by Ichin's side. Once she became the boss's girlfriend, that would send a clear message to everyone else!

Eyeing Eriri, Utaha casually suggested, "Sure, why not today? After school, wait for me, and we'll head over together."

"Is that okay?" Eriri asked eagerly, but then suspicion crept into her eyes. She gave Utaha a wary look and added, "You're not planning something weird, are you?"

Utaha rolled her eyes and took a bite of her lunch. "You're overthinking things. It's not that complicated. Weren't you the one who helped Ichin-kun test his game? And you even bought the game to support him. Even if I didn't take you, you could just ask him yourself and he wouldn't mind you visiting. Besides, if you're worried about disturbing him, you could always help promote his game under your Eri Kashiwagi persona when his next title launches."

"Hm, I guess that's not a bad idea," Eriri said thoughtfully. But then she shook her twin-tails with a sudden jolt of panic, "Wait, you didn't reveal my secret identity, did you?"

"Relax," Utaha replied. "I'm not that chatty. Ichin-kun just knows that your in-school and out-of-school personalities are very different."

"Phew, that's a relief," Eriri sighed with a hand to her chest. "If it's just promoting his game, then there's no problem. It won't expose my identity. Alright then, let's go after school."

---

At 3:30 PM, as classes ended, Eriri packed her bag and went to the entrance of Class 2-A, where she met up with Utaha. Under the astonished gazes of the other students, the two left the school together.

Once outside, Eriri looked around curiously. "Which way? Is the studio in a business district?"

"Nope," Utaha shook her head and began walking towards her usual bus stop. "He bought two apartments in a residential complex and converted them into his studio. Since there are only eight people, renting a commercial space would be too spacious and wasteful. Ichin-kun plans to find a proper office only when he expands the studio further."

"An apartment complex, huh? Well, I guess that makes sense," Eriri replied. "But judging by that, he must have made a lot of money. Buying two apartments, seriously?"

"Well, he did earn quite a bit, but those apartments were a contribution from his father as a gesture of support for his startup," Utaha explained.

"Ah, I see," Eriri muttered, slightly deflated.

"Oh, and one more thing," Utaha added with a sly smile. "Ichin-kun and I are neighbors. My family's apartment is right next to his. Would you like to stop by for a visit later?"

"…"

Eriri froze, staring at Utaha in disbelief. "You're neighbors?! Why didn't you ever mention that?"

"Did I need to?" Utaha replied nonchalantly. "It's not exactly a crucial detail."

Eriri tilted her head, then caught up to Utaha, eyeing her up and down suspiciously. "Hey, spill it. You're not seriously into him, are you?"

Utaha didn't respond, but her smiling face gave everything away.

That single expression was all Eriri needed to figure it out.

Well, well… So, the ice queen is finally blooming? she thought to herself, utterly astounded.

…

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