After finishing the drama together in the evening, Haruno and Yukino went back next door to rest.
Ichin didn't play any games that night either. After taking a shower, he slipped into bed with Utaha, and the two of them chatted for a bit before going to sleep.
Leaning against Ichin's chest, Utaha said with her eyes closed, "Ichin, after classes tomorrow, I'll wait for Yukino, then we'll go buy groceries. We won't come to the company."
Ichin nodded, yawning sleepily. "Sure. Then tomorrow morning, remind Yukino to drive to campus. You two can come back together afterward. I'll get off work on time and head home. Oh, right—Haruno-nee wants braised pork tomorrow, so we'll have to make that for her."
Utaha smiled. "No problem, I'll take care of it. Yukino and I both learned how to make braised pork properly from our moms."
After chatting leisurely for a bit, the two of them drifted into a deep sleep.
As May slowly passed, Ichin's balance between study and work tilted heavily toward work. He went back and forth between the Monster Train and Tales of Berseria development teams.
On the Monster Train side, his role was mainly to pass on experience to the team members and guide the overall direction. Most of his effort was focused on Tales of Berseria, speeding up the game's development.
As for studying, now that Ichin was in his senior year, he didn't need to worry like some other seniors about internships on top of graduation theses. He just had to attend classes and think about his thesis topic.
Utaha was much the same. Her grades were consistently at the top of the literature department, so academics weren't a huge burden for her. As a result, she devoted most of her energy to collaborating with Akane Kōsaka. The new game's script already had a rough direction—what followed would be a long stretch of focused writing.
As for Utaha's own new novel, the first volume had already been completed and submitted to the publisher, with its release scheduled for mid-June.
Yukino, on the other hand, didn't need much explanation. Even as a top student, the heavy slate of third-year courses still gave her headaches.
Fortunately, Ichin and Utaha made sure to cook good food for her, helping Yukino relax properly amid her studies.
Of course, the two of them had recently picked up a new hobby—picking out clothes for Ichin.
As the weather gradually warmed up, clothing naturally became lighter. Although Utaha had often bought new clothes for Ichin before, there were still some gaps in styles and colors.
After noticing this, Utaha and Yukino made time to study various spring and summer menswear combinations together. Then, on weekends, they dragged Ichin out and bought a whole pile of new clothes.
To be honest, it worked. Both Utaha and Yukino were fast learners, and that carried over into fashion coordination as well.
Once Ichin started wearing the outfits they put together, he drew more attention from girls than ever before—both at the company and at campus.
He certainly looked more pleasing to the eye, but Utaha and Yukino couldn't help wondering whether they'd gone a bit too far.
At three thirty in the afternoon, the office door opened, and Yukino walked in looking utterly exhausted.
Seeing her, Ichin took off his headphones and said, "You're back? That tired, huh?"
Yukino nodded. "I finally finished one paper assignment. But I won't be able to relax for long—by the end of June, I'll have to start preparing for finals."
"Good job."
Saving the files on his computer, Ichin stood up, went over to the sofa, and guided Yukino down to sit on his lap.
"I'm basically done with my work today too. I'll keep you company for a bit—rest properly."
Yukino nodded, curled up slightly, held onto Ichin's hand with one hand, and closed her eyes with a small smile.
Ichin looked at her and gently stroked her hair with his other hand.
Within just a few minutes, Yukino's breathing slowed, and she fell straight into sleep.
Looks like she really had been studying too hard these past few days.
Ichin thought to himself that when Saturday came, he'd stay home and cook plenty of good food for Yukino, then take her out to relax and unwind.
Time passed little by little. At four o'clock, Utaha returned to the company as well.
Opening the office door, she was about to speak when she saw Ichin on the sofa—and Yukino asleep on his lap.
Utaha immediately lightened her steps, carefully closed the door, and walked over to the sofa.
Sitting beside Ichin, she looked at the sleeping Yukino and smiled. "Worn out?"
"Yeah. You've seen her textbooks, and she's been rushing papers these days. She's been way too busy and hasn't really rested. She only lay down for a few minutes and was already out."
Gently smoothing Yukino's hair, Ichin said softly, "Let's not cook at home for dinner tonight. How about reserving a restaurant? Kō mentioned there are some new places in Shinjuku that are pretty good. I'll ask her later and pick one Yukino likes to try."
"Sounds good. She really does need to replenish her nutrition—she's thin to begin with."
Utaha nodded. Looking at how Yukino was gripping Ichin's left hand with both of hers, she smiled. "Yukino's learned how to cling to you now. She won't even let go in her sleep."
Perhaps sensing Ichin and Utaha talking, Yukino slowly opened her eyes in her sleep.
"Oh? You're awake."
Hearing Utaha's voice, Yukino didn't react right away. She rubbed her cheek against Ichin's hand, shifted her body, and only then noticed Utaha right in front of her.
Her eyes slowly widened. With a small jolt, Yukino sat up, her face flushing bright red.
Resting her chin in her hands, Utaha smiled. "What are you embarrassed about? Everything that needed to be seen has already been seen."
"Utaha!"
Pulling Yukino back into his arms, Ichin patted her head and said, "Are you still tired? If you are, you can sleep a bit longer. It's still early."
"No." Yukino shook her head, took out her phone, checked the time, and said in surprise, "I thought I just closed my eyes for a moment… I've already slept for half an hour?"
Utaha stood up and said, "That's because you really were tired. Once you came back here and relaxed, of course you'd fall asleep easily. Yukino, since you're not planning to sleep anymore, come with me this afternoon. I'll make you some coffee, then we'll go ask around while shopping about those new restaurants and pick one you like. Tonight, we'll go eat there!"
"We're not eating at home today?"
Helping Yukino to her feet, Ichin said with a smile, "Cooking takes time. Let's just enjoy ourselves outside today. Go on—I'll finish up the rest of my work too and try to wrap up early so we can have dinner sooner."
Yukino nodded, stepped out of Ichin's arms, and followed Utaha out of the office.
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