Evening had arrived. The sun hung low, painting the sky in deep crimson.
Tetsu had once heard that sunsets were red because the atmosphere was less polluted at dusk, allowing the sun's true color to show. Whether true or not, the blood-red sunset gave a feeling of: "It's evening, time to head home."
A few students carried tables and stools back home, while Nakajima packed up the game consoles and pushed the diesel generator ahead.
Tetsu only had to shout encouragements:
"Hey-ho! Hey-ho! Keep going, just two more flights!"
The spirited high schoolers brought everything back to the classroom, exchanging relieved smiles, as if they'd accomplished something significant today.
The girl with braids stepped forward, reaching out to Tetsu:
"Thank you so much, Tetsu-kun! I didn't expect an outsider to participate so enthusiastically in our school festival. Tomorrow, we're going to be the most popular ones at the festival!"
Tetsu shrugged.
See? She should be thanking me!
"No need," he said, shaking her hand. Out of the corner of his eye, he noticed Kozukawa Rin biting her lip, a complicated expression on her face.
Tetsu let go without lingering.
"A small favor. I'm happy to experience life at Tsubano High too. I'll be off now!"
He left briskly, leaving a few second-year students to reminisce about the day.
Although their takoyaki didn't sell, they had served many classmates and even outsiders!
The girl with braids suggested:
"We shouldn't waste ingredients. Let's make takoyaki with them! Kozukawa, do you want some?"
Kozukawa Rin, sitting by the window, shook her head and jumped down, heading outside.
"No… it's late. Rin wants to go home."
She was slightly hungry, but didn't feel like continuing.
As she neared the door, the braided girl called out:
"After teaching everyone and helping them enjoy the games… Kozukawa-san, you were really cool today!"
Rin paused.
Indeed, she had seemed more sociable today.
…
Tetsu seemed to teleport. As soon as Rin exited the building, he appeared beside her, startling her.
"Here, have something to eat. You've been busy all day."
He waved a bread and drink in her direction. "No charge—it's your 50 yen back."
Rin silently accepted.
She had nowhere particular to go, so she followed Tetsu, wherever he went, she went.
Tetsu glanced back, seeing her walking gloomily. With this attitude, she'd probably follow him even if he went into the boys' restroom.
Of course, he wasn't that cruel. They stopped in a shaded corner of the playground.
They ate their bread slowly with soft drinks.
Takoyaki was Nakajima's department; Tetsu was content eating bread with a high school girl.
Not finding much to say, Rin suddenly looked up.
"Red bean bread…"
"Yeah, red bean bread's pretty good too." Tetsu finished his quickly, crumpling the wrapper in his hand.
Rin bit her lip, wanting to speak. Only when Tetsu turned did she muster the courage:
"Tetsu-kun… thank you so much for today."
"Thank me for what?" He shrugged. "You should be thanking the bread instead."
Rin looked at the half-eaten bread, nodded seriously:
"Bread… it's really good."
Then, silence.
Just as Tetsu wondered if her voice had gone home, she suddenly pointed toward a classroom on the opposite side.
"That's the library."
Tetsu nodded.
Yes, the library. Fine.
"Rin works there as a library committee member, every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday."
Tetsu nodded at first, then realized:
"But I saw you at your uncle's on a Friday once."
"That's because…"
Rin tilted her head, avoiding his gaze.
Of course, she occasionally skipped library duties.
"Since you work in the library, you might be good at writing." Tetsu teased. "Why not try contributing to the school paper? Write a little about games, or game consoles. Everyone has their own interests!"
In a few years, FAMI-Tsū magazine would be out. This influential magazine, backed by Kadokawa Group, could shape opinions across Japan. Poorly rated games were often rejected by players—except Pokémon.
—Who would have thought the original Pokémon games initially received failing scores?
Rin, unaware of FAMI-Tsū, still nodded seriously.
Perhaps showcasing her skills and writing something would also help her fit in a bit more.
She finished her bread, crumpling the wrapper just like Tetsu.
"Bread… was delicious. Thanks, Tetsu-kun!"
Tetsu waved his hand.
"Just a small favor!"
…
Tetsu had received the call at noon.
When the garage phone rang, Nakajima glanced at him.
"Kobayashi-kun… could it be that person?"
"Don't rush."
After three rings, Tetsu answered.
"Hello? Atlas Workshop. Who's this?"
"Mr. Kitagawa, quite unexpected."
"Of course. At that address. Come anytime; you're welcome."
Hanging up, Tetsu gave a confident OK sign.
Easily done!
"Quick, get the equipment out."
Nakajima retrieved the digital tablet quickly.
This tablet allowed drawing directly on the board, far more efficient than a mouse for graphic design—but incredibly expensive. Ordinary users couldn't afford it.
After a short wait, Kitagawa Takeshi arrived, looking unusually neat—shaven and freshly washed hair.
He froze upon seeing the garage.
Atlas Workshop… was literally a garage!
"Sorry for dropping by unannounced," Kitagawa said, bowing.
"I… wanted to learn about your workshop."
"Of course," Tetsu replied, casually pulling over a whiteboard.
"As you can see, Atlas is a game studio collaborating closely with Sega. We have multiple successful titles, including Kobayashi Blocks, which sells tens of thousands of copies monthly."
"If you join, you'll handle graphic design, just like before—creating assets for the games."
Tetsu emphasized:
"This time, no one will take credit for your work. Your name will appear on the cartridge packaging: 'Lead Artist, Kitagawa Takeshi.'"
Kitagawa tugged at his tie again.
Though over thirty, he felt entirely under the control of this young man.
His name would finally appear on a real work!
Better to be the head of a small studio than a minor figure in GG Company.
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