91-95

Chapter 91: Two Hundred Million Yen Bonus! 

“Hmph, that sly woman… she’s been coming around more often lately, hasn’t she?”  

In the office booth, Sayoko sat on Tetsu Fuyukawa’s lap, wearing only a tight skirt. She playfully squeezed her curves, a hint of jealousy flashing across her flushed face. 

From behind, Tetsu wrapped his arms around her, his lips brushing her neck. His eyes flicked to the locked door as he chuckled and shook his head. “It’s only going to get more frequent. You two need to learn to get along.” 

No secrets here. Hearing his words, Sayoko’s hazy, flushed gaze softened with a touch of resignation. She continued her playful teasing, murmuring, “Mmm… I know. But… ever since the game blew up, the way she looks at you, Tetsu-kun, feels different.” 

“You’re pretty sharp, aren’t you?”  

Tetsu’s mind drifted to his earlier conversation with Miyano Mitei, recalling her flustered parting words: “Wait for my message during the break.” A smirk tugged at his lips as he pictured her, cheeks red, dressed in a maid outfit. But then— 

“Eek! Tetsu-kun, no getting distracted now!” Sayoko squealed. 

“Ow, easy there,” he hissed. 

“Hmph, that’s what you get for thinking about other women right now,” she teased. “But about that new game you mentioned—are you planning to jump right into it?” 

“Not that fast.”  

Tetsu gave her full hip a light pat and leaned back on the sofa, gazing at the ceiling with a relaxed smile. “A 17-billion-yen mega project. I’m confident NTsoft will greenlight it, but the board’s bound to haggle for a while. Plus, we’ll need to recruit. A project this big isn’t something Lightbird’s tiny team can handle right now. Hiss—speed it up a bit.” 

He stretched his legs, sinking deeper into the moment, his hand grazing the soft fabric of her skirt. “But a break’s not a bad thing. It’ll give us time to catch up on Fate’s delayed schedule. And you’ve been burning the candle at both ends these past few months—you must be exhausted.” 

“Mmm… I can… keep going,” Sayoko purred, her breath warm as she glanced back, eyes sultry. Tetsu’s pulse quickened. “Don’t push yourself too hard. Up on the coffee table—full-on footwork!” 

“Mmph—” 

Much later, as the wall clock ticked past 5 p.m., Tetsu slipped back into his suit jacket. Sayoko, her face still glowing, followed him out of the office. 

In the hallway, employees heading home stopped in their tracks, eagerly bowing and greeting them. Tetsu nodded back with a calm smile, unfazed, while Sayoko couldn’t help but puff out her chest—still slightly tender—with a proud, sweet grin. 

Sure, the leaked budget for Sekiro had some outsiders whispering that Tetsu was overreaching, but no one could deny that I’m Surrounded by Beauties was the biggest sleeper hit of the second half of the year! 

The game raked in over 7 billion yen for NTsoft and earned Lightbird Studio a hefty bonus. 

Game studios don’t just pay salaries—there’s profit sharing too! 

With nearly 5 million copies sold and NTsoft’s internal reforms encouraging inter-department competition and innovation, Lightbird Studio walked away with a 230-million-yen profit bonus after taxes and platform fees! 

230 million yen in three months! 

A jaw-dropping bonus that had the whole company green with envy! 

As the team leader and core member, Tetsu took 70%, netting 100 million yen after Japan’s 45% tax on incomes over 40 million yen—roughly 5 million RMB or 700,000 USD. 

Sayoko, Kawaguchi, and Aunt Nogi split the remaining 69 million yen. After a 33% income tax, each pocketed 15 million yen—about 750,000 RMB or 100,000 USD! 

That’s four years’ worth of an average NTsoft employee’s salary earned in three months! 

Who wouldn’t want to join Lightbird? Who wouldn’t want to latch onto Tetsu’s coattails? 

Even though Sekiro’s proposal hadn’t been approved yet, the board hadn’t outright rejected it either—meaning there was hope! 

A mega-production with a 60-million-USD development budget and another 60 million for marketing? Who wouldn’t want a piece of that? 

Tetsu was the hottest commodity at NTsoft right now! 

And even if Sekiro fell through, Lightbird’s four-person team was bound to expand. 

As for the Third Department’s staff? They avoided him like the plague, terrified of crossing him. 

Sure, Yamanaka and Tetsu had a bet, and Yamanaka was a veteran at NTsoft. Most thought Tetsu would either lose or, if he won, let Yamanaka off lightly with a slap on the wrist. No one expected Tetsu’s iron will—he actually made Yamanaka kneel! 

The photo of Yamanaka groveling in the elevator shaft had spread like wildfire in the industry. Exiled to a remote branch, he now hid in his tiny office, too ashamed to face anyone. 

Strong skills, unstoppable momentum, a fierce personality, and a do-or-do-it-right attitude—nobody at NTsoft dared mess with Tetsu anymore. 

He didn’t care much about others’ opinions. Under their longing or admiring stares, he returned greetings with his usual smile and led Sayoko to the parking lot. 

“Tetsu-kun, you don’t seem as excited as I expected,” Sayoko remarked, buckling her seatbelt across her curves. 

Tetsu glanced out the window, easing off the brake and turning the wheel with a chuckle. “I’m excited, sure, but not that excited.” 

“Huh?” Sayoko tilted her head, puzzled. 

He pinched her soft cheek, grinning. “You really have no business sense, do you? The game’s a hit, but notice how all the headhunters calling me lately want me for marketing roles?” 

“Mm… yeah, mostly marketing departments?” she ventured. 

“Exactly.”  

Tetsu’s expression grew serious, his eyes thoughtful as he watched the road. “I’m going to strike out on my own eventually, but even with the next project’s bonus and Fate’s sales, funding a big production will be tough.” 

Fate sold 200,000 copies in its previous life at about 4,000 yen each, totaling 800 million yen—roughly 3 million USD. That was without a global platform like Steam or the Chinese market. Today’s market had more potential. 

But Fate, as a galgame, was limited by its niche. The genre’s all-time sales record was Key’s 5 million copies across their series, with single titles under a million. 

Fate’s story outclassed Key’s in depth, but dark, heavy narratives weren’t for everyone. Some players wanted a story; others just wanted to unwind. Neither was inherently better—just different goals. 

In China, most galgame players treated them like first-person shooters. A slow-paced, dark, and heavy Fate might not resonate. Even if it sold 2 million copies—a genre record—after taxes, that’s maybe 30 million USD. Elden Ring’s development cost alone, excluding marketing, was estimated at over 70 million USD. 

The money wasn’t enough, and it was short by a lot. But there were three solutions: 

1. Keep making low-budget hits to build capital. 

1. Cut staff salaries to reduce costs. 

1. Pull in investors. 

Low-budget hits were viable, but even those took over six months, and after I’m Surrounded by Beauties, Tetsu had little interest in small-scale projects. 

The other two paths required fame. 

Cutting salaries meant offsetting with higher bonuses tied to sales, which required proving he was a top-tier game producer to attract elite talent. Securing investment was the same—full control meant no equity partners, just high-stakes bets. That required a “top game producer” reputation to convince investors of profit potential. 

Right now, media and headhunters focused on his market savvy, not his production skills. 

It was like buying stocks—people would follow his lead. Starting his own company? They’d hesitate. 

“Sekiro’s release will mark my era. No rush,” Tetsu thought, shifting his mindset. No point dwelling on things he couldn’t speed up. He started chatting with Sayoko about their plans for the break. 

Yes, a break. 

Normally, New Year’s meant time off, but with the game’s launch, Lightbird had monitored data and tweaked based on player feedback, working through the holiday. Now, with the game’s success, the company gave them a week off. 

The topic reminded Tetsu of Miyano Mitei’s exasperated look. 

She’d worked through New Year’s too, as a department head overseeing the Fourth Department’s operations with no break. 

So, a maid housekeeper game… in the office? 

That sounded intriguing. 

Lost in thought, they soon arrived at the market. 

“I’m off to buy groceries, Tetsu-kun. Drive safe!” Sayoko said. 

“Yep, meet me under the bridge later,” he replied. 

“Got it!”  

Leaning over, she planted a quick kiss on his cheek, giggling as she unbuckled and sashayed across the street toward the market. 

Tetsu lit a cigarette, watching her graceful figure disappear through the market’s entrance. He started the car and headed to Tokiwadai High School. 

Himawari Izumi’s classes were about to end. 

Chapter 92: Volleyball Club 

Taito Ward, Tokiwadai High School. 

“Japanese girls are something else.” 

A black Volkswagen pulled up in front of a milk tea shop across from the school’s main gate. As Fuyukawa Tetsu stepped out of the car, exhaling a puff of white breath, he caught sight of a few lively female students in JK uniforms passing by. 

This winter had been pretty cold. Just a couple of days ago, it snowed heavily, and even today, the high was only seven degrees Celsius, with temperatures dropping below zero at night. Yet, in this kind of weather, most Tokyo high school girls still wore skirts—without leggings, their fair thighs exposed to the chilly wind. 

Honestly, it was quite a sight. The cold made their legs look even paler. But after a quick glance, Tetsu lost interest. He adjusted the collar of his trench coat, leaned against the car door, sipped some water, and stared at the school gate with a mix of amusement and exasperation. 

Tokyo’s underground transit system was incredibly efficient, so there was no real need for him to drive all the way here to pick up Izumi Himawari. But that girl was just too persistent. 

Since she spent New Year’s alone while he worked overtime at the company, she’d been a bit clingy. While everyone else was setting off firecrackers and celebrating, she was sitting in the courtyard, braving the cold wind—alone, lonely, and chilly. Still, she was sensible enough not to complain. Knowing how stressed Tetsu was with work, she acted like a perfect little angel those days. She even helped the visibly exhausted Sayoko with dishes, laundry, and mopping, looking every bit the refined young lady. 

But as Surrounded by Beauties skyrocketed in popularity, lightening the load for Tetsu and Sayoko, Himawari reverted to her usual self. No more dishwashing, no more laundry, and she started pestering Sayoko for “compensation.” 

Sayoko, soft-hearted as ever, gave in. The compensation? A [Sayoko Special Seafood Feast] tonight. But Himawari wasn’t done. After wrapping Sayoko around her finger, she turned her attention to Tetsu. 

She was smart about it, though. Her only request was for him to pick her up from school once. 

“Such a needy kid,” Tetsu muttered. 

He checked his watch after waiting a bit, frowning slightly. “What’s that girl up to?” It was freezing outside, so after a moment’s thought, he didn’t overthink it. He locked the car, crossed the street, and headed to the school gate. 

Japanese elementary and high schools generally didn’t allow outsiders to wander in, but high schools were a bit more lenient. The gatekeeper, seeing Tetsu’s polished appearance and deeming him harmless, let him through after a quick registration. 

“First time in a Japanese high school, huh.” 

Strolling down a cherry blossom-lined path, its buds still closed, Tetsu ignored the curious stares from students and took in his surroundings with mild interest. 

Honestly, despite having been in this world for months, he’d never set foot in a Japanese high school. What he saw wasn’t too different from what he’d imagined. 

Japanese high schools typically let out around four or five in the afternoon. Unless you were part of the “Go-Home Club” or some quirky group like the “Far East Magic Napping Society Summer,” you couldn’t just head home after class—you had to join club activities. 

It was chilly today, but the soccer club boys were still out on the field, sweating and shouting under the winter sun. Not just the boys—on the track next to the field, a group of girls in JK uniforms cheered them on. This wasn’t like back home, where people might just gawk and gossip. Japan’s cheer culture was intense. Even for casual interclass matches, there’d be organized cheer squads. Girls holding banners like “I Love Rukawa Kaede” or doing cheer routines were a common sight. 

Despite the cold, the atmosphere on the field was electric. With the girls’ enthusiastic cheers, the boys played with extra vigor. 

“With a crowd of girls watching, no wonder the guys are so into soccer. Too bad the only time I played soccer in front of girls was doing drills in elementary school,” Tetsu mused, chuckling inwardly. 

The high school vibe was relaxing, and for once, Tetsu let his thoughts ramble. But he didn’t linger on the soccer field. Hands in his coat pockets, he headed straight for the building housing the volleyball club. 

After quitting the light music club, Izumi Himawari had shot to fame with I Once Thought of Ending It All, earning a decent chunk of cash over winter break and regaining some confidence. But the betrayal by her friend, her looming hearing issues, and the pressure of college entrance exams still weighed on her at school. So, at Sayoko’s suggestion, she joined the volleyball club to relieve stress through exercise. 

The volleyball club’s building resembled the basketball gym from Slam Dunk. It had double sliding doors, and after a quick glance inside—seeing both girls playing volleyball and boys shooting hoops nearby—Tetsu stepped in without hesitation. 

“Whoa, that guy’s tall! Is he a scout from some basketball club?!” 

“Probably not. Scouts usually wear tracksuits and sneakers, not trench coats, jeans, and Martin boots.” 

“Yeah, and it’s not even a real match today—just a practice game between Class 3 and Class 2. What would a scout be doing here? But… that guy’s kinda hot.” 

“Could he be someone’s older brother? He’s got serious style!” 

“He does have a cool vibe. Wonder what he’s here for?” 

“Is he a new gym teacher?! Oh my gosh, I’m totally joining whatever club he coaches!” 

“More like you wanna ‘try him out,’ huh?” 

“Oh, come on, Ino, don’t say that~” 

“Pervert!” 

As expected, high school girls who were into sports were lively. The moment Tetsu stepped into the gym, the girls in volleyball uniforms, sitting by the wall sipping water, turned their curious and excited gazes on him. 

No doubt, high school girls were youthful and radiant. But most girls this age weren’t exactly mature—pretty to look at, sure, but a handful to deal with, enough to make you question your life choices. 

Not particularly interested in these budding flowers, Tetsu tuned out the basketball dribbling and volleyball smacks echoing in the gym. His eyes scanned the room, soon locking onto a volleyball court on the right side. What he saw made his brows lift slightly in surprise. 

There was Izumi Himawari, her back to him, hands clasped, ready to receive a falling volleyball. 

A perfectly normal scene, except… 

She wasn’t in her JK uniform anymore. Her long, glossy black hair was tied into a high ponytail. Her youthful figure was clad in a white athletic T-shirt and navy blue sports shorts. Lower down, as she crouched slightly to receive the ball, her heart-shaped hips perked up, and her long, fair legs—still slender and graceful despite being bent—stood out. 

She’d clearly been playing for a while. Her fair, delicate face was flushed, beads of sweat clung to the stray hairs at the nape of her neck, and she radiated the unique vitality of a teenage girl. 

“That girl,” Tetsu murmured, shaking his head with a faint smile. 

Chapter 93: Beating Up the Kids 

Fuyukawa was about to tell Izumi Himawari to head home, but when he saw her in her volleyball outfit, all sweaty and vibrant, he paused, closed his mouth, and crossed his arms to watch instead. 

It wasn’t just because he was a guy appreciating the view—though her heart-shaped curves bouncing around were hard to ignore. It was more that… 

“Exercise really is the best way to blow off steam,” he thought, a faint smile tugging at his lips as he watched her, eyes sparkling with the kind of excitement only sports could bring. Honestly, there weren’t many people he cared about in this world. Sayoko was number one, followed by Miyano Mitei, that bold yet alluring black rose. And then… this kid right here. 

He didn’t say anything, just stood there soaking in the youthful energy of the gym. It felt nice. But soon, he was completely thrown off. 

“Um… can I get your Line ID?” a shy voice asked. 

“?” 

Fuyukawa glanced at the blushing girl in front of him, then at her group of giggling friends egging her on from behind. He couldn’t help but chuckle inwardly, caught off guard. The gym’s lively vibe must’ve rubbed off on him because he flashed a gentle, squinting smile. “Sorry, I’ve got a kid.” 

“A kid?!” 

The girl froze, her face a mix of shock and disbelief. She covered her face and scurried back to her friends by the wall, who erupted in gasps. Their eyes locked on Fuyukawa, filled with a “damn, I was born five years too late” kind of regret. 

It was a funny reaction, and Fuyukawa, arms still crossed, stifled a laugh. But before he could fully enjoy the moment, a pair of warm, sweaty hands grabbed his cheeks. 

“Flirting the second you show up, huh? Pervy old man!” Izumi Himawari shot him a playful glare, dripping with sweat. She casually leaned her elbow on his abs, chugging from a water bottle with her other hand. Her expression was relaxed, but her sharp eyes scanned the girls by the wall, almost like she was… staking her claim. 

Her cocky pose didn’t last long, though. She squeezed the half-empty water bottle too hard, and— 

“Cough, cough! Agh! You jerk!” Water sprayed her face, shattering her cool facade. She yanked her white T-shirt collar to shake off the droplets, yelling at Fuyukawa, but mid-sentence, he pinched her soft, mochi-like cheeks. 

“You said 5:30, kid. What time is it now? And your phone’s off,” Fuyukawa said, his “kind” squinting smile back as he shoved his watch in her face. 

“I got caught up playing volleyball, okay?! Let go! People are watching!” Izumi whined, her cheeks still squished. 

The usually aloof, cool-girl senpai of the school was losing it—not from embarrassment, but from shyness.  

Shy as hell! 

Her little fists pounded Fuyukawa’s chest. 

The gym’s eyes were on them. Seeing the popular, untouchable Izumi acting so chummy with a random handsome guy was a shock. From the basketball court, Fuyukawa could practically hear hearts breaking in the distance. But he didn’t care. Pinching her mochi cheeks, he just grinned down at her. 

“Old perv!” Izumi’s face flushed as she felt his masculine presence closing in. They’d known each other long enough for her to know he was waiting for something. 

Shy as hell! 

Under the gym’s collective stare, her heart raced with embarrassment. But as Fuyukawa leaned closer, her big, watery eyes shimmered, and she mumbled, voice barely audible, “Okay, I messed up…” 

“That’s more like it.” Fuyukawa rolled his eyes and let go. 

But the second he did— 

“You jerk! You left me alone at home on New Year’s, and you’re mad I made you wait a little?!” Izumi snapped, rubbing her bouncy cheeks. Her shyness morphed into a pouty glare. 

Her outburst was loud, and the crowd—especially the guys—froze. 

At home? 

Are they… living together?! 

Izumi had been at Tokiwadai High for three years, about to graduate. Her family background wasn’t a secret to those who cared to know. Everyone crushing on her knew she didn’t have an older brother or some super-close uncle.  

All eyes turned to Fuyukawa, but he ignored them, stunned by her reasoning. Her sudden shout, followed by her darting back to the court like a startled bird, left him blinking. 

“This kid…” he muttered, his surprise softening into warmth. 

Guess I’ll stick around a bit longer today. 

Smiling, he shook his head and pulled out his phone to text Sayoko. Just then— 

Thud, thud, thud. 

A basketball rolled to his feet. 

“Hey, mister, wanna play? We’re short a guy,” a voice called. 

“?” 

Fuyukawa, mid-text, looked up to see a sturdy kid in a No. 23 James jersey, flashing an inviting smile. 

Play ball? In his black trench coat, white shirt, jeans, and Martin boots? He didn’t exactly scream “ready for hoops.” 

But then he caught the kid’s barely hidden hostility and the way his eyes kept flicking toward Izumi. Fuyukawa raised an eyebrow, a playful glint in his gaze. The crowd buzzed. 

“No way, Haruyama’s going for it?!” 

“Is he nuts?!” 

“Of course he is! If he doesn’t step up now, his goddess is gonna end up someone else’s. But with the way Izumi looked at that guy? Haruyama’s got no shot. At best, he’ll make the hot guy lose some face.” 

“Tch, this dude’s in for it. Didn’t Haruyama get scouted by Tsukuba University’s basketball team?” 

“Yeah, they say he’s got a shot at the national Olympic team. But it’s pointless. Even if he wins, Izumi’s tsundere vibe might just make her feel protective of the guy. Haruyama’s done for.” 

“Wah, is this the final howl of a defeated dog? Haruyama’s youth is over before it began.” 

“Burn what’s left of it, Haruyama!” 

“…” 

What a mess of chatter. 

Listening to the crowd’s nonsense and seeing Haruyama’s “at least I tried for my youth!” expression, Fuyukawa’s forehead creased with annoyance. 

Sure, he loved basketball back in school—played on the provincial team, even. With his system-enhanced physique, he was confident he could school this cocky high schooler. But… beating up a 17- or 18-year-old kid? 

Not exactly thrilling. 

He was about to brush it off when he caught Izumi’s big, shy, expectant eyes watching him. 

“…” 

Chapter 94: Foot Massage  

“…Alright, humor her a bit.” 

Feeling the weight of those big, shy, expectant eyes, Fuyukawa Tetsu let out a helpless smile. He glanced at Haruyama, then at the group of boys behind him. “Half-court, three-on-three?” 

“Yup!” 

He took the bait! 

Haruyama, decked out in a number 23 jersey, lit up with excitement. His eyes flicked to Izumi Himawari, standing nearby in a white T-shirt and blue shorts, and his fist clenched unconsciously. 

“At least let her remember that I was part of her youthful canvas!” his inner chuunibyou wailed. But his enthusiasm faltered when Fuyukawa shed his black trench coat and white dress shirt, revealing a fitted white T-shirt that hugged his chiseled physique. 

This guy’s jacked?! 

Haruyama’s expression grew serious, while the girls nearby practically had stars in their eyes. 

“What a body! Oh my gosh, you can see his abs! Even through the T-shirt!” 

“Looks slim in clothes, ripped underneath—total dream guy. Himawari’s so lucky to have a mature hottie like him!” 

“But… isn’t the size difference between them kinda huge? Like, even on her tiptoes, she’d barely reach him from behind.” 

“Hey, don’t say stuff like that! You perv! Though, with muscles like that, he could probably lift her waist no problem.” 

“Wouldn’t that just be the wheelbarrow position? Tsk tsk, and you call me the perv.” 

The kids around them chattered boldly, their topics veering into spicy territory—a reflection of Japan’s open yet playful youth culture. Fuyukawa’s face darkened with exasperation, but he didn’t bother engaging. He handed his clothes to Himawari, whose flushed face mirrored the crowd’s excitement, and shot her a look. “My phone’s in the coat pocket. If Sayoko calls, pick up. Ignore everything else.” 

“Got it,” she mumbled. 

Clutching the warm trench coat, Himawari watched Fuyukawa—white T-shirt, jeans, Martin boots, and a bored expression—stretch his limbs. Her eyes swirled with intense emotions. Ignoring the crowd, she leaned in, blushing, and whispered, “Be careful, okay? Don’t—” 

“Less talk. You’d better put some newspaper under your butt when we get home.” 

“…Hmph! Stinky old man! I’m not letting you spank me!”  

Staring at Fuyukawa’s back as he headed to the court, Himawari’s face burned. Just then, Konko Yumi, fresh from a long-distance run, sidled up, sipping water. Glancing at Fuyukawa, who was drawing plenty of female attention, she teased with a smirk on her tanned face, “Hey, this guy doesn’t seem like the ‘cold and heartless’ jerk you described.” 

“Tch, that’s because you haven’t seen him at home! He’s a total villain!” Himawari huffed, clutching the coat and rolling her eyes. 

Yumi shrugged, wiping sweat from her chin with the towel draped over her shoulder. “Sure, I haven’t known him long, but a mature guy like him playing ‘kids’ games’ with Haruyama for someone’s sake? Tsk tsk, seems like you mean a lot to him.” 

“W-What?! Yumi, don’t just say stuff like that!” A flicker of sweetness crossed Himawari’s eyes, but she quickly crossed her arms, tossing her head proudly. “He’s just showing off for the high school girls! I’m telling you, he’s such a perv!” 

“Guys being pervy is normal, no? Or do you prefer the kind who act like a block of wood?” Yumi shot back. 

“…” 

Himawari was stumped. Yumi took a sip of water, grinning slyly. “No comeback, huh?” 

“Comeback? Why would I need one? If you like pervy guys, that’s your business!” Himawari retorted, giving her a dead-fish stare, clearly done with the conversation. 

Yumi just winked. “I mean, you didn’t deny liking him.” 

Boom! 

A thunderclap hit Himawari’s heart. Her pupils shrank, her face flushed, and her heart raced. But a sudden cheer from the crowd snapped her back to reality. Grabbing Yumi’s collar, she shook her frantically. “Yumi, you’re dead! You can’t just joke like that!” 

“Hey, hey, I’m drinking—ugh! The game’s starting!” Yumi muttered, fixing her loosened collar. Watching Himawari nervously stare at the court, she smirked. “By the way, Haruyama’s no slouch. I heard college basketball teams are scouting him. Your guy might be in for a rough time.” 

Himawari’s eyes flashed with worry, but she bit her lip and shook her head. “No way! The old man never does anything he’s not sure of!” 

“Who knows? Men are like women—calm and rational until they’re caught in an emotional whirlwind. Then their IQ drops to zero—holy crap?!” 

Yumi was still teasing when her jaw dropped. The entire crowd gasped in unison. 

“He dunked right off the bat?!” 

“What kind of freakish athleticism is that?!” 

“My gosh, so cool!” 

A sharp clang echoed. 

The court fell silent. 

Everyone stared, dumbfounded, at Fuyukawa hanging one-handed from the rim. 

The girls clutching volleyballs dropped them, eyes wide with disbelief. 

It all happened so fast. Fuyukawa caught a pass at the top of the key. Haruyama immediately pressed up, stepping onto the three-point line, using his waist, abs, and chest to body-check Fuyukawa’s shoulder. 

A solid move. Most amateur ballers struggle with their non-dominant hand under pressure. Block one side, pressure the other, and you’ve got them locked down. 

But it didn’t work. With his system-enhanced physique, Fuyukawa wasn’t planning any fancy dribble moves. 

“Idiot! What kind of monster strength is this?!” Haruyama yelped. 

Holding the ball with both hands at his right hip, Fuyukawa lowered his center of gravity, tightened his core, and drove his shoulder forward, knocking the shocked Haruyama off balance with a single shove. 

One step, and he was through! 

His left shoulder cut off Haruyama’s path to the ball. As Haruyama staggered back, Fuyukawa’s left leg muscles tensed, lunging forward. His right hand flicked the ball upward with a spin. 

One step past! 

Pure power! 

By the time Fuyukawa reached the ball at the free-throw line’s right side, Haruyama was two steps behind. Only a lanky, 1.9-meter center stood in his way. 

A 1.9-meter frame is intimidating, but high schoolers haven’t hit their physical peak. Most tall kids at this age are all height, no muscle—weak in contact and lacking in bounce. 

No hesitation. Under the terrified gaze of the center, the stunned look of Haruyama, and the shocked stares of the crowd, Fuyukawa gripped the ball with both hands at the free-throw line, charging straight at the center. His right hand raised the ball high. 

Like a torch blazing skyward! 

Two powerful strides! 

Airborne! 

A crisp clang from the rim! 

A riding dunk! 

As Fuyukawa hung one-handed from the rim, the gym went dead silent, save for the sound of swallowing. 

A second later, the crowd erupted into a tidal wave of cheers! 

“You said he works late every day, and he’s still this explosive?!”  

Fuyukawa’s raw athleticism ignited the gym. Yumi, jostled by screaming girls, stared at him in disbelief. Like Haruyama, she could tell Fuyukawa’s muscles weren’t just gym-pumped protein bulk. His 1.86-meter frame made dunking plausible, but the visual impact of that move was unreal! 

The gym was on fire! 

Watching Himawari, flushed and jumping with the same excitement as the other girls, her eyes brimming with admiration, Yumi leaned in with a grin. “Good call joining the volleyball club.” 

“Huh? What’s that got to do with anything?” Himawari tilted her head, confused. 

“It’ll toughen you up,” Yumi said, glancing at Fuyukawa dropping from the rim and then at Himawari’s petite, loli-like frame. “With his strength, one big thrust, and your untrained body would fall apart. You don’t want him to… not have fun, right?” 

“What?! Yumi, you’re dead! Saying stuff like that in a crowd!” Himawari yanked Yumi’s cheek, fuming. But as she turned back to the court, her eyes grew hazy and flushed. 

Having fun… Wheelbarrow… 

Ugh! What am I thinking?! I’m done for! 

The earlier comments from the crowd and Yumi sparked some wild images in her mind. But a sudden cheer snapped her out of her rosy daydreams as Fuyukawa blew past Haruyama with a crossover, stopped short inside the three-point line, and nailed a jump shot. 

Amid the girls’ cheers, he glanced back at her. Blushing furiously, Himawari looked away, muttering, “Always bullying kids, hmph!” 

Fuyukawa didn’t know what she was thinking. He just knew he was having a blast. 

“Smashing some newbies now and then is kinda fun,” he mused, dribbling with a light sweat, a faint smile in his eyes as he faced a now-defeated-looking Haruyama. Honestly, he hadn’t been too thrilled about this weird “rival showdown” at first. But once his body warmed up, the thrill of competitive sports felt way better than jogging. 

“Too bad I don’t have anyone to play with usually. Hmm, maybe I’ll drag Miyano to a boxing match sometime. She didn’t take a break over New Year’s—probably itching for action.” 

Miyano Mitei’s curvy figure flashed in his mind. Facing Haruyama’s attempt to steal the ball, Fuyukawa didn’t hesitate, firing a sharp pass to a teammate cutting to the 45-degree angle for a three. 

Pass, move! 

The second the ball left his hands, Fuyukawa didn’t stop. A quick step, and he cut inside without the ball, ready to catch a return pass. But then, under his widening eyes, his teammate and an opponent chasing the ball collided hard at the 45-degree angle! 

A dull thud. 

In Fuyukawa’s stunned gaze, the two guys barreled straight into Himawari, knocking her to the ground! 

It’s not uncommon for a ball game to spill into the crowd. The onlookers scattered, and the two guys muttered a quick “Sumimasen” before chasing the ball. But Himawari sat on the ground, clutching her left ankle in pain, sucking in sharp breaths. 

“You okay, Himawari?!” Yumi crouched beside her. 

Himawari winced, holding her pale ankle. “I-It’s fine… just got pressed on a bit.” She grabbed Yumi’s hand to stand, but as soon as she put weight on her left foot, a sharp pain shot through her, and she gasped again. 

“That’s a sprain—” Yumi started, unfazed. Sprains were common in track. She helped Himawari up, but by then, the game had stopped. 

“What happened?”  

Wiping sweat from his chin, Fuyukawa approached, his sweat-soaked T-shirt clinging to his toned abs, drawing curious glances from the girls. His eyes zeroed in on Himawari’s ankle, hovering off the ground. No swelling yet, but clearly painful. 

“I-It’s nothing… hey! What’re you doing, you stinky old man?!”  

Himawari, embarrassed under the crowd’s gaze, started to protest, but before she could finish, Fuyukawa scooped her up in a princess carry. 

She froze. 

Completely unprepared for him to pick her up in front of everyone at school, Himawari was dumbfounded. Feeling the mix of curious, shocked, and envious stares, she clung to his chest. Fuyukawa, not bothering with chatter, turned to the stunned Haruyama. “We’ll finish this another time.” Then to Yumi: “Can you grab her bag and clothes for today? I’m taking her home.” 

Without waiting for a reply, he draped his trench coat over Himawari’s T-shirt and shorts and strode out of the gym. 

No one expected this ending. As his figure disappeared through the door, the gym erupted. 

“Told you Himawari and him are close! A princess carry?!” 

“And he’s taking her home! Foot massage by a hunk? Sign me up!” 

“Did you see how she looked at him? Her eyes were practically dripping. She might lose her home base tonight!” 

“Shh—keep it down! Haruyama’s about to break!” 

“Poor guy, handing his rival a game-winning assist…” 

Night fell, and snow blanketed the sky. 

Tokyo’s streets were livelier at night than during the day, filled with people in thick coats enjoying the nightlife. But none of that mattered to Fuyukawa. 

“It’ll sting a bit. Bear with it.” 

On a street outside a COSMOS pharmacy, under a tree, inside a black Volkswagen with the heater on, snow fell gently outside. Fuyukawa, now in a dress shirt after shedding his sweaty T-shirt, held Himawari’s pale foot in his left hand, a cotton swab with antiseptic in his right. 

“Nngh… be gentle…”  

The city hummed outside, but the car was quiet, save for Fuyukawa’s steady breathing.  

Her foot in his hand, Himawari leaned against the door, her cute face flushed under the dim streetlights. She didn’t resist, though her fists clenched tightly under the warm coat. 

How did it come to this? 

She’d deliberately shown up late today, hoping to make Fuyukawa come get her and maybe score a big meal. But now… 

Alone with him for once, watching his calm face grow cautious as he applied the antiseptic, Himawari relaxed, her blush deepening. Her toes wiggled instinctively, but he pinched them lightly. 

“Don’t move.” 

“Such a rough guy—ow!”  

She pouted, ready to tease, but the cold antiseptic hit her scrape, making her wince and suck in a breath. She tried to pull her foot back, but he held it firmly. 

“It’s just antiseptic. No need to overreact,” Fuyukawa grumbled, hungry and annoyed by the night’s chaos, though his hands stayed gentle. 

Feeling his care, Himawari’s eyes softened. “It… hurts a little, okay?” 

“Then no antiseptic?” 

“…Hmph! You don’t know the first thing about being gentle!” Rolling her eyes, she paused, then asked, “Hey, are you going jogging tomorrow morning?” 

“Hm? Why?” Fuyukawa raised an eyebrow. He hadn’t skipped his morning jogs, though his busy schedule had cut them down to three times a week. With his system-enhanced body, that was enough—after all, he could dunk. But jogging wasn’t just for fitness; it was for mental clarity too. 

“Well… in a couple of days, when my foot’s better, can I join you?”  

Recalling Yumi’s “fall apart” and “not having fun” comments, Himawari’s face reddened, and she avoided his gaze. 

“You? Jogging?” Fuyukawa looked surprised, then teased, “It’s not a one-day whim. It takes consistency. You, who needs three alarms to get up, shouldn’t bother.” 

“What?! I’ll definitely stick with it this time!” 

“Sure, like when you believed that internet myth about swimming improving your skin and ‘enhancing your chest muscles’? You quit after two days.” 

“That’s because the gym was too far! I didn’t have time!”  

Himawari crossed her arms, pouting stubbornly, her expression pure “dead duck, hard beak.” 

Cute. Fuyukawa shook his head, chuckling. “Even the lure of a bigger chest couldn’t keep you going. I’d say stick to your A-cups and skip it.” 

“What?! A-cups?! You jerk, I’ll kill you!”  

Her sore spot hit, Himawari exploded, lunging to pinch his cheeks. But in her fervor, she toppled into his lap, one hand holding a swab, the other a bottle of antiseptic. 

The bottle wasn’t capped. Fuyukawa froze. 

Seeing her chance, Himawari’s excitement spiked. Straddling him, she grabbed his cheeks. “Hmph! Got you now, old man! That’s for spanking me before! Little Himawari’s getting revenge! Say it—will you listen to me from now on? Dare to spank me again—ah!” 

A slap echoed. 

Himawari’s expression froze. Looking down, she saw Fuyukawa’s right hand, swab discarded, had landed firmly on her heart-shaped peach. 

Dragon claw grip! 

His fingers dug into her blue shorts. 

“Ahh!”  

A mix of pain and an electric thrill surged through her, straightening her spine. Before she could react, the sound of the bottle cap twisting shut filled the car. Under her teary gaze, Fuyukawa’s right hand gripped harder, his left arm wrapping around her waist, pulling her onto his lap. 

“You little brat. Give you an inch, and you take a mile.” 

“Ahh!”  

Another slap!  

The electric sensation and pressure hit again. Under the car’s ceiling light, Himawari let out a muffled whimper, her watery eyes locked on Fuyukawa’s, practically dripping. Her body went limp, her breath warm against his shoulder. 

Instinctively, she wanted to apologize like before, but something about his scent and the closeness stopped her. Her lips parted, but no words came. 

Sure enough, another slap and ripple echoed. Her eyes rolled slightly, but to her surprise, his dragon claw didn’t let go—it gripped harder! 

“You little…”  

Feeling her soft, limp frame collapse against him, her warm breath on his neck, and seeing the passing cars outside, Fuyukawa felt a surge of heat, his eyes growing intense. 

No hesitation. His right hand kept kneading, his left lifting her dazed face. 

“Old man…”  

Himawari’s eyes were hazy, her breath soft, her arms wrapping around his neck. 

Incredibly tempting. Fuyukawa leaned in for a kiss, but then— 

Knock, knock, knock. 

A tap on the window. A traffic officer stood outside, looking awkward. 

“Sir, you can’t park here.” 

Chapter 95: Let’s Talk in Your Office 

“...Talk about perfect timing.” 

Tetsu Fuyukawa stuffed the parking ticket under the fuel gauge, his expression a mix of exasperation and amusement. 

In the passenger seat, Himawari Izumi buckled her seatbelt, hugging her pale legs to her chest. Her slightly flushed face broke into a cheeky grin. “Trying to do something naughty, huh? The heavens will punish you, old man.” 

“Punish my ass,” Tetsu shot back, rolling his eyes. If the heavens really favored pure-hearted guys, he wouldn’t be the one who’d crossed into this world. 

The flirty vibe in the car had fizzled out, and he didn’t push it, starting the engine and pulling away from the curb. What he didn’t notice was Himawari, hands around her knees, staring out at the vibrant night scenery flashing by. She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, her eyes a swirl of sweetness, conflict, and pain. 

He’s Sayoko’s man. What was I doing just now? 

It’s Sayoko. I can’t compete with her. 

From now on… let’s just keep things like they were before I got in the car. Being able to tease him a bit should be enough, right? 

Recalling the fleeting sweetness and then thinking of Tetsu and Sayoko’s bond, a heavy hand seemed to grip Himawari’s heart. It took a long moment before she let out a soft sigh. 

No further than this, Himawari. 

The production cycle for Surrounded by Beauties was short, but the workload was intense, so the entire Lightbird Studio got a well-earned break of a week or two. 

Nice. 

Tetsu was ambitious, but he wasn’t a masochist. He knew the value of work-life balance. 

So, after picking up Himawari that day, his pace slowed down. Mornings started with a jog, followed by some cozy time with Sayoko in the bathtub or on the couch, lingering until ten when they’d head upstairs to work on Fate. 

Fate was a small-scale galgame, centered on story and visuals. 

The story? No changes needed—Tetsu just copied it straight from the source. As for the art? 

Maybe it was the growing sweetness in their lives, or her deepening trust and reliance on him, but Sayoko, having found her emotional anchor, was drawing better than ever. The funny thing? After buying a stack of 18+ doujinshi at TGS, her aesthetic had… shifted. Her characters didn’t show anything explicit, but they radiated a sultry vibe. 

Hard to say if that was good or bad, but Tetsu didn’t correct her. This wasn’t the early 2000s when Fate/stay night first launched. The market had evolved, and so had user tastes. Forcing Sayoko to stick to the old “Takeuchi face” style made no sense. 

With the story solid and the art on point, Fate’s production was cruising. But Tetsu wasn’t in a rush. 

The issue was NTsoft. 

Though it wasn’t explicitly in the contract, NTsoft didn’t allow employees to create games on the side in their free time. Get caught, and you’re fired. 

Tetsu still needed NTsoft’s deep pockets to build his reputation. Even if he finished Fate early, he couldn’t release it yet. Everything hinged on completing Sekiro to make a name for himself. 

No need to hurry, then. But while he was fine taking it slow, Sayoko was in for a ride. 

It was their first long break since meeting, and with Himawari back at school, they had plenty of alone time. 

The balcony while airing out bedding, the kitchen while frying eggs, the bathtub at dusk, the quiet courtyard on Monday mornings, the epic showdown at the front door when the delivery guy showed up—over a few days, Tetsu’s stamina and energy left Sayoko both smitten and a little intimidated. But her body was honest, craving more, molding perfectly to him. 

Of course, they didn’t spend all their time tangled up. 

Surrounded by Beauties had earned Tetsu a hundred million yen bonus. A hefty sum, but peanuts compared to what he’d need for Elden Ring. Plus, Sekiro itself would cost over a hundred million yen worth of points to unlock. 

No point overthinking it. He took Sayoko to a car show. 

Honestly, he wasn’t picky about cars—just a means to get around. But the black Volkswagen was feeling a bit cramped for… certain activities. 

Under the enthusiastic pitch of a saleswoman, he didn’t overthink it and picked a black BMW X5. He wasn’t a car nerd; after setting a budget, he went for reliable classics like BMW or Audi. 

Bought and driven off the lot the same day. The saleswoman was practically beaming, showering Sayoko with compliments like, “Ma’am, you’ve got yourself a great husband!” and “Your man’s got it together!” Sayoko’s face turned beet red, and when Tetsu didn’t correct her and instead got even more affectionate, her smile grew brighter. 

The result? A shiny new black BMW, rocking suspiciously up and down by the riverside. 

After the “battle,” they swung by to pick up Himawari from school. 

Ever since Tetsu dominated at Tokiwadai’s basketball court, trouncing Haruyama and leaving with Himawari in his arms, he’d become a bit of a celebrity there. Not the good kind, though. The gatekeeper gave him a wary, thief-watching glare, which left him speechless. 

In this calm, leisurely rhythm, a week flew by. 

Monday morning. 

Outside, birds chirped. In the hallway, the soft pat-pat of Himawari’s stocking-clad feet echoed on the wooden floor. 

“Mmm, Himawari’s up. I’ll go make breakfast,” Sayoko mumbled. 

In the dim bedroom, dressed in a sheer white nightgown, Sayoko lifted her head from Tetsu’s chest. Glancing at the time, she kissed his cheek—his hand shading his eyes—and started to get up. But before she could, Tetsu pulled her back onto him. 

Thud. 

He slid her soft, smooth body up slightly, kissed her forehead, then let his hands wander down to her “peaches,” grinning sleepily. “Let her make her own breakfast. Stay and sleep with me a bit longer—” 

His phone buzzed, cutting him off. 

Glancing at the caller ID, Sayoko pouted, her plush thighs squeezing him playfully. Sitting up like a duck, she tied her hair back with a scrunchie, her soft black locks cascading. “Looks like it’s not just me who’s not sleeping in.” 

“Hm?” 

Light streamed into the room, highlighting her curves. 

Admiring the view, Tetsu grabbed his phone, froze for a second, then smirked. 

“Finally.” 

[Caller: Miyabi Miyano] 

“Good morning, Manager Fuyukawa.” 

“Miss Kurai, you’re full of energy today.” 

“Oh, you’re too kind, Manager~” 

At 8:40 AM, after a week without wearing a suit, Tetsu strode into NTsoft’s lobby in a sharp outfit, looking refreshed. 

It was peak commute time, the lobby buzzing with hurried colleagues. As Tetsu approached the elevator, everyone nodded in greeting, their eyes brimming with curiosity, excitement, and anticipation. 

Lightbird Studio was still on break. 

This week was their vacation, yet here was Tetsu, showing up at the company! 

It had to be for the new project, Sekiro. 

A multi-million-dollar production—who wouldn’t want in? If it flopped, small fries like them wouldn’t take the blame. But if it succeeded? A shining resume boost and a fat bonus! 

Plus, even if the project wasn’t greenlit, the company wouldn’t let Tetsu keep coasting with a four-person studio. Lightbird was bound to expand! 

The excitement was palpable, but no one dared speak. Then, as the elevator arrived, a sharp click-clack of heels and the receptionist’s greeting cut through the air. “Good morning, Director Miyano.” 

Everyone turned. Miyabi Miyano, in a sleek black OL uniform, her makeup subtle yet striking, strode toward the elevator in razor-sharp heels. 

“Good morning, Director!” 

“You look stunning as always, Director!” 

“Congrats, Director~~” 

Whoosh— 

As Miyabi approached, the crowd parted like the Red Sea, bowing in unison. Her face remained cool and haughty, offering only a slight nod in return. She glanced at Tetsu, then walked straight into the open elevator. 

No one else dared step in, but Tetsu, unfazed, followed her. As the doors closed, the lobby let out a collective breath. 

“Man, Director Miyano’s aura is even stronger now. I could barely breathe!” 

“No kidding. She’s got the ARPG [Entry Permission] now—she’s ready to make waves. But… damn, did her ‘peaches’ get perkier? Is it the white stockings?” 

“Probably. Those white stockings are sinfully hot! Wonder which guy’s gonna tame her one day. A thorny rose like that—conquering her would be the ultimate thrill!” 

“Forget it. I’ve never seen her smile at a guy.” 

“Well, I heard when Fuyukawa went after Yamanaka, she was acting like his secretary. You think in the elevator they’re…” 

“No way, that’s just rumors. A woman like her? No chance a young guy like Fuyukawa could handle her. The elevator? Dream on!” 

“So, you’re only calling me now about this?” 

In the elevator, watching the floor numbers tick up, Tetsu glanced at Miyabi, his expression calm but his brow slightly furrowed. 

“Don’t give me that look!” Miyabi snapped, her cool gaze tinged with guilt. “I didn’t expect Chairman Tsume to suddenly—hiss—what are you doing?!” 

Her eyes, still icy but with a hint of unease, widened as Tetsu’s hand found her 93cm “peach”—not as soft as Sayoko’s but perkier. 

He gave it a firm squeeze. 

A jolt like electricity shot through her. In an elevator, with the doors liable to open any second! 

Miyabi grabbed his arm, her eyes locked on the doors, fury in her gaze—but beneath it, a spark of intense excitement. 

“You’re asking what I’m doing?” Tetsu said, unfazed by her grip, his hand kneading harder as he grinned. “I’m not blaming you, but mistakes come with consequences. We agreed to keep each other in the loop, yet Chairman Tsume pulling his support at the board meeting? You took two days to tell me. So, what kind of punishment do you want?” 

He slipped one hand into his pocket, leaning in to inhale the fragrance at her neck. “And don’t tell me you forgot our little bet.” 

The bet. 

The maid outfit housekeeper! 

Her mind flashed to the delivery box that arrived at her place yesterday. Feeling the firm grip on her “peach,” its shape shifting under his touch, and staring at the elevator doors about to open, Miyabi’s pupils shook. Her eyes burned with embarrassment, but this time, the thrill overpowered it. 

Her lips parted, about to speak, when the elevator doors slid open. 

The hallway was packed with bustling staff. As the pressure behind her eased, a flicker of relief—and deeper disappointment—crossed her eyes. 

Without hesitation, she slapped away Tetsu’s now-loosened hand, smoothed her wavy hair, and stepped out in her sharp heels. “This is complicated. Let’s talk in your office. As for the rest… we’ll talk there too.” 

No downer plot twists, no shifting to pure romance. 

Our motto? Not a single one left behind~