76-80

Chapter 76: Hot Spring Inn 

“What kind of mess did I stumble into? Japan really is a disaster-prone country. Good thing we finished filming, or we’d be shelling out for tickets again tomorrow.” 

The cable car swayed slightly in the snowy wind. Inside, Tetsu opened the skylight, lit a cigarette, and muttered with a mix of exasperation and amusement. 

Tsukitaka Asuka, who moments ago had been all shy and sweet for the scene, snapped out of character in a second. She crossed her legs and eyed his cigarette. “You smoke when you’re nervous?” 

“Nervous? A bit, maybe, but it’s not just that. I light up whenever my emotions get a little bumpy,” Tetsu said, shrugging casually. 

Truth be told, he wasn’t that nervous. His thrill-seeking nature meant he rarely panicked. Plus… 

This accident didn’t seem like a big deal, but if it went south… 

I’ve already transmigrated once. Would I do it again? Last time was within Asia—would I end up in Korea this time? Or maybe back in ancient times? With my hatred of being under anyone’s thumb, I’d probably get beheaded for rebellion within two days. 

Staring out at the snowy scenery, he wasn’t exactly nervous, but the rare experience got his adrenaline going. His mind wandered chaotically—picturing himself as a fake eunuch stirring up drama in an imperial harem one moment, then as a Korean chaebol playing the K-pop scene the next. But soon, a timid yet alluring face flashed in his mind. 

That one’s a bit of a worry. 

Frowning slightly, his thoughts jumbled. He took a drag, brow furrowed. 

Tsukitaka Asuka caught his expression and smirked. “Thinking about someone?” 

“You talk too much.” 

“Deflecting? That look in your eyes—it’s the one you get when you’re missing someone.” 

“Quit yapping like you know me. You’re just a kid who plays with toys.” 

“You—!”  

Stung by his jab, Tsukitaka Asuka rolled her eyes and crossed her arms. But after a moment, her lips curled into a sly grin. “How about a bet?” 

“A bet? Why are you women so obsessed with betting?” 

Miyano Mitei’s cool, confident smile flashed in his mind. Tetsu sighed, raising an eyebrow. “What’re we betting on?” 

“What?”  

Her eyes flicked to a crashed snowmobile below the window, excitement sparkling in her gaze. “Let’s bet on who’s the first to greet us when this cable car reaches the station.” 

Tetsu raised an eyebrow. “Who’re you betting on?” 

“Kawaguchi-san.” 

Completely thrown by her picking that guy, Tetsu blinked, then took a drag and chuckled. “…I’m betting Sayoko’s first. So, what’s the stake?” 

Tsukitaka Asuka sat up straight. “If I win, you’re buying me a Little Pinky!” 

“Little Pinky?” 

Tetsu froze, and Tsukitaka Asuka nodded, her eyes gleaming with a triumphant gotcha. “Yup, the one you smashed at the training center!” 

“…You’re still holding that grudge?” 

Recalling the pink bouncy toy he’d accidentally crushed, Tetsu’s face twitched. “Fine, deal. But if you lose, what’s your end?” 

“If I lose, I’ll cover a year’s worth of Durex for your place.” 

“…” 

Completely floored, Tetsu burst out laughing, stomping out his cigarette. “Okay, okay, so this is just revenge for back then, huh? I’ll give you your shot.” 

“Pfft, I’m not that petty!” 

“Whatever makes you happy.” 

As they bantered, the cabin’s lights suddenly flickered on, and the cable car lurched back to life. 

Passengers in nearby cabins let out relieved cheers, but Tetsu and Tsukitaka Asuka just sat there, unfazed, facing each other. 

Mount Fuji’s resort had multiple stops, and the cable car didn’t go straight to the top. There were several stations along the way. 

Time ticked by. With a jolt, the cabin stopped, and the door was yanked open by a staff member. The next second, under Tetsu’s bemused gaze, a panicked Kawaguchi threw himself at him. 

“Boss! You’re okay, thank goodness! I thought… I thought—” 

“…Don’t act like I was about to die, jeez. Get off me, you’re embarrassing yourself.” 

Kicking Kawaguchi away, Tetsu ignored Tsukitaka Asuka’s smug I won look and scanned the crowd. Then, from the back, the throng parted. 

Under his gradually easing gaze, Sayoko emerged, limping on her right foot, supported by Ame and Keiko. Her fair forehead bore a few scratches as she pushed through the crowd. 

Their eyes met. 

Sayoko’s watery eyes quivered like jelly. Feeling the crowd’s stares, her lips wavered—curving down, then up—but she couldn’t hold back. She threw herself into Tetsu’s arms. 

No words, but it was the tightest she’d ever held him, her face buried completely in his chest. 

This girl. 

Feeling Ame and the others’ teasing glances and noticing Sayoko’s pained, tiptoeing stance, Tetsu smiled, ruffling her hair. He turned to Kawaguchi. “Tell everyone filming’s done for today. We meet at 8 a.m. tomorrow.” 

“Yes, sir!” 

As one of the world’s largest active volcanoes, Mount Fuji’s hot springs were a major draw. 

Stepping into the hot spring inn, Tetsu was hit with a whiff of sulfur. 

“Booking tickets early, huh? Tetsu-kun, you’re so sneaky,” Sayoko teased, her face flushed with a mix of shyness and sweetness as she leaned on his shoulder, wrapped in his black coat. She whispered playfully in his ear, mindful of the other guests’ curious glances. 

Handing the tickets to the receptionist, Tetsu shot her a look and pinched her soft thigh. “What, you’d rather share a room with Nogi?” 

“Hmph, I’m injured, you know! Can’t you go easy on me?” Sayoko pouted, nibbling his ear with her pearly teeth, playing coy. But catching the receptionist’s odd glance, she quickly ducked her head, embarrassed. 

Noticing her shift, Tetsu hoisted her up with a grin. “Come on, who told you to ride a snowmobile that fast when you can’t even handle one?” 

“I was worried about you! Geez, Tetsu-kun, you’re taking my kindness for granted!” 

“Alright, alright, I’ll give you a massage later, okay?” 

“No way you’re touching me~” 

“Playing hard to get, huh?” 

He gave her a light pat on the hip, rolling his eyes. Taking the room key, he carried Sayoko on his back toward their room. But as they reached a quieter hallway, a pair of long legs in sheer stockings wrapped around his waist from behind. 

Sayoko’s face flushed red as she leaned close to his ear again. “Okay, but just one massage. And… it has to be while we’re soaking in the hot spring.” 

Chapter 77: Hot Springs and Moonlight 

The hot spring hotel was high-end, and the room Tetsu Fuyukawa booked was a first-floor suite with a private hot spring pool. 

After a few turns through the hallways, he carried Sayoko on his back to the room’s entrance. 

“Does Tetsu-kun not like sharing hot springs with others?” Sayoko asked, thoughtfully wrapping her legs around his waist to free his hands as he reached to swipe the room key. 

“It’s not that I dislike it, but I don’t love it either. I’m not a germaphobe, but if I have the option, I’d rather soak alone,” Tetsu replied casually, swiping the key. The door opened, and as he inserted the card into the slot, soft lighting filled the room. 

Elegant furniture, a low Japanese-style table, tatami mats, a plush bed, and behind a wooden sliding door, a steaming hot spring pool glowed under the moonlight. 

“Whoa, what a gorgeous room, Tetsu-kun!” Sayoko’s eyes sparkled like autumn waters, but before she could revel in the moment, Tetsu tossed her onto the bed. 

The mattress was soft, and Sayoko’s curvy figure bounced twice. As Tetsu hung his coat on the rack, he glanced at her pouting cheeks and chuckled, “It’s a nice room, but you need to treat that scrape on your forehead before you can soak.” 

“But I wanna jump in now! I’ve been freezing all day,” Sayoko whined, hugging a pillow. 

Tetsu didn’t budge. He grabbed the antiseptic and cotton pads they’d picked up earlier, sat on the bed’s edge, and studied the scratch on her forehead with a smile. “If you don’t take care of it, it might scar, you know.” 

“Hmph, you’re treating me like a kid,” Sayoko huffed, but she gave a shy smile. She slipped off her slightly scuffed, puffy white down jacket, revealing a fitted white turtleneck sweater, and sat cross-legged on the bed, leaning her head toward Tetsu. 

This girl.  

Honestly, her figure in that snug turtleneck gave her an alluring, refined charm. But seeing her slightly closed eyes, the scrape on her forehead, and her swollen ankle, Tetsu’s gaze softened with tenderness. He dipped a cotton swab in antiseptic and gently applied it to her pale skin. 

“Does it hurt?” 

“Hiss—ow, a little, but it’s fine,” she replied. 

Tetsu focused, carefully dabbing the wound, unaware that Sayoko had cracked her eyes open, nibbling her lower lip as she gazed at him with quiet affection. 

No one spoke. The moonlight spilled into the room, mingling with the sound of rippling water from the hot spring, distant laughter from other guests beyond the courtyard, and their slow, steady breathing. A serene atmosphere wrapped around them. 

After a while, when the antiseptic was applied, Tetsu noticed Sayoko staring at him. He screwed the cap back on the bottle and teased, “What’re you looking at? Want a kiss?” 

“Hmph, as if I care for that!” Sayoko’s face flushed, but she turned her head with a playful huff. Tetsu grinned, tugging at her soft, mochi-like cheek. “So coy. But with that swollen ankle, can you even soak?” 

“It’s just a little injury!” Sayoko protested, instantly worried she’d be banned from the hot spring. She tried to stand to prove her point, but Tetsu gently pushed her back down. “Alright, alright, soak if you want, but it’ll probably take longer to heal.” 

“I’m not scared. Worst case, you’ll just have to carry me to work,” Sayoko said, wrapping her arms around him affectionately. But her clinginess earned her a light pat on her tights-clad curves. 

“Dream on. Hurry up and get changed,” Tetsu said with a smirk. 

Soaking in a hot spring in winter? Pure bliss. 

Carrying Sayoko, draped in a thin robe, Tetsu stepped into the steaming pool. The warmth crept up from his calves, making him hiss slightly as the heat hit sensitive spots. But as he settled into the water, Sayoko, whose hips touched the surface first, let out a soft whimper. 

“Ohhh, Fuji’s hot springs are just the best,” she sighed contentedly, her head barely above the water. She wiggled into a comfy position in Tetsu’s lap, then looked up, tapping his nose with a wet finger and grinning. “You’re being awfully well-behaved today, Tetsu-kun. Did the cable car incident spook you?” 

Tetsu wrapped an arm around her waist, chuckling. “Please, not everyone panics like you, crashing a snowmobile into a tree.” 

He’d teased her about this when they first arrived at the hotel, but hearing it again, Sayoko just gazed into his eyes, then nestled her cheek against his chest, now warmed by the water. “I… I thought I might never see you again back then. That’s when I realized what Ame meant.” 

“Ame? What’d she say?” Tetsu raised an eyebrow. 

Sayoko nuzzled closer, murmuring, “She said if I don’t chase what I want most while I have the chance, I’ll end up living in regret forever.” 

“What you want most? That’s me, right?” Tetsu teased. 

“You’re so full of yourself,” Sayoko said, tightening her arms around his neck. After a pause, she looked up into his eyes. “Tetsu-kun… you and Director Miyano have something special, don’t you?” 

“Cough, where’d that come from?” Tetsu faltered, caught off guard. 

Sayoko shifted, pulling herself halfway out of the water, her hands on his shoulders, her eyes gleaming like the moonlight. “You didn’t deny it. So, Tetsu-kun, do you like me?” 

They’d been living together for months, but this was the first time she’d asked so directly. 

Tetsu’s gaze softened, and he nodded earnestly. “Yeah.” 

“And Director Miyano?” 

“Yeah.” 

The air froze. A flicker of sadness passed through Sayoko’s wide eyes, but just as Tetsu braced for the night to go south, she pressed her hands on his shoulders, her lips parting softly. “What if, one day, my family wants you to come back to my hometown with me and take over the shrine?” 

“The shrine?” Tetsu blinked, frowning slightly before meeting her gaze. “Do you want to go back?” 

“It’s… my duty as the eldest daughter of the Kawachi family,” Sayoko said, her eyes flashing with intense pain. 

Tetsu’s left arm tightened around her waist, his right hand gently pinching her cheek as he smiled. “The Kawachi family’s duty has nothing to do with a woman from the Fuyukawa family, does it?” 

Sayoko’s eyes widened, trembling like rippling water. Memories flooded her mind, a sharp pang hitting her nose. Her lips quivered, a mix of grievance and overwhelming love surging like a dam breaking. Before Tetsu could react, her warm breath grazed his face. 

“Kiss me,” she whispered. 

“Not here. Let’s go to the bed,” Tetsu replied. 

“Mm—use the train bento method,” she murmured. 

“…” 

Chapter 78: Reflections 

Ahem, this marks my third launch reflection in life. 

The first was a year ago with Beast Waist, and the second was three months ago with Giant Beast. But Giant Beast tanked so hard that I dropped it the day it launched~~~. 

Looking back, I feel pretty bad for the readers and big shots who supported me with tips back then. But there was no helping it. That book had under 200 concurrent readers at 200,000 words, and after 100,000 words, it just hovered around 200 without ever climbing. 

The stagnant readership was the real reason I abandoned it. 

It meant that after launch, I’d only scrape by with the 1,500-yen monthly stipend. Fifteen hundred a month, no benefits… yeah, no way to survive on that. 

So, here’s another apology. I pour a lot of emotion into my writing, so I really hate dropping projects. 

Back to the point—my current book, I Really Didn’t Want to Make Games, has about 700 concurrent readers. 

Compared to Beast Waist, it’s a flop. Compared to Giant Beast, it’s doing alright. 

But like I always say, as long as I can afford to eat, I won’t drop it. You big shots can rest easy. 

Now, about this book. 

Honestly, when I started writing the opening, I had zero outline. Didn’t even know what I was writing. I just banged out 6,000 words and sent them to my editor, Boss . 

After Giant Beast crashed and burned, leaving me broke, I just wanted to start something new fast. At the time, Peninsula Prosecutor was blowing up—I found it while browsing the charts and thought that style was super fun. So I wanted to try it. 

Problem is, I’ve never even watched a K-drama. My only exposure to Korea was from reading two early K-entertainment “bulldozer” novels by some big-shot writer back in high school. 

Writing a Korean setting? I couldn’t get into it. My editor also said the audience for Korean-themed stories is niche—you need serious skill to pull it off. 

I knew I wasn’t that skilled. So I kept browsing and stumbled across some Tokyo “housewife” novels. Got me hooked. Whipped up a 6,000-word opening in one night. 

Thought it’d get rejected, but they said it was decent—just be careful not to get flagged for content. 

Yup, Boss Penglai still loves me. 

So I started writing this book. 

But I couldn’t write pure “housewife” stuff. Once I settled on a Tokyo setting, I wanted to craft a slice-of-life story about games, anime, and music. 

That said… I heard Tokyo-themed stories could push boundaries a bit. And I personally think (just my opinion) that non-fantasy stories need a lot of female characters to be engaging. So I added a ton of romance. 

Result? The pacing got super slow. 

Yeah, I know my pacing’s slow. 

Can’t help it. I can’t write those stories where chapter one is making a game, chapter two introduces a side character, chapter three launches the game, some big YouTuber finds it, it goes viral, and then it’s on to the next game. (Not saying those stories are bad—I just can’t write them.) 

When I write, I immerse myself in the world. I want the details, character motivations, and conflict reasons to be clear. But that slows the pacing down. 

Or maybe it’s not slow pacing—maybe I’m just not updating enough. 

I’m always moving the plot forward, whether it’s the game-making storyline or the character relationships. I don’t think I’m padding the story. 

Look into my sincere eyes! 

It’s just that I write in detail, with lots of inner thoughts and dialogue. I think character emotions and actions need more buildup. So sometimes, two chapters a day can’t wrap up a full plot arc, and you big shots feel like it drags. But during the new book phase, I couldn’t spam updates—my book hit the recommendation list at 90,000 words. If I’d gone all-out, it’d be 400,000 words before launch~ 

No worries now, though. 

It’s launching, and I’ll try to make up for the slow pace with big updates. 

So, on Saturday’s launch, I’ll drop 20,000 words. After that, 8,000 words daily minimum, aiming for 10,000. 

Lastly, a quick note. 

With Sayoko’s arc wrapping up, the Surrounded by Beauties storyline is hitting its climactic end. 

After that, I’m planning Sekiro to kick off a Souls-like series, but I’m also tempted by God of War or Devil May Cry. 

Kinda torn. 

Ugh, it’s late, and I’ve rambled for over a thousand words~ 

No more chatter. 

One last time, huge thanks to all the big-shot readers who’ve supported me. 

Chapter 79: Sexy Little Reindeer 

The next morning, the bright sunlight bathed Mount Fuji outside the window in a golden glow. 

“Phew… last night was wild,” Tetsu Fuyukawa murmured, feeling the warmth of the heater. His left arm was pinned under the sleeping beauty beside him, and a gentle smile crept onto his face. 

Let’s be real—when a 30-year-old woman lets loose, things get crazy. From the hot spring’s steamy “train bento” session to the bed, then the bathroom’s glass walls, the floor-to-ceiling mirror, and even the pillar under the snowy courtyard eaves—they didn’t stop until past 3 a.m. Even Tetsu, who prided himself on his stamina, felt drained. 

“Addressing the root cause sure beats treating the symptoms,” he chuckled, glancing at the wall clock. “Time to get up.” 

Careful not to wake Sayako, he gently rolled her off him and started to get ready. But just as he moved, a soft, warm tongue tickled his sensitive ribs. 

“Tetsu-kun, ohayo~” Sayako mumbled, half-asleep, her face lighting up with a dreamy smile as she blinked up at him. 

“You little vixen, that tickles!” Tetsu flopped back onto the bed, pinching her cheeks playfully. “Go back to sleep. We’ve just got some wrap-up scenes this morning, then we’re heading back to Tokyo.” 

“Mmm, no way.” Sayako wrapped her arms around his neck, nuzzling her sweet face against his chest. “I already took half a day off yesterday. If I slack off again, people will talk behind your back, Tetsu-kun.” 

“No worries. Everyone’s seen how hard you’ve been working.” Tetsu affectionately tweaked her nose. 

Truth be told, next to him, Sayako was the busiest in the crew. It wasn’t just her after-hours work on Fate—the three-month production schedule for Surrounded by Beauties was grueling. Nogi handled company paperwork and liaised with other departments, often working from the office, which was easier without Tetsu hovering. Kawaguchi managed finances, tracked equipment and venue costs, and occasionally played the male lead, keeping him busy but not as swamped as Sayako. She was juggling game UI design, character illustrations, and, due to Kojiro Honda’s understaffed filming team and tight budget, she was also running around Tokyo to rent costumes, comparing prices. Back on set, she helped with makeup, hairstyling, and other odd jobs. It was exhausting, physically and mentally. 

Hearing Tetsu’s words, Sayako’s eyes sparkled with warmth. She flipped over, straddling him, her hands gripping his arms as her pale feet brushed against his hairy calves. “You’re the big boss saying this, so it’s definitely not me being lazy, okay?” she teased, her voice dripping with playfulness. 

Tetsu felt her soft weight pressing against him and grinned at her beaming face. “Got it. Our Sayako’s the hardest worker.” 

“So, doesn’t that mean Tetsu-kun owes me a reward?” Her breath was hot against his neck, her big, dewy eyes burning with mischief. 

The ancients weren’t kidding—30 is a wild age for women. 

Tetsu’s breathing quickened as he locked his strong arms around her slim waist, rolling them over on the bed. 

“Got you!” he growled. 

“Mmm, Tetsu-kun’s always so rough,” she pouted, feigning complaint. 

“Don’t like it?” 

“I love it. This time, I want you to… hold my neck from behind.” 

“You like the pressure, huh?” 

“Mmm…” 

Desire’s one heck of a vortex. After another round in bed, when Tetsu finally hit the shower, a soft “koala” clung to him again. By the time Sayako was gently adjusting his trench coat collar at the hotel door, the clock read 8:30 a.m. 

No wonder they say emperors skip morning court for this. 

He was late. Tetsu gave a wry smile, but Sayako’s parting kiss, as she wrapped her arms around his neck, melted away any frustration. 

“You little temptress,” he muttered, stepping out of the hot spring hotel into a blast of cold air. “Brr, it’s freezing.” 

Shrugging his shoulders against the chill, he tightened his high-neck sweater to hide the love bites and hurried to the crew’s bus in the parking lot. No surprise—Tetsu Fuyukawa was never late, but today he was, and straight from a hot spring hotel, no less. As he boarded, Kawaguchi, sitting by the driver, stifled a laugh, avoiding eye contact. In the back, Asuka Tsukitake’s playful gaze scanned him, landing on his high neckline. A sly smile spread across her cool, moonlit face. 

“Since when does the team leader wear turtlenecks?” she teased, sliding into the seat next to him as he sat down. 

“Mind your own business,” Tetsu shot back, rolling his eyes. 

Asuka leaned closer, whispering with a grin, “Oh, the team leader’s private life—however blissful—is none of my concern. But you didn’t forget our bet, did you?” 

“Relax, I’m not about to scam a kid. Send me the model and address, and I’ll order it online.” 

“No can do.” Asuka’s eyes glinted mischievously. “It’s the deluxe high-speed version. You can’t get it online—it’s exclusive to that store.” 

Exclusive, my foot! It’s just a darn bouncy toy! Tetsu thought, exasperated. High-speed deluxe version? Seriously? 

He was too tired to argue. After last night’s marathon and this morning’s encore, he was beat. Yawning, he waved her off. “Fine, I’ll get it when I have time.” 

“You’d better keep your word, big boss,” Asuka said, smirking. 

“Yeah, yeah, I know.” 

The filming for Surrounded by Beauties was nearing its end, but the final scenes were the toughest. The three idol actresses, including Asuka, had little acting experience. To help them get into character, Tetsu shot the scenes in the order of the story’s progression. Since Surrounded by Beauties was a romance game, the confession scenes and character arcs came at the end, making them harder to nail. 

High-pressure work was exhausting, but it also made it easier to focus entirely on the job. Asuka, in particular, had a knack for acting, slipping into her role more naturally than the others. But that was a headache for Tetsu. She was playing “Hao Hao’s Mom,” whose key scenes involved Mount Fuji, skiing, and the hot spring. They’d finished the skiing and Fuji scenes yesterday, but the hot spring scene, planned for last night, got delayed to this morning due to the power outage. And this morning… 

Tetsu was sore. Really sore. 

Having gone at least six rounds since last night, Tetsu, now in shorts and manning the camera in the hot spring, felt his veins throbbing as Asuka, draped in a sheer veil, dipped her pale toes into the water. Thankfully, the game was rated 15+, so there were no overly intimate scenes. As Asuka leaned forward, her figure swaying, she kissed the mic under the camera, and the scene wrapped. 

The shot was perfect. Kojiro Honda was all thumbs-up, shouting “Sugoi! Sugoi! Very sugoi!” Tetsu, still reeling from Asuka’s “attack,” took a towel from Marri Shiraishi, the mature actress, before daring to stand up from the water. 

But Marri, clearly not over him, noticed something when she handed him the towel. Her face flushed, and she playfully flicked him—not hard, but after so much “use,” it hurt. Tetsu doubled over in pain, making Asuka, who’d been watching, burst into laughter. She only stopped when he shot her a death glare, covering her giggling mouth as she ran off to change. 

With “Hao Hao’s Mom’s” confession scene done, the Mount Fuji trip wrapped successfully. But Surrounded by Beauties had six female characters. After picking up a still-wobbly Sayako from the hot spring inn at noon, the crew grabbed a quick lunch and headed back to Tokyo. 

Back in the city, trouble brewed. The final scenes for actresses like Ziyen Zheng, Yunsi Li, and Huixing Shen went smoothly, but the confession scene for Xiao Lu hit a snag. Tetsu had initially planned to shoot it at Chidorigafuchi, with its 700-meter stretch of cherry blossoms, but the crew was too efficient. It wasn’t even February, and the cherry buds hadn’t bloomed yet, but they were already nearly done. 

Kojiro suggested filming and adding effects later, which was the easiest fix, but their budget couldn’t afford top-tier effects, and cheap ones would ruin the immersion. After some hesitation, Tetsu rewrote the scene, moving it to a railway crossing with falling cherry blossoms. 

On a sunny afternoon, as a train passed, a few cherry trees shed petals, the heroine’s skirt and hair fluttering in the breeze. It was reminiscent of 5 Centimeters per Second, though the “cherry blossoms” were fake—petals bought and glued on, with crew members shaking the trees. 

Tetsu had been worried about this scene. A sea of cherry blossoms, like in Chidorigafuchi, evokes the awe of Ghost of Tsushima’s reed fields or Sekiro’s moonlit reeds, naturally boosting the actress’s performance. A few trees couldn’t match that impact, and to avoid continuity errors, Tetsu had to blur the focus, putting all the weight on the actress. 

The actress playing Xiao Lu was Saito, the idol who always wore white thigh-high stockings. Her acting was decent but not stellar—her appeal lay in her pure look and those eye-catching legs. Tetsu’s fears were justified: after three or four days, the scene still wasn’t right. 

Kojiro, the cinematographer and half-director, was frustrated and wanted another take, but Tetsu called a halt and pulled Saito aside. What she said floored him. 

“Um… if Kawaguchi-san is the male lead, I just… can’t get into the confession scene.” 

Tetsu was dumbfounded. 

So, under Kawaguchi’s teary gaze from the cherry tree he was shaking, Tetsu took up the camera and stepped in as the male lead. It felt absurd. “Kawaguchi’s been the sweet, reliable male lead for two months, and now I’m the one she confesses to? And he’s stuck shaking the tree? Reality’s brutal.” 

Feeling bad, Tetsu considered letting a makeup artist take over tree-shaking duty, but Kawaguchi, wiping tears, clung to the tree with grim determination, his face screaming, “I don’t care, I don’t care! Saito-san will realize I’m the better lead!” 

But reality was cruel. With Tetsu as the male lead, Saito snapped into character instantly. As the train passed and cherry petals fell, her longing gaze at Tetsu was so intense it could’ve melted steel. 

Kawaguchi collapsed, petrified, but no one paid him much attention—Surrounded by Beauties had wrapped! 

When Tetsu shouted “Cut!” through the megaphone, the crew erupted in cheers. The three idols were in tears, not just because this was their first “big project,” but because the past few months had been relentless—nonstop work with only a couple of days off. 

Relief washed over everyone, followed by a surge of joy. It was Christmas Eve! In Japan, where less than 1% of the population is Christian, Christmas Eve is less about religion and more about a chance for young people to let loose, forget work or school stress, and hit the town for some fun. Some crew members probably just wanted to crash and sleep, so Tetsu didn’t pull the “boss card” and mandate a wrap party. He announced the celebration would happen after the game’s release. 

The crew was officially free, and their excitement exploded. To Tetsu’s surprise, the three idols didn’t rush off to party but invited him to a movie. Naturally, the upright Tetsu declined. 

After saying goodbye to the crew, he and Sayako went out for a big dinner and a stroll. As night fell, he was backing his black Volkswagen into the garage when a jingle of bells caught his ear. 

“?” 

Under the moonlight, Tetsu glanced at the rearview camera, then did a double-take. Sayako, who’d been in her OL uniform when they got in the car, had somehow changed into a Christmas reindeer outfit. She was sprawled across the backseat, hands gripping the headrest, her waist low, and her soft, peachy backside—wrapped in a red mini-skirt—swaying at the mirror. 

Catching his gaze, Sayako, looking like an adorable reindeer, blushed and flashed a shy, playful smile. “Merry Christmas Eve, Tetsu-kun~” 

“You little vixen!” 

Skrrt! The car shot into the garage. Amid the neighbor’s dog barking, the Volkswagen started rocking under the moonlit sky. 

“Those two are out of control! Absolutely shameless! Is there no law left in Tokyo?!” Himawari Izumi, wearing a red Santa hat, stepped onto the second-floor balcony of her little red house and froze at the sight. Her smile faded, her cheeks puffed out in a red-faced pout, and she gripped her Christmas wand tightly. 

After staring and grumbling for a while, her face growing redder, she huffed, stormed back inside, and pulled out her worn copy of A Little Story After the Rain. Slumping against the wall, she started flipping through it. 

Chapter 80: Sassy Little Sunflower 

Japanese high school students get three breaks: spring break, summer break, and winter break. Winter break runs from mid-December to early January, and Izumi Himawari was currently enjoying the final winter break of her high school years. 

Well, “enjoying” might be a stretch. 

As expected, the song “I Once Thought About Ending It All” exploded in popularity after a few weeks of buzz.  

It’d be an exaggeration to say it took the world by storm, but in Japan, anyone who listened to music had seen the video. Most entertainment companies in the country had taken notice too. 

No surprise, talent scouts came knocking in droves. 

The sudden wave of opportunity left Izumi Himawari stunned at first. She’d always dreamed of signing with an entertainment company, earning her own money, and repaying Sayoko. Her hearing issues had held her back before, but now offers were pouring in, overwhelming her to the point of nearly signing a shady contract. A seemingly kind middle-aged woman had dangled a deal that looked generous but was packed with harsh conditions to actually get the benefits. 

Luckily, her sharp-witted best friend, Yumi Konko, had her back. While the woman was in the bathroom, Yumi called Tetsu. 

In the end, Tetsu showed up, chewed out the woman, and sent her packing. But he didn’t stop there—he gave Izumi a scolding too. Still, under her pouty, aggrieved expression and Sayoko’s teasing “Tetsu-kun’s such a softie” gaze, he made time in his busy schedule to pull some strings. He helped her sign a short-term contract with a reliable entertainment company. 

Yes, a short-term contract. 

With her upcoming ear surgery and the risk of permanent hearing loss, plus her plans to attend university, and the fact that “I Once Thought About Ending It All” wasn’t her own creation, companies would need to invest in songwriters to promote her. That was a risky bet, so the generous offers were mostly about capitalizing on the song’s short-term hype rather than committing to her long-term stardom. 

Honestly, that suited her just fine. 

Izumi’s goal was to make some quick money for living expenses and surgery costs, then decide whether to dive fully into the music industry after university. 

But signing a contract meant getting to work. 

“Stinky old man! Get up already!” 

On Christmas Day, in the dim second-floor bedroom of the little red house, Tetsu was still deep in sleep when the door was pounded loud enough to shake the walls. 

“This kid’s gonna be the death of me,” he muttered, rolling over to wrap his arms around the soft, sweet-smelling Sayoko, burying his face in her ample snowy peaks. 

Hearing his grumbling, Sayoko, still half-asleep, giggled. She looped her arms around his neck, chuckling. “It’s Himawari’s first big commercial gig today. Of course she’s excited.” 

“Big commercial gig? It’s just a performance at TGS,” Tetsu scoffed. “Ugh, come here, let me hold you.” 

“Eek, the cold air’s getting in!” 

Pulled on top of him, pressed against his sturdy chest, Sayoko playfully protested, pulling the blanket tight around them like a cozy mountain. 

Once the cold air was fully blocked, she wriggled closer, nuzzling his chin affectionately. “If you don’t get up soon, Himawari’s gonna come banging again.” 

Feeling her weighty presence, Tetsu took a deep breath, slowly opened his eyes, and shot her a mock glare. Hugging her back, he shook his head with a grin. “Ugh, I shouldn’t have agreed to drive her to the venue today. It’s a rare day off, and I can’t even sleep in.” 

“But didn’t you want to check out TGS yourself? Think of it as a last bit of fun before the game launch,” Sayoko said, squirming under the blanket like a caterpillar, her hands wandering downward. 

“Hiss—you’re making it harder for me to get up.” 

“I’ll… do my best~” 

As Little Fuyukawa stirred, he sucked in a breath, gently tapping Sayoko’s forehead as she exhaled warmly. Staring at the ceiling, he let his mind wander. 

TGS stood for Tokyo Game Show. In his previous life, it was a big deal, held once a year in September. Here, though, TGS happened twice—once in summer, once in late December, with the winter event held in Akihabara. 

The winter show focused on reviewing games released that year and previewing next year’s titles, but unlike the globally oriented summer event, it was mainly for the Japanese market. 

Of course, even the winter TGS was out of reach for Surrounded by Beauties. Only games with NTsoft’s B-tier marketing budget or higher could snag that kind of exposure. 

But that didn’t matter. He wasn’t here for work today—just to take a break, stroll around, and relax. Plus, it was Izumi Himawari’s first “big” commercial gig. 

His thoughts rambled on, but as Sayoko’s breaths grew heavier, his focus snapped back. His hands gripped her slim waist. 

“Alright, let me take over.” 

“Eep—!” 

The weather was great today—sunny, with a rare warm-up in temperature. Being Christmas and a weekend, the streets were packed. 

Well, “pedestrians” wasn’t quite the word. Young men and women in colorful cosplay outfits had taken over Akihabara. Girls sported fox tails, fairy wands, or black motorcycle helmets posing as headless riders. Guys wielded oversized swords or spears, rocking exaggerated wigs. But honestly, for someone like Tetsu, who knew game and anime conventions inside out, it was hard to tell who was male or female just by looking. 

Some sweet-faced, long-legged cosplayers in female character outfits would stroll into the men’s restroom, whip out a machine gun, and leave guys like Kawaguchi feeling utterly inadequate. 

Tetsu, though, wasn’t interested in any of that. 

“Hey, you done changing yet?” 

In an alley beside the Tokyo Game Show, Tetsu leaned against the car door, arms crossed, ignoring the flirty glances from a few sultry “female” cosplayers. He knocked on the back window, exasperated. 

“Alright, alright! What’s the rush?” 

The car door swung open. Under Tetsu’s barely suppressed grin, Izumi Himawari stepped out, her face flushed with a mix of embarrassment and irritation. Her long, slender right leg, wrapped in black stockings, emerged first, followed by the hem of her red-and-black gothic dress. 

Honestly, she looked pretty cool today. 

Her long, straight black hair was tied into twin tails with a dark red hairband. Her usually clear black eyes sported heterochromatic contacts—one wine-red, one bright yellow. She wore a fitted red-and-black gothic lolita dress that cinched her waist, paired with sleek black knee-high boots over her stockinged legs. 

Yes, Izumi was cosplaying Kurumi Tokisaki from Date A Live. 

It wasn’t just for cuteness. Her commercial gig was for SATE Games’ adaptation of Date A Live. The franchise was huge in this world too, and SATE had secured the game rights last year. Now, they were promoting it at TGS, with the “hot new talent” Izumi Himawari performing. 

Her cool demeanor, tall frame, fair skin, and delicate features made her Kurumi cosplay spot-on—no awkwardness, just a stunning vibe. But… 

“That flat chest is probably the most accurate part,” Tetsu thought, a smirk tugging at his lips as his gaze flicked to her chest. 

“No way! Stinky old man! What are you laughing at?!” 

Catching his teasing glance, Izumi, hyper-sensitive about her flat chest, went feral like a kitten, claws out to grab his face. But at barely over 1.6 meters, she was no match. Tetsu easily held her at arm’s length, chuckling. “Alright, alright, stop messing around. Let’s get to the venue before Sayoko starts nagging about you being late.” 

“Fine! Follow me, and don’t get lost, ‘cause I’m not coming back for you!” 

Chin tilted proudly, Izumi led the way. Tetsu shook his head with a wry smile, following behind, thinking, This kid only gets this bold around people she knows. 

Today was Izumi’s big “first” commercial performance, so of course Sayoko wouldn’t miss it. But halfway there, Ame and Keiko called, saying they’d arrived in Tokyo and were heading to Kabukicho to celebrate Christmas with male hosts—only to get lost in Shinjuku Station’s underground maze. 

Yes, lost. In a subway station. Sounds absurd, but it’s not uncommon. 

Shinjuku Station is the world’s busiest and most complex, with over 200 exits.  

Two hundred exits. Terrifying. 

No choice—Sayoko went to pick them up, leaving Tetsu to escort Izumi, the outwardly cool but inwardly timid girl, to the venue. 

What a pain. Honestly, Tetsu wasn’t that into game conventions. To a seasoned industry guy like him, the “cutting-edge” trailers and game news were old hat. He’d come to unwind with Sayoko, but now… 

“Should’ve just stayed home and slept,” he muttered, shaking his head as he followed Izumi across the street into the TGS convention center. 

TGS was undeniably a world-class event. The main hall was massive, packed with big-name game companies renting booths, hiring cosplayers for photos, and booking singers for performances. Smaller studios and indie developers filled the corners, promoting their own games, creating a lively atmosphere. 

Even in this sea of cosplayers, Izumi, dressed as Kurumi in her dark red gothic dress and black stockings, turned heads. 

They’d barely taken a few steps inside when a swarm of photographers rushed over, flashes popping. 

Basking in the attention and bolstered by Tetsu’s presence, Izumi tilted her chin proudly, her twin tails swaying. But her smug glance at him froze when she saw… 

“What the heck?! Why are people asking him for photos?!” 

In her stunned gaze, a gaggle of girls surrounded Tetsu—his hair styled by Sayoko, his black coat giving off major vibes—as they clamored for selfies, shouting “Black Butler! Black Butler!” 

“Black Butler? What the heck?” Izumi muttered, dumbfounded. 

“Black Butler? What the heck?” Tetsu echoed, equally baffled. 

But it got worse. Maybe because he looked handsome and sharp, a few “female” cosplayers with something extra sidled up, asking for his contact info. 

Fencing material. 

Tetsu was beyond done, while Izumi was doubled over, laughing so hard she could barely breathe. But then—snap! 

“Huh?” 

The sound of a zipper breaking hit everyone’s ears. Feeling her dress suddenly loosen and start slipping from her chest, Izumi’s laughter froze. 

“I’m screwed!” 

Surrounded by countless cameras, she panicked, about to scream, when a black coat was thrown over her. 

“Seriously, if you’re renting a costume, get one with better quality.” 

Stripped down to his brown turtleneck, jeans, and khaki Martin boots, Tetsu crouched to pick up the broken zipper, pinching her soft cheek with a sigh. 

Cheeks stinging, wrapped in the warmth of his coat, Izumi froze, staring at him up close. She was about to say something when a long strand of hair on the coat’s collar caught her eye. 

Her pupils shrank, and her briefly calm face flared up again. Like a chibi character, she teared up, yelling, “You’re saying that now?! Fix the zipper, you stinky old man!” 

“…I swear, I must’ve owed you in my last life—no, my last last life.” 

Sighing, Tetsu looked at the frantic Izumi, clutching the coat, her eyes swirling like mosquito coils, too scared to move. Rubbing his hair, he said, “Fix it? We need a quieter spot for that.” 

“I-I can’t move! The dress inside is falling!” 

“…Unbelievable.” 

With cameras everywhere and her dress slipping, Izumi was in full panic mode. Then she felt someone gently lift her by the knees. 

Before she could react, she was in Tetsu’s arms—princess style! 

Her first time being carried like this by a guy, in front of a crowd no less! 

Flashes went wild, and she lost it. Her cool, pure face turned apple-red, steam practically rising from her head. She pounded his chest with her tiny fists, her stockinged legs flailing. “Hey, hey, hey! What are you doing?! I’ll scream!” 

“…” 

Once again witnessing how dumb a panicking woman could get, Tetsu, dodging her fists, was done. Ignoring the stares, he hoisted her over his shoulder. 

Smack! 

“?” 

A quick pat on her heart-shaped peach, muffled by the coat, left Izumi—who’d been hammering his back—stunned. She went limp as he carried her toward the changing room. 

Kids are such a hassle. Sometimes you gotta give ‘em a swat to calm them down.