71-75

Chapter 71: A Hot Spring Trip to Mount Fuji 

Nurse outfits, huh? Gotta admit, they’re pretty eye-catching. Tetsu Fuyukawa was so fired up watching the morning news that he could barely sit still. But… 

Around 10 a.m., Sayako dragged him out the door. 

No way around it—it was because of Himawari Izumi. 

Now that she’d turned 18, her relatives could no longer claim subsidies, so at 9 a.m., they called and told her to pack her bags and get out. Harsh, but not exactly rare in Japan. 

It’s like how Japanese women are often portrayed as super liberated in colorful anime or movies, but in reality, most are pretty conservative. Anime and J-dramas love to emphasize the bonds between people, but real-life Japan? Not always so warm and fuzzy, even within families. Take kami-machi shoujo (literally “girls awaiting divine salvation”)—it sounds poetic, but it’s just a term for homeless girls kicked out of their homes, often before they even finish high school, simply because their families don’t want to bear their expenses anymore. 

And it’s not just girls. Plenty of boys face the same fate. In Tokyo’s Shinjuku, there’s an area called Toyoko where tons of these teens gather. It’s even made headlines in the social issues section. But the really brutal part? The news just urges families to “get along” and warns people to steer clear of Toyoko because it’s “unsafe.” 

Of course, Himawari wasn’t about to go live in some Toyoko underpass. Still, she needed help moving her stuff. So, Tetsu ended up playing chauffeur. 

He half-expected a classic “rude relatives look down on the hero, hero steps up and slaps them with success” moment, but he was let down. He didn’t even see Himawari’s relatives. When his black Volkswagen pulled up to the rundown apartment building, her belongings were already strewn haphazardly on the roadside. A pink bunny plushie, in particular, looked like it had been run over, covered in grime. 

Himawari, though, seemed used to this kind of treatment. With help from Sayako and Tetsu, she loaded her things into the trunk, double-checking that nothing was missing. Through the rearview mirror, she caught Tetsu’s eye as he leaned against the car window, smoking with a grim expression as he stared at the apartment building. Her clear, slightly aggrieved eyes flickered with a hint of happiness. But it vanished quickly, and she leaned forward in the car seat, grinning. “Let’s go, old man. Time to head home!” 

Having another person in the house wasn’t a big deal. Their two-story home with a yard had plenty of space. 

Tetsu had planned to clear out the first-floor storage room for Himawari, but who would’ve guessed she’d charge upstairs with her bags the moment they got home, claiming the room across from his and Sayako’s bedroom, right next to the study? 

He didn’t really care where she stayed, but the issue was that Himawari was a musician. Her playing might disrupt his work. After some pitiful pleading from a Himawari in pink pajamas, promising “I swear I won’t play instruments upstairs!” he let it slide. 

“Hmph, he acts all cold, but he’s a total softie,” Himawari said with a sly smile as she watched Tetsu scratch his head in exasperation and head downstairs. Sayako, who was busy making the bed, stood up and playfully poked Himawari’s forehead. “You haven’t seen him at work, all serious and intimidating. I’m telling you, the new girls at the company are too scared to even say hi to him.” 

“No way it’s that bad. You’re just messing with me, Yako-chan!” Himawari pouted, unconvinced, having never seen Tetsu’s tougher side. Hugging her pink bunny plushie, she skipped off to organize her bookshelf while Sayako just shook her head with a wry smile and went back to tidying the room. 

A lively 18-year-old girl in the house didn’t throw off Tetsu’s rhythm much. Truth be told, he didn’t have time to pay much attention to Himawari’s antics lately. 

The main reason? After getting past the initial hurdles, the production of Surrounded by Beauties was picking up speed. 

This was great news, but also a headache. 

The upside was that the game would be finished sooner. The downside? Tetsu’s workload was crushing. Surrounded by Beauties was originally a Chinese game, so a lot of the story and dialogue didn’t quite fit Japan’s cultural context, requiring heavy localization. Plus, Tetsu wasn’t planning to just copy the game wholesale. 

Like I Once Thought About Ending It All, Surrounded by Beauties wasn’t just about artistry—it tapped into the pulse of the times. It’s a simple logic: all entertainment is rooted in human desires. No matter how stunning a movie or how creative its… ahem… positions, if you show it to someone who’s just, say, “exhausted” and in sage mode, they won’t care. 

The explosive success of I Once Thought About Ending It All wasn’t just because it was catchy or had great lyrics. A huge part of it was that it resonated with modern Japanese youth, who face immense mental pressure. The song gave them catharsis and strength. In an era of social isolation and stress, it struck a chord with so many. 

Surrounded by Beauties was similar—it catered to the emotional needs of today’s gamers. But in terms of depth, it couldn’t hold a candle to I Once Thought About Ending It All. Tetsu’s job was to tweak the content without gutting its core. 

It was a pain. The story needed reworking, the dialogue needed rewriting, and the deadlines were tight. The pressure was intense. 

Tetsu was swamped, and it wasn’t just the production team’s stress. Things at NTsoft were turbulent, too. The main issue came from Division Three’s Kazuma Studio. 

Kazuma Studio was already a powerhouse within Division Three, and now they were gearing up to compete with Tetsu’s team by making a galgame. To stack the deck, Division Three had even reassigned staff from other teams to help. 

Galgames aren’t that complex—some are made by teams of just three or four people. Kazuma Studio was using Live2D tech, which makes character art move dynamically, but even that wasn’t a huge hurdle. With their beefed-up team, their game was nearly done. 

And the kicker? Division Three, flush with cash and backed by the company president, bought the rights to a hit light novel from a couple of years ago, My Stepmom Can’t Possibly Be This Cute. The story is the backbone of a galgame, and they’d snagged a ready-made, well-known IP in the romance light novel scene. 

It was clear Division Three wasn’t just throwing a tantrum—they were serious about dominating the galgame market. 

The company was buzzing with gossip. Most people didn’t think Tetsu stood a chance against Kazuma Studio, which had a strong team, extra manpower, and a popular IP like My Stepmom Can’t Possibly Be This Cute. The loudest naysayer was Deputy Director Yamanaka. After getting chewed out by Tetsu once, he knew better than to confront him directly. Instead, he’d lurk in the corner like a hyena, glaring at Tetsu with a smug, shady look whenever he came to give a report. 

But… 

“Whatever. Too many debts to worry about.” Tetsu sighed. “Man, Mount Fuji in winter is freezing.” 

In the chilly winter wind at a rest area near Mount Fuji, Tetsu stepped out of the car, his black trench coat and polished shoes doing little to shield him from the cold biting at his neck. He shivered, rubbing his hands together. Just then, Sayako, bundled up in a puffy white down jacket, slammed the car door and trotted over to him. 

“Seriously, you’ll catch a cold if you keep going from hot to cold like this!” she scolded, pouting as she stood on her tiptoes to wrap a thick black scarf around his neck. 

Tetsu chuckled, watching her breath form little clouds in the cold air, her charming face slightly flushed from the chill. He cupped her soft cheeks and planted a quick kiss, squishing them together. “Didn’t I know you’d bring me a scarf?” 

“Hey! Stop it! Nogi and the others are right behind us!” Sayako blushed, flustered but sweet, as she finished tying his scarf. She was about to say something when a tour bus pulled into the rest area. 

“Park right here!” Sayako called, running over to guide the bus, her puffy jacket bouncing with her steps. 

Tetsu smiled at the adorable sight, hands in his coat pockets, breath visible in the cold air. He glanced back at the majestic Mount Fuji. 

“Once we wrap up the hot spring and skiing scenes, we’re almost done. Speaking of hot springs…” He patted the pocket holding two tickets to a hot spring resort. 

Chapter 72: Chance Encounter 

A two-day, one-night hot spring trip—honestly, Tetsu had watched films like these in his past life. But his tastes leaned heavier; he always felt hot spring settings lacked intensity, missing that raw, hard-hitting vibe he preferred. So, after watching a few, he stopped paying much attention to the genre. 

Still, as the saying goes, “to each their own.” Some people love white stockings, others black, and some are into the slick, fishnet vibe—tastes and turn-ons are subjective. When planning the plot, Tetsu couldn’t just cater to his own preferences. Market research showed that in Japan and China, plenty of younger audiences with lighter tastes enjoyed the two-day, one-night hot spring trope. 

It had a broad audience but was costly to produce. 

Mount Fuji, one of Japan’s most iconic tourist spots, came with steep accommodation and dining expenses compared to Tokyo. With Surrounded by Beauties already budgeted at one billion yen, funds were tight. 

No time for chit-chat—once the crew arrived, Tetsu led everyone straight to the filming location. 

This morning’s shoot focused on a scene where Haohao’s mom confesses to the protagonist on a Mount Fuji cable car. 

The scene wasn’t overly complex, but a straight-up confession would feel too abrupt. So, before the cable car moment, they filmed a skiing scene at the resort. 

“Cut! Tsukitaka, come here.” 

Winter, early morning sunlight. 

At the Mount Fuji ski resort in December, light snow drifted from the sky, blanketing the surrounding peaks in white. Tourists in puffy jackets and ski boards zipped around. 

In the crunching snow, under the curious gazes of passersby, Tetsu, script in hand, shouted to stop the scene. 

“What’s wrong?” 

Tetsu’s temper flared in work mode. His loud call made other crew members, like the three idol group actresses, visibly nervous. But Tsukitaka Asuka, unfazed as always, calmly approached him. 

The scene drew plenty of onlookers. 

No surprise there—Tsukitaka Asuka looked stunning today. A pink knit cap sat on her head, and her 1.76-meter frame was wrapped in a cute deer-patterned jacket. Tight jeans hugged her peachy hips, and playful leather boots adorned her long, shapely legs. 

Add to that her German-Japanese mixed features—pure yet alluring. She was the definition of it. 

But Tetsu just brushed the snow off his black coat and pointed at the script. “You went too hard just now! I get you’re aiming for a sweet vibe, but it’s too sweet. Remember what I said when you joined the crew? Authenticity—authenticity comes first! 

You’re not with the protagonist yet, so besides sweetness, you need more shyness, more nervousness about the confession you’re about to make. But that’s not the key. The key is to be natural. Don’t overthink your expressions. Just put yourself in the character’s shoes and let it flow naturally.” 

Authenticity, to Tetsu, was the heart of Surrounded by Beauties. 

It was like the difference between Japanese adult films and domestic ones. 

Domestic films often lacked fancy lighting or perfect camera angles—sometimes they were even shot on phones. So why did some fans prefer them? 

Authenticity! 

Every frown, every smile was a genuine emotional expression. The more real it felt, the stronger the audience’s immersion. 

The original Surrounded by Beauties had polarized reviews. Beyond the bandwagon critics who hadn’t even played it, the main issue was that the plot and visuals felt too artificial. 

Heavy filters and obvious acting made it hard for some players to connect. Whether tweaking the script or changing filming methods, Tetsu was determined to fix that flaw. 

After hearing him out, Tsukitaka Asuka thought for a moment, meeting his eyes. “Got it. Let’s try again.” 

“Good. Relax and go with the feeling.” 

Tetsu nodded, waving the script and hoisting the camera onto his shoulder. “Everyone, get ready—we’re reshooting this scene!” 

Yes, he was doubling as the cameraman. 

No choice—his height was the only match. 

Filming flew by, and in no time, it was noon. 

“Great work, everyone. Morning shoot’s done. Two-hour lunch break—don’t be late this afternoon.” 

“Thanks, boss!” 

In the snowy ski resort, Tetsu gave a slight bow to the crew. As the staff and actors like Tsuk Taka Asuka left, he pulled a thermos from his coat pocket, warming his hands and exhaling white puffs of breath. 

Mount Fuji was gorgeous, and the morning’s footage looked great, but the near-minus-twenty-degree cold was brutal for someone who’d grown up in the south. Just then, a pair of delicate hands in pink fingerless gloves wrapped around his, holding the thermos. 

“Tetsu-kun, you’re really bad with the cold. Guess we’ll have to warm you up later,” Sayoko teased, her rosy cheeks glowing under her puffy jacket, her big, watery eyes twinkling. 

No denying it—Sayoko was stunning. Not just her beautiful features or curvy figure, but her smooth, fair skin gave her an adorable, pristine charm amidst the snowy resort. 

Tetsu smirked. “Whether I need warming up, don’t you already know?” 

Sayoko’s gaze drifted downward, her voice playful. “Hmph, I’ve heard there’s only exhausted oxen, not ruined fields. Besides, in this cold, I bet it’s already shrunk to a tiny ball.” 

“You little—getting bolder by the day! Come here!” 

At thirty, Sayoko had grown more comfortable with him as their relationship deepened. Alone together, she was far less shy than at the start. 

Tetsu liked this vibe. Feigning annoyance, he glared and tugged at her soft, mochi-like cheeks. 

“Ow, ow, ow! Stop it, I just put on moisturizer! Fine, I’m pinching you back!” 

Sayoko pouted, hooking her arms around his neck. As they playfully tussled, a sharp voice cut through. 

“Well, well, well, if it isn’t our eternal spinster, Sayoko-chan! Tsk, tsk, long time no see—looks like you’ve snagged a golden catch.” 

The voice was shrill. Tetsu turned to see two stylish, mature women on ski boards behind them. 

Trouble? 

Tetsu frowned slightly. But then, Sayoko’s eyes widened with delight. “Ame-san, Keiko-san, what are you doing here?!” She rushed over, enveloping both women in a hug. 

“Pfft, what do you mean ‘what are we doing here’? Like only Tokyoites belong here? What, you looking down on us Haruibe country bumpkins?” Ame, the green-haired, fashionable woman, scoffed, though her body didn’t resist Sayoko’s embrace. As Sayoko hugged her, Ame’s gaze, hidden behind sunglasses, scanned Tetsu. After a moment, she turned to Sayoko. “So, is this your boyfriend? Not gonna introduce us?” 

Chapter 73: Big Sis Ame 

December was peak season for ski resorts, but it wasn’t a holiday, so the hot spring lodge in the scenic area wasn’t too crowded. The dining area had only a handful of scattered guests. 

Ame, her green-dyed hair catching the light, slipped off her coat and hung it on the back of a bench. She was dressed fashionably, but the faint crow’s feet at the corners of her eyes betrayed that she was well past thirty-five, her youth a distant memory. 

She sat down, casting a slightly jealous glance at Sayoko’s figure, accentuated by a high-neck black sweater. Then her eyes flicked to Tetsu Fuyukawa, who was ordering at the counter. With a sultry toss of her long hair over her shoulder, she teased, “Look at you, little miss accomplished! You actually snagged your department head. Tsk, tsk, thirty years single, and you were just waiting to land a big one, huh?” 

“Ame-neesan, don’t say it like that! It’s not like I reeled him in or anything,” Sayoko protested, sipping her beer. The chill in the air made her shiver, causing a slight jiggle under her sweater. Noticing Ame’s raised eyebrow, Sayoko flashed a sly, fox-like grin. “But… he’s pretty great, right?” 

“I wouldn’t know about great in that sense,” Ame replied, “but he’s definitely a catch. Good build, handsome face, and a young department head at a big company? He’s one in a million.” 

Ame’s tone carried a mix of envy and admiration. Beside her, Keiko, with her orange-dyed hair, took a sip of beer and glanced at Tetsu. She nodded, then asked curiously, “But why would a guy like that agree to son-in-law adoption? He’s not after your family’s shrine, is he?” 

Son-in-law adoption. Shrine. 

The words hit like a bombshell, freezing the smile on Sayoko’s face. But with her two childhood friends, she didn’t hide the truth. Her fingers nervously tapped the glass beer mug, and she forced a bright smile. “Uh… I haven’t exactly told him about my family yet.” 

“What?!” Ame’s eyes widened in shock. “You haven’t told him something that important?!” 

Her reaction was pure disbelief, but after a moment, sensing Sayoko’s uncertainty, she tossed her hair with a carefree flair. “Whatever, it’s not a big deal. You have to be a pure maiden to serve as a shrine maiden, right? But you two have already… you know, cooked the rice. Your strict grandma back home can’t say much now. At worst, she’ll just push you to pop out a daughter to take over—” 

“Uh, about that…” Sayoko’s smile grew even more strained. 

Ame’s sunglasses nearly slid off her face. She leaned in, suspicious. “Wait, what?! You haven’t hit a home run yet?! You just said you’ve been living together for months! Is he… you know, defective or something?” 

Not just Ame—Keiko, usually so poised and ladylike, choked on her beer, her wide eyes fixed on Sayoko in confusion. 

Sayoko’s face flushed crimson. “It’s not like that! He’s… super intense, okay? I’m practically stuffed like a hamster! It’s just… I haven’t told him about my family, so I can’t fully relax or get in the mood. And he’s never pushed me either.” 

“Tch, who would’ve thought? A gentle guy like that,” Ame said, her expression screaming, I’m shocked, but as the big sister who raised you, I know how awkward you can be. She took a big gulp of beer, glanced at Tetsu, who hadn’t returned yet, and shrugged. “So, what’s your plan? I don’t see him as the type to agree to son-in-law adoption.” 

“Come on, Ame, don’t put so much pressure on her,” Keiko interjected, though her eyes sparkled with amusement. 

Ame rolled her eyes. “Please. When Sayoko was four and you were fourteen, still playing in the mud, I’d already had three boyfriends. I know men better than both of you. Even after just a few words with him, I can tell he’s got this commanding vibe. A guy with his looks and status? No way he’s agreeing to son-in-law adoption. Those old-fashioned rules about shrine maidens requiring it? They don’t hold water with a guy like him. And let’s be real—your family’s remote, rundown shrine isn’t exactly a cash cow. It’s more of a burden.” 

“Says the love expert who got played by a guy for over a decade and then dumped,” Keiko shot back. 

“Say that again!” Ame snapped. 

“Cough, cough, I didn’t say anything. Chill out,” Keiko said, sipping her beer and waving her hand dismissively. But her eyes soon lit up with mischief. “So, what now? Tell Sayoko to dump him? Come on, she’s thirty and finally found someone she really likes. It’d be such a shame to let him go. But… looks like that’s the only option. Poor Sayoko, back to being a lonely—” 

“Hey! What kind of sisters are you, gloating like that?! Help me figure this out!” Sayoko’s frustration boiled over, her cheeks puffing out in a mix of anger and panic. 

Seeing her flustered expression, Ame and Keiko burst into laughter. Ame wiped a tear from the corner of her crow’s feet, took another sip of beer, and then, noticing Sayoko’s serious look, toned it down. She sighed, exasperated. “Seriously, you’re so much younger than us, but you live like some old relic from last century. You keep boxing yourself in with these pointless rules, and that’s why you’re so stressed. 

Let me ask you this: when your parents tried to marry you off to that company president’s idiot son, who stood up for you besides me and Keiko? Nobody. Do you really think your future is going back to Harumibe to take over that crumbling shrine and live out your days alone? Or worse, getting sold off again by your creepy grandma to keep the Kawachi family line going? Come on—one path is a bottomless pit, and the other is a fresh start right in front of you. What are you still hesitating for?” 

Mention of her parents, who died in a car accident, and those painful memories dimmed Sayoko’s eyes. Her face was still full of hesitation. 

Seeing her expression, Ame shook her head in frustration, crossing her legs and sipping her beer. After a moment, she tapped the table with her finger. “Hey, do you remember when we used to explore the back hills as kids?” 

“The back hills?” Sayoko looked up, confused, but a spark of nostalgia lit her eyes. “Of course! We caught stag beetles in the woods together. Wow, that was so long ago.” 

Ame nodded, sipping her beer. “Yup. At first, you were too scared to even touch the bugs, let alone go near the hills. But do you remember why our parents eventually banned us from going up there?” 

“It was…” Sayoko trailed off. 

“It was you,” Ame said, pointing. “You couldn’t wait for us and ran up the hill alone, then got lost! The police had to search for hours to find you!” 

“Why bring up my embarrassing childhood stories now?” Sayoko pouted. 

Ame slammed her empty beer glass on the table, loud enough to draw glances from nearby tables—even Tetsu, who was directing a waiter to fetch fish at the counter, looked over. But Ame ignored them, adjusting her sunglasses with a hiccup. “I’m not bringing this up to remind you of your little adventures. I’m saying that, growing up in that messed-up family, your curiosity—your longing for freedom—was stronger than mine or Keiko’s. You just never had the courage to take that first step. 

Normally, I wouldn’t bother with your nonsense—you’ve been stubborn forever. But you’re thirty now, and you really like this guy. So, as your big sister and someone who’s been around the block, let me give you some advice.” 

Ame took off her sunglasses, revealing eyes with faint crow’s feet, no longer as clear as they once were. “I’m not saying you have to stay with this guy. Relationships don’t always last. 

But what I am saying is, that car accident was a blessing in disguise. If it hadn’t happened, you’d be crying yourself to sleep every night next to some idiot husband. This is your chance, a gift from the heavens. You’re thirty now. If you don’t muster the courage to change and chase the life you want, opportunities will only get scarcer. And you’ll never get that ‘stable but mediocre’ life you’re imagining.” 

The words hit hard, carrying heavy weight. Sayoko fell silent. After a long pause, she opened her mouth to respond, but just then, Tetsu returned to the table, food ordered. 

“No idea what you two like, so I got a bit of everything,” he said, raising his glass. “Here’s to you both—thanks for looking out for Sayoko back in the day.” 

“Oh, Sayoko’s lucky to have found a guy like you…” Ame said, clinking glasses with him. 

Watching Tetsu chat and toast with her two big sisters, Sayoko’s mind lingered on Ame’s words. Her grip on her beer glass tightened, her eyes distant and thoughtful. 

Chapter 74: Daily Life 

Though it was a chance encounter and their first meeting, Tetsu Torukawa honestly had a blast at lunch. 

Ame and Keiko were Sayoko’s childhood friends—or, more precisely, they’d looked after her like big sisters until she left Harugabe at eighteen to study in Tokyo.  

The three shared a tight bond, but while Sayoko was the gentle younger sister, Ame and Keiko were absolute firecrackers. 

They didn’t hold back, casually announcing that their trip to Mount Fuji was just a pitstop—their real goal was to hit up Tokyo’s Kabukicho, the “top host club street in Japan.” 

Tetsu nearly choked on his rice when he heard that, but… he got it. 

These three sisters had all faced rough fates. 

Sayoko had once nearly been sold off to a company president’s dimwit son. Keiko got married and had a kid, only to find out her husband was gay—after fulfilling his “duty” to produce an heir, he never touched her again. 

As for Ame, her story was the stuff of legends. At thirty-seven, she’d married a guy years younger with zero career prospects. When the economy tanked and her looks started to fade with age, the guy secretly became an adult film actor. He hid it well—she only found out when she was looking for something to spice things up. He had the gall to claim, “I’m learning new skills for you!” Naturally, it ended in a messy divorce. 

The trio’s wild experiences earned Tetsu’s sympathy, but Ame and Keiko—two women who’d lived chaotic lives yet refused to be broken—clearly didn’t need it. They just kept pestering him about which Kabukicho host club was the best. 

Tetsu could only shrug helplessly. 

“I’m a respectable guy, okay?” 

If they’d asked about the best soaplands, he could’ve asked his buddy Kawaguchi for tips. But top host clubs? He was clueless. 

Still, chatting with these bold women over lunch was a good time. 

The meal stretched from noon past one. As the restaurant filled with more tourists, Tetsu finished his last sip of beer, checked his watch, and called for the bill. Turning to Sayoko with a smile, he said, “Take the afternoon off from the set. Spend some time catching up with your sisters.” 

“Oh, that’s not right,” Sayoko said, her eyes sparkling with excitement but tinged with guilt. Tetsu called the shots on the set, but everyone else was hard at work. 

“It’s fine. The crew’s not swamped this afternoon—you’d just be handing out clothes or water. Just make sure you’re there for the cable car scene tonight. Alright, you two, enjoy the rest of your meal. There’s a fruit platter coming. I’ve got to run.” 

Tetsu slipped on his black trench coat, gave Sayoko a warm smile, nodded to her sisters, grabbed his black satchel, and left. 

“Tch, no wonder he’s a section chief at such a young age—so efficient,” Ame teased, winking at Sayoko. “A guy this good, you sure you don’t want to lock him down? Hand and mouth stuff won’t cut it, you know.” 

Not just Ame—Keiko, nibbling on some fish and propping her chin on her hand, sighed wistfully. “He’s not just good at his job. That body? You can see his pecs through his sweater. Ugh, I wonder if I’ll find a host in Tokyo on his level. I, Keiko, want to try a wild ‘train bento’ too. Trust me, if you haven’t tried every position, your life’s incomplete.” 

“Train bento,” she said, loud enough for nearby guys to sneak glances their way. 

Feeling the stares and her sisters’ teasing, Sayoko sat up straight, her cheeks pink. She poked at her watermelon with her fork, her eyes flashing with a mix of crisis and… timidity. 

“Phew, it’s freezing out here.” 

Stepping out of the restaurant, the chilly wind hit Tetsu’s neck despite the warm sunlight. He exhaled a puff of white breath, glanced back at Sayoko through the window, frowned slightly, and strode toward the film set. 

He didn’t know the root of Sayoko’s hesitation, but after spending so much time together, he could sense something was off. Still, he didn’t pry. 

No need. 

Some things, no matter how much others say, you have to figure out for yourself. 

Brushing those thoughts aside, Tetsu got back to work as the crew—led by cinematographer and part-time director Honda Kojiro, along with Kawaguchi and others—hauled equipment to the ski slopes. 

The production of Surrounded by Beauties was nearing its end. After months of high-pressure teamwork, the crew was tight-knit and efficient. And, to be fair, Asuka Tsukitake was a genius. She didn’t just teach music, race cars, and model—she was also a damn good skier. 

That’s why Tetsu chose Mount Fuji for the confession scene. Skiing and hot springs were crowd-pleasers, but most actors couldn’t ski, making filming tricky. Not this time. 

Asuka could ski, and so could Tetsu. So, to the amusement of onlookers, Tetsu glided down the slopes, one hand held by Asuka, the other steadying Honda Kojiro, who was strapped to his back with a camera. 

The ridiculous scene had kids giggling, while crew members like Shiraishi Mari and three idol girls watched with starry eyes, whispering, “The chief’s got some serious core strength. Wonder who’ll get lucky with him.” 

Tetsu didn’t catch their comments. All he knew was that skiing with a grown man on his back was exhausting. But, maybe because the setup was so comical—or maybe because of Tetsu’s deadpan expression—Asuka was completely at ease, her smile sweet and genuine. 

One take! 

The afternoon’s ski scenes were all nailed in one go. As the final ski shot wrapped up, evening approached, and Tetsu led the crew to the cable car area. 

“Chief, you don’t need to adjust these cameras during the shoot—they’re mechanized,” Honda Kojiro explained, tinkering with the equipment. 

“I know,” Tetsu replied calmly, sipping water as Honda fiddled with the camera on his cap. 

The next scene was the cable car confession, featuring just Tetsu and Asuka. Not exactly a sanctioned romantic getaway—though sharing a snowy Fuji evening with a beauty like Asuka was undeniably romantic. The real reason was logistics. 

The scene needed both interior cable car shots and exterior drone footage. Having Honda tag along would ruin it—imagine players watching the heroine’s heartfelt confession while a creepy guy hovers nearby. They’d riot. 

Soon, the cameras were set, and the crew signaled everything was ready. Tetsu glanced around, surprised to see Sayoko still hadn’t shown up. Raising an eyebrow, he climbed into the cable car with Asuka. 

Chapter 75: Power Outage 

“You seem to care a lot about Sayako-chan, huh?” 

The cable car glided downward at an angle, and Mount Fuji at dusk was breathtaking, its snow-capped peak piercing the clouds. Filming hadn’t started yet. Asuka Tsukitake propped her chin on one hand by the window, her big eyes gazing at the snowy beauty of Fuji outside, but her words carried a teasing edge. 

After months of working together, she and Tetsu Fuyukawa had grown closer. Tetsu shrugged. “You’re one to talk. You always act all chummy with me in front of her. Are women always this complicated? You clearly want to help her, but now your relationship’s all distant and awkward.” 

“What else am I supposed to do? Tell her I’m super into her guy and ask to share?” Asuka’s bold quip came with a playful glint in her eye. 

Tetsu had gotten used to her personality by now. If Sayako was like dodder—a delicate vine that clings to a sturdy tree to thrive—Asuka was true to her name, like a free-spirited bird. She did whatever she wanted, unbound by obligations or expectations. In Japanese culture, where social harmony and restraint often dominate, her carefree attitude was refreshing but rare. 

Knowing her well enough, Tetsu didn’t take the bait. He crossed his legs elegantly, glanced at the snow outside, and smirked. “You talk like you’re so sure you could win me over if you tried. Sayako’s way more charming than you.” 

“More charming than me?” Asuka raised an eyebrow, sizing him up with a provocative look. “Sure, Sayako’s the soft, curvy type you can scoop up and play with—perfect for a domineering guy like you. But… seems like you two haven’t hit a home run yet, huh?” 

“Cough—who told you that?!” Tetsu sputtered, shooting her a glare. 

Score one for Asuka. Her eyes sparkled with amusement as she shrugged nonchalantly. “Oh, please. You think I haven’t noticed what you two get up to in the bathroom? I gotta say, I’m impressed you’re so considerate of her feelings that you’re holding back.” 

“You—” Tetsu was floored. He hadn’t expected anyone to eavesdrop on them. 

Asuka’s grin widened, clearly enjoying herself. “And honestly, you should thank me. If I hadn’t been riling her up lately, you wouldn’t be having such a good time. Her traditional, conservative streak is deep in her bones. Sure, once she lets loose, she’ll be wild—but good luck getting her to try anything bold. You’d be waiting till the end of the world.” 

“…” Tetsu felt a headache coming on, but just then, Kojiro Honda’s voice crackled through his earpiece. 

“Team leader, can you hear me? The drone’s in position. We’re ready to shoot!” 

“Phew! This is all your fault—I’m late!” 

High above in the cable car, down on the ground, Kojiro Honda was piloting the drone, eyes glued to the screen. Just then, a snowmobile roared up, skidding to a stylish stop near the crew. Under the gaze of Nogi and the others, Sayako hopped off, her face flushed red from the cold wind, and rushed over. 

“Sorry, sorry! I flipped the snowmobile on the way here!” Panting white puffs of breath, her fair face tinged pink, Sayako bowed in apology while brushing snow off her white puffy jacket. Her head swiveled, searching for Tetsu. 

Nogi handed her a thermos with a smile. “No rush. We don’t have much to do tonight.” 

“Phew, that’s a relief. I really didn’t want to get scolded by the team leader.” Sayako patted her chest—still impressively prominent even under the bulky jacket—and took a sip from Tetsu’s thermos. Craning her neck, she peeked at the monitor in the crowd and gasped. “Oh! Have they already started filming?” 

“Yup,” Nogi said. “Kojiro says Asuka’s killing it in this scene. She’s really into it.” 

Really into it? What’s she so invested for?! 

Sayako’s eyes narrowed. Under Nogi’s sly grin, she squeezed through the crowd to the monitor, where Asuka’s blushing face filled the screen, looking shyly at the camera. Sayako’s small fists clenched, and her cheeks puffed out in a jealous pout. 

Why’s she blushing like that?! 

Sure, it was just acting, but she was not happy about it! 

“Ohohoho,” teased Mei, one of the crew. “That look in her eyes doesn’t seem like acting. Bet she’s gonna pull a fast one and steal a kiss from someone’s favorite guy up there in the cable car.” 

“Mei, don’t joke like that,” Keiko chimed in. “Tetsu’s like a monk reincarnated—totally unshakable. Even if someone hasn’t… satisfied him, he’d never—” 

“You two!” Sayako, already fuming, exploded like a little kid, waving her fists and chasing Mei and Keiko around. But then—click! 

A sharp sound of a power cutoff rang out. In Sayako’s stunned gaze, the cable cars dangling high above came to a sudden halt, their lights flickering off one by one. 

“What’s going on?!” Sayako froze, and she wasn’t the only one—everyone on the ground was caught off guard, then erupted into chaos. 

“A power outage? Is this an accident?!” 

“No way! The team leader’s still up there!” 

“Quick, contact the resort staff!” 

“It’s gonna get windy tonight!” 

The crew descended into pandemonium. Kawaguchi was freaking out, clutching his head and running in circles, while Nogi whipped out her phone to call for help. 

It wasn’t just the crew—dusk had settled, and the darkening sky made the stalled cable cars a striking sight. Skiers and tourists nearby started murmuring among themselves. 

A cable car power outage wasn’t exactly terrifying; it was a tourist hotspot like Mount Fuji, after all, with emergency protocols in place. The resort had handled these issues for years without major incidents. But the timing was bad—winds often picked up in the mountains at night. And more than that, worry wasn’t just about the severity of the situation—it was about who was involved. 

Amid the crowd’s chatter, Sayako stood frozen, clutching the thermos, staring up at the cable cars with fear in her big, watery eyes. 

“Tetsu-kun…” 

A terrifying possibility flashed through her mind, and her body trembled. Without a word, she spun around and bolted for the snowmobile. 

“Hey, where are you going?!” Mei called after her. 

“To the transfer station!” Sayako shouted back, twisting the throttle and speeding off, leaving Mei and Keiko behind. 

Watching her zoom away on the snowmobile, Mei’s mouth twitched. “Does she even know how to drive that thing?” 

“Forget driving—she’s never even ridden a bicycle because she’s scared of hitting someone,” Keiko replied. 

“…”