31-35

Chapter 31: The Weight of a Name 

“Yes! I’m Kojiro Kawaguchi from Hikari Studio.” 

Intimidated by Owada’s fierce aura, Kawaguchi instinctively tensed up, standing ramrod straight. 

Glancing at Kawaguchi, Section Chief Owada tossed a stack of documents to the female employee wiping her hands. “Review these now. I want the files in ten minutes. And from now on, anything from Section Chief Fuyukawa gets top priority!” 

“Yes, sir! Right away!”  

The female employee, her earlier arrogance gone, bowed repeatedly in a fluster, grabbed the documents, and hurried off to process them. Owada said nothing more, simply turning and heading into his office. 

What just happened? 

Kawaguchi stood there, a bit dazed, when the hushed conversation of two nearby female employees drifted to his ears. 

“Is Matsushita out of her mind? Holding up Section Chief Fuyukawa’s paperwork?” 

“Oh, come on, she just got back from annual leave. She’s out of the loop.” 

“Good thing the chief stepped in, or she’d be in deep trouble. A Tokyo University grad like Fuyukawa, running his own studio after just five years? The higher-ups value him a ton. If this blew up, it’d probably take a department head to sort it out.” 

“For real. I ran into Fuyukawa by the restroom once. He’s got this super intense vibe.” 

“Intense? Oh, I see that look in your eyes—you’re into guys who pin you against the wall, huh?” 

“What?! You perv!” 

“Haha, don’t play innocent. A guy like Fuyukawa—sharp, capable, and with that aura? Half the women in the company are dying to get close to him. Take that Kawachi girl from his studio. Haven’t you noticed her makeup’s been on point lately? Total vixen vibes!” 

“Now that you mention it… Wait, what if I ‘accidentally’ run into him in the parking lot tonight?” 

“Then you’d better go for a softer look. Maybe twin tails? I hear dominant autodidact guys like him love to ‘take the wheel.’” 

“The wheel? Oh, stop it!” 

What are these women even thinking about at work? 

No wonder the finance department’s efficiency is so low. 

With the department mostly women, Kawaguchi’s lips twitched at their exaggerated chatter, though his eyes betrayed a mix of envy and admiration. 

I need to learn a thing or two from Fuyukawa. 

It had to be said—Tetsu Fuyukawa’s name carried serious weight. 

Though Hikari Studio was one of NTsoft’s smallest, and his promotion was tied to Miyami Miyano, no one doubted his skills or his bright future at the company. 

In a gaming company like NTsoft, the traditional Japanese emphasis on seniority-based pay wasn’t as rigid, but age still mattered. A section chief over 35 and one under 35 faced very different prospects. Unless there was a direct conflict of interest, no one dared cross Tetsu Fuyukawa. 

Thanks to this, not only did Kawaguchi’s tasks go smoothly, but Aunt Nogi wrapped up her work before 11 a.m. 

“The process is moving along. If all goes well, the funds will be in by the day after tomorrow.” 

In his office, Tetsu Fuyukawa clicked the [Approve] button on his screen. 

[Current Approval Stage: Department Head - Miyami Miyano] 

As the approval flowchart appeared, he stretched, swiveling his chair to face the floor-to-ceiling window and the Tokyo sky beyond. It was a nice October day—clear blue skies, gentle sunlight. After a morning of work, his eyes felt slightly strained, his pupils adjusting to the light, followed by a wave of relaxation. 

“The funds are set. Next up, casting interviews, then we’re off.” 

Feeling unburdened, Fuyukawa sipped his goji berry tea, glancing at the skyscraper across the street. A knock came at the door. 

“Come in.” 

Sayoko, dressed in a sharp OL uniform, walked in with a tablet, her heels clicking. “Tetsu-kun, here’s the list of actors available for this afternoon’s interviews.” 

She stood politely by his desk, sliding the tablet toward him, but halfway through, Fuyukawa pulled her into his lap. The weight of them both made the chair’s leather creak, and he felt the warmth of her curves against him. 

“Tetsu-kun! This… this is the office!” Sayoko squeaked, blushing furiously, her eyes darting to the blinds and the window behind them. Her stockinged feet curled in her heels. 

Holding her soft waist, Fuyukawa teased the hem of her skirt, chuckling. “Relax, Kawaguchi and Nogi are setting up the office. They won’t be back for a while.” 

“No way, Tetsu-kun, not here!”  

7000. 

Sayoko didn’t resist too hard, but a big red number seemed to flash above her head. She was clearly flustered, and pushing further wasn’t an option. 

Sensing her unease, Fuyukawa wasn’t too disappointed. He knew her shy nature wouldn’t easily give in to office antics. Besides, after three rounds last night and another this morning, he wasn’t exactly in the mood—just mentally drained from work and craving a moment of closeness. 

He patted her hip and whispered with a grin, “What’s ‘no way’? I just wanted a hug.” 

“Huh?!”  

His warm breath tickled her neck, and realizing she’d misunderstood, Sayoko melted into him, her body softening. “You’re such a tease, Tetsu-kun,” she mumbled, embarrassed. 

+10000! 

“Don’t like it?” He tugged playfully at her lower lip. She squirmed in his lap, shyly admitting, “…I do.” 

After a lingering moment, their lips parted. 

“My tea’s cold. I’ll heat it up for you,” she said, her flushed face glowing as she slipped out of his grasp, sensing his growing intensity. 

“Still so shy. What a woman,” Fuyukawa muttered with a smile, shaking his head. He grabbed the tablet and scrolled through it, his brow furrowing. 

Only twelve actors for the afternoon interviews. 

Twelve sounded decent, but it was far from enough. To cut costs, he’d even opened the casting to amateurs, yet this was all they got. 

The reason? “Interactive live-action films don’t have a blockbuster precedent, and I’ve got no name recognition outside the company.” 

Looking at the notes—[Will reply in three days], [Requests 30% higher pay], [Wants scheduling flexibility]—next to the actresses’ photos, Fuyukawa sighed. 

His reputation worked wonders within NTsoft, but outside, he was a nobody—a rookie game producer with no track record. In the adult world, without proven clout, being overlooked was par for the course. Everyone’s just looking out for their own interests, and that’s fair. 

Still… 

“Thirty years east, thirty years west—am I about to play out that kind of drama?”  

He pushed the tablet aside, swiveled his chair to face the sky, and smirked, a playful glint in his eyes. 

Chapter 32: Amateurs 

Surrounded by Beauties was just a small-scale game with a budget of 100 million yen, but having only twelve people show up for auditions was still way too few. 

With no other choice, even though it was almost lunchtime, Tetsu Fuyukawa called Kawaguchi and Nogi into the small office to assign tasks. 

“Sayoko, could you order some takeout? I’ll cover the cost later. Also, everyone’s working through lunch today—try to get at least fifty people for this afternoon’s auditions.” 

Tetsu Fuyukawa took a sip of his goji berry tea, rubbed his temples, and lit a cigarette. 

Sayoko swayed her hips gracefully as she left to place the order, while Nogi and Kawaguchi sat stiffly on the sofa. 

Maybe it was the grim look on his face, but both of them seemed nervous, sitting ramrod straight. Kawaguchi, in particular, was so tense he swallowed hard, his fingers typing on his laptop while his eyes kept darting toward Tetsu. 

Noticing their unease, Tetsu gave a reassuring wave and a smile. “No need to be so on edge. The situation isn’t dire—it’s just a bit of a time crunch. Relax, you two.” 

“Yes, Team Leader!” they replied in unison. 

“Thank you, Team Leader,” Kawaguchi added. 

They visibly relaxed a bit. 

To be honest, Tetsu’s expression was a little stern. “Looks like, given the circumstances, we’ll have to bring in complete amateurs for the auditions.” He stubbed out his cigarette and leaned back in his boss’s chair. 

The original audition pool was supposed to range from minor actors to amateurs, but these “amateurs” weren’t entirely green—they were typically people with agents, the kind who had regular jobs but took on side gigs for extra cash. 

These amateurs, while still novices, had at least some experience in the industry, which would make filming smoother. Plus, their agents would vet their backgrounds to avoid any scandals that could tank their debut after investing resources. 

In simple terms, these amateurs were a safer bet. But now, there was no choice. 

It wasn’t that no one wanted to audition—the problem was the low turnout, which would seriously slow things down. And Tetsu had a bet riding on this with Minister Miyano! 

If the auditions dragged on too long and missed the spring break release window, the sales would take a hit during the back-to-school season. And then… 

“If you lose, you’ll have to lick my feet.” 

The image of Miyano Mitei’s cold, venomous beauty flashed in his mind, sending a shiver down Tetsu’s spine. 

He appreciated a delicate foot, sure, but he preferred to be in control, admiring from above—not groveling on the ground, licking or, worse, being stepped on. 

A man’s pride is worth its weight in gold! 

Licking feet? Absolutely dame dame—no way! 

With renewed determination, Tetsu dug into his lunch as Sayoko returned with bags of takeout. He typed furiously on his laptop between bites. 

Yes, typing. 

Pure amateurs weren’t registered in the company’s “Actress Contact List” software. To find them, he’d have to rely on personal connections and niche forums for recruitment. 

Posting on forums was easy enough—anyone with fingers could do it—but connections were trickier. 

Tetsu, a former programmer, didn’t exactly have a wide network in this area. Still, his efforts paid off spectacularly. 

For established actors, an unheard-of “interactive game movie” with modest pay and a grueling three-month shooting schedule that clashed with other gigs was a tough sell. Surrounded by Beauties was, at best, a backup option for them. But for complete amateurs who hadn’t yet broken into the industry, this could be a life-changing opportunity! 

As the saying goes, “The dry die of drought, the flooded drown in excess.” The same applies to the job market. 

The moment Tetsu posted the casting call, it created a tidal wave of responses! 

NTsoft Game Company - Division 4 - Lightbird Studio Team Leader 

A team leader from a major company personally recruiting? With Tetsu’s verified profile picture, the amateurs who fit the criteria went wild! 

MapleNono: Oniisan, I’m Mahiro Yukiyama from Kanagawa High School. I’m 18, 168 cm tall, measurements 88-64-87, with drama club experience. My specialty? I’m obedient and can meet any request! (Click to view photo) 

Molly: Hello, Team Leader. I’m Molly Shiraishi, 33, divorced, 163 cm tall, measurements 89-66-88. I’ve done extra work at Toei Kyoto Studio Park. I hope you’ll consider me! (Click to view photo) 

Takizawa… 

The post went live, and Tetsu’s inbox was flooded with messages. 

“Tokyo’s culture and entertainment industries are so developed, yet these people still can’t even find a steady agent. There’s a reason for that,” he muttered. 

He clicked through the photos one by one. 

To be fair, since he’d noted in the post that Surrounded by Beauties was an interactive romance game, the applicants were “thoughtful” enough to attach revealing photos. But the quality? Not great. 

It wasn’t just about looks or figures—most lacked the right vibe. 

After scrolling through photos for a while—some of which got him a bit too excited—Tetsu shook his head and leaned back in his chair. 

“Too much of a hostess vibe.” 

The key difference between Surrounded by Beauties and adult films was that this game wasn’t just about physical attraction. It focused on emotional connection, giving players a deeper sense of fulfillment. 

How many people fall in love with the heroine of an adult film? None. You just hit sage mode afterward. That’s because love has a quasi-religious quality. 

This quasi-religious nature has three distinct traits: blindness, martyrdom, and purity. 

Blindness is easy to grasp. People in unrequited love know it’s a bit foolish, yet they can’t turn back, clinging to a sliver of hope. 

Martyrdom is similar. When teachers or parents oppose young love, it only deepens the teenagers’ feelings. The “trials” make their love feel grander. 

Finally, purity. This doesn’t mean virginity or the absence of physicality—love includes the physical but transcends it. 

Love comes before lust. 

Simply put, a man’s unlikely to fall for a woman who cracks crude jokes at their first meeting. But he’ll adore a partner who teases playfully after they’re together. 

And these women sending photos? 

“Too much of a hostess vibe. But maybe they misunderstood the brief. Let’s audition them and see.” 

After some thought, Tetsu leaned forward, carefully selected candidates, and handed the list to Sayoko to contact. 

The lunch break flew by in this flurry of work. When the hallway outside the office grew noisy, Tetsu finally looked up from his computer, stretched, checked his watch, and slipped on his suit jacket. “Alright, everyone, let’s go meet these women.” 

“Yes, Team Leader!” Kawaguchi replied, barely containing his excitement at the prospect of reviewing beauties. 

“Yes~” Sayoko and Nogi exchanged awkward smiles, clutching their folders as they followed Tetsu downstairs. 

Chapter 33: Competition Is a Good Thing 

"What's with all the new faces today?" 

At 4:30 p.m., on the third-floor hallway, two male employees stand sipping tea, their gazes fixed on the bustling lobby below. 

The usually quiet first-floor lobby is teeming with people—mostly young, attractive women. 

One of the employees, a slightly balding guy, looks curious. His colleague shrugs. "Seems like Fuyukawa’s team is holding actor auditions." 

"Section Chief Fuyukawa? Actor auditions? Are they already casting voice actors for their project?" 

"Not voice actors—actors. Man, you’re really out of the loop. Last Friday, Fuyukawa’s proposal got company approval. It’s for a live-action interactive movie game." 

The colleague explains patiently, and the balding guy blinks in surprise. "A live-action interactive movie game? Like a real-life galge?" 

"Exactly. Hikari Bird Studio was set up to test the waters with galge. Looks like Department Four knows they can’t compete with the old-school galge giants, so they’re trying something new. But let me tell you, Fuyukawa’s under a ton of pressure this time." 

"Pressure? I heard their studio’s project is just a small-scale one, like a hundred million yen. Isn’t that kind of project just a sandbox for promising young guys like Fuyukawa to cut their teeth?" 

The balding employee sounds both envious and confused. His colleague takes another sip of tea and lowers his voice. "It’s not that simple. Sure, Hikari Bird’s budget isn’t huge, but… you know how Department Four got that new minister, Miyano, dropped in recently? Word is, she’s super assertive and wants to push into ARPGs—action role-playing games." 

"ARPGs? Isn’t that Department Three’s territory? They’ve been on a downward trend, but they’re still a legacy department. Back when the company was starting, their flagship title Yuri: Machine Revolution put NTsoft on the map. Is Minister Miyano really trying to steal their slice of the pie?" 

The balding employee’s eyes widen, and his colleague nods. "Yup. So now, Department Three and Department Four are butting heads. Fuyukawa was personally promoted by Minister Miyano, so he’s caught in the crossfire. Don’t spread this around, but I heard through the grapevine that Department Three’s pulling some strings. Minister Endo has deep connections in the entertainment industry, and it’s making things tough for Hikari Bird to recruit actors. They’re stuck auditioning amateurs." 

"And get this—Department Three’s Kazuma Studio set up their voice actor auditions right next to Hikari Bird’s today. It’s a blatant power move. Tsk, I wonder if Fuyukawa’s regretting being picked by Minister Miyano now." 

On the third-floor hallway, the two gossip away. Meanwhile, down in the first-floor audition room… 

"Ms. Shiraishi, if you were trapped in a closet with a man you barely know, and your son is outside, so you can’t leave, how would you react?" 

In the audition room, Tetsu Fuyukawa sits with one leg crossed over the other, a notebook on his lap, pen in hand, his sharp eyes studying the amateur actress in front of him. 

The woman auditioning for the role of "Hao Hao’s Mom" is Marika Shiraishi, 33, divorced. Despite her age, she has fair skin, a great figure, and a sultry charm—perfectly fitting the "mature wife" archetype. 

At Tetsu’s question, Marika bows nervously, thinks for a moment, and answers cautiously, "I’d feel nervous… and maybe a tiny bit of curiosity? But mostly nervous." 

Not a bad analysis. 

Tetsu nods inwardly. It’s already past 4:00 p.m., and he’s seen at least forty amateurs today. Maybe because of the game’s genre, many candidates misjudge the scenario, immediately jumping to suggestive ideas. One bold actress even lifted her skirt during her audition. 

Marika Shiraishi, though, has clearly put some thought into her response. 

After a moment’s consideration, Tetsu glances at Mrs. Nogi. "Nogi, go act opposite her." 

Surrounded by Beauties is a first-person perspective game, but it’s not just a camera in the actress’s face. There’s a "stand-in" actor involved, though they have to lean back tactically to keep the camera clear. 

With Hikari Bird Studio’s tight budget, they can’t afford a dedicated stand-in, so team members fill in. 

Soon, with Tetsu’s nod, the performance begins. 

The closet space is cramped, so Marika Shiraishi’s upper body presses against Mrs. Nogi as she starts reciting her lines. 

The scene is a bit odd—a 33-year-old "mature wife" flirting with a 40-something office lady—but everyone in the room is professional, and no one cracks a smile. 

Watching the first half, Tetsu nods approvingly. 

Marika, as a mature woman, nails the sultry vibe—so much so that Tetsu feels a spark himself. But… 

"Something’s still missing." 

Tetsu frowns slightly. The character of "Hao Hao’s Mom" is a sexy, fiery single mother who works as an accountant. 

Sultriness is great, and while Marika’s looks and figure don’t quite match Sayoko’s, they’re still impressive. But she lacks the grit of a single mom and the steadfastness of an accountant. 

Expecting an amateur to nail sultriness, nervousness, and resilience is a tall order, but there’s no helping it. "Hao Hao’s Mom" is a pivotal role. In the original timeline, this character carried much of the game’s early buzz. 

After a moment’s thought, Tetsu calls, "Cut," jotting notes in his notebook. "Thank you, Ms. Shiraishi. Your acting was quite good." 

Marika’s smile freezes. As an adult, she knows this is polite rejection. 

Sure enough, Tetsu continues, "Your acting is solid, but it’s not quite what I’m looking for yet." 

"Thank you so much for this opportunity," Marika says, her smile stiff as she gives a deep 90-degree bow. 

But as she turns to leave, Tetsu adds, "Your acting is impressive. Over the next few days, try studying the vibe of a professional working woman. If you feel confident in that kind of role, come back for a second audition in three days." 

Marika freezes, then bows repeatedly, her enthusiasm making her ample chest bounce noticeably, though still a size smaller than Sayoko’s. 

"Really?! Thank you so much, Team Leader Fuyukawa! I can’t thank you enough!" 

"No need to thank me. If you want the role, focus on improving." 

As Marika bows her way out, Tetsu sets his notebook on the table, rubbing his throbbing temples. He glances at Kawaguchi. "How many more outside?" 

"That was the last one." 

"Got it." 

Checking the time—4:50 p.m., ten minutes until the end of the workday—Tetsu stands. "That’s it for today, then. Good work, everyone. Nogi, make sure tomorrow’s audition candidates are set." 

"Will do, Team Leader. Thanks for your hard work!" 

"Mm." 

With a nod, Tetsu shoots Sayoko, who’s tidying the audition room, a quick "meet me in the parking lot" glance. Grabbing his briefcase, he steps out—and immediately raises an eyebrow. 

The hallway outside their audition room is empty of candidates, but next door, Department Three’s Kazuma Studio is still swarmed with a long line of voice actor hopefuls. 

As Tetsu emerges, an employee at Kazuma’s door stands with hands behind his back, chest puffed out, chin slightly raised in a subtle taunt. 

"Fighting over petty stuff like this? No wonder Department Three’s slipping." 

Everyone knows about the rivalry between Departments Three and Four, and as an insider, Tetsu is well aware of it. 

Kazuma Studio usually holds auditions on the third floor. Setting up on the first floor, right next to Hikari Bird, is a clear attempt to flex their dominance and stir gossip among employees. 

Glancing at the employee, who seems to want to provoke but doesn’t dare go further than a raised chin, Tetsu says nothing. He takes the elevator back to his office to organize files and prepare to leave. 

Sure, Kazuma Studio’s crowded doorway outshines Hikari Bird in terms of spectacle, but that’s irrelevant. The company judges on results. The louder they crow now, the harder they’ll fall later. 

After tidying his briefcase and audition notes, Tetsu reaches the parking lot just past 5:50 p.m. 

The sky is dimming, and the lot is nearly empty of employees. 

A black Volkswagen’s headlights flash nearby, and Tetsu strides over. But as he reaches for the door, the window of a gray K-car next to him rolls down. 

"Team Leader Fuyukawa, free tonight?" 

The voice is familiar. Turning, Tetsu sees Marika Shiraishi in the driver’s seat. 

Wearing a deep V-neck blouse, Marika flashes a flattering smile, leaning forward slightly, her curves accentuated by the seatbelt. 

To be honest, Marika’s outfit is undeniably alluring, but Tetsu just raises an eyebrow. "Sorry, I’ve got plans tonight." 

Rejected. 

Part of it is that he’s working on Fate tonight, but more than that, these kinds of deals always come with strings attached. 

High-risk moves like that don’t interest Tetsu. Marika, however, seems all-in, reaching out the window to grab his arm. 

"Team Leader Fuyukawa, I just want to have dinner or… something?" 

"What do you think you’re doing?" 

Another hand—a smooth, pale one—grabs Marika’s wrist. In Marika’s panicked gaze, Sayoko, now in a black halter dress, appears before her. 

The usually gentle and refined Sayoko’s face is icy with menace! 

"Sorry!" 

Marika panics, flooring the gas and speeding off. 

"These women nowadays, no shame at all," Sayoko mutters, wrinkling her nose. 

Tetsu chuckles. "She’s just trying to get by. Come on, let’s go grocery shopping." 

"Mm." 

In front of Tetsu, Sayoko turns back into her gentle, lamb-like self, obediently getting into the car. But Tetsu doesn’t notice the flicker of urgency in her eyes. 

They’ve got Fate to work on tonight, but dinner comes first. The black Volkswagen pulls out of the lot and heads to the market. 

But as the car rolls into a dimly lit alley, it stops. 

No choice. 

A warm breath brushes Tetsu’s thigh. 

Looking down at Sayoko—seatbelt off, black dress on, leaning under the steering wheel—Tetsu takes a sharp breath. His gaze drifts to the darkening sky outside as his hand finds the soft curve of her "92-size peach." 

"Talking about others having no shame…" 

"Mm—I can’t let those bad women get a chance, slurp—" 

Chapter 34: Tokyo University of the Arts 

Honestly, working at a big company like NTsoft gave Tetsu Fuyukawa a lot of advantages. 

Take the high salary, for instance—something you’d usually only see for top execs at smaller firms. Then there’s the social status. Someone like Ms. Shiraishi, who’d normally have guys lining up to chase her, had to play nice with him just because he was Tetsu Fuyukawa. 

The perks were great, but the pressure was no joke. 

From the moment he got to the office today, Tetsu hadn’t had a second to breathe. He was either picking actors or tweaking scripts, his mind constantly on edge. But finally, with a firm press of his hands, he let out a long sigh. 

“Phew—Tetsu-kun, you’re always so intense,” came a playful voice. 

A while later, at the vegetable market. 

“Geoduck sashimi? This one’s got a milder flavor,” Sayoko said, her voice light. 

In the seafood section, Sayoko, wearing a sultry camisole dress that turned every guy’s head, clung to Tetsu’s arm. She leaned down to inspect a geoduck wriggling in the tank, a faint blush coloring her cheeks. 

“It’s your fault for being such a clingy little minx,” Tetsu teased, scratching the tip of his nose with a sheepish grin. 

Once some things got started, there was no stopping them. He and Sayoko hadn’t gone all the way yet, but these past couple of days, any free moment had them all over each other. It was honestly a bit overwhelming. 

“Pfft, that’s why you need to recharge,” Sayoko said, her ears turning red as she tightened her grip on his arm. 

Her camisole dress was a breezy, long number, and her full figure was practically spilling out, drawing envious stares from nearby guys. 

Ignoring the onlookers, Tetsu kept his hands in his pockets. “Alright, fine. But geoduck… can you cook it? I’m not big on sashimi.” 

He wasn’t picky—he’d eat anything from French cuisine to Korean or Japanese dishes. But if he had to choose, he preferred bold, stir-fried flavors. 

“Your taste is surprisingly heavy, Tetsu-kun,” Sayoko said with a giggle. “I’ll give it a shot using an online recipe. Boss, I’ll take this one. Oh, and this flower crab, this lobster, and… that one. No need to clean them.” 

As the saying goes, you eat what’s near you—mountains if you’re by mountains, seafood if you’re by the sea. In Japan, red meat, vegetables, and fruits could be pricey, but seafood was a steal. 

Sayoko stood on her tiptoes, carefully picking out the most “nourishing” items. The fishmonger lady kept shooting Tetsu suggestive smirks, making him roll his eyes. Just then, Sayoko’s handbag started ringing. 

“Huh? A call from Teacher Aoi?” Sayoko blinked, answering the phone. “Hello, Teacher Tsukitake, this is Kawachi. Yes… wait, what? She’s been drinking?! Okay, okay, I’ll head over now.” 

As Sayoko nodded and hummed into the phone, Tetsu took the bag from the fishmonger lady and grabbed some vegetables with Sayoko in tow. She hung up just as they finished. 

“What’s up?” Tetsu asked, handing a tomato to the stall owner. 

Sayoko slipped her phone back into her bag, took the grocery bag, and pouted. “That little troublemaker Aoi went and got drunk with some friends. The training institute doesn’t feel safe letting her go home alone. Tetsu-kun, could we swing by to pick her up first?” 

“She’s just a kid—drinking already? And the shop sold to her?” Tetsu raised an eyebrow. 

Japanese laws were quirky. You could get married at 18, but drinking and smoking were off-limits until 20. If a shop got caught selling alcohol or cigarettes to a minor, they could face a fine of up to 500,000 yen. 

“Apparently, it was a friend’s birthday, and they snuck some whiskey from an adult,” Sayoko said, tightening her grip on Tetsu’s arm as they headed toward the exit, worry in her eyes. “Ugh, the older she gets, the more trouble she is.” 

Tetsu chuckled. “Kids are like that. The more you tell them no, the more curious they get. Don’t stress too much—she’s already earning enough to pay for her own classes at the institute, right?” 

“I know, I know, but I can’t help worrying,” Sayoko sighed. “What if she runs into a big bad wolf like you, Tetsu-kun? Hey, there are people around!” 

Before she could finish her teasing, Tetsu gave her curvy backside a playful pat. 

Sayoko, just stepping into the parking lot, froze for a second but didn’t pull away from his wandering hand. She glanced around nervously, only relaxing when she saw just two old guys squatting and smoking by the market entrance. Blushing, she pinched Tetsu’s arm. 

Her body tensed, her toes lifting in her crystal sandals. Tetsu let go of her, sliding his arm around her soft waist instead, grinning. “Teasing your boss? That’s not what a good subordinate does.” 

His warm breath tickled her ear, and Sayoko’s eyes fluttered. She turned, ready to steal a kiss, but Tetsu had already slipped into the car. 

“Tetsu-kun!” she huffed, her face beet red, realizing she’d been played. With a cute wrinkle of her nose and a stomp of her foot, she obediently opened the trunk and loaded the groceries. 

Catching her curvy figure in the rearview mirror, Tetsu lit a cigarette, his eyes sparkling with amusement and relaxation. Five times in two days—honestly, he wasn’t exactly burning with desire right now. But teasing this shy, adorable woman? That was always fun. 

When Sayoko climbed into the passenger seat, her cheeks still flushed, Tetsu couldn’t hold back a laugh. 

Taito Ward, Tokyo University of the Arts 

As night fell, the area around the university’s entrance was buzzing. Scantily clad female students lounged in milk tea shops, while guys with basketballs headed to the courts. 

As one of the prestigious “Tokyo Six Arts Universities,” Tokyo University of the Arts had a row of shops across from its gates—think quiet bars, beer joints, and music stores. Fashionable seniors over 20 called up friends, ready to dive into the nightlife. 

On the neon-lit street, a black Volkswagen pulled up in front of Takenouchi Music Shop. 

“This is the place? No wonder she got plastered,” Tetsu remarked, glancing at the flashy students outside with a nostalgic smile. 

He didn’t mind college kids drinking or hitting bars. In fact, he missed those high school and college days from his past life, knocking back drinks with friends. Once you’re in the working world, that pure, carefree vibe is hard to recapture. 

“It’s up there. Are you waiting in the car, Tetsu-kun?” Sayoko asked, her cheeks still faintly pink as she unbuckled her seatbelt. 

Tetsu unbuckled his own and grabbed the car keys. “That kid’s drunk—you probably can’t handle her alone. Plus, I need to hit the restroom anyway.” 

Chapter 35: Writing a Song 

October in Tokyo brings temperatures down to around 10°C.  

As Tetsu Fuyukawa stepped out of the car, a cool breeze hit his face, just the right kind of crisp for him. But for Sayoko, wearing a short black suspender skirt and having just slipped off her damp underwear, it was a bit chilly. She instinctively clenched her fists, shivering slightly. 

Without hesitation, ignoring the curious glances from nearby students, Fuyukawa pulled the alluring Sayoko into his arms. 

“Tetsu-kun…”  

Sure, there were plenty of students around, but this was practically a street lined with cozy bars, full of couples being affectionate. Most students barely gave them a second glance. Still, Sayoko, dressed provocatively and feeling exposed, was visibly shy, though she didn’t resist. Instead, she nestled closer into Fuyukawa’s embrace. 

Himawari Izumi’s music lessons were held above Takenouchi Music Store. More precisely, the training center was run by the store itself—selling instruments downstairs, teaching upstairs. 

They took the glass elevator to the fifth floor.  

Right off the elevator was the reception desk. Sayoko, being a regular, quickly signed in, and they headed to classroom A-14, where Himawari was. Meanwhile, Fuyukawa, who’d been holding it in, navigated the maze-like hallway to find the restroom. 

“Who designed this place? Hiding the toilet like it’s a national treasure?”  

The restroom’s obscure location annoyed Fuyukawa, his bladder screaming for relief. But just as he rushed to the door— 

Scrrch! 

His shoes skidded on a slightly wet tile, screeching loudly. A figure emerged from the restroom, startling him. The other person clearly jumped too, stumbling back a step. 

“?” 

Fuyukawa’s brain froze for a second before he slowly looked up. A striking woman in a white blouse stood there, frowning with a mix of disdain and composure. Her sleek, silver ear-length hair framed a cool, moonlit face, accentuated by frameless glasses. She wore a slightly loose blouse, held a phone in one hand, and had a blazer draped over the other arm, exuding an icy aura. 

What stood out most, though, were her long, elegant legs—nearly 5’9” tall—and the faint flush on her cheeks, though her expression remained calm. 

“You dropped something,” she said. 

“???” 

Blaming me? 

Fuyukawa blinked, more exasperated than anything. Under her cool, barely-contained twitching gaze, he rolled his eyes, too tired to argue with a stranger. He stepped forward, his foot landing on something slick. 

Fine, if you say it’s mine, it’s mine. 

“He… stepped on my favorite thing with his filthy shoe!”  

The silver-haired woman clenched her fists, her face still maintaining that aloof facade despite her inner fury. 

With a cold glance at the men’s restroom, she adjusted her glasses and strode off toward the classrooms, hips swaying. 

Fuyukawa, oblivious to her reaction, felt much better after relieving himself. He washed his hands and made his way to classroom A-14.  

As he approached, the wild, intense sound of an electric guitar blasted from inside. 

“Born a woman, the only ones happy about it are the dessert shop, 

the boutique owner, the pimp, and men who toy with women. 

In the spring rain, I’m in a cracked delivery room, a baby’s cry echoes…” 

“Wildcat? That kid’s singing that song?”  

Fuyukawa frowned at the door.  

Truth be told, he wasn’t too familiar with Japanese music, especially since he couldn’t always catch the lyrics. But Wildcat was by Miyuki Nakajima—a legendary figure in Japan, often called the “grandmaster of grandmasters.” Half the Chinese music scene in its heyday had covered her songs, from First Dream to Wounded Heart to Long Road of Love—71 hits, all originally hers. 

Fuyukawa often listened to her music, though her songs always carried a certain weight. Not just sad, but heavy, not the kind of tunes that lift your spirits. 

He lingered at the door for a moment before pushing it open. 

A flood of sound hit him. On stage, Himawari Izumi, usually expressionless, was screaming into the mic like a wild woman, clearly tipsy. Sayoko sat in the audience, looking helpless. 

Fuyukawa started toward her but froze mid-step, his brow twitching. 

The room wasn’t just Himawari and her bandmates, or Sayoko.  

“Why’s that silver-haired blouse woman here? Is she a teacher?”  

In the corner, sipping water and listening quietly, was the same woman from the restroom. Their eyes met. She tried to maintain her tough facade, but under Fuyukawa’s increasingly bold stare, she faltered, looking away and pretending to sip her water. 

Joking aside, I, Tetsu Fuyukawa, don’t back down from a challenge! 

He smirked but didn’t stir trouble. Instead, he sat next to Sayoko and nodded toward Himawari on stage. “She gone nuts?” 

“Pfft, Tetsu-kun, don’t say that!” Sayoko giggled. 

Fuyukawa shrugged. “Not nuts? Look at her. You’d think she’s performing a shaman ritual.” 

“She’s just under a lot of pressure,” Sayoko said, her tone turning somber. “You know about her ear injury. She’s got another surgery next week. If it goes well, great. If not, she could lose her hearing permanently. It’s weighing on her.” 

“That makes sense,” Fuyukawa said, nodding thoughtfully. 

Sayoko continued, “Normally, with her past surgeries, even if this one fails, it wouldn’t ruin her life. But her mom passed when she was young, and her mom’s dream was for her to become a musician. So…” 

“Her mom died young?” Fuyukawa frowned, confused. “Didn’t you say her parents—” 

“That was her dad and stepmom,” Sayoko clarified, glancing at Himawari’s frenzied performance. “She clings to me probably because she grew up without much maternal love. Her biological dad and stepmom weren’t kind to her.” 

“I see.” 

The conversation turned heavy. Fuyukawa reached for his pocket, craving a cigarette, but remembered he was in a classroom and held back. He sat quietly with Sayoko, listening to Himawari sing. Surprisingly, even though the lesson was over, the silver-haired woman stayed, silently listening too. 

Drunk people sure can belt it out. 

After four or five more songs, Himawari finally came off stage, eyes red, quietly slinging her guitar and bag over her shoulder. She joined Fuyukawa and Sayoko, and after Sayoko thanked the silver-haired woman profusely, the three headed downstairs to the car. 

They still had Fate production to work on tonight. After checking with Himawari, Sayoko decided to stay at Fuyukawa’s place with her. 

Fuyukawa didn’t mind—his house had plenty of spare rooms. 

It was a busy night, and they didn’t get home until nearly 8 p.m.  

Sayoko busied herself in the kitchen like a dutiful wife, while Himawari sprawled on the couch, listening to music and watching TV. The upcoming surgery clearly weighed on her—she was listless, barely speaking during dinner, just picking at her food. 

Fuyukawa noticed but said nothing. After dinner, he and Sayoko went upstairs to work on Fate. 

By 11:30 p.m., they’d finished for the day. Sayoko went to tidy the rooms, while Fuyukawa checked his phone. On the Beyond app, a user named “Sun-chan” had sent him a long string of messages, gushing with admiration and pouring out her thoughts on music. 

He read for a while, then stretched, pulling a blank sheet of music from his bookshelf. 

“Kids, always needing reassurance.” 

Glancing at the bright moonlight outside and hearing the faint, somber guitar strums from downstairs, Fuyukawa picked up a pen and began writing on the sheet. 

Song title: I Once Thought of Ending It All.