In the programming team, Narumi Tsubame glanced at the newly arrived email and, excited, turned to Ruri Gokou.
"Ruri! Congratulations! I can't believe your design actually got approved!"
Ruri herself hadn't expected it at all. For a moment, she felt almost dazed.
"Thanks… I didn't think it would pass either."
But as it sank in, a bright smile spread across her face.
Her full-time salary was already pretty good, but really—who would turn down extra bonus money?
And since both her younger sisters had been doing well in school recently, she decided she'd buy them some gifts once the bonus came in next month.
Just then, the programming office door swung open, and Kirino Kousaka burst inside, storming straight over to Ruri.
"How the heck did you get approved? I don't get it!"
"Hm?"
Ruri gave her a sidelong glance and faintly curled her lips.
"I can only say—it's talent. Not something you can learn."
After graduating university, Kirino had smoothly joined the company. Thanks to her excellent grades and her accounting license, she secured a spot in the finance department.
Though she was currently just a regular accountant, with her abilities, she was sure to climb higher.
And with good pay, the chance to work in a game company she loved, plus having Ruri as a friend here, she was more than satisfied.
Still, Ruri's smug remark left her sulking.
"So what kind of design did you make, huh? Show me!"
"Fine, I'll show you."
Ruri opened the design document she had saved on her computer.
Kirino looked it over, annoyed, but couldn't find any fault. As much as she hated to admit it, Ruri's design really was more fun than hers.
She accepted it in her heart, but as a classic tsundere, there was no way she'd admit it out loud.
"Hmph! It's only so-so. Just watch—I'll go back and design a stage that's way better than yours!"
With that declaration, she stormed off in a huff.
Watching her leave, Sakura Nene asked curiously,
"The deadline for this side quest is still ten days away. Do you really think Kirino can pull it off?"
Narumi Tsubame shook her head.
"Who knows? But giving it a try isn't a bad thing, right?"
Ruri, meanwhile, stayed calm, continuing with her work.
"That girl usually just wastes time gaming at home. Better she spend her energy brainstorming ideas. Who knows, maybe she'll come up with something good. That would still be a contribution to the company. Plus, there's the bonus money as motivation."
"That's true," Nene agreed.
"Our bonus system here is pretty generous. And with Fall Guys, if someone really designs a great stage, the results are guaranteed to be impressive. You can tell at a glance whether something will be fun.
"It's just a pity I'm not in that dev group right now. Otherwise, with Ruri's design, I could've volunteered to help build it!"
Tsubame rolled her eyes at her.
"How about you focus on your own tasks first? You still have plenty left to finish this week."
"Yeah, yeah~~~"
Nene replied lazily, picked up her cup, and found it empty.
"I'll go get some coffee. You two want some?"
"Yes!"
"Then let's go together."
—
Meanwhile, at Todai, Utaha was studying in the library with Yukino.
After finishing the short essay she was writing, Utaha stretched her neck and pulled out her little notebook, turning her thoughts back to the half-completed Fall Guys stage design.
Yukino, noticing her movements, curiously glanced over.
"Senpai, you haven't finished designing that yet?"
"Mhm, still missing a few details. Almost done, though."
Utaha didn't mind letting her see. She nudged the notebook a little closer and said,
"You can look, but don't tell Ichin, alright? I want to polish it perfectly and give him a surprise."
Yukino nodded.
"Alright. I won't tell Senpai."
Hearing that, Utaha smiled.
"Speaking of which… it's been a while, Yukino. You still haven't changed how you call Ichin? Calling him 'Onii-chan' isn't that hard, right?"
Teased like that, Yukino couldn't help but blush.
"I'm just… not used to it," she explained softly.
"I don't have cousins or older brothers among my relatives, and I've always called him 'Senpai.' Saying 'Onii-san' feels impossible."
"I see."
Utaha leaned closer, grinning.
"Then how about calling me 'Onee-chan'? With the relationship Ichin and I have, that makes us family too. I've always wanted a cute little sister."
"..."
Yukino gave her a speechless look. Great—now Utaha was teasing her just like Haruno did. No wonder the two of them got along so well.
But after thinking for a moment, Yukino wondered if she really was being a bit too stiff.
Ichin's mother—her godmother—treated her with so much warmth. She often called Yukino, gave her New Year's money, even sent her a birthday gift: a necklace that Yukino still wore around her neck.
Glancing at Utaha, still a little shy, Yukino finally mustered her courage.
"Onee-chan."
Hearing that, Utaha's face instantly bloomed into a satisfied smile.
"Ahhh, wonderful."
Not teasing her further, Utaha turned her focus back to finishing the last touches of her Fall Guys stage design.
—
That evening, after leaving campus, Yukino drove with Utaha to Ichin and Utaha's apartment for dinner.
When they entered, Ichin was already back, preparing the meal. Kou Yagami and Rin Toyama were also there.
After greeting them, Utaha happily skipped into the kitchen. Hugging Ichin from behind, she announced,
"Listen, Ichin, today at collage Yukino actually called me 'Onee-chan!'"
"Hm? Really?"
Turning around, he saw not only Utaha but also Yukino standing at the kitchen doorway.
"Yukino, that's not fair, is it?"
Meeting his gaze, Yukino—who had already steeled herself—finally called out,
"Onii…san."
Though at first it felt embarrassing, once the word was out, it didn't seem like such a big deal. Yukino's heart immediately settled.
As for Ichin, his face lit up with the same satisfied smile Utaha had worn earlier.
Looking at him, then at Utaha, Yukino remarked bluntly,
"You two really are a perfect pair. Even your expressions are identical."
At that, the two showed not a shred of embarrassment—only matching smug grins.
"Of course we are!" ×2
*