After work, Yukino didn't come over for dinner today—she went straight back to her own place.
On the way home from the supermarket with groceries, Utaha asked,
"Ichin, did Haruno-san have a drinking party tonight?"
"Yeah, so it's just the two of us for dinner."
"Mmm~~"
Utaha tilted her head.
"Then should we prepare some sobering tea for her later?"
"Yeah, we could. Just not sure when she'll be back."
They already had tea for that at home—once Haruno came back, they could brew it for her. Still, Ichin hoped she wouldn't drink too much.
After dinner, both Ichin and Utaha sat in the living room with their laptops, working on their own things while occasionally teasing the cats to relax.
Typing away, Utaha said,
"Ichin, the new semester starts in about ten days. Got any new plans?"
"New plans, huh…"
Ichin thought for a moment.
"Not really. Same as before—classes and then the company. Dark Souls' development is at a crucial stage now, so I can't relax. Why? Do you have something in mind?"
"Not really. I just wanted to ask." Utaha smiled.
"We already have enough on our plates—collage and work. But once the semester starts, don't spend every weekend working, okay? I want you to take me out."
"Don't worry, of course I will."
Ichin reached over and gently touched her cheek.
"There are a few new movies coming out in September—some sci-fi, some romance. Want to go watch?"
"Yes!"
Utaha knew Ichin was always focused on game development, so she never made many demands. She understood, since she herself also had times when she was completely absorbed in work and tuned out the outside world.
But at the same time, she hoped Ichin would cherish their relationship as well.
So, with just a few words, Ichin set their next date, and Utaha was overjoyed. After all, they had been together for years now—they didn't need the clingy kind of dates from the beginning. A simple stroll or a movie was enough.
Around nine, nearly ten, Ichin was in the living room playing Zelda on the big TV, while Utaha was in the bedroom playing Fall Guys with Eriri and Yukino.
After slaying a Lynel, Ichin glanced at the time.
"Haruno's still not back?"
Even though Haruno said she had an assistant and driver to take her home, Ichin still pulled out his phone and called.
After about ten seconds, the line connected. Haruno's voice was slightly slurred.
"Ichin?"
"Haruno, you're not back yet?"
"Mhm, almost. Just turning at the intersection ahead. My head hurts a little, Ichin—do we have any sobering tea at home?"
"Yeah, I'll prepare it. Want me to come down to meet you?"
"Sure, thanks!"
After hanging up, Ichin told Utaha to brew the tea once she finished her game, then went downstairs.
As soon as he stepped out, Haruno's car was already parked outside the apartment.
Ichin recognized her assistant and greeted her. She opened the door, and Haruno slowly stepped out of the back seat.
Ichin rushed over to support her, immediately smelling the alcohol.
"How much did you drink?"
"Hehe, not much, not much." Haruno leaned against him, laughing.
"Relax. It was a family elder with me at this dinner, so nothing dangerous~~~"
After reassuring him, Haruno turned to her assistant and driver.
"Alright, it's late. You two head home and rest. No need to pick me up tomorrow morning—I can go in a bit later."
Once they left, Ichin took Haruno upstairs—not to her place, but to his.
Inside, Utaha had already brewed the tea and was holding her phone, video chatting with Yukino.
Through the camera, Yukino saw her sister and frowned.
"Why did you drink so much? It's bad for your health."
"Hehe, don't worry, Yukino. I know my limit. Just a little dizzy, not drunk!"
Her face was flushed, but she smiled.
"And I wasn't meeting clients alone, so no problem. Anyway, it's late—you should rest too. I'll drink some tea here with Ichin and then go to bed."
Yukino nodded, then said to Ichin and Utaha,
"Brother, Utaha-san, please take care of her."
"Don't worry," Ichin said with a smile. "She's fine."
After ending the call, Ichin handed Haruno the cup of tea as she sat on the sofa.
"Thanks~~"
She took a sip, her expression softening into a lazy smile.
"Moving here was the best decision ever."
Ichin sat down, giving her a helpless look.
"You're managing the company now. Do you really need to drink this much at dinners?"
"Hehe, today we landed a huge project, so I got carried away."
Haruno hugged the cup, face glowing with happiness.
"Tired, sure—but I love this feeling. It's just like how you love making games, Ichin."
Although her upbringing played a role, Haruno truly had a knack for business. The Yukinoshita family's company wasn't small, yet she took control in little time and pushed it to further growth.
Starting a business or inheriting a family one were both hard—one meant building everything yourself, the other meant earning the trust of entrenched veterans.
But Haruno managed both, earning trust and respect from everyone in the company.
Closing his laptop on the coffee table, Ichin looked at her.
"I can tell you're happy. But still, don't drink so much. Alcohol isn't good for you. Health is more important than work."
Utaha chimed in,
"She's right, Haruno-san. If you keep drinking like this, in a few years your body will definitely suffer."
"Alright, alright, I get it~~~"
Haruno chuckled, ruffling both their heads, then took another sip of tea.
"Ah… I'm kind of hungry now. Ichin, do we have anything to eat?"
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