That day, I arrived at Millennium early, but I didn't head straight to the Game Development Club. Instead, I went directly to the top floor of the Millennium Tower.
"Good morning, Yuuka, Noa."
The accountant of the seminar immediately brightened upon seeing me, her eyes sparkling, her voice rising several octaves: "Sensei! What brings you here?"
I hadn't notified anyone beforehand today, wanting to give them a genuine surprise. If they weren't in the office, I'd adjust accordingly.
The secretary, maintaining her usual gentle smile, commented in a tone that could be misinterpreted: "Hehe, you're a little late today, sensei."
Sensing Yuuka's puzzled glance, Noa's smile widened: "It's been a while. Yuuka practically talks about you every day when we're alone."
"Haah!?" Yuuka's face instantly turned bright red. "Noa, what are you saying!?"
Noa feigned surprise but couldn't hide the amusement in her eyes. "Oh my∼ Did I say something wrong?"
She flipped open her notebook to a certain page, cleared her throat… only to be hastily stopped by Yuuka.
Apparently, whatever Noa claimed, she was always right.
I laughed softly. "Sorry, I've been busy with work these past few days, so I haven't had the chance to visit the seminar."
In truth, it wasn't that I had no time at all, mostly cuz Yuuka was busy too, and our schedules just didn't align.
As for the others, Noa considered Yuuka's desire to keep her distance, Rio was still sulking over Arisu and Kei, and Koyuki had apparently gotten herself confined again for some unknown mischief.
Since I had no pressing matters, I simply restrained my longing to see everyone and focused my time on the other girls instead.
Clearly, I was innocent.
After greeting them, I noticed a girl in the corner pushing up her glasses, and I remarked in surprise: "Chihiro's here too."
"Yes. I was tasked with maintaining network security during the Millennium Club Competition livestream."
The vice president of Veritas, a skilled white-hat hacker, shrugged. "Every year during this high-profile event, some students try to hack the servers to show off or for personal gain."
I nodded in understanding. In Kivotos, this was nothing unusual.
By then, Yuuka had collected herself, at least on the surface:
"So, sensei, you came today regarding the Millennium Club Competition and the Game Development Club, right?"
"Yes. I wanted to check things in advance, to prevent them from getting too nervous."
Given Rio's personality, she would ensure a suitable space for Arisu even if it meant allowing the Game Development Club to continue.
Thinking this, I added seriously: "Of course, I also sensed that someone's longing for me has reached an uncontrollable level!"
"…Se-sensei?" After a brief pause, Yuuka forced a gentle smile and called me out slowly, exuding a subtle danger: "I'm sorry, I didn't catch what you said. Could you repeat that?"
Ah, tsundere.
"You misunderstood," I said earnestly. "I was actually talking about Noa."
Yuuka's demeanor dropped sharply. "…Huh?"
Noa's surprise vanished in an instant. She nodded sincerely, echoing me: "That's right, that's right. The one who truly misses sensei… is me. I'm just too shy to say it out loud, please forgive this innocent girlish heart."
"It's okay, Noa. That's very cute too!"
"Hehe∼ Thank you for your compliment∼ I also think it's very cute, you know?"
We exchanged glances, perfectly in sync, sharing a knowing smile.
Yuuka, meanwhile, seemed to realize something, her expression darkening. She ground her teeth: "You two! That's enough already!"
But we hadn't even mentioned her yet.
Smiling inwardly, I returned to the main topic, ceasing the playful teasing of the adorable Yuuka and Noa.
"Sorry, sensei," Yuuka said regretfully. "I'd love to help, but we don't have permission to know the actual results of the Millennium Club Competition beforehand."
Noa nodded. "Right now, only President Rio, the judging panel, and the host/MC know the rankings. It's all for fairness."
Understood, it's to allow the seminar committee president some room for last-minute adjustments.
No worries, then.
"I see. Got it," I said. "I won't disturb your work any longer."
"Okay." Yuuka hesitated. "But I've played some of the kids' entries too. How should I put it… they're really interesting."
Noa interjected with a smile: "Including the story elements?"
Yuuka's face darkened. "…Let's leave aside the parts that reference reality."
In the final game, Momoi removed most of the plot elements that could have hindered future development, but intentionally left some in.
For example, a formidable enemy with the ultimate skill "Billion-Ton Pressure"—Thick Legs · Marmot.
Hopefully, the death of little Momoi alone would drive higher sales for the game.
"And the demo version of Myth·Legend·Chronicles 2 has received decent attention and reviews online. In my opinion, it's already at an award-worthy level."
Yuuka paused. "Even if the final result isn't perfect, at least there's a tangible achievement. I could try persuading the president or someone… Please don't tell them about this yet. It hasn't been decided."
I wasn't surprised, but still quietly admired Yuuka's gentle, kind, and considerate nature.
"Don't worry. I'll keep it secret."
"Thanks, I'll leave it in your hands."
I then bid farewell to Yuuka, Noa, and Chihiro, who was tucked in the corner typing away, before heading to the Game Development Club.
Just as I reached the corridor, a message came through.
Chihiro: Sensei, sorry.
Chihiro: I wanted to thank you properly when we met again, but it wasn't a suitable moment, so I'm using Momotalk.
Me: Thank me?
Chihiro: About that thing with Makoto.
Me: Oh, that. It was nothing, really. No need to thank me.
Chihiro: Even so…
Chihiro: I'll find a way to repay you.
Chihiro: Please excuse me for leaving first.
I put my phone away, unexpectedly sensing a stubborn streak in the girl's personality.