Even through the screen, the shock was palpable. Utaha hesitated for a long time, but in the end agreed to demonstrate it in person for me.
I felt certain that it was my eager curiosity that had moved her.
But as part of the deal, I had to indulge some of her little curiosities in return. Fair and reasonable, I thought.
We agreed to talk later at a more convenient, quiet time. Feeling refreshed, I returned to the Game Development Club, but from far away, I already heard a series of gunshots, followed by cries and screams.
I quickened my pace. Upon entering the activity room, I saw Momoi kneeling on the floor, sobbing loudly, while the other three looked doom n gloom.
On top of that, the black TV screen was riddled with bullet holes and spiderweb-like cracks, clearly caused by the shots moments ago.
"Uwaaaahhh...! Sensei!" Momoi spotted me and threw herself into my arms, clutching me tightly. "It's really over this time, ahhhh!"
Although I was concerned about what had happened and could understand the girls' loss of control, I couldn't help but feel a different thought rising!
Don't go rubbing that snot-and-tears-stained face all over my clothes, idiot!
Suppressing the urge to yank the fool aside, I said calmly, "So… we didn't win?"
The moment I finished speaking, Momoi cried even louder. Midori and Yuzu nodded slightly, confirming my suspicion.
This shouldn't be… Could it be that Rio had changed tactics, and instead of quietly letting things slide, she was openly "selling favors"?
I muttered to myself, but maintained a calm facade, waiting for the girls' emotions to settle.
After a moment, though the scene was still filled with gloom, the girls at least managed to face reality with some composure.
"Ugh…" Yuzu muttered softly, "I didn't expect the final result to turn out like this…"
"Calm down, sis," Midori comforted Momoi, but couldn't help adding, "But…"
Momoi, who had been the most emotional a moment ago, took a deep breath: "…I get it! Not everything was completely denied. No need to lose heart… Our online reviews were good too. Compared to when we topped the 'worst games' list, we've already grown a lot."
She even smiled: "From now on, we'll continue to improve. Next time, we'll produce even better results and get a bigger, better club room!"
I nodded in approval, then glanced down at my chest, wondering if someone had taken advantage of the moment earlier.
"…But."
"Mm…" Midori continued, anxious, "because if we're kicked out of here, Yuzu-chan will…"
Her words were cut off.
"Don't worry, Midori. I'll return to the dormitory."
"Eh?"
Facing several surprised eyes, the timid red-haired girl took a deep breath, smiling serenely:
"I guess no one will call me a 'trash game developer' anymore. And even if they do, it doesn't matter. Right now… I have the three of you, and Sensei."
Yuzu mustered her courage, her shy purple eyes fixed on me: "Thank you very much, Sensei. Ever since you came to our club… we've changed a lot."
I felt a flash of nostalgia, recalling how she was when we first met. She had changed a lot for the better.
I smiled, shaking my head humbly: "I just did what I was supposed to do. At most, I played a small guiding role. Your growth is thanks to your own effort."
"Thank you," Yuzu repeated sincerely. "I really am grateful."
In this heartfelt moment, worrying about why the game card wasn't responding seemed trivial.
Yuzu then looked to the other side: "And Arisu-chan… she'll also be moving out…"
The moment Arisu's name was mentioned, her android-like eyes clouded over: "Arisu… can't… be with everyone anymore?"
Midori blinked in surprise, then choked up: "Ugh, Arisu-chan… Even if the club has to disband, we can still make games together!"
Momoi nodded firmly: "Exactly! Even if the club activity room is taken away, we can still meet every day!"
Yuzu added: "After all, we're all students of the same school… though maybe not like this…"
"Everyone… let's make a promise," Arisu said, looking around. "Even if I move back to Schale to live with Sensei, I'll do my best to see everyone every day!"
The room suddenly fell silent.
I, moved by the girls' sincere friendship, was momentarily stunned.
"…Um, Arisu-chan," Yuzu said carefully, "normally, after the club disbands, you'd have to move into the dormitory, right?"
Arisu tilted her head and winked: "Is that so? Then can I apply to live off-campus?"
"No!" Midori suddenly shouted. "Arisu-chan! That's… not allowed!"
"Huh? Why not?"
Caught off guard, Midori stammered: "B-because… ah right! Transportation isn't convenient, so…"
Arisu smiled, unfazed: "It's okay. I've already checked, if I wake up early, commuting is perfectly fine!"
So Arisu had planned this all along!
Midori gaped, then hurriedly added: "A-and, without a valid reason, the Student Council usually won't approve it!"
Momoi also caught on, chiming in: "Exactly! Yuuka would scold you, you know?"
"I-I'm not afraid of Yuuka! A mere Yuuka…"
At that moment, click, the door suddenly opened.
A blue figure barged in, startling Arisu, who had still been feigning defiance.
"Momoi! Midori! Arisu-chan! Yuzu!"
Yuuka's smiling face turned the Game Development Club room into chaos.
"Eek...!" Arisu panicked. "Sorry! Arisu shouldn't have spoken disrespectfully behind senpai's back!"
"W-wait, it's already so soon—"
"Demons! Doesn't the Student Council have a heart?"
Ignoring the complaints, Yuuka cheerfully congratulated them: "Congratulations!"
The girls, expecting some kind of club-disbanding announcement, were all stunned.
"Eh? What's with your reactions?" Yuuka noticed something was off. "Haven't you seen the results?"
"…Results?"
"We shouldn't have made the top seven, right?"
"Huh? What are you talking about?" Yuuka frowned and urged, "It's still being broadcast, hurry and watch!"