Sayoko Kawai is someone who needs guidance, but to lead others, you first have to be strong yourself.
Tapping his cheek, Fuyukawa Tetsu, who had just acquired [Advanced Scene Illustration], didn't dwell on it. With his arms resting on the sides of the bathtub, he grabbed his Pencil and started sketching on his tablet.
[Advanced Scene Illustration] was a practical skill. Even with all the theoretical knowledge and instincts downloaded into him, he still needed plenty of practice to get the hang of it.
It wasn't hard.
It felt like picking up a game he'd aced years ago. At first, the updated versions might throw him off, but the core mechanics were already ingrained in his body and mind. His muscle memory was there, and he picked up new information fast.
Soaking in the tub, he sketched away.
Scene Illustration Experience: +1, +3, +2, +1, +5, +10, +12
Arm Strength: +0.00001, +0.00002
Notifications floated across his system panel, but Tetsu, completely absorbed in his drawing, didn't notice. He just kept sketching, kept thinking.
Time slipped by. The bathroom, the room, the entire Fuyukawa household was filled only with the faint tapping of the stylus on the screen.
The neighbor's little white dog yawned and shuffled back to its kennel. The TV in the living room switched from a female anchor to late-night anime. The steam in the bathroom dissipated, and wrinkles appeared on Tetsu's skin. Only then did he set the tablet down, rubbing his sore arm.
"Midnight? I soaked for three hours?"
Swiping to close the app, Tetsu realized it was 11:58 PM.
Time flew, but so did his skill progress.
[Intermediate Scene Illustration Lv9, 73% EXP]
"With a foundation, progress is fast. Still a bit mentally draining, though. I'm about 20% away from Advanced Scene Illustration. I'll slack off a bit at work tomorrow morning and get there."
It was late.
Splash.
His heavy body rose from the water.
Living alone was lonely, sure, but it also meant total freedom.
It was the height of summer, and with no one else home, Tetsu didn't bother with pajamas. He dried off with a towel, slung it over his shoulder, and sauntered back to his bedroom.
"Good morning, Section Chief Fuyukawa."
"Morning, Miss Hatano."
The next morning, Tetsu strode into NTsoft's office building, sharp in his black suit, greeted by the receptionist's cheerful voice.
Technically, Tetsu was the team leader of Light Bird Studio, but within the company, his official title was Section Chief. It was the lowest rung of management, so other teams and departments just called him "Section Chief." It's like how no one calls a deputy manager "Deputy Manager" to their face—they just say "Manager."
Within his team, though, people like Sayoko called him "Team Leader."
Smiling and nodding to the receptionist, Tetsu stepped into the elevator to head upstairs. Just then, the rapid clack-clack-clack of high heels echoed outside.
"Team Leader Fuyukawa, please hold the door!"
A familiar voice hit his ears. Tetsu pressed the "open" button, and two seconds later, two bouncing white grapefruits caught his eye first.
"Thank you, Team Leader!"
Sayoko Kawai, dressed in a black-and-white OL uniform, hurried into the elevator.
She'd done her makeup delicately today, her skin looking soft and radiant without being greasy. Her hair was pinned up, revealing a charming, fox-like face that felt refreshingly polished.
Clutching her handbag, she patted her ample chest, catching her breath.
Tetsu released the elevator button and chuckled. "There's still time before work starts. No need to rush."
As the doors slid shut, Sayoko glanced outside cautiously. Seeing no one else coming, she let out a long breath and turned to Tetsu, sticking out her tongue. "It's not that. I saw Minister Miyano getting out of her car when I came in. No way I'm riding the elevator with her."
Minister Miyano?
Miyano Mitei?
An image flashed in Tetsu's mind: a sultry, glamorous woman with a cold, bewitching aura, exuding the terrifying presence of a venomous snake.
"Minister Miyano's vibe is intense, no doubt," Tetsu nodded.
Sayoko tucked her handbag under her arm. "Right? Super scary. Oh, by the way, Team Leader, did you rest well last night?"
"Decent. You?"
"Ugh, I was up late with a side gig. Oh, good morning, Section Chief Hase!"
After yesterday's talk, Sayoko was getting chattier. But just as she was about to say more, the elevator reached the second floor, and an older woman stepped in.
Tension.
Sayoko clammed up, gave a respectful bow to Section Chief Hase, and turned to face the elevator doors obediently.
Honestly, an elevator with just two familiar people isn't awkward. The awkwardness comes when a stranger—especially a senior leader—joins.
Sayoko didn't dare speak anymore, clutching her handbag in front of her. But soon, she noticed something even more uncomfortable.
She was standing near the elevator buttons, facing the doors, with Tetsu right behind her.
Is he watching me?
A hot gaze seemed to roll down her back, giving her goosebumps. Her eyes misted with nervous energy, and she unconsciously rubbed her thighs together. But, almost instinctively, she arched her back slightly, accentuating her curves.
+50, +50, +50
What's this woman doing?
Truthfully, Tetsu hadn't noticed her subtle movements. He was still mulling over [Advanced Scene Illustration] knowledge. But the green numbers popping up above Sayoko's head definitely caught his attention.
Glancing at her curvaceous silhouette, the overwhelming presence of her peaches, and her slightly flushed ears adorned with crystal earrings, Tetsu's expression turned odd. Before he could think too much, the elevator hit the third floor, and a crowd of employees poured in.
"Good morning, Section Chief Hase, Section Chief Fuyukawa."
"Ugh, why does our department have a meeting first thing in the morning?"
"Seriously, and it's on the seventh floor. I was planning to hit the bathroom first."
The elevator filled with chatter. A few veteran employees didn't care about decorum, grumbling about the early meeting.
Tetsu didn't care about other departments' schedules, but he felt a warm, soft presence against him and instinctively leaned back slightly.
"Sorry, Team Leader, I'm crowding you."
Pushed by the crowd, Sayoko's back pressed fully against Tetsu. Her face flushed red, and she clutched her handbag, whispering an apology against his chest.
Her voice was soft as a mosquito's hum, her face shy and embarrassed. Yet, the green emotion value numbers kept rising above her head. Her body was tense, muscles tight, but she made no move to pull away.
Coincidentally, Tetsu didn't mind.
"It's fine. We're almost there," he whispered back, his breath grazing her ear.
She shivered slightly at the warmth.