Last month, the number of corrected key frames Kamiyā Yuu completed was significantly higher than usual, so his paycheck also increased quite a bit—barely reaching the lower threshold of an average white-collar salary in Tokyo.
—260,000 yen… Being a key animator really is tough. The workload is heavier than that of ordinary office workers, yet the average salary is nearly half of theirs. Luckily, we bought this apartment with my father's compensation money. Otherwise, a salary like this wouldn't even cover daily expenses in Tokyo.
—After deducting 150,000 yen for daily living, I still have around 100,000 yen left this month for discretionary spending. That should be more than enough to buy those pieces of equipment.
Sitting in the living room, Kamiyā Yuu carefully calculated his monthly expenses, both astonished at the meager returns of his hard work and the staggering cost of living in Tokyo. The bonus he earned from helping Fujiwara Tora would only be paid next month, along with his salary, so for now, he only had the extra income from his additional correction work.
"My salary really isn't enough… If I want to complete the 'Red' chapter, I'll need more initial funds." Thinking about the background music issue, he couldn't help but sigh.
His increased income was enough to cover daily life and upgrade his computer equipment, but hiring a professional music studio to record the theme song and background music for the 'Red' chapter would cost at least over a million yen.
'Red Like Roses' required a professional female singer fluent in English—and not the awkward, heavily accented "Japanese English" either. That requirement alone would eliminate at least three-quarters of potential singers. Still, unless necessary, Kamiyā Yuu didn't want to replace it with a Japanese version. By comparison, 'Crescent Rose' was a classical ensemble piece. Although it required a full orchestra, it was actually easier for a professional music studio to handle.
After doing the math, he realized he would need to save every yen for at least half a year just to cover the music production costs.
"If I avoid unnecessary distractions, there are faster ways to raise money… but I'd better get Uehara-sensei's approval first. Starting anything really is the hardest part."
Just as Kamiyā Yuu was frowning over how to secure the initial funds, Kamiyā Sora finally finished changing and walked into the living room.
Today was a day off. Having just received his salary, Kamiyā Yuu naturally wanted to take her out to relax—maybe visit an amusement park or go shopping and enjoy life a little. When he first brought it up at lunch, he had expected Sora to refuse like she did last week, but surprisingly, she agreed without much thought, seemingly in a good mood.
"Yuu, I'm ready."
Standing in the living room, Kamiyā Sora spoke calmly. Since they were going out, she had changed into a more modest and simple white Gothic long dress. Most of her fair skin was covered, but thanks to her naturally cool body temperature and the breathable fabric, she didn't seem overheated. The skirt fell below her knees, paired with lace socks and cute leather boots. Her slender waist and arms were tied with the dress's ribbon accents, preventing the outfit from appearing bulky or exaggerated.
This time, she left her long silver hair loose, cascading naturally down her back. She held a wide, stylish straw hat in her hand, decorated with long white lace ribbons that gave it an elegant charm—perfectly matching her overall appearance.
Kamiyā Yuu patted his cheeks, pushing aside his thoughts. Since today was meant for relaxing, there was no need to worry about anything else. After tidying up the table and packing a few items into his shoulder bag, he turned and smiled.
"Alright, let's go."
"Creak—"
The apartment door opened, and a wave of hot air rushed in. Even though it was already three in the afternoon, the blazing sun still mercilessly baked the city. In the distance, the heat distorted the view of the buildings, making it seem as though stepping outside might roast a person alive.
Japan's geography was relatively favorable, and influenced by both continental and oceanic climates, it had distinct seasons. Summers were unbearably hot, while winters could bring snowfall. Kamiyā Yuu liked this kind of climate—it gave each season a unique feeling.
"So hot…"
Kamiyā Sora frowned slightly as she looked up at the bright sky, a vast blue expanse without a single cloud. Normally, in such heat, she would prefer staying indoors unless necessary. But when she glanced at Kamiyā Yuu's eager expression, she found herself unable to object.
She adjusted her silver hair, put on her elegant straw hat, then stepped closer and lightly grasped the corner of his shirt.
"Sora, did you put on sunscreen?"
Feeling the tug, Kamiyā Yuu turned back and asked gently. With her delicate skin, prolonged exposure to such harsh sunlight would worry him the most. That was why he chose to head out after 3 PM—her fragile constitution couldn't handle the midday heat.
"Mm, I'm fine," she replied softly, nodding.
"Then give me your hand."
"?"
Tilting her head, she looked at him in confusion.
"If we don't stay together, it'd be easy to get separated."
Sora lowered the brim of her hat, covering her eyes, and let out a soft sigh. "Yuu, you're treating me like a child again."
Even so, she released his shirt without hesitation and took his hand. The familiar warmth spread through her fingers, and a faint blush appeared on her pale cheeks. She knew full well that he didn't actually see her as a child. As his hand wrapped around hers, she was reminded of the lingering sensation from that morning—soft, yet warm.
Kamiyā Yuu simply smiled without explaining, gently squeezing her hand. "It's been a while since we've had a full day to ourselves. Whether it's shopping, an amusement park, or a sushi restaurant—we can go wherever you like."
"I don't have any particular preference. You can decide," she replied softly, her clear eyes rippling slightly. She was already content with how the day had begun, so she was willing to indulge him a little.
"Then let's start with the mall. After covering this month's expenses, we can use what's left to buy some new clothes."
Kamiyā Yuu thought for a moment, feeling a bit excited. Seeing Kamiyā Sora in different outfits would definitely be far more enjoyable than any dress-up simulation game like '3D Custom Girl.'