Compared to the other team members handling art, the tasks Ichin assigned to Yagami Kō were much more critical. Not only did she have to coordinate and review everyone's work, but she was also responsible for designing a significant portion of the boss monsters.

  Fortunately, due to the artistic style of Hollow Knight, the bosses didn't require overly complex designs. The focus was more on highlighting their unique characteristics.

  Kō was currently sketching a boss: a warrior cd in armor, with countless glowing tendrils of hair flowing behind it. Its eyes were completely bck, giving the impression of blindness.

  "Kō-san, what boss is this?"

  "Oh, this one?" While refining the details, Kō replied, "This boss is called 'No Eyes.' According to the setting, it's a lingering dream of a fallen warrior. Based on the brief Ichin gave me, this boss isn't particurly difficult. It mostly tests the pyer's patience. While these bosses may seem simple on the surface, once their animations and movements are implemented, they can still make for excellent encounters."

  "Now that you mention it, it does sound pretty cool."

  Utaha watched Kō work for a bit longer before returning to her own tasks.

  That said, even though she understood Hazuki's advice about supporting her boyfriend's ambitions, the idea of becoming "the woman behind a successful man" still felt a bit daunting for Utaha.

  After all, they had only just started dating. Naturally, she wanted to spend more time clinging to her boyfriend.

  Around ten o'clock, their te-night delivery arrived. The four of them paused their work to eat together. Ichin gnced at Umiko and Kō, then said, "It's already te. Why don't you both stay here at the studio tonight? The bedrooms are set up, and the bedding is all new."

  Kō patted her stomach happily. "Hehe, I was already pnning on that. I only managed a quick nap here during lunch breaks recently. No regrets picking out that bed myself—it's super comfy!"

  Umiko smirked slightly and stretched his neck before standing up. "I'll get back to work for a while longer, then rest. Ichin-kun, I'll be working overtime here tomorrow. Do you have any pns?"

  "I'll be here too. Let's coordinate and work on things together," Ichin replied.

  Umiko smiled faintly at that. "Alright, I'll get back to it then."

  Kō stood as well. "In that case, I'll get to work too. Ichin-kun, you've had exams all day. Get some rest early tonight."

  "Alright, I'll head out first."

  Leaving the studio to Kō and Umiko, Ichin and Utaha headed upstairs.

  Ichin unlocked his apartment door, only to notice Utaha still trailing closely behind him.

  Seeing the smiling girl, Ichin asked, "You're not going home?"

  "I'm not tired yet." Utaha csped her hands behind her back and smiled pyfully. "What? Am I not allowed to hang out at your pce for a bit?"

  "I never said that, but it's pretty te. I don't want your parents coming to question me."

  Despite his words, Ichin opened the door and let Utaha in.

  Turning on the lights as they entered the living room, Utaha cheerfully remarked, "What's there to worry about? Can't you tell, Ichin-kun? My parents are thrilled about us spending time together. They're really satisfied with you."

  Of course, I know that. But honestly, I feel like it's you who's after me, Ichin retorted internally. 2

  Of course, I know that. But honestly, I feel like it's you who's after me, Ichin retorted internally.

  He turned on the living room TV and said to Utaha, "I'm going to take a shower. You can rex for a bit—you've been busy with your novel tely."

  "Okay, go ahead."

  Ichin took a couple of steps toward his bedroom but suddenly stopped. Looking cautiously at Utaha, who was sitting on the sofa, he asked, "You're not pnning to ambush me in the bathroom, are you?"

  "Oh my, would you like me to?" Utaha replied with a pyful smile. "If you're interested, I could give it a try. It might be fun."

  "Let's not. That would be way too much stimution for me."

  With that, Ichin headed to his bedroom, grabbed a change of clothes, and went into the bathroom.

  As he closed the bathroom door, he hesitated for a moment, debating whether to lock it. After some internal conflict, he decided not to.

  Meanwhile, Utaha had no intention of following him. Instead, she pnned to snoop around in Ichin's bedroom. However, just as she took a couple of steps, her phone rang—it was her mother calling.

  Answering the call, Utaha said, "Mom, what's up?"

  "What's up?" Mrs. Kasumigaoka's voice carried a hint of amusement. "It's te. Aren't you coming home? Of course, if you want to stay over at Ichin's house, just let me know. I'm an open-minded mother; I won't object."

  Utaha's cheeks flushed red as she gnced toward the bathroom. Speaking in a hushed tone, she said, "I'll come back soon. I'm at Ichin-kun's house right now."

  "Oh, you're already there?"

  Hearing this, Mrs. Kasumigaoka nodded. "Alright then, as long as you make your own decision. And if you decide not to come back, that's fine too—your dad and I are mentally prepared for that. Anyway, we're heading to bed now. Oh, by the way, your uncle's family called earlier. They invited us over tomorrow. Do you want to come along?"

  Utaha declined without hesitation. "I won't go. I'm spending tomorrow at the studio with Ichin-kun, and I need to work on my novel."

  "Alright then, make sure you figure out your own meals tomorrow."

  Her mother didn't bother to discuss finances with Utaha. The royalties Utaha earned as a light novelist were entirely hers to manage, making her something of a "little rich girl" already.

  After hanging up, Utaha let out a small sigh of relief.

  "Mom's exaggerating. Even I don't have the guts to go that far. At most, I just tease Ichin-kun a bit with words."

  Besides, she didn't have much theoretical knowledge to back her up.

  Thinking of this, Utaha realized it was time to start learning. She couldn't afford to be clueless when the moment came, could she?

  With that thought, she scrolled through her contacts and called Eriri.

  At that moment, Eriri, freshly released from the purgatory of midterm exams, was sitting cross-legged in her bedroom, happily gaming with a controller in hand.

  Hearing her phone ring, she let it buzz for several seconds before reluctantly pausing her game and picking up.

  "Kasumigaoka Utaha? What does she want now?"

  Answering the call, Eriri asked bluntly, "What's up?"

  "Good evening, Eriri. I need a favor."

  Utaha's overly polite tone sent a shiver down Eriri's spine. Armed, she asked, "What kind of nonsense are you up to now?"

  Utaha took a deep breath to calm herself before stating her purpose.

  "Let me take a look at those doujinshi you drew."

  ...

  ???

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