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[Game] Chapter 69: Growing More Passive (5/10)
🕑 Added 2024-12-26 17:36:07 +0000 UTCBy the time Ichin finished his shower and came out, Utaha was already seated in the living room, looking composed.
However, when Ichin stepped into his bedroom, he noticed that his previously messy bed was now neatly made.
It didn’t take a genius to figure out who was responsible.
Entering the living room, he glanced at Utaha, who was sitting casually on the sofa, and asked, “Why did you tidy up my bed?”
Utaha, having calmed her earlier excitement, smiled lightly and replied, “Your bed was such a mess, and I had nothing else to do, so I thought I might as well tidy it up for you. It’s about the only thing I’m good at—can’t expect me to make breakfast for you, can you?”
Fair point. Ichin had no desire to risk his kitchen catching fire.
Noticing the amused glint in his eyes, Utaha narrowed her own. “Ichin-kun, are you secretly making fun of me in your head?”
“Ahem, you’re overthinking it. Not at all,” Ichin quickly denied and headed toward the kitchen. “I’ll make some breakfast and coffee. Want some?”
“Sure!”
As Ichin stepped into the kitchen, Utaha followed him. She watched as he popped two slices of bread into the toaster and began frying some eggs with practiced ease.
“Ichin-kun, what are you planning to make for today’s cooking competition?”
“Sweet and sour ribs, I think,” Ichin replied while flipping the eggs. “Braised pork is a bit fatty, and since the judges are mostly girls, I’m worried it might cost me points. Ribs seem like the safer choice.”
“Hmm, but I’d really love to try your braised pork someday,” Utaha said wistfully.
Ichin had previously mentioned that he’d learned the recipe directly from his mother, making it an authentic family dish. Utaha couldn’t help but feel curious.
Plating the fried eggs, Ichin glanced at her and said, “If you want to try it, I can make it for dinner tonight. You can taste it then.”
Since today was a day off and everyone would be coming over, there was no way he’d make them work in the afternoon. Instead, he figured they could all relax with some games, and he and Utaha could enjoy a quiet dinner afterward.
“That sounds like a great idea,” Utaha agreed with a cheerful nod. Suddenly, she leaned closer, playfully poking Ichin’s cheek with her finger. “Ichin-kun, you’ve set up a studio surrounded by all these beautiful girls. Your days must be incredibly delightful, huh?”
As she prodded his cheek, Ichin finished frying the bacon and, with a grin, gently caught her hand. “It is delightful,” he admitted with a laugh. “Better than being surrounded by a bunch of sweaty guys, don’t you think?”
Before he transmigrated, Ichin had worked in an all-male team. This current situation was something he couldn’t have even dreamed of back then.
It helped that he had a solid mindset. Anyone else in his position might have completely lost control in such a “kingdom of women.”
Utaha squinted at him, her tone not angry but rather teasing. “You’re surprisingly honest, Ichin-kun.”
“Why lie about something like this?” Ichin shrugged. “Even if I said I wasn’t enjoying it, I wouldn’t fire everyone, would I? Besides, it’s not like I’d ever do anything inappropriate—I’m not that kind of person.”
With that, Ichin took the toasted bread from the toaster and assembled the sandwiches. He layered the fried eggs, bacon, sliced tomatoes, and lettuce before cutting each sandwich in half, making two portions.
"Alright, enough talk. Time for breakfast. Utaha, could you pour the coffee for me?"
Carrying the sandwiches, Ichin walked out of the kitchen.
Watching his retreating back, Utaha muttered softly, “He saw right through me. I wouldn’t have gotten mad anyway.”
She poured two cups of coffee and joined Ichin on the couch. Sitting down, she picked up the remote and turned on the TV.
Taking a sip of coffee and a bite of his sandwich, Ichin asked, “Sawamura and Yukinoshita—they’re coming over at ten, right? Or did they mention arriving earlier to you?”
“They should be on time,” Utaha said, checking her phone. She sent a quick message to Eriri and continued, “She told me yesterday that she’d be coming with Yukinoshita. It’s surprising, though—Yukinoshita’s family in Chiba is another influential one, just like Eriri’s. Both are proper young ladies.”
Swallowing his mouthful of sandwich, Ichin chuckled. “If we’re comparing, Yukinoshita fits the image of a proper lady more. Eriri’s just a hardcore otaku. When she gets into gaming, she’s crazier than anyone.”
Ichin had witnessed it firsthand—Eriri staying up all night gaming and showing up to school with dark circles under her eyes.
In a way, Utaha was similar, often burning the midnight oil to write and catching up on sleep at school.
“That’s true,” Utaha agreed, nodding slightly. She didn’t dwell further on their underclassmen, instead leaning gently against Ichin’s shoulder.
Rubbing her head against his shoulder, she found a comfortable spot, closed her eyes, and smiled. “Mmm, this feels nice. I should take note of this.”
“Using me for inspiration again?”
“A boyfriend has to be useful in some way, doesn’t he?”
“Fine, do whatever you like.” Ichin laughed, taking another bite of his sandwich while carefully avoiding any sudden movements.
Soon enough, both sandwiches were gone. Ichin took a sip of coffee, sighed contentedly, and leaned back against the couch.
Watching him relax, Utaha reached out to gently stroke his face. She smiled playfully and said, “Ichin-kun, your skin is really nice. It looks even better up close.”
“That tickles.”
Ichin took her hand and moved it away, but when he turned his head, he realized she was only inches away from him. Her closeness was undeniable.
The faint scent of her perfume wafted over, and Ichin couldn’t help but gulp. His other hand instinctively rested on her waist.
Utaha, though a little nervous herself, maintained a composed demeanor and teased, “So, you’re having other thoughts now that you’re full?”
As she spoke, she inched even closer.
Ichin could feel his resolve weakening. He exhaled softly, thinking, Well, we’re already dating, so getting a little closer should be fine, right?
With that thought, he slowly leaned in.
A minute later, Ichin sat up straight, his face flushed as he scratched his still-burning cheek. “Um, it’s about time we head out,” he said, trying to shift the mood.
Just as he was about to stand, Utaha grabbed his arm and pulled him back.
Wearing a skirt, she effortlessly swung herself onto his lap, pressing his shoulders down and gazing into his eyes with a mischievous glint. “No rush. We’ve got plenty of time.”
And then...
Ichin felt himself growing more and more passive.
...
