Ch 78:Game

Arthur, Kessoku Band, Utaha, Tomoya, Eriri, and Megumi gathered at a café for their meeting. Utaha took the lead in introductions, ensuring everyone got acquainted.

"Alright, let's get to know each other," she said, gesturing toward Arthur and the band. "This is Arthur Wayne, a friend of mine, and these four are members of Kessoku Band—Gotou Hitori, Yamada Ryo, Ijichi Nijika, and Kita Ikuyo. And these beside me are Tomoya Aki, Eriri Spencer Sawamura and Megumi Kato."

'What happened to her tone when she introduced Eriri? Is there something between to two?'

Tomoya adjusted his glasses, looking at Arthur with a curious expression. "Your face looks kind of familiar…"

Arthur smiled warily, already suspecting the reason.

---

Arthur had expected this reaction, but seeing Tomoya's eyes narrow in thought confirmed his suspicion.

"Your face… looks familiar," Tomoya muttered, rubbing his chin.

Arthur forced a neutral smile. He knew exactly why. Since Fate existed in this world, that meant Proto Arthur did too—and he looked exactly like him. If he ever wore Proto Arthur's outfit, Tomoya might think he was a hardcore cosplayer.

"Maybe you've seen me somewhere?" Arthur deflected casually.

Tomoya adjusted his glasses. "Do you cosplay?"

Arthur chuckled nervously. "Not really."

Arthur smoothly shifted gears, steering the conversation away from himself. "Anyway, let's talk about the game. What kind of project are you aiming for, Tomoya?"

Tomoya, now fully in work mode, adjusted his glasses. "A dating sim, but not just any dating sim. I want something that truly captivates players, making them feel like they're experiencing a real love story—one that's immersive, emotional, and unforgettable."

Arthur nodded, glancing at Utaha. "So, a deep and engaging romance. Any specific themes or inspirations?"

Utaha tapped her fingers on the table. "A well-written story is key, then. What kind of protagonist are we working with? A self-insert type, or someone with a strong personality?"

Tomoya smirked. "Definitely not a blank-slate protagonist. I want someone with depth, someone who can match the heroines rather than just exist for the player's choices."

Arthur nodded. "And the heroines? Classic archetypes or something fresh?"

Eriri crossed her arms. "A mix. We need familiarity, but each heroine should stand out. No generic love interests."

Arthur chuckled. "Sounds ambitious. I'm in."

"So whose perspective will we as the players watching? The Male or Female lead or as a 3rd person."

Tomoya leaned back, considering Arthur's question. "First-person perspective is the standard for dating sims. It helps with immersion."

Utaha, resting her chin on her hand, smirked. "But a third-person perspective allows for more narrative depth. We can explore the heroines' thoughts too, not just the protagonist's."

Eriri interjected, "First-person keeps it personal. Players should feel like they are the protagonist."

Arthur shrugged. "Why not a hybrid? First-person for key moments, third-person for broader storytelling?"

Tomoya's eyes lit up. "That… might actually work."

The members of Kessoku Band, who had been quietly listening to the discussion, perked up when Arthur turned to them.

"What about you guys and ideas?"

"Well, we're mainly here for the music, right?" Nijika said, glancing at the others. "But if we're giving ideas… I think a good soundtrack should match the emotional beats of the story."

Ryo nodded. "We could compose different themes for each heroine, reflecting their personalities."

Ikuyo clapped her hands together excitedly. "Oh! And maybe a special song for the ending, like a credit roll theme!"

Arthur smiled. "That's a solid start." He then looked at Bocchi, who had been fidgeting in her seat. "What about you, Gotou-san? Any thoughts?"

Bocchi stiffened but, after a moment, hesitantly said, "Um… maybe a dynamic soundtrack? Like, the music changes depending on the choices the player makes?"

The room went silent for a second before Tomoya grinned. "That… actually sounds pretty cool."

Utaha smirked. "Looks like we've got some real professionals on board."

Arthur leaned forward slightly, resting his arms on the table as he looked at Tomoya. "Alright, so we've got a solid idea forming. But where exactly are we going to work on this? Do you have a base of operations, or are we just going to be meeting in cafés forever?"

Tomoya scratched his cheek awkwardly. "Well… I was thinking of using my house for now."

Eriri immediately frowned. "That's way too cramped! We need a proper space if we're going to be serious about this."

Arthur nodded. "Agreed. A comfortable workspace can make a huge difference." He smirked at Tomoya. "Don't tell me you planned to have all of us crowded in your room, sitting on the floor with laptops."

Tomoya coughed, looking away.

Utaha, amused, tapped a finger against her cheek. "If we're talking about a proper workspace, we might need funding."

Arthur leaned back in his chair. "That won't be a problem. I can cover it."

Everyone turned to him in surprise.

"You're really willing to invest in this?" Megumi asked, tilting her head.

Arthur shrugged. "Well, I like the concept, and I think it has potential. Plus, I have the resources to help, so why not?"

Tomoya, eyes practically shining, slammed his hands on the table. "Alright! We're getting an office!"

Arthur chuckled. "One more thing—what's the name of our company?"

Tomoya suddenly froze, looking like he hadn't thought that far ahead. Eriri sighed. "You really didn't prepare, did you?"

Utaha smirked. "How about 'Blessing Software'? It fits the theme of creating something special, doesn't it?"

Tomoya's eyes widened before he nodded. "Yeah… that sounds perfect."

Arthur grinned. "Then it's settled. Time to get to work."

---

As the discussion wrapped up, Arthur leaned back in his chair. "Alright, we have a solid foundation. The next step is finalizing the workspace and assigning roles."

Tomoya nodded enthusiastically. "I'll handle the overall vision and planning. Utaha-senpai be writing the script, of course. Eriri will be on character designs, and Megumi… well, you'll be our core inspiration."

Megumi blinked. "That sounds suspiciously like doing nothing."

Arthur chuckled before turning to Kessoku Band. "And you guys are on board for the music, right?"

Bocchi hesitated, but Nijika grinned. "Of course! This could be huge for us."

Arthur smiled. "Then, let's make something great."

Arthur glanced at Utaha, who was reviewing some notes, and casually asked, "Hey, would you like to come with me to check out potential workspaces?"

Utaha looked up, raising an eyebrow. "Oh? You're actually taking this seriously?"

Arthur smirked. "Of course. If we're going to make a game, we need a proper place to work, right?"

She tapped her pen against her chin before nodding. "Alright, lead the way. But if we don't find anything good, I'm blaming you."

Arthur chuckled. "Fair enough."

Utaha adjusted her bag and gave a small wave to the others before following Arthur outside. The evening air was crisp, and the city lights had begun to flicker on, giving Tokyo a warm glow.

Arthur swung a leg over his bike and started the engine, the low rumble filling the quiet street. He glanced at Utaha. "Alright, hop on. Let's see if we can find a place that suits our needs."

Utaha sighed but didn't hesitate, slipping onto the seat behind him. "You better not drive recklessly."

Arthur grinned. "Trust me, I'm a professional."

She scoffed. "That doesn't reassure me."

With that, Arthur revved the engine, and they rode off into the city, searching for the perfect workspace.

Arthur and Utaha rode through the bustling streets of Tokyo, checking out various locations that could serve as their workspace. However, each place had some issue—too small, too expensive, or simply not fitting the atmosphere they envisioned.

After a couple of hours, Arthur sighed. "Well, that was a bust."

Utaha stretched slightly. "I didn't expect to find the perfect place in one night, but at least we got an idea of what to look for."

Arthur smirked. "True. Anyway, let's get some food. Yukihira's?"

Utaha raised an eyebrow but didn't protest. "Fine, but you're cooking."

Arthur chuckled as he turned the bike around and headed toward the familiar restaurant, the warm scent of cooking already inviting them in.

As Arthur stepped into Yukihira's, he gave a casual wave to Joichiro before heading straight to the kitchen. Without hesitation, he started gathering ingredients to prepare something for both himself and Utaha.

Joichiro, wiping his hands on a towel, turned to Utaha with a curious expression. "So, how did your game meeting go?"

Utaha, watching Arthur move efficiently in the kitchen, crossed her arms and replied, "It went well. We discussed the concept, but we still need to secure a proper workspace."

Joichiro chuckled. "Finding a place that fits your vision won't be easy."

Arthur glanced over his shoulder while stirring a pot. "Yeah, we checked a few places, but nothing felt right. Either too cramped, too expensive, or just… not the vibe we need."

Utaha sighed and took a seat at the counter. "I suppose finding the right environment is crucial for creativity."

Joichiro leaned against the counter. "Well, don't rush it. The right place will come when you least expect it."

Arthur smirked. "Hopefully sooner rather than later." He plated the food and set it in front of Utaha. "For now, let's eat."

Utaha picked up her chopsticks and took a bite, her expression softening slightly. "I have to admit, Arthur, you're dangerously good at this."

Arthur grinned, taking a seat across from her. "Well, I aim to impress."

Joichiro chuckled. "So, what's next? Keep searching for a workspace tomorrow?"

Arthur nodded. "Yeah. We'll keep looking until we find the right place. No point in settling."

Utaha rested her chin on her hand. "I just hope we find something soon. I'm eager to start writing properly."

---

After finishing their meal, Arthur stood up and stretched. "Alright, let's get you home."

Utaha arched a brow. "Oh? Being a gentleman now?"

Arthur smirked. "Always have been."

Joichiro chuckled as Arthur grabbed his keys. The two stepped outside, the cool night breeze brushing against them. Arthur started his bike, motioning for Utaha to hop on.

As they drove through the quiet streets, Utaha rested her chin on his shoulder. "You know, this isn't so bad."

Arthur chuckled. "Told you. Trust the driver."

As they cruised through the dimly lit streets, the city lights reflecting off passing buildings, Utaha let out a content sigh.

"You're surprisingly reliable," she mused, her voice just loud enough to be heard over the hum of the bike.

Arthur chuckled. "That almost sounds like a compliment."

"Take it however you want," she replied playfully.

Soon, they arrived at her apartment. Arthur pulled up smoothly, letting Utaha step off. She turned to him, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. "Thanks for the ride."

Arthur gave a lazy salute. "Anytime."

Utaha lingered for a moment, as if debating whether to say something. Eventually, she smirked. "You're not as dull as I first thought, Arthur."

Arthur raised an eyebrow. "Oh? And what was your first impression of me?"

She shrugged. "Just another guy who doesn't stand out too much. But you keep surprising me."

Arthur chuckled. "Glad to keep things interesting."

With a small wave, Utaha turned toward her apartment. "See you soon."

Arthur watched her go before revving up his bike. "Yeah… see you soon." He rode off into the night, a small grin on his face.

---

As Arthur rode through the quiet streets, the cool night air brushed against his face, clearing his thoughts. The day had been productive, and things were finally starting to come together for the game project. But more than that, his interactions with Utaha intrigued him. She was sharp-tongued and witty, yet there was a warmth beneath her teasing remarks.

Pulling up to his apartment, he parked his bike and stretched. Tomorrow, he would have to figure out a proper workspace for the team. But for now, sleep called.

---Note

If you find any Writing or Grammatical errors, mention it in the Paragraph Comment.