The dorm here was actually two apartnts connected together, which ant there were two kitchens. Ichin's group was using one for dinner prep, but the other — thanks to Utaha's suggestion — had been turned into a mini baking studio.
After a few rounds of gas, everyone gathered in the spare kitchen to make pastries.
After all, it wasn't often they could all hang out like this. Making desserts together to enjoy later that evening sounded like the perfect way to keep the fun going.
"Palmiers, huh? That sounds really hard to make!"
Watching Utaha knead the dough, Nene pulled out her phone and started looking up pictures of the pastry. She couldn't help swallowing her saliva.
"Utaha, you can even make this?"
"Of course," Utaha said proudly, chin tilted slightly. "Ichin's mom makes them — I learned from her. It's not one hundred percent perfect, but the taste passes the family test. I've got the official approval of the elders."
Her face was glowing with pride as she spoke.
Utaha had gathered a few people around her to help, while Yukino led another small group nearby, teaching them how to make chocolate chip cookies.
Leaning closer, Nene whispered,
"Hey, Yukino, since you're making chocolate cookies… does that an you know how to make chocolate too?"
"Hm?" Yukino glanced at her, then nodded.
"Yes, I do. It's not that hard — as long as you know the basics, it's easy to make. Why, do you want to make chocolate?"
The mont she asked, Yukino suddenly realized — it was January now, and next month was February 14th.
Valentine's Day. Chocolate. The connection was obvious.
Understanding dawned on her instantly. Seeing Nene's slightly flustered, secretive expression, she lowered her voice with a faint smile.
"I can teach you. Co by then, and I'll show you how to make your own chocolate."
Nene's face lit up with joy.
"Really?! Thanks, Yukino!"
With that settled, Nene joined in enthusiastically, learning the steps for making chocolate cookies.
If I can make these, I can give so to Umiko too! she thought excitedly.
While that group focused on dessert, the others continued preparing dinner. Before long, evening arrived.
It was a different atmosphere from when the studio had first started — back then, Ichin and Utaha had only been seventeen. Now both were twenty-one, and even Yukino had turned twenty.
So when dinner began, everyone had half a glass of red wine in front of them.
It was New Year's, after all — the perfect excuse for food, laughter, and a bit of wine. Even if anyone got drunk, Haruno had already arranged for a driver to make sure everyone got ho safely.
"Cheers!!"
The sound of glasses clinking filled the room, and then the feast began.
Eriri picked up a cola chicken wing and took a huge bite without hesitation.
"Mm!! So good!" she exclaid with her mouth full, not caring at all about manners as she quickly finished one and sighed in satisfaction. "Ugh, these last few days I had to go to a bunch of boring banquets with my parents. I couldn't even sneak away! The food there was terrible — I actually ended up eating instant noodles when I got ho on the third night!"
Haruno spooned so tomato beef stew into her bowl, looking at her curiously.
"Wait, didn't you say you weren't interested in business or politics? Why go to those banquets then? Yukino only attended one local family gathering in Chiba on the second day of the New Year — she skipped all the others, and your parents shouldn't be forcing you either, right?"
"Well… yeah, technically." Eriri puffed her cheeks in frustration. "But that's not the real reason! It's because I'm almost twenty now, and my mom's suddenly worried about my future! Those banquets were apparently so I could 'et more boys my age.' I almost lost it!"
"Well, that's pretty normal," Ichin said calmly. "Everyone here — except Aoba, Nene, and the younger ones — has been nagged about marriage by their families at so point. You can ask them for survival tips."
Several people, including Kō and Iijima Yun, nodded knowingly.
Aoba, however, frowned and shot Ichin a look.
"Hey, what do you an except us younger ones?"
"Oh, that's simple." Ichin grinned and pointed at her. "Just look at Aoba's height and face. Who'd dare to try setting her up? Even if she did start dating soone and they held hands in public, the police would probably stop them for questioning!"
Kō gave Aoba a quick once-over and nodded seriously.
"He's not wrong."
Rin added with a nostalgic chuckle,
"I rember when Aoba first joined Eagle Jump. I thought she was a middle schooler wandering into the office! I was so shocked when I found out she was a new hire."
Shinoda chid in helpfully,
"Yeah, and that first suit she wore totally looked like a school uniform too!"
"Ahhhh! Stop talking about that already!" Aoba groaned, clutching her head. "It's not like I want to be short! I'd love to have long legs and a tall figure too — but what can I do?!"
Ichin munched on so vegetables, rubbing his chin thoughtfully.
"Hmm, I've t Aoba's parents. They're not short at all. How did she end up this way? Nene, was she a picky eater in high school?"
Nene rested her chin on her hand, thinking.
"Hmm~~ picky eater? Let's see. Aoba's always loved snacks — senbei and yokan especially. And she can't eat spicy, bitter, or strong-flavored foods — no green peppers, no bitter lon, barely any carrots. But lately she's been able to handle a little spice. Her favorite food is still hamburger steak though."
Everyone had the sa thought at once — That totally fits her "legal loli" status.
Despite already working for years — ever since graduating high school — Aoba was twenty-three now. Yet if she stood on the street in casual clothes, people would swear she was a high schooler. Even her voice matched perfectly; not a trace of mismatch.
Haruno popped a piece of braised pork into her mouth, took a sip of wine, and looked around.
"I have to say, you people are unbelievable. All of you ca out of Eagle Jump, but none of you look like typical ga developers. For a field where everyone's supposed to be sleep-deprived and pale, you all still look ridiculously young."
"Must be natural talent," Hazuki said, swirling her glass. "Take Kō, for example — back at Eagle Jump, she practically lived at the office, working overti half the ti. Yet she didn't grow a single gray hair or wrinkle. And now, after joining Ichin's team — no more overwork, more rest — and look at us! Every single one of us looks younger and healthier than before. So, for our reunion, and for our flawless skin—cheers!"
"Cheers!" everyone shouted in unison, raising their glasses once more.
---
Happy New Years!
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