Life As Hikigaya Hachiman

Chapter 583: The First Time Happened in the Kitchen?

"Develop for mobile platforms?"

Upon hearing this, Hazuki was slightly surprised but eventually shook her head.

"The Fairies Story series has always been a PC game, so none of our current colleagues are familiar with developing for mobile."

"Could it be that you're thinking of making a mobile game, Mr. Hikigaya?"

From Hachiman's words, Hazuki seemed to have guessed as much.

"That's right. I do intend to make a mobile game," Hachiman admitted without hesitation, nodding slightly.

With the continuous advancements in technology, mobile phones were no longer just tools for communication.

Various entertainment functions were gradually being added, especially with the recent widespread adoption of smartphones.

Mobile games were beginning to attract attention.

Compared to PC games, mobile games were far more convenient, allowing people to play anytime and anywhere.

However, the mobile games that had emerged in recent years were not well-received.

Their designs were outdated, gameplay was monotonous, and they generally lacked compelling storylines.

At best, they served as occasional distractions.

"The mobile gaming market is indeed huge."

After contemplating Hachiman's idea for a while, Hazuki finally spoke.

"However, for a mobile game to succeed, it requires an exceptionally well-crafted narrative to sustain player interest. Otherwise, it will end up like most games on the market—its popularity fading quickly."

Hachiman simply responded with a faint smile. "You don't need to worry about that, Miss Hazuki. In fact, I happen to be a somewhat well-known light novel author. I'll personally handle writing the story for the game."

Hearing this, Erina, who was standing beside him, couldn't help but roll her eyes.

Here he goes again.

If you're only considered 'somewhat well-known,' then what does that make everyone else?

...

"Huh? Mr. Hikigaya is actually a light novel author?"

Hearing Hachiman's comment, Hazuki couldn't hide her surprise.

"If I may ask, what works have you written, Mr. Hikigaya? I'd love to read them when I have the chance."

Hachiman casually replied with a hint of nonchalance:

"Haha, you're too kind, Miss Hazuki. It's nothing special—Sword Art Online, That Time I Got Reincarnated As A Slime, and The Garden of Sinners are my works."

Hmm... those three? Why do the titles sound so familiar?

While Hazuki was still trying to recall where she'd heard of them, a voice filled with excitement suddenly rang out nearby.

"Could it be... you're Wakamono-sensei?!"

Everyone turned to look. The speaker was a girl with reddish-brown ponytails and striking blue eyes, who was practically vibrating with excitement.

Her reaction puzzled the twin-tailed girl beside her, named Aoba.

"Hifumi-senpai, do you know Mr. Hikigaya?"

"Of course!" Hifumi exclaimed, her voice brimming with emotion, completely out of sync with her composed appearance.

"Sword Art Online, That Time I Got Reincarnated As A Slime—these are novels with sales exceeding ten million copies! Especially Sword Art Online, which has surpassed twenty million. Even The Garden of Sinners, with just six volumes, is closing in on ten million copies."

"In the world of light novels, Wakamono-sensei is unquestionably the king of the genre."

"I can't believe Mr. Hikigaya is Wakamono-sensei!"

Thanks to Hifumi's enthusiastic explanation, everyone suddenly grasped the magnitude of Hachiman's identity.

Who would have thought this seemingly 17 or 18-year-old boy was the uncrowned king of light novels?

While they were still processing their surprise, Hifumi's voice rang out again, this time even more excited.

"An autograph! I have to get Wakamono-sensei's autograph!"

She immediately started rummaging around for paper and a pen. She found the pen, but no matter how hard she looked, she couldn't find paper.

Suddenly, Hifumi froze, her expression turning resolute, as if she'd made a life-changing decision. With a determined look, she approached Hachiman, mumbling under her breath.

"Since there's no paper, how about signing on my panties? Luckily, I'm wearing white ones today..."

Hearing this, Hifumi's colleagues immediately grabbed her in a panic.

"Hey, Hifumi, hold on a second!"

"Yeah, Hifumi-senpai, calm down!"

"Let go of me! This is Wakamono-sensei in the flesh! The man who's only held one signing event! I can't miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!" Hifumi struggled frantically.

It was true. Since Hachiman started writing light novels, he had only held one signing event. After all, the purpose of such events was to promote books, and with his level of fame, it wasn't necessary.

Plus, he was still a student. If people at his school found out, his campus life would be turned upside down.

Encountering a devoted fan here left Hachiman slightly surprised, but he still decided to fulfill the girl's wish for an autograph.

"Miss Hazuki, do you have a handkerchief?"

"Oh, yes, I do."

Hazuki nodded and pulled a pale-yellow handkerchief from her pocket.

Taking the fragrant cloth, Hachiman used a marker to sign his pen name, [Wakamono-sensei], on it and handed it to Hifumi.

"Miss Hifumi, thank you for supporting my novels. This autograph is for you."

Hifumi cradled the signed handkerchief in her hands as though it were a priceless treasure. She pressed it to her chest and bowed deeply to Hachiman.

"Thank you, Wakamono-sensei. I'll treasure this forever."

Hachiman smiled and shook his head.

"It's nothing. If you're grateful to anyone, it should be Miss Hazuki for providing the handkerchief."

He turned toward Hazuki and offered an apologetic smile.

"Sorry, Miss Hazuki, for using your handkerchief."

"Haha, it's no problem at all. It's just a handkerchief," Hazuki said with a carefree wave of her hand.

"But to think that Mr. Hikigaya is actually Wakamono-sensei. With you on board, there's no doubt the game's script will be in excellent hands."

"If even Wakamono-sensei, the king of light novels, can't write a good game script, then who else could?"

"That said, regarding the issue of mobile platform development, I'll have to rely on you, Miss Hazuki. If it proves too difficult, we can consider hiring specialists in this field."

"I understand. I'll post some recruitment notices soon," Hazuki nodded in agreement.

"Thank you for your efforts." Hachiman nodded back.

"As for the game script, I'll finish writing it within the next two months. In the meantime, you and your team can focus on the development of Fairies Story III."

"Understood, President," Hazuki replied, subtly shifting her form of address.

With the main issues resolved, the remaining matters were straightforward.

Under Sugita Kenjirou's guidance, Hachiman met the heads of various departments—Game Development, Marketing, Operations, and more.

The two of them also signed a profit-sharing agreement for Fairies Story III.

After all, Sugita had invested 50 million yen into its development, and Hachiman wasn't the type to take advantage of others.

Once all the formalities were completed, Sugita Kenjirou packed up his belongings and bid farewell to the employees of Eagle Jump.

"Everyone, thank you for all your support over the years. Until we meet again."

He bowed slightly to everyone.

"Farewell, President Sugita!" the staff responded in unison.

...

After the company acquisition, Hachiman and Erina found themselves with some free time.

"Do you have any plans next?" the girl asked.

Hachiman shook his head. "No, the acquisition was the last thing on today's agenda."

"In that case, would you like to come to my house? It's not far from here," Erina suddenly suggested, her tone a little awkward as she averted her gaze slightly.

"I... I have a few dishes I'd like to consult you about."

Seeing her reaction, Hachiman raised an eyebrow. Judging by the blush on her cheeks, he doubted it was just about cooking.

Of course, he wouldn't refuse such a pleasant invitation, so he smiled and nodded. "Sure."

"Then let's go."

Hearing his agreement, Erina's face lit up with a smile. Taking Hachiman's hand, she led him back to the Nakiri family's car.

"Mr. Nitta, drive us home!" Erina instructed.

...

After about an hour, the two arrived back at the Nakiri family's main residence.

Holding Hachiman's hand, Erina tiptoed into the mansion.

Seeing her cautious behavior, Hachiman couldn't help but find it amusing.

It seemed like she was trying to avoid Alice.

After all, the two sisters had been rivals since childhood. If Alice spotted him, she'd definitely come over and steal him away. Then Erina wouldn't be able to monopolize him.

Yes, that must be it.

But to Hachiman's surprise, Erina didn't take him to her room. Instead, she actually led him to the kitchen.

Could it really be that she wanted to consult him about cooking?

As they stepped into the kitchen, Erina let out a sigh of relief.

"Phew, thank goodness Alice isn't home."

At least one of Hachiman's guesses was correct—she was indeed avoiding Alice.

After calming herself, Erina turned to Hachiman and said, "Alright, let's get started."

Get started?

Hachiman's mind raced.

Could it be? Was she really planning to do that here in the kitchen?

But for a first time, wasn't the kitchen a bit unsuitable? It was cold, hard, and definitely uncomfortable.

Still, since the girl had suggested it, how could he, as a man, refuse?

As expected of Erina, leaving everything in the kitchen—including her first time.

With those thoughts, Hachiman began unbuttoning his shirt.

Seeing his actions, Erina blinked in confusion.

Why was he unbuttoning his shirt? Was he hot?

Before she could process it, Hachiman had already undone all the buttons and was about to take off his shirt.

Seeing this, Erina's face turned bright red, and she quickly shouted to stop him.

"Ahhh! What are you doing?!"

"Taking off my clothes. Didn't you say we were going to do that?" Hachiman replied matter-of-factly.

"Do that?"

Hearing his response, Erina froze for a moment before realizing what Hachiman meant. Her face flushed crimson as she shouted in embarrassment and anger:

"I meant cooking! Who said anything about that?!"