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[Game] Chapter 209: Unwrapping Gifts
🕑 Added 2025-04-27 04:52:10 +0000 UTCIchin returned home to get the gift he had prepared for Utaha, while she went back to her own place—it was clear she'd hidden her gift very well.
They both came back out almost at the same time. Seeing the box in Ichin’s hands, Utaha curiously asked,
“Where did you hide your gift, Ichin-kun? I never noticed anything.”
“Behind the boxes of games and figurines on my bookshelf.”
They took the elevator down together. Glancing at the large box in Utaha's hands, Ichin had no clue what she might’ve prepared.
Back in the studio, everyone was waiting eagerly, eyes full of anticipation.
So what if it’s more couple vibes? It’s not the first time, and it definitely won’t be the last.
Yun Iijima clasped her hands to her chest and said excitedly,
“You two really don’t know what the other prepared? Now even we’re dying to know!”
Ichin sat down and smiled.
“Even though we didn’t actually say we were exchanging gifts… we both kind of expected it.”
Utaha nodded beside him.
“I was originally planning to give mine to Ichin-kun later tonight. But then all of you suddenly gave him that group gift, so I figured now’s the perfect time.”
With that, Ichin handed his box to Utaha.
“Merry Christmas, Utaha.”
And Utaha handed her gift to Ichin in return.
“Merry Christmas, Ichin. Go on, open it. I spent quite a bit of time preparing it.”
Ichin nodded and took the slightly heavy box. With everyone's eyes on him, he carefully unwrapped the paper.
Inside wasn’t anything like an elegant jewelry box or branded package—just a simple cardboard box.
He opened it to find a red-and-gray scarf neatly folded inside.
No brand. No logo.
Ichin looked up in surprise.
“You… made this yourself?”
Everyone turned to Utaha. Even someone as good at keeping her expression calm as she was couldn’t stop her face from turning red.
“I asked my mom what kind of gift would be good… and she gave me the idea. You didn’t have a scarf, and I figured you’d need one sooner or later. So I asked her to teach me how to knit. Do you like it, Ichin?”
He pulled the scarf out. The texture was soft and cozy in his hands—clearly made with care.
Ichin felt a genuine warmth in his chest as he smiled and nodded.
“Yeah. I really like it. Thank you, Utaha.”
Utaha finally let out a breath of relief and opened the box Ichin had given her.
“I’m not great with handmade stuff, so I picked something out myself—a necklace. I know you kept the pendant my mom gave you, but you don’t wear it often, so I figured I’d get you one that’s more your style.”
The moment the diamond necklace came into view, everyone’s eyes were drawn to it.
After all, which girl doesn’t like jewelry?
Even Yukino couldn’t help sneaking a few extra glances.
Holding the necklace, Utaha remembered a previous conversation with Ichin—how she had mentioned she didn’t wear earrings or bracelets, only necklaces.
So… he remembered.
“I really love it, Ichin.” Utaha beamed as she handed the necklace back to him.
“Put it on me?”
“Of course.”
Ichin took the necklace, stepped behind her, and gently fastened it around her neck.
Just as Ichin was about to let go, Utaha suddenly pulled him into a tight hug—and kissed him right in front of everyone.
“OOOOHHHHH!!!”
A collective gasp erupted around the room. The more shy girls like Narumi Tsubame and Hifumi immediately covered their eyes.
Meanwhile, Hazuki—lightning-fast—whipped out her phone and snapped a picture on the spot.
Ichin didn’t mind in the slightest. He welcomed Utaha’s bold show of affection, wrapping an arm around her waist and kissing her back for a moment.
Fortunately, he was well aware that everyone was watching. After a quick kiss, he gently pulled away, pinching her now slightly flushed cheek.
Turning to the others, Ichin smiled and said,
“Alright, that’s enough gawking. And Hazuki-san, don’t think I didn’t see you taking that photo—make sure to send me a copy.”
Hazuki straightened up and gave a salute.
“Roger that!”
“Ughhh, so noisy... What are you all doing?”
At that moment, Shizuka Hiratsuka, who had fallen asleep earlier, finally stirred awake. Still half-asleep, she got up from the couch and looked around, asking groggily,
“What time is it?”
Ichin glanced at her and couldn’t even be bothered to throw in a sarcastic comment. Instead, he asked Rin Toyama to prepare a cup of sobering tea for her.
“Hiratsuka-sensei, it’s time for everyone to pick their Christmas gifts. Want to join in? Or would you rather head back to sleep?”
“Of course I’m in for Christmas gifts!”
The moment she heard “Christmas gifts,” Hiratsuka’s drowsiness vanished. She walked over with her cup in hand and plopped down beside Hazuki.
“These are all the gifts? But we don’t know what’s inside, right? So it’s a blind draw?”
Ichin nodded with a grin.
“Exactly. It’s a blind pick. Utaha and I picked everything out with care. If you end up with something you really don’t like, feel free to trade with someone else.”
Clapping her hands, Ko Yagami could barely contain her excitement.
“Then let’s get started already! I’ve already picked mine—this one!”
She grabbed a cube-shaped gift box and clutched it to her chest.
“No way! Ko-senpai snatched one already?! Then I want this one!”
Things quickly turned chaotic as everyone dove for the gifts, each picking one based on size or weight, trying to guess what could be inside.
Before long, all the presents had been claimed, and the real fun began—unwrapping them.
“Oh! A fountain pen?”
Hazuki looked into her opened gift box and saw an elegant, finely crafted pen. She beamed with satisfaction.
“Just my kind of thing! Thanks, Ichin!”
The others unwrapped theirs as well—some got limited-edition game merch, others rare plushies or finely made accessories.
Since all the recipients were girls—and Utaha had helped pick the gifts—choosing them hadn’t been too hard.
“OH MY GOD! IT’S MB’s Justice Goddess!!!”
Shinoda Hajime screamed as she held up her gift, shaking with joy.
“ICHIN-KUN, I LOVE YOU!!! I’ve wanted this so badly!”
Hearing Hajime’s dramatic outburst, Ichin exchanged a helpless look with Utaha.
“See? I knew she’d react like that.”
Among all the gifts, aside from Hazuki’s fountain pen, the MB Justice Goddess figure was the most expensive. Ichin had stumbled upon it by chance and snatched it up right away.
Originally, he figured Hajime wouldn’t be lucky enough to pull it herself and might need to trade for it—but it turned out her luck was spot-on. She picked it on her first try.
Seeing everyone so happy with their gifts, Ichin stood up with a smile.
“Hold on, there’s one more thing I want to give everyone here at the studio.”
...
