Chapter 78: Gifts

*Editorial Gongon*

Mihari: "Tadano-sensei, we have everything ready for the announcement. What do you think of the promotional posters?" said the petite blonde while showing me a tablet.

I looked at them carefully; they seemed good enough.

Tadano: "These are fine. Here, I have a few more drawings that could be adapted for your posters," I said, returning the tablet and handing over an envelope.

Mihari received them respectfully and quickly skimmed through the contents. Her eyes widened with surprise, excitement, and anticipation.

Mihari: "This is amazing, Tadano-sensei! I'll consult with the chief editor and make the necessary arrangements. If everything goes as planned, the manga will start its release the day after tomorrow."

Tadano: "Good. Keep me informed. Oh, and here are the remaining chapters that complete the first volume of SNK," I said, making a gesture with my hand. Agari took something from her bag and handed it to Mihari.

Mihari looked dumbfounded upon hearing my words.

Mihari: "T-Tadano-sensei… you… you've already completed an entire volume?" she asked, filled with disbelief.

I smiled at her expression and wanted to tease her, but a look from the two girls behind me made me stop.

Tadano: "*Cough* Of course. I'm currently working on the second volume. I look forward to continuing our collaboration in the future," I said, extending my hand.

Mihari took it and shook it energetically, with an expression like a fan meeting an idol.

*Some time later*

After handling some minor matters, we left the editorial office and got back into the car. While sitting in the seat, I remembered something and took out my phone. With a few taps, the phone started ringing. After only a couple of rings, the other side answered.

Nene: "Oh? Hitohito, what's up? It's rare for you to call me…" she said, with a hint of reproach in her voice.

Letting out an awkward laugh, I answered.

Tadano: "C-Come on, Nene, can't I call you just to hear your lovely voice?"

Nene: "… A-Alright, what do you need?" she responded shyly.

Tadano: "Are you busy right now?" I asked.

Nene: "Let me check…" she said, and the phone went silent for a moment.

Nene: "For now, no, since my siblings are asleep, but I can't leave the house. Mom will work late, and Dad is on a business trip and won't be back until tomorrow, so I'm the only one who can watch them," she said with a somewhat sad tone.

Tadano: "Well, I don't see a problem with that. Give me your address, and I'll come over right away. If we can't go on a date, then I'll bring the date to you. Plus, I'll get to meet the siblings you always brag about," I said with a playful tone at the end.

Nene: "… Wouldn't that be too much trouble for you? It's not necessary, you know… I don't mind if it's just a short time at school; that's more than enough…" she said in a worried tone.

Tadano: "No problem at all… I'm free and want to spend my time with my lovely fiancée ♥∼" I said affectionately.

Nene: "I-Idiot… don't say things like that… you'll make my heart race…" she said the last part in a low voice, but I could still hear her.

Tadano: "Hehe, well, I'll say these things more often, dear. Send me your address, and I'll be there in no time… Oh! And tell me what your siblings like; I'll buy something for them on the way to your house," I said while signaling Yamai to change the route to a supermarket.

Yamai nodded and spoke to the driver. After a few exchanges, Nene gave me all the information I needed. With the phone in hand, we walked around the supermarket.

Tadano: "Alright, let's see… For little Kazuya, some action figures would be good. If I buy him a ball, he'll probably break something, and Nene will get mad…" I said while heading to the toy aisle.

Taking the ones that seemed most interesting for a child his age, I put them in the basket Agari was holding.

Tadano: "One down. Uhmm, next would be little Nono… According to Nene, she likes to play a lot but is also a girl and might care about her appearance a bit. What do you think about hair ribbons?" I asked the girls behind me.

Agari thought for a moment and chose the hair ribbons. Yamai shrugged and said,

Yamai: "Why not both? Give her a doll and a ribbon… besides, you always show more favor towards the girls…" she said, giving me a meaningful look.

Tadano: "… *Sigh* I'll ignore that last part for now… but I think you're right about the first part." I said, taking a doll from the shelf. After putting it in the basket, I continued.

Tadano: "Alright, the last one would be little Nana… that's easy, just find a cute teddy bear…" I said with a smile on my face. While browsing the shelves, I found what I was looking for. Agari and Yamai glanced at each other and then continued.

After buying the gifts for the little ones, I bought some ingredients to prepare dinner. Once everything was packed in paper bags and out of the supermarket, I stored them in my spatial ring, and we got into the car. When we arrived at Nene's house, I got out of the car. Before closing the door, I said,

Tadano: "Yamai, you and Agari will review the USB I gave you and organize the information into a comprehensible document. I want it ready for our meeting with Saitou-san tomorrow."

Both girls nodded.

Tadano: "Alright then, head back home… if there are no major setbacks, after our negotiations with Saitou-san tomorrow, you both will get your reward." I said with a mischievous look.

Both of them shivered and, with flushed faces, nodded. Then I closed the door and walked towards the entrance. After ringing the doorbell, I waited at the door. Not long after, I heard footsteps approaching. With a cute expression and a gentle smile, Nene opened the door.

Author's note: "Short Chapter, because I had a momentary moment of inspiration. Don't worry, if you're lucky, I'll open another chapter in a few hours. That said, remember to drink a lot of water and that I love you very much. Sincerely, your favorite depressing author."

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