Green plums cannot become lovers.

More importantly, unlike traditional club activities with fixed training or meeting formats, this is more like a collaborative team working around a common project. The schedule may be more flexible and more suitable for these people who each have their own "side hustles".

Seeing that Anwa and Asuka didn't immediately refuse, but instead stared thoughtfully at the papers, Aki Tomoya immediately thought there was hope, and his face flushed with excitement: "Right, right! Isn't it interesting! Anwa-kun, join us! Let's create the strongest bishoujo game together!"

Anwa Asuka snapped out of his thoughts and looked at the extremely excited Aki Tomoya. He decided to first learn about the specifics of this "game research club".

“An Yi,” he began, “you just said you started the club. So, how many members does the club have now? Does it have an advisor? Where is the activity room? And…”

He pointed to the few slightly messy drafts in Aki Tomoya's hand, "Do you have a more detailed version of the complete game proposal?"

A series of practical problems caused Aki Tomoya's excited expression to freeze momentarily. He scratched his head, somewhat embarrassed, and said, "Uh... as for members, it's just me right now... we're still looking for a mentor! As for the activity room... the school said we need at least three official members to apply... and as for the proposal..."

His voice trailed off, and finally, under An and Asuka's calm gaze, he honestly admitted, "A complete proposal... isn't available yet. These are just some of my ideas and notes..."

An and Asuka remained silent for a moment.

A "club" with only one minister, no instructor, no activity room, and not even a complete project plan.

It's less of a club and more of a bubble of ideas in the mind of a passionate young man.

However, the concept of "game development" itself took root in his mind.

“Aki-kun,” Aki and Asuka finally said, “I am indeed somewhat interested in the direction of making games.”

"Really?!" Aki Tomoya's eyes lit up instantly.

“However,” An and Asuka changed the subject, their tone becoming serious, “if you really want to make this happen, you’ll need at least a detailed and feasible plan that people can understand. It can’t just remain at the level of ‘amazing’ imagination.”

He handed the drafts back to Aki Tomoya: "We can talk again when you have a more complete idea and plan. Also, you need to find a way to solve the problem of the club's membership."

After speaking, he nodded politely, turned and walked towards the teaching building, leaving Aki Tomoya standing alone, looking at the draft in his hand. The excitement on his face was gradually replaced by a complex expression that mixed with disappointment and renewed fighting spirit.

"Proposal...number of people..." Aki Tomoya clenched his fist, his eyes blazing with renewed fire. "Alright! I'll make it! An-kun, just you wait and see!"

"Okay, I'll give you three days."

An and Asuka didn't turn around, they just mentioned a time limit.

As he walked, he continued to ponder the possibility of a "game development club".

Perhaps this is a direction worth trying. But the premise is that there must be a reliable framework, and it cannot be completely dominated by Aki Tomoya's overly casual enthusiasm.

Perhaps... we could ask Kasumigaoka-senpai's opinion? And Shizuka and the others too?

"An Yilun too?"

On the rooftop in the afternoon, Kasumigaoka Utaha ate the bento box that Anwa and Asuka had brought her—an extra one that Shizuka had specially prepared that morning, saying it was "for Asuka and that upperclassman." The bento box contained delicately fried shrimp, tamagoyaki (Japanese rolled omelet), and perfectly cooked vegetables; the taste was light yet comforting. This unexpected sharing made Kasumigaoka Utaha's mood as bright as the clear May sky.

Upon hearing the name, she tilted her head slightly, her long, wine-red hair gently brushing against her shoulders in the breeze. "Is he the guy who arrived last at the book signing the other day?" She vaguely remembered that impetuous and overly enthusiastic junior. Although he was one of her readers, his lack of consideration for the occasion made it difficult for her to develop a strong liking for him.

"Yes, it was him." An and Asuka nodded and briefly recounted their encounter that morning.

After listening, Kasumigaoka Utaha slowly swallowed the food in her mouth before speaking: "So, you're planning to join his... um, 'Game Research Club'?" There was a hint of teasing in her tone.

"If he can actually come up with a proposal that I think is feasible, then maybe I can consider it." An and Asuka's answer was very pragmatic. "I think the direction of game development itself has potential."

“But based on my observations of that type of guy,” Kasumigaoka Utaha gently wiped her mouth with a tissue, her tone calm and certain, “he probably can’t produce it. He has plenty of enthusiasm, but lacks the drive to act. His ideas may be wildly imaginative, but he lacks the patience and ability to turn them into concrete plans. He’ll just stay at the stage of empty rhetoric.”

Her analysis coincided with An and Asuka's judgment.

"What if?" An and Asuka smiled. "Perhaps this rejection will inspire him to take some action."

“What if he actually does it?” Kasumigaoka Utaha looked at him, a sharp glint in her wine-red eyes, “Are you prepared to join a club led by someone with that kind of personality?”

An and Asuka were silent for a moment, then shook their heads: "No. By the time he comes up with a decent proposal, my own club will probably already be established. I can't wait indefinitely for an uncertain possibility." He paused, his tone becoming serious, "Besides, like my senior said yesterday, starting my own club might be a better choice. At least, I can control the direction and pace myself."

Kasumigaoka Utaha's eyes lit up noticeably, and her previous languid and casual demeanor softened somewhat: "So, you've already made up your mind? You're planning to start your own club?"

"Ah."

"What's your name? Have you submitted your application to the student council yet?" she pressed, her body unconsciously leaning forward slightly.

"The name is tentatively set as 'Game Development Department'," An and Asuka replied. "It's not 'research,' it's 'development.'"

The goal isn't just theoretical; it's about actually achieving something. The application materials are still being prepared, and a mentor needs to be selected.

“Game Development Department…” Kasumigaoka Utaha repeated softly, a smile of appreciation curving her lips. “It seems that junior’s ambition and execution are much more substantial than that Aki-kun’s.”

She put down the lunchbox and looked directly at An and Asuka. "Then, may I apply to join?"

An and Asuka met her gaze, a gentle and sincere smile on their faces: "Of course, you're very welcome. It's an honor for the club to have Kasumigaoka-senpai join us."

"It's no honor I could say," Kasumigaoka Utaha leaned back in her chair, her tone returning to its usual calm, but the light in her eyes hadn't faded.

"However, I've also started to get a little interested in the idea of ​​'developing games' itself. Perhaps it can bring new inspiration to my writing."

More importantly, this means that in addition to their chance encounter and discussion on the rooftop in the afternoon, there is now a more solid and lasting connection between her and the boy in front of her.

The two chatted for a while about the club's initial ideas. An and Asuka mentioned that they needed at least three members, and Kasumigaoka Utaha immediately offered to help ask if there were any other suitable candidates—although she didn't have a large social circle, she knew more people than An and Asuka, who were both first-year students.

They also discussed potential mentors. An and Asuka thought of Mr. Yamada, who taught information technology. He was said to be very interested in programming and digital creation and was also quite open-minded.

As An and Asuka had predicted, things unfolded exactly as they had.

A few days later during lunch break, Aki Tomoya once again blocked him at the classroom door, this time holding a folder solemnly in his hand, his face a mixture of anticipation and trepidation.

"Anhe! I've finished writing the proposal!" His voice was loud and clear, attracting the attention of the students around him.

Anwa Asuka was somewhat surprised by his speed. She took the folder and opened it under Aki Tomoya's intense gaze.

Then, he fell silent.

The folder contained only a single A4 sheet of paper. The paper did indeed have a title, "Bishoujo Game Project Proposal *Tentative," but the content below...

First line: "Theme: A Tale of Love, Courage, and Hope!"

"Female lead: A transfer student with a mysterious past, cold on the outside but gentle on the inside."

"Core gameplay: Affect affection levels by making choices, and unlock different endings."

"Goal: To create a masterpiece that moves people to tears!"

Gone.

There was no detailed world-building, no specific character backgrounds and personality development, no plot outline or even the roughest outline, no consideration of the game system, art style, music direction, or technical implementation, and not even an estimate of the required resources, time, and division of labor.

This is less of a "project proposal" and more of the opening of a middle school student's essay.

Anwa Asuka looked up at Aki Tomoya, whose face was full of anticipation as if he had delivered some masterpiece, and for a moment he was at a loss for words. He had expected that the other party's plan might be rough and idealistic, but he did not expect it to be "simplified" to this extent.

"This...this..."

Aki Tomoya seemed to read something from Anwa Asuka's expression, his face flushed, and he explained somewhat flusteredly, "I think... a proposal should be concise and powerful! Just express the core idea! Details can be added later! The important thing is the soul! The soul, Anwa-kun!"

His voice grew louder and louder, attracting curious glances from the students who hadn't yet left the classroom, who began to whisper among themselves.

"Is Aki-kun bothering Anwa-kun again?"

"It sounds like they're talking about some kind of game project?"

"Wow, Aki wants to play a game with Yasutomu? That's interesting..."

"But judging from Anhe-kun's expression, things don't look good."

Anwa Asuka sighed softly, put the paper back in the folder, closed it, and handed it back to Aki Tomoya. His movements were calm, but his tone was clear and unwavering:

“Aki, if I may be so bold, this cannot be called a project proposal. It lacks the most basic elements and feasibility necessary for a project to be launched and promoted.”

Aki Tomoya's expectant expression froze instantly, and his hand stiffened as he took the folder.

“I acknowledge your passion for creating,”

An and Asuka continued, their voices not harsh, but each word clear: “But passion cannot replace planning, and ideas cannot replace execution. If you really want to make a game, you need more than just a ‘soul’; you also need the patience, methods, and concrete action steps to build the ‘skeleton’ and ‘flesh’.”

He paused, looking at Aki Tomoya's pale face, before stating his final decision: "So, I'm sorry, based on this... concept, I cannot join your club. Furthermore, I believe that the way you've shown so far is not suitable for independently leading a project team that requires a high degree of collaboration and meticulous planning."

These words were like a bucket of cold water poured over his head, leaving Aki Tomoya completely frozen. He opened his mouth, seemingly wanting to argue, but looking at An and Asuka's calm and determined eyes, and the curious or sympathetic glances from his classmates, those passionate words stuck in his throat, and he couldn't utter a single word.

Overwhelmed by immense disappointment and embarrassment, he lowered his head, clutching the folder, his shoulders slumping slightly.

An and Asuka didn't say anything more, just patted his shoulder lightly, then turned and left. He knew his words might have been a bit direct, even hurtful, but sometimes, ambiguity is worse.

Aki Tomoya needs to understand that dreams cannot be achieved by simply shouting slogans.

The "project" episode involving Aki Tomoya only strengthened Aki and Asuka's determination to establish their own club as soon as possible.

A few days later, the club was established.

The members were quickly identified: for the time being, Kasumigaoka Utaha and three girls.

The activity room, located in the corner of the third floor of the laboratory building, was indeed small, only about ten square meters. After a simple cleaning, the old tables and chairs were rearranged, and the windowsill was wiped clean, allowing the afternoon sun to stream in without obstruction, illuminating every speck of dust in the air.

A small whiteboard stood against the wall, next to a portable projector brought by Anhe Feiniao. Although simple, it already had the beginnings of a "workspace".

When Kasumigaoka Utaha pushed open the door at the agreed time, this was what she saw: An and Asuka were adjusting the angle of the projector, while the other three girls in the room, Kirasaka Marina, Kuze Shizuka, and Hoshino Ai, had already arrived.

Three girls, each with a distinct style yet equally dazzling, turned around at the same time, their gazes all falling upon her. In that instant, even the composed Kasumigaoka Utaha felt a subtle, oppressive sense of being scrutinized.

"Ah, you're here!" The first to speak was Marina, with her golden ponytail and bright smile. She stepped forward and looked at Kasumigaoka Utaha without any awkwardness, her eyes full of curiosity and friendliness.

"This must be Kasumigaoka-senpai, right? Asuka mentioned you to us! She said you're an incredibly talented senpai who writes amazing novels!"

Her liveliness instantly broke the awkwardness of their first meeting. Shizuka also stood up, nodded slightly, and her deep purple eyes showed her usual gentleness and politeness: "Hello, Kasumigaoka-senpai. I am Shizuka Kuze."

Her voice was soft and gentle, which made people feel good about her.

Ai stood a little behind, blinked her purple eyes, and greeted them politely: "Hello, Kasumigaoka-senpai, I'm Hoshino Ai."

Kasumigaoka Utaha quickly suppressed her slight unease, her wine-red eyes calmly meeting her gaze. She nodded politely but distantly, "Hello, I'm Kasumigaoka Utaha, a second-year student. Anwa-kun has mentioned you to me before."

Her gaze inadvertently swept over An and Asuka, who had stopped what they were doing and were looking in their direction with a barely perceptible expression of relief on their faces.

“We’re Asuka’s childhood friends!” Marina added with a smile, linking arms with Shizuka, her tone carrying a natural intimacy and a hint of subtle declaration.

"Childhood sweethearts?" Kasumigaoka Utaha raised an eyebrow slightly.

She knew exactly what that word meant—growing together, sharing the past, and having a close bond that outsiders couldn't easily break into. An and Asuka had never explicitly mentioned this relationship, though she could guess they were close. Now, having it brought up directly, a faint, yet still unresolved, emotional ripple swept through her.

But she quickly regained her composure, a polite smile playing on her lips: "I see. Nice to meet you, please take care of me."

She didn't delve into that topic, but instead steered the conversation back on track, "Looks like everyone's here. Anhe, junior, shall we begin?"

An and Asuka nodded and walked to the whiteboard: "Okay, let's begin the first club meeting. First of all, let's welcome Kasumigaoka-senpai to officially join the game development club. We also thank Marina, Shizuka, and Ai for their support."

His gaze swept over everyone present. "Our goal in gathering here is clear: to develop a game of our own. So, the first and most crucial question is—"

He picked up the whiteboard marker and wrote several large characters:

What kind of game should we make?

The atmosphere of the meeting became serious. Marina raised her hand, full of energy: "Can we make an action game? The kind where you hack and slash monsters! I can draw super cool characters and weapons!"

Shizuka then softly suggested, "What about visual novels? They emphasize plot and choices, so the art style requirements might be relatively more flexible..."

Xiao Ai tilted her head and thought for a moment: "A music game? Or... a game with pretty characters to interact with?"

Kasumigaoka Utaha didn't speak immediately, but listened quietly, her fingers unconsciously tapping the table.

She spoke only after everyone had finished expressing their initial thoughts, her voice clear and rational: "Considering this is our first project, and the team members have limited experience and time commitment, I suggest choosing a relatively mature type that has clear market demand and can fully leverage the strengths of our existing staff."

She paused, then turned her gaze to An and Asuka: "What do you think, junior?"

After a moment of contemplation, An and Asuka considered everyone's opinions and the actual situation: "The text adventure that Shizuka mentioned, or more specifically—romance adventure game, also known as 'Galgame', might be a suitable starting point."

"Galgame?" Marina blinked. "You mean the kind of game where you date pretty girls and make choices?"

“That’s a fair assessment,” An and Asuka nodded. “The core of this type of game lies in the plot, character development, and emotional experience. The requirements for program complexity are relatively moderate, while art and music are key bonuses. The market audience is stable, and there are many successful case frameworks that are easy for us to learn from and refer to.”

He looked at Kasumigaoka Utaha, "The script and the text are the soul, and I can ask you to take care of that part, Senpai. I can handle the music and system setup." He then looked at Marina and Shizuka, "We need Marina for character design and scene art. Shizuka can assist Senpai with the details of the script and text, and can also handle some UI and copywriting."

Finally, looking at Xiao Ai, "If Xiao Ai is interested, she can try singing the theme song, or provide intuitive feedback on the character's charm and market preferences from the perspective of an idol and fans."

With a clear division of labor, everyone can utilize their strengths. This proposal takes into account almost everyone's interests and capabilities.

A glint flashed in Kasumigaoka Utaha's wine-red eyes as she looked at Anwa Asuka, her tone playful: "I thought you wouldn't be interested in this kind of 'dating simulation' game."

After all, he usually gives people the impression of being too calm and rational.

“Asuka is getting old too!” Marina teased first, earning a helpless look from An and Asuka.

Shizuka smiled slightly, while Ai blinked curiously.

“Interest is one thing, suitability is another,” An and Asuka explained without changing their expressions. “From a project perspective, this is the most feasible option at this stage. Of course, if anyone has other more suitable ideas, we can discuss them further.”

The group exchanged glances, and no one objected. Indeed, for a group of novices, choosing a genre with a clear path to follow was a safer bet. The framework of visual novels allowed them to create in their respective areas of expertise, such as plot, art, and music, without having to tackle overly complex technical challenges from the outset.

"Then let's tentatively stick with this direction."

An and Asuka wrote on the whiteboard: "Love Adventure Game".