Wednesday, 31 December 1992 – Morning
Zaboru kept working, as usual, even though he had a New Year's party with his family planned for that night. Still, his mind remained focused on the future.
Leaning back in his chair with a small smile, he muttered to himself, "We've already come so far. ZAGE has grown into something massive—and with the expansion starting next year, I'll be heading to the USA in just a few days. Let's hope it all goes smoothly. With support from Emerald Wings over there, things should run like clockwork."
Zaboru grinned. "Let's hope the USA has talent on par with Japan. There were a lot of famous developers from the States in my previous life, after all."
He took a sip of his coffee and bit into a cookie.
"Huh, not bad. Ayumi's getting better at baking," he said, reaching for another one. Then his mind wandered again. "Once the USA branch is established, maybe I'll split my time—one week in Japan, one week in the States. I'll also need to scout for companies worth investing in."
He jotted a few notes, mentally reminding himself to plan carefully.
"Hmm, let's see... I might look into the current state of Marvel and DC in the U.S. If ZAGE could acquire one of them, it'd be huge. Then again, they should still be in their golden era right now. But this world has proven me wrong before I'll have to see for myself."
His focus was interrupted when Ayumi barged into the office, arms crossed and clearly unimpressed.
"Zabo! Seriously? It's New Year's Eve. Take a break already!" she said, pouting.
Zaboru chuckled. "You know I can't help it, Ayumi. I love working." Zaboru said while keep working and munching cookies.
She grabbed his arm. "Come with me. We need to buy groceries for the party tonight with your family and your coworkers."
His face turned pale. "Wait, I thought you said I just had to show up to the party!"
Ayumi grinned. "Change of plans! Let's go!"
With a sigh of surrender, Zaboru followed her. Maybe taking a break isn't so bad, he thought.
They shopped together for everything they'd need—food, drinks, decorations—and had a surprisingly fun time doing it.
Ayumi was enthusiastically piling items into the cart while Zaboru carried the groceries behind her.
"Umm, Ayumi... isn't this a bit excessive?" he asked, eyeing the growing mountain of bags.
Ayumi smiled cheerfully. "There's no such thing as too much! Come on, we still need to grab another sauce."
Zaboru sighed, resigning himself to her unstoppable energy.
That night, the New Year's barbecue party kicked off at Zaboru's house. Even Zanichi and the upper staff from ZAGE came to celebrate. The atmosphere was warm, festive, and full of laughter.
Zanichi manned the grill, showing off his impressive cooking skills, while Shinsuke devoured BBQ skewers with gusto.
"Damn, Zanichi-san, your cooking's always on point," he said between bites.
Sayuri, eating more modestly, sighed. "Shin-chan, watch your blood pressure."
Kudou blinked. "Shin... -chan?" He was clearly surprised by how gentle Sayuri-san was being. At the office, she was known as the 'steel lady' — all discipline and sharp edges. This tender side was completely unexpected.
Zaboru laughed. "Sayuri's a completely different person outside of work. I mean, she is Shin-san's wife, so it makes sense."
Kudou shook his head, still processing. "Just didn't expect that."
Meanwhile, Yuna, Ayumi, and Zaboru's mom, Keiko, chatted happily, while Yugo, dressed in a Sonic cosplay he got at ZAGE GOTY, chased Sanika around the yard.
"Gotta go fast!" Yugo shouted, darting after Sanika in his Sonic cosplay.
Sanika laughed as she ran, glancing over her shoulder. "Hahaha! Weird Sonic!"
The party continued into the night, full of food, stories, and laughter. When it was time to start the bonfire, everyone gathered in a circle. Zaboru stepped forward, holding his guitar.
"Everyone—happy New Year! Let's sing together. This is a song I wrote."
He began playing and sang Harmonia by Rhythm, a tune from his previous life:
nee kikoe masu ka?
sora wa hate shinaku aoku sunde ite
umi wa kagiri naku koudai de ite
kimi wa itsumade mo egao de ite janai to nai chau kara
mawari o mimawasa naku temo mou iin da yo
kono te no naka ni wa minna ga iru kara
naki taku natte nige taku natte
shiawase o wasure te te shimatta ra mina utae
hikari ga umare yami ga umare ta futatsu wa hitotsu
HARUMONIA kanji te TEREPASHII
nee kikoe masu ka?
The crowd listened quietly at first, then joined in, swaying gently. The melody, the lyrics, and the moment blended perfectly.
Shinsuke let out a sigh. "Boss, how do you come up with songs like that? Sometimes I really wonder what goes on inside your head."
The party chuckled warmly.
Another year had passed. And as Zaboru looked around at the people he cared about—family, friends, colleagues—he felt something powerful: not just joy, but purpose.
ZAGE would keep rising. And so would he.
To be continued...
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