Yukino finished explaining the support the photography club needed, and Hiratsuka-sensei agreed without hesitation.
"I'll put in the request for you. Don't worry, with how well you all did last time, there won't be any issues."
"Thank you."
With the serious talk out of the way, Shizuka—believing Yukino was unaware of her embarrassing incident a while back—relaxed a little. She casually teased,
"By the way, your birthday was earlier this month, wasn't it? Did you two enjoy a sweet, romantic day together?"
Having her love life brought up so directly made Yukino's fair cheeks flush with a faint pink."Since when did you start gossiping about your students, sensei?"
Shizuka waved her hand playfully.
"I'm bored, that's all. Or you could say… this is how I show my concern for you young people."
Then she added with a grin, "Also, I'm close with your sister. Naturally, I care more about your affairs."
Yukino sighed lightly, her expression exasperated. "Pulling the emotional card… how underhanded."
"Ahaha, but it works, doesn't it?"
"…That's true."
Shizuka's warm grin was a little much, but Yukino still replied, "To be honest, I've outgrown getting excited about birthdays. Still, he spent the whole day with me, and even prepared a gift."
Shizuka looked a bit surprised. "Really? That guy? With how he operates, I was sure he'd take you out somewhere."
"You know him quite well." Yukino smiled faintly. "He did suggest it… but I preferred to stay home."
"That… sounds exactly like something you'd do." Shizuka laughed, no longer surprised.
That afternoon, after school, Yukino told the club about her meeting with Shizuka. Everyone was relieved.
"With you handling it, there's no way it'll go wrong," said Haru with his usual flattery.
Yukino rolled her eyes at him in reply.
Utaha, holding a bag with the script inside, muttered thoughtfully, "Since we've got the funding, next we need to think about extras."
Megumi, sitting behind her, chimed in, "Last year, Amamiya-kun recruited all the extras. Are we doing that again?"
Haru waved it off casually."Sure, no problem. I know a lot of people. I'll cover the snacks and drinks—they're more than happy to show up."
Still flipping through documents, Yukino commented offhandedly, "I doubt most of them were coming for the snacks."
Haru pretended not to hear.
Utaha chuckled and twisted the knife.
"True enough. I remember the girls in particular were all trying to find excuses to talk to you. If Yukinoshita hadn't been around, things would've gotten out of hand."
Haru grimaced. "You all knew and just let it happen? At least spare me the commentary…"
Everyone laughed.
Utaha decided not to rush the extras. With so much prep still to do, they could afford to take their time.
Everyone agreed.
Aside from Yukino and Utaha—who were driven to push forward—the others all had their own responsibilities and couldn't pour all their time into club activities.
Utaha , unlike Yukino's strictness, didn't mind revealing her upperclassman mindset and laid-back demeanor in her role as director.
Over the next few days, Haru helped the girls select equipment, handled some logistics, and occasionally chatted with Kato Megumi online about learning Chinese. It was a peaceful routine.
Then came Saturday afternoon.
Yukino was, as usual, reading at home when she got a phone call—Utaha wanted her to meet at a bookstore.
Haru, lounging around, perked up after hearing about it. "I'll come with you. I've got nothing else to do."
But Yukino shook her head.
"She's feeling the pressure. This short film is important to her, and right now she doesn't want outside help."
Haru blinked. "But… aren't you outside help?"
Yukino smiled.
"Have you forgotten who taught me everything I know in this area? Even Utaha and Megumi learned from you. Their progress is thanks to your guidance."
Haru swelled with pride, hands on his hips.
"Well, if you insist—care to throw in a few more compliments?"
Yukino ignored him and went to shelve her book.
Behind her, Haru continued whining.
"Come on, say something nice! We only get one high school life. Can't you indulge my vanity a little?"
Yukino paused, then gave him a dry look.
"Only one? What about people who get held back?"
Haru clutched his chest. "There are moments in life when you feel heaven's gates opening before you. I've waited so long. Can't you just say something kind?"
Yukino crossed her arms, her modest chest rising and falling with a sigh.
"That line sounds poetic. Where'd you steal it from?"
Haru struck a pose. "It was said by a boy whose eyes held a lion. Touching, isn't it?"
Yukino nodded solemnly. "Ah, I see. You're being stupid again."
With that, she walked off to her room.
So heartless.
"If you don't give me what I want, I'll have no choice but to send Earth's coordinates to the Trisolarans!"
"I'll kick you before you even get the chance."
"…I'm not a leg man, you know. Why are you rewarding me?"
"…Idiot."
Thus ended another typical day of banter.
Yukino changed and headed out.
Meanwhile, Haru was debating whether to hit up Furukawa and the others for some online gaming when his phone rang.
It was a call from Haruno.
Puzzled, he answered, only to hear her melodious voice say, "I'm at the company registered under your parents' names. Shouldn't the mysterious hidden boss come greet his guest?"
"You went there? Why?"
"Didn't Mother tell you? She's not expecting me to make it big in the industry, but I still need to show I'm doing something."
"Got it… so you're here to learn the ropes?" Haru said, understanding.
"Exactly. Now hurry up."
Without bothering to change out of his sweater and school uniform, he left the house.
After asking around, he found Haruno in the lounge.
What surprised him was how dressed up she looked.
Her soft, silky short hair framed her neck, and her gentle brows and smiling eyes shimmered under the lights. Her coat lay to the side, revealing a violet, high-neck sweater that accentuated her voluptuous chest.
She wore a sleek, black winter skirt that reached past her knees, with black tights hugging her slender legs and a pair of black snakeskin heels tapping against the floor.
When she saw him walk in, her faint smile blossomed instantly—like the first plum blossom of winter, every moment of waiting turning into joy.
Raising a hand, she waved with playful charm.
"Come here."