8 PM – Outside Flash Animation Studio
Su Yu stepped out of the animation studio.
A sleek car was parked out front.
Inside sat Haruno Yukinoshita, smiling as usual.
The female driver, upon spotting Su Yu, opened the door for him.
He got in.
The driver shut the door, then took her place behind the wheel.
Glancing at Haruno through the rearview mirror, she asked, "To that restaurant?"
Haruno chuckled. "Yes, let's go there."
The driver nodded and started the car.
"Su Yu-kun, inviting me to dinner… are you thinking about me in that way?" Haruno teased, watching him closely.
"I am thinking about someone," Su Yu replied, looking out the window. "Just not you."
Haruno giggled. "You know, I'm honestly surprised. Yukino has never been this close to a guy before. Yet with just one invitation and a few stories, you managed to make her fall for you. Care to tell me why?"
Su Yu turned to her.
"Do you really need a reason to fall for someone?"
"I don't believe Yukino fell for you suddenly. I think you slowly broke down her walls, bit by bit, until she finally let you hold her hand," Haruno said softly.
"…More or less." Su Yu didn't deny it.
Satisfied with his answer, Haruno leaned in and whispered in his ear.
"And what about your little girlfriend? She's Yukino's friend. Are you really going to abandon her? Or are you too soft-hearted to let go of such a cute girl?"
Su Yu simply looked at her, saying nothing.
Seeing his expression, Haruno immediately understood his answer.
"Ahh, Su Yu-kun, you're so greedy." She smiled mischievously. "But I do like honest men."
Thirty Minutes Later – Elegant Restaurant with Live Piano Music
Su Yu and Haruno sat by a window.
The restaurant exuded a refined atmosphere, with a pianist playing gentle melodies in the background.
Haruno sipped her wine and smirked.
"By the way, Su Yu-kun, I still haven't rewarded you for the two favors you did for me. How about I let you make one request? Anything goes~."
Su Yu raised an eyebrow. "Anything?"
Haruno playfully feigned fear. "Your gaze is a bit dangerous, Su Yu-kun."
Su Yu ignored her teasing and stated his request.
"I'm going to serialize a manga in Future Comics. The editor has already approved it. In the future, I'll have more manga series as well. I want full control over their anime adaptations."
"…That's all?" Haruno blinked. "You could ask for something much more unreasonable, you know. I wouldn't refuse."
She reached out and placed her delicate hand on top of his.
Su Yu glanced down at her hand but didn't move his own.
"…I think you're more dangerous than me."
Haruno chuckled and withdrew her hand.
The Yukinoshita Family and Their Future
"When I was in high school, my mother told me she would choose a good husband for me—someone who could help manage the Yukinoshita family's business."
"Your mother wants complete control?"
"Of course. That's the kind of person she is. It's why my father moved out of the house."
"Why tell me this?"
"Because you're reliable, Su Yu-kun." Haruno swirled her wine glass. "If Yukino likes you, that means your character must be decent. And personally, I find your attitude toward me very amusing."
"I just don't like your fake smiles."
At those words, Haruno's smile faded slightly.
"…When you talk to Hiratsuka-sensei, your smile is genuine." Su Yu looked at her calmly. "That's the real Haruno Yukinoshita."
Haruno sighed lightly.
"If Shizuka were a man, I probably would have married her already," she admitted with a soft laugh.
"She helped you?"
"A lot." Haruno nodded. "She's the reason I became this Haruno Yukinoshita. Otherwise, I might've ended up just like Yukino—cold and distant."
"I see." Su Yu wasn't surprised.
"I've known Shizuka for years. She was my teacher in middle school and high school. When I graduated, Yukino entered Sōbu High, so I asked Shizuka to look after her. But… that girl is different from me. She really is like an untouchable flower."
Haruno gazed out the window, a wistful look in her eyes.
Su Yu remained silent.
None of this was unexpected.
As they lapsed into silence, the waiter arrived with their meals.
They quietly enjoyed their food.
As the gentle notes of a piano piece filled the restaurant, Haruno suddenly looked up at Su Yu.
"Su Yu-kun, can you memorize this piano piece?"
"More or less. Do you want me to play it?"
Haruno's smile widened.
"If you can play it, I'll grant you another request. Anything goes—yes, even a date with me."
"…Let me finish eating first."
Su Yu continued his meal.
Haruno chuckled.
She knew he would succeed.
Live Performance
After finishing his meal, Su Yu stood and walked toward the grand piano.
The pianist, who was on break, saw him approaching and stepped aside, allowing Su Yu to take his place.
"Thanks," Su Yu said.
He pressed a few keys to test the sound.
Then, he began to play.
At first, the pianist assumed Su Yu was just another amateur, trying to impress a girl.
But the moment Su Yu's fingers danced across the keys—
His jaw dropped.
This was professional-level playing.
Haruno watched him with admiration.
What a remarkable memory.
By the time the piece ended, the restaurant had fallen silent.
Then, a round of applause broke out.
Su Yu stood and returned to his seat.
Haruno clapped enthusiastically, eyes gleaming.
"If only I had half of your memory… How unfair."
"Can't help it. I was just born this way."
Haruno took another sip of her wine, then smirked at him.
"So, when you and Yukino get married, I'll be able to boss you around as much as I like, right?"
"You can handle the Yukinoshita business yourself," Su Yu deadpanned. "I have no interest."
Haruno pouted playfully. "Su Yu-kun, that's so mean. You've made onee-san sad."
She drank more wine, her cheeks turning slightly pink.
"Don't drink too much. I don't want to have to carry you."
Haruno chuckled.
"…Want to check out my bar?" she asked suddenly. "I have a piano there too. You can play whatever you want."
Su Yu thought for a moment, then nodded.
"Let's go."
Haruno grinned.
"My, my, Su Yu-kun. You're making me like you more and more."
She put down her wine glass and looped her arm through his.
Su Yu felt the pressure of her body against his and glanced at her.
"This is the first time I've been this close to a guy," Haruno whispered into his ear. "Even Hayama never got this chance."
Su Yu remained silent, looking straight ahead.
In his mind, he had only one thought:
…Hayama, you poor bastard.