Su Yu was slowly becoming more "shameless."
It wasn't just his own fault—he had clearly been influenced by others as well.
But one thing was undeniable:
Back in his original world, he had already started falling for them.
He just couldn't touch them back then.
They lived in different worlds.
Now, holding Ebina Hina in his arms, he could smell the fragrance on her, feel her heartbeat—and a bit of pressure too.
But he didn't answer Hina's earlier question.
Because deep down, Su Yu knew: his decline didn't start with Miura Yumiko.
It started with himself.
He softened in front of Yumiko.
He felt his heart stir for Kawasaki Saki.
He couldn't bear to push Ebina Hina away.
He could clearly feel his own changes, but he didn't see them as mistakes.
He knew he was in the wrong—but he wasn't going to change.
If it meant choosing just one girl and rejecting the others—
Su Yu admitted he couldn't do it.
Ebina didn't get an answer, but she didn't push either.
After leaning in his arms for a few minutes, she looked up and gently stepped away.
Su Yu let her go without resistance.
"Su Yu-kun can't choose only Yukinoshita-san or Yui—just like us, knowing it's wrong, yet still falling for Su Yu-kun," Ebina said softly.
"We're all making mistakes—there's no 'right' person here."
"But even if it's wrong, as long as we're happy… then maybe it's right."
She reached out and placed her hand on Su Yu's cheek, speaking gently.
"You really do understand me, Ebina-san," Su Yu said, holding her hand.
"I've been observing—from the outside. As an onlooker, I've watched your relationships with them. So I understand what they feel… and what you feel too," she said.
"So your reason for not accepting me now… is for everyone's sake?" Su Yu leaned in slightly.
"Yes. I want to be that special presence in your heart—the one who can support you when you lose your way," she answered, meeting his eyes.
"Alright. I promise," Su Yu said, stepping back.
"Thank you." Ebina gave a soft smile and retracted her hand.
Then she looked toward Miura Yumiko inside the convenience store and waved.
Yumiko saw the gesture and immediately realized—Ebina had seen through her little scheme.
Worried, Yumiko came out of the store.
"Hina… thank you," she said sincerely.
"Hina… you're not mad at me?" Yumiko asked, a bit unsure.
"In the past, whenever you wanted to introduce me to someone, I always refused. Back then, I didn't want to meet anyone. But now, things are different. Su Yu-kun is someone who changed you—and in a way, changed me too. So I'm grateful that you and Yui accepted me," Ebina said with a smile, then bowed slightly.
"Hina…" Yumiko's expression was complicated.
Back then, she thought it was just for fun to introduce guys to Hina. But now, seeing who Hina really was, she realized how foolish she'd been.
"Alright, save the emotional stuff for when we're home." Su Yu smiled and took Yumiko's hand, glancing at both girls.
"Hina, I'll be intruding again," Yumiko said with a warm smile.
"No worries. Hina's always welcome at my place," Yumiko replied sincerely.
Su Yu reached out a hand to Hina.
She smiled and hooked her arm through his.
Su Yu felt a slight weight but said nothing.
Yumiko looked at them, then wrapped herself around Su Yu's other arm.
Su Yu looked at them both—and moved forward.
…
Thursday Morning
On the way to school—
Su Yu received a call from Hanada Yui.
She was ready to head over, and Hayama Hayato's father was prepared as well.
They had already contacted friends of the Yukinoshita family in the region and secured a location for the new company.
As for staffing? A few rounds of interviews would be enough to find the right people, delegate responsibilities, and return.
After Su Yu assigned her some long-prepared tasks, Yui was a bit surprised at first, but after hearing his reasoning, she understood and accepted.
After all, it was for the future of Future Manga Publishing.
Su Yu ended the call and kept walking.
He had no intention of returning to that world.
Even though it was a world he knew, where he was used to everything—
The thought of going back felt like moving from a 2D fantasy into a 3D reality.
Now that he had made it to this world, Su Yu wanted to live an entirely different life.
…
Lunchtime
There was a new addition in the student council office—a cat.
It was clearly bought from a pet store, but Su Yu claimed it was a stray.
Yukinoshita Yukino agreed to adopt it.
As the student council president, Shirogane Meguri looked at Su Yu and Yukinoshita and dared not say a word.
Isshiki Iroha really wanted to comment—but the moment she saw Su Yu and Yukinoshita's faces, she remembered there might be no dessert if she mouthed off again.
The cat had actually been bought by Tsurumi Saori.
She would be responsible for caring for it.
During the day, it could stay in the student council office.
At night, it would go home.
Speaking of which—Tsurumi Saori had already moved into the second-floor room at Sakura Dorm this morning, just above Hiratsuka's.
She had ordered furniture and other essentials.
To celebrate her move-in, Su Yu had asked her to buy a ton of ingredients.
Saori was deeply moved and even more grateful to Su Yu.
…
After she left—
Su Yu noticed the look in Yukinoshita's eyes.
He immediately understood—Yukino wanted to play with the cat.
Yuigahama and the others hadn't come to help at the council today; they'd gone to the Service Club.
Right now in the office—
Only Meguri and Isshiki Iroha were present.
"By the way, Yukino, I think we should run a survey," Su Yu suddenly said.
"A survey?" all three girls looked at him.
"Once the cafeteria is built, we can decide on dishes based on the students' preferences. We can even have Cooking Club members try working in the cafeteria for a day," Su Yu said with a smile.
"That's a good idea. You can design the survey," Yukino said after thinking it over.
"No, I think the questions and answers should be decided by the students themselves," Su Yu shook his head.
"Hm?" Yukino looked at him, confused.