"I want to have a better relationship with Yukinon and become closer friends. I also want to spend an unforgettable summer vacation with Akira-kun. More then that....I want Yukinon to have happy memories and let Akira-kun and Yukino become real friends."
Yuigahama Yui looked directly at Yukinoshita Yukino. She could already sense what Yukino wanted to ask, so she reached out, held Yukino's hand, and said it seriously.
When Yukinoshita Yukino heard this, she seemed to understand what Yuigahama Yui meant, but she still found it a little unbelievable.
Yui smiled at her, a hint of expectation flickering in her eyes.
"Yuigahama-san, I…"
"Yukinon, you don't have to answer me now. Wait until summer vacation is over and then tell me your answer."
Hearing this, Yukino became even more certain of her own thoughts. She lowered her head, a little afraid to meet Yui's expression.
Akira Fujimiya stood quietly to the side, watching without interrupting.
Yui turned to him, smiled, and gave Akira an encouraging look.
"Okay, let's have lunch. Yui, don't say anything weird, or Yukino might misunderstand." Akira reminded.
"Sorry, Yukino, I said something strange… but I really meant it." Yui smiled and opened the lunch box.
Yukinoshita Yukino raised her head and glanced at the two of them. Suddenly, she remembered one of Akira's jokes.
"Yui said that as long as you can accept it, we can be together as a group of three."
So… was that sentence not a joke?
...
Lunch Break,
After they finished eating, Akira took out the first chapter of Non Non Biyori and handed it to Yukino.
She accepted it and, almost instinctively, glanced at Yuigahama Yui.
"I've already read it.Yukino-chan is Akira-kun's second reader," Yui said with a cheerful smile.
Yukino looked at Yui's smile and suddenly felt a pang of guilt.
In truth, she had been the very first reader. But clearly, Akira hadn't told Yui that.
Thinking of this, Yukino cast a cold glare at Akira, her fists tightening slightly as if she was ready to smack him.
Akira noticed her expression and shifted his feet subtly toward her.
Yukino caught his little action and immediately wanted to step on him. But she knew Akira wouldn't take it seriously—he'd even tease her for it.
Her face flushed, a mixture of embarrassment and frustration, as she glared at him.
"Yukino, just read the manga. And...Akira-kun, don't make her angry," Yui hurriedly tried to mediate.
Hearing that, Yukino looked away and focused on the file bag in her hands. She slowly opened it and began reading the first chapter of Non Non Biyori.
The last time she saw it, it wasn't as complete as it was now.
Akira's descriptions of the characters, scenery, and even animals were vivid and full of detail.
No wonder Yui had suddenly dreamed of going to the countryside. After reading this chapter, anyone would long for that quiet life away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Yukino thought: I want to leave the noise behind and spend time in a calm, peaceful countryside like this.
When she finished reading, she handed the file back to Akira.
"Madoka Magica, Parasyte, and Non Non Biyori… these three works will take a year to produce," Akira said softly.
"After a year, I might be able to think of more new stories."
"Don't be so quick to rush into new stories. It's enough to focus carefully on these three works," Yukino reminded.
"New stories that aren't as important can be handled by the First and Second Studios. The ones you love the most—you should be responsible for those."
Akira looked directly at her when he said this.
Yukino felt his gaze and quickly looked away, unable to meet his eyes.
"By the way, I came up with a new story on the way here. Do you want to hear it?" Akira asked, a meaningful look in his eyes.
Yukino raised her head curiously.
Yui's face turned slightly red. She wanted to warn Yukino but at the same time, she wanted to see her reaction.
"In my story, there's a girl who looks a lot like Yui. She's the heroine, and her teacher asks her to join a club."
"So she goes to the bulletin board, happens to find a club, and pushes the door open. The club leader is a bit like you—the most popular girl in the school."
"... Go on" Yukino narrowed her eyes, as she had a very bad feeling about this.
"The heroine sees her, this cold, distant, and at that moment she thinks: this girl is so beautiful, as her heart moved."
"From then on, it's about their club life. the president is cold to most people, but Yui Ahem, the heroine is gentle and kind. After spending time together, the two become friends… and eventually develop other feelings."
"The president falls in love with the Heroine."
Akira narrated it slowly, word by word.
Yukino's expression gradually shifted from a slight frown to something more complicated.
Two girls… falling in love?
Why was the heroine so much like Yui?
And Why was the other heroine clearly based on her?
It felt like Akira had made this story up just now… but she had no proof.
And despite everything… it sounded interesting.
...
Afternoon – Sobu High School,
After school, Yukino didn't go to Flash Animation Productions right away. She stayed behind and tutored Yuigahama Yui and the others for two hours before finally leaving with Akira.
In the car, she sat quietly, sneaking glances at him. She wanted to ask about Yui, but didn't know how to start.
While she was hesitating, Akira reached out and held her hand.
Her face flushed instantly, and she tried to pull away.
But Akira was bolder—he leaned over and hugged her directly.
Yukino froze, wide-eyed.
This guy…
"Your driver is your sister's subordinate. She'll report everything between us to your sister," Akira's voice whispered close to her ear.
Yukino blinked and glanced toward the front — Sure enough, the female driver was looking at them through the rearview mirror.
She understood immediately that Akira was right.
"Your sister probably wants to see us together....That's why I think you should feed her a little false information—let her believe we're already dating."
"...Why should I do that?" Yukino's voice was very faint.
"...If your mother approves of you, and your value within the family keeps rising, then you may be used as a pawn for marriage..." Akira said slowly.
Yukino trembled slightly, clenching her hands.
That possibility was real.
The reason her elder sister didn't have a fiancé yet was because their mother was waiting for an ideal candidate, someone exceptional who could help run the Yukinoshita family business.
That person would likely be forced to take the Yukinoshita name.
And as for her? Her future could just as easily be arranged.
But if she chose someone herself—someone not too unacceptable—her mother might allow it.
"In the future, I'll be in control of Flash Animation Productions. I'll create more works. That should make me worthy enough to act as your fake boyfriend....As long as you tell Mrs. Yukinoshita you want to be with me, she may not refuse," Akira said calmly.
"What about Yuigahama-san?" Yukino finally asked.
"I'd bet Mrs. Yukinoshita will turn a blind eye," Akira answered without hesitation.
"Why should I… listen to you?" Yukino muttered, her face flushing as she turned her head away.
"You don't have to....To me, the eldest daughter and the second daughter… are the same."
"You… what did you just say?" Yukino's face was full of disbelief.
Akira didn't answer. He let go of her hand and turned to look out the window.
Yukino stared at his profile. Deep down, she already knew what he meant.
Does this guy also… have a relationship with my sister?
...
Half an Hour Later – Flash Animation, Third Studio,
Inside Kanae Takahashi's office,
Akira sat across from a black-haired girl with glasses. She wore her hair in pigtails and a simple dress, looking more like a high school girl than an editor.
"This is the person I wanted to introduce to you—the creator of the Madoka Magica script, Akira Fujimiya," Kanae said with a smile.
The black-haired girl stood and bowed politely.
"Hello, I'm an editor from Future Comics. My name is Tamura Nanako. My mother is Tamura Wakaka."
"The daughter of Chief Editor Tamura?" Akira wasn't too surprised. From the moment he saw her, he suspected she had a connection to Tamura Wakaka.
"My mother said the creator of Madoka Magica was very young, but I didn't expect you... to be this young," Nanako said, glancing shyly at Akira.
"Nanako, Akira-kun already has a girlfriend," Kanae reminded her, noticing her friend's expression.
"It doesn't matter. He's so handsome, of course he'd have a girlfriend. I don't mind," Nanako said brightly.
Akira raised an eyebrow, glancing at Kanae.
"She wants to marry a handsome mangaka," Kanae explained.
"So that's how it is," Akira nodded, finally understanding.
"Akira-kun, can you give me your contact info—"
"Let's look at the manga first," Akira cut her off and handed her the first chapter of Non Non Biyori.
Nanako's smile faded slightly, but she sat back down and opened the file.
The moment she saw the first page, her eyes widened with surprise.
With artwork like this, as long as the story holds, it will pass easily.
She turned the pages, quickly drawn into the story.
A transfer student from Tokyo.
The innocent and lovely Renge.
The sleepy teacher who dozes off in class.
Komari, the girlish older sister.
Natsumi, the tomboy.
Suguru, the quiet but clever brother.
Interesting!
That was Nanako's first impression.
The art style and the story itself were both refreshing and full of charm.
When she reached the last page, she paused, her chest tightening with nostalgia.
It reminded her of her own days in the countryside—of her friends, of a girl she once spent a summer vacation with, whom she hadn't seen in years.
...
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