"Yukino, you're just as cute when you're as shy as Yui," Akira said with a playful smile.
When Yukinoshita Yukino heard this, she stomped sharply on Akira's foot.
Akira yelped but instinctively hugged her tightly.
Yukino's face flushed crimson, and she quickly turned her head to glare at him.
Akira closed his eyes, leaning in slightly, as if he were about to kiss her. Yukino's reaction was immediate; she looked away and lowered her head, terrified.
"You're so cute, Yukino. That's all for today. My gift has been delivered, and my feelings have been conveyed...Whether you want to be just friends or something more, I can accept it," Akira said finally, letting her go with a gentle smile.
Yukino's blush deepened, and even her ears turned red as she absorbed his words.
.....
Dinner time,
In Yukinoshita Yukino's apartment, the three of them sat around the dining table, enjoying their meal.
The dishes prepared by Akira and Yukino were comparable in quality. Yet, when it came to variety, it was clear Yukino knew far more recipes.
Akira was familiar with many cuisines, but he hadn't mastered enough dishes to surpass Yukino's skill. Unless he dedicated serious time to learning, the chance of surpassing her was slim. Another possibility would be acquiring the skills of a top-class chef—but Akira knew that probability was even lower. The rewards depend on luck — and he has not yet check the system.
So, he didn't plan to spend too much time learning to cook. Yui wanted to learn, and Yukino was already a talented cook. As long as they were around — Akira didn't need to cook.
Of course, he would still prepare meals for them occasionally.
After dinner, Akira took the responsibility for cleaning the kitchen while the two girls remained in the living room chatting.
When he finished cleaning and stepped out, he saw an uninvited guest in the room— Yukinoshita Haruno standing nearby.
In Haruno's presence, both Yui and Yukino immediately fell silent.
Akira glanced at them, then at Haruno.
"Miss Yukinoshita, I happened to want to talk to you about something," he said.
"Oh? Fujimiya-kun wants to talk to me? What is it?" Haruno asked, her smile both knowing and mysterious.
"Yukino-can, can I borrow your music room?" Akira asked as he opened the door.
Yukino looked at him, opening her mouth to reply. She had already heard Yui mention what Akira intended.
If he wanted to acquire Flash Animation Production Company, even without buying the Yukinoshita family's shares, he would need to borrow at least one billion yen. He couldn't borrow it from Yukino—she didn't have that much money, and her mother would immediately question their relationship.
The only person who could lend Akira such an amount was Haruno. Theoretically, he could borrow from other sources, but that would be far more complicated.
Haruno followed Akira into the quiet music room. As She sat on a chair, smiling at him.
"Miss Yukinoshita…" Akira began.
"Call me sister," Haruno interrupted.
"Sister Yukinoshita," Akira said, slightly helpless.
"Tell me what's on your mind. I still owe you a favor," Haruno reminded.
"I want to acquire all of Flash Animation," Akira said calmly, without hesitation.
"Actually the remaining shares have actually already been taken over by our family," Haruno explained. "The reason President Harada hasn't stepped down yet is because we haven't sent anyone to manage Flash Animation. My mother plans to give it to Yukino eventually," she added with a smile.
Akira wasn't surprised. He had expected this, though he hadn't anticipated the Yukinoshita family would act so quickly.
"Having Yukino in a supervisory position under you is also a kind of experience. Whether it's my father or mother, they are silently observing this situation—paying attention to you and Yukino," Haruno said, her smile fading slightly as she met Akira's eyes.
"They are watching me?" Akira asked, frowning.
"Whatever information I can get from Yukino's driver, my mother can get as well," Haruno said, glancing out the window.
"I see. Mrs. Yukinoshita isn't angry? Dinner with me and going to the bar—that probably wasn't what she wanted, right?" Akira asked.
"That is why, I came to talk to you directly," Haruno said seriously.
"...Do you want me to help Yukino gain her mother approval....or help you explain things?" Akira asked after a brief pause.
Haruno sighed.
"Akira-kun, you're clever. It would have been great if you had entered this world sooner."
"Meeting Yukino-chan is my greatest fortune. Honestly, if I'd met you first, I might have just graduated from high school and left it at that," Akira said bluntly.
Haruno's eyes shimmered with mock resentment.
"Akira-kun, you're so heartless! I like you so much, but you don't even feel the same way. Wuwuwu," she exclaimed dramatically.
"Uh-huh, go on," Akira replied, slightly perfunctorily.
"I lied to my mother to make her believe I have no feelings for you. As long as your Madoka project succeeds, the Yukinoshita family will recognize your efforts," Haruno said, standing up.
"And then?" Akira asked.
"When the time comes, I will take you to see my mother. I hope you won't be afraid," Haruno said, feigning a stern sneer.
"I understand. Thank you, Sister Yukinoshita," Akira said.
Akira wasn't particularly afraid of Mrs. Yukinoshita. From her demeanor regarding animation matters, she wasn't domineering when dealing with outsiders; she could converse with them easily.
He hadn't watched the third season of the series, nor read the novel involving her. Why? Because he wanted to preserve the feeling of youth: as long as you don't see it, your youth continues. The ending of the second season left the sense that their youth would carry on, which he liked.
"By the way, I've spoken with Yukino. She can barely accept you. You can pursue other women behind her back, but you must marry her eventually and make her happy. Do you understand?" Haruno said suddenly.
".... What did you just say?" Akira asked, stunned.
"This is a secret between us. Everything I do is based on your ability to bring happiness and a bright future to Yukino. If you fail, don't blame me," Haruno said coldly, leaving no room for argument.
"I will do my best to bring her happiness," Akira replied sincerely.
Haruno nodded, satisfied.
"When my mother hands Flash Animation over to Yukino, you will own the entire company. She will sell the shares to you at a favorable price. Don't let her down. I will also arrange for someone to manage Flash Animation for you."
"Thank you," Akira bowed sincerely.
Haruno glanced at him, but said nothing more, and left the music room.
Akira stood, deep in thought.
Everything was progressing well, yet accepting Flash Animation meant accepting the Yukinoshita family's arrangement—and he would have to marry Yukino in the future.
And Yui…
Akira lingered in the music room for a long while before leaving.
When he returned to the living room — Haruno looked at him meaningfully.
"Fujimiya-kun, you're spending summer vacation with four girls. Are you the protagonist of some light novel?" she asked teasingly.
"I don't have any strange thoughts," Akira replied calmly, without showing panic.
"Yukino, keep an eye on your boyfriend," Haruno said.
"He… he's not my boyfriend!" Yukino exclaimed, blushing furiously.
...
The Yukinoshita family had originally been a construction company. In recent years, they had begun diversifying investments, largely due to Haruno, the eldest daughter and future heir of Yukinoshita Family.
Her current investments were in stable, steadily growing industries. Future Comics Publishing House and Flash Animation were just small parts of her overall portfolio.
As a construction family, their largest asset was likely land. Haruno quickly arranged a location for Akira to spend a happy summer vacation.
After, leaving Yukino's luxury apartment, Akira and Yui headed to the train station.
Sitting side by side, they gazed at the night view outside the window in silence.
After a while, Akira looked at Yui, who had rested her head on his shoulder.
She had probably noticed his thoughts, so she remained quiet.
"....Did you enjoy your date today?" he asked softly.
"Today was the happiest day of my life...The last time I felt this happy was in junior high school," Yui whispered, softly.
"As long as you're happy," Akira said.
"Akira-kun, about Flash Animation…" Yui began.
"Miss Yukinoshita will help. But if I accept her help, I'll have to meet their Mother," Akira said with a sigh.
"Is she scary?" Yui asked, looking up at him.
"Yui, it's not that she's scary. But if I meet her and she approves of me… I might become Yukino's fiancé," Akira said seriously.
...
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