In Hiratsuka Shizuka's bedroom,
Yukinoshita Haruno looked out the window, her thoughts drifting back to the conversation with Akira on the beach and the changes in Yukino.
The transformation in her sister—the one known as the "Ice Queen" in the school—during this period had completely exceeded her expectations.
Yukino seemed to have grown...softer.
Faced with that situation, Yukino's first reaction was not anger, but a gentle urge to embrace Akira.
Haruno thought to herself that if it were her before, she would probably have reacted with fury.
When she was lost in thought, Suddenly—
"Haruno, what do you think of Akira?" Hiratsuka Shizuka's voice broke through her thoughts.
"Akira is extremely capable and resourceful. If he were from the Yukinoshita family, I definitely wouldn't measure up to him. But… he has a problem…" Haruno paused.
"What problem?" Shizuka asked, curious.
"He's very responsible, or rather… he has his own principles. He doesn't obsess over money, which is rare," Haruno said carefully, word by word.
"And…?" Shizuka pressed, leaning slightly forward.
"Shizuka, he's the first person who's ever made my heart beat faster," Haruno said after a brief silence, as she look at her with a smile.
Shizuka's eyes widen as she look at her.
.....
Early Morning — Friday,
Akira woke early and went downstairs to find Hiratsuka-sensei already waiting.
They exchanged glances, but neither spoke.
Akira knew that Shizuka had discussed about him with Haruno. And for some reason — Her expression was complicated.
Akira has his guesses but he doesn't know clearly what the reason is....
The reason for Shizuka's complicated expression was because she now knews about Haruno's plan.
Haruno had trusted her completely, sharing nearly every detail of her strategy.
If it had been the old Shizuka, she might have hesitated or considered telling Mrs. Yukinoshita (Haruno's mother).
The current Shizuka, however, had no such doubts.
She understood that only by keeping silent could Haruno avoid marrying someone she did not like.
If she had told Mrs. Yukinoshita, it would have pushed Haruno to the brink of despair.
That is why Shizuka kept this secret, not even telling it to Akira, the one chosen by Haruno.
The two of them left Sakurasou together and headed to the park, sitting on a bench.
"Sensei, don't you have anything to say?" Akira asked first.
"Fujimiya, what...what are you going to do?" Shizuka replied carefully, not mentioning Haruno directly, but instead asking a question.
"I'll let things be," Akira answered quietly.
"If it were the old me, I would've told Mrs.Yukinoshita to stop Haruno. Now, I know that if I interfere, I'll only push her into despair myself. You may be the only one who can make her happy," Shizuka said slowly, meeting his gaze.
"Sensei, you've changed," Akira said gently as he observed her.
"I have indeed changed. It's you all are the one who changed me, made me understand different things," Shizuka admitted softly.
"This is a good change. But… I'm worried about what you'll do to me," Akira teased, as he calmly look at her.
Shizuka lips twitch as she stepped on Akira's shoes without hesitation.
Akira smiled awkwardly and said no more.
They really like to step on my shoes...
"For a troublemaker like you, I just want to give you a good beating," she snorted.
"Sensei, you can't beat me," he reminded her teasingly.
Shizuka glared at him fiercely, but Akira stretched out his other leg close to her, as if inviting her to step on it.
{T/N: He doesn't have a fetish to get step on....}
"It's time to go back," she said, rolling her eyes.
Akira said nothing as he quickly pull back his leg.
.....
After their morning run, they returned home.
Yukinoshita Yukino had already prepared breakfast.
While, Akira went to wake up Yuigahama Yui, as the three of them ate silently.
After breakfast, the two girls cleaned up and changed clothes, after which they left together.
When they came downstairs, they quickly spotted Yukinoshita Haruno who was having her breakfast prepared by Kawasaki Saki.
Yukino did not even glance at her sister (Still, angry at her)
Haruno, smiling with eyes full of meaning, looked at both girls. Yui blushed slightly.
A few minutes later,
Haruno finished her breakfast and stood up.
"Thank you for breakfast, Saika."
"It's what I should do," Keika replied, glancing at Akira before addressing Haruno.
It feel natural for her to attend to Akira's fiancee's sister as a maid.
"Akira, I dreamed of you last night," Haruno said, noticing Saki's eyes, approached Akira.
"Really?" Akira's face remained calm, even after hearing her.
"Aren't you curious about what we did in the dream?" Haruno asked teasingly, glancing at Yukino way.
"Not really," Akira replied casually.
"You really are…" Haruno said slowly as she slowly got near him and tiptoe, as to kiss him.
"Sister, please stay away from him!" Yukino finally intervened, not being able to control herself when she show her sister getting so closed to Akira and with the intention to kiss him—AGAIN!
Haruno laughed and stepped back. "So little Yukino can get jealous too~."
"Sister, please stay away from him. He is my fiancé," Yukino said seriously, taking Akira's arm.
"Alright, I'll stay away. Don't be mad, Yukino~. I'll only use him for sometime~. When I'm done, I'll return him to you~," Haruno said, covering her mouth with her hand and smiling mischievously.
Yukino's face turned red, remembering what Akira had told her.
Haruno noticed her reaction and guessed something, but said nothing.
She looked at Akira before walking towards the door.
Akira watched Haruno leave before turning toward Yukino.
"You are the worst!" Yukino muttered softly, her eyes full of mock resentment.
Akira said nothing as he hold her hand tightly.
.....
Friday morning - 9 a.m.
Akira received a message from Sato Yumiko.
Non Non Biyori had sold two million copies and was now available in major bookstores.
Compared to online stores, physical store sales were slower. Some bookstores in certain regions required statistical adjustments, so specific sales data would only be available after restocking.
Nevertheless, the manga will undoubtedly be on the bestseller list.
Letters from readers has already filled five large cardboard boxes, including correspondence from overseas.
While many mangala admired Non Non Biyori, the skill and experience required to achieve such mastery were evident.
If not for system, It might have taken Akira years—possibly over a decade—to reach this level.
Media also wanted to interviews him, including TV reporters and journalists.
Akira asked Sato Yumiko to decline all invitations. He had no intention of showing himself to public.
Speaking of which, Future Comics Publishing already acquired the video platform.
The video platform was quite similar to the popular barrage websites in Akira's original world, filled with animation clips, game videos, and original content.
The website was currently under maintenance.
A special anime would be launched soon, which would present all the animation produced by Flash animations , while also linking it with the electronic manga (/manga) platform to open a manga area.
Akira gave Hanada Yui clear instructions: no advertisements in the shows.
The first episode would be free, while the remaining episodes would require membership.
He also instructed Hanada to corporate with the game company which games matched the anime theme.
Hanada promised to finish and launch the platform before leaving.
.....
During lunch break,
After eating at the service club, Akira went to the tennis court.
Hikigaya Hachiman, Totsuka Saima, and Hayama Hayato had arrived at the beginning of the break.
When Hayato saw Akira, he smiled as if nothing had happened the previous afternoon.
Akira didn't bother to explain.
If Hayato hadn't noticed such obvious events, then perhaps he wasn't perceptive enough.
The two began a tennis match.
This time—Hayato displayed his true strength.
While still not at Akira's level, it was far better that yesterday's match.
The match lasted more than half an hour, both pushing themselves to their limits.
...
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