After speaking with the man outside, Akira Fujimiya returned to the Flash Animation.
Where, he quickly spotted Miura Yumiko and Yukinoshita Yukino sitting together in the work area — but he did not find Ebina Hina anywhere.
"Where is Ebina-san?" Akira asked, scanning the room once more.
"She's in the lounge," Yukinoshita replied calmly, though her tone carried a hint of worry.
"…Hina's family situation is something she doesn't want to mention. She doesn't want others to know," Yumiko whispered, fingers tightening around her sleeves. "I didn't expect her father to suddenly appear in front of her. He's a good man… but it's a pity…" She trailed off, unable to find the right words.
"I'll have a good talk with her," Akira said, reassuringly but firmly, before turning toward the lounge.
Both Yukino and Yumiko watched his back as he walked away — disappearing into the distance of the hallway.
.....
The so-called lounge was nothing more than a simple break room.
The Hoshiyuu Agency lounge served simple coffee and tea, and during lunch breaks, staff could have a light meal there.
Most people used it only when they were exhausted from animating.
When Akira entered the "lounge", he quickly found Ebina Hina sitting alone, staring blankly at the floor.
Her shoulders were slightly trembling, but she tried to hide it.
Instead of approaching her with immediate questions, Akira first quietly took two fresh paper cups, poured black tea into them, then slowly sat down directly across from her.
Ebina noticed him but didn't speak — she only lowered her head even more, her bangs covering her eyes.
"I'm not here to persuade you about anything," Akira said gently, pushing the tea toward her. "I think your decision is right."
"....What did you say to him?" Ebina finally raised her head. Her eyes were red — she had cried recently.
"I told him I'm your friend — very close one — and that you owe me money," Akira replied casually. "Then I made him talk. After that, I told him that from now on, you'll rely on yourself."
Ebina silently listen.
Her lips quivered.
"I've always believed a person's future is shaped by the family they're born into," she murmured. "I envy Yumiko and Yui very much… but I know envy is useless. So I allowed myself to relax these past few years… but after college, I planned to cut contact and start a new life."
"Not fall in love, focus on work, and take care of your mother?" Akira asked softly.
"Yes. If you hadn't appeared, that would still be my path," she admitted. "But because you appeared… my life changed. I gained opportunities I didn't have before because of you...."
"So… I saved you?" Akira smiled lightly.
"...You could say you helped me find another version of myself — one who still has dreams."
"Is your dream to become an animation script writer? Or to write the stories you love?"
{T/N:.....No Boku please}
"Neither," she shook her head. "My dream is simply to do a job I love and make money. Enough to live freely."
"Same as me," Akira nodded.
"...Thank you, Akira-kun." Her voice trembled, but it was sincere.
Akira lifted his tea cup and took a sip.
Ebina followed, mirroring the gesture.
"Is that really all you want to say?" he asked, looking straight at her.
"I told you… I don't want to fall in love." She carefully set her cup down.
"I don't plan to date you either," Akira replied with a small grin.
"So you want to…" Ebina blinked rapidly, suddenly misunderstanding his meaning.
Akira said nothing. He simply waited.
Ebina stared at him for long seconds — then her eyes widened as realization struck.
"I'm sorry," she said quickly. "I really don't want any special relationship with you, Akira-kun."
"Even though you misunderstood, I like your answer," Akira said with a relaxed smile.
Ebina froze in surprise — then her cheeks flushed red.
His smile disarmed her more than she wanted.
"Next time, please don't say things that will make me misunderstand," she whispered shyly.
"Sorry," Akira shrugged. "But I'll probably do it again."
Ebina's entire face burned red as she glared at him in embarrassed anger — then sharply turned her head away.
"Hmph"
{T/N: sorry, I just have to add it}
Akira watched her reaction with warmth in his eyes.
This — this honest, slightly flustered side — that was the real Ebina Hina.
"If you need help in the future, just ask me," Akira added after a pause.
"No matter what it is… will you help me?" Ebina asked quietly.
There was nervousness but also expectations in her gaze.
Akira didn't answer directly — but the look he gave confirmed everything.
For Hina.
.....
When they left the lounge, a genuine smile had returned to Ebina's face as they both enter the room.
Seeinng her smile like her usual self, Yumiko let out a relieved breath.
She was also extremely curious about what they had been talking — When suddenly Akira started speaking.
"Let's go, Yukino. It's getting late." He reached his hand out toward her.
"Miura-san, Ebina-san — see you tomorrow," Yukino said politely as she took Akira's hand.
The two walked toward the exit together.
Ebina watched their backs for a moment.
"Hina… you and Akira-kun…" Yumiko asked cautiously.
"I told you, I don't want that kind of relationship with him. I don't want to fall in love," Ebina answered directly.
Yumiko opened her mouth again — but words failed her.
Ebina smiled faintly.
In truth, misunderstanding Akira's intentions was only half of her reaction — the other half was expressing her own resolve.
She knew Akira wasn't someone who would take advantage of someone's vulnerability.
She knew if she ever faced hardship, he would reach out without hesitation.
She knew…
.....
Later — at a bookstore,
Yukino purchased the newest single volume of "Non Non Biyori" — Akira's most simple and peaceful work.
"Do you want my autograph?" Akira teased, leaning close enough that she could clearly see the smirk in his face — even with her back turn towards him.
"No need," Yukino replied immediately.
"Why not?" Akira blinked, genuinely confused.
"I'm not your fan," Yukino said bluntly. "I don't need your signature to decorate my manga."
Akira instantly understood — Yukino was angry. Not furious, but upset in her own quiet and icy way.
He hadn't explained what he discussed with Ebina.
He hadn't reassured her.
On the walk here, he asked where she wanted to go — but she stayed silent for a long time before answering, "Bookstore."
After which, She refused to talk with him while selecting the manga.
No matter how hard he tried.
It was clear:
If nothing happened to fix her mood, she would choose the next date's location herself… and that would be her punishment for him.
"Let's go," Yukino announced. "Where we go next is entirely up to you."
Akira smiled quietly as she walked ahead.
The hidden message was simple:
If your choice makes me happy, I will forgive you.
The proud, stubborn Yukinoshita Yukino would never say it directly.
She expected him to understand without being told.
Akira followed, already thinking of the perfect destination.
{T/N: Who said black hair girl can't be tsundere}
.....
Half an hour later — Pet shop
Yukino's expression softened the moment she held a calm, well-behaved cat in her arms.
Her eyes turned gentle, all frustration melting away.
Akira stood nearby and watched her — careful not to interrupt something so peaceful.
If there was anything that could instantly brighten Yukinoshita Yukino's mood… it was a cat.
Bringing her here was undoubtedly the right move.
Several cats circled around her asking for treats and attention.
Her heart was filled with joyfull moment— for the first time in hours.
Sometime passed by, before she suddenly realized something.
"I thought Mrs. Yukinoshita had forgotten me," a teasing voice sounded behind her.
"Take a picture of me," Yukino said without looking up, offering her phone to him.
"Of course," Akira replied and took her photos — far more than she expected.
After ten minutes of posing and playing with the cats, Yukino finally placed the cat down and stood straight.
Akira returned the phone to her, smiling.
"Are you happy, Yukino-chan?"
"Don't think I'll stop being angry just because you brought me here," she huffed lightly. "You lousy boyfriend."
Akira chuckled.
Yukino's tsundere tone was back — which meant the storm was passing.
"Ebina's situation is complicated," Akira explained. "Her father left after losing everything to the stock market. And Ebina hates him for that."
"I'm angry not because of Ebina… but because you hid it from me," Yukino muttered. "Ebina and I are friends. I should have known."
Yes, Yukino has guessed it that Akira already knows about Hina's situation — The reason, her instincts.
"Alright, alright — it's my fault," Akira conceded, he had known about Hina's situation which is why he provided her with an opportunity but didn't say anything.
"Let's go watch a movie. After that, we can go to a hotel and have a candlelight dinner."
Yukino's ears turned red — just briefly.
As she turned away and spoke softly:
"Forget about the candlelight dinner. Come to Sakurasou. I'll make dinner for you."
Akira smiled — accepting the hidden apology and the affection behind it.
This was her way of saying she wasn't angry anymore.
This morning, Haruno had made him breakfast.
Tonight… Yukino wanted to reclaim that place.
Eating the dish made by both sister!
...
They watched a movie together — hand in hand, silent but comfortable.
Afterward, they visited a supermarket where Yukino carefully chose ingredients, while Akira's job was to da the heavy-lifting.
Finally, the two returned to Sakurasou as the sun began to set.
In the courtyard,
Hiratsuka-sensei sat leisurely reading the new volume of Non Non Biyori, while Kawasaki Keika sketched something with intense focus.
When Akira pushed his motorcycle in through the gate, Shizuka's sharp eyes immediately snapped toward him.
"Keys. I have got my Driver's license (for motorcycle)," she ordered, standing up with hands on hips.
{T/N: She had the diving license for the four wheelers but not for the two Wheelers, until now}
Akira parked the motorcycle properly and walked over, walking towards her.
...
If you'd like to support me and read chapters in advance, feel free to check out my:
Patr**on.com/Zero0000683
Discord:- NmKxzWGEPf
.....
Bonus Chapter:-
4 Bonus chapter at 100 powerstone
6 Bonus Chapter at 150 powerstone