After a few seconds, the person on the other end answered the phone.
"I know what you want to ask. The future of Haruno and Yukino should not be controlled by you," the Head of the Yukinoshita family and the Father of both Yukino and Haruno spoke, his voice low yet powerful. "You wanted to manage the Yukinoshita family assets, and I allowed it. Now they belong entirely to you. In return, the future of Haruno and Yukino will be decided by me. As their father… I intend to give them freedom."
"What about the Yukinoshita Construction Company? Are you saying you don't care at all?" Mrs. Yukinoshita asked through clenched teeth, her voice trembling.
"Yes. I don't care," he replied bluntly. "As long as Haruno and Yukino can live happily, that is enough. And about your… personal affairs… I have known everything for a long time. But I chose not to bring it up until now."
"You… you want to divorce me?" Mrs. Yukinoshita felt her heart tighten painfully.
"I have never loved anyone other than you," the head of the Yukinoshita family said, and without waiting for her response—he hung up.
The silent beep echoed in the room.
Mrs. Yukinoshita sat frozen, then slowly lowered herself into the chair.
Because she understood—
His words had two meanings.
First: he would not divorce her.
Second—he only loved who she used to be.
The noble, determined woman she once was… not the person she had become now.
"...Was I wrong?" she whispered, dazed confusion clouding her eyes.
At that moment—
Her phone rang again.
She stared blankly at the caller ID.
Her expression shifted.
.....
The car drove away from the Yukinoshita family villa.
Akira Fujimiya sat in the passenger seat, watching Haruno drive.
"I gave up that USB drive. Was that your last test?" Akira asked quietly.
"I believed Fujimiya-kun would choose to do the right thing," Yukinoshita Haruno replied with a confident smile.
"Thank you for trusting me so much. I hope there won't be any more tests in the future," Akira said, looking straight ahead.
Haruno glanced at him playfully. "The next test will be to see just how much Akira likes me." As she smiled meaningfully.
Akira paused.
"You had a backup plan?"
Haruno let out a small laugh. "As expected, nothing escapes Fujimiya-kun."
"That young lady?" Akira guessed.
"Correct answer," Haruno smiled.
She looked forward, recalling the call she had made the previous day.
Yes — she took advantage of that young lady's kindness.
But it would benefit both the young lady and her own mother in the end.
The young lady would gain companionship.
And her mother… could finally put down the burden of the Yukinoshita family's legacy and rest.
.....
In front of a hotel by the sea,
Haruno parked the car.
A young woman dressed in a traditional kimono stepped forward and bowed deeply.
"Welcome. Your room is ready."
"This hotel belongs to me. Each room has a view of the sea. I come here to relax sometimes," Haruno explained as she walked with Akira.
"Not bad at all," Akira said, admiring the structure.
The hotel was a traditional Japanese ryokan — old-fashioned, but welcoming.
Led by the kimono-clad woman, they stepped inside.
The polished wooden floor gleamed. Though not large, the cozy interior created a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
"This place was originally the home of the previous owners. After I bought it, I renovated it just enough to fulfill the dream I had for it. It has always operated at a loss, but I like it very much," Haruno said while going upstairs.
"It was originally going to be demolished to build a modern hotel, wasn't it?" Akira asked.
"Yes. But Miss Haruno thought it would be a shame to destroy the memories here, so she preserved it," the kimono-clad woman answered softly.
"Miss Haruno is surprisingly gentle," Akira teased, glancing playfully at her.
Haruno rolled her eyes at him.
Somehow, when he praised her, it always felt like a subtle jab.
Soon, they arrived in front of a room.
The door slid open.
The room was neat and elegant.
Through the window, waves sparkled in the distance, and people playing in the sand.
"Bring me a bottle of red wine. No need to prepare food," Haruno instructed as she entered.
"Yes," the woman bowed and left quietly.
Akira stood by the window, watching the lively beach scene.
"Are you staring at the girls in swimsuits?" Haruno asked, amused.
"Yeah," Akira answered without looking at her.
Haruno raised a brow, then leaned into his shoulder with a mischievous grin.
"If you want, I can go buy a swimsuit. The shop is close by." Haruno said as she pressed her chest against him.
"If possible… I'd prefer a hot spring hotel with just the two of us," Akira said, feeling her weight against him.
"I know a good hot spring hotel. If you want, we can go right away~" Haruno replied, her voice almost purring.
"We'll talk about it later," Akira shook his head lightly.
Hearing that, Haruno stepped in front of him.
He looked into her eyes — deep violet with an electrifying charm.
Haruno rose on her toes, leaning closer... slowly.
Akira didn't move away.
Her eyes fluttered shut… inching closer…
Akira placed a steady hand around her slim waist — and kissed her.
A long, simple, warm kiss.
When they were enjoying their kiss—
The kimono-clad woman entered with wine, froze upon seeing them, silently set the bottle on the table, and left with a soft click of the door.
The sound made Akira pull back.
A blush tinted Haruno's face.
"F-Fujimiya-kun… That was my first kiss."
"I could tell," he teased calmly as he sat by the low table, pouring wine.
Haruno sat beside him, picked up her glass, and took a sip—then leaned forward and kissed him again.
This time, Akira tasted wine… and something sweet.
"I'll feed you wine," she whispered, settling onto his lap with the glass in her hand.
"It spilled on my clothes," Akira pointed at the stain.
"The hotel has yukata here," Haruno smiled knowingly.
"Good. That's a relief," Akira said, taking her hand and sipping the wine from her glass.
She blinked—
Then he kissed her—
Her mind went blank for a second before she responded intensely.
It was Akira's turn to feed her the wine now and Haruno was enjoying it.
.....
Lunch Time,
Both of them were now dressed in freshly provided yukata while eating lunch.
The bottle of red wine had been completely emptied.
Akira had also "experienced" the hotel's bathroom — thoroughly.
Haruno watched Akira as she chewed her food, a satisfied smile blooming as memories of earlier replayed in her mind.
He didn't reject her.
They hadn't gone all the way… but they had clearly become a couple.
That was enough for now.
After lunch, the kimono-clad woman returned to clear the table and delivered fresh clothes for them.
Only then did the alcohol truly hit Akira.
He lay down on the futon (that was set up by the Kimono lady) and pulled up the blanket.
Seeing this, Haruno slowly slipped into bed beside him.
Akira glanced at the Yukinoshita heiress curled next to him, then pulled her into his arms naturally.
"Akira… Can we stay like this forever?" she murmured from under the quilt.
"Only today," Akira replied. Drunk, but his mind still sharp.
"Then let's…" she hesitated.
"I won't cause trouble for Yukino-chan anymore," Haruno whispered next, guilt flickering inside her.
"Can I see you once a week? Or… when you have time, will you come see me?" She asked, her voice low.
"You already gave me the key to your place," Akira stated.
"I'm worried you won't come. I… don't have any advantages compared to other girls," she whispered, her voice trembling slightly.
"Your identity is your biggest advantage."
Haruno looked up at him with a bright, hopeful smile.
Akira sighed lightly, realizing she misunderstood.
"I meant… as a collaborator."
Haruno froze, then narrowed her eyes. "I thought you were talking about me and Yukino…"
"You're right to think so," Akira replied casually.
Haruno giggled softly. "Akira… Do you want me to help you?"
"You want Yukino-chan to kill me?" Akira raised an eyebrow.
"It's fine. I will protect you," she said boldly.
The conversation gradually faded. Drowsiness wrapped around them.
Soon, both drifted into sleep with each other in their arms.
With Haruno tightly holding on to him, as she buried her face in his chest.
...
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