"Instead of holding onto unrealistic expectations, you should think carefully about your future," Yumiko said gently, from the side.
Hayato froze, staring at her for several seconds—caught off guard by how sudden and piercingly honest those words were.
Yumiko Miura looked directly at Hayama Hayato, her face firm.
"You taught me that."
"I'm… sorry." Hayama Hayato lowered his head helplessly—he didn't remember saying it like that.
"No need to say sorry. I don't care about the past anymore. If it weren't for you, I wouldn't have been able to see clearly into my own heart." Yumiko Miura shook her head lightly.
{T/N: Then why bring it up? }
"I'm..I'm going to the bathroom, Excuse me."
Hayama Hayato's lips twitch, but no proper words came out. In the end, escape was the only option he found suitable.
As Hayama vanished into the crowd, Akira Fujimiya gently reached out and squeezed Miura Yumiko's hand, as he smiled at her.
"...I used to think Hayama-kun was extremely reliable. Now I know he was just playing the prince...It looked perfect, dreamy even, but in reality, he was only deceiving himself… and everyone around him." Yumiko said slowly.
"That's called responding to other people's expectations." Akira explained calmly.
"So, Akira-kun thinks he's a good person?" Yumiko suddenly understood his meaning.
"Mmm. He's always been responding to the expectations of others, whether from his parents or his friends." Akira nodded.
"...."
Miura Yumiko fell silent, not knowing what to say.
Akira turned his gaze as he looked around at the people chatting in small groups.
"Perhaps even we ourselves don't fully understand what we're truly like. What Hayama Hayato becomes depends entirely on the expectations around him. The reason many people like him is because he works hard to play the gentle, considerate 'Hayama-kun.' that they know off"
Then—
"Once you see through it, you immediately want to distance yourself from someone that fake."
A calm voice came from the side.
Akira looked toward the speaker.
"Yukino… you look beautiful today."
"I know..."
Yukinoshita Yukino sat down beside Miura Yumiko.
Her black evening gown wrapped around her figure elegantly, giving her a dignified, cold beauty.
"What about me, Akira-kun?"
Yuigahama Yui voiced out as she slid into the seat next to Yukino.
She wore a purple evening gown and looked adorably flustered.
"Your dress is pretty good too" Akira commented honestly.
"Eh? Am I not beautiful?" Yui leaned forward with a pout.
"You're very cute."
Akira's gaze dropped slightly.
"You! You big pervert!"
Yui caught the direction of his eyes immediately. Her cheeks turned bright red.
"Yui, I'll take a closer look at your outfit later when we get back." Akira teased her with a smile.
"Yuigahama will be staying at my apartment tonight. She won't be going to your Sakurasou."
Yukinoshita Yukino declared bluntly.
"Then I'll go too." Akira looked at Yukino with a half-smile.
"Hmph! You're not invited." Yukino lifted her chin, sounding arrogant but her ears were clearly red from remembering his previous visit.
"I have the key. I don't need you to invite me." Akira said, watching Yukino's expression as he said calmly.
"Cough! Cough!"
Yukino coughed lightly, feeling a strange heat rise to her face, he didn't have to mention it infront of them did he.
Between the two of them, Yumiko Miura who was watching from the side suddenly felt like an obstruction.
So, she quietly stood up and moved to sit beside Yui instead.
The moment Yumiko stood, Akira slid right into her previous spot and smoothly wrapped an arm around Yukino's slender waist.
Miss Yukinoshita immediately stomped on his foot in embarrassment.
….
Half an hour later—
A full group of girls had gathered around Akira.
Yukinoshita Yukino, Yuigahama Yui, Miura Yumiko, Nishimiya Shouko, and Hiratsuka Shizuka—who was older than them by a… generous number of Years.
There were also Sada Kana and Hanada Yui.
Hanada Yui received a mountain of business cards, as did Sada Kana.
Sada Kana even introduced Miura Haruto to one of Yukinoshita Haruno's subordinates and managed to confirm a cooperation agreement almost instantly.
Even she was surprised, since she had merely mentioned Akira's name, and the other side agreed immediately.
This made Sada Kana increasingly suspicious of who exactly Akira's fiancee was.
Yukinoshita Yukino.... Or Yukinoshita Haruno...
Meanwhile, as the star of the party,
Yukinoshita Haruno was handling the guests with her usual flawless social grace, her smile never wavering from her face as she greeted every guest.
Wine glass in hand, her usual smile, her presence radiated warmth and friendliness.
This was Haruno Yukinoshita in her "perfect fake smile" persona,
When the guests were mostly done—
A sudden noise came from outside the entrance.
Many guest turned their eyes to look at the entrance—
A moment later, a middle-aged man and Mrs. Yukinoshita walked in together.
Upon seeing her mother, Haruno immediately excused herself from others, as she walked over and embraced her.
Revealing a good mother and daughter relationship...
Mrs. Yukinoshita too returned the embrace with a soft smile.
Their relationship seemed good—on the surface, at least.
The middle-aged man—The head of the Yukinoshita family glanced at them, then turn his gaze towards the hall, scanning someone among the people present.
Most people feeling his gaze lowered their head unconsciously as his gaze pass through them.
Before— his eyes landed on Akira and Yukinoshita Yukino sitting at the corner, he gave Akira a meaningful look as he moved his head.
Akira understood instantly what he wanted.
As he stood up and offered his hand to Yukino.
"It's our turn, Yukino-chan."
Yukinoshita Yukino's expression wavered ever so slightly, before she placed her soft hand in his, as she nodded towards him.
Akira gently held Yukino's hand, pressing firmly and walked toward the head of the Yukinoshita family with Yukino by his side.
The patriarch nodded with a faint smile towards Akira, before looking at nervous Yukino.
As Yukino stepped forward, releasing Akira's hand—
"Father, Mother." she greeted softly.
Mrs. Yukinoshita nodded slightly, with a "warm" smile though as her gaze turn toward Akira — it was unmistakably cold, even to the third party's.
"Uncle. Aunt." Akira bowed respectfully, his voice calm and respectful.
"Mm." The head of the Yukinoshita family nodded slowly, this nod was not only an acknowledgment—it was approval for their relationship.
Yukinoshita Haruno who was watching from the side, gave a sweet smile as she approached the two.
"Miss Yukinoshita," Akira greeted hurriedly, as if he had forgotten she was even their.
"Fujimiya-kun is so rude. How could you ignore my presence?" Haruno teased, eyes sparkling with mischief though she quickly hide it.
"My apologies. I'll compensate you for my rudeness" Akira straightened, as he said calmly.
"If your compensation can satisfies me, I would forgive you. But...If it doesn't… I'll have to give you a proper lesson as an adult."
Haruno covered her mouth and laughed lightly, as she speack playfully.
"I understand. I promise you'll be satisfied."
Akira said as he met Haruno's eyes confidently.
"Then let's go, Father, Mother." Haruno took Mrs. Yukinoshita's arm and led them forward.
Akira and Yukino followed behind them, their hands reaching out for each other.
....
In front of the gathered crowd—
The head of the Yukinoshita family finally spoke.
"Today's party is not only to celebrate my first daughter, Haruno's birthday, but also for my second daughter, Yukino's. As you can see, this brilliant young man beside me is Yukino's fiance. Despite his age, his company is already valued at over 100 billion. Even Haruno talent feels inferior to him."
Gasps rippled through the hall, in surprised.
Everyone turned to look at Akira.
The Head gave Akira a small smile as he nodded towards him.
Akira understanding his intention, nodded back slowly as he walked forward.
"A very Good evening to everyone. My name is Akira Fujimiya. While it is true that my company is doing well...uncle's praise is exaggerated—The reason my company has grown smoothly is thanks to the Yukinoshita family's support. I personally like anime, manga, and have many plans for it, so I acquired Flash Animation and Future Comics Publishing with their support."
Akira introduced himself and his company, to everyone. And also used "Uncle" to address the Head of Yukinoshita family, the reason was simple—first He has given his approval, and second because it was beneficial.
Many people who had approached Hanada Yui for cooperation earlier were struck speechless when they learned Akira was the boss, they knew that the new owner was a young man, but they didn't think he would be that young.
Both Flash Animation and Future Comics Publishing were massive opportunities for them and its popularity is onky going to increased.
No wonder people were shocked.
Just as Akira was about to finish—
He spotted Hiratsuka Nohara walking toward them.
Akira excused himself as he stepped aside immediately.
Nohara glanced at Akira before looking at the Head of Yukinoshita family.
"Mr.Yukinoshita, may I also say a few words?" Hiratsuka Nohara asked with a smile.
"Please do, Mr. Hiratsuka."
The head nodded courteously.
Nohara smile before looking at the confused guest about what it may be.
"In my opinion, the evaluation you gave Akira-kun is far too low. I originally planned to let him join the Hiratsuka family. Unfortunately, Akira-kun still prefers the second daughter of the Yukinoshita family…" Hiratsuka Nohara said pointedly, calmly.
The people's eyes widen, as all of their eyes turned to Hiratsuka Shizuka.
After all, marriage was the only path to becoming part of the Hiratsuka household and they knew that Hiratsuka Shizuka was the only daughter who is single.
Hiratsuka Shizuka feeling everyone's gaze and looks lowered her head, face flushed red.
She looked like she desperately wanted to run away—but couldn't, as she clenched her fist.
Nishimiya Shouko who stood beside her, shrinking slightly under the weight of the surrounding stares—like a scared Hamster.
Before anyone else could say anything—
"However—since he cannot become part of the Hiratsuka family, I have another solution."
Hiratsuka Nohara continued, changing the atmosphere instantly—as all the peoples even Mr. Yukinoshita and Mrs. Yukinoshita looked at him, waiting to see what he is going to say.
"I plan to let Shizuka become Akira-kun's older sister. In the future, please take care of him."
The message was clear—
Akira was now officially under the Hiratsuka family's protection.
Anyone who would even think of harming him would be their enemy.
The head of the Yukinoshita family wasn't angry at this declaration.
On the contrary, his smile grew deeper.
The two families had always been close.
Now that Akira was essentially Hiratsuka Shizuka's younger brother and Yukino's fiance, they were practically one family.
Hiratsuka Nohara glanced at Akira, his smile widen.
Akira bowed slightly—accepting the announcement without saying anything.
Satisfied with his behavior, Hiratsuka Nohara stepped away as he looked at Mr. Yukinoshita.
Now, it was Mrs. Yukinoshita turn to stepped forward as she begin—
"Today is Haruno's birthday. I hope everyone enjoys themselves this evening."
Her words received polite responses—cheers.
Haruno smiled brilliantly, as she secretly glanced at Akira.
Yukino held Akira's hand, her expression still cold but much softer than usual.
After Mrs. Yukinoshita finished—
The head of the Yukinoshita family gave Akira a look and headed toward the study.
"...Yukino, go back for now. I'll come dance with you later."
Akira whispered before following him.
Yukino opened her mouth slightly, a bit worried. But before she could say anything—
"Don't worry, It's not a bad thing." Haruno whispered beside her.
Yukino looked at her sister before nodding towards Akira, as he walked forward.
"Happy birthday… Sister." Yukino said softly.
"...Thank you." Haruno smiled.
When—
"Miss Yukinoshita, I'm sorry—Miss Erina can't return for the time being."
A voice called from behind the sisters.
{T/N: Mixed up world just what i love.... 😐}
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Bonus Chapter:-
4 Bonus chapter at 100 powerstone
6 Bonus Chapter at 150 powerstone
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Word Count — 2,010