Tamura Nanako's Words
After sending off Tamura Nanako, Su Yu couldn't help but replay their conversation in his mind.
"Nanako has never been in love before. If you became her first boyfriend, it would be a cherished memory for her."
"But—"
"When I was young, I once liked a charming and handsome boy. But I never had the courage to confess. Later, after marrying my husband, he passed away due to illness… Since then, I've remained single."
"Because of my work in animation, I often think about that boy I once liked…"
"…"
"Of course, I hope you and Nanako will be together, but it's not an obligation. If it's you, I'd feel at ease—even though you already have a girlfriend."
"…"
Recalling this, Su Yu sighed.
This mother was a bit too much.
Though… there was also a chance Wakako had said all this on purpose.
If he took the bait, she might force him to take responsibility for Nanako.
Just picturing that scenario made Su Yu shake his head.
Too much trouble.
Afternoon Work
After finishing his round of critiques for the Third Animation Studio, Su Yu didn't just stop there—
He joined the illustrators' team, working alongside them.
Yukino, as usual, focused on background art.
From time to time, she glanced at Su Yu across the room.
Watching him work so seriously…
He really reminded her of her sister.
Both of them had this unwavering dedication—when they got serious, they could do anything.
As a child, Yukino had admired Haruno for this.
She tried for years to become like her.
But later, she realized—
What she admired was only her sister's competence.
The fake side of Haruno, the one filled with deception—Yukino despised it.
That was one of the reasons they never got along.
As she was lost in thought—
A cup of coffee was set down beside her.
Yukino blinked, returning to reality, and turned to see Su Yu sitting next to her.
"You've been staring at me again."
His voice was low and teasing.
"Are you distracted? Want to hold hands? Or maybe a hug?"
"I-I was just checking on the team's progress—"
Yukino's face flushed slightly.
Su Yu reached out his hand.
Yukino hesitated, glancing around the studio.
Then—
She looked away from Su Yu.
But—
Her small hand quietly rested in his palm.
Su Yu gently clasped her fingers and moved closer, helping her refine the background art.
Yukino listened to the sound of the pencil on the paper and—
Slowly turned her gaze toward Su Yu.
Her cheeks turned an even deeper shade of pink.
At this distance, she could feel his presence, hear his breathing.
Her heartbeat—
Suddenly felt faster.
A Sunset Promise
By the time they finished work, the sky was dyed in hues of orange and pink.
The first episode of Madoka Magica was practically complete.
From here, Miyazumi and the rest of the team could handle the remaining refinements.
Tomorrow, Su Yu would get to review the final product.
As he and Yukino stepped outside, her driver was already waiting.
Once inside the car, Yukino hesitated before glancing at him.
"…Would you like to have dinner at my place?"
"If I can stay the night, I'll go."
Su Yu whispered, squeezing her hand.
Yukino's driver froze momentarily at the front seat.
Yukino, on the other hand—
Her face turned bright red.
"…I should just send you home."
"Tomorrow is the weekend. I could spend it with Yui instead—"
Before she could finish, Su Yu cut her off.
"If I'm with Yui… would you stop caring so much?"
Yukino's breath hitched.
"I—I meant that we're just friends."
She couldn't meet his gaze.
"Spending so much time with me… it's unfair to Yui."
Su Yu smirked.
"You lost, Yukino."
Yukino froze.
Then—
Her face burned with embarrassment.
She hadn't expected him to remember their little bet.
She had completely forgotten about it.
"…According to our deal, I get to make one request."
Su Yu leaned in, their faces just inches apart.
The air between them felt thicker.
Yukino could feel his breath against her skin.
Her heart raced.
Su Yu wrapped an arm around her.
Then, he whispered something in her ear.
Yukino's eyes widened.
She glared at him in frustration—
But Su Yu only smiled, unfazed.
A long silence followed.
Finally—
Yukino sighed, lowering her head.
"…Fine. I agree."
A "One-Day Girlfriend"
Thirty minutes later—
Su Yu's apartment.
In the kitchen, Yukino was preparing dinner.
She had originally invited him to her place, feeling grateful for all the work he had done today.
But—
The moment Su Yu mentioned staying overnight, she had immediately changed her mind.
Her thoughts drifted to Yui.
To their complicated relationship.
So, she insisted on sending him home instead.
But then—
Su Yu remembered their old bet.
And his request?
Yukino could barely think about it without feeling her face burn.
One day per week—
She would act as his girlfriend.
Just in name, of course.
At most, they would go on "dates"—watching movies, holding hands, maybe hugging.
And—
On that day, he would always call her "Yukino."
She had agreed.
Because deep down, she knew—
Even if she hadn't, they still would have gone on "dates" anyway.
Su Yu had somehow found a way to break through her defenses.
Whenever she was around him, her thoughts became scattered, her heart beat faster, and her usual cold demeanor crumbled.
"Yukino, the water's boiling."
His voice came from the living room.
Yukino snapped back to reality.
Quickly, she resumed making dinner.
From the couch, Su Yu watched her, smiling slightly—
As he casually sent a message to Yui.
Late Night Sketching
After dinner, Yukino washed the dishes.
When she glanced out the window, she realized—
It was already completely dark.
Taking a deep breath, she walked toward Su Yu's bedroom door and knocked.
"…Come in."
Inside, Su Yu sat at his desk, back facing her.
"…Are you drawing Leisure Days?"
"No."
Su Yu didn't turn around.
"I'm drawing you."
Yukino's breath hitched.
She stepped closer—
And saw the sketch on his desk.
It was her.
Not current Yukino—
But the Yukino from when they first met.
A lone girl in an empty clubroom.
The wind blowing through the window.
Her long hair fluttering.
Su Yu's voice was quiet.
"This was how I first saw you."
"That moment—"
"You already had a place in my heart."
Yukino parted her lips to speak—
But no words came.
She stared at him—
As he turned to meet her gaze.
"…Meeting you was the luckiest thing to ever happen in my life."
Notes-Read advanced chapters in patreon.com/Shadow_D_X