A Morning Conversation with Hiratsuka
In the quiet morning park, Su Yu turned to Hiratsuka Shizuka and spoke with sincerity.
"Sensei, thank you."
"Hm? Thank me?" Hiratsuka blinked in surprise.
"If it weren't for the things you said last night, Little Yukino wouldn't have voiced her true feelings," Su Yu said with a smile.
"You… Don't tell me you used me?" Hiratsuka narrowed her eyes, looking at him with suspicion.
"I would never," Su Yu shook his head. "I simply didn't want Yukino to face the choice alone. She already avoided it once—I didn't want her to run away a second time."
"You say things like that, and it really makes me want to punch you," Hiratsuka scoffed.
Su Yu just smiled without responding.
Hiratsuka glanced at him before turning her gaze toward the peaceful park in front of them.
"I really am different from Yukinoshita. My father isn't like her mother—he respects my choices. Sure, he sets up matchmaking dates, but he never forces me to marry anyone."
"Your father is a good father," Su Yu replied sincerely.
"That's why… when I heard what Yukino said last night, I knew I couldn't stop you two. I won't let my students be forced into marriages they don't want."
"Thank you for understanding, Sensei."
"It's a shame I can't do anything to help Haruno. She needs help more than anyone."
"I think so too," Su Yu agreed. "Her fake smile is probably just her way of protecting herself. And the way she treats Yukino shows that she isn't a bad person."
Hiratsuka looked at him.
"Su Yu-kun, I have to warn you—don't get too greedy."
"Sensei, how did you know I was thinking about you—"
"Don't play dumb. You know exactly what I mean."
"I just think Haruno would make a great friend," Su Yu shrugged.
"Haruno has never had a man by her side. If you're getting involved, then her mother definitely knows about it by now."
"Poor Hayama," Su Yu muttered with a smirk.
With that, he stood up, preparing to return home.
Hiratsuka also stood, and the two of them started running back toward Sakura Dormitory.
The Perfect Girlfriend?
Answer:Yukinoshita Yukino.
By the time Su Yu returned home, Yukino was already in the kitchen.
"The driver is on the way," Yukino said as she prepared breakfast. "I also contacted Ebina-san. I'll be busy today, so go find Yui instead."
"Little Yukino, I'm really looking forward to our married life. I know I'll be very happy," Su Yu said with a grin.
Hearing this, Yukino's cheeks turned red. She shot him a glare but didn't argue.
Su Yu simply chuckled, grabbed some clothes, and went into the bathroom.
By the time he came back, breakfast was ready.
Seeing Yukino in a ponytail, Su Yu gently hugged her from behind.
"Don't waste my time. I have to leave after breakfast," Yukino reminded him.
"If I don't hold you for at least a minute, I might not get another chance for days," Su Yu murmured.
"…I can give you a spare key." Yukino's voice was barely a whisper.
"Oh? Then I'll take it on Monday," Su Yu said with a smile before letting go.
Yukino's blush deepened, but she sat down beside him, and the two ate breakfast in comfortable silence.
A Quiet Morning of Drawing
After breakfast, Yukino left.
She planned to go home and change before heading to Flash Animation Studio.
Meanwhile, Ebina Hina had already boarded the train and was waiting for her at the station.
Su Yu, now free, didn't go looking for Yui.
Instead, he continued drawing "Yuru Camp."
He drew until noon, noticing something interesting—his drawing speed had increased significantly.
He also felt less fatigued than before.
This confirmed a theory he had:
His drowsiness wasn't caused by his enhanced memory, but by the high concentration of mental energy required for unfamiliar tasks.
It was like learning a new skill—at first, it required intense focus and felt slow.
But once mastered, it became much easier and less draining.
With this in mind, Su Yu realized—
As long as he practiced new skills for a short period, he could master them without any significant energy loss.
Whether it was drawing, piano, or tennis—
It was all just a matter of time.
"If that's the case… then…"
An Unexpected Meeting: Hanada Yui
After having lunch in the courtyard, Su Yu changed into a new outfit and left Sakura Dormitory.
He took the train to his destination—
A high-rise building housing Angel's Staircase.
After entering the building, he took the elevator up and arrived at the bar's entrance.
"Welcome, Master Su Yu."
Two attendants greeted him with a bow.
Su Yu nodded slightly and stepped inside the bar.
Even though it was daytime, the bar was still lively, filled with women in elegant dresses and delicate makeup.
Su Yu barely glanced at them before looking away.
Compared to them, he was more interested in the piano.
That was the real reason he came here.
Just as he approached the piano, a woman in professional attire walked up to him.
"Master Su Yu, welcome. I am the manager of this bar, Hanada Yui."
"Nice to meet you, Hanada-san," Su Yu responded, his eyes lingering on her for a moment.
Unlike the other women in evening gowns, Hanada Yui wore light makeup and carried herself like a corporate professional—not at all like a bar manager.
"Master Su Yu, if you're interested in any of the ladies, I can arrange—"
"I'm not interested in them," Su Yu cut her off.
Hanada Yui paused.
"Then… you came here for…?"
"I'm here to practice the piano. And maybe have a drink. Just make me something that won't get me drunk," Su Yu said as he sat at the piano.
Hanada Yui's lips parted slightly, as if she wanted to say something—
But then, she simply bowed and walked away.
She had misunderstood.
Given Su Yu's background and the way Yukinoshita Haruno had warned her about him, she assumed he was someone Haruno was trying to recruit.
But now—
It seemed like that wasn't the case.
As she walked away, she suddenly remembered something—
Haruno had instructed her—
If Su Yu ever visits the bar, call me immediately.
Realizing this, Hanada Yui quickly dialed Haruno's number.
A few moments later—
Haruno picked up.
"Su Yu-kun went to the bar?"
"Yes," Hanada Yui reported. "He said he wanted to practice piano and have a non-alcoholic drink. I offered to help him… but he wasn't interested."
"Of course he wasn't. His girlfriend is my little sister, after all," Haruno said with a chillingly smooth voice.
"…I-I'm sorry," Hanada Yui stammered.
"No need to apologize. I didn't tell you beforehand because I wanted to test him," Haruno said with a soft chuckle. "And from the looks of it… his relationship with Little Yukino is progressing quite well."
She then added—
"Keep him at the bar for now. I'll be there by 6 PM."
"Understood," Hanada Yui said, exhaling in relief.
Notes-Read advanced chapters in patreon.com/Shadow_D_X