Sōbu High School
Su Yu sat in the classroom, gazing at the cherry blossom tree outside.
It was late May, and the sakura petals had long since fallen. The weather was getting warmer, but thanks to the school's coastal location, the occasional sea breeze kept the heat from becoming unbearable.
Of course, Su Yu wasn't really looking at the tree.
His mind was occupied with Kawasaki Saki.
At first, he had helped Saki because she needed it—
And because she had potential to be one of the new heroines refreshed by the system.
But now…
Her affection level was at least 50% or higher.
That meant the system would probably not refresh a new heroine slot for her anymore.
That was just his intuition.
The system wouldn't make it that easy.
Of course, there was also a chance that…
Maybe the system was just that simple.
Su Yu shook his head, pushing those thoughts aside.
Since Saki wanted his opinion, it meant she was willing to follow his orders.
Having a competent and obedient assistant was always a good thing.
Now, he just needed to decide where to place her.
Both Flash Animation and Future Manga Publishing were important industries.
Whichever one she joined would determine her future.
Flash Animation's CEO wasn't going to change—
Saki would be safe there, under Sada Kana's guidance.
But…
Sada Kana couldn't teach her much.
On the other hand—
Hanada Yui, the new CEO of Future Manga Publishing, was once an assistant to Yukinoshita's mother.
That meant she had real power.
She had even been a division head before getting wrongfully dismissed.
If Saki trained under her, she would learn far more.
Su Yu glanced at Saki's back and made his decision.
Lunchtime—On the Way to the Service Club
Su Yu and Kawasaki Saki walked a few steps behind the group.
"I'm sending you to Future Manga Publishing," Su Yu said.
"The new CEO is highly capable—you'll learn a lot from her."
Saki nodded quietly.
"I understand."
"After school today, we'll go there together," Su Yu continued.
"From tomorrow on, you won't have to join my study sessions anymore.
"Just go straight to the company after school.
"Make sure you're back at Sakura Dormitory before 8:00 PM."
"Okay."
Saki nodded again.
Su Yu glanced at her school uniform.
Would she still be wearing this to work?
At Flash Animation, the dress code was casual—it fit the company's image.
That's why he and Yukino could show up in their school uniforms without issue.
But Future Manga Publishing was a formal company.
If Saki kept wearing her uniform, it might make people look down on her.
Su Yu thought about reminding her—
But in the end, he let it go.
Soon, they reached the Service Club.
Lunchtime—Inside the Clubroom
While eating, Su Yu glanced at Miura Yumiko.
Her affection level had reached 60%.
That was above friendship but not quite romance yet.
If he tried, he could probably push it to 70% within the next two days.
But…
Would that be a good idea?
Probably not.
He wasn't interested in experiencing the storyline of Makoto from School Days.
Even if the chances were low—
He wasn't taking that risk.
After Lunch—Tennis Club
At the tennis courts, Su Yu spotted Hikigaya Hachiman and Totsuka Saika.
They had basically become regulars here.
As long as they were at school, they would be practicing.
When Su Yu arrived—
Totsuka's eyes lit up in excitement.
Hikigaya wordlessly handed him a tennis racket.
Su Yu smirked, accepting the challenge.
And just as Totsuka had hoped—
Su Yu had improved.
During his match against him, they were now evenly matched.
Seeing this, Totsuka felt inspired—
And practiced even harder.
After half an hour, both Su Yu and Totsuka were exhausted.
They collapsed onto the bench, sweating.
Hikigaya handed them bottled drinks.
Su Yu took one, downing half of it in one gulp.
Meanwhile, Totsuka sipped his slowly—delicately, like a girl.
Hikigaya stared.
Su Yu patted his shoulder, giving him a knowing look.
Hikigaya's face turned red, and he looked away.
Then—
"Su Yu-kun," Totsuka suddenly spoke.
"Hachiman and I want to hang out with you sometime."
Su Yu raised an eyebrow.
"Where to?"
"Uhh…"
Totsuka turned to Hikigaya for an answer.
Hikigaya: "…"
He wasn't used to going out.
Or rather, he had never gone out with friends before.
Su Yu chuckled.
"How about this—"
"I'll choose the place, and you two treat me to lunch."
"Deal?"
Totsuka nodded happily.
"Of course!"
Su Yu glanced at Hikigaya.
"Oh, and bring Komachi too," he added.
"I'm really curious about her."
Hikigaya's expression changed instantly.
"You better stay away from my sister."
Su Yu laughed.
"I wish I had a little sister too."
At those words, Totsuka hesitated—
But said nothing.
Walking Back to Class
Hikigaya and Totsuka left the courts together.
While walking, Totsuka suddenly spoke.
"Hachiman… did you know about Su Yu's past?"
"What past?"
Hikigaya raised an eyebrow.
"His parents… passed away," Totsuka said softly.
Hikigaya froze for a moment.
"…First time hearing that."
"I found out by accident."
"So when he said he wanted a little sister…"
"He wasn't joking."
Hikigaya was silent for a moment.
Then, he exhaled.
"That guy's an asshole sometimes… but he's a good guy."
Totsuka smiled gently.
"I think so too."
"And honestly," Hikigaya added, "without him, I'd probably still be alone."
Totsuka's smile grew warmer.
"I'm really glad," he said softly, "that we're friends."
"If possible…"
"I want to stay friends with you forever."
Then, he turned—
And gave Hikigaya the most adorable smile he had ever seen.
A true angelic expression.
Hikigaya quickly looked away, clearing his throat.
"…Yeah. Same here."
(t/n: I hate yaoi but I am happy for Hachi-boy)