In Front of Sobu High's Main Gate
Yukinoshita Haruno let go of Su Yu's arm and opened the car door for him.
The chauffeur was visibly shocked.
Su Yu, however, remained unfazed and sat inside.
"To Sakura Dormitory," Haruno instructed the driver as she took the seat beside Su Yu.
"Yes, ma'am." The driver composed herself and started the car.
Haruno leaned closer to Su Yu's ear and whispered—
"Sorry, Su Yu-kun~ I kissed you earlier without permission."
"It's fine. Next time, you can do it in front of Yukino."
Su Yu glanced at her and responded in a low voice.
Haruno smirked.
She could tell Su Yu wasn't angry.
Her real goal had been simple—to let Hayama Hayato see them together and completely crush his feelings.
Su Yu had figured this out instantly.
And he turned it against her.
Because—
Haruno hadn't noticed Isshiki Iroha at all.
—
Outside Sakura Dormitory
"I'm not going home tonight," Haruno informed the chauffeur. "You can leave. I'll be staying over at Shizuka's place."
"Understood."
The chauffeur cast a glance at Su Yu before driving away.
Haruno watched the car disappear, then turned to Su Yu.
"My mother knows about my investment in you," she said casually. "She doesn't know where the 50 billion yen came from, so she's having the driver keep an eye on me."
"Your mother trusts you—but she doesn't trust me."
Su Yu could easily guess Yukinoshita Madam's thoughts.
"Su Yu-kun, what's my reward?" Haruno asked with interest.
"Your reward is a secret—about your mother."
Su Yu paused before speaking.
"Oh?" Haruno's curiosity piqued.
"Find a quiet place—we'll talk."
With that, Su Yu stepped into Sakura Dormitory.
Haruno followed, not pressing for details.
—
Inside Sakura Dormitory
"Shizuka~ I'm here again!" Haruno greeted Hiratsuka Shizuka.
"What do you want?" Shizuka looked at her warily.
"Su Yu-kun is treating me to dinner, so I thought I'd visit you too. I'll drink with you tonight~" Haruno said with a playful smile.
"I quit drinking."
Shizuka's response was flat.
"Wait… you quit drinking?! Don't tell me…!"
Haruno's eyes widened in shock.
"It's not what you're thinking."
A vein twitched on Shizuka's forehead.
"That's good." Haruno smiled and shifted her gaze to the four girls in the living room.
They were watching her as well.
"I'm Yukino's older sister. You're all good friends of Su Yu-kun, right?" Haruno asked sweetly.
"Y-Yes…" Miura Yumiko looked nervous upon hearing Haruno's identity.
"You girls focus on your studies. Ignore her." Su Yu's voice was calm. "Yukino and Haruno don't get along well."
"Su Yu-kun~ I'm not bullying them. I'm just chatting~" Haruno put on a pouty face.
Su Yu ignored her and walked toward the motorcycle parked outside.
Seeing this, Haruno dropped her act and followed him.
Shizuka, who had been watching closely, noticed Haruno's subtle expression change—
And felt a sense of unease.
Is Haruno… serious about Su Yu?
A moment later—
Su Yu pushed out his motorcycle, and Haruno hopped on behind him.
The engine roared to life, and they sped off into the evening.
—
Half an Hour Later – A Hotel Restaurant
Su Yu and Haruno ate in silence.
The restaurant wasn't luxurious, and had no connection to the Yukinoshita family.
If they had dined at a family-owned hotel, Haruno would have immediately received a call from her mother.
After finishing their meal, Su Yu looked out the window.
The sun was setting.
A waiter arrived with their drinks.
"Su Yu-kun~ now you can tell me, right?"
Haruno glanced around—
The restaurant was mostly empty.
"Hanada Yui's resignation—there was another reason."
Su Yu spoke calmly.
"What does that have to do with my mother?"
Haruno was confused.
"Has Madam Yukinoshita replaced multiple assistants or secretaries?"
Su Yu asked.
"At least six a year."
Haruno recalled.
"And do you know where those people went afterward? How their lives are now?"
Su Yu's voice was low.
"…I don't."
Haruno paused.
Unless someone deliberately investigated, no one would know.
Her mother's former assistants were typically reassigned to branch offices in high-ranking positions.
"Look into it when you go back," Su Yu advised. "With your intelligence, you should be able to uncover the truth."
"Why don't you just tell me?"
Haruno narrowed her eyes.
"You need evidence. Only you can collect it.
Consider my words a mere hypothesis—what you conclude in the end has nothing to do with me."
Su Yu shook his head.
"…I see."
Haruno still felt doubtful, but decided to investigate first.
"I'll find out the truth, then we'll talk again."
"When you find out, I doubt you'll want to talk to me anymore.
Unless—"
Su Yu took a sip of his drink.
"Unless…?"
"Unless I become important to you."
Haruno laughed softly.
"Su Yu-kun, you are already important to me."
Hearing this, Su Yu reached out—
And took her hand.
Haruno didn't resist.
She glanced at the elevator.
"Are we staying here tonight, or going back?"
"If we stay, Shizuka might send me to the hospital tomorrow."
Su Yu didn't let go of her hand, despite his words.
"Just this?" Haruno smirked. "You can ask me for anything, you know~"
"This is enough.
I don't want Yukino to be hurt.
And I don't want to put you in a difficult position."
Su Yu finally let go of her hand.
"I'm not troubled at all."
Haruno suddenly grabbed his hand again.
"Su Yu-kun, you're the first person I've ever had real feelings for."
"Are you sure?"
Su Yu's gaze sharpened.
Haruno met his eyes—
Her gaze was steady, filled with sincerity.
She wasn't lying.
Su Yu stared at her, as if trying to see through her soul.
After a long moment—
He looked back at the window.
"There's still time to go to the beach."
"Then let's go."
Haruno let go of his hand.
"I want to watch the stars with you.
To see the ocean at night."
They left the restaurant together.
Su Yu paid the bill and walked out.
—
Outside the Hotel
As soon as they stepped outside—
Su Yu naturally took her hand.
Haruno's lips curved into a smile.