Inside Yukinoshita Haruno's car—
"Hanada Yui's work over there is going smoothly. The company's upper management has already been finalized. Hayama-kun's father is also working diligently. Is that because of the arrangement you made for Hayama-kun?" Haruno asked casually.
"Mm. I plan to make Hayama Hayato the legal advisor for Future Manga Publishing."
"A solid choice. Hayama-kun should be grateful to you. Even though my relationship with you is… close."
"Hayama Hayato is a good person."
"He really is. Calm, gentle—he doesn't get angry easily. I watched him grow up, so I know his strengths and weaknesses well."
"Strength: kindness. Weakness: also kindness?"
Haruno smiled and nodded in amusement.
Su Yu said no more.
If it had been anyone else, he wouldn't have considered them for such a crucial position.
But Hayama…
He wouldn't hold a grudge toward Su Yu just because of Haruno. That wasn't his nature.
"When Yukino was being isolated as a child, Hayama-kun did try to help… but in the end, he sided with the group, not with her. If he had been braver then, maybe Yukino wouldn't have turned into Sobu High's untouchable 'ice queen,'" Haruno said with a sigh.
"If it were me, I'd have stood against everyone for Yukino," Su Yu said softly.
"Sometimes, one decision can change a person's entire life," Haruno murmured, gazing out the window.
"Just like you chose to protect Yukino, and became the Yukinoshita Madam?" Su Yu took her hand.
Haruno turned to him, saying nothing more. She simply leaned her head on his shoulder.
Su Yu responded by wrapping his arm around her slender waist.
The car stopped in front of Haruno's residence.
The two of them got out together.
The new driver drove off. Unlike the previous one, this woman had the aura of a former bodyguard—stern and composed.
"That driver… was she arranged by your mother?" Su Yu asked before going inside.
"She used to be a police officer. Got injured during duty and later became a bodyguard. When I was looking for a driver, she came," Haruno replied.
Su Yu nodded and dropped the topic.
Inside, Haruno knelt down and helped Su Yu change into slippers.
"Thanks," Su Yu said.
"Here, I'm not the Yukinoshita heiress. I'm just a girl who loves you," Haruno said with a gentle smile.
"I'll make dinner. You go shower," Su Yu said, heading to the kitchen.
Haruno watched him disappear, then smiled and went off to the bath.
One hour later
At the dining table—
They ate quietly together.
Haruno was wearing a large T-shirt, clearly one of Su Yu's—oversized and casual.
Su Yu noticed her fidgeting midway through the meal and looked over.
"Su Yu-kun, seeing me dressed like this… aren't you at all tempted?" Haruno teased.
"Even if I am, I'll finish eating first," Su Yu said as he continued chewing.
"I see… so Su Yu-kun is the type who—"
"I'm not that hungry."
"Su Yu-kun, I don't mind, really. I understand why you won't touch Yukino yet. But me? Do I really have no appeal to you?" she asked with a hint of disappointment.
"I'm just afraid… afraid I'll lose myself in it," Su Yu said quietly.
Haruno smiled.
Then leaned toward him.
"That side of you is a little… cute."
"You sure you mean cute?" he asked, meeting her eyes.
Haruno's cheeks turned red.
"I-I meant…"
"Once I finish eating, I'll show you the side that's not cute," Su Yu cut her off.
Two hours later
In Haruno's bedroom.
She lay nestled in Su Yu's arms, her face still flushed.
"Haruno… you'll take responsibility, right?" Su Yu asked.
"Mm. I'll take full responsibility. From now on, Yukinoshita Architecture is yours," she replied sweetly.
"You're not…"
"Relax, it's not that time of the month," she winked.
Su Yu let out a breath of relief.
Haruno looked up at him.
"Was I your first?"
Su Yu gave a helpless nod.
"You were so… good at it, I thought—"
Haruno beamed with joy.
"I was planning to wait until Yukino…" Su Yu looked a little conflicted.
"It's fine. I'm the same as her. When the time comes, just tell her she was your first. She'll believe you," Haruno said playfully.
"I don't want to lie to her," Su Yu said, shaking his head.
"Then… is it my fault?" Haruno asked softly, finally understanding.
"It's not your fault. What, is it mine then?" Su Yu countered.
"Okay, okay~ it's my fault. Don't be mad, alright?" Haruno said, coaxing him like a spoiled child.
Saturday morning
When Su Yu opened his eyes, Haruno was already gone.
It was 8 a.m.
He got dressed and washed up, then headed to the living room.
On the dining table was a prepared breakfast and a handwritten note.
"Su Yu-kun's sleeping face was adorable.
I've gone to the company.
Don't worry about me—I'm not as fragile as a typical girl."
Su Yu sighed.
Suddenly, the delicious breakfast felt bland.
After eating, he headed out.
As soon as he opened the door, Haruno's car was already parked outside.
The stern-looking female driver stood waiting.
"The lady asked me to drive you."
"Thanks. Take me to Yukino's apartment. You know the place, right?" Su Yu asked, locking the door.
"I do." The driver opened the door for him.
Su Yu got in the back seat.
Thirty minutes later
The car stopped in front of Yukinoshita Yukino's apartment.
Su Yu took the elevator to her floor.
As he stood outside the door, he hesitated.
And then—
The door opened on its own.
"What's wrong? You look like you're afraid to see me. Did you do something you shouldn't have?" Yukino asked with a faint smile.
"…Yukino. I'm sorry." Su Yu bowed deeply.
"…So you did do something?" she asked, slightly surprised.
"I stayed at Haruno's place last night…"
Su Yu said it carefully.
Yukino blushed and turned her head.
"I knew it. I knew you wouldn't be able to resist when facing her."
"Yukino, I—"
"I'll forgive you. On one condition," she said calmly.
"I promise—before your birthday, I—"
"I didn't mean that! I meant… you have to marry me."
"That's no problem. I swear I will."
Notes-You can read advanced chapters in patreon.com/Shadow_D_X, i have finished translating the whole story