And what about the Kawasaki family? What would Saki Kawasaki's family think of all this?
Even if Akira Fujimiya and Saki Kawasaki hid their relationship now, there was always the possibility that it would be discovered in the future.
Once a secret like this came to light, the consequences could be serious.
"I can't possibly like you," Saki Kawasaki said without hesitation after hearing Akira's words.
"I don't have any feelings for you, not for now," Akira replied, meeting her gaze calmly.
"...In your opinion, is it really that important whether someone likes you or not?" Saki Kawasaki asked doubtfully.
"It's very important. If we don't like each other and are just doing this for some external reason, then why wouldn't I find someone more beautiful?" Akira asked in return.
"... I don't quite understand your reasoning, but I can try to like you and make you like me," Saki Kawasaki said after a moment of thought.
"That's fine," Akira said with a sigh of relief. "If it can deceive you, then it counts as a white lie. I don't want Teacher Hiratsuka to be mad at me."
A voice came from the kitchen, and Saki Kawasaki got up and left.
A few seconds later, she returned with dinner. Akira sat down at the table and began eating in silence, while Saki Kawasaki took a seat beside him, watching quietly.
...
Monday-morning arrived,
What was different this time was that Akira now had Saki Kawasaki by his side.
Her younger sister had been sent to school by Hiratsuka-sensei and, probably after summer vacation, Kawasaki Kyoka would attend a nearby elementary school.
Akira walked silently, but Saki Kawasaki kept staring at his face, which made him feel a little uncomfortable.
When they were almost at the school, she quickened her steps slightly to maintain some distance.
Akira felt relieved—Saki Kawasaki was rational enough not to linger too closely or draw unnecessary attention.
At the school gate, Akira spotted the Yukinoshita family car from a distance.
After a few seconds, Yukino Yukinoshita stepped out and waited for him.
Her face was slightly red, and in her small hand, she held a key—the key to her apartment. Akira approached her with a smile and stretched out his hand.
Yukino hesitated for a moment but eventually handed the key over.
Akira took it, smiling, and slipped it into his pocket.
"If you… if you want to come over, remember to call me first," Yukino whispered.
"I like surprises, so I'll never call," Akira said quietly.
Yukino glare at him before walking toward the school, while Akira followed and asked briefly about Hime Ebina's situation.
Yukino gave a short explanation, indicating that Hina had been seeking guidance and had found a screenwriter with similar interests, becoming good friends.
Akira thought to himself: "Birds of the same feather," recalling the way compatible people gravitate toward each other.
....
When Akira reached the classroom, Yuigahama Yui arrived with her family's lunch box.
"You didn't make this yourself, right?" Akira asked, looking at the neatly packed box.
"I wanted to, but my mom said my skills aren't good enough yet," Yui said with a hint of frustration.
"Thank Aunt Asuna for me. She may have saved my life without even realizing it," Akira said, feeling relieved.
"Akira-kun…" Yui pouted.
"I've already told Yukino about your proposal," Akira said.
"Did...she agree?" Yui asked nervously.
Akira shook his head.
Yui's eyes dimmed. "But… did she at least consider it?"
"She didn't agree, but she also didn't deny it immediately," Akira clarified.
"Eh?" Yui looked surprised.
"This is all I can tell you. You can talk to Yukino about the rest later. I also have the key to Yukino's house. When you're ready, I can take you there," Akira said seriously.
"The key to Yukino's house…" Yui gasped softly. Then, realizing something, her face turned red.
Seeing her expression, Akira reached out and gently held her small hand. Yui's hand instantly warmed, and she turned her head shyly.
Akira kissed the back of her hand softly.
"Your hands are so beautiful," he said.
"Akira-kun, you're such a bad guy!" Yui blushed, muttering to herself unable to look at him.
...
By lunchtime,
Akira and the three girls headed to the service department together. On the way, Hina Ebina lagged behind slightly, sharing her progress in the Flash Animation project with him.
The screenwriter Yukino had found for her was a young woman who shared her passion for that kind of story. Though recently graduated, she had kept up with works in the genre and gave Hina both guidance and encouragement.
Hina also recommended a website with many illustrators, some specialized in that type of story.
Akira understood what kind of website it may be and didn't ask.
She had serious knowledge and praised Hina's work, though unfortunately, Hina was not an employee of Flash Animation, meaning she couldn't directly submit her story for the project.
"Fujimiya-kun... can I participate in submitting that original animation?" Hina asked.
"You'll need to pay the price for my help," Akira whispered, glancing at Yui and Miura Yumiko.
"You mean…" she was surprised.
"Exactly. You understand what I mean," Akira said quietly. "Don't pretend otherwise."
"Alright. Even if I'm not told, I'll help. I've reminded Yumiko several times," Hina said softly.
"Keep it up. I'll probably let Yumiko make a choice during summer vacation," Akira added lightly.
"Fujimiya-kun… I guess it doesn't matter if you have another girlfriend?" Hina asked tentatively.
"The fact that Yukino accepted Yui is already the biggest concession she's made. Adding another would only increase my risk," Akira replied, shaking his head.
Hina covered her mouth and smiled, saying nothing further.
She understood the situation but kept it to herself, knowing Yumiko wouldn't give up easily. Her role was to test Akira's reaction.
He had responded exactly as expected—directly rejecting the idea.
.....
At the service department,
Yukino was there, along with Hiratsuka-sensei.
"Good afternoon, Hiratsuka-sensei," Akira greeted.
Hiratsuka glanced at him but said nothing.
She hadn't gone for her morning run because of the lingering effects of drinking last night and still looked a little unwell.
Akira paid no mind, knowing her condition.
The three girls sat down, with Yui beside Yukino, smiling.
Yukino's face flushed slightly at Yui's presence, though she didn't seem to notice her own reaction. With Hiratsuka-sensei present, everyone ate quietly.
Akira finished first and left without lingering. Shortly after, Hiratsuka-sensei also departed, leaving the four girls a chance to chat.
...
Later, on the tennis courts,
Akira arrived to find Hikigaya Hachiman and Totsuka Saika already playing. He sat in the empty chair nearby without greeting them.
Once Hikigaya grew tired, Akira took his place, and Totsuka Saika was surprised to see that his tennis skills had improved slightly.
.....
In the afternoon,
School ended, and Akira had planned to continue tutoring the three girls.
However, he received a message from Hiratsuka-sensei. Glancing at it, he looked up at Saki Kawasaki, who was sitting in the front row holding her phone.
Akira sighed helplessly, having anticipated this, though he hadn't expected it to happen so soon.
Even if Hiratsuka-sensei hadn't mentioned it, he would have brought up the matter himself.
...
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