"Akira-kun, it seems you've joined the tennis club, and I've been practicing for a while. Let's have a showdown in this physical education class!" Hayato Hayama called out.
"Hayama, your words are as childish as lines from a manga, but I also want to test my strength," Akira Fujimiya replied calmly.
Akira caught the tennis ball thrown to him with a composed expression, as if everything was under his control.
Totsuka Saika and Hikigaya Hachiman watched him.
Totsuka smiled, knowing that Akira's skill had improved significantly.
Hachiman, on the other hand, observed the reactions of the surrounding students.
"The duel between them is really popular," Hachiman muttered.
"Who do you think will win?" Totsuka asked with a smile.
"Him," Hachiman replied immediately, without hesitation, nodding toward Akira.
"I think so too. Fujimiya-kun wouldn't do anything without confidence," Totsuka whispered.
Their guesses were correct.
Hayama had indeed been practicing, but his opponent not only joined the tennis club but had also absorbed Yukinoshita Yukino's techniques.
As soon as the match began, the difference in skill became obvious. Hayama lost several rounds in a row, but he showed no sign of giving up.
He continued to face Akira with determination.
While conserving his energy, Akira used the techniques he had learned and never allowed Hayama to win even once.
When the bell rang, signaling the end of class,
Akira stopped and walked to a chair, sitting down. He had expended a lot of physical energy, likely exacerbated by the side effects of his memory enhancement ability.
"You are incredible," a voice suddenly appear.
Akira looked up to see Hachiman and Totsuka standing in front of him. As Hachiman held a bottle of drink, clearly meant for him.
Akira took it without hesitation and drank half in one gulp.
"Fujimiya-kun, can we talk?" Hayama's voice sounded, tinged with uncertainty.
His loss seemed less about the match itself than something deeper.
"Did she say anything?" Akira asked.
"You… how do you know?" Hayama asked, surprised.
"Even though she doesn't like you, she's thoughtful. She encouraged you to take me as your goal so you could find your own motivation. There are other reasons, but they also involve me," Akira explained slowly.
"Fujimiya-kun, am I still far from catching up to you?" Hayama asked, smiling bitterly.
"You're a good person, but not very smart," Akira said, shaking his head.
"Your evaluation is...fair," Hayama admitted after a moment of surprise.
Totsuka and Hachiman exchanged confused glances, unsure of what the two were discussing.
.....
In Yukinoshita Haruno's eyes, most people could be guided, including Hayama.
But because he liked her, she didn't want to keep him dependent on her. So she instructed Hayama to use Akira as his benchmark. If he could surpass Akira, she would regard him with admiration.
Her words motivated Hayama.
From Akira's perspective though, She wanted him to subdue Hayama—not through cruelty, but as a way to train and elevate him.
...
During lunch break,
On the rooftop of Sobu High School,
"Hayama is a nice guy, but he's not very smart. I don't need someone like that," Akira said lightly.
"Letting him follow you will help him go further. This is also my compensation to him," Yukinoshita Haruno soft voice could be heard from the phone.
"This has nothing to do with me," Akira frowned.
"If you help me, Hayama's father will stand on my side," Yukinoshita whispered.
"I don't need his help at the moment....Unless his future mirrors his father's, perhaps he could join my Flash Animation project," Akira said after a pause.
"I understand. Giving Hayama clear goals will let him become your assistant. With your interest in the animation industry, a small flash animation won't be enough for you," Yukinoshita said meaningfully.
"Are you willing to sell me your shares in Future Comics Publishing?" Akira asked, understanding her implication.
"Of course. This is only part of the Yukinoshita family's investment. The projects funded by this portion are decided by me. Currently, our construction company has secured a lucrative project. Its income will exceed that of Future Comics Publishing," Yukinoshita explained with a chuckle.
Akira fell silent.
If he acquired shares in Future Comics Publishing, he could make adaptations of Flash Animation much better.
Previously, profits were split among many companies, but in the future, he could select the best studios, raising the quality and industry standing of his work.
"Akira-kun, my conditions are good, right?" Yukinoshita asked.
"Yes. It would be even better if the Yukinoshita family could secure more shares," Akira decided.
"These shares let you make many decisions, but I know you like complete control. I'll try to acquire the remaining shares so you can fully own Future Comics. I look forward to your future achievements," Yukinoshita said seriously.
"I won't let you down," Akira replied confidently.
"I have some matters to attend here. If you want to talk, come to the bar."
"I don't want to chat now. I'm afraid you'll get drunk again and cause me trouble," Akira said.
"Akira-kun is really too much," Yukinoshita muttered.
"I'm going to the Service Club," Akira said, ending the call.
.....
He looked toward the soccer field.
In a blink, the afternoon arrived.
Hayama was about to join the soccer club when his phone rang. His face lit up, seeing it was Akira message.
He look around to find Akira, unable to hide his excitement.
While—
Akira silently packed his bag, and left the classroom.
Saki Kawasaki and the others followed behind.
The rest of the students speculated about the Service Club's activities.
Normally, rumors would have spread quickly, but because the club was led by Yukinoshita and included Miura Yumiko, no one dared fabricate stories.
Hiratsuka-sensei also ensured no such rumours occurred—if anyone tried, she would immediately shit them down.
On the way to the Service Club,
Akira received a reply from Hayama. He was eager to meet and was given an address and time.
"Fujimiya-kun, your performance in this morning's PE class really made me see you differently," Ebina Hina said.
"Are you starting to like me?" Akira asked, putting away his phone and looking at her.
"A little. But I think it's better to have you as a friend," Ebina Hina replied with a smile.
"If I looked closely, you're actually very beautiful," Akira said suddenly, looking at her.
Ebina Hina froze, meeting his eyes before turning red and looking away.
"It seems Mr. Ebina can be flustered too." Akira said, withdrawing his gaze.
"I admit, Akira-kun is very handsome and exactly the type I like," Ebina Hina whispered.
"Thank you, Hina," Akira replied with a smile.
"Call me by my full name!," she said, blushing.
Akira said nothing.
Hina, though knowing he was joking, still felt her heart race.
...
Two hours of tutoring ended.
Ebina Hina left Kawasaki Saki alone, not in the mood for teasing today.
While Akira packed his bag and handed it to Yuigahama Yui.
"I have some things to do. You can go home first."
"Okay," Yui nodded without question.
They left the Service Club together.
Passing the soccer field, Akira noticed Hayama was gone—he must have arrived at the designated location.
He called a taxi.
Ten minutes later, he arrived at a fast-food restaurant.
Where, he ordered a burger and fries, before spotting Hayama sitting, lost in thought.
He carried his tray and sat opposite him.
"Fujimiya-kun, you're finally here," Hayama said, snapping out of his daze.
"Sorry to keep you waiting," Akira replied, beginning to eat.
Hayama watched him, unsure what to say, until Akira finished his meal.
"Hayama, what are your plans for the future? What do you want to study in college?" Akira asked.
"I… want to follow in my father's footsteps," Hayama replied.
Akira paused, considering his answer carefully.
...
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