He now had some doubts.
Could it be that Hayato Hayama's father had gone to the Yukinoshita family as a legal advisor solely for Mrs. Yukinoshita?
If that was the case, then there was something else are needed to be consider…
"Fujimiya-kun, you… you must look down on me, right? I only follow my father's plans and live my life according to his arrangements," Hayato Hayama suddenly said.
"What's wrong with that?" Akira asked calmly.
"Huh?" Hayama was slightly stunned.
"Your father helps you plan your life. That's also a form of care," Akira said, casually eating a French fry.
Parents' love for their children isn't reflected in one thing alone; it manifests through silent efforts.
Hayato Hayama's could easily be called fortunate.
His father was a legal advisor, his mother a doctor, and they were capable of arranging his future path.
In Akira's eyes, Hayama was indeed lucky.
Yet, Hayama himself didn't feel the same way.
He had always considered following a path laid out by someone else, even a parent, somewhat shameful. Perhaps this was what it meant to be unaware of the blessings one had.
After Akira's words, Hayama fell silent, lost in thought.
Akira, observing him carefully, understood exactly what he was contemplating.
"Hayama, let's get back to your future plans. If you want to become a legal advisor someday, would you like to join my company?" Akira asked.
"Join your company?" Hayama blinked in surprise.
"Miss Yukinoshita can't place you in a position by her side, but she also recognizes your talent. That's why she gave me the condition to offer you a goal," Akira said, carefully presenting a half-truth.
"I see…" Hayama's gaze dimmed slightly.
"If you join my company, at least you won't disappoint your father," Akira reminded him.
"Thank you, Akira. I don't have a better choice right now. Since this is her kindness, I'll accept it," Hayama said, extending his hand.
Akira finished his fries and shook Hayama's hand.
"You're not extremely valuable to me yet, which is why I asked you to talk here. But in the future, if you show your worth, I'll at least personally serve you a cup of coffee or tea."
Hayama's lips curved into a slight smile at Akira's words.
"Akira-kun, I'll look forward to your coffee… or black tea," he said with a touch of humor.
.....
After leaving the fast-food restaurant, Akira went straight back to Sakurasou.
Yuigahama Yui was teaching Kawasaki Kyoka, while Shizuka Hiratsuka was drinking a beer nearby.
A pleasant aroma drifted from the Kawasaki family kitchen.
Akira sat across from Hiratsuka and studied her carefully.
Perhaps annoyed by his stare, Shizuka looked up and glared at him.
"Sensei, if you want children in the future, it's best to quit smoking and drinking now," Akira said slowly.
Hiratsuka froze at his words.
She had considered this before, especially after meeting Kyoka, but she had yet to find someone she liked enough to take the effort seriously.
"Quitting smoking and drinking isn't something that happens overnight; it takes years. If you wait until the right person comes along, it might be too late," Akira continued, as if reading her thought.
Shizuka glanced at him, then at the beer in front of her.
"I think Akira onii-chan is right," Kawasaki Kyoka said from the side.
Upon hearing this, Shizuka relaxed.
"You can quit smoking first, then gradually quit drinking. Don't rush it," Akira added.
"Let me finish this can, don't want to waste it," Shizuka said, picking up her beer and drinking it. After a few moments, she stood and placed the empty can in a cardboard box, then smiled at Kyoka.
"Sensei, You can do it," Kyoka said warmly.
"Well, thank you," Shizuka replied, feeling genuinely touched.
Saki Kawasaki brought out dinner shortly after.
....
After dinner, Akira assigned Yuigahama Yui her tasks for the day and returned to his room. She understood he wanted to work on his manga and didn't disturb him.
As She quietly went to her own room and began studying.
In his room,
Akira started drawing manga at an extremely high speed while also maintaining quality. At this pace, it might even be possible to complete two chapter a week.
Time passed steadily.
He didn't stop until ten o'clock at night—not due to fatigue, but because it was time to rest.
Akira tidied his desk, then walked to his bed. Lying down, he glanced at his phone.
There was just over a week left in the month, meaning new rewards were approaching.
Yumiko Miura had a high favorability rating and would surely receive an A-level reward. As for rewards above A-level?
Akira knew they would require even higher favorability, perhaps even a romantic relationship with Miura.
He didn't care about the reward itself; getting an A-level without affecting personal relationships was sufficient.
At the end of the month, he planned to have a proper talk with Miura.
Satisfied with his thoughts, he closed his eyes.
.....
The next morning - Park,
Shizuka Hiratsuka began teaching Akira the basics of fighting techniques.
Her skills were extraordinary.
She had once been trained by someone who had won a women's fighting championship. These techniques weren't just for defense—they were highly offensive.
Within two meters, she could defeat an armed opponent with bare hands.
Akira learned quickly, impressing Hiratsuka greatly.
However, his foundation was weak.
Had he started practicing from childhood, he might have reached her level. It was late now, but even so, he could still surpass ordinary people.
.....
The next two days were repetitive: early morning exercises and fighting practice, school, tutoring, then working as a cartoonist at night.
By Friday night, Akira and Yuigahama Yui arrived at Yukinoshita Yukino's apartment unannounced. Akira prepared dinner while Yui answered his questions honestly.
As dinner neared completion, the sound of a door opening echoed.
Yui hurried to the entrance to find—
Yukino was holding a cardboard box and froze slightly when she saw Yui.
"Yukinon, thank you for your hard work," Yui said with a smile.
"Is Akira in the kitchen?" Yukino asked, concerned.
"Well, Akira's preparing dinner. You must be tired, Yukinon," Yui said, taking the box from her hands.
"I'm not too tired. I feel okay," Yukino replied softly.
"If you feel tired, just tell Akira. He'll help you," Yui chuckled.
"Alright," Yukino nodded.
Yui placed the cardboard box on the coffee table, knowing it contained letters from Non Non Biyori readers.
While, Yukino walked into the kitchen.
Akira, who was making dinner, turned around to see Yukino walking towards him.
"Yukino, you're finally back. Do you want a shower first? Or dinner? Or—" he began.
"I've already given your Manga manuscripts to Editor Tamura. She seemed a little disappointed not to see you," Yukino intercepted him before he could complete the sentence.
"Is that so?"
"She was concerned you were dating someone else and didn't have time to come," Yukino said softly.
"Is Yukino jealous?" Akira asked, slightly teasing.
"Well… I am," Yukino admitted.
The second Miss Yukinoshita openly admitted jealousy, leaving Akira momentarily stunned.
Afterwards, he made a small gesture to compensate her, smiling softly.
As, he lean down and bring his lips near.
Yukino knowing what will happen started blushing but didn't resist, just stayed standing as Akira's lips touch her's lips.
The kiss deepen as Yukino place her hands at his chest, eyes closed and heart filled of warmth.
...
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