The Service Club had been founded by Yukino Yukinoshita.
Naturally, Hiyori Yukinoshita knew that.
What she didn't know was that the Service Club now had another member—a boy.
And not just any boy, but one who could get Yukino herself to agree to join the club.
What had happened between the two of them?
And why did he call her "Yukino"?
That was a name she had always used for others herself.
Takumi Yuuya saw Hiyori's expression and immediately guessed what she was thinking.
So…
He pulled out his phone.
"Can I take a photo with you?"
"Are you sending it to Yukino?"
Hiyori stepped behind him.
Takumi snapped a photo and, in front of Hiyori, sent it to Yukino Yukinoshita.
He stared at his phone.
Less than ten seconds later, Yukino called.
Takumi hit answer and handed the phone to Hiyori.
Hiyori smiled as she took it.
"Yukino."
"Why are you two together?"
"Well, I just happened to run into Takumi-kun."
"Really just a coincidence?"
"Yukino, what's your relationship with Takumi-kun?"
"Club president and member."
"Then why does he call you Yukino?"
"…."
Yukino fell silent. She didn't want to mention the name change.
Hiyori, hearing no answer, assumed she was right and grinned from ear to ear.
"Since he's a friend of Yukino's, I'll make sure to treat Takumi-kun well."
With that, she returned the phone to Takumi and patted his shoulder.
Takumi watched Hiyori walk away.
"Yukino, I think I'm… kind of smitten," he muttered.
"She's kind to everyone. If you think she's being special to you, it means you have value to her. Do you want to be used?"
"Yes."
"Is there something wrong with your head? Or did you not get what I meant?"
"Thanks for the warning, but I trust my own judgment more."
"Foolish."
"Yukino, if I manage to win her over, I hope you'll call me 'Onii-chan.' Or… you can try calling me that now, just once, so I can hear it."
"Go ahead, and good luck."
"Disgust level from Yukino Yukinoshita +20"
Takumi looked at the disconnected call, a smirk curling at his lips.
Of course, he knew about Hiyori.
Precisely because of that, he could talk about pursuing Hiyori.
Primarily, it was to gain disgust points.
Actually chasing Hiyori? That was impossible.
Hiyori handed him a drink, and Takumi accepted it without hesitation.
"Takumi-kun, what does your family do? You don't seem ordinary," Hiyori asked.
"I've never met them," he replied.
"You've never met your family?"
"I was adopted by kind people. When I grew up, I came here to study abroad."
"I see… I'm sorry, I shouldn't have asked."
"It's fine. Being alone is fine too."
"So, Takumi-kun, after studying here, will you return home or work here?" Hiyori asked, watching him.
"I already bought a house here and plan to invest in some businesses, living without worries," Takumi said, sipping his drink and staring at the lake.
"You bought a house?"
"I started investing last year and earned some money."
"I didn't expect you had that kind of talent."
"I plan to start a game company. Hiyori-san, if you help recruit talent and manage the company, I can give you ten percent of the shares," Takumi looked at her.
Hiyori smiled slightly.
"How much do you plan to invest?"
"I have a game concept in mind. Production isn't too difficult. I'll invest 100 million yen to start."
"Alright. I'll help set up the company, find game developers, and manage things. You provide funding and the concept."
"So… a successful partnership?"
Takumi extended his hand.
Hiyori shook it.
Helping set up and manage a company wasn't difficult for her.
Takumi's initial investment of 100 million yen would give her ten percent equity. If the company became profitable, that was extra income.
The Yukinoshita family's businesses already had management in place.
She hadn't taken over yet—this would be good practice using Takumi's company.
Sitting by the lake, enjoying barbecue, Takumi thought about the game project.
It was a concept he had prepared long ago.
A game suited perfectly for the local market.
The investment wasn't too high, but the returns would be substantial.
With so many otaku around, this game would be a hit.
"Oh, I can have Eriri Zaimura illustrate the characters. That should reduce her disgust level," Takumi thought, immediately sending her a message.
"Zaimura-san, I realized that having you illustrate that storyline was unfair. I want you to draw the game characters instead. I'll pay market price. Is that okay?"
A few minutes later, Eriri replied.
"Draw game characters? What kind of game characters?"
"I have a game concept. The character designs need to be finalized after discussion with you. Can you come to my place tomorrow? Or I can come to yours."
"I'll come to your place. Send me the address."
"Alright, 8 a.m. tomorrow, here's the address…"
"I'll only charge half the market price. You can use my artist name for promotion."
"Thank you, Zaimura-san. I was wrong before. Tomorrow, I'll bow and apologize properly."
Takumi sent the message.
Eriri didn't reply. The message showed as read.
Using her artist name for promotion was a bonus—attracting her fanbase.
Charging only half the market rate saved money.
Recruiting Eriri for the game was a smart move.
And having her come to his house made increasing her disgust level easier.
At 5 p.m., Takumi rode his motorcycle back home.
100 million yen had already been transferred to Hiyori.
They exchanged contact information.
She now knew his address.
Setting up the game company and recruiting staff would take about a week.
They could rent an office under Yukinoshita Construction Company at a discounted rate.
Takumi sat on the sofa, checking his balance:
8.5 million yen.
Now he was truly broke.
Fortunately, he could still open bronze treasure chests.
But…
With 280 points, he was 20 short.
Thinking quickly, he messaged Yukino.
"I got her contact info. Hiyori said I look handsome, and my heart raced when I shook her hand. Is this what love feels like?"
A minute later:
"Disgust level from Yukino Yukinoshita +20"
Takumi nodded in satisfaction.
Enough points to open three bronze treasure chests.