To Yukinoshita Haruno, most people were merely tools to be used—including Hayama Hayato.
However, because Hayato liked her, she had no interest in keeping him around.
So, she told him—
If he could surpass Su Yu, she would look at him differently.
With those words, Hayato found motivation.
But from Su Yu's perspective, Haruno was simply trying to make him "tame" Hayato.
His response to this was—
Lunchtime, on the rooftop of Sobu High.
"Hayama is a kind but not very bright guy. I don't need that kind of person," Su Yu said flatly.
"If he follows you, he'll go further in life. Consider it my way of repaying him," Haruno replied with a playful smile.
"This has nothing to do with me." Su Yu frowned.
"If you help me, Hayama's father will take my side," Haruno said softly.
"I don't need his help right now. Unless… Hayama's future aligns with his father's, and maybe… he can work at Shining Animation someday." Su Yu fell into thought.
"I know. That's why you should give Hayama a clear goal—make him your asset. Given your ambitions in the animation industry, I doubt you'll be satisfied with just Shining Animation," Haruno said meaningfully.
"Are you willing to sell me your shares in Future Manga Publishing?" Su Yu caught on to her implication.
"Of course. It's just one of the Yukinoshita family's investments, and I have full control over it. Right now, our family's construction company has landed a major project that will generate far more profit than Future Manga," Haruno chuckled.
Su Yu remained silent.
If he could acquire shares in Future Manga Publishing, it would greatly enhance Shining Animation's ability to produce superior adaptations.
Right now, various studios split the rights to adapt manga, but in the future, Shining Animation could take the best ones exclusively.
Producing top-tier adaptations would elevate Shining Animation's standing in the industry.
"Su Yu-kun, my offer isn't bad, right?" Haruno asked.
"It's not bad. But if the Yukinoshita family could acquire even more shares, that would be ideal," Su Yu made up his mind.
"What I'm offering already gives you significant decision-making power. But I know you like having complete control. I'll do my best to acquire the remaining shares so that Future Manga is entirely yours. I look forward to your achievements, Su Yu-kun," Haruno's tone was serious.
"I won't disappoint you," Su Yu said with confidence.
"I have some things to take care of. If you want to talk, come to the bar."
"I'd rather not. You'll just get drunk and cause trouble for me again."
"Su Yu-kun, you're so mean."
"I'm heading to the Service Club."
With that, Su Yu hung up the phone.
He glanced down at the soccer field, where Hayama Hayato was playing.
Afternoon, after class.
Just as Hayama was about to head to soccer practice, his phone vibrated.
Checking the message, his face lit up, and he turned toward the back of the classroom—toward Su Yu.
Su Yu ignored his excitement, packed his schoolbag, and left the classroom.
Kawasaki Saki and the others followed.
The other students had their suspicions about the Service Club's activities.
If it were any other student involved, rumors would have spread by now.
But since the club was led by Yukinoshita Yukino, and Miura Yumiko's clique was involved, no one dared gossip.
Not to mention, Hiratsuka Shizuka was their advisor.
If anyone started rumors, Shizuka would personally shut them down.
On the way to the Service Club.
Su Yu received Hayama's reply.
He was eager to talk.
Su Yu sent him a time and location.
Hayama confirmed that he would be there on time.
"Su Yu-kun, your performance in P.E. class today really made me see you in a new light," Ebina Hina suddenly said.
"Are you falling for me?" Su Yu put his phone away and looked at her.
"A little bit. But thinking it over, I feel like we're better off as friends," Ebina laughed.
"If you look closely, you're actually very beautiful," Su Yu said out of nowhere.
Ebina was momentarily stunned, meeting Su Yu's gaze.
Then, her face turned slightly red as she quickly looked away.
"Looks like even you can be flustered sometimes," Su Yu smirked.
"I admit, you're attractive—my type, even," Ebina muttered.
"Thanks for the compliment, Hina." Su Yu deliberately called her by her first name.
"Use my full name," Ebina said, blushing.
Su Yu just smiled without replying.
Ebina sighed and turned to look out the window.
Even though she knew he was joking, her heart still skipped a beat.
Two hours later, after the Service Club's tutoring session.
Ebina didn't tease Kawasaki Saki this time.
Su Yu packed his things and handed his bag to Yuigahama Yui.
"I have something to do. You go on ahead."
"Okay," Yui nodded without questioning him.
Everyone left the clubroom together.
On his way past the soccer field, Su Yu didn't see Hayama.
Looks like he's already at the meeting spot.
With that in mind, Su Yu hailed a taxi.
Ten minutes later, at a fast-food restaurant.
The car stopped in front of the restaurant.
Su Yu got out, walked in, and ordered a burger and fries before spotting Hayama sitting idly.
Carrying his tray, he sat down across from him.
"Su Yu-kun, you finally came," Hayama said, snapping out of his daze.
"Sorry for making you wait," Su Yu said casually, then immediately started eating his burger.
Hayama opened his mouth as if to speak, but hesitated.
He could only watch as Su Yu finished his meal.
"Hayama, what do you plan to do in the future? What do you want to study in college?" Su Yu asked, glancing at him.
"I… will follow in my father's footsteps," Hayama answered.
Su Yu froze for a moment.
Wait—could it be that Hayama's father became the Yukinoshita family's legal advisor because of Yukinoshita's mother?
If that were the case, then things were getting… interesting.
"Su Yu-kun, you must really look down on me, huh? I just listen to my father and follow the path he set for me," Hayama suddenly said.
"What's so bad about that?" Su Yu asked in return.
"Huh?" Hayama was taken aback.
"Your father planned your life for you. That's a kind of love too," Su Yu said, munching on his fries.
Notes-You can read advanced chapters in patreon.com/Shadow_D_X