Parental love isn't just about grand gestures—it's about quiet, consistent care.
Hayama Hayato's family was, in many ways, ideal.
His father was a legal consultant, his mother a doctor, and together they had paved a clear path for him.
From Su Yu's perspective, Hayama was lucky.
But Hayama himself didn't see it that way—he felt that simply following his father's expectations was a disgrace.
A classic case of taking blessings for granted.
After Su Yu finished speaking, Hayama fell silent, lost in thought.
Su Yu observed his expression and knew exactly what was going through his mind.
"Hayama, let's focus on your future. If you're going to be a legal consultant, why not work for my company?" Su Yu asked.
"Your company?" Hayama was taken aback.
"The esteemed Yukinoshita heiress isn't going to put you anywhere near her. But she still acknowledges your potential. That's why she suggested that I give you a goal," Su Yu said, half-truthfully.
"I see…" Hayama's expression dimmed.
"If you join my company, at least your father won't be disappointed," Su Yu pointed out.
"Thank you, Su Yu-kun. I don't think I have a better option right now. Since this is her way of looking out for me, I'll accept it," Hayama said, extending his hand.
Su Yu finished his fries and shook his hand.
"Right now, you don't hold much value to me. That's why we're having this conversation in a fast-food restaurant."
"But if, in the future, you prove yourself useful to me… I might personally serve you a cup of coffee or tea."
A small smile appeared on Hayama's face.
"Su Yu-kun, I'll be looking forward to that coffee or tea."
After leaving the fast-food restaurant.
Su Yu returned directly to Sakurasou.
Yuigahama Yui was tutoring Kawasaki Keika.
Hiratsuka Shizuka sat nearby, sipping a beer.
The scent of cooking drifted from the Kawasaki family's kitchen.
Su Yu took a seat across from Shizuka and simply watched her.
Perhaps bothered by his staring, Shizuka looked up and glared at him.
"Shizuka-sensei, if you ever want kids in the future, you should start quitting smoking and drinking now," Su Yu said calmly.
Shizuka froze.
She had thought about it before—especially after meeting Kawasaki Keika, the idea had only grown stronger.
But she hadn't met anyone she liked yet.
So…
"Quitting isn't something you do in a day—it takes years. If you wait until you meet that person to quit, it'll be too late," Su Yu continued.
Shizuka glanced at him, then at the beer in her hand.
"I think Su Yu-oniisan is right," Keika chimed in.
Hearing that, Shizuka immediately made up her mind.
"Start by quitting smoking, then drinking. Take it one step at a time," Su Yu added.
"Let me finish this can first. No point in wasting it," Shizuka said, lifting the beer.
A few seconds later, she finished it, stood up, and tossed the empty can into a recycling bin.
Then, she turned to Keika and smiled.
"Shizuka-sensei, you can do it!" Keika cheered.
"Thanks, kiddo," Shizuka said, feeling a warmth in her heart.
At that moment, Kawasaki Saki walked out with dinner.
After dinner.
Su Yu gave Yui a few study tasks and then went to his room.
Yui knew he had to work on Yuru Camp, so she didn't disturb him. Instead, she obediently returned to her room to study.
Inside his room, Su Yu worked faster than ever while maintaining quality.
If he kept this pace and freed up a bit more time, releasing two chapters per week wouldn't be impossible.
Time passed bit by bit.
By 10 PM, he finally stopped—not because he was tired, but because it was time to rest.
He tidied up his desk before heading to bed.
As he lay down, he glanced at his phone.
There was still a little over a week left in the month.
That meant a new reward was coming soon.
Miura Yumiko's favorability was high—he could easily secure an A-rank reward this month.
As for anything higher than A-rank?
Su Yu figured that would require an even stronger emotional bond.
Perhaps even officially dating her.
He didn't particularly care how powerful the rewards were—getting a stable A-rank prize while maintaining his existing relationships was good enough.
Once this month ended…
It would be time to have a proper talk with Miura Yumiko.
With that thought, Su Yu closed his eyes.
The next morning, in the park.
Hiratsuka Shizuka began teaching Su Yu the basics of martial arts.
Her style wasn't ordinary—the person who trained her was a former women's martial arts champion.
This meant her techniques weren't just for self-defense; they had serious offensive capabilities.
At close range, someone trained in her style could defeat an armed attacker with their bare hands.
Su Yu learned quickly, which pleased Shizuka.
But his foundation was weak.
If he had started training as a child, with regular workouts, he might have reached her level.
Starting now was too late.
At best, he'd be stronger than the average person.
For the next two days, Su Yu followed a strict routine:
Early morning training in martial arts.School and tutoring.Evenings spent working as a mangaka.
By Friday night, he and Yuigahama Yui arrived unannounced at Yukinoshita Yukino's apartment.
Su Yu handled dinner preparations, while Yui quietly solved the questions he had given her.
Just as dinner was nearly ready—
The sound of the door opening echoed.
Yui immediately ran to the entrance.
Yukino stepped inside, carrying a cardboard box, and was momentarily surprised to see Yui.
"Welcome back, Yukino! You must be tired," Yui greeted her with a smile.
"Is Su Yu-kun in the kitchen?" Yukino asked after regaining her composure.
"Yep! He's making dinner. You must be exhausted, right?" Yui said, reaching out to take the box from Yukino.
"It's not too bad—I feel okay," Yukino responded softly.
"If you're ever tired, just tell Su Yu-kun. He'll help you," Yui giggled.
"Mm." Yukino nodded slightly.
Yui placed the box on the coffee table.
She knew these were letters from Yuru Camp readers.
Meanwhile, Yukino walked into the kitchen.
Su Yu, who was plating the food, turned around and looked at her.
"Yukino, you're finally back. Do you want to take a bath first? Eat first? Or…"
"I already gave your manuscript to Editor Tamura. She seemed a little disappointed not to see you," Yukino interrupted.
"Did she?"
"Miyazumi Shi was also a bit concerned about you. I told her that you were probably out on a date with some girl and didn't have time to visit."
"…Are you jealous, Yukino?"
"Mm. I'm jealous."