Chapter 49 – "Do You Intend to Oppose Me, Hayama Hayato?"
It was just another ordinary day at Sobu High.
Yukinoshita Akira walked to school accompanied by Yukinoshita Yukino, the little sister of Yukinoshita Haruno.
As with the day before, a familiar figure with long purple hair stood waiting by the school gate. In her bag, she carried a lunchbox she had prepared herself.
"Good morning, Saeko."
"Good morning, Akira-kun."
Busujima Saeko handed over the neatly packed lunch to Akira and, in return, received the empty box from yesterday.
Yukinoshita Yukino, who witnessed the entire exchange, let out a soft but clearly irritated sigh. Even though it wasn't the first time she saw this, her reaction was no different.
Without saying a word, she strode ahead into the school building, heels clicking against the floor with each sharp, deliberate step—completely ignoring both Akira and Saeko.
"Seems like my presence made Yukinoshita Yukino-san unhappy."
"Don't worry about her. She's basically a snow maiden—cold inside and out. A classic tsundere."
"Fufu, sounds like you know her quite well, Akira-kun."
"Well, we grew up together. You could say… childhood friends."
"Not just childhood friends. Isn't she also your future sister-in-law?"
"Saeko… you've changed. You've started teasing me more."
"I just wanted to remind you… Even though I've prepared myself, I'm still just a regular girl."
"No. You're mine. Ken-Hime, in every sense."
"Ken-Hime, huh~? A Princess of the Blade."
In ancient Japanese tradition, hime referred to noble princesses—like Kaguya-hime or Tsunade-hime. It was a title reserved for those of rare, elevated birth.
Their eyes met. A soft smile passed between them.
Side by side, they stepped into the school building.
As they passed through the hallway, Akira spotted a familiar face.
"Morning, Hikigaya."
"Eh? Oh… it's you, Yukinoshita…"
"No need to call me that. Just say Akira, so you don't confuse me with the other one."
"Alright then, Akira-san…"
Hikigaya Hachiman sighed deeply.
He still couldn't grasp why someone as powerful and influential as Akira would talk to him so casually.
And they weren't in some empty corridor either. This was the hallway—where dozens of students passed by.
Whispers stirred all around them.
Some students from Class F, who happened to see the interaction, were stunned.
Even the most popular kids—those under Hayama Hayato's social circle—only dared to stand a few steps away from Akira. They never actually talked to him.
Yet now, the gloomy, anti-social outcast Hachiman was casually having a conversation with that Yukinoshita Akira?
It was like watching a prince chatting with a beggar from the slums.
Akira entered Class F and made his way to his seat—his throne.
"Yo, good morning, Yukinoshita-san."
Blocking his way was a walking beam of sunshine—Hayama Hayato. His dazzling smile could make anyone's day, and it was one of the main reasons for his widespread popularity.
"Do you need something?"
"Not really. Just saying hi. Is that a problem?"
"No. But… don't do it again."
"Eh? Did I offend you somehow, Yukinoshita-san?"
"Not particularly. It's just… you and the Second Daughter are the same. Both imitating the First, but only on the surface. And to be honest, watching you try makes me sick."
"Oh… I see. I'm sorry."
There was no anger. No retort. Hayato simply lowered his head and apologized sincerely.
To Akira, the whole thing was absurd. Pitiful, even.
This blonde boy had feelings for Yukinoshita Haruno—Akira's official fiancée.
But compared to the aloof, sharp Haruno, Akira was already legally her husband-to-be. And Hayama? He had never stood a chance.
In Akira's memories, Hayato was nothing more than a tool—used by Haruno.
Even after realizing that he was just being used, Hayato still stayed loyal. A true simp.
Always chasing after her shadow.
The beloved, ever-perfect Hayama persona? Just a mask.
But no matter how hard he tried, he'd always be a cheap imitation. Imitations would never surpass the original.
"Hey! What do you think you're doing talking to Hayato like that!?"
Though Hayato didn't get mad, others didn't share his composure.
After all, Hayama Hayato had a shining reputation in the school.
And naturally, the leader of the popular girls' group—Miura Yumiko—couldn't stay quiet after witnessing such a scene.
With fire in her eyes, she stormed toward Akira.
"Yumiko, don't…"
Hayato tried to stop her, visibly nervous. After all, in front of Yukinoshita, he was still just the son of a subordinate. In Japan, family hierarchy held great power.
"It's fine, Hayato! I'll defend your dignity!"
"Wait, Yumiko, just listen—"
Hayato tried to explain, but the fiery queen had no intention of hearing him out.
Akira, meanwhile, couldn't help but smirk. He was used to Yumiko's habit of butting heads with Yukino.
"So, what do you want?"
"What else!? Apologize to Hayato! He greeted you politely, and you were just rude!"
"How amusing. We've sat in the same class for months. Has he ever greeted me before? So, why now? Do you know why?"
"Eh…"
Yumiko faltered. It was true. Hayato had never bothered to greet Akira before. Why today?
"Even so, he was being nice. You didn't have to be so harsh."
"You really are innocent, Miura Yumiko."
"What did you just say!?"
"I said… you're an idiot, Miura Yumiko."
A chilling pressure filled the room.
Yukinoshita Akira released a fraction of his killing intent.
To Yumiko, it was like standing before a demon from the depths of hell. His aura was suffocating, dominating—an overwhelming force she couldn't even comprehend.
Though the limits of his power were restrained in this world, that residual killing instinct and natural authority still lingered.
Just a tiny bit of it… was enough to silence the fiery queen.
"Yukinoshita-san… Yumiko didn't mean it like that. I apologize on her behalf."
Hayama Hayato quickly stepped in between Akira and Yumiko.
A classic scene—knight saving the damsel. Predictable, but effective.
Immediately, Yumiko's feelings toward Hayato surged.
Akira watched the scene unfold… and gave a cold smile.
"Hayama Hayato… are you planning to oppose me?"
His voice was calm. But the weight behind his words was suffocating.
"In that case… I suppose I should reevaluate whether the Hayama family is still worthy of remaining under the Yukinoshita corporate umbrella."
The words hit Hayato like a blow to the chest.
Was he threatening his father's career?
Hayato didn't doubt Akira's influence. This was Japan—where family connections defined power.
On one side, his friends. On the other… his family's future.
In an instant, Hayama Hayato was forced into a brutal dilemma.
Loyalty… or legacy.
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