As Akira Fujimiya watched the car disappear into the distance, he calmly asked—
"If I break the contract, that Asaka-san will probably kill me, right?"
"Akira-kun, you're so smart." Haruno Yukinoshita's lips curved in amusement.
She already knew Akira wouldn't breach the contract. Even without a written document, he would follow through.
Reason?
Woman's Intuition.
After receiving the fifty billion yen, Akira didn't waste a single minutes and quickly transferred it to Haruno account, which he got by her.
It certainly wouldn't take that much to acquire the remaining shares of Future Comics Publishing House.
The excess funds would be invested in some of the Yukinoshita family's projects to generate sustainable returns.
Then, using those profits, Akira would advance his plan step by step until the large-scale platform that he envisioned finally took shape.
When that happened, even if Haruno only held ten percent of the company's shares, they'd easily be worth more than ten billion yen—perhaps far more.
Slow and steady, one step at a time.
Haruno's first move was to acquire Future Comics Publishing House.
Normally, its president would never agree to sell it, But if presented with enough incentive, Haruno was confident he'd be tempted.
She intended to used the new project from the Yukinoshita family as a bargaining chips.
Akira voiced no objection, and he didn't sign any formal agreement with her.
After entrusting everything to Haruno, he left on his motorcycle.
Haruno watched him ride away, then immediately returned to her office.
She first called the president of Future Comics Publishing House, then had her assistant prepare documents before leaving the office again.
….
When Akira arrived back at his apartment,
He was immediately spotted by Shizuka Hiratsuka's whose eyes widened the moment she saw the gleaming motorcycle he was riding
"Sensei, stop staring. I'm not lending it to you," Akira warned, instantly alert.
"I could lend you my car instead," she teased, blinking mischievously.
Akira rolled his eyes.
Even though she knew perfectly well he didn't drive, she still tried to make a deal.
Typical Shizuka-sensei—
He ignored her and headed upstairs.
When he opened the apartment door,
He found out that Yui's shoes were gone.
It seemed she'd already gone home after waking up.
Akira went straight to his room and continued working on his illustrations.
Several hours later, his phone buzzed.
He glanced at the screen—it was a message from Haruno.
"Future Comics Publishing House is acquired, we now held more then 90% shares. We should begins the next stage."
Akira thought for a moment and replied with some additional ideas.
Haruno's response came almost instantly.
She'd have someone take over as the new company president. That person would follow Akira's directions completely.
The new president's name surprised him—Yui Hanada, the woman who managed one of Haruno's bars.
Akira hesitated. Does Hanada-san really have that kind of ability?
Haruno soon clarified.
Hanada Yui had once been Mrs. Yukinoshita's assistant and even manage one of the branch companies. When discrepancies appeared in the company's accounts, she had taken responsibility as branch head, even though the real culprit was a distant Yukinoshita relative. Mrs. Yukinoshita (Yukino and Haruno Mother) dismissed everyone involved, including that relative.
Knowing Hanada's capability, Haruno later brought her back and assign her to manage the bar.
After reading this explanation, Akira had no further doubts.
Haruno also sent him — Hanada Yui's detailed background and noted that Hanada would surely be grateful for this second chance.
Akira pretended not to catch Haruno's subtle implication and focused on the file.
Hanada Yui was one of Haruno's seniors. She came from a small port city and after graduation, had joined the Yukinoshita Construction Company.
She probably stayed here because she didn't want to return home.
It was clear that this opportunity meant a lot to her.
After finishing the report, Akira looked out the window.
Night had already fallen.
He stood up, stored away his sketches, and remembered—he was supposed to visit Yukino Yukinoshita's apartment tonight.
At this hour, she was probably still at Flash Animation.
In that case…
...
Nine o'clock at night—
Yukino Yukinoshita exited the elevator and stepped into the lobby of Flash Animation.
The framework for the new episode had been finalized.
From here, the rest was routine production work. Even if she didn't come in next week, the third studio would likely deliver exactly the quality she wanted.
Still, being involved was important to her—
At first, she had joined largely because of him; now, it was also for herself.
She recalled the words she once threw at her older sister.
"I'll surpass you one day."
Back then, it sounded childish. But with Akira's help, it might actually become possible.
Thinking about Akira visiting her apartment tonight, Yukino's face flushed faintly, though anticipation gleamed in her eyes.
She stepped outside—and froze.
The Yukinoshita family's car was nowhere in sight.
Just as she was wondering about it, a motorcycle glided up and stopped in front of her.
Akira removed his helmet and smiled. "Yukino-chan, I'm here to pick you up."
"...When did you even get a license?" Yukino blinked, visibly taken aback.
"Just today, Your family's driver taught me," Akira replied. "She said I learned fast—like someone with years of experience."
"Are you sure that's safe?" she asked, skeptical.
"Yes, When I went to see your sister, she even asked me to take her to the beach. I refused." He chuckled.
That reassurance eased her expression.
"What...did you two talk about?"
Akira didn't reply as he pulled out a second helmet from the motorcycle and handed it to her.
Yukino examined it before slipping it on.
"I've decided to collaborate with your sister," Akira said as she adjusted the strap. "I'll provide the funding; she'll handle the execution."
"If you ever need money...I still have plenty," Yukino murmured as she climbed on and wrapped her arms around him.
"I don't need it yet. But if I ever do and you refuse me, I'll pester you every single day." Akira laughed.
"My money is your money," Yukino whispered, barely audible over the hum of the engine.
Akira smiled faintly and said nothing more.
The motorcycle started and moved smoothly through the night.
It was Yukino's first time riding a motorcycle, and she had expected Akira to go recklessly fast. But, his pace was calm and steady.
Relaxing, she began admiring the passing lights and scenery as she enjoy the moment.
Neither of them spoke—He focused on driving, and she didn't want to interrupt.
After a little more than half an hour, they rolled into the underground parking lot of her apartment building.
Yukino glanced at the rows of luxury cars, still a bit amazed every time she saw them.
"Yukino," Akira began as he parked, "when your driver told me these were all birthday gifts, I started wondering—what kind of gift could I give you that you'd actually like? Eventually I realized…"
He paused.
"What did you realize?" she asked softly.
"That I am the best gift."
Before she could even response, he quickly pick her up, effortlessly, princess carry.
"I don't care how expensive a gift is," she said, slowly, gently, with the most beautiful smile he had seen in her face. As she rest her head on his chest. "If it's from you, I'll treasure it."
"Yukino, you're getting bolder," he teased, even though his heart was starting to get restless.
"Don't you like me this way?"
"I do. But I still have a soft spot for the quiet, aloof Yukino."
"Akira-kun, you're really…"
"Please, call me 'Dear.' " He said teasingly.
"Sir—please take your hands off me." She said, ignoring the 'Dear' part as if she didn't hear it, blushing, as she tries to get down from his arms.
.....
In Yukino's apartment,
Akira was in the kitchen preparing dinner while she was already in the bath.
By the time he finished setting the food on the table, she had changed into her pale pajamas and was waiting in the dinner table, hair still slightly damp.
"Have you eaten yet?" she asked gently as he served the meal.
"Yeah. Kawasaki cooked earlier," Akira replied.
"Next time, eat with me." She gave him a sidelong glance.
"Jealous Yukino is adorable," he said, reaching out playfully.
"Go take a shower. Otherwise, don't even think about stepping into my room tonight." Her face flushed crimson.
"Could you bring me my pajamas?" he asked with deliberate innocence.
At once, Yukino's face turned scarlet.
Yui Yuigahama had once told her the story of Akira "forgetting" to bring pajamas. Back then, Yukino had called him cunning.
Now, she understood exactly what he meant—and, though her heart was getting restless, she didn't reject him.
After all, Yui was far ahead of her. If she didn't take some initiative, she'd only fall further behind.
"Yukino, you're really cute," Akira murmured, noticing the shifting emotions on her face. He knew she'd caught his meaning perfectly.
...
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