"Fujimiya-kun, thank you for telling me that yourself. I have actually guessed that Saki owed you a lot, didn't she?"
"Yes." Akira did not deny it.
"You helped Saki, and she...started having feeling for...you. I know your relationship doesn't rely solely on money, which is why I didn't confront you. Every time she came to see me, when..I asked her about you, and Saki would just get shy and stay silent. I...already knew that you had others from Hiratsuka-sensei..."
Rieko Kawasaki continued speaking, her voice soft.
Akira didn't interrupt and remained slightly bent over, listening.
Finally, Rieko Kawasaki looked directly at him.
"...Can you give Saki a happy future?"
"Yes." Akira replied firmly, without hesitation.
"In that case, I feel relieved." Rieko Kawasaki smiled warmly.
"Aunty, I'll take care Saki. But, please don't tell her about my visit today." Akira made a promise.
"I understand. I'll pretend I don't know and won't ask anything," Rieko Kawasaki nodded.
"...There's ten million yen in here. Please keep it, Aunt Kawasaki. You can buy clothes for Saki and Keika, or use it however you see fit." Akira handed her a bank card.
Rieko Kawasaki hesitated for a moment before accepting it.
"....Fujimiya-kun, I accept this on behalf of Saki. Please don't let her down."
"I won't, Aunty Kawasaki." Akira breathed a sigh of relief.
After exchanging a few more pleasantries, he left the ward.
Saori Tsurumi, who had been waiting outside, witnessed almost the entire process and felt both surprised and a little envious.
After all, it was ten million yen.
Akira didn't say a word to her. She was smart enough to know when to speak and when to stay silent.
Inside the ward,
Rieko Kawasaki looked out the window, a smile on her face.
.....
On the way back to school…
"Ms. Tsurumi, am I terrible?" Akira asked suddenly, gazing out the car window.
{T/N: Yes}
"Master Akira, you're not terrible at all," Saori Tsurumi replied quickly.
"Oh?" Akira turned to look at her.
"You genuinely like Saki. That's why you gave her a job and helped her. When Saki and I were talking about you, I could hear her gratitude and feeling for you," Saori said quickly.
"But there are more girls than just Saki." Akira looked at her seriously.
"Master Akira doesn't like every girl he meets. Your feelings are real. Even though there are shortcomings, those girls can accept them. That shows your feelings—and your sincerity—are genuine." Saori blushed slightly, unsure of her words under his gaze.
"..... "
Akira withdrew his gaze and said nothing.
Saori Tsurumi breathed a sigh of relief.
As they neared Sobu High School:
"Ms. Tsurumi, thank you for your affirmation," Akira said.
"You're welcome, Master Akira," Saori replied after a moment of hesitation.
The car pulled up to Sobu High School.
Before stepping out, Akira glanced at Saori.
"Ms. Tsurumi, the reason I looked at you earlier was to see if I had any feelings for you. After thinking about it, I realized I don't. You are very beautiful, but I truly have no romantic feelings for you. So, Ms. Tsurumi, you can be shy, but don't overthink it."
After speaking, he opened the car door and left.
Saori Tsurumi stared after him, speechless.
...
Akira returned to his class and quickly sent a message to Yukinoshita Yukino, explaining the talked with Rieko Kawasaki.
Yukinoshita Yukino first approved of Akira's approach.
Then she planned to talk to Saki Kawasaki in person about her relationship matters.
Akira honestly admitted his mistake and said he would come to see Yukinoshita Yukino that night.
However, Miss Yukinoshita then changed her mind, saying Akira should talk to Saki Kawasaki himself.
No matter what, Saki came first.
Seeing this, Akira realized that the second Miss Yukinoshita must have received guidance from the eldest Miss Yukinoshita.
She was clearly warning him—asking him to admit his mistake, step back, and also a chance to correct it.
...
In the afternoon, at the Student Council Office:
Meguri Shiromeguri strummed her guitar, humming the songs she had written.
When—
Click!
The door clicked open.
Meguri looked up to see — Akira Fujimiya walk in and paused.
"I heard it outside the Student Council Office. Was that an original song?" Akira asked.
"Yes." Meguri nodded.
"Do you need my help to finish it?" Akira took out his guitar.
"No… no, I want to do it myself." Meguri's face flushed.
This song was meant for Akira to hear. She had waited until the lyrics were complete and had finally summoned the courage to play it herself.
This was naturally something Akira couldn't assist with.
"Is it a song written for me?" Akira guessed immediately.
"Y-yes." Meguri blushed and nodded.
"I'm looking forward to your song. If it's good, I might even give you some rewards," Akira said meaningfully.
"I… I'll try my best," Meguri said softly.
Akira said no more and began playing an anime song he had heard before.
He had become increasingly skilled, now possessing abilities on par with ordinary guitarists.
Meguri watched him silently, listening intently.
After leaving the Student Council Office, Akira sent a message to Yuigahama Yui. He asked her to take Ebina Hina and Miura Yumiko back and mentioned that he wanted to first apologize to Isshiki Iroha for a previous mistake.
Yuigahama Yui, seeing his sincerity, didn't pursue the matter further. She allowed Akira to honestly admit his mistake and also earn Isshiki Iroha's forgiveness.
After reading her message, Akira put away his phone.
There was no need to inform Saki Kawasaki about this for the time being.
He felt it was enough to gain Isshiki Iroha's forgiveness.
For now.
...
As he walked forward, someone ran toward him from behind.
"Senpai!" Isshiki Iroha's voice came from afar.
"Don't run in the corridor," Akira reminded, as he turned around.
Isshiki slowed immediately.
Akira watched as she approached, a serious expression on her face.
"As a member of the Student Council, and the future Student Council President, you actually violated school rules..."
"Bad senpai!" Isshiki Iroha grabbed Akira's arm before he could finish.
"Where are you taking me?"
"Senpai, you're asking even though you already know the answer."
"I have a girlfriend—I would never—"
"Senpai, can you be honest?"
.....
Half an hour later, on the way to the station:
Akira was eating cookies made by Isshiki Iroha.
"Senpai, how does it taste?" Isshiki asked beside him.
"Half as good as Yukino," Akira evaluated.
"Only half the level? Seems like I need more practice to improve," Isshiki said, clenching her fists in determination.
"I'm looking forward to it," Akira continued eating.
"Senpai, tonight…"
"I'm going to Yukino's apartment."
Isshiki pouted at his quick reply, 'Atleast let me finish first!'
Akira finished the cookies and turned to looked at her.
"Don't be too greedy."
{T/N: Look who is talking}
"Now,I want it even more" she muttered.
"When you become Student Council President, I'll consider it," Akira said, looking ahead.
"Really!?" Isshiki Iroha's face lit up with joy.
"Of course it's true. Just don't be afraid when the time comes…"
"I'm not afraid. I want the seniors to be afraid of me. That way, I can gain the upper hand."
"A mere junior (kouhai) wants to scare me?"
"Senpai, one day, I'll make you tremble in front of me and obey."
.....
Akira walked Isshiki home, but did not stay for long.
She was a little disappointed but didn't force him.
As she bid him goodbye.
He took the train to Yukinoshita Yukino's luxurious apartment.
...
Inside Yuniko's room—
All the ingredients were ready in the refrigerator.
Akira began preparing dinner, awaiting Yukino's return.
Akira had sent her a message to come home early from work.
...
If you'd like to support me and read chapters in advance, feel free to check out my:
Patr**on.com/Zero0000683
Discord:- NmKxzWGEPf
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Bonus Chapter:-
4 Bonus chapter at 100 powerstone
6 Bonus Chapter at 150 powerstone
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Word Count — 1,322
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Extra Chapter because today is Valentine's Day (Even though for me it's the same as everyday 🥲)