Yui Yuigahama had assumed that Takumi Yuuya and Yukino Yukinoshita had argued because of her.
But…
It turned out it was because Yukino hadn't kissed him.
Her expression was one of complete disbelief.
She was about to sit down when suddenly it hit her.
"So… you didn't break up with Yukino. Then I don't need to be your girlfriend, right?"
"If you don't become my girlfriend, that's like losing one girlfriend. So… which one will you let—Yumiko or Hina—be my girlfriend?"
"I… can't argue with you."
"Then be my girlfriend."
Yuuya sat down.
Yui pouted and sat beside him.
She opened her lunchbox. The food was simple, yet it looked nutritious and well-prepared.
"Let me try some," Yuuya said.
"You go ahead," she replied, offering the lunchbox.
"You feed me," he said.
"What do you want?"
"Egg."
"Here you go."
Yui picked up half an egg and brought it to Yuuya's lips.
He ate it without hesitation.
Then he opened the lunch Yukino had prepared and saw the fried pork cutlet inside. He picked up a piece and brought it to Yui's mouth.
"Don't be shy," he said.
Yui ate it and her eyes lit up.
"No wonder Yukino's lunch is so good!"
"Do you want more?"
"Yes, yes."
"If you want more, there's a price to pay. If you're willing to pay, we could even swap lunchboxes."
Yuuya said this with a suggestive tone.
Yui's face flushed. Hesitating, she covered her lunchbox and closed her eyes.
Yuuya took that as an invitation and kissed her without holding back.
"Yui Yuigahama favor +30""Yui Yuigahama favor +30""Yui Yuigahama favor +50"
Yui had paid the price.
Yuuya returned the lunchbox to her.
After finishing a portion of her meal, she sighed in admiration.
"Yukino's cooking is amazing. She even makes a lunch this delicious."
"You're great in your own way, too."
"In what way?"
"You tell me," Yuuya said, glancing at her.
Yui immediately understood, blushing as she clenched her small fists.
"Yuuya-kun, you big meanie."
"I like you, Yui. Half of it is because you always draw my attention."
"You're the terrible one."
"You should fulfill your duties as my girlfriend."
Yuuya held her small hand.
Yui lowered her head.
He reached out, lifting her chin.
She closed her eyes, a faint blush spreading across her cheeks.
Yuuya leaned in to kiss her—when suddenly, he sensed a gaze on them.
Turning his head, he saw a girl with sleek black hair, much like Yukino's, a pale oval face, delicate features…
But her figure was striking, especially the long legs sheathed in black stockings.
Shiho Shizuka, arms folded, looked at them.
"You're second-year students, right? I'm Shiho Shizuka, third-year."
"Eh?"
Yui opened her eyes and blushed at seeing Shiho.
Yuuya released her.
"Yui, why don't you head back? I'd like to get to know Shiho-senpai."
"Okay."
Yui picked up her lunchbox and left.
Yuuya walked over to Shiho, step by step.
"You probably haven't heard of me, right?"
"No. And I'm not interested."
"I hold shares in Fushikawa Bookstore 4, and I know your work is serialized there."
"Do you know the scale of Fushikawa Bookstore? Even a 4% stake is worth at least 20 billion yen. If you're lying, you should at least check first, or it's going to be embarrassing."
"Seems like you don't believe me, Shiho-senpai."
"Don't waste my time here."
"Shiho Shizuka disgust +30"
Yuuya nodded.
"Looks like you've hit a block with your novel and are frustrated. Fine, I'll give you a little push to help you regain motivation."
"If you can do that, I'd be grateful," Shiho said expressionlessly.
Yuuya smiled slightly and said nothing more, turning to leave the rooftop.
As he descended, he pulled out his phone.
After school
Shiho returned her gaze to her belongings and started packing her bag.
Indeed, she had hit a wall with her writing.
She had come to the rooftop to find inspiration but ended up resting in the storage room, only to be disturbed by the noise.
Even now, her mind wandered as she tried to enjoy the scenery.
"Ding dong."
Her phone rang.
Shiho glanced at it, slightly surprised.
An editor showing up here? And waiting outside Soubu High?
After a few seconds of hesitation, she replied she'd be there immediately.
She put the phone away and headed downstairs.
At the shoe lockers, she remembered Yuuya's words.
Could it be… he really does own shares in Fushikawa Bookstore?
Changing into her indoor shoes, she left Soubu High.
The editor's car was easy to spot: a compact vehicle, with the editor standing beside it.
Short hair, professional attire, and a confident air. Her name was Sonoko Machida.
"I said I need some time," Shiho said.
"Shiho-sensei, congratulations," Sonoko said.
"Congratulations?"
"Yes. A major shareholder took an interest in your work and plans to invest 500 million yen to produce an anime adaptation."
"Major shareholder? How many shares does he hold?"
"Seems to be…"
Sonoko took out her phone.
"… 4% of shares."
A voice came from behind Shiho.
She turned to see Yuuya.
He stepped in front of Sonoko.
"I'm a fan and junior of Shiho-sensei. 500 million yen isn't much for me. But to make an anime, one volume isn't enough. At least two volumes should be written."
"Y-You… hello," Sonoko stammered.
"Shiho-senpai, consider this your motivation. You should thank me."
"..."
Shiho remained silent, clearly still skeptical of Yuuya's identity.
Yuuya smiled faintly.
"Sonoko-editor, please call your chief editor to confirm my identity."
"Understood."
Sonoko dialed quickly, confirming with the editor.
"Chief editor, what's the name of that major shareholder?"
"Mr. Yuuya? Same school as Shiho-sensei, Soubu High?"
"Got it. Thank you."
Sonoko hung up and bowed.
"Apologies for the earlier rudeness."
"No problem," Yuuya replied, then turned to Shiho.
Shiho bowed.
"Thank you for your support."
Adapting a work into an anime was already a rare opportunity—especially with 500 million yen of investment.
Typically, one season of anime costs between 120–200 million yen.
500 million yen could fund two full seasons.