The Yukinoshita family originally started as a construction company.
It was only in recent years that they began expanding into other industries.
The driving force behind this expansion was Yukinoshita Haruno.
As the eldest daughter of the Yukinoshita family, she was destined to take over her mother's position in the future. The investments currently being made were all stepping stones for her.
Everything she invested in was from industries that had shown stability and continuous growth over the past few decades.
Manga publishing, Shining Animation—these were just a small fraction of her investments.
And as a construction company, the Yukinoshita family owned an abundance of land.
So...
It didn't take long for Haruno to find the perfect place for Su Yu to spend a fun summer vacation.
Leaving Yukinoshita Yukino's Apartment
Su Yu and Yuigahama Yui headed to the train station.
Inside the train, Su Yu gazed at the nighttime scenery outside the window.
After a long silence, he looked toward the girl beside him.
Yui was resting her head on his shoulder.
She must have sensed that Su Yu was deep in thought, because ever since they boarded the train, she had been completely silent.
"Did you have fun today?" Su Yu asked.
"Today was the happiest day I've had in a long time. I think the last time I was this happy was in middle school," Yui said softly.
"As long as you're happy."
"Su Yu-kun, about Shining Animation..."
"Miss Yukinoshita is willing to help. But if I accept her help, I'll have to meet Lady Yukinoshita," Su Yu sighed.
"Is she that scary?" Yui asked, tilting her head.
"Yui, it's not about being scared. If I meet her and she decides to approve of me, I might end up as Yukino's fiancé," Su Yu said seriously.
"T-That's… not a bad thing, is it?" Yui was momentarily stunned.
Su Yu shook his head and gently held Yui's warm, soft hand.
"I want to earn that approval through my own efforts."
"I think… this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for you, Su Yu-kun. I don't know much about these things, but I do know that Yukino's family is really powerful," Yui said in a gentle tone.
"Yui, this would mean…"
"I might feel a little sad, but I know that Su Yu-kun would never push me away." Yui smiled sweetly.
"You little dummy… you're not dumb at all."
"I'd rather pretend to be a dummy and act like I don't understand. You're too honest, Su Yu-kun. You didn't have to tell me this." Yui pouted.
Hearing that, Su Yu pulled her into a tight hug.
"I don't want to hide things from you. If I lied, I wouldn't feel good about it either. Yui, I promise—I'll find a way to make both of you happy."
"Su Yu-kun, that was such a terrible way to say it… but for some reason, it still makes me happy. I believe in you."
Yui snuggled into Su Yu's embrace, resting her head against his chest.
A few minutes later…
An idea popped into Yui's head.
So…
She lifted her head, leaned in, and whispered something into Su Yu's ear.
Su Yu listened, then froze in shock.
…
From a certain perspective, that solution actually seemed… somewhat plausible?
The Drunk Sleeping Beauty
After dropping Yui off at her house, Su Yu returned to Sakura Dormitory—only to find Hiratsuka Shizuka asleep in the courtyard.
Empty beer cans were scattered around her.
It looked like she had been drinking for a long time.
"…Shizuka-sensei?" Su Yu called out.
No response.
She was completely out.
With no other choice, Su Yu carried her back to her room.
Just like last time, all he did was cover her with a blanket.
After closing her door and cleaning up the empty cans, Su Yu finally went upstairs to his own room.
He took a long bath for about half an hour before heading to his desk.
Instead of sleeping right away, he continued working on Yuru Camp's artwork.
It wasn't until he felt drowsy that he finally went to bed.
The Next Morning
Su Yu woke up feeling well-rested.
He checked his Memory Enhancement ability—still no changes.
After freshening up, he made breakfast, ate, then changed into his school uniform.
With his commuter bag slung over his shoulder, he headed downstairs.
Hiratsuka Shizuka's room was still closed.
She was probably still sleeping off the alcohol.
As Su Yu opened the dormitory door to leave, he spotted a luxury car parked not far away.
The moment the person inside saw Su Yu, they stepped out of the car.
A middle-aged man approached.
Su Yu stopped at the doorway and waited.
"Good morning. I am the butler of the Hiratsuka family."
The man bowed politely.
Su Yu wasn't surprised in the slightest.
"…What can I do for you?"
"Miss Shizuka is at marriageable age, yet she has no suitable partner. Even though Miss Yukinoshita Haruno has been introducing candidates, the master of the house remains deeply concerned about her future…"
"You're here to ask me to convince Shizuka-sensei to go home and get married?"
Su Yu cut him off.
The butler smiled and nodded.
"Sorry, but you've got the wrong person. I don't have the ability to convince Shizuka-sensei, nor would I try to. This is her life, not something for others to decide. I believe her father also wants her to find someone who truly loves her," Su Yu said calmly.
The butler froze in place, momentarily speechless.
Without another word, Su Yu turned and headed toward Sōbu High.
As he walked away, the butler let out a long sigh and prepared to leave.
"Good morning, Tamura-san."
A voice called out.
The butler turned toward the slowly opening door.
Hiratsuka Shizuka stepped out, dressed in her signature trench coat.
"Miss Shizuka…"
"Don't bother that kid again."
"Go back and tell my father—I've made my decision.
Once Yukino graduates, I'm leaving Sōbu High.
I'm going on a journey to find someone I love, and I'll bring him back to meet my father."
Her voice was calm yet resolute.
"…I… I understand."
The butler looked utterly shocked.
He knew that last night's argument had finally pushed her to a decision.
"Tamura-san," Shizuka continued, her eyes slightly complicated.
"I probably… won't be coming home anymore. Please take care of my father."
"Miss Shizuka, the master only wants what's best for you—"
"I know. I understand."
"There's nothing more to explain."
Shizuka shook her head.
The butler remained silent, then bowed deeply before walking toward the car.
Shizuka watched the vehicle drive away, her gaze slowly shifting toward Sōbu High.
Yesterday, she had gone home—bringing along a bottle of Haruno's red wine.
But her father was as strict as ever.
His words were harsh.
He even told her that if she refused to marry, she might as well never come home again.
She couldn't hold back. They argued—again.
And in the end, after recalling her mother's dying wish, she lowered her head and left.
That was why she had spent the afternoon drinking in the dormitory courtyard.
And now, after hearing Su Yu's words…
And after Tamura came looking for her again this morning…
She knew.
It was time to make a choice.