When Su Yu returned home, Yumiko Miura and Hina Ebina were busy preparing dinner in the kitchen.
Meanwhile, Yui Yuigahama was diligently reading.
"Thanks for your help," Su Yu said to the two girls in the kitchen.
"It's no trouble at all. This is our way of thanking you, Su Yu-kun. You tutor us, so we should do something in return. As they say in your hometown—'A drop of kindness…'"
"'…should be repaid with an entire lifetime of devotion.'"
Su Yu glanced at Ebina.
"Huh? A lifetime of devotion?"
Yui looked up from her book in surprise.
"Su Yu-kun, only Yui would actually believe something like that. As for me and Yumiko… Well, at least I don't believe it."
Ebina smirked and glanced at Yumiko.
Her friend's face was already turning red.
Seeing Yumiko's embarrassment, Su Yu didn't tease her further. He grabbed some clothes from his room and headed to the bathroom.
As the door closed, Ebina turned toward Yui.
"Yui, aren't you going to help him?"
"Help him? Hina…"
Yui froze for a moment, then her face turned bright red.
Yumiko stayed silent, quietly continuing to cook.
Ebina studied her for a moment.
It was clear—Yumiko wasn't going to change her feelings for Su Yu anytime soon.
In fact, watching from the sidelines seemed to make her even more envious of Yui.
There was no doubt about it—Yumiko Miura had a crush on Su Yu.
Ebina recalled their visit to the Chinese restaurant, along with the Chinese textbooks Yumiko had bought, and sighed inwardly.
I just hope Su Yu's plan can lead them all to happiness…
After Dinner
Su Yu and Yui left home together.
After escorting Yumiko and Ebina to the train station, they didn't head straight back. Instead, they walked toward a nearby shopping mall.
Su Yu hadn't forgotten about buying Yui some clothes.
Yui brought her own wallet, insisting on paying for everything except for one pajama set.
If she could, she wouldn't have spent any of Su Yu's money at all.
First, because she knew Su Yu needed a lot of money.
Second, because spending his money made her feel useless—like some kind of decorative doll.
On the way home, she finally spoke up.
"Su Yu-kun, I want to get a part-time job on weekends."
"You're giving up cooking practice?"
Su Yu glanced at her.
"But…"
"You're only learning to cook for my sake. By that logic, I should be paying you a salary."
Su Yu interrupted.
"I don't want Su Yu-kun's money."
Yui shook her head.
"Then don't reject the things I buy for you."
Su Yu spoke seriously.
Yui opened her mouth but hesitated.
Seeing this, Su Yu wrapped an arm around her waist.
"Think of it as part of your employment contract. Any clothes I buy—whether it's a maid outfit or anything else—you have to wear them for me."
"Su Yu-kun…"
Understanding his meaning, Yui's face burned.
"Whether you become a housewife in the future or pursue another path, you'll still stay with me. Since that's the case, is there really a reason to be conflicted? You've already entrusted your future to me—so why shouldn't I spend money on you?"
Su Yu continued.
"I… I don't want to be just a pretty face…"
Yui's voice held a trace of sadness.
"Even pretty faces have value. But to me, you're priceless."
"I want to do something to help you… to earn money for you…"
Hearing this, Su Yu couldn't help but chuckle.
Yui pouted.
"I wasn't laughing at you. It's just… you're really cute. If it were Yukino, she'd never say something like that. But you—this little idiot—said it so seriously… I just find it adorable."
"I know I'm not smart, but I'll work hard…"
"Then work hard at cooking. At the very least, you should learn how to make miso soup and some simple breakfast and lunch dishes."
Su Yu smiled.
"Why not dinner?"
Yui tilted her head.
Su Yu leaned in and whispered in her ear.
Her entire face turned scarlet.
The Next Morning
As usual, Su Yu woke up early.
On his way downstairs, he ran into Shizuka Hiratsuka.
Without much conversation, the two of them jogged toward the park.
Once there, Shizuka bought two drinks and handed one to Su Yu.
"Thanks."
Su Yu accepted it without hesitation.
"When you guys graduate, I'm planning to travel to another city. I have some friends there."
"They're in a similar situation as me. Every year, when they go home for the holidays, their parents set them up on blind dates. It sounds terrifying."
"Do you have any recommendations for places to visit? I want to include them in my travel plans."
Shizuka sat beside him and started talking.
"I don't really have any recommendations. It's just as unfamiliar to me as it is to you."
Su Yu shook his head.
"I see… Well, I'll send Yukino some photos from my travels. You can look at them too. And when I return, maybe—"
"Shizuka-sensei, running away isn't a solution."
Su Yu interrupted her.
"I'm not running away. This trip is about finding someone to marry."
Shizuka frowned.
"How long do you plan to search? And what kind of partner are you looking for?"
Su Yu asked.
"Well…"
Shizuka hesitated.
Truthfully, her plan was vague at best.
She had no real expectations for a future husband.
More than anything, she just wanted to see her friends, visit new places, and enjoy good food.
Seeing her evasive expression, Su Yu knew he had hit the mark.
She was easy to read.
Someone her age, still unmarried—did she really think she'd just stumble upon the right person on a trip?
That wasn't realistic.
If she were serious about marriage, plenty of excellent men would be lining up to date her.
Yet she remained single.
Clearly, she wasn't actually interested in marriage.
It was probably just about fulfilling her mother's dying wish.
"Shizuka-sensei, you still have over a year left. There's always a solution."
Su Yu said calmly.
"Oh? What kind of solution?"
Shizuka looked at him.
"…Not sure yet. But let's consider this an official Service Club request. I'll think of something. As for the reward…"
"If you really solve my problem, I'll give you ten million yen."
"I don't want your money. Instead, if possible… I'd like you to be the teacher for my and Yukino's—or Yui's—future children."
"…Alright. I accept."