The car drove away from the Yukinoshita family's villa.
Su Yu glanced at Haruno, who was in the driver's seat.
"I gave up the USB drive—that was your final test, wasn't it?"
"I trusted that Su Yu-kun would let it go."
Haruno smiled confidently.
"Thanks for trusting me so much. I hope there won't be any more tests in the future."
"From now on, the only test will be how much you truly like me." Haruno's tone carried hidden meaning.
"You still have something else planned, don't you?" Su Yu was silent for a moment before speaking.
"As expected, I can't fool Su Yu-kun." Haruno chuckled.
"That young lady, right?" Su Yu guessed.
"Correct answer." Haruno smiled again.
She looked at the road ahead, recalling the phone call from the previous day.
She had used that young lady's kindness.
But this plan benefited both her and Mother.
That young lady would have company, and Mother could finally step away from the family business and rest.
In Front of a Seaside Inn
Haruno parked the car.
A young woman in a kimono greeted them with a respectful bow.
"Your room is ready."
"This inn belongs to me," Haruno explained to Su Yu. "The rooms have a beautiful ocean view. I come here to relax from time to time."
"Not bad."
Su Yu took a moment to appreciate the traditional Japanese-style inn.
It had an old-world charm, a timeless feel.
The kimono-clad woman led them inside.
The wooden floors were spotless. The place was small but had a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
"This was once a family residence. I bought it and converted it into my ideal inn. It's never been profitable, but I love it here," Haruno explained as they ascended the stairs.
"The original plan was to tear it down and build a modern hotel, wasn't it?" Su Yu asked, glancing at the floorboards.
"This inn holds a lot of my memories. I was planning to demolish it, but Miss Haruno thought that would be a waste, so she preserved it instead," the kimono-clad woman said softly.
"What a kind young lady," Su Yu glanced sideways at Haruno.
Haruno rolled her eyes at him.
Somehow, his compliment felt like sarcasm.
Soon, they arrived at their room.
The kimono-clad womanslid open the door.
Inside, the room was clean and tidy.
Through the window, the ocean stretched out before them.
The sandy beach was visible in the distance, with people strolling along the shore.
"Bring a bottle of red wine. No need to prepare any food," Haruno instructed as she stepped inside, gazing at the view.
"Understood." The woman bowed and left.
Su Yu stood by the window, looking at the beach.
"You're not checking out the girls in swimsuits, are you?" Haruno teased.
"Yeah," Su Yu nodded honestly.
"Want me to wear one for you? There's a swimsuit shop not far from here," Haruno said playfully, wrapping her arms around Su Yu's.
"If possible, I'd prefer it at a hot spring inn—just the two of us," Su Yu said, feeling pressure from Haruno's presence.
"I know a good hot spring inn. We could go there right now if you want," Haruno leaned on his shoulder.
"Let's save it for another time." Su Yu shook his head.
Hearing this, Haruno stepped in front of him.
Su Yu looked at the woman blocking his path.
She stood on her tiptoes, moving closer.
Su Yu didn't back away.
Haruno closed her eyes, inching even closer.
Su Yu wrapped his arm around her waist—
And kissed her.
The kimono-clad woman returned, carrying a tray with red wine.
Seeing the two locked in an embrace, she silently set the tray down on the low table—
And quietly closed the door behind her.
The click of the door brought Su Yu back to reality.
Haruno's cheeks were flushed red.
"Su Yu-kun… that was my first kiss."
"I could tell—you're not very skilled."
Su Yu sat down at the low table, pouring himself a drink.
Haruno picked up her own glass, took a sip, then—
Pressed her lips against his again.
Su Yu tasted the wine, along with something sweet.
"I'm feeding you wine," Haruno whispered, settling onto his lap, wine glass in hand.
"You spilled it on my clothes." Su Yu glanced at the stain.
"The inn has yukatas," Haruno smiled mischievously.
"Is that so? Then I won't hold back."
Su Yu grabbed her hand and took another sip of wine.
Haruno froze for a second—
Then kissed him again.
Lunchtime
Wearing fresh yukatas, Haruno and Su Yu enjoyed lunch together.
The bottle of red wine had long been emptied.
Su Yu had also tried out the inn's bath.
By the way—Haruno knew a lot.
As she ate, Haruno watched Su Yu with a soft gaze.
Recalling what had just happened, a smile played at her lips.
Su Yu hadn't rejected her.
That was a good sign.
Even though things hadn't gone all the way, their relationship had undeniably reached the level of lovers.
After lunch, the kimono-clad woman brought fresh clothes and cleared their dishes.
That was when Su Yu finally felt the alcohol hit him.
He laid out the futon and lay down.
Seeing this, Haruno crawled under the covers too.
Su Yu glanced at the Yukinoshita heiress beside him—
Then pulled her into his arms.
"Su Yu-kun, can we stay like this forever?" Haruno's voice was soft, muffled beneath the covers.
"Just for today."
Even drunk, Su Yu's mind remained clear.
"Then what about after today?"
"I won't put Yukino in a difficult position again."
"Can I see you once a week? Or whenever you're free?"
"You gave me a key, didn't you?"
"I'm afraid you won't come to me. Compared to the other girls, I have no advantage."
"Your status is your biggest advantage."
Hearing this, Haruno lifted her head, smiling brightly.
Su Yu realized she had misunderstood.
"I meant—your status as my business partner."
"I thought you meant because of Yukino and me…"
"You're not wrong."
"Su Yu-kun, want me to help you?"
"Do you want Yukino to kill me?"
"Don't worry, I'll protect you."
As they chatted, drowsiness overtook them both.
Evening—6:00 PM
Su Yu woke up.
He checked his phone.
It was already 6 PM.
Haruno was still nestled in his arms, sound asleep.
Suddenly—
Ring, ring.
Haruno's phone vibrated.
The caller ID displayed—
Mrs. Yukinoshita.
Su Yu hesitated—then answered.
"Come to the company tomorrow," Mrs. Yukinoshita's voice came through.
"I will transfer all of the Yukinoshita family's businesses to Haruno.
After that—I am going to Tokyo."
"I understand. I'll tell her."
Su Yu looked at the sleeping Haruno in his arms.
"…Where are you two right now?" Mrs. Yukinoshita asked.
"A seaside inn."
Notes-You can read advanced chapters in patreon.com/Shadow_D_X, i have finished translating the whole story