Tennis Court
Su Yu and Totsuka Saika were in the middle of a match.
Totsuka was considered the ace of the tennis club, with the skill level to compete in major tournaments.
But being qualified to compete and actually placing were two entirely different things.
For Su Yu, winning the high school tennis championship was effortless.
Ordinary high school players were no match for him, and even prodigies couldn't escape his keen observation.
With his enhanced memory, Su Yu could analyze an opponent's weaknesses in real-time—
Even the tiniest movements didn't escape his notice.
Combined with his enhanced physique, Su Yu's athleticism was approaching that of a professional athlete.
The gap between him and Totsuka would only continue to widen.
Su Yu still had energy to spare—
He could even take on Hikigaya Hachiman next, but he chose not to.
Instead, he walked over to Totsuka Saika.
"If you want to place high in competitions, bring me some professional match recordings.
I'll analyze them and train you like a pro player."
"Su Yu-kun, thank you!"
Totsuka's face lit up with excitement.
He had no doubts about Su Yu's abilities.
In just one month, Su Yu had surpassed him, someone who had trained for years.
Calling him a tennis prodigy wouldn't be an exaggeration.
"No need to thank me.
We're friends."
Su Yu smiled and walked toward the sidelines.
Totsuka watched him go, feeling warm inside.
Hikigaya Hachiman approached Totsuka.
"Go take a break.
That guy wouldn't say something like that if he wasn't serious.
You'll definitely get stronger."
"Yeah. Thanks, Hachiman."
Totsuka's smile was radiant.
Su Yu could make him stronger.
But Hikigaya was the one always by his side.
He was grateful for them both.
Seeing Totsuka's smile, Hikigaya felt something stir in his chest.
"I need to protect this smile."
On the other side of the court, Hayama Hayato stood opposite Hikigaya, watching the two.
Their relationship seemed… strangely close.
Were they really just good friends?
Or was it…
Hayama's expression grew complicated.
As soon as Su Yu sat down, Iroha Isshiki handed him a drink.
"Senpai…"
"Thanks."
Su Yu took it without hesitation, opening the can and taking a sip.
Seeing him drink from it, Iroha inched closer.
This was a new tactic she had learned—
A way to make Senpai notice her.
Or maybe… make him misunderstand, and then…
Just as she was thinking this—
Su Yu suddenly glanced at her—
And wrapped an arm around her waist.
"Eh—?!"
Iroha's brain short-circuited.
A few seconds later—
"Se… Senpai… Your hand…?"
Her face turned red.
"My hand has a mind of its own," Su Yu replied, watching the ongoing match.
"..."
Iroha.
What the hell did that mean?
Was Senpai's hand some kind of monster?
She wanted to pull away—
But she hesitated.
If she moved, it would feel like admitting defeat.
After a moment, she decided to lean in closer instead.
This time, she caught a scent—
It wasn't sweat—
But a pleasant fragrance.
"Senpai… are you wearing cologne?"
Iroha asked softly.
"Hmm?"
Su Yu turned to look at her.
Their faces were now inches apart.
Iroha could feel his breath.
From his angle, Totsuka saw their closeness and looked shocked.
Were they… kissing?
From his perspective, it certainly looked like it.
In reality, there was still about a palm's distance between them.
Iroha's heart raced—
No, it wasn't racing—
It was galloping wildly.
Like a deer sprinting through a forest.
She instinctively looked away.
"You lost again," Su Yu whispered in her ear.
Then, he let go, stood up, and walked away.
Iroha slowly lifted her head, her face burning red, watching his retreating figure.
"Next time… I won't lose again, Senpai."
Su Yu didn't return to Sakura Dormitory.
Instead, he got into Yukino's car, where the driver was waiting.
As he got in—
"Take me to Flare Animation," he said.
The driver nodded without question and started the car.
As they passed a bank, Su Yu told her to stop.
The driver watched as he entered the bank, keeping her eyes on the entrance.
When he came out empty-handed, she looked puzzled.
Back in the car, Su Yu took out a bank card and handed it to her.
"There's one million yen in here.
Deduct the expenses, keep 100,000 yen for yourself.
I'll be needing your help again."
"Su Yu-sama, this is… too much…"
The driver looked uncertain.
"Take it. You've earned it.
Originally, I was going to replace you.
But since Yukino said you weren't necessary to change, you got to stay."
Su Yu's gaze was calm.
"Madam Yukinoshita asked me about certain things before…
I didn't tell her everything.
I know how difficult it is for Miss Yukino.
Meeting you must have been a blessing for her."
The driver lowered her head.
"You'll learn in time what to say and what not to say."
Su Yu didn't say more.
"Understood, Su Yu-sama."
The driver quietly accepted the card, started the car, and drove toward Flare Animation.
Upon arrival, Su Yu immediately saw Hanada Yui and Sata Kana.
The two women quickly approached him.
Su Yu wasn't here for casual visits—
He was here for Future Animation.
The company's office space and staff had already been finalized.
"Where is it located?"
Su Yu asked.
"To make management easier, we rented a small office building," Sata Kana pointed toward the distance.
"Take me there."
Su Yu eyed the location—estimating it was within 500 meters.
But the actual path was likely longer due to roads and buildings.
Sata Kana drove, with Hanada Yui in the passenger seat.
Su Yu sat in the back.
Within ten minutes, they arrived.
Su Yu got out, nodding in approval.
Future Animation was still small, and renting a full-sized office building would have been unnecessary.
"This place looks good."
"Su Yu-sama, please follow me."
Sata Kana led the way inside.
As soon as Su Yu stepped in, he noticed an issue.
There were no security guards.
"Sata-san, even though Future Animation is still new, it needs proper security.
Arrange for a security team by tomorrow."
"Understood!"
Sata Kana nodded immediately.