"Is Hachiman envious of Akira-kun?"
"A little. But without him, I might have ended up completely alone. So…"
When Totsuka Saika heard Hikigaya Hachiman's words, a gentle smile spread across his face. It was a delicate, almost girl-like smile, which made Hikigaya turn his head involuntarily — not daring to look.
"Hachiman, I'm really happy to be your friend. If possible… I want to be friends with you for the rest of my life. What do you think?" Totsuka Saika blinked, his expression innocent and heartfelt.
"Me too" Hikigaya Hachiman replied without hesitation, moved by her sincerity.
.....
In the afternoon, After the school ended—
Akira had plans for the day, so Shizuka Hiratsuka was in charge of tutoring the other students.
As the four girls followed Akira toward Sakurasou.
Yuigahama Yui lagged slightly behind, reaching out her small hand.
Which, Akira naturally took it.
Looking at his side profile, Yuigahama Yui's thoughts drifted to earlier events at lunch. She couldn't resist asking, "Have you talked about work with Kawasaki-san?"
"Well, I want her to be my assistant," Akira said casually.
"What about me? Can I do something too?"
"You little idiot, don't think about work all the time. Even if you had a job, you'd be my secretary."
"I don't want to be Akira-kun's secretary," Yui protested.
"Then, You can be my little maid," he added with a teasing smile.
Yui blushed deeply and turned her head away.
Akira noticed and pressed a light kiss to the back of her hand.
"Yukino needs to prove herself and gain recognition. Kawasaki Saki wants to work and repay me. You always want to help me in one way or another, but I don't want to let you go. If even you starts working, then no one will be here to keep me company."
"Y-Yeah… sorry," Yui whispered, softly.
"It's fine. Actually, you forgot one thing—our game," Akira reminded her.
"The Madoka Magica game?" Yui was startled.
"Exactly. I'll organize the plotlines. You'll handle the characters and backgrounds, and Yukino will handle production. Once the game makes a profit, you'll have helped me," Akira said, his tone gentle.
"…I'll do my best to draw well," Yui said, looking up at him.
Akira smiled at her, saying nothing more.
In her heart, she knew she didn't have the talents of Saki Kawasaki or Yukinoshita Yukino, but her desire to help Akira was just as strong. He had already planned that once the game earned revenue, half would go to Yui, letting her share in the success.
.....
Returning to Sakurasou,
The three girls waited for Shizuka Hiratsuka in the yard, while Akira went upstairs to change clothes.
After changing when he came down, Saki Kawasaki had also changed her clothes.
"Let's go," Akira said.
"Mh," Saki nodded, following him silently.
The three girls watched them leave without asking questions.
During lunch, Saki had mentioned she would be given a job by Akira.
Yumiko Miura's eyes showed a hint of envy while seeing them both leave together, while Yui thought about the Madoka Magica game.
Ebina Hina adjusted her glasses and quietly glanced at Miura, knowing Akira would speak with her soon.
.....
Future Comic Publishing House was not too far from Sakurasou but it required about ten minutes by train.
On the way, Akira led Saki into a shopping mall.
"You'll need professional attire," he said, glancing back at her. He had thought about not mentioning about it but after seeing her dress in casual dress, he decided he can't leave it her.
"Professional clothes?" Saki looked down at her current outfit and understood what he meant.
Akira nodded, leading her into a clothing store.
"Pick out your own professional attire. Don't worry about money. Get at least three sets."
"Alright," Saki responded without hesitation as she grab tbe three dress and entered the fitting room.
Ten minutes later — she emerged in a black business suit.
Akira looked at her with satisfaction as the business suit look good on her.
Saki lowered her head, saying nothing.
After paying the price,
Akira took her to another store.
Seeing the high heels on display, Saki opened her mouth but no words came out. Akira examined the selection, consulted the clerk, and helped her choose an appropriate height. Saki exhaled quietly, relieved.
Once the purchase was complete, Akira gestured toward another nearby store.
"Ahem, next, choose something for yourself," he said.
Saki hesitated, then noticed a passing woman and the shop the woman was in, she understood his meaning.
She blushed slightly but entered the store.
Akira watched from a distance, keeping track of time.
Soon, Saki emerged, and he nodded approvingly.
She noticed his gaze, cheeks flushing lightly.
.....
After taking the train and walking a few minutes,
They arrived at the doors of Future Comics Publishing House.
From afar, Hanada Yui saw them and approached with a grateful smile.
"Fujimiya-sama," she greeted, bowing politely.
"Ms. Hanada, I underestimated you before. I've heard Miss Yukinoshita speaks very highly of you, and she's satisfied with your work," Akira said carefully.
"I'm honored by your praise. I won't let you down, nor Miss Yukinoshita," Hanada Yui replied with determination.
"I believe in your abilities. This is my future assistant, Saki Kawasaki. She will follow you temporarily. Train her to become a capable assistant," Akira introduced Saki.
"Hello, Miss Kawasaki," Yui extended her hand.
"Hello, Ms. Hanada," Saki replied, shaking it.
Neither mentioned the bar incident.
Saki had rarely interacted with Yui before, and Hanada knew about Saki but now she will have to treated her according to Akira's introduction, not with the same assumptions as before.
The three entered the publishing house—
Akira explained Saki's assignments, working hours, and responsibilities. Yui assured him there was be no problem, as she had already arranged for her own assistant.
While, Saki's beauty and demeanor and the fact that Akira is taking care of it, made Hanada cautious as to not underestimate her.
After that, Akira also discussed about Sato Yumiko, and Yui, already aware of his role as a manga creator, had no surprise.
She had observed his videos and about the managing of official operation.
She also knew that Akira was the actual owner of the publishing house, and Yukinoshita Haruno had advised her to seize opportunities wisely.
Her respect for both Akira and Haruno ensured she followed his directives faithfully.
The president's office was just above the editorial floor.
Akira and Saki followed Yui upstairs.
As they got inside the office—Yui's assistant, an experienced young woman, greeted Saki warmly once she understood her temporary role.
Akira instructed Saki to familiarize herseld with the publishing house while he reviewed the documents Yui had prepared.
.....
Yui's plans were meticulous: launch an e-comics/ e-manga platform, increase prize money for newcomer awards, create a website where light novels and four-panel manga could be submitted, test reader responses with supplements, and actively promote web versions.
She had clearly read, analyse, organized, and summarized Akira's documents.
"I am considering profit-sharing plans for e-comics and other projects, but we can't launch everything simultaneously," Hanada Yui said cautiously, observing Akira's reaction.
"I trust your judgment. My documents are only references. You don't have to follow them entirely," he replied calmly.
"Understood," Yui breathed a sigh of relief.
"The variety show and official account operations will be left to Sato Yumiko," Akira continued.
"I agree. After reading your documents, I know where my focus should lie—on the larger platform rather than the publishing house itself," Yui nodded.
"What do you think of Yukinoshita Haruno? The Yukinoshita family? And Mrs. Yukinoshita?" Akira asked, curious.
Yui paused, thinking carefully. She knew Akira's girlfriend was Yukinoshita Yukino.
"In my eyes, my girlfriend and the Yukinoshita family are not the same," Akira clarified lightly. As if guessing her thought.
"Ms. Yukinoshita Yukino is exceptional, very different from Miss. Yukinoshita Haruno. She's kind but independent. But within the family, the head and Madam Yukinoshita (Their Mother) are distant. Madam Yukinoshita wants to control everything. She is strong and resourceful," Yui answered carefully.
Akira listened silently. Her impressions aligned with his, though he sought insights beyond these details.
...
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