"Why did Madam Yukinoshita (Their Mother) transfer you from the assistant position to the branch office?" Akira asked.
"My abilities were recognized by Madam Yukinoshita—"
"I want to hear the truth," Akira interrupted firmly.
"This… this is the truth." A flicker of fear appeared in Hanada Yui's eyes as she lowered her head.
"...It seems as I suspected. Madam Yukinoshita didn't transfer you solely because of your abilities. I found something interesting in your detailed information. You joined the Yukinoshita family's construction company and were promoted directly to assistant without much experience. This probably wasn't because of your strong abilities, but…"
Slowly, Akira stood close and whispered something into Hanada Yui's ear.
Her pupils shrank in shock. How could Akira know this? Even Miss Yukinoshita (Haruno) hadn't noticed. How could an outsider possibly…
"The reason I can be Yukino's boyfriend is that I've been recognized by the head of the family. He doesn't want Mrs. Yukinoshita's affairs to affect the Yukinoshita family, so he asked me to investigate discreetly," Akira continued, his voice low as he observed her reaction.
"Does...the head of the family already know?" Hanada Yui's face showed disbelief.
"He's known for a long time but never said anything aloud. After all, they're husband and wife, and he doesn't really want a divorce. If that happened, the Yukinoshita family's industry would suffer irreparable damage," Akira explained calmly.
"...So that's how it is." Hanada Yui's mind raced, connecting the dots at once.
"It seems my guess was correct," Akira added casually, as a smile appear on his face.
"Fujimiya, you…" Yui's face paled as she stared at him in disbelief. Only now did she realize that Akira probably knew nothing about the matter and was deliberately testing her—yet she had instinctively believed him.
If Madam found out… Yui shivered.
"Don't worry. I won't tell anyone. You're a key part of my plan. Nothing will happen to you," Akira said, patting her shoulder gently.
"Fujimiya-kun… how could you have guessed…" Hanada Yui's smile was tinged with bitterness.
"When I first met you, I sensed your caution. I guessed you might have gone through something similar. Later, Haruno also mentioned you had served as Madam Yukinoshita's assistant, and I connected the dots immediately," Akira explained.
"It's because of this…," Yui murmured, her expression complicated.
"If Madam Yukinoshita suspect anything, just tell her that I have some plans for you but I value your abilities more. Do you understand what I mean?" Akira reminded her.
"I… I understand," Yui said, lowering her head, hesitant to meet his gaze.
She felt that Akira and Madam Yukinoshita were on an equal level; his ability to anticipate thoughts and manipulating it to get what you want was intimidating.
.....
Leaving Hanada Yui's office,
Akira headed to Sato Yumiko's.
Yumiko Sato had already been informed that Akira was the true owner of Future Comics Publishing House.
And as soon as he arrived inside, she quickly stood and poured him a cup of hot tea.
"Ms. Sato, don't worry. There shouldn't be too many personnel changes. It's just that your workload may increase a bit," Akira reassured her.
"Fujimiya-sensei, I won't let you down," Yumiko replied, relieved.
"Hanada Yui is highly capable. The publishing house will undergo major changes, and her plan aligns with mine. So even if some adjustments are hard to accept now, know that we share the same goal—to improve the company," Akira said, picking up the teacup.
"I understand. The industry really does need to change," Yumiko agreed.
"And about my manga…"
"This was decided long ago. Non Non Biyori single volume will have five chapters," Yumiko said promptly.
Akira wasn't surprised.
They have also discussed about it with other mangaka.
Future Comics Publishing House had detailed information about each creator — Some were attractive enough to become public figures, and Yumiko planned is to initially contact five promising artists with a fixed readership and some popularity.
This strategy would ease public acceptance.
Regarding light novels, Yumiko mentioned some familiar name to Akira. As many light novel writers had started earlier and were far more numerous compars to manga artists.
Even starting from scratch, submissions could be collected in large numbers — Supplementary content could be used for testing, and when e-manga platform launched, the House will also gain a strong hold over the light novel market.
.....
Akira didn't stay long at Future Comics Publishing House.
After briefing Yumiko Sato and introducing Saki Kawasaki, he left.
On the way back to Sakurasou,
He stopped at a dessert shop and bought a cake.
Carrying it, he thought of Yuigahama Yui's birthday. He wouldn't forget—after all, it was part of the anime's plot. And Yui's email even hinted at the date.
She'd be looking forward to it, but true to her personality, she wouldn't remind him.
A small smile appeared on Akira's face. "I'll make this birthday unforgettable for you."
....
At Sakurasou,
The homework tutoring had just ended when Akira arrived.
"Hiratsuka-sensei, thank you for your hard work," he said, bowing slightly.
"What is Saki Kawasaki's new job?" Shizuka Hiratsuka asked curiously.
"She is working as the president's assistant at Future Comics so she can gain more experience and work effectively for me in the future," Akira explained casually.
"Work for you?" Shizuka frowned, her eyes narrowed.
"It was Yukino's arrangements and Kawasaki agreed to it, so there's no need to worry," Akira reassured her.
"I see… though I still feel uneasy. Since it's her choice, I won't interfere further," Hiratsuka said.
Akira nodded, understanding her concerns.
He then turn and called out to Ebina Hina and Miura Yumiko.
"Miura-san, Ebina-san, I'll walk you to the station after dinner."
"Oh. Thank you, Fujimiya-kun," Ebina Hina replied with a smile.
"Thank you," Yumiko Miura said softly, lowering her head.
"Yui, come with me," Akira said, and Yuigahama Yui followed without hesitation.
Inside the Kawasaki household,
Kyoka Kawasaki worked on her homework obediently. Even without her sister, she trusted Akira nii-chan and Hiratsuka-sensei would take care of her.
In the kitchen, Akira cut the cake equally while placed the remainder in the refrigerator.
While, Yui took the cake slices and walk outside the kitchen and started distributing them.
After a while, Yui returned with her own cake slice, then brought it near Akira face.
"I don't like eating cake," he said, slightly exasperated.
"You won't even eat it even if I feed you?" Yui asked, with a teasing smile, with the slice in her hand.
Akira looked at her grin and couldn't resist.
He ate the cake she offered. Yui beamed and was about to left the kitchen, not wanting to disturb him while he prepared dinner.
When— He suddenly grab her wrist as he slowly lick the cream that was in her hand while looking in her eyes.
"Akira!!" Yui exclaimed, in embarrassment as her face turn bright red.
.....
During dinner,
Akira spoke to Hiratsuka.
"Hiratsuka-sensei, Kawasaki has work in the afternoon. I have a proposal for dinner. Will you accept it?"
"...What kind of proposal?" she asked cautiously.
"I'll focus on my manga.While, you handle tutoring, Ebina-san and Miura-san can handle dinner," Akira suggested, smiling.
"This…" Hiratsuka hesitated.
As Akira turned to Ebina and Miura.
"Ebina-san and Miura-san have no objections, right?"
"None at all, though it feels a bit...awkward always having dinner here," Ebina Hina admitted, blinking. She had figure out what he was up to.
"We can discuss it more when I send you to the station," Akira added while glancing af Yumiko then turn to Ebina.
"Alright," Ebina agreed.
Hiratsuka sighed, knowing refusal was impossible.
"...For the sake of your manga, I will agree," she conceded.
"Thank you, Sensei. I'll sign a copy when the manga is published," Akira said.
"I hope your signature increases the value of this volume," she replied.
"You can keep it forever. It may appreciate in value over the years," Akira said.
"I will trust your abilities for now," she added.
"Thank you for your trust," he said warmly.
.....
After dinner, the three girls work together to cleaned up the table and dishes.
Akira waited ten minutes before seeing Ebina and Yumiko out.
"Yui, see you tomorrow," Ebina said softly.
"Okay, see you tomorrow," Yui smiled.
"Yui, see you tomorrow," Yumiko's voice was low.
"...You've changed a little," Yui observed.
"I…" Yumiko lowered her head.
"You've become gentler," Yui said with a smile.
Hina's smile faded as she looked at Yui and Yumiko.
"No matter what, Yumiko, you'll always be my best friend," Yui added softly.
...
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