Hayama seeing him not replying continue,
"When I went to that school, my father told me to become friends with Yukinoshita-san. Back then, Yukinoshita-san was actually pretty much the same as she is now. I barely exchanged a single word with her, and…"
"...So that's how it is." Akira Fujimiya nodded in understanding.
At that time, Hayato Hayama probably already liked Yukinoshita Haruno.
"My father also said that if you help a girl when she needs it the most, she'll be grateful to you. He asked me to help Yukinoshita-san. I didn't realize what my father meant at the time, but I asked Yukinoshita for help. And then…"
"And then, Yukino saw through it?" Akira's expression turned a bit strange.
Hayama nodded awkwardly. He still remembered that day clearly.
Yukinoshita Yukino had simply said, "Don't come near me," and walked away.
While, Hayama had stood there for a long time after that.
"Yukino from the past really hasn't changed much from how she is now," Akira said with a faint smile.
"Because of that time, I always felt sorry toward Yukinoshita-san. So I never dared to get close to her again," Hayama said, glancing toward the school building.
"Perhaps everything is fated," Akira replied, now having a full understanding of Hayama and Yukino's past.
Hayama nodded, "It's probably fate that Yukinoshita-san met you, Fujimiya-kun. Perhaps only you can make her happy," Hayama said sincerely.
Akira smiled and said nothing more.
Leaving the tennis court, he made his way toward the student council room.
There were only Isshiki Iroha and Meguri Shiromeguri inside the room.
Yuigahama Yui and the others had gone to Hiratsuka-sensei's free tutoring session.
Kawasaki Keika had been picked up by Tsurumi Saori and was probably doing homework now.
With Tsurumi Rumi around in Sakurasou, Akira wasn't worried about Keika's situation.
By the way, the game featured by Yuigahama Yui and the others had already entered its production stage.
Yukinoshita Yukino had coordinated with the game company's studio. For them, this kind of project wasn't too difficult.
Akira also had a concept in mind for the game plan — all that was left was to wait for Hanada Yui to return and take charge of development.
The "Gacha" games he was familiar with had strong market potential both in this world and in the other.
The production cycle would depend on the human and financial resources invested.
Akira planned to have the artist from Flash Animation serve as the original illustrator for the game. If possible, it could even lead to mutual collaboration.
As he thought about game design, his mind drifted into planning mode.
The company's original games had already sold well once, but despite retaining the copyrights, they couldn't just reuse them.
Right now, the company was adding equipment and preparing for new projects.
Akira was deep in his thought when—
"Senpai? Akira-senpai?" Isshiki Iroha's voice pulled him back to reality.
Akira blinked, coming out of his thoughts. "Hmm?"
"We're leaving, Senpai. Are you staying?" Iroha tilted her head, as she looked at him.
"Ah, sorry. I was just thinking about a date… Let's go." Akira casually extended his hand toward her.
"Date? Senpai, are you serious?" Iroha asked in surprise.
"Shiromeguri-senpai, do you want to join? I don't mind." Akira looked at Meguri Shiromeguri.
"I… I don't plan to fall in love," Meguri muttered softly, her cheeks slightly red.
"Too bad, I'll have to ask you again after you go to university then" Akira said with mock regret.
Meguri's face turned even redder as she lowered her head.
Although she knew Akira was joking, she still couldn't hide her shyness.
"Senpai, I want to go to your house to sing! I heard you have karaoke equipment there," Iroha said excitedly.
...
To be honest, Akira was a little surprised that Isshiki Iroha wanted to visit his house.
After a moment's thought, he understood.
She probably thought that Yuigahama Yui and the others were there too, so it wouldn't be awkward.
The problem was… Yuigahama Yui and the others were currently at Hiratsuka-sensei's class.
"Are you really going to my place?" Akira asked to confirm.
"What's wrong? Arfraid that Yui-senpai will misunderstand?" Iroha teased with a grin.
"Alright, let's go," Akira said, not bothering to argue.
He walked out of the student council room, with Iroha following behind.
Meguri Shiromeguri watched the two of them leave, her mind filled with all kinds of images. Her cheeks turned faintly red.
.....
On the way, Iroha stopped by a convenience store and bought some snacks and drinks.
Akira helped her carry the bags.
"You're so nice, Senpai," Iroha giggled.
"Just one word?" Akira looked at her teasingly.
"Senpai, don't get the wrong idea. I'm going to your house not because I have feelings for you. I just wanted to sing! You're a good person, but we're not compatible, so—"
"How long have you been preparing that line?" Akira interrupted with a smirk.
"Senpai, you're so mean. I wasn't even finished!" Iroha pouted.
"Don't worry, I won't misunderstand. You're just a cute kouhai who happens to have a good impression of me. I'm very confident in my charm."
After saying that, Akira reached out and lightly took her hand.
Iroha's face instantly turned red as she looked away.
"Senpai, you really…"
"Thanks for the compliment. I know I'm handsome."
"What a shameless Senpai. You already have a girlfriend, yet you're holding my hand…"
"Aren't we friends?"
"Where do you find friends like that?"
"Well, one of my friends started like that — holding hands, then hugging, and then kissing."
Iroha rolled her eyes. "There's no way that's true."
Akira only smiled.
...
Back at Sakurasou.
Akira let go of Iroha's small hand.
Tsurumi Rumi noticed them entering but said nothing.
Kawasaki Keika smiled slightly at Akira, then curiously looked at Iroha.
Iroha smiled warmly at the two girls — she looked genuinely adorable in that moment.
Then, she followed Akira upstairs.
When they reached his room, and Akira unlocked the door to change his shoes, Iroha suddenly felt something was off.
"Senpai… where are Yui-senpai and the others?" she asked cautiously.
"They're at Hiratsuka-sensei's class. They'll be back in about two hours." Akira checked the time.
"I–I think I should go home…" Iroha said weakly.
"Too late to back out now, Kouhai." Akira smiled.
Seeing the closed door behind her, Iroha hesitated before quietly continuing to change her shoes.
Akira deliberately watched her, which only made her blush even more.
After changing, they went to the living room.
Akira turned on the karaoke system, brought out some fruit and drinks, and set them in front of Iroha.
She looked at the snacks, then at Akira suspiciously.
"Which one do you want me to test for poison first?" Akira asked playfully as he sat beside her.
"No need, Senpai… I trust you," Iroha said shyly, taking a bite of fruit.
"Which song do you want to sing first? I can help you pick one."
"I'll choose it myself! Don't underestimate me — I'm a karaoke regular! I even go alone sometimes," Iroha said proudly.
"Oh? Then let's hear it," Akira smiled.
She scrolled through the list and picked a popular pop song.
The singer was a young girl, around Iroha's age.
As the intro began, Iroha straightened up, watching the screen with focus.
Then, she started to sing.
Akira was genuinely impressed.
Not only was her voice beautiful, but she also sang with emotion and rhythm that perfectly matched the original.
When the song ended, she looked at him with a bright, expectant smile.
Akira clapped. "You sing really well. Interested in becoming an idol?" As he offer.
"Senpai, could you really make me one?" Iroha asked half-jokingly.
"Of course," Akira said with a serious tone.
Her eyes widened slightly. "You're joking, right?"
"The way you sing… it feels like you imagine yourself as the singer, right?" Akira guessed.
Iroha smiled. "You're amazing, Senpai. That's exactly it."
She sang a few more songs after that, each time showing surprising skill and confidence.
When she finally grew tired, Akira picked up the microphone himself.
He selected a familiar song and began to sing.
Iroha was munching on fruit, but as soon as she heard his voice, her eyes went wide.
When the song ended, she looked at him with mock resentment.
"Senpai, I thought you couldn't sing…"
"My singing's average," Akira said modestly.
"If that's average, then I must be terrible!"
"Don't be discouraged. You still have time to surpass me."
"Then please sing a few more songs. I want to record them!"
Akira chuckled. "No problem. I'll grant your request."
...
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Bonus Chapter:-
4 Bonus chapter at 100 powerstone
6 Bonus Chapter at 150 powerstone
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Word Count — 1,473