Inside the shop—
Yukinoshita Yukino walked toward Akira Fujimiya.
She came to him and sat down.
Yuigahama Yui and the others glance at each other before taking there seat opposite to Akira.
"Yukinoshita-senpai, I'm sorry. I made an appointment with Fujimiya-kun without your permission. Isshiki Iroha's voice was very soft as she looked nervously at Yukinoshita Yukino.
"You don't have to apologize to me. It's your freedom," Yukinoshita Yukino said calmly. "If you chose him, then it's inevitable that you'll face situations like this in the future."
Isshiki Iroha froze for a few seconds, not knowing what to say.
She had never even considered the kind of situation Yukinoshita-senpai described.
"Yukino…"
Akira looked at Yukinoshita Yukino beside him and quietly reached out his hand.
Under the table, Yukinoshita Yukino's shoe stepped on his foot as his hand touch her's.
Miss Yukinoshita didn't reply, but her action made her feelings clear — she was jealous.
Akira didn't flinch.
He simply took her hand in his, as if he didn't feel any pain at all.
Yukinoshita Yukino looked at his calm face.
Then, slowly, she lifted her foot off his.
Although she was jealous, she didn't want to go too far.
After all, she understood Akira well enough to know that he could be terrible when provoked.
A little jealousy was fine, but crossing the line would be bad.
"What dessert would you like?" Akira asked, softly relief as the pain lessen.
"Please help me order," Yukinoshita Yukino said softly after glancing over the menu.
"Okay."
Akira smiled faintly, called the waiter, and ordered desserts for Yukinoshita and the others.
Then he turned toward Isshiki Iroha.
"I'm sorry, Kouhai. Let's talk about your treat next time."
"O-okay…" Isshiki Iroha nodded awkwardly.
After she finished speaking, she glanced at Yukinoshita Yukino.
But Yukinoshita Yukino didn't seem to care at all.
This surprised Isshiki Iroha.
Yukinoshita-senpai… how could she tolerate something like this?
And that line she said just now — she didn't seem to mind if I was with Akira senpai or not?
….
Ten minutes later.
Isshiki Iroha had joined Yuigahama Yui and the others, discussing desserts.
She seemed to know far more dessert shops than Yui and the others — even those in Tokyo. She clearly had more experience than she let on.
Meanwhile, Akira whispered something to Yukinoshita Yukino about Hiratsuka Shizuka.
When Yukinoshita Yukino heard his words, she frowned slightly.
She wasn't sure what had happened, but if anyone knew more about Hiratsuka-sensei's family, it would be her older sister.
However, there was no rush to ask her now.
They could wait until Hiratsuka-sensei came back — then they'd know about it quickly.
"By the way, when do you plan to officially launch our game?" Yukinoshita Yukino asked softly.
"...We'll start the promotion first," Akira said after thinking for a moment. "We'll upload a video on the website, open pre-registration, and call it Madoka Magica Extra. The best time to release it, would be September."
"When Puella Magi Madoka Magica airs, players will probably come looking for a game like ours to heal themselves." Yukinoshita Yukino smiled faintly at the thought.
"Yukino, you seem very happy," Akira teased, watching her expression.
Yukinoshita Yukino rolled her eyes at him.
Akira chuckled, scooped up a spoonful of dessert, and held it to her lips.
Yukino stare at it for 3 second before opening her mouth and eating it.
'It is good' She commented inwardly as she feel the dessert melting inside.
Seeing this, Akira continued feeding her dessert with quiet focus.
Across the table, Yuigahama Yui saw how gentle Akira was with Yukinoshita and knew that she wasn't angry anymore.
She let out a small sigh of relief.
Miura Yumiko's face, however, was full of envy.
While, Ebina Hina and Isshiki Iroha were still chatting away, not noticing or ignoring their interaction.
.....
Hiratsuka Household—
When Hiratsuka Shizuka heard her father's words, a look of surprise appeared on her face.
"You choose," Hiratsuka Nohara said lightly. "Either adopt her, or continue going on blind dates."
"I…" Hiratsuka Shizuka's expression was complicated.
The situation—
Her father's sister had been away from home for decades.
They were searching for her for years with no gain when suddenly, a woman came with a letter, asking the Hiratsuka family for help for the sick girl.
Hiratsuka Nohara, her father had read the letter himself and confirmed that it was indeed his sister's handwriting, and the woman also had a family token as proof.
So he decided to help.
After learning about the situation, that his sister is unable to take care of the girl and wish for help, he proposed a condition — the Hiratsuka family would take in the sick girl without changing her surname, and she would even inherit part of the family property in the future.
After much hesitation, the woman agreed.
When the decision were made— Hiratsuka Nohara called his daughter back home for discussion.
He looked at Hiratsuka Shizuka.
In truth, he thought that Shizuka and Akira Fujimiya were quite compatible, but unfortunately… there was a considerable age gap between them.
{T/N: Age is just a number }
"....Where is that girl now?" Shizuka asked, finally deciding to meet her.
"She should arrive tomorrow," replied Uncle Tamura.
"When she comes, take a few days off and look after her. Her mental state isn't stable — she's had thoughts of ending her life before," Hiratsuka Nohara said seriously.
"I… I understand," Shizuka replied quietly.
...
Outside the dessert shop,
Isshiki Iroha suggested that everyone go shopping together.
She knew very well that after today, it was impossible for her to go shopping alone with Akira again.
Yuigahama Yui and Yukinoshita Yukino both turned to look at Akira.
"Yukino, do you want to go to the amusement park?" Akira asked after thinking for a moment.
"Okay," Yukinoshita Yukino replied softly after a brief pause.
"What about you, Kouhai?" Akira turned to look at Isshiki Iroha.
"Well, I'll listen to you, senpai," Isshiki said with a faint smile.
"That's good. I like obedient Kouhai. When we get to the amusement park, let's ride the Ferris wheel together," Akira said, patting her gently on the head.
"Senpai, if Yukinoshita-senpai doesn't agree…" Isshiki started to say.
Akira only smiled at her without answering.
Yukinoshita Yukino pretended not to hear a thing.
.....
The group took the train.
After walking another ten minutes, they finally arrived at the amusement park.
Since it was Saturday, the place was full of people, with many people waiting in line.
Yukinoshita Yukino used to feel uneasy in crowds like this.
But this time…
Akira looked at her quietly.
"I'm not afraid of this kind of environment anymore. If I still were, I wouldn't be able to become Director," Yukinoshita Yukino said softly, sensing his gaze.
"....Yukino has grown up," Akira said, taking her hand.
"This is all because of you," Yukinoshita Yukino replied, looking at him with gentle eyes.
"Do you want to ride the roller coaster?" Akira asked.
Hearing that, Yukinoshita Yukino rolled her eyes at him.
Akira chuckled — he already knew that she'd be too scared for that, so he was only teasing her.
"Akira-kun, we'll go play over there first. You take care of Yukino," Yuigahama Yui called out.
"I'll come find you later," Akira replied, waving.
Isshiki Iroha followed along with Yui and the others.
Yukinoshita Yukino looked around the park. There were so many things she wanted to try.
As long as it wasn't a roller coaster, she could manage.
"Yukino, let's start from over there," Akira said, gently pulling her hand.
Yukinoshita Yukino followed without resistance.
In the past, she might have been nervous — even her breathing would've been affected.
Now, walking beside Akira, holding his hand, she smiled softly.
The second Miss Yukinoshita was truly happy.
.....
An hour later.
The carousel came to a stop.
Akira and Yukinoshita Yukino got off and walked toward the next attraction.
They tried several mild rides.
When they passed the carousel earlier, Akira had suggested they ride it together.
At first, Yukinoshita Yukino thought it was childish.
But when she sat down and Akira suddenly wrapped his arms around her, her face turned bright red.
Surrounded by children, she felt incredibly shy.
"Alright, let's go meet up with the others. I can't monopolize you forever," Yukinoshita Yukino said, taking a few steps ahead.
"Yukino is really sensible," Akira said with a smile, then leaned forward and kissed her lightly on the cheek.
"Jerk," Yukinoshita Yukino muttered softly.
"Yes," Akira teased.
A few minutes later, they reunited with the group.
...
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Word Count — 1,447