Living Room / Messaging
Takumi Yuuya wasn't surprised when he saw the message.
He turned his phone to show the unsent message to Nishimiya Shouko.
Her eyes widened, and she froze.
"If you don't accept, I'll come here every day and let everyone know that I like you."
A few seconds passed.
Shouko, blushing, finally sent a reply:"I'll be your girlfriend… but please don't come looking for me at school every day."
"Then will you accept my money? If not, I can go through the school; it's the same either way."
"Can we call it like a part-time job?"
"Sure, five thousand yen per hour."
"That's too much… one thousand is enough."
"If you refuse, it becomes ten thousand yen per hour."
Shouko stared at this for a moment, unsure how to respond.
Yuuya saw her hesitation and added:"Don't give up on your life. Your family cares about you, and so do I. If nothing else works, I'll take care of you for the rest of your life."
Shouko read it and replied with two simple words:"Thank you."
Yuuya smiled at her."No need to thank me. My girlfriend should be finishing class soon. I'll come a little earlier tomorrow, and we'll have a proper talk."
When Shouko looked up, she caught sight of a girl leaving the neighboring cram school building with blue hair, walking alongside Yuuya.
Shopping Trip
They took a taxi to the shopping center.
Yuuya's plan for today was simple: shopping.
He picked out clothes for Kawasaki Saki, and she picked out clothes for him.
After trying everything in the fitting room, they were both satisfied.
Yuuya bought everything. Forty thousand yen later, he'd also gained 100 points of affection from Saki.
Carrying the shopping bags, Saki followed him as he hailed another taxi.
When they arrived at their destination, she froze.
It was the same building where her part-time bar job was located.
"I booked a restaurant here with window seating overlooking the city at night," Yuuya whispered.
"I know that place—it's right above the bar I used to work at," Saki said, looking at him.
"Perfect timing. After we eat, we can swing by your bar. I also reserved a hotel room," Yuuya added, taking her hand gently.
"Okay," Saki replied without hesitation.
They took the elevator to the hotel room first and changed.
Yuuya wore a suit, and Saki wore a black dress, almost like an evening gown.
Downstairs, the restaurant staff led them to a window seat.
"Shall I serve your meal now?" the waiter asked.
"Yes," Yuuya nodded.
The waiter bowed and left.
Yuuya looked at Saki."That dress suits you perfectly."
"You look very handsome too," she replied.
"So… you're saying I'm not usually handsome?"
"Even more handsome tonight," Saki said with a small smile.
Outside, the evening sky was beginning to darken.
"Next week, I'll act close to Yuigahama Yui," Yuuya said.
"And Miura Yumiko?"
"This afternoon's skip was all about Yumiko," Yuuya explained.
"Plans?"
"I just hugged her a bit. The plan is to make Hayama think I'm terrible, see if he'll 'rescue' Yumiko."
"I see… no wonder it seemed like you and Miura weren't that close," Saki said, curious.
"My real target is Yuigahama Yui. I want her to become friends with Yukinoshita Yukino," Yuuya added.
"Do you like Yukino?" Saki asked.
Yuuya looked at her carefully."I like her… but not in a 'want to be with her' way."
"Just as a friend?"
"Not yet. I want to see her get angry first—it's fun."
"Is that… considered liking someone?" Saki blinked.
Bar: Angel's Staircase
Dinner finished. Darkness had fallen.
Yuuya and Saki took the elevator to the floor of the bar, Angel's Staircase.
It was an upscale place, requiring formal attire—suits and dresses.
Inside, elegant piano music played. Guests were either in suits or gowns. Men were gentlemen, women graceful.
They approached the bar.
The bartender froze when she saw Saki.
Saki smiled."Hanada-san, long time no see."
"Saki, you…"
"This is my boyfriend," Saki said.
"I see… congratulations," Hanada-san smiled, glancing at Yuuya.
"Two drinks, please," Saki whispered.
"Of course," Hanada-san said, starting to mix them.
In no time, the drinks were ready. Yuuya and Saki clinked their glasses in perfect synchrony before sipping.
"How's the taste?" Hanada-san asked.
"Delicious," Yuuya said.
"Still as good as ever. I've only learned half of your skills," Saki praised.
"I've been bartending for ten years. To learn all my skills, you'd need another ten years," Hanada joked.
"My boyfriend enrolled me in a cram school. I'll work hard, just like you said: get into a good university and make my life smoother," Saki said.
"Good luck, Saki," Hanada encouraged.
Saki nodded.
Yuuya thought about the Saki from the anime—if he hadn't met her, she'd be behind the bar instead of here tonight.
A hand landed on his shoulder.
"Good evening, Yuuya-kun."
The voice…
Both Yuuya and Saki froze.
They turned to see Hiramatsu Shizuka and Yukinoshita Haruno, smiling.
"Shizuka-sensei, what are you doing here?" Yuuya asked, puzzled.
"I treated Shizuka to yakiniku and decided to come here for a drink," Haruno replied.
"Such a coincidence," Yuuya murmured, glancing at the hand on his shoulder.
"Why are you two here?" Shizuka scrutinized him, gripping his shoulder tightly.
"We had dinner here. Saki used to work at this bar, so I suggested we come check it out," Yuuya said honestly.
"What are they drinking?" Shizuka asked.
"Just drinks," Hanada-san replied quickly.
"Good," Shizuka let go. Yuuya's shoulder ached slightly.
She studied them."After the drinks, are you going straight home?"
"I booked a room. We'll stay at the hotel tonight."
"One room?"
"Yes, one room," Yuuya replied.
Shizuka's gaze darkened."Come on, let's talk somewhere else."
"Alright," Yuuya said, carrying his drink to a quiet corner.
Shizuka turned to him."First it was Yukinoshita Yukino, then Miura Yumiko, now Kawasaki Saki… Yuuya-kun, how many girls are you trying to juggle?"