Yuigahama Yui knew that Akira had an excellent memory, but she hadn't expected it to be this good.
She stole a glance at him, from time to time.
Before, Yukinoshita Yukino always took first place in exams, but with Akira's abilities, perhaps the next exam, she would see him at the top.
A small smile appeared on her face at the thought.
"Yuigahama-san, read your book and stop giggling," Akira said with a serious expression.
Yui blushed and quickly looked down at her textbook.
Ebina Hina covered her mouth, smiling quietly, while Miura Yumiko looked at her book determinedly. Akira had given her the most tasks, and she didn't want to disappoint him.
In the quiet service club, the only sound was the flipping of pages.
Two hours later—,
Akira asked them a few simple questions and nodded approvingly.
"Today's homework tutoring is over."
"I feel like Akira is too strict, while Yukino is more gentle," Yui said softly as she packed her things.
"Yui, if you don't work hard, you might be detained during the holidays. In that case, I won't stay in school with you," Akira reminded her.
"Akira-kun!, I will definitely work hard, I promise!," Yui replied quickly, Panicking.
Failing the Sobu High School exams would mean being forced to attend make-up classes every day during the holidays.
"If you fail, I might find another girlfriend. I don't want a stupid girlfriend," Akira said, while closing the door of the service club and looking at Yui.
"I'm not stupid," Yui said, pouting.
"Yui, Fujimiya-kun is so handsome. If you fail, then I'll give it a try~," Ebina Hina joked.
"Hinaaaa…" Yui pouted, hiding her embarrassment.
Miura Yumiko glanced at Hina with a faint smile.
"If it's Ebina-san, I can give you a chance," Akira said calmly, looking at Hina.
"Really? Akira, I'm moved," Hina said, smiling playfully.
"Really, you're very smart. It should be easy to be with you," Akira said lightly.
"Yui, did you hear that? Fujimiya-kun praised me for being smart. You better be careful," Hina teased.
Yui puffed up her small face again and looked at Akira in frustration.
He reached out and pinched her cheek, making her blush even more.
The four of them walked downstairs together. Akira held Yui's small hand as they passed the football field.
Glancing toward Hayato Hayama, Akira's eyes lingered for just a moment.
Yumiko Miura noticed and her expression became slightly complicated. She no longer had any feelings for Hayato, yet seeing Akira's gaze stirred some unease.
Akira withdrew his gaze and continued walking.
Once they reached the front of the school:
"Yui, see you tomorrow," Ebina waved.
"See you tomorrow," Yui said with a smile, watching her friends leave. Then, she lightly held onto Akira's arm.
"Yui, when you smile, it looks like a silly little smile. Not very smart," Akira suddenly said.
"Akira, that's too much," Yui said, lowering her head, a little unhappy.
"What I mean is, you're very cute. Only cute girls can have such smiles," he explained calmly.
"Really? Then who's cuter, me or Yukinon?" Yui looked up at him.
"You're cuter. Even Yukinoshita-san would admit that," Akira said, without hesitation.
"Did Yukinon call me cute? I feel so happy!."
"Yui, do you like me more, or Yukinoshita-san?" he asked.
"This..."
"Yui, you're hesitating. Could it be that you like Yukinoshita more?"
"Sorry, Akira-kun, I like Yukino more."
...
At Akira's home,
Yui sat on the sofa, watching him in the kitchen.
Since it was still early, Akira had planned to have dinner with her and then walk her home.
Yui didn't want to overstay her welcome, knowing that Akira had to focus on drawing Manga and supervising the animation production.
She didn't even mention Madoka Magica game.
She knew Akira and Yukino still remembered the game. Once the animation project was done, the Service Club would surely return to its usual state—Akira reading quietly beside them, While she chatting with Yukino with Akira occasional being involved.
A soft smile appeared on Yui's face as she thought about it.
"Yui, what are you thinking about that makes you so happy?" Akira asked.
"I was thinking that after you and Yukino finish the animation, the Service Club will return to how it used to be. I'll be able to chat with Yukino, and you'll be able to sit next to us and read quietly," Yui said softly.
Akira was momentarily stunned. Is this really possible?
If Yukino succeeded with the animation, the Parasyte animation would definitely become the next project, followed by the manga Akira was currently working on. If she gained Mrs. Yukinoshita's (Her Mother's) approval through the animation, then…
He recalled what Yukinoshita Haruno had said,
"So that's how it is. I was used."
....
After dinner,
Akira walked Yui home.
As he walked alone afterward, he reflected on how he had been used by Yukinoshita Haruno. She had taken advantage of his desire to help Yukino. By helping Yukino gain Mrs. Yukinoshita's recognition, Akira could ensure Yukino's supervisory work went smoothly.
Imagine the future: once Yukino earned Mrs. Yukinoshita's approval, she would continue as an animation supervisor. Akira would naturally continue helping her—essentially keeping him by her side.
If it weren't for Yui, he might not have realized this subtle manipulation.
Akira wasn't angry. The final outcome was beneficial: he and Yukino would work together and grow closer, becoming the best animation production partners.
Moreover, by staying close to Yukino, discussing animation production, and saying things that made her blush, her affection toward him would naturally increase.
When the animation was completed, they might finally be together.
However, if he didn't spend time with her now, he would miss the opportunity to strengthen their bond. Akira realized he had to act carefully: help Yukino gain recognition while encouraging her to remain true to herself. Even if he continued creating animations, it couldn't be just for others' approval—it had to come from genuine enjoyment.
What he had to do next was clear.
....
At Flash Animation Production Company – In the third animation studio,
Yukinoshita Yukino sat in front of a computer, working on the backgrounds.
Akira had already set the general direction, and the scenes for the first episode were roughly divided and planned.
Though she had few official tasks as a supervisor at this stage, Yukino wasn't ordinary—if there were no tasks, she would create them herself. Hence, she took on the backgrounds.
Akira's requirements were abstract: he described the post-witch background looking like a child's graffiti, very irregular. Though his description sounded strange, the other artists understood exactly what he meant. Several witches' backgrounds had already been designed, and the methods summarized.
Yukino learned quickly and adapted after a few minutes of trial.
The work was boring, but seeing the other artists working hard made it feel worthwhile.
She glanced at the clock: past seven in the evening. She planned to stay until nine before returning to her apartment. Less than two hours remained—enough to finish the backgrounds.
Her expression grew serious as she concentrated.
A man approached behind her.
"Nice painting," he said.
Yukino turned, startled, to see Akira standing there.
He placed a lunch box and drink in front of her.
"Eat this. It's already heated."
"You…how could you…" Yukino's voice softened. Her heart warmed at the sight.
"I just missed you, so I came to see you," Akira said quietly.
Yukino's face flushed.
"I'll take over your work. Eat first. After dinner, I'll wait here and then we'll go home together," Akira added.
...
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