"Go back to my house?" Yukinoshita Yukino was stunned.
"Well, I do want to experience what it feels like to live in a high-end apartment like yours," Akira nodded.
"This kind of thing is absolutely impossible!" Yukino's face flushed red. She stood up, making space for Akira to work.
After he sat down, Akira began drawing the background.
He had used this software before and was now quite proficient. In addition, Yukino had already roughly drawn the background, so it was like filling in the blanks on a test.
Yukino sat next to Akira and opened her steaming hot bento. Seeing the heart-shaped decoration, her face heated slightly.
Did he choose it on purpose, or was it accidental?
She glanced at Akira's working profile. He was working seriously, focused and precise.
…handsome even..
"Stop staring at me. I know I'm handsome and you like my face, but don't stare so obviously. I'm getting shy," Akira said without taking his eyes off the computer, in a casual tone.
"I wasn't looking at you!" Yukino turned her head and began eating her lunch.
For some reason, the lunch felt even more delicious than usual, and the ketchup seemed unusually sweet.
Ten minutes later—,
Yukino finished her bento, picked up a cup of tea, and looked back at Akira.
He had already completed one-third of the background.
This speed surprised her.
"Okay, you've finished eating. Continue working; I'll go take a look somewhere else," Akira said, pausing for a moment. Then he got up and left.
As Yukino stared at his back, her face complicated.
.....
Now that they had arrived at the third animation production studio, Akira naturally had to check the work ability of the young animators.
But to his surprise—
The artists had already drawn the protagonist and other characters, and even established patterns in the background.
Yukino had completed one-third of the dream scene in the first act on her own.
For music, singers had been chosen according to Akira's requirements.
Production of the first episode had proceeded almost flawlessly.
If nothing unexpected happened, the episode could be finished in five days.
....
In Kanae Takahashi's office, she reported her work progress to Akira.
"So far, it's a very good start. Everyone's enthusiastic. Many are eager to see our animation soon. Some even volunteered for overtime..."
Akira listened quietly without interrupting.
He put down his coffee cup only after she finished.
"I just took a look around. I shouldn't have to worry about the production of the first episode. However, I'm a little concerned that their overtime might affect subsequent schedules…"
"Everyone understands that I've already secured support from the higher-ups. As long as the Third Animation Production Studio finishes Madoka Magica, they can take a two-week break. As for salary, since the plan is to complete it in three months, there will be bonuses during this period," Kanae Takahashi said softly.
"Three months is plenty of time. There's no need to rush. The most important thing is quality. If there's anything I can help with, feel free to contact me. My drawing skills are good enough for the job," Akira nodded.
"I know," Kanae Takahashi said with a gentle smile, setting the document aside. Then she looked at Akira, her face faintly blushing.
She took a deep breath and bent slightly.
"Thank you."
"Just a thank you?" Akira looked at her.
"Then… what do you want me to do?" Kanae Takahashi raised her head, her cheeks slightly red.
She knew Akira had a girlfriend.
Yet, his request made it impossible for her to refuse outright.
If he asked for something excessive… perhaps she could still consider it.
"I need you," Akira said, with seriousness in his tone.
Kanae Takahashi face turned red instantly. What does he mean by 'need me'?
"I will own shares of Flash Animation Production Company in the future, and my projects aren't limited to Madoka Magica. I want to establish a stable cooperative relationship with the Third Animation Production Studio," Akira explained slowly.
"Huh?" Kanae Takahashi was stunned.
"When I first met you, I felt that this might be fate. You happened to have a script but lacked an opportunity. That's why I said those words," Akira continued.
"Is it fate?" Kanae muttered softly, her heartbeat quickening.
"You are my first manga teacher, and I've rekindled your passion for animation. This may be fate. I want to continue this relationship and produce more excellent animations together," Akira said gently.
"I… I accept," Kanae said, lowering her head.
Seeing this, Akira stood and took a step closer.
"Please give me more guidance in the future."
"I should be the one asking for your guidance," Kanae replied, holding his hand.
It felt warm in hers.
Ten seconds later— she reacted and quickly let go, her face red.
Akira checked the time and spoke.
"Get some rest early. I'm leaving first."
"You… you should also go to bed early," Kanae said, a trace of reluctance in her voice.
...
After leaving Kanae's office, Akira returned to Yukinoshita Yukino. She had finished her work for the day and was clearing the table.
He waited until she was done, then walked out together.
...
In the elevator,
Akira looked at Yukino beside him.
"If this animation is successful and you get your family's approval, would you want to continue making animations?"
Yukino was slightly stunned, then turned to him.
"The reason you made me the animation director is...so I can gain my family's approval?"
"Yes and no," Akira replied calmly.
Yukino looked confused.
"There's that reason, but it's not the only reason," Akira explained.
"Did my sister say something?" Yukino's eyes were complicated.
"She told me that if you gain your family's approval, your mother will be happy, and I would gain her approval as well, and become your friend," Akira said.
"So, it's all because of what my sister said? That's why you made me the director?" Yukino asked, a trace of disappointment in her eyes.
"Yukinoshita-san, I made you my supervisor because I want to be friends with you, not to gain anyone's approval...Just because your mother doesn't approve of me, does that mean we can't be friends?" Akira said seriously.
Yukino blushed at his words.
"Yukinoshita-san, if you only aim to gain your mother's approval, I may not be much help. My inspiration is limited; I can't always be by your side or constantly create anime —"
"Fujimiya-kun, I never thought of it that way," Yukino interrupted him.
"I understand, but I can't know all your thoughts, especially what you'll become after gaining your mother's approval," Akira said calmly.
"I see… so you think I would want more recognition, and make more animations to gain approval?"
Yukino understood.
Akira nodded without denying it.
Yukino smiled slightly.
"Fujimiya-kun....it seems you still don't fully understand me."
"You never gave me the chance to fully understand you," he said, looking directly at her.
Yukino rolled her eyes and looked away.
There was silence in the elevator until the doors opened.
Yukino stepped out and stopped in front of the car waiting outside Flash Animation Production.
She seriously looked at Akira.
"I won't continue making anime just to gain my mother's approval. I became a director because your story attracted me."
"I understand. I will try my best to write stories that attract you and allow you to continue as my director," Akira said softly.
Yukino's face heated. She walked forward without saying a word.
Akira followed silently
The two reached the car together.
The driver respectfully opened the back door for them.
Yukino sat inside, and Akira took the seat beside her.
As the car started moving, Akira reached out slowly and took her hand.
Yukino's hand was about to pull away when Akira leaned closer, whispering softly.
"...I've got a new story in mind, but I need to hold your hand so I can think it through."
Yukinoshita Yukino looked at Akira.
Because of this sentence, she stopped struggling and let him hold her hand.
...
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