"There's no need to say much about the quality of Non Non Biyori. As long as the next few chapters go smoothly, the single volume will definitely be published. Don't tell Akira Fujimiya this news just yet. Wait until the single volume is officially confirmed, then share the good news," Sato Yumiko reminded Nanako Tamura.
"I… I understand," Nanako said, nodding. Sato's words left no doubt in her mind: the single volume of Non Non Biyori would be a success.
She really wanted to tell Akira immediately, but she knew she had to be patient.
Everything needed to be confirmed before sharing the good news.
By then, maybe Akira would be so happy that he would finally agree to her date request.
'Dating… or something else. What should I wear? if that really happen! '
She thought, a small blush rising to her cheeks.
....
Later that afternoon,
After homework tutoring was over, Akira handed Yuigahama Yui his keys and commuter bag.
"Take your two friends back to Sakurasou first, It will take sometime for me to go" he said calmly.
After which he headed straight to the tennis court.
When Totsuka Saika and Hikigaya Hachiman saw him arrive, Saika smiled warmly, while Hachiman instinctively handed over his tennis racket.
Akira continued his earlier match with Saika. He was full of energy, and his tennis skills had clearly improved since yesterday.
If yesterday had been about adapting, today added some real challenge.
Akira's memory enhancement recorded every move of Totsuka Saika. His ability wasn't limited to books or intellectual work—sound, movement, and physical coordination were also within its scope.
It was somewhat like the Sharingan, though far less extreme.
If he were in Academy City, Akira guessed he might only reach Level 2. Of course, this was speculation; the system offered no hard data or details of his ability, just name.
Saika faced Akira seriously, realizing he was still stronger than Hachiman in skill, though slightly weaker physically.
Hachiman had trained by running daily and cycling, building endurance over time.
Half an hour later, Akira succumbed to physical fatigue and lost.
"Thank you, Totsuka," he said, panting but smiling. "That was… a great match."
"You're really strong, Akira-kun. Would you like to officially join our tennis club?" Saika asked in excitement.
"....Sure, but I can only play for an hour in the afternoon and occasionally during lunch breaks," Akira replied after a moment of thought.
"That's fine. Playing tennis with you will help me improve quickly," Saika said, beaming.
"And Hachiman is also very good," Akira added, glancing at Hachiman walking over.
"Yes, Hachiman is strong too," Saika nodded.
Akira looked meaningfully at Hachiman, who tensed slightly under his gaze. Akira handed him a tennis racket. "Come on, Hachiman."
Hachiman remained silent, while Akira went to the nearby vending machine and bought three bottles of drinks. He took one for himself and left the other two on a chair.
"See you tomorrow," he said to both.
"See you tomorrow," Saika replied, waving his hand, his bright smile never leaving his face.
Hachiman simply glanced at the drinks on the chair, saying nothing, as Akira left the court.
(Note:..... I might do something for hachiman in the future)
.....
When Akira returned to his apartment, Yumiko and Hina were preparing dinner in the kitchen. While, Yui was reading quietly in the living room.
"Thank you for your help," Akira said sincerely.
"It's no trouble. This is our way of showing gratitude. You tutor us, so we should do something to repay you," Hina replied.
Akira looked at Hina and said seriously. "I will repay you with my life for every drop of kindness you give me."
Yui surpise, looking up from her book.
"Only Yui would believe that...Yumiko and I… well, at least I don't believe it," Hina muttered, glancing at Miura.
Her face was bright red.
Seeing Yumiko's shyness, Akira said nothing and headed to the bedroom to grab his clothes and went to the bathroom.
Hina watched the closed bathroom door and looked at Yui. "Aren't you going to help him?"
"Eh? Help… Hina?" Yui blinked in surprise, then her cheeks flushed.
Yumiko said nothing, continuing to cook silently.
While, Hina silently watched her and knew Yumiko would probably not admit her feelings for Akira anytime soon.
In fact, standing by the sidelines seemed to make Yumiko envy Yui even more.
There was no doubt in her mind—Yumiko Miura had a crush on Akira.
Hina recalled the Chinese restaurant they had visited and the Chinese teaching materials Yumiko had purchased, sighing silently. She hoped Akira's decisions would bring them all happiness.
....
After dinner, Akira and Yui left the house. They accompanied Yumiko and Hina to the station before heading to the nearest shopping mall, ensuring they bought clothes for Yui.
Yui carried her wallet, asking Akira only to buy pajamas; she would paid for the rest herself.
She didn't want to spend his money unnecessarily—first, because he didn't have a surplus, and second, because it made her feel useless, like a decorative vase.
After buying clothes, on the way home, Yui whispered,
"Akira-kun, I want to work and use my time on weekends."
"Don't you want to continue learning cooking?" Akira asked.
"That…"
"You learned cooking for me, so I should pay you a salary," he interrupted gently.
"I don't want your money," Yui replied, shaking her head.
"Then don't refuse me when I want to buy things for you," Akira said seriously.
Yui opened her mouth to protest, but Akira put his arms around her slender waist.
"Think of it as me hiring you. From now on, whether it's a maid outfit or anything else, you'll wear it obediently for me to see."
"Akira-kun…" Yui's face turned bright red as she understood his meaning.
"Whether you become a full-time housewife or do something else, you won't leave me. In that case, do you need to worry? You've already given your future to me, and it's my duty to spoiled you," Akira continued.
"I… I don't want to be a vase," Yui admitted softly.
"Vase has value, a price, but you are priceless to me," he said with a gentle smile.
"I want to do something to help Akira-kun, to help you earn money…" Yui's determination made Akira chuckle.
"You're not laughing at me, are you?" Yui asked, agitated.
"Yes, you're just so cute. If it were Yukino, she would never say something like that. But you…silly, saying it so seriously, it's adorable," Akira said, chuckling in between.
"I know I'm silly, but I'll try my best…"
"Then work hard to learn cooking. At least master miso soup, breakfast, and lunch," Akira said, smiling.
"Why not dinner?" Yui asked, curious.
Akira leaned down, his mouth near her ears.
"Won't It be you"
Akira whispered into her ear, and Yui's face turned crimson immediately.
.....
The next morning,
Akira woke early as usual and ran into Hiratsuka Shizuka downstairs. Without exchanging many words, they ran together toward the park.
Upon arriving, Shizuka bought two bottles of drinks, handing one to Akira who took it silently.
"Thank you," he said.
"After yukino's graduating, I plan to travel to that city. I have several friends there," she said. "They're in similar situations to me. Every New Year, their parents arrange blind dates. It's terrifying."
"Do you recommendations for places to include in your travel plans?" She asked.
"I don't have any places to recommend—it's all unfamiliar," Akira reply.
"Okay. Then I'll send you photos from my travels occasionally. You can take a look, and maybe when I return—"
"Hiratsuka-sensei, escaping isn't a solution," Akira interrupted.
"...I'm not running away. My plan is to find someone to marry," Shizuka said, frowning.
"How many years will you search? What's your ideal partner like?" Akira asked.
"That…" Shizuka faltered.
She planned to take things step by step, slowly, without high expectations.
More importantly, she wanted to see friends, enjoy new scenery, and taste good food.
Seeing her evasive eyes, Akira realized he had judged correctly—her thoughts were simple and sincere, easy to anticipate.
...
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