Akira Fujimiya knew what was in her heart and wasn't in a hurry to hug her.
Instead, he began talking about his manga.
When Yukinoshita Yukino heard about it, she immediately took out her phone and started searching online for it.
But once she did, she was stunned.
The popularity of Non Non Biyori had skyrocketed.
(It is becoming a hassel to write Non Non Biyori all the time)
Even renowned illustrators had joined the discussion, praising Akira's work. They commented that his artistic ability rivaled professional and that he could easily transition into fine art and make a real contribution to modern illustration.
Becoming a mangaka was far more demanding than becoming a light novelist—after all, not everyone could draw.
Within the manga industry, most artists hovered around the intermediate or senior level, but only a few ever reached the top.
People like Kanae Takahashi were already at the peak of the animation world. Even the most talented illustrators often couldn't surpass her. That was true, innate talent.
Akira had used his memory enhancement ability to steadily refine his art, enabling him to barely catch up to her level of skill. Without that ability, reaching Kanae Takahashi's standard would've been nearly impossible.
At best, he would have been a competent mid-tier artist.
His memory enhancement allowed him to retain every detail of drawing—each line, contour, and subtle expression—everything that truly brought a character to life.
Yukinoshita Yukino looked at her phone with a quiet smile.
Akira naturally leaned closer to see what she was looking at. When Yukino realized how close they were, she tried to step back.
But Akira slipped his arms gently around her slender waist and whispered in her ear,
"Keep looking—it's not here yet."
Yukino's cheeks flushed.
"Onee-san was right. I can't let you get too close. When you hugged me just now, you are definitely thinking about…"
.....
In front of the Flash Animation building—
Akira and Yukinoshita Yukino stepped out of the car.
The first thing they noticed was Yukinoshita Haruno's car already parked nearby.
She had arrived before them.
Akira immediately recalled their last conversation and realized that her purpose today was likely to select a new manager—or perhaps something more. If nothing unexpected happened, he already had a guess who it would be.
With that thought, Akira and Yukino took the elevator to the third animation studio.
When Akira appeared, several staff members greeted him respectfully. Some of the younger animators, full of curiosity, eagerly asked about the real-life locations that inspired Non Non Biyori backgrounds, hoping to visit them one day.
Akira could only smile and say, "It's a place from my imagination. Maybe it only exists in Dream."
Yukino, now in her professional mode, began coordinating tasks efficiently.
From across the room, Kanae Takahashi gestured toward her office, silently telling Akira that Nanako Tamura was waiting inside.
Akira nodded in understanding and entered the office.
Inside, Nanako Tamura sat on the sofa surrounded by piles of envelopes. When she saw him, she quickly stood up.
"Fujimiya-sensei, these are all your fan letters. Would you like me to open them for you?"
Akira smiled faintly. "No, I'll take them home and read them slowly."
He set down his commuter bag and handed her the manuscript for Non Non Biyori next chapter.
Nanako immediately began reading.
Checking the manuscript was part of her duty as editor, after all.
As she finished, her expression softened into a satisfied smile.
"Fujimiya-sensei, your manga is far above the usual weekly series. With this level of quality, there might even be a book signing event soon!"
"Book signing event?" Akira raised an eyebrow.
"Yes. I already contacted the publishing house about compiling it into a single volume. If its sales and feedback continue like this, it's practically guaranteed. I'll inform you as soon as I receive confirmation."
As she spoke, Nanako couldn't help glancing at Akira's calm face.
"Oh, please do," he replied, his tone composed, almost detached.
That calmness left her oddly disappointed.
Even after hearing such good news, he's so composed...
He's cool, talented, and effortlessly confident… just like an ideal boyfriend.
When Akira noticed her gaze, he said politely, "If there's nothing else, you can go ahead."
"Fujimiya-sensei, could I treat you to a cup of coffee? I wanted to discuss the next arc," Nanako asked shyly, her eyes hopeful.
Akira tilted his head slightly. "You're looking forward to the story?"
"Of course! I've been waiting for your new chapter for days," she said, her tone filled with admiration.
"Then why spoil your own anticipation by talking about future plots?" Akira smiled faintly. "As the reader of my work, wouldn't knowing too much ruin your excitement?"
"This…" Nanako realized she had fallen into his trap and pouted lightly.
Fortunately, the sound of the door opening saved her from embarrassment.
Yukinoshita Haruno stepped in, a knowing smile on her lips. Behind her stood Kana Sada.
Nanako immediately bowed and, flustered, gathered the manuscript before quickly exiting the room—she didn't dare to stay under Haruno's sharp gaze.
Haruno glanced at her retreating figure, then turned to Akira.
"From today onward, she'll be the new President of Flash Animation. You can coordinate anything through her."
Kana Sada stepped forward and bowed. "Please take care of me from now on, Fujimiya-san."
"President Sada, I'm just an outsider here," Akira replied politely.
"Su Yujun, you're not an outsider," Haruno interjected with a teasing grin. "You're Yukino's boyfriend. Sooner or later, Flash Animation will be under Yukino's control. When that happens, you might as well be the boss."
Kana Sada's eyes widened slightly at that statement.
"Alright, Kana, you can go now. Do your best as president. If Yukino and Akira are satisfied with your work, you'll keep your position. If not—well, I wouldn't be able help you." Haruno waved casually, taking a seat on the sofa.
"Yes, Miss Yukinoshita," Kana replied quickly and exited the office, closing the door behind her.
Akira watched the door close, then turned his calm gaze toward Haruno.
"Do you have a close relationship with that editor from the publishing house, Akira-kun?" Haruno asked, her tone half-playful.
"No. Not as close as the relationship between us," Akira replied.
Haruno's eyes sparkled. "What about the girl who was just here? She seemed quite fond of you."
"There are many people who like me," Akira said casually, not taking the bait.
Haruno chuckled softly. "I read your manga and thought it was excellent. I even asked a professional artist to review it—they gave it high praise."
"Although I'd say that wasn't necessary," Akira replied evenly, "thank you. I know you did it out of goodwill."
Haruno glanced at her watch, then stood up. "My time's up. Let's talk again later. If you ever feel like visiting, come to my bar. I've already told the staff you can use my private room anytime."
Akira shook his head. "I'd better not. Yukino might misunderstand."
"I'd love to see her jealous expression," Haruno said mischievously, looping her arm through his. "You don't mind if I tease you a little, do you?"
"Not at all," Akira answered, his voice calm.
"Honest as always, I really do like that about you," Haruno said softly.
"I hope I'm the first and the last person you say this," he replied.
"Is that a confession? Should I take it seriously?" she teased.
"It's just a joke I thought you'd enjoy hearing it."
"I do, Please work hard to keep me entertained."
"I will do my best"
They were still talking when they exited the office—only to be met by Yukinoshita Yukino.
Who was standing with a cold expression as she saw her sister and Akira being so close.
"Let him go," Yukino said, her voice low and sharp.
Haruno smiled lazily. "Yukino looks so scary when she's jealous, don't you think, Akira-kun?"
"I think she's very cute," Akira replied without hesitation.
"Men always lie," Haruno said playfully. "And Akira-kun is especially good at it. Yukino, you'd better keep an eye on him—I'm quite interested in him myself."
Her words hung in the air as she left, heels clicking against the floor.
Tap! Tap! Tap! Tap!
As Haruno disappeared down the hall, Akira smiled faintly at Yukino.
As Yukino stepped closer to Akira—
"Yukino-chan, you stepped on my foot," he said.
"I did it on purpose," she replied coolly.
Her tone was enough for Akira to understand—she was jealous. His smile deepened.
"Don't think I don't know. When she got closer you didn't even push her away," Yukino said, clenching her her.
"I didn't. I was wrong," Akira admitted softly. "But you were wrong too."
"What did I do wrong?" Yukino frowned.
"Are you standing as my friend right now or as my girlfriend?" he asked gently.
Yukino froze for a second, then turned her face away, her cheeks pink.
"I'll… show you that my Aikido training wasn't for nothing," she said, flustered.
"You want to fight me? You know I can memorize your movements perfectly. If you use Aikido on me once, I'll learn and counter it next time," Akira said teasingly.
"You… you just stand still!" Yukino huffed. She knew he was right—and that made her even redder.
"Director Yukinoshita," a voice called from across the studio.
Yukino immediately composed herself and walked toward the source of the voice as she stop stepping pn Akira's leg.
Akira watched her go, the faint smile never leaving his face.
Then, turning toward the hallway, he muttered,
"Since Haruno has already made her move and chosen the new president, it's time for me to move my plans forward."
...
A short while later, Akira arrived at the First Animation Production Studio.
He stopped before an office door marked Shinnohara.
Raising his hand, he knocked lightly.
"Come in," came the voice from inside.
Akira turned the handle and stepped in.
...
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