My 2D anime story

Su Yu stood with his back to Hayama Hayato, gazing at the distant scenery.

To Hayama, that recording was like a sledgehammer smashing straight into his heart.

And that was exactly Su Yu's plan.

The recording was a collaboration between him and Haruno Yukinoshita.

While recording, Haruno had been watching his phone the entire time.

She knew very well just how much those words would hurt Hayama.

But she still went through with it.

She was using Su Yu's hands to make Hayama's feelings disappear.

And the best part? Haruno wouldn't have to bear any guilt.

Even if Hayama refused to give up, Haruno already had backup plans in place.

Thinking about this, Su Yu glanced back at Hayama.

His head was lowered, clearly in inner turmoil.

This meant that even after knowing Haruno's stance, Hayama still couldn't let go.

Su Yu took a step closer to him.

"When you abandoned Miura-san… the way she felt back then… is exactly how you feel now."

Hearing this, Hayama lifted his head and looked at Su Yu.

"I'm not saying this to fix things between you two," Su Yu continued. "I just think you owe her an apology."

"…I understand."

Hayama lowered his head again.

At this moment, he finally realized just how much pain Yumiko Miura must have felt.

"As for Haruno Yukinoshita, that's up to you," Su Yu added. "If you're not willing to give up, then start working toward it now—get into a top university, become someone exceptional, and make her see you differently."

Su Yu patted Hayama's shoulder.

"…Thank you, Su Yu-kun."

Hayama's eyes held a trace of gratitude.

"No need to thank me."

Su Yu turned to leave.

"I'll keep my feelings buried… but one day, I'll make her see me in a new light."

Hayama clenched his fists and spoke slowly.

Su Yu paused mid-step.

Then, without looking back, he opened the rooftop door and headed downstairs.

Does working hard even matter?

Maybe.

But the direction Su Yu had given him was a beautiful lie.

Even if Hayama became successful, Haruno would still see him the same way.

By then, Haruno might have already taken control of the Yukinoshita family—how could someone like Hayama even enter her world?

As he walked, Su Yu pulled out his phone and started typing a message.

A few minutes later, he hit "send" and pocketed his phone.

By the time he reached his classroom, he had already received Haruno Yukinoshita's reply.

Haruno Yukinoshita:

"Su Yu-kun, you're so gentle~ Giving Hayama-kun a pretty little lie. You should know, the Yukinoshita family never lacks talented people. No matter how 'exceptional' he becomes, he's just a tool with a bit more value. Thanks for your hard work on this. If there's any progress with Yukino, be sure to let me know."

Su Yu read the message, then put away his phone and entered the classroom.

Yumiko Miura was already watching him.

Her eyes locked onto his face, as if she were worried that Su Yu and Hayama had actually fought.

"It's settled. We didn't fight. No need to worry."

As Su Yu passed by her, he whispered this.

Yumiko was stunned.

Then, she watched as Su Yu returned to his seat.

He pulled out a bento and started eating while flipping through his notebook.

She continued staring at him for about ten seconds before finally looking away.

Yumiko was curious about what Su Yu had said to Hayama.

And more importantly…

Why did he help her?

Was it just because she was Yui Yuigahama's friend?

Or was it… something else?

As Yumiko thought about this, she felt a strange sensation in her heart.

Hayama's Public Apology

After Su Yu finished his lunch—

Hayama Hayato returned to the classroom.

But instead of heading to his seat, he walked straight up to Yumiko Miura.

"…I'm sorry, Yumiko!"

Hayama suddenly bowed deeply, his voice loud and clear.

The entire classroom fell silent.

Everyone turned to look at him—

Except for Su Yu, who was still flipping through his notes.

Yumiko was caught off guard.

"I never intended to date before university," Hayama admitted. "Being with you… was just a way to shield myself from other girls' confessions."

"The reason I rejected your feelings wasn't because of you—it was because I was using you. I didn't want to deceive you any further."

"I'm really, really sorry. If you want me to kneel down and apologize, I will. As long as you can forgive me."

Hayama kept speaking.

Yumiko snapped out of it and looked toward the window—toward Su Yu.

Was this his doing?

At that moment, she felt a warmth spread through her heart.

Hayama's apology…

Slowly, it eased the sadness inside her.

She had known all along that Hayama didn't like her, yet she still chose to be with him.

She had willingly let herself be used to keep other girls away from him.

Now, hearing the truth from him, she realized…

She had been so foolish.

After a deep breath, Yumiko looked back at Hayama.

"…I forgive you."

"…Thank you, Yumiko."

Hayama straightened up, his expression complicated.

This apology would hurt his reputation, but it was worth it.

It felt like a huge weight had been lifted off his chest.

He glanced at Su Yu.

Yumiko noticed his gaze—then turned back to look at Su Yu as well.

And this time—

Her face was tinged with a slight blush.

A Single Message, A Thousand Thoughts

After the first period in the afternoon, Su Yu received a message from Yumiko Miura.

It was a long one.

In short, she explained that after receiving Hayama's apology, she no longer felt the same way about him.

And as a token of gratitude, she wanted to give Su Yu a gift—something he would like.

Su Yu hesitated for a few seconds before replying.

Yumiko had been watching him the entire time.

The moment he put away his phone, she quickly checked her own messages.

A new message had appeared.

Feeling slightly anxious, she opened it.

And the moment she saw Su Yu's response—

Her face turned red.

Su Yu:

"Your smile is the best gift."

Yumiko stared at the message for a few seconds.

Then, she stole a glance at Su Yu.

Su Yu was still looking at his notebook, as if nothing had happened.

In truth, his intention had been to refuse any gifts from her.

But he also knew…

Yumiko would misinterpret his words.

And that was exactly what he wanted.

Until the end of the month, he needed to keep her favorability stable.

Before the next class started, Yumiko never sent a second message.

Which meant—

She was deep in thought.

A single message…

And she was thinking about a thousand things.

And in truth, she was.

Even during class, she kept pondering over Su Yu's words.

Did Su Yu only help her because of Yui Yuigahama?

Or…

Had he actually liked her all along?

Had she been the one who pushed him toward Yui instead?

(t/n: damn bro is playing 4D chess)