Chapter 54: Chapter 54: I Acknowledge You as My Friend
Inside the Car
"I've thought of a new story, but I need to hold your hand to focus and think properly."
That was what Su Yu had whispered to Yukinoshita Yukino when he held her hand.
And because of that excuse, she didn't struggle—
She simply let him hold her hand.
The car moved steadily forward.
When they finally arrived at Sakura Dormitory,
Su Yu reluctantly let go of Yukino's hand.
"D-Did you manage to come up with something?"
Yukino asked hesitantly.
"I got about 1% of the idea. I'll need to hold your hand again next time to think of the rest."
Su Yu replied casually.
Yukino froze.
Then, with a mix of embarrassment and irritation, she glared at him.
Su Yu chuckled, got out of the car, and waved at her.
Yukino turned her head away, pretending not to see him.
As the car drove away,
Su Yu pulled out his phone—
At the same time, inside the car, Yukino also took out her phone—
She had a feeling…
That he was about to message her.
And sure enough—
Just a few minutes later, Su Yu's message arrived.
[Su Yu's Message]
"There are too many ideas for new stories. I feel like writing a romance story about a school's 'ice queen'—just like you. So, can we start dating for research purposes?"
Yukino stared at the message—
Her face instantly turned bright red.
"This guy…!!"
Sakura Dormitory
Back in his room, Su Yu opened the door just as he received Yukino's reply.
[Yukino's Message]
"You have one week. If you don't come up with a new story by then, I'll personally teach you Aikido—and I'll make sure you learn it well."
Su Yu smirked.
They were both just teasing each other.
In reality—
He already had his next story planned.
"Madoka Magica, Parasyte, and Non Non Biyori…"
"These three projects alone will take at least a year to complete."
"By then, I'll definitely hold some shares in Flashlight Animation."
"And once I have my own company, I'll have more resources—and Yukino will be even closer to me."
Su Yu thought about the future, then sat down at his desk.
He still had Non Non Biyori to draw.
Thursday Morning
Su Yu woke up early and noticed—
"It's raining today."
After finishing breakfast, he grabbed an umbrella and headed out.
The rain had just begun, lightly covering the streets as he walked.
As he approached the school gates—
There was no sign of the Yukinoshita family car.
But instead—
He saw Yukinoshita Yukino standing there, holding an umbrella.
Su Yu walked up to her.
"Last night, I ran into my sister."
Yukino suddenly said.
"What did she say?"
Su Yu asked.
"She said you helped me find friends… That because of you, I started to change… That I…"
"That you've begun to open the walls around your heart?"
Su Yu finished for her.
"…Yes."
Yukino gazed at him, her expression complicated.
"Yuigahama wanted to be your friend. At first, it was my suggestion, but after getting to know you, her feelings became genuine."
Su Yu looked directly at her.
Yukino was silent for a moment, then took a deep breath.
"Su Yu-kun, I…"
"No need to thank me—unless you're going to do it properly."
Su Yu cut her off.
Yukino's face turned red.
She hesitated for a few seconds, then finally looked up at him.
"I… I acknowledge you as my friend."
Su Yu smiled.
"And?"
"What else do you want?"
Yukino asked, slightly frowning.
"If this anime succeeds, I'm going to acquire Flashlight Animation shares. Once I have enough, I'll sell them all to you—then buy my own portion separately."
"You want me to take full control of Flashlight Animation?"
"Yes. I think you need it."
"I do need it. With my own company, I'll have more wealth—and I'll be one step closer to you."
Su Yu smirked.
Yukino's face instantly burned red.
"Please focus on Yuigahama!"
"Yuigahama said she'd be fine as long as you agreed to share me with her."
Su Yu lowered his voice and whispered.
Yukino froze.
Then, in a flustered panic, she stomped on Su Yu's foot—
Before storming off into the school.
Su Yu watched her go, chuckling to himself.
"I can't see affection meters, but I doubt it dropped."
After all, she had let him hold her hand just yesterday—
And she probably thought he was just joking again.
Inside the Classroom
After changing shoes at the lockers, Su Yu walked to his seat—
Where Yuigahama Yui was already waiting for him, holding a bento box.
She beamed happily at him.
"Sorry, Yui, but I might have to cancel our weekend date."
Su Yu suddenly said.
Yuigahama froze—
For a brief moment, a trace of sadness appeared on her face—
But then, she quickly smiled again.
"It's okay! Su Yu-kun's work is more important!"
She reassured him.
"I was kidding."
"Actually, I was planning to go on a date with another girl."
Su Yu said, watching her reaction.
Yuigahama's expression changed.
"Which girl?"
She pouted, clearly not believing him.
"I'll tell you later. I have too many girlfriends, so I need to pick a cute little dummy to go out with."
Su Yu said, glancing at her.
Yuigahama opened her mouth—
"If you admit you're a dummy, I'll take you on the date."
Su Yu teased her with a smirk.
"Su Yu-kun, you… You tricked me?!"
Yuigahama finally realized it.
"I just wanted to see your reaction."
Su Yu laughed, taking her small hand in his.
"Su Yu-kun, you're so mean!"
Yuigahama pouted adorably.
"You're just too gullible."
"I'm not dumb!"
"If you admit you're a dummy, I'll prepare a surprise for you."
"A… A real surprise?"
"Yeah. Now hurry up and say it."
"I… I'm a dummy."
Yuigahama mumbled shyly.
Su Yu kissed the back of her hand lightly.
Her face turned bright red—
She quickly turned away, feeling both embarrassed and happy.
Meanwhile, During Free Period…
Since it was raining, P.E. class was canceled—
So the students were left to study quietly on their own.
Su Yu was reading a reference book when—
A familiar figure appeared in front of him.
"Come with me."
It was Hiratsuka Shizuka.
Su Yu glanced at her, then stood up.
As he followed her out, he noticed another person standing there—
Hikigaya Hachiman. (t/n: my guy 8man is here, I thought like most Chinese fanfic authors they erased your existence….)