Reincarnation: Yukino Yukinoshita Is My Childhood Sweetheart

Thanks to Haru's brilliant self-sabotage, he successfully redirected all of Yukino and Utaha's firepower onto himself.

At the very least, these two beautiful girls were no longer arguing with each other.

Satisfied, the group left the swimming pool before dinner.

Two days passed, and soon enough, the postponed filming day that Yukino had scheduled finally arrived.

However, to Haru's surprise, Yukino had called upon Aoyama Nanami, who had been "waiting to be summoned" all this time.

Previously, Yukino had mentioned that if Nanami felt the need to return the favor, she could come help move equipment one day.

Until now, Yukino had never actually called her. Partly because the Photography Club didn't lack manpower, and partly because she didn't want to disrupt Nanami's routine.

But things were different now—Haru's relationship with Utaha had changed.

She needed a female member she could actually talk to.

Although Yui and Hashimoto could also chat with her, they were members of the Photography Club—insiders in this little circle.

"Wow, so this is what filming is like?"

Nanami had been overjoyed to receive Yukino's invitation.

Her boundless energy and bright smile injected the set with a refreshing atmosphere.

No one disliked her positive, hardworking attitude.

At the same time, she satisfied her own curiosity.

During a break, she excitedly muttered to Haru, "Is Yukinoshita-san always this amazing?"

"In what way?"

Haru handed her a bottle of water—this girl had been running around helping all day, so much so that she hadn't even taken a sip of water, and now she was drenched in sweat.

"Thanks… I mean her leadership skills! During the shoot, whenever she pointed out an issue, everyone immediately corrected it according to her standards, and the results actually turned out even better."

Nanami's eyes sparkled as she looked at Yukino, who was currently discussing audio equipment with Hashimoto.

"Oh, that?" Haru chuckled, unfazed. "She's always been like that."

Yukino had been outstanding since childhood. Even though she was often ostracized, those who shunned her still had to grudgingly admire her talent.

Back in middle school, Yukino already had quite a few admirers.

Of course, thanks to his presence as her "knight in shining armor," most of those young suitors never dared to take action.

And it wasn't just the boys—many girls also looked up to her.

"So she's been amazing since she was little?"

Nanami blinked in admiration.

Haru smirked. "What's this? Has she become your idol now?"

"N-no! I just admire her, that's all!"

Nanami's face flushed, and she quickly waved her hands in denial.

"Then why are you blushing just because I said she's your idol?"

"Because I'm afraid Yukinoshita-san might misunderstand!"

"Oh…"

Haru nodded in understanding.

Nanami gave an embarrassed chuckle. "You and Yukinoshita-san are dating, right? I wouldn't want her to think I'm using 'admiration' as an excuse to get close to you. That'd be trouble."

"Relax, Yukino's way too sharp for that. With that little brain of yours, there's no way she'd misunderstand."

"Amamiya-kun, you're so annoying!"

They laughed and chatted for a while longer before Nanami suddenly lowered her voice and asked, "Lately, the 'Hooded Hero' is getting even more attention online. Has it affected you?"

"Nope. Nothing has changed for me."

Haru felt a warmth in his heart—despite being exhausted from running around all day, Nanami still remembered to check on him.

Hearing that, she finally relaxed. "I've never told anyone your secret, don't worry. I'm a very trustworthy person."

Haru played along, nodding solemnly. "Understood. I shall bestow upon you the title of 'Secret-Keeping Sage.'"

"…That sounds awful."

As Nanami pouted in protest, Utaha approached, eyeing the two of them with curiosity. "What are you two talking about?"

"Nothing, just everyday stuff," Nanami quickly shook her head, keeping her promise to keep the secret.

Utaha gave her a skeptical glance before chuckling. "Are you doing okay, Nanami? You've been so busy; I was worried you'd collapse from exhaustion."

"I'm used to this kind of hectic life… Don't worry, Utaha."

Nanami responded with a bright smile.

Haru, however, raised an eyebrow. "Wait, since when are you two on a first-name basis?"

He was genuinely curious.

Utaha merely smiled without explaining.

Nanami, on the other hand, happily provided an answer. "Ever since I ran into Utaha and Megumi while out shopping the other day, we became friends."

Haru finally understood. No wonder Megumi had accompanied Nanami that night.

As soon as Nanami noticed a messy table set up for the next scene, she immediately ran over to tidy it up.

Taking the chance, Utaha leaned in slightly and murmured, "I may not be as exceptional as Yukinoshita, so I have to find other ways to expand my 'team.'"

Haru paused, then shook his head with a chuckle. "Making friends? That's not like you at all."

Utaha's eyes gleamed. "That's why I told you—I really am changing."

Haru was taken aback.

She was growing, making an effort to change.

And it was all because of him.

A sudden thought struck Haru. "Wait, so Megumi is part of your 'team' too?"

"Mm. She's an extremely reliable ally."

Utaha's smile deepened as she spoke about Megumi.

Haru's expression turned strange.

Megumi, huh…? Even I struggle to deal with her. Are you sure you really know her?

Thinking back to Megumi's subtly restrained side and then looking at Utaha's relaxed, confident smile, Haru found himself at a loss for words.

After the afternoon shoot, Yukino first thanked Nanami, who was about to leave, before calling over the two lead actresses—Utaha and Megumi.

"Do you have time? I'd like to discuss the final part of the script with you both."

"No problem, I'll call home first."

"Sure."

Both girls gave the same response.

Only then did Yukino turn to Haru, who had been waiting for her. "You go home first. I need to finalize the story's ending."

"Alright."

Since both Yukino and Utaha were well-known figures at school, they didn't want to be interrupted by classmates and chose a dessert café further away.

Once the three girls sat down, Yukino handed them the menu. "Order whatever you want."

Utaha took the menu, raising an eyebrow. "So… you've had some new ideas recently?"

Yukino remained ambiguous. "You could say that. But it's not something I came up with just now."

In other words, she had planned this for a while?

Utaha felt a tinge of envy toward Yukino's creative talent but kept it to herself.

Meanwhile, Megumi was quietly focused on her phone.

Yukino instinctively glanced at her. "What are you doing?"

"Reviewing my notes and annotations."

Kato Megumi raised her phone and showed the screen. It was her notepad app, filled with notes.

Yukino scanned through them quickly—every entry was Megumi's personal thoughts on the script's heroine.

Impressed, Yukino praised her openly, "Choosing you as the lead was the right decision. Your dedication is exceptional, even among our peers."

"I just saw everyone working so hard, so I wanted to contribute to the club too," Megumi replied modestly.

With that, the three of them began discussing the script's ending.

In Yukino's original plan, the heroine, who existed in a spiritual form, would quietly fade away. There would be no final goodbye to her friend—just a silent departure after watching her move on and embrace a brighter future.

Utaha, however, had a different opinion.

"I think a farewell is absolutely necessary," she argued.

Yukino looked at her. "And your reason?"

"It would make the story feel more complete and emotionally fulfilling."

"So you're saying we should end it with a tear-jerker moment? That's too cliché."

"But clichés work. People love them. That's why so many blockbuster films use them."

And so, the debate between the two beautiful girls began.

Neither was willing to back down.

Eventually, both turned to the quiet Megumi, who had been calmly listening.

"What do you think?" they asked in unison.

Megumi tilted her head slightly, then asked curiously, "Why not just film two endings? That way, both of your ideas are included, and it would also spark discussion among the audience."

Yukino and Utaha froze for a moment.

Megumi, as composed as ever, continued, "It's actually pretty common for movies to have alternate endings. I've seen a few like that before."

"…That makes sense. I overlooked that option," Yukino admitted.

Utaha glanced at Megumi in surprise. "Is this one of those cases where outsiders see things more clearly than those involved?"

Megumi shook her head lightly. "I'm a member of the Photography club too, so strictly speaking, I'm not an outsider."

Utaha had no comeback for that.

And so, their argument came to an end.

Although filming two endings would take more time, both Yukino and Utaha liked the idea.

As Megumi had pointed out, alternate endings would make the short film more engaging and give the audience something to talk about.

At the moment, all three girls were focused on their work. Neither Yukino nor Utaha mentioned Haru, despite their rivalry over him.

When it came to serious matters, both shared the same mindset:

The short film must be done properly.

Which means… Amamiya-kun is the only unnecessary one here.

A rare childish thought crossed Megumi's mind.

But she quickly dismissed it.

After all, without Haru, she would fade into the background again, just like before.

He was the only one who always noticed her presence right away—who cared enough to understand her thoughts.

The three girls continued eating as they worked out the final details of the story.

Both Yukino and Utaha had notebooks with them, firmly believing that "the faintest ink is better than the best memory."

As they took notes, Yukino found herself glancing at the stunning upperclassman across from her.

With her talent, if she hadn't met me, no one at Sobu High could rival her.

Then, she shifted her gaze slightly to Megumi.

No… Megumi is an exception.

It was almost the end of August. School would be starting soon, and yet Yukino still couldn't quite grasp Megumi's depth.

Of course, she knew the reason why—Megumi's strangely elusive presence.

Not just her—Utaha, too, often overlooked Megumi.

She was always there, quietly blending in, a seemingly ordinary girl who was easy to forget.

How does Haru do it?

Yukino pondered.

Ever since Megumi joined the club, Haru had never once failed to notice her.

Could it be… because she's important to him?

Coincidentally, Utaha was having similar thoughts.

Megumi always manages to give the best advice at the right moment. Today was just another example—just like when she comforted me before.

The girl who seemed the most unremarkable was, in reality, the most enigmatic.

Or perhaps… she had never hidden anything. They had just failed to see it.

And as the two pondered in silence, Megumi, who was quietly scrolling through her phone, suddenly noticed something strange.

They were both staring at her.

"…Did I do something?" she asked, tilting her head in confusion.

That innocent and harmless expression made Yukino and Utaha freeze.

She looks way too harmless!

At that moment, they both had a flash of realization—like detectives piecing together a crucial clue.

But before either could speak, a voice interrupted their thoughts.

"Miss Yukinoshita? What a coincidence. I thought I saw you when I passed by earlier, and it turns out I was right."

The three girls turned around in unison.

Standing before them was a young man in a well-tailored suit. Behind him were two tall men, presumably bodyguards.

Yukino glanced at the man's features—similar to those of Hisada Jun'gen.

She had a guess about his identity, but still asked, "And you are?"

"Hisada Keisuke. You might not know me, but you should recognize my father's name."

"I see. Mr. Hisada," Yukino said calmly.

As the two exchanged pleasantries, Utaha and Megumi exchanged a glance.

They both thought of the recent news about the luxury cruise ship incident.

Yukino's tone remained indifferent. "So, what business do you have with me?"

Keisuke's gaze shifted briefly to Utaha, his eyes lighting up in admiration. With a seemingly friendly smile, he said, "I should've expected no less from Miss Yukinoshita's friend—so stunning. You're even more beautiful than the women I've seen at social events."

"Thank you," Utaha replied flatly.

Yukino, who had just been ignored, spoke in an icy tone. "Mr. Hisada?"

"Oh, my apologies."

Keisuke smiled, then got to the point.

"To be frank, I need you to ask Amamiya Haru to gather some students to help me find someone. Of course, I'll pay handsomely."

Yukino remained silent.

Unfazed, Keisuke continued, "I've looked into it—Amamiya has a lot of influence at your school. Students are the most curious about the Hooded Vigilante, and they have more free time than working adults. They'd be perfect for the job."

"I'm not interested," Yukino said curtly. "And I doubt Haru would be either."

Keisuke frowned slightly but maintained a polite tone. "Our families have known each other for a long time. You, Amamiya, and I—we're all part of the same circle. We'll be seeing each other often, so isn't it better to get along? It'd be a shame to create unnecessary conflict over something so trivial."

On the surface, it sounded like he was being reasonable.

But in reality, it was a threat.

Yukino's eyes turned cold.

Mother was right. This man lost his mind over inheritance.