Chapter 28: Chapter 28: I Want to Be Your Friend
Faced with Yukinoshita Yukino's question, Su Yu remained silent.
Because—
The original story was written that way.
If he changed the characters' fates, the overall impact of the work would be altered.
Seeing that Su Yu wasn't answering, Yukino didn't press further.
Perhaps—
Stories with regret are the ones that linger in people's hearts the longest.
—
A Visit to the Yuigahama Household
Upon arriving at Yuigahama's home, Su Yu rang the doorbell while holding a dessert box.
Before long—
Yuigahama Asuna opened the door.
She smiled upon seeing Su Yu, but when she noticed Yukino, she was momentarily surprised.
"This is our club president. Yui and I are in her club. Her name is Yukinoshita Yukino," Su Yu introduced.
"Yukinoshita Yukino? Little Yukino, hello," Asuna greeted with a warm smile.
"Hello," Yukino replied politely.
"Come in." Asuna stepped aside, allowing them to enter.
Yui fetched indoor slippers for the two of them before heading upstairs.
Meanwhile, Su Yu handed the dessert box to Asuna.
She accepted it with a smile and placed it aside before heading to prepare tea.
"Make yourselves comfortable."
As they took their seats on the sofa, Yukino's gaze fell upon a photo frame near the television.
A picture of a family of three—a warm, loving scene, with Yui smiling brightly.
"Do you envy this kind of family?" Su Yu observed Yukino's expression and understood her thoughts.
"…Yes." Yukino glanced at him before admitting it.
The Yukinoshita family wasn't like this.
Her parents—though appearing harmonious in public—had long since separated in private.
Her sister—always smiling in front of people—never befriended others without an ulterior motive.
This kind of family dynamic left Yukino feeling disappointed—yet powerless to change it.
Of course—
Compared to Su Yu, her situation was far better.
"I see sympathy in your eyes. You don't need to look at me like that. I'm not that fragile—I'm fine being alone."
Su Yu met Yukino's gaze before looking away.
"Now that Yuigahama-san is by your side, things should be a little better—as long as you cherish her." Yukino said softly.
"…Thanks for the reminder, Yukinoshita-san." Su Yu looked at her seriously.
"No need to thank me. It's my responsibility as the club president to remind you. If you ever turn into a horrible person, I'll regret not stopping Yui from being with you."
Her words were accompanied by a faint smirk.
"…Yukinoshita-senpai, I feel like in your eyes, I'm already a horrible person." Su Yu sighed.
"I never said that." Yukino's smirk deepened.
Su Yu knew—this was her teasing, slightly black-bellied side.
Compared to the silent bookworm version of Yukino, this one was completely different.
—
A Deal for the Animation Studio?
"Su Yu-kun… do you want Yukinoshita family's shares in the animation studio?" Yukino suddenly asked.
"…Are you planning to take control of the shares yourself—then sell them to me at a discount?"
"If your next two stories impress me… I might consider it." Yukino hesitated briefly before looking at him.
"Do you like my stories?" Su Yu asked.
Without hesitation, Yukino nodded.
"Then let's watch the anime production together. I don't want any regrets in my life—I want you to see all the stories I have to tell."
Su Yu's tone was serious.
Yukino was momentarily stunned, falling into silence.
She lowered her head—saying nothing.
She understood what Su Yu meant.
And perhaps because of that—
She wanted to sell him the shares.
If he truly wanted to create more great anime, then…
And Su Yu…
"Yukino, my first story wasn't just because of Yui's excitement. I told you before—I want to see your genuine smile."
Hearing this, Yukino slowly looked up at him.
Su Yu gazed at her with a complicated expression.
For a brief moment—
Her heart wavered.
She quickly averted her eyes, feeling uneasy.
She was afraid he would say something that shouldn't be said.
For a while—
The living room fell into silence.
Then—
Su Yu sighed.
"…I want to be your friend."
Yukino's heart steadied.
Slowly, she looked up at him again.
"If this first anime succeeds, I'll continue working with you. I'll give you a 60% stake in the studio shares."
"Looking forward to our first project together."
Su Yu extended his hand.
Yukino's face reddened slightly, but she still reached out and shook his hand.
Su Yu didn't hold her hand for long—he was the first to let go.
—
At that moment—
"Sorry for the wait—the tea is ready."
Yuigahama Asuna approached with three cups of freshly brewed tea.
"Thank you."
Both Su Yu and Yukino responded at the same time.
This startled Asuna for a moment, but she said nothing.
—
A Shopping Trip Together
After spending some time at the Yuigahama home, the three of them headed out again.
Yui was dressed casually, wearing a T-shirt with a small animal print and shorts—a light, refreshing look.
Meanwhile, Yukino wore a dress, giving off a more elegant feel.
Their styles were distinct—
Yui had a cute, endearing charm.
Yukino had a refined, breathtaking beauty.
Su Yu walked beside Yui, while Yukino was on her other side.
As they strolled—
Yui eagerly started various conversations, and Yukino responded politely and attentively.
Su Yu didn't interrupt—
He simply listened, occasionally glancing at Yukino.
And when their eyes met—
She would quickly look away.
At some point—
A small, delicate hand reached out.
Looking down, Su Yu saw Yui shyly offering her hand.
Without hesitation, he took it.
Even as she continued chatting with Yukino, Yui's hand was wrapped in his—
And at that moment, she felt pure happiness.
—
At the Mall
Once they arrived, Yui let go of Su Yu's hand.
"I want to buy an apron. I'm going to start learning how to cook from Mom."
Hearing this, Yukino couldn't help but glance at Su Yu.
She had already witnessed Yui's cooking skills during their yakiniku party.
Now, Yui was determined to improve.
And the biggest reason behind that was obvious.
"Su Yu-kun, which apron do you think suits me?"
Yui smiled at him sweetly.
"This pink one. It's cute—just like you."
Su Yu pointed to an apron nearby.
Notes-Read advanced chapters in patreon.com/Shadow_D_X