My 2D anime story

At the door, standing with a smile, was Yukinoshita Haruno.

Upon seeing her—

Yukinoshita Yukino's brows furrowed.

"That was a nice performance, Yukino. But, of course, it wasn't as good as your big sister's." Haruno teased as she stepped into the room.

"I haven't practiced as much as you. You spent years learning piano." Yukino responded, standing up from the bench.

"True. And in just a few years, I won a championship." Haruno smiled, then casually sat down at the piano.

She glanced at Su Yu.

"Su Yu-kun, do you want me to teach you piano? My skills are far beyond Yukino's."

"I do want to learn, but you don't have the time to teach me." Su Yu replied flatly.

"And why do you want to learn? For Yukino?" Haruno's fingers traced along the piano keys as she smiled playfully.

"You could say that."

"Oh? And you're not afraid your girlfriend will get jealous?" Haruno raised a brow.

"I meant, for the anime." Su Yu clarified.

Hearing that, Haruno chuckled but didn't press further.

She placed her hands on the keys and began to play.

Unlike Yukino's structured and refined style, Haruno's performance was freer, more expressive—the work of a true expert.

As the final note faded—

Haruno turned to Su Yu, her smile deepening.

"So? Between me and Yukino, who's better?"

"Can I try?"

Instead of answering, Su Yu looked at the piano.

For a brief moment, Haruno was stunned.

Then, with curiosity, she stood up and stepped aside.

—

A Performance No One Expected

Sitting at the piano, Su Yu began testing the notes, feeling the keys beneath his fingers.

"Su Yu-kun, judging by your posture, you don't even know the basics. Want me to teach you? I'm free this afternoon. We can take it slow."

She leaned in close, whispering in his ear.

"No need. I've already learned it."

"…Hmm?"

For the first time, Haruno looked genuinely surprised.

Su Yu took a deep breath, recalling Haruno's earlier performance in his mind.

Then—

He began to play.

—

As the music filled the room—

Both Haruno and Yukino stared at Su Yu in shock.

It wasn't just that he had replicated the piece perfectly—

He had even mimicked Haruno's exact hand movements, timing, and subtle expressions!

It was as if he had copied her playing frame by frame.

—

Before they could react, Su Yu transitioned into another piece—

This time, Yukino's earlier song.

With that, any doubt they had disappeared.

After finishing, Su Yu stood up from the piano bench.

"Piano doesn't seem that hard."

"Su Yu-kun, you memorized every movement I made just by watching?" Haruno's gaze locked onto him.

"More or less."

"That kind of memory is wasted on learning piano." Haruno remarked.

"For me, it's useful. I don't want to clutter my mind with useless things." Su Yu replied calmly.

—

At that moment—

Yukino spoke up, turning to her sister.

"Please don't tell anyone about Su Yu-kun. That includes Mother."

Hearing that—

Haruno smiled at her.

For a moment—

Yukino hesitated, then looked away.

—

Before she could worry any further—

Su Yu spoke confidently.

"Don't worry, Yukinoshita-san. Your sister won't tell anyone."

"…How can you be so sure?"

"Because it wouldn't be interesting for her if too many people knew." Su Yu smirked.

"Oh? Su Yu-kun, you trust me that much? I'm touched." Haruno chuckled.

"If I had an older sister like you, I'd probably come home late every day."

"That's so mean! But I like your attitude even more now. I really look forward to seeing you and Yukino together." Haruno teased, her eyes shifting to Yukino.

—

The Seed of Doubt

"I'll go prepare dinner. Su Yu-kun, you can stay here if you want. Yui, don't believe anything she says."

With that, Yukino sighed and left the music room.

Seeing her go—

Haruno smiled at Yui, then followed suit.

Now—

Only Su Yu and Yui remained.

Su Yu sat back down at the piano, fingers lightly touching the keys.

He began to experiment, slowly playing melodies from past anime he remembered.

Yui, standing beside him, watched in silence.

—

Her gaze lingered on him.

He had so much talent.

He had wealth, intelligence, and ambition.

And most importantly—

He and Yukino worked so well together.

They were both gifted, and they understood each other.

Wouldn't they make the perfect couple?

Yui's fingers curled slightly, gripping the hem of her skirt.

A sense of insecurity began to creep into her heart.

Compared to them—

She was just…ordinary.

She couldn't help him in any way.

Even Haruno seemed to expect Su Yu and Yukino to be together.

—

Then—

"Are you thinking that Yukinoshita-san and I seem like a better match, and that you're too ordinary?"

Su Yu's voice suddenly cut through the silence.

"Eh?"

Yui's breath hitched.

He had his back turned, so how did he—?

"Judging by your reaction, I guessed right."

Su Yu turned to face her and stood up.

"I… I just…"

Before she could finish—

Su Yu reached out and pulled her into his arms.

"If you tried to break up with me now, I'd tell you that we were never truly together in the first place."

"What…?"

"We haven't even experienced real love yet, and you're already thinking of giving up?" Su Yu whispered.

"Do you think I'd accept that?"

—

Holding her tightly, he added—

"When we're truly together—when we've fallen completely in love—you won't think like this anymore."

"Sorry… I shouldn't have thought that way." Yui murmured.

She had been afraid—afraid that Su Yu would eventually choose Yukino over her.

Seeing their talents side by side, and hearing Haruno's words, had only fueled her doubts.

But now—

Wrapped in Su Yu's warmth, those insecurities slowly faded.

—

"From now on, don't overthink it. It's enough that you like me."

He looked into her eyes.

"…Mm." Yui nodded softly.

"If someone tells you they saw me and Yukinoshita-san walking together, what would you think?"

"I… I'd trust you?"

"Why is that a question?"

"…S-Sorry! I trust you, Su Yu-kun!"

Yui said firmly this time.

And with that—

Her heart felt lighter.

Notes-Read advanced chapters in patreon.com/Shadow_D_X