Chapter 82. No Means Yes
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After a long deliberation—
The expression on Morita Akio's face shifted several times before settling into a soft sigh.
"Well... we completely understand Pokeni's and President Kiyoshi's determination, but the specific situation still needs to be discussed internally at Sony. For now, we cannot give you a response. We apologize for the inconvenience."
...
Leaving Sony's office, Hiroki and Ishino both breathed sighs of relief, yet Kiyoshi Yuuma could sense an invisible disappointment lingering in the air.
"Hmm... they still can't make up their minds?"
"Or is it for some other reason?" Kiyoshi Yuuma muttered to himself.
Judging from their reactions, Sony likely had many concerns.
This negotiation hadn't gone nearly as smoothly as Kiyoshi Yuuma had expected.
Most likely because Pokeni didn't have much reputation to begin with.
Just as everyone was preparing to leave, Kutaragi Ken came running after them.
"President Kiyoshi."
He approached Kiyoshi Yuuma out of breath, forced out a smile, and extended his right hand.
Kiyoshi Yuuma shook it, a little puzzled.
Had they come around?
Or...
"Thank you, President Kiyoshi, for your valuable suggestions," Kutaragi Ken praised sincerely.
"Honestly, I deeply admire the President's vision and courage—to consider Sony even under such circumstances and make such an inspiring declaration of war.
That's truly remarkable."
"No, no, you're too kind." Kiyoshi Yuuma swallowed silently.
He was desperately hoping to hear the words—
[So Sony has decided to collaborate with Pokeni.]
"And your company's proposal is very constructive. I personally am deeply encouraged."
After Kutaragi Ken finished speaking, he bowed to Kiyoshi Yuuma.
Eh?
What does this mean?
"I'm sorry. Sony has just suffered such a major blow. The higher-ups probably can't make a decision for the time being."
Kutaragi Ken straightened up and lifted his gaze toward the ceiling, clearly hinting at the decision-makers above.
"It's like just wanting to push open the door to the gaming world, only to get struck on the head."
"Please understand Sony's feelings in this regard, President Kiyoshi."
Huh?
Kiyoshi Yuuma blinked.
This is…
A rejection?
...
"Ah~ Damn it, isn't it frustrating? I thought it was good news, but Kutaragi-san only said a bunch of comforting words."
In the evening at G-france restaurant, Kiyoshi Yuuma let out a sigh, took a sip of his drink, and set the glass down heavily with a thud.
Tsuda Nao looked across the table at the handsome man in a white shirt, her expression slightly amused.
"Hey, Yuuma-san, look over there."
Tsuda tapped the window with her finger.
Kiyoshi Yuuma followed her gaze.
At the bus stop near the entrance, a boy stood chatting with a girl.
Both were extremely young, likely high school students.
The boy was smiling ear to ear, his face flushing now and then.
After a moment, he reached out to ruffle the girl's hair.
The girl looked at him with pretend resentment but still carried a faint smile.
"What is it?" Kiyoshi Yuuma asked. "Just a young couple doing their thing?"
"Probably not." Tsuda Nao tapped the glass again. "Look, the boy is actually quite restrained, and the girl hasn't made any overly intimate moves either."
"If anything, they're still in that ambiguous stage."
Tsk tsk.
"You know so much about this," Kiyoshi Yuuma said, raising an eyebrow with mild annoyance.
"Everyone's been through it." Tsuda Nao's eyes sparkled. "Do you think he'll confess?"
"Eh?" Kiyoshi Yuuma studied them carefully. "Today? Probably not. When the bus arrives, they'll separate. Confessing in front of so many people takes a lot of courage."
"So if the boy does confess, do you think the girl will agree?" Tsuda Nao pressed on.
"Probably yes. You just said they're in that ambiguous stage, so she should be somewhat interested."
Honestly, he envied this kind of romance.
In his previous life, he'd focused entirely on studying and missed out on his high school years.
This time, he had transmigrated directly into a 26-year-old body—the experiences he'd never lived had become memories instead.
Only with Tsuda could he feel a heartbeat he'd never known before.
Tsuda Nao lifted her chin. "Japanese people are actually quite ambiguous.
Not daring to boldly pursue someone they like is common, but it often means missing out on a good match.
And then, if they don't like someone, they still feel too embarrassed to say anything harsh.
They're simply too shy to reject others.
Sometimes, when a girl says 'no,' she means 'yes.'
When she says 'yes,' she means 'no.'
You have to carefully analyze their psychology."
Ah...
This is giving me a headache.
Women really are the most difficult creatures to figure out.
Kiyoshi Yuuma pondered Tsuda's words. "You mean Sony already likes us but is waiting for us to make a further move?"
"Hehe." Tsuda gave a cold laugh. "I'm talking about romance. Romance! Do you understand?"
With that, she stood and pulled Kiyoshi Yuuma outside.
"Come on, let's go see what happens."
"Eh?" Kiyoshi Yuuma hurriedly put down his utensils and tucked 10,000 yen into the menu.
...
The bus arrived. The girl jogged ahead two steps, turned back, and waved.
"Ken, see you tomorrow."
"Okay, see you tomorrow."
The boy named Ken answered with a gloomy face.
After watching her board, he turned to leave.
But then, glancing toward the departing bus, he suddenly made up his mind.
He tossed aside his backpack and sprinted.
After this summer passes, he might never get another chance.
"Yano-chan!"
Wow.
It had been a long time since Kiyoshi Yuuma had witnessed a J-drama sprint.
And now it was happening right in front of him—chasing a bus.
Ken banged on the bus door as he ran.
Yano poked her head out, astonished.
"Yano!"
"Ken-kun!"
"I like you!"
"Eh?!" The girl's pupils widened.
Everyone on the bus stared at them.
"Please be my girlfriend!" Ken kept chasing the bus.
Even the driver couldn't bring himself to accelerate.
Two seconds passed—
Yano smiled brightly. "I'm sorry! I don't like you!"
...
Ah, this...
The imagined happy ending didn't happen.
The boy froze in place, stunned, hands on his knees.
He couldn't tell whether the wetness on his face was sweat or tears.
This was far beyond what Kiyoshi Yuuma had expected.
"All wrong!"
Tsuda Nao turned to him, laughing so hard her shoulders shook.
Kiyoshi Yuuma's brow creased tightly.
Damn it...
"So," Tsuda Nao asked, her eyes sparkling, "do you understand now?"
"Understand what?"
"Sometimes, when people don't reject you to your face, it's just because they're being polite."
Ah...
This wicked woman. Why does she always sprinkle salt on wounds?
"But then again," Tsuda added, shifting tone, "if you haven't moved them yet, it only means you don't weigh enough in their heart."
"Huh?"