Akira Fujimiya also asked Toyohama Nodoka to demonstrate her skill as an idol.
Although she was still nervous, she did not hesitate when she stepped forward. Under Kamihara Kei arrangement, the practice room lights were turned on, and the music began to play.
Nodoka adjusted her breathing, closed her eyes for a brief moment, and then moved.
Her dance was not overly flamboyant, nor did it rely on exaggerated expressions. Instead, it carried a sense of sincerity and effort.
Each movement was clean, and although there were traces of tension, it was clear that she had practiced tirelessly.
Her singing followed soon after.
Her voice was not as mature or commanding as Sakurajima Mai's, but it had its own warmth. It was youthful, honest, and carried an emotional tone that was easy to resonate with.
By the time the performance ended, the room had fallen into a brief silence.
"That was very good," Akira said first, breaking the quiet. "You still lack experience, but your fundamentals are solid. More importantly, you're not copying Mai-senpai. That's your strength."
Nodoka's shoulders relaxed visibly at his praise.
Kamihara Kei nodded slightly.
She had been watching closely the entire time, and now she finally understood something.
This was the end of Nodoka's stress.
The pressure that had haunted her—being Sakurajima Mai's sister, living in her shadow, and being constantly compared—had finally found an outlet.
As long as Akira Fujimiya was willing to back her, she would not be crushed by that mountain.
.....
Leaving the Idol company,
After finishing the matters, Akira Fujimiya left the building and headed once again toward Future Comics Publishing House.
Hikigaya Hachiman and Hayama Hayato were both working part-time there, but their assignments were completely different.
Hikigaya Hachiman had been placed in the editorial department, where he was responsible for reviewing manuscripts and assisting editors with submissions.
Hayama Hayato, on the other hand, was following the legal advisor of Future Comics Publishing House, learning contract-related work and copyright procedures.
Akira decided to visit the editorial department first.
...
Editorial Department,
Hikigaya Hachiman was sitting in front of a computer, staring at a manuscript on the screen with a tired but focused expression.
When he noticed Akira approaching, his first thought was not work—but the photo Akira had sent him earlier.
"You went to the studio?" Hachiman asked.
"Yes," Akira replied casually as he sat down beside him. "Saika looked exactly like a girl in that wedding dress. It's a pity I'm not interested in cute boys. Otherwise…"
{T/N:....no just no}
Akira smiled meaningfully and did not finish the sentence.
Hachiman's face stiffened slightly.
After recalling the photo, his cheeks turned faintly red.
He had to admit it.
Totsuka Saika was undeniably cute.
"Are you adapting to the work here?" Akira asked, changing the topic.
Hachiman nodded. "I read manuscripts every day. Some of them are actually pretty good. It even made me want to try writing a novel myself."
"Really?" Akira raised an eyebrow. "Then write one and submit it to another editor. Let them evaluate it objectively. As for your pen name… how about Great Teacher?"
"Teacher?" Hachiman frowned.
"I'll even give you a plot," Akira continued. "You're the protagonist. One day, you meet Totsuka Saika, who suddenly transforms into a magical girl. A story of love and battle begins. You're torn between the magical girl and Saika, and in the end, you choose—" He stopped.
Akira simply stood up and patted him on the shoulder.
Only after Akira walked away did Hachiman realize what that silence implied.
.....
Upstairs –
Akira went upstairs and soon found Hayama Hayato.
Hayama was helping Hanada Yui's assistant process some documents, standing beside her desk and explaining details patiently.
However, the way Hanada Yui's assistant was looking at Hayama was not professional at all.
It was the gaze of a hunter watching prey.
Akira walked up quietly behind the predator and patted her on the shoulder.
She was startled and nearly dropped the documents. When she turned around and saw Akira, she quickly bowed.
"Y-Young Master Akira."
"Hayama-kun is still young," Akira said seriously. "As an experienced hunter, you shouldn't stare at small animals like that. It creates a bad influence."
"I-I understand!" she replied hurriedly, realizing he was joking but still feeling embarrassed. She quickly gathered the documents and left.
After she left, Akira glanced at Hayama's desk.
It was filled with snacks—cookies, chocolates, drinks.
"Hayama-kun, you're really popular," Akira remarked.
"I'd rather be unpopular," Hayama replied with a bitter smile.
Most of the employees at Future Comics Publishing House were around thirty years old.
Hayama's arrival had stirred quite a few thoughts among them.
Every day, someone invited him out or sent snacks. This had already caused misunderstandings with his girlfriend.
"It's fine," Akira said calmly. "Give me your girlfriend's number. I'll go keep her company."
"…No," Hayama replied immediately.
Akira nearly laughed out loud at the expression he was making, he was just joking with him.
He was about to comment, when—
"Akira-sama."
Hanada Yui's voice came from behind.
Akira patted Hayama's shoulder and walked into her office.
....
Inside, Hanada took out a game disc and two thick file folders from the cabinet.
"This is the Madoka Magica game," she explained. "And this is the information for the other two projects."
Akira set the disc aside and opened one of the folders.
It contained extensive information on Shikigami and Onmyoji, as well as the preliminary design of the game's main interface.
"Where's the promotional video?" Akira asked after reviewing it.
"It's already been handed over to Flash Animation," She replied. "The estimated completion time is within a week."
"The promotional video is extremely important," Akira said seriously. "It has to be impressive enough. Also, prepare a mirrored version for overseas servers. Once the game is completed, both sides must go online simultaneously."
"Yes." Hanada quickly noted it down.
Akira then opened the folder related to the fleet girl project.
After reading it, he fell silent for a moment.
"This is too conservative," he finally said. "The character proportions should match what I previously described."
Hanada blushed slightly as she said. "The artist is a girl, so…"
"I understand," Akira replied. "Let her handle the other sections. The exaggerated designs can be assigned to someone else."
Yui hesitated before adding, "These were drawn by Kanae Takahashi."
"…I see," Akira coughed lightly. "Then tell her to do more research. Make sure she understands the game company's requirements."
"I understand," Yui replied, already guessing the relationship between Akira and Kanae.
Akira put down the folder and looked at her.
"Are you free tonight?"
"I… I'm free," Yui answered quietly.
"I'll wait for you downstairs after work."
Yui's face flushed, anticipation visible in her eyes.
.....
Akira returned to the editorial department and sat down in Tamura Nanako's seat, picking up a game console and playing seriously.
When Tamura Nanako came back from collecting manuscripts, she saw him there. Without a word, she poured him a cup of coffee and placed it beside him.
"Thank you," Akira said, glancing at her briefly.
Nanako sat beside him and began sorting manuscripts.
When Hikigaya Hachiman stood up to get coffee and saw this scene, he rolled his eyes.
How many girlfriends does this guy have…
....
After Work,
Work ended at seven.
Future Comics Publishing House did not encourage overtime, and eight o'clock was the absolute limit.
When Akira saw Hanada Yui coming down the stairs, he stood up.
Tamura Nanako lowered her head slightly at the scene.
Akira glanced at her but said nothing, walking toward Hanada instead.
She too noticed Nanako and understood immediately that she too like him.
"...Is she okay?" Hanada asked softly once Akira reached her.
"It's fine. We're too far apart now," Akira replied calmly.
Nanako Tamura liked him because he was a handsome young manga artist before.
Now, as Akira has become the boss and maintain little distant from her, which makes her no longer have the courage to express her feelings for Akira.
Akira didn't want to change this situation.
He already has enough girls around him.
Two people walked out of the Future Comics Publishing House.
Hanada Yui was driving and Akira was sitting in the passenger seat.
After she started the car, she looked at Akita.
"Let's buy ingredients first," Akira said while looking out the window. "Then we'll go to your apartment."
"...I'm not good at cooking," Yui said nervously.
"I'll cook. You'll be in charge of tasting," Akira smiled. "I've been around some good chefs lately, so you can look forward to it."
"You're cooking yourself?" Hanada asked in surprise.
"You've done so much for my business. It's only fair I reward you occasionally."
Akira reached out and held her hand.
"This is… what I should do," Yui replied, blushing.
.....
Supermarket,
Hanada Yui had once fantasized about it.
Marriage. Work. A gentle husband.
The two of them occasionally go to the supermarket together to buy food.
A simple and happy family.
She thought her dream were destroyed long ago — shattered by Mrs. Yukinoshita.
{T/N: 💀}
Yet now, it was turning into reality!
With Akira....
"Don't be dazed, Hanada," Akira whispered.
"Yes, Akira-kun," she replied with a smile.
...
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Bonus Chapter:-
4 Bonus chapter at 100 powerstone
6 Bonus Chapter at 150 powerstone
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Word Count — 1,569