Yumiko Miura called home and lied that she was staying at a friend's house — Her family didn't suspect a thing.
After hanging up, she thought for a moment before calling Hina Ebina again.
"Hina, I... I'm not going home tonight. If my family calls you, you—"
"At the beach? With Akira-kun," Ebina interrupted her.
"H-how do you know?" Yumiko asked in surprise.
"I can hear the sound of waves," Ebina replied casually.
Yumiko's face flushed crimson, and she didn't know what to say.
"Don't worry, I won't tell Yui. Even if Yui finds out, she probably won't say anything. You have to seize the opportunity, Yumiko. Come on, you can do this," Ebina encouraged with a teasing tone.
"I... I understand," Yumiko replied softly.
Ebina hung up the phone.
Yumiko turned around and looked at Akira Fujimiya.
"Let's go. We should head to the beach hotel while it's still open," Akira said, stretching out his hand.
"Alright," Yumiko replied, taking his arm shyly.
The two of them walked toward the road.
By chance, a taxi happened to be passing by. The driver slowed down when he saw them. Yumiko glanced at Akira beside her, her heart pounding.
Akira signal it to stop, they got inside and reach the beach hotel quickly.
....
The Next Morning – Weekend
After breakfast at the seaside hotel, Akira and Yumiko left together.
Yumiko felt a little disappointed — She had half-expected Akira to imitate the male lead from the movie they'd watched the night before. But she was still happy since he kiss her and hug her as they slept together.
As the train rattled along the tracks, Akira noticed the look in Yumiko's eyes.
He gently took her small hand.
"Yumiko, the reason I didn't... cross that line with you last night is because of Yui and Yukino," Akira said softly. "Yukino and Yui are both special to me. I made a promise to them. Until I've fulfilled it, I can't be with anyone else."
'And I have already crossed the line with Haruno.... 'He added helplessly.
"Akira-kun... you and them haven't...?" Yumiko's eyes widened in surprise.
"I'm not the main character from that movie. I wouldn't be like him—and I won't lie to you," Akira replied quietly.
"...I believe in you, Akira-kun." Upon hearing his words, the sadness in Yumiko's heart melted away.
"So, Yumiko, please wait a little longer. Honestly, I want to tease you, but keeping my promise is more important to me," Akira said, meeting her gaze.
"I can wait...no matter how long, for Akira-kun," Yumiko whispered, her cheeks red as an apple.
Hearing that, Akira gently embraced her.
Before the train arrived, he leaned forward and kissed Yumiko Miura softly.
When the train doors opened, Akira stepped out and turned back to wave at her.
Blushing, Yumiko stood there watching him leave, her heart fluttering.
.....
At Sakurasou.
Akira returned to Sakurasou.
He noticed that Hiratsuka-sensei's car wasn't there.
He got inside and asked Saori Tsurumi about it, from where he learned that Hiratsuka-sensei hadn't come home the yesterday night.
As he walked upstairs, Akira took out his phone and dialed her number.
The call rang for a while before Hiratsuka-sensei answered, her voice sounding a little groggy.
"Is something wrong?" she asked, sounding half-asleep.
"Sensei, I'm in front of your house," Akira said calmly.
"What did you say? How do you even know where I live? Did Haruno tell you?" Hiratsuka-sensei's voice suddenly turned flustered.
"I meant Sakurasou, Sensei. Unless... are you scared I'll come to your actual house? If so, I might just ask Haruno and visit you myself," Akira teased lightly.
"M-my father is... very strict. If you come, it could be troublesome..." she began.
"Then I must go," Akira interrupted firmly.
"...."
There was silence on the other end of the line. Then, her voice softened.
"If you insist on coming, it's best to dress casually. You don't need to bring any gifts."
"I understand. I'll wear a suit and bring a really expensive bottle of wine," Akira said with a grin.
"I admit... my father admires you. But if you come, don't let him get the wrong idea," Hiratsuka said, sounding both resigned and amused.
"Got it. Tell me the address," Akira replied.
Hiratsuka gave him the address, and he hung up.
Akira changed into a neat suit, put on glasses, and looked every bit like a young office worker. On the way out, he grabbed a box of local specialties from the shelf.
As he went downstairs, Saori Tsurumi noticed his formal attire and hurried over.
"Master Akira, shall I drive you there?" she asked politely.
"Then I'll trouble you," Akira replied after thinking for a moment.
Saki Kawasaki was still at home, so he wasn't worried about the two younger girls being alone.
"I'll change my clothes right away. Please wait a moment," Saori said, bowing slightly before rushing back to prepare.
Meanwhile, Akira walked to the Kawasaki residence downstairs and knocked.
Saki Kawasaki opened the door, her cheeks turning faintly red when she saw him, dressed in formal uniform.
"Keika and Rumi are both in the living room..." she said softly.
"I'm not here to tease you today," Akira said with a gentle smile. "I'm going to visit Hiratsuka-sensei's home. Please take care of them for me."
"Y-yeah..." Saki nodded shyly.
"We'll continue... when I get back tonight," Akira whispered near her ear.
Saki's face turned completely red, and she looked down, unable to meet his gaze.
Akira smiled faintly and kissed her forehead before leaving.
.....
The car drove toward the address Hiratsuka had given.
According to Saori, the houses in that area were quite old, with deep roots in history. Long ago, there had been a famous kendo dojo there.
After hearing that, Akira understood the kind of household the Hiratsuka family belonged to.
When they arrived, Akira asked Saori to return home first. He planned to have Hiratsuka-sensei drive him back later.
He walked to the front gate and rang the doorbell.
A few minutes later, the door opened, revealing an older man in a neat uniform—Uncle Tamura — The person that he meet before.
"Master Akira, please come in," Tamura said with a polite bow.
"This is a gift from my hometown. It's not expensive, but I hope Hiratsuka-sensei's father will like it," Akira said, handing him the box.
"The gift from Master Akira holds special meaning. I'm sure the master will appreciate it," Tamura said, accepting it respectfully.
"Has Hiratsuka-sensei woken up yet?" Akira asked.
"Miss Shizuka is still in her room. The master asked me to bring you to the dojo first—he's waiting there," Tamura explained with a smile.
"The famous kendo dojo from before... this must be the same one?" Akira asked as they walked.
"Yes," Tamura nodded. "Although the master chose a different path and the dojo was eventually closed, it was that decision that allowed the Hiratsuka family to achieve their current standing."
"Perhaps that was fate," Akira remarked thoughtfully.
"That's what the master believes as well," Tamura said with a chuckle.
They chatted quietly as they made their way to the dojo.
Inside, a middle-aged man wearing a kimono was practicing with a bamboo sword. His movements were sharp and precise—clearly the work of a seasoned swordsman.
"I heard from Shizuka that you defeated her once?" the man said as he stopped and turned toward Akira.
"It was just a lucky win," Akira replied humbly.
"Let me see your skill for myself," the man said with a grin.
"Yes, sir." Akira removed his shoes, stepped into the dojo, and picked up a bamboo sword.
Tamura stood by silently as the two faced each other.
Akira moved first, attacking directly.
The middle-aged man's eyes gleamed with interest as he parried the blows. His defenses were solid, but Akira's sharp observation soon found a tiny opening.
He struck swiftly. The man dodged, a flicker of surprise crossing his face.
Akira stopped immediately and bowed respectfully.
"Excellent," the man said. "You have keen observation skills. That makes you well-suited for kendo."
"Thank you for your praise," Akira replied modestly.
The man smiled. "Do you know how to play shogi?"
"I don't, but... could you teach me?" Akira asked earnestly.
"Of course. Tamura, bring the finest tea for Akira-kun. I'd like to play a game of shogi with him."
"Yes, Master," Tamura replied before leaving.
"Thank you for the honor," Akira said sincerely.
The middle-aged man waved his hand and gestured for him to follow. Together, they walked toward the Hiratsuka family's tea room.
On the way, he introduced himself and said that if Akira Fujimiya had any problems, he could always ask him for help.
...
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Bonus Chapter:-
4 Bonus chapter at 100 powerstone
6 Bonus Chapter at 150 powerstone
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Word Count — 1,486