Chapter 58: Chapter 58: A Trip for Three
Friday Morning
Inside Su Yu's bedroom, he gazed at the completed first chapter of his manga.
Finally, the first chapter of Leisure Days was done.
While the storyline might seem a bit simple, the level of detail in the artwork was undeniably top-tier—comparable to that of a professional illustrator.
Even if the plot didn't immediately capture attention, the art alone would attract readers.
Su Yu carefully placed the manga into a file folder and tucked it into his commuting bag.
He wanted Yui Yuigahama to be the first person to read it.
After dressing and finishing his morning routine, he prepared breakfast while glancing outside.
The weather was clear, and a gentle breeze drifted through the window, making the morning feel exceptionally pleasant.
Once he finished his meal, he left his apartment.
Downstairs
As he reached the first floor, he heard the sound of a door opening.
Looking up, he saw Shizuka Hiratsuka yawning.
It was rare for him to run into her in the mornings—mostly because she usually slept in and then drove to school at the last minute.
But today…
Su Yu glanced toward the rising sun.
It was around 7 AM.
"Su Yu-kun, don't just stand there. Time for school," Shizuka said, stepping outside.
Watching her back, Su Yu followed at a slight distance—not because he feared being seen with her, but because he had a feeling she had something to discuss.
And when Shizuka Hiratsuka wanted to talk, it was usually serious.
"You got Hikigaya Hachiman to join the tennis club," she remarked after a few steps. "It seems to be having an effect, but whether he'll actually change is still uncertain."
"Yes," Su Yu replied. "That's why I plan to befriend him—through his sister."
"You understand him that well?"
"Not entirely. But I know enough."
"…Then I'll leave it to you. Hopefully, before summer break, he'll improve."
"I'll do my best."
Shizuka studied Su Yu as they walked.
Her reason for waking up early wasn't just about Hikigaya Hachiman.
Last night, she had a brief call with Haruno Yukinoshita and learned some interesting things about Yukino and Su Yu.
Apparently, Yukino had slowly begun to lower her emotional walls around him.
But there was a problem.
Su Yu already had a girlfriend—Yui Yuigahama.
And Haruno's intent was crystal clear: she wanted Su Yu to be Yukino's boyfriend.
She was deliberately setting up opportunities for them, using Su Yu's desire to help Yukino as bait.
Yet, oddly enough, Su Yu had left Yukino alone at Flash Animation Studio.
Fortunately, Yukino's driver had reported back—confirming that they had held hands.
For an ordinary girl, holding hands might not mean much.
But for Yukino?
No way.
Shizuka's first thought was that Su Yu was playing both sides.
But then she reconsidered.
Yukino knew about Su Yu's relationship with Yui.
If she knew, then why would she allow him to hold her hand?
That was what troubled Shizuka.
Who initiated it?
If it was Su Yu, he was terrible.
But if it was Yukino… that was even more bizarre.
Someone as proud as her—would she really try to steal her best friend's boyfriend?
She hadn't confronted Yukino about this, considering her workload.
If she lost focus now, she might fail to earn her mother's approval.
Still, as they walked further, she could no longer hold back.
"Su Yu-kun, what exactly is your relationship with Yukinoshita?"
"She acknowledges me as a friend."
Su Yu didn't seem surprised by the question.
"Just a friend? Then how do you explain the fact that you two were holding hands? Yukinoshita wouldn't do that with just any friend."
"…It was encouragement," Su Yu answered after a pause.
"Encouragement for what?" Shizuka raised an eyebrow.
"You might not believe it, but when I hold Yukino's hand, I get inspired to think of more stories."
"…What?"
Shizuka stared at him, baffled.
That was… an answer she never expected.
And frankly, it made no sense.
"Sensei, the reason I joined the Service Club was to observe Yukinoshita. Many of my stories stem from her presence. To me, she is a special existence," Su Yu stated seriously.
"…And what about Yuigahama?"
"Sensei, can't someone have both a girlfriend and someone they admire? Besides, they're good friends." Su Yu tilted his head slightly, as if genuinely confused.
"…You…"
For some reason, the way he looked at her made her feel like she was the one being unreasonable.
"I understand what you're worried about," Su Yu continued. "I will handle this properly. I won't disappoint you."
Shizuka sighed. "As long as you understand. Yuigahama and Yukinoshita… they're both kind, good-hearted girls. In the end, you can only choose one."
Su Yu nodded but said nothing more.
At School
When changing his shoes at the lockers, Su Yu glanced toward the school gate.
No sign of Yukino today.
After heading up to class and taking his seat, he turned to Hikigaya Hachiman's desk.
Hachiman was chatting with Saika Totsuka.
Judging by his expression, he still hadn't realized that Totsuka was actually a boy.
Meanwhile, Ebina Hina was staring at them, furiously scribbling something in her notebook.
Su Yu didn't need to look to know she was probably writing some very questionable material.
"Su Yu-kun, good morning!"
Yui Yuigahama appeared at his desk, placing a bento box in front of him.
"My first chapter is done," Su Yu said, tucking the bento away. "Here—you get to be my first reader."
Yui's eyes lit up. Carefully, she unsealed the file and pulled out the manuscript.
The moment she saw the artwork, she was stunned.
The character designs were adorable—not just cute, but beautifully drawn.
The scenery of the village was vivid, detailed down to the smallest passing animals.
And the final panel… under a sakura tree, overlooking the landscape.
Yui lingered on that last page for several minutes before finally handing it back.
"Well?" Su Yu asked.
"…Su Yu-kun, can we go to a place like this during summer break?" Yui asked, eyes sparkling with excitement.
"…Well, we could, but a place like that—"
"Yukinon probably knows somewhere like this! Maybe her family even has a countryside villa!" Yui suggested enthusiastically.
"…You're saying the three of us should go on a trip together?" Su Yu gave her a strange look.
"Yup!" Yui beamed.
Her small hand clenched slightly.
Notes-Read advanced chapters in patreon.com/Shadow_D_X