226 This Is Nishimiya Shouko’s Happiness

It wasn't even six o'clock when Kyousuke leapt out of bed.

For someone like him, waking up this early was rarer than spotting one of those old vending machines that still sold neon-colored booze on the streets.

He yanked open the curtains, letting in the soft, grey morning light.

The sky was still overcast.

Sliding open the well-insulated window, he could faintly hear distant chants coming from the nearby University of Tsukuba's School for the Visually Impaired.

Some sports club must already be in the middle of early-morning training and students in Japan had no shortage of such activities, even during holidays.

The stale air in the room was quickly replaced by the fresh, damp morning breeze.

Kyousuke took a deep breath, feeling the dampness settle in his lungs.

The carbon dioxide from the garden plants gave him a weird but pleasant sense of clarity. His brain was now fully awake.

"Not a bad day at all," he murmured.

Although the morning sun hadn't yet reached his room, and there wasn't a cute little dog peeing on the garden wall, today was special.

Today, the new house would welcome its lady of the house.

His room had already been set up to feel warm and cozy.

The bedding was covered in cute, playful patterns.

A desk sat beside the window, even though he had a separate study.

Next to it stood a tall, two-meter redwood bookshelf filled with books he'd already read.

To the right of the window was a white wardrobe plastered with stickers—adorable cartoon characters and handwritten notes covered its surface.

"White Shirt No.1, ready for action!"

"Hey, pink is super cute too, y'know! -.- (grumbles from the pink tee)"

"No matter what you wear, a stylish denim bucket hat is always the answer!"

These little notes were written by Sakura, Shouko, and the others, like enthusiastic store staff recommending the clothes they'd lovingly packed into his wardrobe.

Kyousuke had never once bought clothes for himself.

Partly because he was lazy, partly because he had no clue what looked good.

As a kid, his mother, Hojou Mikiko, dressed him.

Then Sakura joined in.

Then Shouko, Naoka... and now Eriri, Utaha-senpai, and even Okudera had taken up the job.

His wardrobe had evolved from a monochrome mix of black, white, and grey into a vibrant explosion of colors no longer just casual minimalism, but hip-hop, business-casual, and more.

Seeing those stickers made him genuinely happy.

Though for someone as indecisive as him, they only made it harder to choose what to wear.

But that wasn't going to be a problem anymore.

Sakura and the others would take care of it.

She might even stick a "Kyousuke Daily Outfit Memo" on his door, and get the other girls to brainstorm ideas and jot them down.

Slipping on a pair of long shorts, Kyousuke opened his door and stepped out.

Days when he could walk around shirtless like this were numbered and he had to enjoy the freedom while it lasted.

The March morning chill didn't bother him in the slightest.

With his current level of physical fitness, he could walk around Hokkaido in the dead of winter wearing nothing but a light jacket.

If he ever felt cold, it was just out of old habit, not actual discomfort.

Grabbing the bamboo sword that Miyamizu Mitsuha had gifted him two days ago, he headed into the yard to begin his morning training.

The lawn was cool and damp with dew.

With its price of over 5,000 yen per square meter, the grass felt like walking on Persian carpet.

All it needed was a canopy, and it would be the perfect spot for an afternoon nap.

The bamboo sword's handle was wrapped in soft, non-slip calf leather.

It didn't quite feel as natural in his hand as his old one, but the fact that it was from Mitsuha filled him with joy.

His swings grew more fluid and confident with every motion.

Focusing on a single task like this really did bring peace of mind.

The moment he woke up, he'd felt the urge to call his assistant and rush over to Suimon City.

But since he'd woken up unusually early for once, he decided to get some kendo practice in first.

When sweat had started to bead on his upper body and the first ray of sunlight peeked through the top of the tallest beech tree in the yard, he finally stopped.

After a quick shower and a simple breakfast, he got to work prepping some of the day's meals like Sakura's favorite yam ice cream and a papaya fruit bowl were among them.

During this time, Kisaki Tetta called to report on the logistics and staff status.

After deciding to open his own animation production company, Kyousuke had hired an agent to register Hojou Co., Ltd.

Its business scope included planning and producing novels, manga, and anime.

Capital: 10 million yen.

Shareholders: two people—99% owned by Kyousuke and 1% by Kisaki Tetta.

Kyousuke was president; Kisaki, the executive director.

The company was located in Suginami Ward, in an area Kyousuke had never even visited.

The annual rent was so cheap he couldn't remember the number.

Compared to other shell companies, his was already doing well mainly because of his highly capable right-hand man.

Originally, Kyousuke had wanted to give Kisaki more shares, since the guy handled pretty much everything from manga and novel projects to acting as an informal manager, even helping out with daily life.

"As a loyal subordinate, it's my job to grow the boss's empire, not find ways to leech off him," Kisaki had said earnestly.

He was convinced that under his support, the boss's company would become world-famous.

And when that happened, even 1% would be more than enough to reach the pinnacle of success.

By 10 a.m., time had ambled along and the delivery team was already en route to Suimon City with the moving truck.

Kyousuke, holding the gift Kisaki had picked out for him, began making courtesy calls to the neighbors.

It was customary to greet the neighbors before moving in especially since the narrow roads in the residential area could be blocked, and moving inevitably brought noise.

The gift was a small box of sweets worth around 2,000 yen—chosen with the area's wealthier residents in mind.

In a less affluent neighborhood, 1,000 yen would've been more than enough.

First, he visited the three identical houses behind his own—the red, yellow, and blue triplets.

Ahem, the three single-family homes that looked like clones of each other.

Most of the doors were answered by housewives.

He didn't go inside and just smiled politely at the door, explained the situation, handed over the gift, made small talk, and left.

This process took over half an hour.

Everyone was naturally curious about the mysterious person who bought the long-vacant luxury home, so conversations ran longer than expected.

Kyousuke modestly shared that he was a mystery novelist.

When the neighbors gasped in excitement and asked for autographs, Kisaki would smoothly present a signed collector's edition of his book from behind.

"The property value's going up!"

That was the unanimous conclusion of the neighbors he'd visited.

As they sat in the car afterward, Kyousuke casually asked, "Kisaki, did you find a place to stay yet?"

"Yeah, I'm sharing a place with Goro Hatake and the others. There are a lot of houses in the area meant for students," Kisaki replied from the passenger seat.

"Right. Those guys come from money too, don't they?"

Not all schools in the area were boarding schools, so this district was a home to many universities and high schools.

Sakura had seen some of them before, places like Seifuu Dormitory and Fukujusou Residence.

They were all part of that same district.

Before buying the mansion, Kyousuke suspected the previous owner might've had the same thought he did—this place had way too many rooms.

In the midst of casual conversation, Kyousuke arrived at Sakura's house.

He didn't bother ringing the doorbell just called out as he pushed open the garden gate.

The front door wasn't locked either.

As soon as he stepped inside, he saw a 28-inch suitcase and two overstuffed storage bags stacked near the entrance.

The TV in the living room was playing some drama, but whoever had been watching was already walking toward him.

"Kyousuke, you're so slow! I was too excited to sleep since five this morning!" Sakura grumbled loudly, hands on her hips.

"Good morning, Aunt Makoto."

"Thanks for coming, Kyousuke-kun."

Kyousuke and Yamauchi Makoto both cheerfully ignored Sakura's complaints as they exchanged polite greetings.

"Alright, alright! Let's go already. We still have to stop by Shouko's and Naoka's," Sakura said, her smile even brighter after seeing Kyousuke and her mom chat.

"Sakura! You should at least let Kyousuke-kun sit down and rest a bit first," Makoto scolded.

"Kyousuke, is that gift for my mom? Let's just hand it over and get going before the roads get jammed," Sakura said, completely ignoring her mother's remark.

"It's soba noodles," Kyousuke said, passing over the gift.

In Japan, it's customary to give soba noodles after a move.

Though technically, it was Sakura moving and not him, he had just moved too, so it kind of balanced out.

Honestly, he wasn't sure who was supposed to be giving the gift here but since their families were close, the details didn't matter much.

"Oh, that makes sense. In that case, you should get going," Makoto said as she glanced out the door at the moving van parked in the street.

"Right? That's what I've been saying. Leaving early is the polite thing to do," Sakura added, completely making it up.

"You're going to give Kyousuke-kun a lot of trouble in the future with that attitude," Makoto said, tapping her daughter's forehead affectionately with her finger.

Then she turned to Kyousuke and gave a deep, sincere bow.

"Kyousuke-kun, please take good care of her from now on."

"No no. I should be the one thanking Sakura for everything she'll be doing for me," he replied, quickly returning the bow.

Kyousuke picked up the suitcase in one hand and the two bulky storage bags in the other, then walked out the door with Sakura.

"Bye, Mom! I'll come visit often~~"

Even at this moment moving out to live somewhere new.

Yamauchi Sakura's mood didn't drop a bit. She was still full of energy, calling out playful goodbyes to her mother from the garden gate.

Makoto smiled and waved back as Kyousuke nodded to her.

"Didn't you already go shopping with your mom recently? Why do you still have so much stuff?" Kyousuke asked, glancing into the rearview mirror as he sat in the passenger seat.

In the back, Sakura was rummaging through her small purse.

"You wouldn't understand girl stuff, Kyousuke," she said offhandedly without looking up.

Things like underwear and cosmetics can't always be found in just one trip.

Then there were the plush toys for her bed, her pajamas… She'd actually cut down on a lot of clothes already.

What really surprised Kyousuke was that even Shouko who usually dressed just as simply as he did—had just as much luggage as Sakura.

When he saw Shouko giggling quietly with her head lowered, what could he say? Girls having a lot of stuff… so what? It's not like he couldn't carry it.

"Nishimiya-san, I'm telling you, you have to send Yuzuru to Shirayuri Academy!"

"The teachers there are amazing, and she can go straight into the high school division afterward!"

Sakura immediately began pitching her own school to Nishimiya Yaeko as soon as Yuzuru declared she wanted to move and live with her sister in junior high.

"Really?" Nishimiya Yaeko was already stressing over Yuzuru's schooling.

She knew Sakura well, one of Shouko's rare close friends.

The loud and wild girl from elementary school had become noticeably calmer after three years at Shirayuri.

She glanced over at her younger daughter, whose short haircut and demeanor made her nearly indistinguishable from a boy.

Just hearing Sakura's pitch, Yaeko made up her mind: Yuzuru was going to Shirayuri.

Because they wanted to get back home before lunch, the visit didn't last long.

Kyousuke hoisted Shouko's luggage and headed out with the two girls.

From the balcony, Nishimiya Yaeko watched as the black car and small moving truck drove off.

Her smile faded slightly not because she was worried about her daughter's life ahead.

Not with Naoka, who had already been her roommate for three years.

And as long as Hojou was around, she had nothing to worry about.

But that didn't mean she wasn't concerned about Kyousuke and the girls surrounding him.

She was glad Shouko would get to live with her friends during high school, all in the same place.

She was sure that kind of environment would help Shouko open up and be happy.

As for the fact that all of them were living in Kyousuke's house?

She wasn't worried at all.

There were plenty of other girls living there too, and honestly, Hojou's affection for her daughter made it hard to imagine him doing anything inappropriate.

'If only Shouko could marry Hojou…'

Yaeko let out a long sigh.

Sixteen was already legal marrying age.

Even if they continued school after marriage, it wouldn't be a big deal.

If both Shouko and Hojou had feelings for each other, she'd probably faint from joy.

Her own failed marriage made her especially eager for her daughter to find happiness.

And right in front of her was the perfect candidate… but her clueless daughter still hadn't made a move.

So as her mother, it was up to her to pass on some wisdom.

'Happiness doesn't come to those who just wait around! But…'

"Mom~"

That same clueless daughter stood there, smiling gently, voice soft as a breeze.

"I'm happy… just being by Kyousuke-kun's side."

Being able to see him every day.

Hear his voice. Fall asleep with thoughts of him. That was enough.

Shouko sat quietly in the backseat, listening peacefully as Kyousuke and Yamauchi Sakura chatted about lunch plans.

This…

This was Nishimiya Shouko's happiness.