About fifteen minutes later, Ms. Ninagawa arrived at the café carrying her handbag.

"Sorry to keep you all waiting."

She apologized politely to the group, sat down beside Shizuka, and ordered an Americano from the waiter.

"Still drinking Americanos this late?"

Haru, always quick to start a conversation, commented naturally.

Ninagawa took off her mask and gave a weary smile.

"No choice. Things have been crazy lately—I've been working past 2 a.m. for four days straight."

"Health comes first," Shizuka said, subtly shifting her position to block Ninagawa from view.

Although she'd purposefully left the inside seat open for her, she still took precautions—not wanting to attract attention in a public café.

Ninagawa noticed and thanked her with a small laugh.

"I'm just a behind-the-scenes staff member. Honestly, it's rare anyone would recognize me on the street."

"Better to be safe," Shizuka replied with a smile—always detail-oriented when it came to serious matters.

Once the coffee arrived, Ninagawa turned to the students with visible admiration.

"Back when we last met, I already wanted to talk with you all about that short film. Unfortunately, the timing wasn't right. Then I got swamped with work and couldn't reach out."

The three girls—Yukino included—looked mildly surprised.

Because Haru had guessed this exact thing.

"So, you really liked the short film?" Haru asked.

"Yes. The script was deep, the visual storytelling was clever—it didn't feel like a student film at all," she praised.

"Well, that's because these girls aren't your average high schoolers," Haru grinned, then looked at the slightly nervous trio.

"Yukino worked so hard as director. She stayed up late almost every night and still kept up with her studies."

Ninagawa looked surprised.

"Wait—you're not the director?"

"I didn't see any credit listed for one, so I assumed it was you."

Haru had left a deep impression on her. Plus, Yukino's mother had spoken highly of him several times.

"I was just a background extra—my main job was lugging equipment.As for the credits, Yukino purposely left herself out. She doesn't like drawing attention."

Now Ninagawa looked even more surprised. She turned her gaze to Yukino with newfound admiration.

Shizuka was hearing all this for the first time and was completely drawn in.

Since Haru had been singing her praises, Yukino had no choice but to clarify:

"What he said at the end wasn't entirely true. While I do avoid being too flashy, I left my name out because I only care about the quality of the work. Nothing else matters to me."

"That kind of mature mindset is rare for a high school student," Ninagawa said admiringly.

"I've met your sister too, and you're definitely both cut from the same Yukinoshita family—so calm and composed at such a young age."

Yukino thanked her with a small smile—but inwardly, she felt a rare surge of excitement.

Ever since a long time ago, she had stopped aiming to surpass her sister.

Her goal had changed to "growing alongside Haru."

Still, to be mentioned in the same breath as her sister by someone she respected—it felt good.

It meant she'd made the right choice back then.

She was improving—and efficiently so.

Haru went on to introduce Utaha and Megumi next.

Clearly, Ninagawa had watched the short film in detail; she had strong impressions of both heroines.

Especially now, seeing how quiet and refined Megumi looked—it was a stark contrast to the screen version of her character, and that contrast made an impression.

Once the introductions were done, Haru smiled mischievously.

"So… is this whole meeting just to talk about the film?"

"No."

Ninagawa shook her head, eyes almost glowing as she looked at the three girls.

"I watched that short film three times. I think the three of you have enormous potential and talent. With just a bit of guidance, you could shine even brighter."

All three girls froze.

Because it was clear: Ninagawa wasn't just impressed—she wanted to mentor them.

Haru and Shizuka were the ones who saw through the situation quickest.

They understood the subtext.

As one of the rare female directors in the industry, Ninagawa likely saw something of her younger self in the trio.

Still, neither Haru nor Shizuka said anything. This wasn't their decision to make.

That right belonged only to the girls.

Utaha spoke up first:

"Ms. Ninagawa, I'm honored you think so highly of us. But we're still students…"

Yukino and Megumi seemed to feel the same.

"I'm not asking you to decide anything now," Ninagawa said with a laugh.

"To me, you're all hidden gems. If you ever run into issues before graduation—whether with acting or directing—feel free to ask me for help."

Then, noticing the atmosphere growing too formal, she softened her tone:

"That said, I'm no big-time director. I just happen to know a thing or two when it comes to coaching actors and directors."

With that, the three girls relaxed.

Though everyone in the room knew: she was being modest.

They'd already looked into her background.

Anyone who'd survived this long in the film world, with a consistent output and solid reputation, was far more than someone who merely "knew a thing or two."

They chatted warmly until night fell, and finally left the café.

Haru went to pay the bill, while the others waited outside.

Suddenly, Utaha turned to Ninagawa:

"Oh right—one thing. You clearly think highly of Haru, too, don't you?So why didn't you mention him even once?"

Yukino looked over immediately—she'd been wondering the same thing.

Under their gaze, Ninagawa smiled.

"That boy's different. He's a natural-born all-rounder. From what I've heard, he's never received any formal training. Yet look at how good he already is."

"That's true," Yukino added instinctively.

"He's probably self-taught."

Ninagawa nodded, lowering her voice slightly.

"Which is why I shouldn't intervene. Someone like him is capable of carving his own path, creating his own style. Interfering might actually hold him back."

The girls looked stunned.

They knew Haru was talented in many ways—from academics to filming, even coaching, and screenwriting.

But to hear such high praise from a respected director—that was something else.

Haru returned from the register, and the group eventually split up.

On the ride home, Yukino and Utaha were deep in thought.

Megumi, however, looked as calm as ever.

Haru didn't disturb them. After confirming everyone was going to their own homes tonight, he kept quiet the whole way.

What did surprise him was this:

The moment Yukino and Utaha got home, they both headed straight for the bedroom.

Before entering, they even exchanged a glance—each surprised the other had the same thought.

Left alone in the living room with Megumi, Haru brought her a plate of fruit.

"Not joining them?"

Megumi shook her head.

"They're clearly shaken by what Ms. Ninagawa said. I'm not."

Haru had figured as much. Sitting across from her, he joked:

"Did I get showered in praise while I was paying the bill?"

"Mm. The director spoke very highly of you."

Haru nodded, unsurprised.

Yukino and Utaha probably had one thought in mind now—they needed to catch up.

Being so far behind someone you're emotionally close to—it's something you might accept in the short term, but not forever.

Haru leaned back lazily.

"You know… some of the things Ms. Ninagawa could teach you—maybe I could teach too."

Megumi popped a slice of apple into her mouth.

"Are you bragging to me?"

Haru picked up his own slice, just about to respond—when she cut in:

"The more you reveal your strengths to me…

The harder it is for me to leave you."

A sudden basic attack.

Was she trying to bait out his Flash Step?

Haru nearly choked.

Megumi tilted her head sweetly, eyes innocent and soft.

"I meant growing together, of course. What were you thinking?"

~~~~~~~~~~

You can support me by subscribing on Patreon and read up to 10 chapters ahead.

patreon.com/Ranabir_20