I really just want to grind for entries related to crossover anime/manga.

"Mr. Genkawa, the lesson is over."

The girl's voice was calm and gentle. Her gaze swept quickly and carefully across the classroom, lingering for a very brief moment on the two idols who were secretly watching Genkawa Yu, her eyes showing no emotion whatsoever.

"Thank you for your hard work, teacher. I am very grateful for your guidance today."

Genkawa Yu stood up, bowed politely to the female teacher to express his gratitude, and acted with humility.

After leaving the classroom, another figure walked over. It was Asakura Toru. She also seemed to have just finished her group's advanced course, with a faint smile on her face.

"Genkawa-kun, how's your class going?"

"It's pretty good, much more interesting than I imagined."

Genkawa Yu smiled and shook the notebook in his hand, which already contained several pages of notes. "At least now I know how to read sheet music."

“It seems Genkawa-kun is already getting used to it,” Asakura Toru glanced at Kato Megumi beside him and continued, “Would you like to come to class together in the future? Maybe we can even take classes together when Genkawa-kun’s course moves into the advanced part.”

Genkawa Yu nodded, looking at the expression on Asakura Toru's face, and spoke gently.

"Yes, if the shooting schedule is suitable and there are no conflicts, then yes."

"Ah."

Asakura Toru looked quite happy; she was also looking forward to studying here with Genkawa Yu.

On the way back to the set of "Love Like a Bouquet," the atmosphere inside the van was quieter than when we arrived.

Genkawa Yu leaned back comfortably in the back of the seat, closed his eyes to rest, and his mind was still replaying the music theory he had just learned like a movie. After about ten minutes, he suddenly opened his eyes and his gaze fell on the profile of Kato Megumi, who was sitting next to him, checking her schedule on a tablet screen.

"Kato."

He called out, his voice exceptionally clear in the quiet carriage.

"What are your orders, Genkawa-san?"

Kato Megumi turned her face almost the instant he finished speaking; her expression was professional and calm, and her voice remained gentle.

"Nothing special is instructed."

Genkawa Yu's tone was more relaxed than when he was chatting casually, and he seemed very gentle.

"I just wanted to have a casual chat with you. Ever since we started working together, I feel like you almost... have no personal time at all?"

“Every day you follow me to the film set, to various announcements, and to handle trivial matters. Even on your nominal rest days, your phone must be on 24 hours a day, ready to be called upon at any time.”

They had been working together for several months, and after going through it in his mind, Genkawa Yu realized that Kato Megumi had devoted almost all of her time to him.

His gaze fell on the other person's face, which had almost no change in expression but was still undeniably handsome.

"Do you find this high-intensity work pace too tiring, day after day? Or... does it cause you, Kato, to miss out on many of the joys of life that ordinary people should have?"

This question was clearly somewhat unexpected by Megumi Kato.

She paused for a few seconds, seemingly carefully considering her words, before slowly replying in her uniquely soft voice.

“This is my duty, Genkawa-san. I don’t find it hard at all; on the contrary, I feel very fulfilled.”

Kato Kei paused, then looked intently at Genkawa Yu's face. "Moreover, being able to witness and participate in Genkawa-san's growth and career step by step is, in my opinion, a very meaningful and valuable thing."

Her answer sounded impeccable and full of professionalism.

"Hehe... Of course I'm not questioning your professional competence or dedication."

Genkawa Yu shook his head slightly, his eyes filled with a gentle concern. "I just feel that Kato, you seem to be pushing yourself too hard, like a wound-up toy that keeps running non-stop. Don't you need to take a break once in a while and completely relax?"

"Anyway, my work lately has been filming movies, so giving you a few days off is no problem. Kato, you can go out and meet up with your friends, go shopping, or develop some hobbies outside of work."

Upon hearing this, Kato Megumi's usually calm and unwavering eyes seemed to flicker very subtly, but they quickly returned to their usual placid state.

Her answer was still crisp and decisive, even bordering on stubborn.

"At this stage, I don't need any extra vacation. I think ensuring that Genkawa-san's work goes smoothly is my top priority right now, and it's also my personal hobby."

"..."

Genkawa Yu was momentarily speechless at her attitude.

Kato Megumi's reliability, efficiency, and absolute dedication are beyond doubt, making him an indispensable right-hand man in his career.

But sometimes, this overly thorough and almost unreserved dedication made him feel a strange pressure, as if he had incurred a huge debt and didn't know how to repay it.

A subtle silence fell over the carriage, but Kato Megumi herself seemed completely oblivious to it, or perhaps she didn't see anything wrong with it.

The girl turned her head back to the tablet screen and began meticulously checking the details of the afternoon's shooting schedule, as if the brief conversation had never happened.

"You've really worked hard, Kato."

"Yuu Genkawa suddenly said."

"Mr. Genkawa, don't worry about me. I will always be there to help you."

Kato Megumi didn't even turn her head.

"...good."

As evening fell, Yuu Genkawa returned to his apartment, feeling utterly exhausted. He first took a relaxing hot bath to wash away his fatigue, then put on comfortable loungewear, made himself a cup of hot tea, and was about to pick up the story of "The Wind Rises" to ponder the next plot when his phone, which was on the coffee table, rang at just the right moment.

He picked it up and saw that the caller was Mai Sakurajima.

I pressed the answer button, held the phone close to my ear, and immediately heard a familiar voice on the other end.

"Good evening, Yu-kun. I hope I haven't disturbed your rest?"

"No, I just got home a short while ago. But Mai-san, you... you sound really tired? Is something going wrong at the agency?"

Genkawa asked with concern, knowing that Sakurajima Mai and his mother had been busy with their newly established agency recently.

"Yes, I've been working non-stop lately. The firm is just starting out, and there are all sorts of things to deal with. Plus, with the 'Shining Love' project, there are just too many aspects that need to be coordinated."

Mai Sakurajima sighed softly on the other end of the phone, but her tone quickly became more invigorated and powerful.

"However, all the efforts have paid off, and the preliminary preparations for the project have finally been basically finalized! The main investors have been negotiated, and our [Sakura no Umi Agency] will be the main controlling party. Director Mizuki has also officially signed a contract to direct the project."

"That's wonderful, Mai-san, congratulations on taking such a solid step!"

Genkawa Yu was genuinely happy for her, his voice filled with sincere congratulations. He could imagine how much effort she had put into this.

"so..."

Mai Sakurajima's voice subtly carried a hint of solemnity and deep-seated expectation. She paused briefly, as if gathering her strength, before speaking clearly and formally.

"Yu-kun, I am now formally extending an invitation to you as the president of [Sakura no Umi Agency] and the investor of the film 'Sparkling Love'—Mr. Genkawa Yu, would you be willing to play the male lead in our film?"

Although he had already expected it, hearing Mai Sakurajima extend an invitation to him in such a formal tone, with her new identity, still left Yu Genkawa with mixed feelings.

After a while, he sighed. He hadn't let the other party down, after all, it was something he had already promised.

“It is my honor, Mai-san. As long as my schedule allows, I would be very happy to accept your invitation and look forward to working with you and Director Mizuki.”

A brief silence fell on the other end of the phone, followed by Mai Sakurajima's relieved yet joyful laughter, a sound as melodious as the wind blowing through harp strings.

"Okay, Yu-kun, you can rest assured about the schedule. I will have the production department prioritize adjusting the shooting schedule to suit your availability."

The two then chatted pleasantly for a few more minutes about some initial ideas for the film, their understanding of the characters, and the possibility of future collaboration.

Just as the call was about to end and they said goodnight to each other, Mai Sakurajima seemed to suddenly remember something, and spoke in a tone that sounded as casual as possible, but upon closer listening, one could catch a faint hint of probing.

"Time really flies. I just looked at the calendar and realized that it's almost February 14th."

Genkawa Yu, holding his phone, was slightly taken aback upon hearing this, but then reacted naturally and replied.

"Yes, before we know it... Valentine's Day is almost here."

Mai Sakurajima on the other end of the phone seemed to simply give a soft "hmm" before adding something.

"Please look forward to my <Chrysanthemum Chocolate>!"

After saying that, Mai Sakurajima quickly hung up the phone.

"..."

Genkawa slowly put down his phone, got up and walked to the floor-to-ceiling window of his apartment, gazing thoughtfully at the dazzling night view of Tokyo outside.

February 14th, Valentine's Day.

I hope everything goes well.

Volume 2 Tokyo Love Story: Chapter 23 Valentine's Day, Akane Kurokawa Won't Give Up (2-in-1 6k)

On February 13th, a sweet yet restless atmosphere already filled the air.

Valentine's Day, a holiday that originated in the West but has been given unique cultural and commercial significance in Japan, has permeated every corner of society like an unstoppable tide.

A day in advance, the shop windows in the shopping street began to be filled with heart-shaped decorations and promotional posters, television commercials played sweet images of chocolate on a loop, and even the atmosphere in the office buildings was more subtly expectant and tense than usual.

On the set of "Love Like a Bouquet," today's shooting task focuses on reshooting some scattered shots and exterior scenes.

Although the atmosphere on set remained professional and rigorous, observant people would notice that some of the female staff members had a hint of excitement on their faces, and when they occasionally whispered among themselves, the conversation inevitably turned to tomorrow's arrangements and the chocolates they were preparing.

Even the young woman in charge of the script supervision would secretly check her carefully packaged handmade chocolates in her bag during breaks in the clapperboard, for fear that they might be damaged.

Genkawa Yu finished his last shot of the day, which was after [Yamaoto Mugi] started working. He walked alone through the street and glanced at the backs of the couples passing by.

When he detached himself from the detachment he felt from the role, he clearly sensed that the atmosphere around him was different from usual.

While the makeup artist was removing his makeup, she smiled and asked him if he had any special plans for tomorrow. As they passed the props department, Yu Genkawa overheard people discussing which store's chocolates were the most popular this year.

"Seriously, is Valentine's Day that popular?"

In the evening, director Hitoshi Doi suggested a small get-together at a quiet izakaya near the hotel where the film crew was staying.

However, there weren't many people involved, only Director Doi, Yu Genkawa, and a few other staff members. After a few cold beers, the tension from the daytime filming gradually dissipated, and the conversation became more relaxed.

"Genkawa-kun."

Director Doi's cheeks were slightly flushed as he held his wine glass, his eyes reflecting both anticipation for his work and a hint of post-drinking enjoyment.

"Honestly, I have a lot of confidence in our film 'Love Like a Bouquet.' Not only is the script solid, but your performance and Kurokawa-san's performance have exceeded my expectations." He took a sip of his drink, paused, and continued, "I have a feeling that the box office will be great, and... we might even win some awards at next year's film festival."

He looked at Genkawa Yu's handsome face and said, "I think you have a good chance of being nominated for Best New Actor or Best Actor."

Genkawa Yu smiled modestly and clinked glasses with the director.