77 Everything is like a building

When Akatsuki and Reina left, Mizuto brought Yume back to her room. Her condition might have improved, and her cold was cured, but it wouldn't hurt to be careful by resting as she had just gotten better. 

"Come on. You should sleep." 

"Eh? Aren't we going to do anything?" Hearing his words, Yume was so surprised. 

"...What do you want to do? You have just gone better." Mizuto was speechless.

"...you don't want to do anything?" Yume looked at him curiously, shyly, and timidly. 

"I can do you anytime anyway, and I am not a beast who will attack you when you are like this."

"....." 

Yume didn't look at him in contempt or doubt; only she nodded and said, "I will get better soon." That way, she could comfort him. 

Laying on her bed again, she felt comfy and a little sleepy, but she didn't let go of his hand. "Are you not going to the driving school?" Only now did she realize that he didn't seem to have any intention of leaving her for driving school. 

"No, I will skip it today." 

"Huh? Is that okay?" 

"I can skip at least three times." Holding her hand, he said, "Moreover, I have mastered all the knowledge, whether it is practical or theory. It will be okay for me to skip for a day." 

"...sorry." 

"If you feel sorry, then wear your uniform when you feel better." 

"Pervert!" 

Still watching him smile, Yume blushed, and she knew that he teased her because he didn't want her to be depressed. Because of this, even though it was quite wrong and immoral, she might try to comfort him with her school uniform.

"I won't go anywhere this time, so sleep, okay?" 

"...um." 

She felt like she wanted to cry somehow, but as she held his hand, she slept soundly. 

Still watching Yume, who had gone to sleep, Mizuto took his smartphone and started to make money again. It felt so strange somehow, but when he saw the number on his account, he had to say that making money was so strangely easy, and at the same time, it also made him think that he should get a bank. He had too much money, and having a bank would bring him a lot of convenience. 

With that said, he didn't have enough money to get a bank, so he postponed that idea as he was thinking about his real estate business. 

Still, the more he learned about the real estate business, the more he realized that this business was unsuitable for those with limited cash since a single transaction, including the building and land, sometimes had the same value or even more than those famous companies. 

In his mind, he could imagine that those companies might as well spend their money to expand their business instead of buying real estate, considering how low its profit was.

Yet, like he had said before, while real estate had a low profit, it was stable and strong as it wouldn't be shaken much by the economic downturn. 

It was also for this reason that he felt like his decision to buy a hotel previously was a bit too hasty. However, he also felt that it didn't matter as he bought his hotel practically free. Still, if he wanted to focus on the real estate business, he might focus on those high-rises that focused especially on office buildings, considering how stable, easy to manage, and how easy it was for the value of the building to increase. 

Nevertheless, the more he learned about "Real estate," the more fascinating it became. 

Still, as he got his money, his focus on what kind of real estate he should obtain was clear. 

'An office building, a hospital, a resort, and a shopping mall.' 

Those four were something that he should be focused on. 

'Should I get a theme park too?' 

Mizuto thought that everything had become so much fun. Nevertheless, as he got to the hotel, he thought of focusing on the resort property. Still, while he was on target, he decided to wait until Friday as he wished to see his hotel first, so in the meantime, he checked the building of "The Dipper," thinking of renovating it slightly, and bought some items along with many other things for his comfort. 

---

"We're back." 

"Yume-chan, are you okay?" 

In the evening, their parents went home, and they quickly asked about Yume's situation. 

"Um, I am okay. I feel well now." 

"That's great. It might be because Mizuto-kun took care of you, right?" 

Hearing her mother's teasing, Yume was embarrassed. "M-Mom!" 

Still, hearing Yuni's words, Mizuto thought that Yume's speedy recovery was all due to his skill as a "Real Estate Developer," "Energetic," which made those who lived, stayed, or worked on the property that was owned, listed, or chosen by him would be full of energy and positiveness.

Mizuto also thought that it might be the reason why Reina and Akatsuki were so reluctant when they lived in his house since there was no doubt that it brightened their moods. 

By now, he also noticed how the complexion of his father and his stepmother was getting better and better. 

Mizuto thought the system was amazing, which sometimes overwhelmed him. It was also because of this that he was thinking of getting some fresh air by going to the convenience store. 

"I am going to the convenience store. Do you want me to get you something?" 

"Hmm... it's okay." 

"Yes, just go back quickly, okay, Mizuto-kun?" 

"Ah, um..." Hearing the words of Mineaki and Yuni, Yume hesitated and didn't dare to raise her hand since she wanted to follow him. 

"Yume, do you want me to buy you something?" 

"Ah, um, it's okay..." Yume felt that there was nothing she wished for except to stay with him anyway. "Just go back quickly." 

"I know." Mizuto nodded as he only thought of going to the convenience store to have some fresh air, so naturally, he would go back quickly. Leaving the house, he brought his tote bag for shopping while walking absentmindedly, watching the night sky, thinking about what had happened in the afternoon as he didn't expect that he would do it at school and meet such a situation. 

Yet, he knew that such a thing would happen, and knowing the consequences well, he still did it. However, there was no doubt that Akatsuki wouldn't be the only girl.

When he took care of Yume earlier, as he gazed into her face, he wondered whether she would act like Akatsuki.

At this moment, everything was good and beautiful, but nothing was permanent. 

Sooner or later, everything would crumble, yet strangely enough, he didn't feel scared. 

It was like a building; when it was too old, it was either being renovated or torn down. The problem was what it would become after those things happened.

Mizuto couldn't answer it, yet he wanted to search for that answer. 

Nothing had changed about him, and he was still searching for the answer, patiently yet surely. 

With those thoughts, his mood didn't change much, but he hummed an energetic idol song to lighten his mood. Then, he heard someone greet him so suddenly from behind. 

"Good evening." 

He was startled and quickly turned around before seeing a familiar figure.

"Akashigata-san?

He didn't know why, but this housewife had always tickled his desire. She might not be the most beautiful, but somehow, she was just fascinated. Unlike when they met for the first time or when she greeted him the morning before, tonight, she dressed in a wine-colored suit, showing the charm of an adult elite professional. 

He wasn't sure how to describe her, but it was like she could show many faces whenever they met. At first, she was elegant; the second time, she was gentle; the third time, she was an animal; and now, she is a strong woman. 

Akashigata Rinko was very different from all the women he had seen, as most of them didn't have many faces. 

Mizuto suddenly thought about the story that Yume had told him when they walked to the school the last time and knew under that gentle smile; she shouldered so many things. Still, he had to say, he felt a bit embarrassed when someone heard his humming. 

"Do you want to go back together, Irido-kun?" 

However, Rinko was kind, and she didn't say anything about his humming. 

"Sure, Akashigata-san." 

Mizuto took his smartphone secretly and made a quick text that he might be a little late. 

"What did you eat?" 

"It's Magnum ice cream. Do you want to try?" 

"It's great to be young. You can eat whatever you want without worrying about anything." 

"As we walk like this, most people will think you are my big sister, Akashigata-san." 

Rinko chuckled and asked, "By the way, can I trouble you with something?" 

"What's wrong?" 

"The lamp on my house seems to be off. I am not sure how to fix it." 

"Have you bought the new lamp?" 

"I do." 

"Then, I will fix it for you." 

"Thanks." Rinko smiled and said, "I will repay you well~!"

How could she repay him?

Mizuto loved surprises, so he wouldn't ask for anything.

It was also because of this he wouldn't ask Rinko about her trouble and wait for their relationship to turn.