This chapter falls in the timeline between my story 'The Four Pillars' and 'Tycoon's Unforeseen Romance: Youth Revelations. At the start, where Hikigaya became a successful businessman.

Also, I read the comment left in my 'Tycoon' Story. The first point is that these stories are side stories of my 'Tycoon' story. 'The Four Pillars' is a prequel to the 'Tycoon' story. You don't need to read the prequel or the side story to understand the mainline story (Tycoon story). I try to keep it from spoiling and leave out major details but you get the point. I give enough to understand the story. The second point is that those three stories point out that there is a harem element in the story but mostly it is the social connection Hikigaya and Yukino have. Lastly, the main point is that I might not have worded it right or didn't give the context clue a clear understanding but in this chapter or the latest chapter of 'Tycoon,' it assumes that Yukino, Yui, and Hikigaya are in a relationship and that is true but Yui belongs to Yukino. Let me repeat that to make it clear, Hikigaya has many relationships and some are lovers but Yuigahama belongs to Yukino. Yukino's only other lover is Yuigahama.

I'll repeat the previous statement when I write the next chapter of my 'Tycoon' story.

Yuigahama Yui sat in front of her mirror, carefully applying makeup. Today was the last time she would use the shared dressing room at the news station. She was no longer just a face in the background; she had been promoted to a prime-time news anchor. Her hands moved with practiced ease, the mascara wand gliding over her lashes, and the lipstick perfectly lining her lips.

As she worked, Yui couldn't help but reminisce. She had started her career as a reporter covering light-hearted segments—animal stories and local festivals. These stories made her a household name among pet owners and children. The memories brought a smile to her face. She could still recall the excitement of her first day on the job, the nervousness she felt before going on air, and the joy of receiving positive feedback from viewers.

Her journey had been a series of small steps and big leaps, much like her personal life. The news of her promotion had been met with mixed feelings. She was thrilled about the new opportunities but also nostalgic about the times she spent in this room, bonding with her colleagues and finding solace in the chaos of live television.

As she finished applying the final touches to her makeup, she glanced at the clock. It was almost time to head to the studio. She took a deep breath and stood up, smoothing out her dress. Today was the start of a new chapter, not just in her career, but also in her life.

With a confident stride, she walked toward the stage, her thoughts drifting back to the past.

0000

I remember when everything started to change for me. It was when I was returning from Tokyo, arriving late at my parents' home in Chiba. I was tired but content, a smile tugging at my lips as I recalled the day's events. I enjoyed my day in Tokyo, particularly the romantic date I had with Yukinoshita Yukino.

The memory of the date brought warmth to my cheeks. Yukinon had always been a person of few but meaningful words, and that day was no different. We walked through the bustling streets of Tokyo, finding quiet moments in hidden cafes and serene parks. The highlight had been a quiet dinner at a quaint restaurant, where we shared stories and laughter. It was hard to believe, given that our relationship had been rocky at best.

We fought, and everything was brought into the open. I remembered the way Yukinon's eyes softened when she talked about her ambitions and the future before our relationship started. Yukinon was in love with me, not just with Hikki but with me too. We talked—a lot—about everything, bearing our souls to each other.

During the date, the gentle touch of Yukinon's hand on mine, the subtle yet profound intimacy of our connection, made my heart flutter. It was in those moments that I felt a deep sense of belonging and love. That night, as we had sex together, it was a new experience for both of us.

As I removed my shoes upon returning home, the reality of the next day's work loomed over me. I had responsibilities and a career to focus on, but the warmth of the date lingered, a comforting presence as I prepared for bed.

0000

Back to the present, I was standing backstage, feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness. This was a significant step in my career, and I wanted to make the most of it. But I also knew that my personal life, with all its complexities and joys, was just as important.

Taking one last look in the mirror, I straightened my shoulders and stepped onto the stage, ready to embrace whatever came next.

I remember starting my career as a reporter covering light-hearted segments—animal stories and local festivals. These stories have made me a household name among pet owners and children. The memories brought a smile to my face. I could still recall the excitement of my first day on the job, the nervousness before going on air, and the joy of receiving positive feedback from viewers.

My journey to this point had been anything but easy. I was often exhausted from my job, not just from the demands of reporting, but from the challenges posed by my superiors. They consistently assigned me to cover animal stories and festival events. While these segments had endeared me to pet owners and children, earning me a loyal fandom, they also made me feel undervalued as a serious journalist. I longed to be respected as a news reporter, to cover stories that mattered on a broader scale. My cheerful demeanor and popularity sometimes worked against me, as my superiors pigeonholed me into light-hearted reporting. Yet, I had always performed my duties with a smile, bringing unique warmth and charm to every story.

I remember returning from yet another pet grooming event, feeling the weight of my situation. My feet hurt from standing all day, and I trudged back to the shared dressing room, my camera equipment slung over my shoulder. I couldn't deny the joy I brought to my viewers, but I yearned for more meaningful stories to cover. My lover Yukinon was rising up through the corporate ladder.

As I entered the dressing room, I collapsed into my chair with a sigh of relief. The familiar hum of the TVs filled the room, each screen broadcasting different channels. Just as I began to take off my shoes, the screens simultaneously switched to breaking news. Intrigued, I looked up.

The news was about a new skyscraper in Tokyo, a cutting-edge hub for freelancers and start-ups. The opening ceremony was grand, attended by notable figures from various industries. The project represented innovation and the future of business, a far cry from the light-hearted segments I was used to covering.

I watched intently, captivated by the magnitude of the event. It was a stark reminder of the stories I longed to report—stories that had an impact, that told of progress and change. As the camera panned to the speakers at the ceremony, I recognized some influential business leaders, including one from Yukinoshita's construction company, Yukinon.

The realization hit me then. I wanted to be a part of such groundbreaking news, to inform and engage viewers on a deeper level. The excitement of the ceremony contrasted sharply with my exhaustion, fueling my determination to push for more challenging assignments.

Then, the camera zoomed in on the man of the hour: Hikigaya Hachiman, Hikki, the owner and president of the freelance company. My eyes widened as I saw him step forward with a pair of oversized scissors, cutting the ribbon that symbolized the opening of the building. He looked calm and composed, his expression unreadable. The reporters swarmed, eager for a statement, but Hikki simply nodded politely and left the ceremony without giving an interview. That was so him.

A week later, the scene replayed in my mind as I watched the unfolding media frenzy. Hikki had become a hot topic, his new company's value skyrocketing and attracting attention from news stations across the nation. Everyone wanted an interview with the elusive entrepreneur who had so skillfully avoided the press at the opening ceremony.

Even my own station was caught up in the chaos, with producers and reporters running around, trying to dig up any information on Hikki. They had discovered that he was originally from Chiba before moving to Tokyo, and now, they were desperately trying to find people who knew him, hoping to get an interview through personal connections.

I watched as my colleagues scrambled, feeling a mix of frustration and determination. This was my chance. I knew Chiba well, having grown up there myself. I had connections that could potentially lead to Hikki, and I was determined to leverage them. If I could land this interview, it would prove to everyone that I was capable of handling serious journalism.

0000

I sat down at a fast-food restaurant, my laptop open in front of me. I had been calling old contacts, trying to find someone who could connect me to Hikki, but so far, everyone I talked to was either too busy to reply or dismissed me as foolish. The frustration was mounting, but I refused to give up.

Just then, my phone rang. Seeing Yukinon's name on the caller ID, my mood lifted immediately. I happily answered the call.

"Yukinon! It's so good to hear from you."

"Hi, Yuigahama-san. How are you?" Yukinon's voice was as calm and composed as ever, a comforting contrast to my chaotic day.

"I'm good! Well, actually, I'm kind of stressed," I admitted, glancing around the bustling restaurant. "I'm trying to get an interview with Hikigaya Hachiman, but it's been really tough. Everyone's trying to get to him, and no one seems to have time to help me."

There was a brief pause on the other end of the line. "Hikigaya? Why are you so focused on interviewing him?"

I blinked, momentarily thrown off by Yukinon's question. "Well, because he's the hot topic right now! His company is making headlines everywhere, and an interview with him would be a huge boost for my career."

Yukinon's confusion was palpable even through the phone. "Yuigahama-san, you do remember that we're still friends with Hikigaya-kun, right? And… well, more than that."

My cheeks flushed with embarrassment as the realization hit me. "Oh my god, I totally forgot! Yukinon, I'm so sorry. I got so caught up in everything that I didn't even think about our connection."

Yukinon chuckled softly. "It's okay, Yuigahama-san. I understand you've been busy. But remember, we can just reach out to him directly. I'm sure he'd be happy to help you out with an interview."

Relief washed over me, along with a fresh wave of gratitude for Yukinon's level-headedness. "Thank you, Yukinon. I don't know what I'd do without you."

"Anytime, Yuigahama-san. I'll talk to Hikigaya-kun and set something up. Don't worry about it."

As I ended the call, I felt a renewed sense of confidence.

0000

I was sitting in front of my mirror, meticulously applying makeup for my next news report. Today's segment was on toys—a lighthearted topic compared to the recent serious news surrounding Hikki and his company. Despite the colorful array of toys laid out on the table in front of me, my mind was elsewhere.

I couldn't shake the realization that I had forgotten about my connection with Hikki. How could I have let it slip my mind that we were not only friends but also in a shared relationship with Yukinon? The thought nagged at me, a mix of embarrassment and guilt weighing heavily on my heart.

I sighed, pushing aside my inner turmoil as I returned my focus to my makeup. I had a job to do, and I couldn't afford to let personal distractions get in the way. As I meticulously applied each stroke of eyeliner and dab of lipstick, I tried to push aside my thoughts of Hikki and Yukinon, focusing instead on the task at hand.

But as I worked, I couldn't help but feel a pang of longing. Being with Yukinon had brought me so much joy and happiness, but I couldn't deny the lingering presence of Hikki in my mind. Had I been so caught up in my relationship with Yukinon that I had forgotten about him? The thought unsettled me, and I vowed to make amends for my oversight.

Just then, a sudden change in atmosphere jolted me out of my reverie. People were running around outside the dressing room, their voices echoing through the halls in a chaotic frenzy. I furrowed my brows in confusion, wondering what could be causing such commotion.

Before I could ponder further, my superior burst into the dressing room, his face flushed with agitation. "Yuigahama-san, what are you doing? We've been looking all over for you!" he exclaimed, his tone bordering on exasperation.

I blinked in surprise, taken aback by his abrupt entrance. "I-I'm sorry, I was just getting ready for the news report on toys," I stammered, feeling flustered under his intense gaze.

My superior let out a frustrated sigh, his expression softening slightly. "Well, you need to hurry up. You're in charge of an interview with Hikigaya Hachiman, and we can't afford any delays."

My eyes widened in disbelief. An interview with Hikki? Why hadn't anyone informed me sooner? Before I could voice my confusion, my superior's words were cut off by the sudden appearance of a familiar figure in the doorway.

"Hikki?" I gasped, my heart skipping a beat as I locked eyes with the man I had been thinking about just moments before.

Hikki stood in the doorway, his expression calm yet unreadable. He offered me a small smile, his presence filling the room with a sense of quiet reassurance.

"Sorry to interrupt," he said, his voice smooth and composed. "I just wanted to greet you before the interview."

My heart fluttered at his words, my cheeks flushing with warmth. I couldn't believe he had come to see me personally, especially considering the chaos surrounding his recent rise to fame.

"It's... it's no problem at all," I managed to reply, my voice barely above a whisper.

As Hikki stepped further into the dressing room, my superior cleared his throat, snapping me out of my daze. "Right, well, we should get started," he said, regaining his composure. "Yuigahama-san, you know what to do. Make sure everything is ready for the interview."

I nodded, my mind still reeling from the unexpected turn of events. As my superior ushered Hikki out of the room to prepare for the interview, I couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation building within me.

0000

As the interview progressed, I found myself sitting across from Hikigaya Hachiman, my former classmate and clubmate from Sobu High School. He was also the boy I still liked. I couldn't help but feel a mix of excitement and embarrassment as I engaged him in conversation, asking about everything from his favorite places in Chiba to his favorite drink. How could I forget he likes Max Coffee?

Hikki's calm demeanor and thoughtful responses only served to heighten my nerves, but I pushed aside my anxiety, focusing on the task at hand. I was determined to conduct a successful interview, despite the unexpected turn of events.

However, as the conversation flowed, Hikki dropped a bombshell that caught me completely off guard. "You know, Yuigahama," he said casually, "you do remember we attended the same high school. We were even members of the same club."

My eyes widened in shock, my mind racing as I tried to process his words. How could I have forgotten something so significant? The realization hit me like a ton of bricks, and I couldn't help but let out an embarrassed giggle.

The producers in the control room let out an audible sigh of exasperation, their frustration palpable even from behind the scenes. They couldn't believe that I, their own news anchor, had been not just a classmate but a clubmate with Hikki all this time—and I hadn't even realized it.

I cringed at their reaction, feeling a flush of embarrassment creeping up my neck. I quickly composed myself, clearing my throat before addressing Hikki once more. "Ah, yes, the Service Club," I said, my voice tinged with a hint of nostalgia. "Those were indeed fun times."

Hikigaya nodded, a small smile playing at the corners of his lips. "The Service Club was a special place for us," he explained. "A trio of individuals with unique personalities, troublemakers coming together to help other students with their requests. Those memories were fond times indeed."

I listened intently as Hikki spoke, my mind swirling with memories of our time together in high school. The Service Club had been more than just a place for solving problems; it had been a sanctuary, a refuge from the pressures of daily life.

As Hikki continued to share his thoughts, I couldn't help but feel a sense of admiration for him. Here was a man who had taken the lessons learned from our time in the Service Club and applied them to his own life, creating a company that valued individuality and social contribution.

0000

Returning to the present:

Amid my newfound popularity as the "cute girl next door," my achievement reached even greater heights as news of my interview with Hikki spread far and wide. I had not only captured the hearts of viewers with my endearing giggle but also made history as the first news reporter to secure an interview with the elusive entrepreneur.

Hikki's reputation for being difficult to contact and too busy to reply to media inquiries had made him somewhat of a mystery in the business world. So when news broke that I had not only managed to secure an interview with him but also conducted it with charm and professionalism, it sent shockwaves through the industry.

As I basked in the glow of my success, I couldn't help but feel a sense of pride in my accomplishment. It wasn't just about landing a high-profile interview—it was about breaking barriers and proving that anything was possible with determination and perseverance.

My colleagues and fans alike hailed me as a trailblazer, a shining example of what could be achieved with passion and dedication. And as I continued to make waves in the world of journalism, I knew that I had cemented my place in history as a pioneer in my field.

I sat at my desk, the light shining on me as I watched the countdown to go live.

3

2

1

"Good evening, Chiba. I'm Yuigahama Yui..."