manga artist Kirito

Page 112

It's hard to believe that Eriri would call him... This is unbelievable, given that Shiina Mashiro has suddenly become very talkative and Kato Megumi's presence is like that of a homeroom teacher. But since she's called, it must be something important, right?

【I… um, CM, do you… have time?】

【Ah, I...I...I didn't come here specifically to see you, it's just...we're competitors, and we're going to have to compete on sales, that's why I called you. Don't misunderstand, and don't overthink it.】

"..."

Proud?

What a textbook example of tsundere! I haven't even said anything yet, and you've already given me so many explanations. Who is the one overthinking this?

However, my CM treatment is almost over, I wonder if Xigua will be able to be discharged by then...

Tsk, a three-day CM... looks like I'll have to make the schedule even tighter again.

"I wouldn't associate something like this with a date..."

[A date?! Hey, I... that's impossible. We were just shopping at CM together. A date is out of the question. Sorry.]

Are you crazy?

It's only been a short time since we last met, Eriri, are you poisoned or something? You can't help but think of things in that direction?

"If you say any more, you'll be spending all your time at the CM Expo alone."

[Huh? You...you think I can't find anyone else besides you? I have friends too, finding someone to go to CM with me is easy, right? Don't underestimate me, Kirigaya Kazuto!]

"Is it okay if your hidden identity as a shut-in otaku artist is discovered? I don't think you can find anyone... Ah, I remember you have a childhood friend..."

I'll contact you then. See you again!

Before Kiritani could finish speaking, he heard the busy tone on the phone and couldn't help but purse his lips, finding it anything but cute.

"Never mind, let's go see how Asuna, Suigetsu, and Haruno get along..."

255

[NO.252 Best Actress]

Unexpectedly quiet, Kirito listened intently to the sounds inside the ward.

There was conversation, but it was so quiet it was almost inaudible. With the excellent soundproofing, Mr. Kiritani Kazuto couldn't hear the ladies' conversation at all—which was a bit of a shame.

Should we open this door?

What price will be paid after opening it, and what will be seen next? The world behind the door is truly something to look forward to, but without reaching out... we'll naturally have no idea what's going on inside.

Ah, I hope Yang will behave himself and not disturb Xigua's rest.

Reaching out to open the door, the boy from Kirigaya raised his hand to greet everyone, but before he could speak, he saw the scantily clad girls. His nerves tingled, and he decided to turn his gaze to Hino. As expected, Hino returned a playful smile, and then…

"Ah!! Kazuto, what brings you back at this hour? Look... cough, close your eyes!"

"Hey! Get out, now!"

"Kirigaya Kazuto, I'm giving you three seconds to get out of here right now!"

"I think we can call the police!"

"This is a hospital! What the hell are you doing?!"

With those words in mind, Kiritani-kun left expressionlessly, closing the door behind him.

Without a doubt, this was definitely orchestrated by Haruno. Otherwise, the only place where they could attempt a door-opening kill would be Shiina Mashiro... So, what exactly is Haruno trying to do?

But the world is indeed beautiful—though I've seen it before—and such scenes can certainly uplift one's spirits, whatever the reason for it…

Well, it's really hard to dislike postmodern romantic comedy scenes like this.

However, before that, I think I need to prepare some explanations. It might not matter to Sushi and Haruno, but Asuna's advice that day was still very impressive. If I want to save my life, an unexpected explanation is essential.

Otherwise, we'll have to find an escape route first.

After a long while, the door opened, and a vibrant Haruno poked her head out with a perfectly terrifying smile on her lips. She looked at the boy leaning against the door and said, "Hey, aren't you touched? This is your reward!"

I'd rather not have this reward, especially since I've seen it before—well, I mean, I saw everyone's swimsuits when we went on the last trip.

Incidentally, I still don't quite understand why girls don't feel ashamed when they're seen wearing swimsuits, but feel like they've been murdered when they're seen wearing underwear—aren't all the same fabric? Well, strictly speaking, swimsuits usually have less fabric than underwear.

So, why?

Kiritani-kun, who considers himself to have high IQ and EQ, is still pondering similar philosophies of life today.

"Ah, it's alright..."

"Hey! Why do you give me that tired-up look when you see it's me?!"

Yang Nai seemed a little exasperated, but for some reason, she didn't speak loudly.

Kiritani glanced at her expressionlessly. It's simple, because I've grown accustomed to and weary of your presence—which does give the impression that he's about to abandon her after starting something.

"This is a hospital, please be a little more careful. Did you deliberately leave the door open?"

"Eek! You're trying to change the subject! But leaving the door open wasn't intentional, you know. After all, this is the best room, and even doctors rarely come here unless something unexpected happens... By the way, most of the doctors here are women!"

Yang smiled, his displeasure vanishing instantly. However, Kiritani knew very well that this was just a facade; this guy was actually incredibly vengeful.

"I think people would really like it, a nurse's uniform... paired with white stockings..."

"Shut up, I'm going in."

"Hey, go...go in? Go in where?"

With a terrified expression, Yang Nai clutched her chest and immediately took two steps back, as if Kirito was about to plot against her.

Damn, Best Actress!

If you love to show off so much, why don't you go make movies? If you did, you'd definitely win an Oscar!

Kiritani-kun reached out and pressed Haruno's forehead, pushing her backward before turning and walking into the ward. Haruno's little scheme was so obvious that there was no need to guess.

"Those chilling eyes... Kazuhito must be filled with fantasies about us right now."

Knowing that Kiritani-kun didn't care about what had just happened, Haruno changed her approach without hesitation, glaring at Kiritani Kazuto as he entered the ward with a serious and dissatisfied expression.

Meanwhile, Asuna's kind and gentle smile and Akane Kousaka's meaningful gaze drifted over, giving Kiritani a headache.

After a quick look around the room, it's safe to assume they were planning to change Akane's clothes, but for some reason Asuna and Haruno changed as well... Are they crazy?

"You can't say that. Because of his profession, Kazuto has been fantasizing about this kind of thing since he was a child. He's usually mysterious and tells dirty jokes, but he usually won't do anything indecent. You can trust him. Kazuto would never do it on purpose! ...Probably."

Akane Kosaka pulled the blanket up over herself, her expression extremely serious. Anyone who didn't know better would think she was defending Kirigaya-kun, but Kirigaya-kun knew perfectly well that these words, seemingly meant to exonerate him, would only make him seem like he had ulterior motives all along—bullshit! If he really intended to harm you, would you still be unharmed by now?

Yes, intact...complete!

"Well, anyway, I believe in people. After all, I watched this child grow up. I just need to explain it properly."

Her pale face blossomed into a radiant smile at that moment.

"By the way," he said, looking at Asuna.

Regardless, Haruno and Akane Kosaka perfectly revealed that not only is their hair black, but their inner selves are also black—not that kind of black, please note.

Speaking of which, Asuna seems to have had her cunning moments... In other words, the three of them are now putting on a show?

"Good evening, Mr. Kazuto. Are you satisfied with what happened earlier?"

The small knife twirled in her hand, gleaming coldly under the light. Asuna picked up a bright red apple and gave Kazuto a sweet smile.

"...You might not believe it, but I forgot to bring my glasses just now."

256

[NO.253 Explanation]

Women are very vengeful creatures.

Even if they're usually very nice, the slightest hint of something amiss will make them act like a wildcat with its fur standing on end...

Let's just consider this a long-awaited treat. Besides, I really can't bring myself to yell at a girl who almost saw someone naked... okay?

Could it be that their eyes were contaminated?

You'll die! You'll definitely die!

Putting aside Asuna, Akane Kousaka and Haruno are not normal people, and even more so now that one of them is currently a patient, if things don't go her way, she might deliberately put on a pained expression and call the doctor. What kind of look will Asuna give me after that... Yes, I can already imagine it.

Therefore, I've decided to put this issue aside for now, at least out of respect for the small knife Asuna used to peel apples.

"By the way, when did your relationship become so good?"

It's not just a simple matter of changing the subject. Kiritani-kun is genuinely curious. Every time he sees them sitting together chatting, he feels that the world is unusually subtle. From a certain perspective, shouldn't they have a rather strained relationship?

At the very least, they should exchange a couple of sarcastic remarks with each other upon meeting, just like Utaha Kasumigaoka and Eriri.

...If we're talking about how women can quickly integrate into a group, I can make some inferences: liking the same style, liking the same games and novels—yes, people with similar interests are the easiest to get along with... Of course, differences are also necessary, after all, completely identical things don't pique anyone's interest.

However, the only thing that Asuna, Akane, and Haruno have in common is their status as young ladies, right?

Ah, they're all career-oriented, strong women?

But no matter what, these aren't exactly hobbies, are they?

"Hmm? We've always had a good relationship."

Yang Nai raised an eyebrow slightly, "Although we each have different areas of expertise, we still have times when we talk..."

No, Yang, you clearly didn't know what to say, so you just made it up.

"Well, that's what it means to have the same hobbies."

Asuna glanced at Akane and Haruno, then smiled gently. "However, things aren't as complicated as you think. It's just a simple hobby. Besides... I need to help with some things, so it's necessary to ask Akane-senpai for advice."

"Hmm, that's a good explanation. I'll go with that too."

Yang Nai nodded in agreement.

Akane Kosaka silently rolled her eyes, but her emotions were somewhat subtle at this moment. She knew exactly how much work there was, and it was absolutely impossible to finish it all if she left it all to Kiritani-kun. That's why she kept saying she wanted to be discharged from the hospital, and even tried to sneak away... even though it was all for naught.

But she never expected that Kiritani would actually ask Asuna and Haruno to come and help.

This feeling... is truly amazing!

"Hmm... Asuna, Haruno, it's getting late, you should go back."

To be honest, women shouldn't gather in groups, because that's like thousands of ducks quacking.

Not to mention that all three women have a cunning side. Asuna might protect them, but atmosphere is a strange thing. Often, it's not people who create the atmosphere, but the atmosphere that creates the people—it's really scary!

"That's true, Mashiro has been waiting at the apartment for quite a while."

Asuna nodded slightly, then took Kiritani's hand and walked outside. "I have something to tell you. Come out with me for a bit."

"Oh, okay." Kiritani nodded silently, following closely beside Asuna.

"Hey, Akane, do you want to know what Yuuki wants to say to Kazuhito?"

Although she had considered snooping over to listen, wouldn't it be embarrassing to be discovered? Besides, considering the previous chatter between the three of them, Haruno could at least guess what Asuna was going to say to Kiritani.

"Do not want to."

Akane Kosaka shook her head calmly, "It makes no difference to me what they say, whether I listen or not is irrelevant."

"Tsk! Being too calm isn't necessarily a good thing, Xiaoxi."

"...Don't underestimate Yuuki, she's very capable."

Akane Kosaka glanced at the door that wasn't closed, then looked at Haruno, "Isn't it perfectly reasonable for her to say or do whatever she wants? — Being ahead doesn't guarantee victory, but it doesn't necessarily mean defeat either."

"Wow! What you said, Xiaoxi, is quite profound."

Yang smiled insincerely, but what Akane Kosaka said was indeed true—the power of speech ultimately depends on one's position.

"Speaking of which, I feel that if things continue like this, Renjun and I will eventually turn into scum... What do you think, Xiaoqian?"

Akane Kousaka stared at Haruno expressionlessly. "Isn't this exactly what you planned?"

"Oh dear! How could you think of me like that? I'm the one who works the hardest!"

Yang Nai tilted her head, then waved her hand, "But, well, romantic comedies mostly don't have happy endings, you creators should know that better than I do."

I don't understand what you mean.

Akane Kosaka reached under the sheets, then glared at Haruno, "Right now, before that guy comes back, get my panties."

"What are you so worried about? It's just that I wasn't wearing panties. I often sleep naked at home too."

Hmm, it would be even better if we could drink Yukino-chan together and sleep.