manga artist Kirito

Page 174

But soon, Kiritani-kun was relieved. Eriri's expression, filled with shame, indignation, and a hint of resentment, was truly speechless.

Resisting the urge to take a picture with his phone, Kiritani looked at Eriri's outfit. It was very well done, no wonder it was Sayuri Sawamura's masterpiece—Eri's mother really knows her!

Kirigaya-kun walked into the Kemono Friends café with feigned composure. He didn't want to provoke Eriri right now. If she suddenly lost her temper, then all hope would be lost. After all, he couldn't let Kato Megumi be the face of the café, could he?

Honestly, Megumi Kato isn't good enough to be a star; she can't compare to Eriri in that respect.

Besides serving as the class's executive committee member, Kiritani-kun also has to act as a waiter, doing things like clearing tables, while entertaining guests is of course left to the beast girl maids.

The Kemono Friends café itself was a novelty, and with Eriri as the mascot, the café was packed with people even after the opening ceremony had just ended. Perhaps it was because the café wasn't very big to begin with, but it was really busy now.

"Kiritani, coffee mixing or dessert making?"

Yes, although it's called a coffee shop, it also serves desserts.

...Well, if the conditions weren't so restrictive, Kiritani-kun might have added other elements when planning the project.

"...I don't know how to do it either."

Faced with the class monitor's work assignments, Kiritani could only respond with a blank expression.

"Okay, okay, I knew you wouldn't do it, so you can just clean the table or wash the cups."

Hmph! My talent and skill are unparalleled. How could mere coffee mixing possibly stump me? Let me watch it a couple more times.

Inside the bar, Kato Megumi is mixing coffee... a bunny girl version of Kato Megumi, with slightly drooping bunny ears, temporarily dyed long purple hair, and light makeup. Her upper body is a white shirt with a black suit and a red bow tie, unlike the other beast girls, while her lower body is a short skirt that is close to pink... Perhaps not as dazzling as the other beast girls, but she can give people a sense of familiarity.

Moreover, while she was concentrating on preparing the dishes, many customers were watching her.

I originally thought Kato Megumi would be a catgirl, but she turned out to be a bunny girl... But anyway, she's really good!

She's much better than the class monitor who manages to make the dragon girl outfit look erotic.

But then again, how about we try having Yukinoshita play a catgirl?

...Hmm, he'll probably get beaten to death, right?

"King Kazuhito..."

She remained composed, even though she was already quite busy. When she saw Kiritani-kun pull open the partition, she quietly moved to the right to make room for him.

"You're very skilled now, teach me."

Let someone else do the table-cleaning; I'll make the coffee.

"Okay, I'll teach you."

With a faint smile, Kato Megumi placed the prepared coffee on a tray, let the other beast girls take it away, and then began to demonstrate the new technique she had recently learned to Kiritani-kun.

Then, the cup of coffee was pushed in front of Kiritani-kun, accompanied by a warm greeting...

"You've worked hard. Sit down, have a cup of coffee, and take a short break."

Calm words make people feel good, especially when they are busy.

Perhaps, Kato Megumi is unexpectedly suited to this.

Kiritani smiled and nodded. "Thank you."

Meanwhile, the busy men cast envious and jealous glances at Kiritani-kun, like vengeful spirits. If looks could kill... Kiritani-kun would probably be brewed into coffee by now.

"However, it still feels very strange."

Reaching out to stroke the rabbit ears, Kato Megumi calmly continued working. "Being looked at dressed like this still makes me feel ashamed... But, as Kazuto-kun said, I can indeed attract attention now."

The girl glanced at the boy sipping his coffee and a smile unconsciously crept onto her lips.

...You never noticed me immediately before.

"Isn't this great?"

Kiritani put down his coffee and looked at the bustling coffee shop. "And if Kato wasn't in charge of coffee mixing, it would probably attract even more attention. What a pity... these idiots just can't sit still and mix coffee."

"No, not really. Anyway, this job suits me quite well, doesn't it?"

Kato Megumi pursed her lips. "Asking me to be like the class president or Sawamura-kun... is absolutely impossible."

"How do you know it won't work if you don't try? Like now..."

Kato Megumi shook her head slightly and replied in a soft, cute voice, "That's true, but I still think it's fine as it is now."

Kiritani-kun couldn't help but roll his eyes, "...A complacent idiot!"

No, that's not it. I just thought... I was making coffee, and you were just sitting next to me enjoying it and relaxing...

Well, that's good.

383

【NO.379 Offering Blessings for the Lively School Festival (Part 4)】

With its azure sky, slightly cool temperature, and just the right amount of warm sunshine, this weather couldn't be more comfortable.

"Hmm, so this is the school festival at Soubu Academy..."

Standing in front of the gate of Soubu High School, Akane Kosaka took off her sunglasses and slightly curled the corners of her mouth. "It seems...not bad."

Although she couldn't see much of the interior from her position, the bustling atmosphere was immediately apparent. There was still a queue at the entrance, suggesting that getting in would take quite a while.

Well, it's still far inferior to the super high school-themed school festival next door, but it seems like they wasted a lot of effort this time.

After sending an email on her phone, Akane Kosaka stood quietly waiting. Since there was a way to get in without queuing, Akane naturally didn't want to waste too much time on this... But, it seems that guy is in charge of the school festival this time. If it's the same next time, should we invest a little more... to make it a grander themed school festival?

...Hmm, that's worth considering.

Of course, Akane Kosaka also knew that Kiritani-kun was forced into this situation, and it was impossible for him to take on this responsibility voluntarily. But if that was the case, then there was no need to get involved, since he wasn't interested at all... Well, she'd ask him later.

After a short wait, Akane Kosaka saw a familiar figure walking quickly towards her. The person first stopped at the gate and said a few words to the students who were checking tickets before walking out of the school gate.

"Oh my, I really didn't expect watermelon to come too..."

Akane Kosaka lowered her arms from her chest and glanced at the girl whose forehead was still damp with sweat. "You didn't call her 'watermelon'!"

"Tsk! What a womanizer who neglects his friends!"

Taking out a tissue to wipe her forehead, Haruno slightly raised her chin. "Is it that you can't help but want to take the initiative, or are you just not happy being alone? It's rare to see a workaholic like you choosing to go out and waste time instead of staying at headquarters and working like crazy—hey, does anyone know you're coming, Akane?"

“You’re one of them… well, he’ll probably forget about things that aren’t important.”

Akane Kosaka strode forward, maintaining an elegant posture, and slowly walked towards the school gate. "Let's go, let's not waste any more time."

"Tsk tsk tsk, it's a good thing you contacted me, otherwise you would have had to wait in line."

Haruno came over and hugged Akane Kosaka's arm, pulling her affectionately towards the school. Clearly, Haruno wanted to use the back door—yes, not the kind of back door.

Xiaojing is still inside the venue keeping watch to prevent any unexpected situations. She and the others have most likely gone to find a place to slack off. Therefore, the only person that Kasaka Akane can contact to bring her in is Ms. Haruno.

After greeting the classmate guarding the gate, Yang Nai nuzzled Akane Kousaka's cheek without any hesitation, her face full of gentle smiles. "Hey, Akane, do you think we're going to give Kazuto a surprise now?"

For him, it must have been more of a shock than a joy!

"How about I go... to see Kazuto's girlfriend, Asuna Yuuki?"

With a smile, Yang squinted at the woman who was actually about the same age as Xiao Jing, but who was obsessed with the grass near her home... no, I should say an old cow eating young grass—although I don't think there's much difference.

"...Whatever, let's walk around the perimeter first and give him some time to prepare."

Akane Kosaka had no doubt that Kirito-kun hadn't noticed her arrival, considering that Kirito-kun had installed a location tracking device on her phone—yes, that AI would definitely have told him… well, maybe he just didn't notice at all.

"In other words, we've seen fate!"

Blinking, Yang Nai tilted her head slightly towards the venue. Yuuki Asuna... she's still over there. Even if you walk this way, you can still run into her, right?

"For the time being... you could say that."

With a leisurely mood, ready to take a stroll, Akane Kosaka watched the lively and increasingly excited students, pursing her lips slightly. "You've really worked hard, Shizuka."

Yes, Akane Kosaka finally understands Shizuka's daily frustrations and how she would complain and whine on video calls when she got home. This kind of school festival is really suitable for a group of people who are popular... Maybe I should go have a couple of drinks with Shizuka tonight.

…………

"The one who said they'd mix the coffee, stand up!"

With slightly annoyed words, the Dragon Girl class monitor leaned forward, her displeased eyes fixed on Kiritani-san, who was lounging lazily on the table.

"What did you say you were going to do? What are you doing now? Get a clear picture of the situation, you idiot. I've been watching you for a while now. If you keep slacking off..."

"Well, it's okay. You and your partner have a lot to do lately, so you must be very tired. It's good for you to rest more. Besides, I can manage to handle things here."

With a gentle, warm smile, Kato Megumi calmly prepared the coffee, her movements unhurried and fluid.

"Kato, you're being way too protective of this guy!"

...Hey, it's the kind of thing you say that makes people feel confused, okay?

The dragon girl class president gently lifted Kirito's chin, raised her eyebrows slightly, and said with displeasure, "You've been slacking off for so long, now it's time to get back to work! Sawamura-kun has complained to me several times, even saying that you should replace her! -- Well, I think the latter is not bad, after all, you don't know anything, and Sawamura-kun's operation doesn't require any extra skills..."

Am I some kind of special person being observed? Why are they keeping such a close eye on me?

You know, I haven't had a proper night's sleep lately. Last night I had to stay up all night to finish a draft and write a project plan... Please give me a break this time. Just let the work pass by like it's my period!

"I'm thinking about something, don't bother me."

With his eyelids slightly raised, Kiritani-kun's eyes seemed somewhat listless, but they were mostly focused on the unfathomable cleavage that had once been visible. It was stunning!

The Dragon Girl Class President was leaning forward against the bar, using her elbows as a fulcrum for support, and her high breasts pressed against the table, making them appear even larger, especially from Kiritani-kun's angle—the Dragon Girl Class President is toxic!

They actually used this method to make me unable to look away... But honestly, I really want to take a bite.

Cough, I'm not a big-breasted heretic!

Yes, moderation is better.

Kiritani-kun was so certain.

With her pretty face slightly flushed, the Dragon Girl sergeant naturally knew where this guy was staring at, but in the current situation, it wasn't appropriate to make a scene.

"Go work as a receptionist!"

"No, I'm working as a hostess right now."

"...Then he can work as the cashier at the door. Akasaka is too useless; he was actually shaking when the girls handed him money..."

Please, he has a phobia of women!

P.S.: Should we... give the Dragon Girl class monitor a name?

384

【NO.380 Offering Blessings to the Lively School Festival (Part 5)】

Why can't we be a little more understanding and tolerant?

Okay, the Dragon Girl class monitor's self-talk is indeed a bit annoying, but it's not good that An put Ryunosuke at the cashier. If he has overcome his fear of women, it's fine, but otherwise, this guy will probably tremble until he faints.

This is no joke, Ryunosuke really does faint from being touched by a girl.

"Humph!"

"What nonsense! I'm here to help you, what else do you want to complain about?"

You might not believe it, but Ryunosuke, despite his seemingly rational nature, is actually quite tsundere. He might not be as textbook-perfect as Eriri, but he's definitely second only to her.

Kiritani raised an eyebrow, looking at his best friend sitting beside him. "This is supposed to be the easiest job. As your best friend, I carefully reserved this for you. If I had asked you to wash dishes or clean the table, you'd probably be lying down in less than half an hour. And now you're complaining about me? Don't you want to work here anymore?"

"Ha, I'd rather not have a close friend like you!"

Ryunosuke looked indifferently at the outfit he was wearing. It was a maid outfit... carefully chosen for him by his best friend, Kirito. Ryunosuke was so grateful that he wanted to smash his computer against him!

Of course, the reason he wore it was a compromise, simply to get the easiest job... If he could, Ryunosuke wouldn't want to participate in the school festival. It's thankless work, and even if the sales figures... or the class's contribution to the school festival is the highest, it would only add a few points to the whole class's grades, which is really meaningless.

However, Shizuka was quite adept at dealing with Ryunosuke. By learning information from Kiritani-kun, she exploited Ryunosuke's weaknesses, making him completely afraid to skip class again.

It's just... women's clothing. I've worn it before. Let's just consider it a slightly unusual form of cosplay.

Yes, yes, that's right. Ryunosuke is just that rational. He's not as hot-tempered as Kirito. He's the type who always tries to convince people with reason. That's something that would never happen with him.

...Okay, if he could beat him, Ryunosuke would definitely knock out Kirigaya with a single blow without any mercy.

"What are you talking about!"

Kiritani-kun glared, looking very angry. "If I hadn't brought you to the dojo and made you stay there for half a month, you would have more than just gynophobia; you'd probably have depression by now. Instead of thanking me for rescuing you from your perverted older sisters, you're now starting to despise me."

"Alas! It's true... love is so hard to last!"

With a sorrowful expression, Kiritani-kun turned his head slightly to look out the door, a trace of indelible sadness between his brows.

Ryunosuke sneered repeatedly, ignoring the guy. Since they were close friends, Ryunosuke must have a very clear understanding of Kirito-kun. He had often seen Kirito-kun act like this since elementary school, and the result of each time was being tricked!