manga artist Kirito

Page 247

"To be precise, I should be a girl! Otherwise... does Shido want to exclude me from the ranks of girls and then personally turn me into a woman? That wouldn't be impossible, if the object is Shido-kun..."

Is your mother mentally challenged?

Is this just infatuation or what?

What's with bringing up sex right off the bat? Don't you know I'm a married man?

Kiritani put on his glasses, gently twisted the throttle, and the engine roared to life. He then felt Rita's grip on him tighten.

"But, I refuse!"

Yes, what I, Kirito, love most is saying no to arrogant people!

After starting the motorcycle and leaving the airport, Kiritani-kun didn't say anything. Although he didn't know why this guy had suddenly come over, at a time like this... he couldn't help but have a slightly uneasy feeling.

"Shido-san, what a heartless scoundrel, what a womanizer!"

"Ha... I can't pretend I didn't hear that. What heartless bastard, what womanizer? I've been loyal to Asuna from beginning to end. Don't give me that nonsense, or I'll throw you into the river later."

"I believe you! But that doesn't change your potential to be a heartless man."

Is this guy crazy?

...But speaking of which, if Rita, whom I've only known for a short time, already has this strange attitude, what about the others at school, like Haruno and Suika...?

Yes, when Kiritani decided to hold a wedding with Asuna, he had been avoiding thinking about it, but Rita's sudden arrival and attitude made Kiritani wonder—it probably wasn't going to be too good.

As I've emphasized many times, Kiritani isn't a typical Japanese slow-witted or gentle protagonist. He sees through the special feelings those girls have very clearly, but what's missed is missed. Meeting at the wrong time, there's nothing more to say.

Kiritani's deep feelings for Asuna leave no room for anyone else, and even if he could accept other girls, so what?

The world doesn't revolve around him, and these girls are just gathered around him now—first love is beautiful, even if it's a one-sided crush. For now, the experience will only become a memory of growth. As for whether it will seem beautiful, that depends on the people involved.

Although Kiritani-kun often distorts the true meaning of words, the so-called monogamy does not refer to one wife or one wife!

Because of some inexplicable event, like a gravitational force, everyone is drawn together. After violent collisions and explosions, they deepen their understanding of each other through repeated friction, confirm their relationship with each other, and perhaps become irreplaceable roles in each other's lives... However, being indelible and irreplaceable does not mean that new roles will not emerge.

What the future holds, we will always have to make choices.

This wedding marks the end of a new chapter in their lives.

Unlike the melodramatic plots of romantic dramas or the idyllic scenes of light romance novels, reality is indeed dull and unpleasant. But isn't that reality? Whether in the past, present, or future, we all live in the same reality, not in a fantastical youth romance novel.

Of course, what we are facing now is a rather stark reality—

That car in front looks like Yang Nai's, doesn't it? And isn't that Ms. Xiao Jing smoking in the passenger seat? What are they doing here?

—Hint: We are now not far from the Tiger Dojo.

However, at that very moment, Rita spoke up quite at the perfect time.

"Actually, just like I said on the phone last time, it's a real pity that I didn't come to Soubu High School's school festival to see Shido's performance in person. I originally planned to come this time to see Shido's performance, which will shine brightly at the sports festival."

"I'm sorry, I didn't participate in the school's sports festival."

"Yes, that's a real pity."

Nestled behind Kirigaya-kun, her cheek pressed against his back, Rita's eyes were unfocused. "I never expected to find out that Shido-san is getting married. This is really bad news. I thought I had enough time... to prepare myself..."

Then, they launched an offensive.

However, opportunity indeed waits for no one.

Rita realized this clearly at that moment.

"Although I didn't participate in the sports festival, you can attend my wedding."

"Ha! That's really... annoying!"

Rita flashed a pretty smile, "But I'll go to Shido's invitation, after all, I'm really looking forward to your wedding."

The smile, like a blooming flower, slowly revealed a hint of sadness.

But the prerequisite for this expectation is that the bride—is me!

Ps:

Wait a minute, why are there so many Golden Retrievers here, yet they all seem to have an unnatural "loser" vibe?

Could it be that when I casually named them Golden Retriever No. 1, No. 2, and No. 3, I had already sealed my fate?

After all, is the golden retriever a loser?

509

[NO.500 Anyone object?]

Tiger Dojo.

Kiritani drove Rita here temporarily. If Rita stubbornly refuses to get off, Kiritani will drop her off at the station halfway and let her take a train to Asuna's house or Soubu's apartment.

Well, Shiina Mashiro is still staying at the apartment these past two days. Asuna was a little worried that Shiina Mashiro wouldn't be able to take care of herself, but Kiritani-kun knows that Yukinoshita from next door is powerless against Shiina Mashiro and can't resist the silent onslaught of this mascot at all—in other words, Yukinoshita will definitely take care of Shiina Mashiro.

Of course, it is still unknown what Shiina Mashiro's current situation is, but there is a high chance that Asuna will arrange for her to become a shopkeeper. She has already sent Shinichi to pick up Shiina Mashiro.

"This is my home, so behave yourself. I'll have Shenzhi come and take you to the Yuki family later."

After parking the car in the yard, Kirito briefly explained some precautions and gave Rita a few reminders. Then, Kenshin, who hurried over with a sorrowful look in his eyes, patted him on the shoulder but didn't say anything, leaving Kirito bewildered.

"What's going on?"

"...Haha, I have come from the other side of grudges to mock us accomplices."

A fake laugh, a laugh that is very fake but also slightly smug.

Kiritani-kun turned his head with a blank expression, and what he saw was Li Shunsheng's smiling face. Although it was full of smiles, Kiritani-kun knew that this guy was usually expressionless. If he had any other expression, it must be when he was putting on his Oscar-worthy acting skills. But then again, Hei is not like this. When has Hei ever been so shameless?

Without giving Kiritani-kun a chance to respond, Li Shunsheng turned and walked away. Then Kiritani-kun saw the woman sitting in the main hall of the dojo. Her mature face showed a hint of fatigue, but even so, she still had a faint smile on her face. However... it was too forced, such a smile.

Also seated in the main hall was Kiritani Midori, a woman whose eyes revealed a hint of regret.

"……watermelon?"

With her familiar style of dress and her usual elegant demeanor, Akane Kosaka's behavior at this moment lacked the frenzy she usually displayed at work; instead, she seemed somewhat... forlorn.

Kiritani fell silent, even his wooden expression vanished, replaced by an expression of reluctance to face the situation. Akane Kousaka's arrival was expected, but that didn't mean Kiritani could relax and face it. In fact, if he hadn't met Asuna, Kiritani's marriage partner would most likely have been Akane Kousaka.

Therefore, Kiritani-kun's mood was very strange at this moment.

Following behind Kiritani, Rita watched Kousaka Akane chatting and laughing with Kiritani Midori, and raised her eyebrows slightly. If it were before, based on the expression Kiritani showed when he saw Kousaka Akane, Rita would definitely have labeled Kousaka Akane as a formidable rival, but now... fellow sufferers? Oh no, obviously, Rita knew that she and Kousaka Akane were not on the same level.

"Oh, Kazuhito is back."

"Ok?"

Kiritani Midori suddenly spoke, and Kosaka Akane turned her head as well, immediately seeing the boy standing there... and Rita. Although a slight smile appeared on her lips, Kiritani caught the bitterness flashing in her eyes.

"It's really... Watermelon, you've arrived."

Kiritani pursed his lips and put on a business-like smile. "Why didn't you tell me beforehand?"

Kiritani Midori smiled and stood up. "...Well, let you young people chat. There's still room for me to help with the house furnishings and other things. I'll be leaving now."

She understood that Akane Kosaka must have something to say to her son. Although it was permissible to offer some resistance in this situation, Midori Kiritani was not the kind of woman who knew nothing. Moreover, she had always liked Akane Kosaka. If her son hadn't made his decision, Midori Kiritani would probably still have considered Akane Kosaka as the best match for her son.

"Wait a minute," Kiritani called out to Kiritani Midori, who was about to leave. He pulled Rita, who was still standing beside him, and took two steps forward. "Hey, Mom, this is my friend, and also Asuna's friend. I just picked her up from the airport. Why don't you show her around the house? I need to talk to Sushi about something."

As he spoke, Kiritani glanced at Rita, whose expression was subtle, and said, "I'll say it again, behave yourself a little."

Rita smiled faintly, a sweet smile that was also slightly irritating. "If you come looking for me later, I'll consider it."

Kiritani handed Rita to Kiritani Midori with a blank expression. After the two of them left, Akane Kousaka came to Kiritani's side with a smile that was almost too fake. However, Kiritani had no right to call Akane Kousaka hypocritical.

How about we go out for a walk?

Gently stroking her hair and tucking it behind her ear, Akane Kousaka stepped forward and hugged Kiritani's arm. "I remember there was a river in front of the dojo, and a pavilion for cooling off nearby... Well, going there now would just be silly and getting chilled by the cold wind."

She didn't resist and let Akane Kosaka pull her outside.

—If I had to say something to Kiritani-kun right now, it would probably be something like "Fuck you" to Kiritani Kazuto-san.

Walking slowly, Akane Kosaka turned her head to look at Kiritani-kun, "When you saw me just now, did you seem troubled?"

"Probably, but you wouldn't believe me if it weren't true."

Her face, pale and weary, betrayed a deep sense of weariness. Kiritani could read the frustration of not caring about certain things in Akane's expression. He sighed, "Although I did expect you to come..."

"...But you still don't intend to tell me about your upcoming marriage?"

Akane Kosaka paused for a few seconds before speaking, and her originally pleasant voice became hoarse and heavy, as if the heavy fatigue from working all night had surged up all at once. She was very tired and irritable!

"Hmm, I don't want you to come."

Sometimes you just have to tell the truth. For example, right now, Kiritani-kun has no intention of deceiving Akane Kousaka. "Participating in this kind of event is completely meaningless for you, and it might even have a big impact on you. I... don't want you to see it."

Normally, it would be perfectly normal to invite friends and family to a wedding, but Akane Kousaka's position is quite strange. It must be admitted that Kiritani likes Akane Kousaka a lot, but it's just liking, not to the extent that he likes Asuna. As for Akane Kousaka... well, their relationship is quite special.

Ps:

That's about it. I'm almost done writing about this kind of situation that even pierces my heart.

Oh my god, my watermelon!

510

[NO.501 At least, I like it]

To use a slightly forced analogy, Akane Kosaka is like an ex-girlfriend, and now that Kirito is getting married, he's inviting his ex-girlfriend over... what for? To congratulate you? Don't be ridiculous!

Not to mention adding to the sorrow...

Well, that's really all that Kiritani-kun is worried about.

Therefore, he doesn't plan to invite people like Akane Kousaka and Haruno Yukinoshita to his wedding. But whether they will come on their own is not up to Kiritani-kun.

Given Yukino's personality, if she really didn't come and behaved herself, that would be what Kiritani should really worry about.

"How should I put it..."

With her fake smile gone, Akane Kosaka's expression turned somewhat unpleasant. However, she neither got angry nor lost her temper. Instead, she pondered for a moment and said softly, "You mean you're thinking of me? Unfortunately, I'm not happy at all. If I hadn't been able to get the news of your upcoming marriage through Haruno, were you planning to only tell me after the wedding?"

“…Yes,” Kiritani-kun did not deny it.

Now is not the time to joke around.

"But I'm telling you now, I will attend, I will definitely attend your wedding!"

Looking directly into Kiritani's eyes, Akane Kousaka spoke these words firmly in a hoarse and heavy voice.

"……no need"

"I'm coming, and you can't refuse!"

"...Alright, there's not much point in me refuting what you're saying now."

In the past, even if Akane Kousaka made some important decisions, if Kirito questioned or resisted them, Akane would definitely consider how to change them or simply abandon the decision—yes, that's how much Akane doted on Kirito.

From four years ago to now, almost five years have passed. Apart from the initial unfamiliarity and then the familiarity, Kirigaya-kun has always been the person Akane Kousaka puts first. Whenever Kirigaya-kun speaks, she will definitely consider it carefully. However, the time is different, the occasion is different, the place is different, and their respective positions are also different. Inevitably, Akane Kousaka is now showing her determination.

"But is this really okay?"

"There's nothing good or bad about it. Anyway, I don't have anything to do lately, so I've left the less important things to Strawberry and Lingyin..."

"Shut up! I didn't ask you about your job."

Kiritani-kun's eyes widened slightly. If there was really nothing wrong, then what was going on with this obvious situation nearby?

...Yes, because I'm getting married, so...I started having all sorts of wild thoughts?

"Did you get any rest last night? Tell the truth!"

"I slept for an hour before coming, to be honest."

"...Are you in a bad mood?"

"How do you think I'm feeling? How could I possibly be in a good mood? Are you an idiot or something? If I were in a good mood at a time like this, why would I have come? I could have been happily working at home, waiting for your invitation, right? I..."

The volume suddenly increased, and Akane Takasaka clenched her fists, her knuckles turning white from the force, her teeth biting her lips, and her eyes, already reddened from lack of sleep, became even redder.

"How could I possibly be in a good mood? Ugh!!"

There was a faint hint of a sob in her voice.

"..."

Kirito looked at Akane Kousaka, whose eyes were gradually becoming moist, and didn't say anything. Or rather, he didn't know what to say at all. If it were a manga or a novel script, he could easily give a good response even if such a scene occurred, but this was not a novel or manga, and it couldn't be confused with this reality.

A response is not something that can be given so easily.