Then came Chapter 3, Chapter 4
Despite being a mix of outlines and manga excerpts, Tanaka found himself utterly engrossed.
Unknowingly, tears welled up in his eyes.
Kotomi: "This world is beautiful. Even if it's filled with sadness and tears, open your eyes. Do what you want to do. Become who you want to be. Love who you want to love. Find the friends you seek.
Don't rush, don't be lost. Take your time growing up. No matter what happens, never regret meeting this world."
Akio: "We never gave up on our dreams. A child's dream is also their parents' dream. Now, Nagisa, it's your turn to make our dream come true!"
"With the birth of a new life, another life comes to an end."
Ushio: "Sanae said you can't cry in front of others. The only places you can cry are in the bathroom or in Daddy's arms."
A dimly lit living room. A messy floor. A staticky radio playing incomprehensible sounds. A drunken Naoyuki Okazaki slumped over.
A series of hazy, yellow-tinted memoriesblurry yet painfully real.
"Hey, Dad you're tired, aren't you?"
"Maybe it's time to rest."
"Have I finally finished?"
"Has my mission finally come to an end?"
One scene after another unfolded before Tanaka's eyes, making his tears flow uncontrollably.
From Tomoya's high school days, to his graduation and work, to marriage and starting a family.
Nagisa died during childbirth, leaving behind their daughter, Ushio. Tomoya, drowning in grief, spent five years in despair before finally taking Ushio on a tripjust the two of them.
It was then he realized his mistakes, understood his father's struggles, and finally grasped the weight of being a parent.
Determined to raise Ushio properly, Tomoya made his resolve.
But then, he discovered Ushio was sick. Her condition deteriorated rapidly.
On one of her frequent requests for a trip, Tomoya finally agreed.
Yet, in that heavy snowfall, Ushio reached the end of her journey before they could even finish walking down that long, long road together...
Scene after scene played out, pulling at Tanaka's heartstrings until his tears wouldn't stop.
A person's life is a series of arrivals, encounters, companionships, and farewells.
"DAMN IT EVEN IF THIS IS JUST ROUGH SCRIPT WHY DID YOU END IT HERE!"
[216] Akihabara Date
The sun was setting over Tokyo, casting a warm golden glow over the bustling streets.
Akifumi adjusted his scarf as he stood outside Shibuya Crossing.
While Akifumi account is under fire full of people complaining about his latest work, Akifumi was now on the way going on a date, He glanced at his watch 12:02 PM.
In the distance, he spotted Mahiru and Eriri already waiting for him.
"Mugiho-kun!" A soft, melodic voice called out.
He turned to see Mahiru approaching, her blonde hair shimmering under the sunlight.
She wore a simple yet white dress that hugged her figure perfectly, her usual serene smile gracing her lips.
"You're late," she said, her tone teasing but gentle.
Before he could respond, another voice chimed insharp and full of energy.
"Mugiho! You've got gut making girls wait for you, huh?"
Eriri strutted up, her blonde twin tails swaying with each step.
She was dressed in a stylish outfit that perfectly blended her British heritage with Japanese street fashiona plaid skirt, a blue jacket.
Her hands rested on her hips, her trademark pouting face plastered across her face.
Akifumi scratched the back of his head, laughing nervously. "Sorry, sorry The train was packed, and I got stuck behind a group blocking the way, so I had to take another route."
Mahiru giggled softly, her eyes crinkling with amusement. "It's okay, Mugiho-kun. We're just happy you're here."
Akifumi felt his cheeks warm. Even after all this time, Mahiru's kindness never failed to put him at ease.
"Thanks, Mahiru. You look beautiful in that dress."
"I-Is that so? Thank you, Mugiho-kun." Mahiru smiled happily at his compliment.
Eriri snorted. "Don't forget about me! I'm the one who planned this whole date, you know."
Mahiru stepped between them, raising her hands. "Now, now, let's not fight. We're here to celebrate Akifumi-kun's birthday, remember?"
Akifumi grinned. "Right. So, what's the plan, Eriri?"
She crossed her arms, her smirk returning. "Well, first, we're hitting that new crepe place everyone's been talking about. Then, we'll figure out the rest later."
Akifumi chuckled. "After all that confidence, you still don't have a full plan, huh?"
Eriri groaned. "Sh-shut up! Come on, Mahiru, let's gowe've got a whole day to enjoy!"
"W-Wait, Eriri!" Mahiru called, her eyes widening as she hesitatedtorn between Eriri's playful energy and her own fondness for Akifumi.
Seeing the silent plea in Mahiru's eyes, Akifumi sighed and followed them.
The soft hum of conversation filled the cozy crepe caf nestled in a quiet corner of Tokyo.
Sunlight filtered through the large windows, casting a warm glow over the wooden tables and pastel-colored decor.
Outside, the gentle bustle of the city continued, but within the caf, time seemed to slow down.
Sitting at a small round table near the window were three individuals: Akifumi, Shiina Mahiru, and Sawamura Spencer Eriri.
Each wore different expressions as they faced a delicate array of freshly made crepes arranged elegantly on porcelain plates.
Akifumi leaned back slightly, a teasing smile tugging at his lips. "To think you'd know a place like this," he said, glancing at Eriri. "You're the one who picked this spot, weren't you?"
"Of course!" Eriri huffed, flipping one of her blonde twin tails over her shoulder. "This caf is well-known among creators!"
"This place also had once adapted in Anime movie before!"
"The ambiance is perfect, and the food is excellent. You should be thanking me."
"Oh? Is that so?" Akifumi leaned forward, resting his chin on his hand. "Or maybe you just wanted an excuse to gather references for your doujinshi?"
Eriri's face immediately flushed red. "W-Wha! I-I just thought it would be a nice change of pace! "
Akifumi chuckled. "Right, right. Whatever you say, Egoistic Lily-san."
"S-Shut up!" Eriri grumbled, stabbing at her crepe with unnecessary force.
Mahiru, who had been silently observing their exchange, let out a small sigh. "You shouldn't tease her so much, Mugiho-kun."
Akifumi turned to Mahiru, his smile widening. "But it's so much fun. Don't you think she looks cute when she's flustered?"
Mahiru blinked, a faint blush dusting her cheeks. "That's beside the point."
Eriri, still recovering from embarrassment, muttered under her breath before attacking her crepe again. "Ugh."
In contrast, Mahiru had already begun eating with her characteristic grace, her delicate hands carefully holding a slice of her chocolate-drizzled crepe.
She took small, measured bites, maintaining her elegant composure.
"So, what do you think?" Akifumi asked, turning to Mahiru. "Good, right?"
She nodded without hesitation. "Yes. The balance between the cream and fruit is perfect."
Akifumi smiled. "See, Eriri? You made an excellent choice."
Eriri rolled her eyes. "I never said the food was bad! It's just... I feel like people are staring."
She wasn't entirely wrong.
The trio did attract attention. Akifumi, as a well-known mangaka since his signing event, couldn't easily blend in. Combined with Eriri's striking blonde twin tails and Mahiru's ethereal beauty, they made an unusual but captivating group.
"It doesn't matter what people think," Mahiru said calmly. "Food is meant to be enjoyed."
"I... I know that," Eriri mumbled, poking at her crepe again.
Akifumi chuckled, deciding to change the subject before Eriri combusted. "So, Eriri, since you chose the caf, do you have plans for where to go next?"
Eriri perked up immediately, her earlier frustration replaced by a smug expression. "Actually, yes! We're going to Akihabara!"
"Oh?" Akifumi raised an eyebrow. "I thought you'd prefer somewhere more refined, like an art gallery or museum."
Eriri huffed. "I love art, but Akihabara has everything! Manga, anime merch, doujin stores, and most importantly"
"Arcades?" Akifumi finished, smirking.
"Tch, obviously!" Eriri crossed her arms. "I need my rematch against you."
Mahiru tilted her head slightly. "Akihabara? I've never been there. I'd love to visit sometime."
"You've never been?" Eriri asked, surprised. Remembering what Akifumi had shared about Mahiru's strict parents, she felt a pang of sympathy for her friend.
A brief silence fell over the table.
Mahiru stared at her half-eaten crepe, her usual serene expression faltering for just a moment.
The mention of never visiting Akihabara seemed to have remind her parent.
Eriri's sharp eyes didn't miss this.
She fidgeted with her fork before suddenly slamming her hands on the table, making the plates clatter. "Alright, that's it!" she announced, startling both Mahiru and Akifumi.
"E-Eriri?" Mahiru blinked up at her.
"We're not just going to Akihabara," Eriri declared, her voice unusually earnest.
"We're going to do everything! The arcades, the maid cafes, the doujin shopsespecially the doujin shops!" She pointed dramatically at Mahiru.
"And you're going to try purikura for the first time!"
Mahiru's eyes widened. "B-But this is for Mugi"
"No buts!" Eriri plowed on, her cheeks slightly pink.
"I'll evenughlet you pick out a stupid matching charm for our phones or whatever girls do!" She crossed her arms and looked away. "I mean, if you want to..."
Akifumi watched in amusement as Eriri's usual tsundere act crumbled under genuine concern.
He chimed in, "It's okay Mahiru, it's sounds like Eriri's planning the ultimate Akihabara experience for you."
Mahiru looked between them, her lips trembling slightly before breaking into a soft, genuine smilethe kind that reached her eyes.
"Thank you, Eriri and Mugiho-kun. That sounds... really wonderful."
Eriri's face burned crimson. "I-It's nothing special! Just... you shouldn't miss out on Japanese culture, that's all!"
She aggressively stuffed a bite of crepe in her mouth to avoid saying more.
Akifumi caught Mahiru's eye and gave her a warm, knowing smile.
"Then it's settled!" Akifumi declared, stretching his arms. "First, we finish these delicious crepes, then we explore the wonders of Akihabara!"
The streets of Akihabara were as lively as ever, lined with towering billboards featuring anime characters, neon-lit store signs, and cosplayers handing out flyers for themed cafs.
Eriri led the way, her eyes sparkling with excitement as she took in the sights.
"See? Isn't this place amazing?" Eriri said proudly, turning back to Akifumi and Mahiru.
"You can find anything here."
Mahiru looked around, fascinated by the sheer energy of the district.
"It's certainly different from where I usually go."
Akifumi chuckled. "Yeah, I don't think normal part of Japan and Akihabara exactly go hand in hand."
Mahiru gave him a light pout. "Are you implying I don't belong here?"
"Not at all," Akifumi grinned. "If anything, the contrast makes you stand out more. Though I wouldn't mind seeing you in that maid costume from the school festival again. That was a sight to behold."
Mahiru's cheeks reddened slightly, and she looked away. "You always say the most embarrassing things."
"Only because your reactions are adorable," Akifumi teased.
Eriri groaned. "Can you focus? This is sacred ground!"
Akifumi laughed. "Fine, fine. Where to next, leader?"
Eriri smirked. "The arcade, of course! Time to show off my skills!"
They entered one of Akihabara's largest arcades, filled with flashing lights and the sound of buttons being rapidly pressed.
Eriri wasted no time rushing to the fighting game section, determined to prove her prowess.
"Alright, Akifumi! Let's see who's better!" Eriri declared, selecting her character.
Akifumi smiled confidently and picked his own.
The match began, and within moments, he landed a devastating combo, taking down Eriri's character in record time.
Eriri gawked at the screen. "W-What just happened?!"
Akifumi smirked. "You really thought you could beat me? You still need 500 more years to defeat me."
"Tch! That was just a fluke! One more!"
One rematch turned into several, and each time, Akifumi emerged victorious. Mahiru, watching from the sidelines, couldn't help but giggle.
"You're surprisingly competitive, Eriri," Mahiru said, covering her mouth politely.
Eriri slumped over the arcade machine. "This is so unfair...!"
Akifumi patted her head. "Don't be too hard on yourself. You're cute when you pout like that."
Eriri swatted his hand away, face red. "Ugh, I hate you!"
Mahiru smiled softly. "You two really do get along well."
Akifumi turned to Mahiru, his teasing nature kicking in again. "Want to have a turn? Maybe I'll go easy on you."
Mahiru narrowed her eyes playfully. "I don't need you to go easy on me."
"Oh?" Akifumi smirked. "Then let's see what you've got."
As the match began, Akifumi couldn't help but think this was turning out to be a perfect day.
[217] Birthday Gifts [R-18]
As the day went on, the trio found themselves walking through the quieter streets of Tokyo, the city's neon lights reflecting off the pavement.
The atmosphere was warm and comfortable, the kind of quiet intimacy that only comes after a day full of laughter and shared moments.
Eriri and Mahiru exchanged a glancea silent conversation passing between them.
Mahiru's fingers twitched nervously at her skirt while Eriri cleared her throat.
"Actually," Eriri began, unusually hesitant, "we have one last stop for your birthday."
Akifumi raised an eyebrow. "Oh? More surprises?"
"Close your eyes," Mahiru said softly, stepping closer.
The faint scent of her vanilla perfume mixed with the electric buzz of the city.
"And no peeking!" Eriri added, jabbing a finger at his chest.
Akifumi chuckled but obliged, shutting his eyes. "You two are being awfully mysterious"
Cold fingertips brushed his wrists as both girls took his hands.
Eriri's grip was firm and slightly clammy; Mahiru's touch feather-light yet insistent.
"Step carefully," Mahiru murmured as they guided him forward.
The sounds shifted around themthe crowd noise thinning, then the automated whoosh of sliding glass doors.
Air conditioning prickled Akifumi's skin as carpet replaced pavement beneath his shoes.
An elevator dinged, then the subtle motion of ascent made his stomach flutter.
