"This is the project proposal for Madoka Magica's animation."
"Please take some time to review it later."
"Of course," Mihari nodded eagerly, but her curiosity got the better of her.
"Wait isn't Volume 2 of Madoka Magica not even out yet? How did the decision for an anime adaptation happen so fast?"
In Japan, not every series gets a chance at an anime adaptation.
While animations are mainly for promoting the original work rather than generating direct profits, production companies are still reluctant to invest in something that seems destined to flop.
Sure, there have been rare cases where wealthy fans personally financed animations, but that's about as likely as winning the lottery.
Given Madoka Magica's popularity, Mihari wasn't shocked by the adaptation decisionwhat stunned her was how quickly it came.
After all, the first volume had just been released last month, and the serialization was only a few chapters in!
It was like skipping appetizers and being served dessert before the main course had even arrived.
Anyone would be bewildered.
Minano, noticing her surprise, offered an explanation with a smile.
"Actually, this isn't that fast."
"Good works have more privileges. Even if a story isn't fully published, it's common to start simultaneous serialization and anime production if the content is promising enough.
"Besides, Akifumi-sensei has already submitted all the story materials to us."
Mihari nodded thoughtfully.
"Right now, Madoka Magica is at peak popularity," Minano continued.
"Since Akifumi-sensei has already brought out a new project, we must seize the momentum."
She laid out the schedule confidently:
"Volume 2 will drop at the end of August, and we're aiming to launch the anime in October. That will undoubtedly fire up fans' enthusiasm and increase sales!"
"And that's not allwe're planning to discuss merchandise collaborations with Akifumi-sensei too."
"Merch-... merchandise?!"
Mihari's eyes widened in shock.
Her head spun from the overwhelming information.
It wasn't her fault that she was acting like thisthese were massive developments!
Even senior editors at major publishing houses rarely handled anime adaptations, let alone a rookie like her.
And now she was not only involved in an adaptation but also tasked with merchandise discussions?!
It was surreal.
"Don't worry, Mihari," Minano reassured her with amusement.
"Your primary task is to coordinate and liaise between the teams. Animation and merchandise production have dedicated departments."
No problem! She thought confidently. Coordination? Easy-peasy!
"Got it!" Mihari declared enthusiastically, patting her chest with determination.
But Minano looked at her with some doubt.
"By the way, didn't you say Akifumi-sensei once invited us to dinner, but we missed it due to overtime?"
"Yes, that's right."
"Well please contact Akifumi-sensei and set up a meeting again. We need to discuss these matters face-to-face, and we'll even treat him to dinner this time."
"Got it!"
Leaving Minano's office, Mihari couldn't hide her grin.
"Anime... merchandise... hehehe!"
By 12:20 PM, she couldn't hold back anymore and called Akifumi-sensei.
Before she could speak, a grumpy voice came through the line.
"Do you know how short high school students' lunch breaks are in Japan?" Akifumi-sensei growled.
"You better have a very good reason for calling, or you'll face the consequences!"
Mihari shuddered instinctively, recalling the sheer terror of Akifumi-sensei's past reprimands.
But she wouldn't let that intimidate her.
"P-Please calm down, Akifumi-sensei! I totally understand how precious lunchtime isI went through that too, remember?"
"I wouldn't disturb you unless it was super important!"
Curse my pride as an editor!
But it's fine. One day, when I become Chief Editor, I'll reclaim everything I've lost!
"Haaaa.... fine. What's the news?" Akifumi's voice softened slightly.
"Madoka Magica is getting an anime adaptation! Plus, some merchandise will be produce!"
Akifumi paused.
"Tell me everything."
Mihari quickly relayed the morning's developments.
"Hmm, I see," Akifumi said thoughtfully.
"I'll let it go this time because of the news. But if you dare disturb my lunch again, you know the consequences!"
Consequences? What consequences?
Even if I were nailed inside a coffin, I would still use my decaying voice to defy you!
"Understood, Akifumi-sensei. I promise not to disturb you during lunch ever again."
As a maturing adult, it's best to keep complaints to oneself.
"When would you be available for a meeting?" she asked.
"I have exams for the next few days. How about Thursday evening?"
The sooner the better, she thought.
"That works! I'll send you the dinner details in advance."
Now she understand.
He probably did poorly on a morning test, which is why he was so grumpy.
Classic student behavior.
Unlike mea former school genius! Maybe I should flaunt my academic success and tease him a bit...
Mihari's imagination ran wild as she pictured Akifumi prostrating himself, begging her for study tips.
"Kehehehe!" she chuckled mischievously.
......
Akifumi, sensing her growing madness, hung up with a furrowed brow.
What's going on with her? he wondered.
"Maybe the job's stress is messing with her hormones."
Perhaps... I should be nicer next time.
Editors do have a tough job.
Late nights, constant deadlines, no weekends.
"Poor corporate slave," Akifumi sighed, shaking his head before curling back up at his desk.
He blamed the exam for making him sleep too much in the morningand now the post-lunch drowsiness hit him like a truck.
[067] Summer Vacation Begins! Sun, Beach, and Beautiful Girls! Shiina's Emotional Journey!
Thursday afternoon.
The final exam had just ended, signaling that summer vacation was just around the corner.
Even though the exams were over, no one left the classroom immediately.
Hiratsuka-sensei was scheduled to give some announcements, and anyone who dared sneak out early might face her infamous "iron fist of love."
That would likely come with the added bonus of a special summer assignment.
"Kato, how was the exam?"
Kato responded calmly, "I probably won't get grades as high as you, but I think I passed."
"That's good. At least you won't need remedial lessons during the break," said Akifumi, grinning as he waved dismissively.
"But hey, no need to praise me for my brilliance!"
Kato gave him a blank stare.
"Your shamelessness is really getting out of hand," she muttered.
"Shameless? Me? No way!" Akifumi laughed before turning to Shiina Mahiru.
"How about you? How did you do?"
Shiina smiled gently.
"I think I should be in the top ten."
"Wow, there are some pretty strong students at this school," Akifumi remarked.
"Do you think you'll get first place this time?" Kato ask.
Akifumi blinked playfully, "You want the truth or a lie?"
"Lie first."
"I don't think I did well, but I tried my best, so it's up to luck now."
Kato frowned.
"Wait, that's supposed to be the lie?"
"What's the truth, then?"
"Even if I intentionally made two mistakes, first place is still locked in."
Kato was speechless.
Why was she even talking about grades with two overachievers?
Oh right, Akifumi started it.
Never mind then.
Shiina looked curious.
"Wait, why would you intentionally make mistakes?"
Kato answered before Akifumi could.
"To make sure he doesn't get a perfect score."
Shiina tilted her head, confused.
"What's the point of doing that?"
Kato sighed, "Shiina-san, remember this guy's twisted logic?"
"If the gap between first and second place is too wide, it makes people give up. But if it's only a few points, it motivates them to try harder next time. He's basically doing it to give the second-place student hope."
Shiina looked shocked.
"What?! There are people who think like that?"
"Of course," Kato muttered.
"Akifumi's just that type of person."
Akifumi smirked.
"Hey, hey, Kato-san, are you secretly in love with me? How else would you know me so well?"
Shiina blinked in disbelief.
Was this actually true?!
Kato remained expressionless.
"No thanks. I don't want to be accused of being a third party in someone else's love life."
She glanced at Shiina and continued coolly, "It's just that Akifumi's weird behavior is really easy to predict."
"Oi! What's that supposed to mean?"
Kato shrugged.
"Every exam in this semester, the gap between you and Yukinoshita was really narrow."
"Oh?" Akifumi raised an eyebrow.
"In our first year, you two had a 10-to-20-point gap. But now it's always within a few points. You're clearly controlling your scores."
Akifumi rubbed his neck awkwardly.
He hadn't realized it was that obvious.
Would Yukinoshita notice?
If she did, she'd probably feel insulted and furious.
But then again...
"If she gets mad, that might actually be kind of funny," Akifumi chuckled.
Shiina couldn't hold back her curiosity any longer.
"But how do you predict other people's scores so accurately?"
"It's not really predicting," Akifumi explained.
"I've just observed Yukinoshita long enough to know where she's likely to make mistakes. Combine that with the exam format, and it's easy to guess."
[TL Note — How??]
Shiina's eyes widened.
"That sounds... terrifying."
"If Yukinoshita ever hears this, and she punches you, I'll say you totally deserved it," Kato deadpanned.
Akifumi shrugged.
"She's just too predictable, you know? Even when she gives it her all, she never gives up. That stubbornness is admirable in a way."
Shiina pondered this.
"So Yukinoshita has been second place since our first year?"
"Yup," Kato confirmed.
"Honestly, I didn't expect Akifumi and Yukinoshita to have any connection."
"We don't," Akifumi clarified.
"We've never spoken a word to each other."
"Then how do you know her so well?" Shiina asked, puzzled.
"It's like that saying: your enemies understand you best. Just looking at her test mistakes tells me a lot about her personality."
"Is that even a thing?"
Kato waved dismissively, "Shiina-san, wake up. Only someone as weird as Akifumi could pull that off."
"True enough," Shiina agreed.
"Hey! Calling me a weirdo is harsh!"
"I was complimenting you."
"Oh, in that case, I'll graciously accept it," Akifumi grinned.
At that moment, Hiratsuka-sensei stepped up to the front of the class, her usual stern expression softening into a rare smile.
"Alright, listen up. I know this is repetitive, but it's important, so I'll say it one more time: be mindful and stay safe during the break."
"And don't forget to show up this Saturday morning!"
With that, she paused dramatically.
"Now then... go ahead and celebrate! Enjoy your well-earned summer vacation!"
Cheers erupted through the classroom.
"Woooooo!"
"Sun, beach, beautiful girls, here I come!"
"Summer dates and unforgettable festival memories, yes!"
"Binge-watching shows and eating ice cream!"
"Sleeping in and gaming all night long!"
"Yay!!!"
The thunderous excitement practically shook the roof.
Hiratsuka-sensei watched with a relaxed smile.
Akifumi covered his ears, grimacing.
"Idiots," he muttered.
Sure, the beach had plenty of beautiful girls, but did that have anything to do with them?
Summer romances? More like heatstroke under the blazing sun.
Gaming all night? Let's be real their parents would probably confiscate their consoles by day two.
'Still so naive, even after all these vacations,' he sighed.
As the noise settled, Akifumi turned to Kato.
"So Kato any plans for the break?"
"Probably a family trip first," Kato said thoughtfully.
"After that, I'm free."
"What about you?"
"Staying home, of course! A summer without staying indoors has no soul!"
Kato shook her head in resignation.
"You really never change."
Turning to Shiina, she asked, "What about you, Shiina-san? Any plans for the break?"
[068] Finally Meeting
"Huh, me?"
Shiina Mahiru snapped out of her thoughts and, after receiving a confirming glance from Kato, she spoke up: "Well, I'll probably just stay at home, I guess?"
As she said this, she subtly glanced at Akifumi, who was busy looking at something on his phone.
Kato noticed this little exchange, of course.
........
At the school gate:
"Alright, see you on Saturday then!"
"Bye, Kato!"
Akifumi Mugiho and Shiina Mahiru waved goodbye to Kato.
"See you Saturday," Kato nodded at them before disappearing into the crowd.
"Shiina-san, you're not going to the karaoke with them?"
Unlike Akifumi and Kato, who were practically loners, Shiina Mahiru was still pretty popular in classeven with the rumors about her and Akifumi dating.
Just moments ago, after their teacher announced the end of class, several girls had invited her to hang out.
But Shiina had politely declined, and those girls had even shot Akifumi a knowing smile.
It didn't take a genius to figure out they thought Shiina's refusal was because of her 'boyfriend.'
"I'm really sorry, Akifumi-kun," Shiina suddenly said.
Akifumi looked at her, puzzled. "Why are you apologizing?"
"It's because of me that everyone's misunderstanding you, and it's also my fault for insisting on making meals for you. So-"
"So what?"
Akifumi reached out and ruffled her silky hair, messing it up without a care.
"Stop overthinking things, alright? Sure, you were the one who pushed for it, but if I really didn't want to, I wouldn't have agreed to it."
"Besides, looking back, I'm really glad you were so persistent back then!"
"Thanks to you, I'm practically turning into a lazy bum! And your cooking? If I had to go without it now, I'll starve to death!"
Shiina's eyes shimmered with emotion, but she couldn't help laughing.
"Starving to death? That's such an exaggeration!"
Akifumi looked at her seriously.
"I'm being completely honest! If anything, you're the one underestimating how amazing your cooking is. And as for those rumors"
"Anyone who believes baseless gossip like that isn't someone I'd care about anyway. So just relax, okay?"
He gave her head a gentle pat, as if testing the quality of a melon.
"Actually, I should be thanking you, Shiina-san."
