If the story kept pressing down this path, how could it possibly unfold?
Then, as the third chapter arrived in mid-December, everything changed.
"Miyazono once said"
The moment I met him, my life changed. Everything I saw, heard, and feltmy entire worldwas painted in vibrant colors.
The world
began to shine.
A beautiful girl stood atop the playground structure, where children usually played.
Even though the panels were still in black and white, fans could feel the change.
Kousei Arima's gray world was starting to light up.
By the end of the chapter, these words appeared:
"At fourteen, in the spring, I took my first step forward on my own two feet. Time, which had stood still, began to move again."
With the latest chapter, fans erupted with excitement.
"Finally!!"
"I can't believe itwe've waited so long for sensei to draw something not tragic!"
"With such a lively and bright art style, this has to be a sweet, romantic comedy!"
[TL Note — .......]
"So let me guesshis mother died, he gave up on the piano, but then a girl saves him, he finds himself again, and he stands on stage once more? That's where this is going, right!?"
"Sure, it's a bit clich, but damn it, I love it!!"
"Yes! Keep going, sensei! I need this story!"
"After reading The WorldEnd, this new series feels like a warm hug for my heart."
"Finally, it's not about breaking usit's about healing us!"
"I knew sensei wouldn't just stick to one genre forever!"
"I mean, after so many gut-wrenching stories, it makes sense to switch things up, right?"
"It totally does! Absolutely! I hope sensei continues to explore different themes!"
"With their storytelling skills and art style just imagining what's to come makes me so excited!"
In reality, the Japanese market tends to favor tragedies over healing stories.
Like a piece of candyonce the sweetness fades, you forget about it.
But tragic stories leave an impression.
Just hearing Secret Base reminds readers of Menma or hearing someone said "There is nothing left to fear" brings back memories of Mami Tomoe.
As mentioned before, there's no need to go into deeper reasons here.
But no matter how much tragedy you consume, eventually, you'll crave something different.
Staying in a state of emotional suppression for too long? It messes with people.
And what better way to counteract tragedy than with healing?
After all, our tear glands have been overworked. It's time to let them rest for a bitbefore the next emotional rollercoaster.
"So, does this mean Akifumi-sensei new work is actually a healing story?"
Akifumi sighed. "Who told you that?"
"Wait it isn't?" Mihari looked stunned.
After reading April Is Your Lie's third chapter, her thoughts had been in sync with the rest of the internet.
Something like, 'Finally! This sadistic mangaka isn't just here to make us cry anymore!'
Even within Shueisha's editorial department, many of Akifumi's fans had shed their fair share of tears.
Even she
"Ah-hem." Mihari's face turned slightly red as she cleared her throat and asked: "So the core of this story is still tragic, isn't it?"
Akifumi didn't answer directly. "No matter what, my stories are always about love and hope."
"It's just that different people see them from different perspectives, so what they take away from it varies."
Looking at Madoka Magica, Anohana, and The WorldEnd
Love and hope were always central themes.
Most readers just overlooked them.
But in today's fast-paced world, people only care about characters and flashy effects.
Few take the time to think about what a story really wants to say.
If the fans could only see the surface-level sadness and sorrow, Akifumi didn't mind.
"So, the main core theme is still depression, right?" Mihari didn't dwell on the ambiguous explanation, instead cutting straight to the heart of the matter.
"In the end, it's still a tragedy?"
"I wouldn't say it's entirely a tragedy." Akifumi carefully chose his words. "On the grandest stage, Arima Kousei rediscovers the colors of the world, reignites his passion, and pours his soul into his music."
"As for the heroine, Miyazono Kaori, she withers away like a delicate flower in full bloom."
"Isn't that a breathtakingly beautiful sight?"
Hearing Akifumi's description, Mihari shuddered involuntarily.
'This guy... definitely has some screws loose!!' Just imagining the scene he described filled Mihari with an inexplicable sorrow.
The one who was saved gained a new life, while the savior faded away.
'You're creating an illusion of a happy story, letting everyone bask in happiness before tearing away the veil to reveal the true despair underneath. That's brutal!'
First, you lure them in, then you break them one by one!
For some reason, such thoughts surfaced in Mihari's mind.
She couldn't help but sigh. "You really won't rest until you've made everyone cry their hearts out, will you?"
"The story's core was decided from the start. They're the ones overanalyzing thingsit has nothing to do with me." Akifumi shrugged innocently.
"Then at least stop misleading them!!"
"It's all for the sake of the plot, for the plot."
"Speaking of which, should we clarify this in a post?"
"What's there to clarify? It's their speculationI never confirmed anything."
Mihari sighed, already able to foresee the fans' heartbreak when the truth was finally revealed.
"By the way, you're not planning to pull another surprise gift stunt, are you?"
"Hmm?"
Akifumi rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "That actually sounds like a good idea."
"???"
"If I really go through with it, I'll just tell everyone that my editor reminded me. Otherwise, I would've completely forgotten about it."
"?!?!" Mihari's face turned pale.
Are you kidding me?!
I was just making small talk, and now you're saying it was my idea?!
The fans who cry themselves to sleep won't know your address, but they sure as hell know where Shueisha's office is!!
If they start sending 'special gifts' to the company, should I return the favor to you?!
"Akifumi-sensei, I was wrong! Please have mercy on me!!"
"Well, that depends on your performance."
Damn it.
I've matured so much, and yet this guy still has me wrapped around his finger!
Mihari felt utterly helpless.
"Fine, I'll behave."
"By the way, will you be attending the December 24th gathering, Akifumi-sensei?"
"Do I have to?"
Mihari hesitated. "There will be an awards segment and you've been nominated for several categories."
"So, in other words, I don't have a choice?"
Akifumi sighed.
"Exactly. Not to mention, this time we've also hope you can invited Eriri-sensei and Shiina-sensei."
"Shiina? Okay. I'll talk to Mashiro and Eriri about it. Whether she decides to come or not is up to her."
"Of course."
After hanging up, Akifumi returned to his desk, the faint glow of his drafting lamp illuminating the pages scattered across his workspace.
The room was quiet, save for the soft scratching of his pen and the occasional rustle of paper as he flipped through reference sheets.
Before he knew it, the clock on his desk blinked 1:00 AM.
He leaned back in his chair, stretching his stiff shoulders, and glanced at his phone.
'Is Mashiro already fallen asleep?' he wondered.
But before he could dwell on the thought, the sound of a door creaking open broke the stillness. He step out from his room to check.
Akifumi open the door, an surprised, to see Mahiru standing in the doorway of his apartement, dressed in sleepwear. Perhaps from climbing a flight of stairs, her cheeks were slightly flushed.
"For the sake of your health, please get some more exercise."
"Okay." The girl responded softly.
Next door, Yor blinked in confusion.
"Why is Mahiru visiting the young master's room this late?"
"So strange."
She shook her head, deciding not to dwell on it. She leaned against the wall and closed her eyes again.
[139] The Taste Of Happiness
The soft glow of the streetlights filtered through the curtains of Akifumi's apartment as he unlocked the door, holding it open for Mahiru.
She stepped inside, her quiet giggle warm in the cozy entryway. The night air had a slight chill, and the faint hum of the city outside made the apartment feel like a secluded haven.
Already dressed in her favorite pastel pink pajamas, Mahiru's hair was slightly tousled from the long day.
She looked effortlessly adorable, and Akifumi couldn't help but smile as he closed the door behind them.
'The way she walks in so naturally... It almost feels like we're newlyweds.'
Perhaps Mahiru felt the same. Her cheeks flushed slightly as she slipped off her shoes, placing them neatly by the door.
"Th-This feels almost like we're married, doesn't it?" she stammered, voicing what was on both their minds.
Everything about her mannerisms reminded Akifumi of a bashful new bride.
Leaning against the wall with a playful smirk, he crossed his arms. "Well, maybe I should start greeting you with a kiss at the door. Or perhaps you'd like something more...?"
Mahiru's breath hitched. "Ah, u-um, I..." His sudden advance had clearly flustered her.
The longer he held her gaze, the redder her face became.
But when she realized he was teasing, she swatted his arm lightly, no real force behind it.
"You're mean," she muttered, though there was no real annoyance in her voice.
Akifumi stepped closer, his tone softening. "But you like me anyway, don't you?"
Mahiru looked up at him, her wide eyes still tinged pink. "I... yes." Her voice was barely above a whisper as she averted her gaze, her heart racing.
The air between them felt charged. For a moment, neither of them spoke. The faint ticking of the clock in the background only heightened the tension.
Akifumi reached out, brushing a strand of hair from her face. "You're cute when you're flustered, you know that?"
Mahiru's lips parted slightly, as if she wanted to say something. But before she could, Akifumi leaned in, their faces inches apart. Her eyes fluttered shut, and just as their lips were about to meet
A loud, unmistakable rumble broke the silence.
"."
"."
"Pfft" Mahiru clutched her sides, giggling. "Was that your stomach?"
Akifumi groaned, covering his face with his hands. "Of all the moments"
Mahiru wiped a tear from her eye, still laughing. "When was the last time you ate?"
"Uh lunch?" he admitted sheepishly, peeking at her through his fingers. "I got caught up with work and forgot about dinner."
Shaking her head, Mahiru sighed, though her smile was fond. "You're hopeless. Come on, let's get you some food before you pass out."
She grabbed his hand and pulled him toward the kitchen, her touch sending a warm jolt through him.
Akifumi followed obediently, watching as she tied her hair into a loose ponytail before slipping on an aprona simple, light blue one with tiny white polka dots.
The sight made his heart skip a beat. There was something incredibly endearing about seeing her in pajamas and an apron, ready to cook for him.
"What are you making?" he asked, leaning against the counter as she rummaged through the fridge.
"Hmm How about omurice? It's quick, and I know you love it."
His eyes lit up. "You're the best, Mahiru. Seriously."
She shot him a playful glance over her shoulder. "I know. But don't think this gets you out of cleaning up afterward."
As she chopped vegetables with practiced ease, Akifumi watched her, a soft smile tugging at his lips.
The way she moved around his kitchen, as if she belonged thereit was comforting.
"You know," he said after a moment, his voice quiet but sincere, "I meant what I said earlier."
Mahiru's hands stilled for a brief moment before she glanced at him, cheeks pink. "I also hope... I can be with you in the future too." Her voice was affectionate, laced with quiet certainty.
With a gentle smile, she turned back to the stove, flipping the omelet with ease. "Now sit down and stop distracting me. Dinner's almost ready."
Akifumi obeyed, taking a seat at the small kitchen table.
As she plated the food and brought it over, he couldn't help but think that maybe, just maybe, this was what happiness felt like.
They ate together, sharing soft laughter and quiet conversation. When he finished his meal, Akifumi leaned back in his chair with a satisfied sigh.
"Mahiru, I've said it before, but I'll say it againyour cooking is incredible."
Mahiru blushed, looking down at her hands. "I-It's really nothing special It's just omurice."
"Just omurice?" Akifumi raised an eyebrow.
"Mahiru, your 'just omurice' is better than anything I've had at a restaurant. Eriri, Mashiro, and I are basically is a slaves to your cooking at this point."
She giggled, cheeks turning even pinker. "You're exaggerating. But I'm glad you like it."
"I love it," he said sincerely. "And I love that you take care of me, even when I forget to eat like an idiot."
Mahiru's fingers traced the edge of her plate. "Well I like taking care of you. It makes me happy."
Akifumi's expression softened, and he reached across the table to take her hand. "You're too good to me, you know that?"
She looked up at him, her gaze warm yet shy. "I-I just want to make sure you're okay."
He squeezed her hand gently before standing up and walking over to his bag.
"Speaking of taking care of me... I know I haven't done enough to take care of you lately. And to be honest... I even forgot your birthday when it passed."
"I got so caught up in drawing manga that I completely lost track of time. I feel terrible about it."
Mahiru's eyes widened as he pulled out a small, elegantly wrapped box.
"Mu-Mugiho-kun You didn't have to get me anything."
"I wanted to." He placed the box in front of her. "Open it."
With trembling hands, Mahiru carefully unwrapped the box and lifted the lid.
Inside was a delicate silver necklace, its pendant a small, intricately designed star. The way it caught the light made it seem almost magical.
"Oh" Her breath hitched. "It's beautiful"
Akifumi smiled, relieved at her reaction.
"I saw it a few days ago and immediately thought of you. You're like a star, Mahirubright, beautiful, always guiding me."
Tears welled up in her eyes. "Mugiho I don't know what to say"
"You don't have to." He took the necklace from the box. "May I?"
She nodded, turning so he could fasten it around her neck.
His fingers brushed against her skin, sending a shiver down her spine.
