Chapter 359: Chapter 356: I Think I Really Started to Like You
"Huh?? Shirakawa, why do you walk so silently!" The leisurely girl was suddenly startled when she realized someone was behind her while playing games, exclaiming, "Is my real life a horror game? Shirakawa, can you please be a bit more like a human?"
This long sentence naturally translated itself into a shorter one in Shirakawa Sawahei’s mind.
Shirakawa, I’m begging you to act human.
"I haven’t asked you yet, finished watching the movie?"
"Finished."
"So, what are your thoughts?"
"The thoughts are amazing! That’s why I can’t wait to start working hard with you, Shirakawa!"
"Hmm? Well, you’re pretty determined." Shirakawa Sawahei nodded slightly, although he wasn’t sure why he suddenly stopped minding the leisurely girl’s gaming, but since she was inspired, it was time to get to work.
"How do you plan to divide the work? Should I help you with coloring? What else needs doing..."
"First, help me pass this level..." The leisurely girl said while handing over a controller, absentmindedly saying, "I just discovered this main quest actually has a hidden level, and it seems my skills can’t manage your character... Hurry up, hurry up..."
Shirakawa Sawahei: "..."
This wave, this wave is fanning the flames right in front of me.
It was unclear if the leisurely girl didn’t realize the error of her ways, or if her innate talents clouded her judgment, but she actually invited him to play games, making Shirakawa Sawahei’s almost softened... fists harden again.
"Hey... Shirakawa... don’t pull me... huh?? I... I was wrong... okay, I’ll work on the drafts... let go of me, it’s embarrassing to be dragged by you... at least carry me to the desk!"
With help from Shirakawa Sawahei, the cute little Ise Yu finally picked up her pen and started drawing the next release’s draft.
Ise Yu in her leisurely state was exasperating, but the working Ise Yu had a serious cuteness to her. She wasn’t bluffing when she spoke before, as her inspiration flowed like a spring once she pondered at her desk, manifesting at her pen’s tip.
Shirakawa Sawahei didn’t make a sound, afraid of breaking the serious mood of the leisurely girl. As sketches slowly piled up, his eyes grew more and more surprised.
Seeing her skills, it’s no surprise this girl could stand her ground in the fiercely competitive doujinshi world at high school age, having her own share of fans...
Since she’s back to this state, Shirakawa Sawahei enjoyed his leisure time. Besides helping with line art coloring and tidying up, there wasn’t much he had to do.
There was no choice but to temporarily endure indignities to ensure his work ends sooner. During her drawing process, he was on call for every frown with soda or a lift of her gaze with snacks, serving her diligently.
Shirakawa Sawahei recalled the gaming scene back then, suddenly finding himself gradually becoming like Ise Yu Yuzhijin.
"..."
This always felt a bit unfair, maybe he should find a chance to get some interest back from Ise Yu later?
With nothing else happening through the night, the spirited leisurely girl kept drafting till five in the morning and finished most of the next issue.
"So tired~ Shirakawa!"
Just as she was about to stretch and celebrate with Shirakawa Sawahei beside her, the thin blanket on her shoulder slid down with her movement.
When did this happen...
The girl’s expression turned a bit blank, with just the ticking clock in the quiet room and the curtain-filtered light from outside, apparently set up by someone concerned she might fall asleep drafting and be woken by sunlight.
The familiar face was half a meter from her, and because he was asleep, he didn’t look as cold as usual; his handsome face looked slightly better than when he was awake.
Ise Yu Yuzhijin looked at Shirakawa Sawahei’s face, slightly lost for a moment, and then gently walked over to cover him with the thin blanket. She then held her chin and closely examined this annoying yet endearing face.
Shirakawa’s nose bridge is so high, like a manga protagonist? And those lashes... kinda handsome...
Hmm... no, he’s the model for my manga’s protagonist...
Reliable in day-to-day life, and in times of crisis, especially took time off to help a friend, truly what a manga protagonist would do...
Even though it’s not his issue, he stayed with me till this late...
Remembers every little thing I’ve said, understands the hidden desires in my eyes. Even if pretending to be strong, there’s no worry that no one would comfort me...
It’s always been like this... whether I’m troublesome or going my own way... in front of Shirakawa, there’s no need to hide...
This feeling... so reassuring...
Shirakawa, could he be my manga’s male lead...
Mysteriously, such a thought surfaced in the girl’s heart, soon followed by a quickened heartbeat...
She softly breathed in and out, looking at Shirakawa Sawahei again, but her gaze became a bit timid.
The distant RPG game screen still glowed, and without anyone playing, Demon King Ise Yu and Hero Shirakawa quietly faced each other onscreen at a distance similar to the two outside the screen.
A slight sense of ambiguity silently developed between Demon King Ise Yu and Hero Shirakawa, as the leisurely girl withdrew her gaze, subconsciously holding her flushed face, a new, indescribable emotion began to flourish like wild vines, soon filling her heart.
Trembling, she took out her phone and found her childhood friend sister’s LINE chat window, shakily starting to type...
[Sister Yin...]
[I think...]
[I think I’m really falling for Shirakawa...]
The flustered girl finished typing, turned off her phone screen, and sat on her bed blankly for a moment before slowly burying her face in her knees...
Coincidentally, a sleepless Minotaur Artist checked her phone, her expression somewhat disdainful after glancing at the message.
[Is that all?]
[??? Sister Yin! This is my first time liking a boy! What’s with the ’is that all’? Can you be more serious!]
[What I’m saying is, you only figured it out now?] Hinata Rion was quite speechless: [I thought you’d recognize your feelings sooner or later.]
[Was it really that obvious??]
[Well, maybe to others you and Mr. Shirakawa just seem close, but to someone as familiar with you as I am, Jin, you’ve never been this obvious...]
[Don’t... don’t tease me... what should I do now? Should I directly confess to Shirakawa?]