Cartoonists and their assistants

Page 127

Mizuki Machi is struggling with something.

After having such a big argument with Eriri yesterday, shouldn't we avoid seeing each other for a while and let things calm down?

I have a feeling that it would be awkward if we met.

However, this thought only flashed through my mind.

He arrived at the secret base as usual.

Eriri was the second one to arrive.

"You're here."

He still took the initiative to start a conversation.

"I'm just here to work."

Eriri walked past him with a cold expression, heading straight for the second floor, acting like a high-and-mighty beauty, treating him like a stranger.

"Not even willing to say a single word?"

He sighed.

When it was time for lunch break...

Sakura Chiyo and Gokou Ruri went to the second-floor balcony to talk.

"Miss Black Cat, have you noticed that the atmosphere among the teachers seems a bit off?"

"Anyone with eyes can see it."

"Shouldn't we do something about it?"

"There's absolutely no need for that. This is a conflict between those two people. What's the point of you getting involved? Just focus on doing our job well."

"Besides being assistants, we're still friends, right?"

Sakura Chiyo said in a low voice.

You may consider someone a friend, but they may not consider you a friend.

Ruri Gokou turned her head away.

"Miss Black Cat, don't say such heartless things!"

"I won't stop you from doing whatever you want. I'll just watch quietly as you get swallowed up by the vortex created between those two..."

In Black Cat's view, it's perfectly normal for a two-person partnership to encounter some conflicts.

But the current situation is extraordinary and beyond their ability to participate.

"so be it."

Sakura Chiyo ultimately had no choice but to accept it.

Then, several days passed in this oppressive atmosphere.

Since that one sentence that Mizuki Machi and Eriri said, they have never spoken to each other again, and their two assistants have also remained silent.

This cold war seems to have no end in sight.

"That idiot, why don't you come and apologize?!"

"Why are you suddenly silent?"

Eriri was in her bedroom, stomping her feet and talking to herself.

She appears aloof on the surface, but is secretly extremely anxious.

"No, if this continues, that woman will really get off easy!"

We have to get her!

The complicated feelings of a 159-year-old girl

Eriri, as a textbook example of a tsundere character, has always been headstrong and willful.

Mizuki Machi thought that this time she would have to leave her alone for a long time before the two of them could talk.

Unexpectedly, the girl came to their door before school even started.

This evening.

He and Mashiro had just finished dinner.

"Dong dong dong."

There was a sudden knock on the door.

"Who is it, coming here so late at night?"

He felt surprised, then glanced at the rice grains at the corner of Zhenbai's mouth, gave a reminder, and walked towards the door.

"Shiina, wipe your mouth."

Mashiro looked up, then obediently picked up a tissue and wiped her mouth.

......

"Eri... what brings you here?"

He looked surprised when he opened the door.

"What, can't I come? Are you afraid I'll disturb your time together?"

Eriri crossed her arms and retorted confidently.

"No, I thought we were going to have a cold war for decades."

His tone became relaxed, with a hint of teasing.

"Who's giving you the silent treatment! I was just in a bad mood before!"

She completely ignored that idea.

The die is cast, and although I have accepted the outcome, the resentment in my heart has not yet dissipated.

However, there are more important things to deal with now.

Otherwise, hmph!

"Is the NAME for the next chapter ready?"

"That's way too early."

"You're just too lazy."

"Finish drawing this month's chapter first."

Returning to the familiar bickering, the atmosphere seemed to return to normal.

However, the next moment——

Eriri's expression instantly froze.

Because another girl appeared in her line of sight.

"Eiriri?"

Mashiro spoke first.

"Shii...Shiina."

Compared to Mashiro's seemingly emotionless demeanor, Eriri's feelings were clearly different.

"You still remember me?"

She said wistfully.

Surprisingly, the other party still remembered his name.

After all, it had been nine years since they last saw each other, and memories from younger ages are usually the most hazy, not to mention that they had spent less than a month together.

For a moment, her feelings were unexpectedly complicated.

"of course I remember."

It's so white, I didn't even think about it.

"Eri's paintings are very special."

This sentence completely baffled Eriri.

To this day, she no longer remembers how good her painting skills were back then.

All I know is that the gap between us is enormous...

Logically speaking, someone focused solely on drawing shouldn't remember them, let alone have drawn them.

As for whether Shiina was complimenting her?

This is obviously impossible.

How can someone who lacks even basic common sense understand social etiquette?

So, it turns out I was actually recognized?

At that moment, she felt ashamed of the secret smugness that had risen deep within her.

"It's too late to say that... Also, don't call me by my name, we're not that close yet."

Eriri said coldly.

Mashiro's expression changed slightly, as if she was wondering why the girl was acting this way.

"I heard you came to Tokyo to study manga drawing?"

Eriri changed the subject.

"Being a cartoonist is my dream."

"Why? If you continue painting oil paintings, even if you create a painting that will go down in history, it will only take time, right? Why do something so laborious and thankless?"

"I like comics."

“It’s not a question of like or dislike…”

"I like comics."

Mashiro emphasized this again.

"That's a very simple reason, and it's definitely your style."

Eriri didn't find it strange.

Because she understood that the girl in front of her was a very pure person, and her way of thinking was simple and direct.

Therefore, when they were in the studio, everyone felt not only fear of his talent, but also a sense of inferiority and self-pity.

Such a pure person shouldn't be disliked.

But that's the reality—

Mashiro's existence is like a unique sun, scorching those who want to get close to her.

"So, how's your comic coming along?"