Chapter 15: 15 making Eriri to see the truth
"Huh..." Seeing that Izumi Yu still had a gentle smile on his face, Eriri couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief. This guy's personality was really hard to dislike. No wonder Kato Megumi had gradually become closer to him.
Thinking of Kato Megumi, an idea suddenly came to Eriri's mind.
Ever since Kato Megumi had appeared, Aki Tomoya had changed a lot. Not only did he start tinkering with his club, but he also began to focus all his energy on Kato Megumi, while she, Eriri, had become little more than a tool for him to complete the club's activities.
This had made Eriri—who had always been the center of attention—unhappy.
She was a talented and beautiful girl painter, with boys chasing after her like crazy, yet the idiot Tomoya Aki treated her like an expendable tool. It was infuriating!
If she could capture Izumi Yu before Kato Megumi, wouldn't that prove she was much better than Kato Megumi? But could Tomoya really be such a simple fool without any vision?!
The way Eriri looked at Izumi Yu suddenly became more intense, as though she was betting the most precious thing she had.
"What's wrong with Sawamura-san?" Izumi Yu raised an eyebrow, noticing Eriri's strange expression. "You seem a little... off?"
Why did it feel like Eriri had suddenly become odd?
"Gu..." Eriri was about to answer when her stomach growled loudly, and she instantly wished the ground would swallow her up.
"Sawamura, eat something first." Izumi Yu, seeing her cute embarrassed look, couldn't help but chuckle. "We can talk about everything else once you're done eating."
"I was just too focused on my work," Eriri tried to explain, while gracefully eating takoyaki. "I used up my energy a little too quickly! But thank you, Izumi-kun, for preparing my favorite takoyaki! I'll never forget your kindness!"
"It's nothing that dramatic. It's not a big favor at all," Izumi Yu smiled, watching her eat with the elegance of a young lady from a wealthy family.
It was hard to deny that the beautiful girl looked pleasing to the eye, even when indulging in a simple street snack.
At the same time, Eriri's favorability toward Izumi Yu continued to grow.
[Name: Eriri Sawamura. ]
[Age: 16 years old.]
[Status: A girl who has reestablished her ideals and goals in life.]
[Favorability: 51 (A close friend who has a secret crush on you.)]
Very good! As long as he worked a bit harder, richer rewards would surely follow!
Izumi Yu couldn't help but feel an overwhelming surge of energy.
Midori, keep your hat on!
[Looking at the elegant young lady before you, a mischievous thought arises in your heart. It's time to repay a favor. These noble families value reputation above all else, and repaying a favor is one of the few virtues they hold dear. By using this favor, you could make the girl submit to you in no time, and it would only take about three minutes to make her entire belief in you solidify. If you were lucky enough to make her carry your child, you'd have the perfect opportunity to be the son-in-law of a noble family…]
"Huh?! Who do you think you're looking down on?! It'll take me at least thirty minutes, okay?! This is slander! I'm suing you for slander! And who the hell is the Dragon King's son-in-law?!"
Upon hearing the narrator's suggestion, Izumi Yu couldn't help but complain internally.
Of course, it'd take him longer than three minutes—he was gifted, after all! There was no way he could finish without scoring at least 30 points!
This ridiculous and ignorant narration!
"Wow... this is delicious! How did Izumi-kun know that I love takoyaki the most?" Eriri exclaimed, taking her last bite of takoyaki before patting her slightly bulging belly. She washed it down with a glass of iced American coffee, looking at Izumi Yu with some curiosity.
Izumi Yu sat back in his chair, watching her eat with a gentle smile, his demeanor one of indulgence.
The feeling of being cared for and watched over made Eriri feel something she had never experienced before—a sense of warmth and satisfaction growing in her heart. Her lips curved into a small smile without her realizing it.
"Kashiwagi Sensei once mentioned in an interview that her favorite snack is takoyaki, her favorite dessert is Napoleon cake, and her favorite drink is a glass of iced American coffee with no sugar." Izumi Yu leaned back casually and said with a smile, as if he had memorized every detail.
By this point, Izumi Yu had decided to fully pursue his goal, so he had done his homework. He was determined to be the best, no matter what.
"I can't accept imperfection or failure, only thoroughness and effort," Izumi Yu's personal creed always guided his actions.
So, naturally, before even taking the first step, he went to great lengths to learn about Kashiwagi Eri, also known as Sawamura Eriri.
Thankfully, as one of the best R18 comic illustrators, Kashiwagi Eri had participated in interviews where she revealed many personal details. While some of it was private, her preferences and habits were well-documented.
"Huh?!" Eriri stiffened, her eyes wide in shock. Her sapphire pupils trembled as she looked at Izumi Yu's handsome face.
She couldn't recall when the interview had taken place, but she had no idea that Izumi Yu had gone so far as to find it, memorize it, and even use it to surprise her.
This thoughtful attention stirred a mix of emotions within Eriri.
She was flattered by how Izumi Yu had taken the time to remember her preferences, but she couldn't help but wonder if he was equally gentle and considerate with other people.
"So, Izumi-kun wrote everything down?" Eriri asked, her expression a little conflicted.
"Of course," Izumi Yu answered with a smile. He understood exactly what Eriri was thinking. Leaning back lazily in his chair, he continued, "I've always admired Ms. Kashiwagi's ability. It's a rare opportunity to work with you, and since it's our first time meeting, I had to do my research. I didn't want to neglect Ms. Kashiwagi. I truly want to build a long-term relationship with you. After meeting you, I'm even more determined. Working with such a brilliant, otaku-like painter is an opportunity that many in our publishing house would envy."
As Izumi Yu spoke, Eriri's heart swelled with joy. To be acknowledged and praised by Izumi Yu felt incredible, like she was being lifted high into the air.
She felt truly special.
However, to maintain her image and avoid seeming overly manipulated, she didn't want to appear like she was easily charmed by Izumi Yu's words. She decided to maintain a little composure.
"Hmph! Izumi-kun's taste is unexpectedly good! Much better than those who can't see the value in things!" she snorted, crossing her arms in a mock-dismissive way. "But don't get any ideas, just because you're stating the facts doesn't mean I'll like you!"
"Have you ever heard the saying, Sawamura?" Izumi Yu asked seriously, his gaze steady.
"What?" Eriri asked, intrigued.
Izumi Yu gave a playful grin and said, "Tsundere will ruin your life."
"Huh?! What are you talking about, Izumi-kun?" Eriri flushed crimson, the color creeping down her neck. She looked at him with some embarrassment. "I'm not a tsundere!"
"Right, right, if Sawamura says so, then we'll just leave it at that," Izumi Yu teased, his smile deepening.
"Hmph! You idiot! Izumi-kun is such a big idiot!" Eriri pouted, but her attempt to act upset was betrayed by the slight smile that kept creeping up on her face.
"Come to think of it, Sawamura-san just now said you and Tomoya-san are childhood sweethearts?" Izumi Yu changed the subject, studying her curiously.
"That's right, but if I could, I'd prefer not to have anything to do with that big idiot Tomoya!" Eriri nodded, then scrunched up her face in distaste.
"Are Sawamura-san and Tomoya-san on bad terms?" Izumi Yu pressed, eager to know more.
"Well... not exactly," Eriri's expression became a little complicated. She paused to gather her thoughts before continuing, "It's just that Tomoya... is so frustrating!"
"He's the one who asked me to join his meaningless club, but then he doesn't think things through and just dumps everything on us. Meanwhile, he just sits there doing nothing!"
Eriri vented all the frustration that had built up over the years. "And then he spends all day with Kato! What about me, who's been silently helping all this time? If we weren't childhood sweethearts, I would've completely ignored him from the start!"
Izumi Yu listened attentively, watching Eriri's emotions unfold. He could tell she was conflicted.
"So does Sawamura-san like Tomoya-san?" Izumi Yu asked, extending his finger toward her.
---
"Like? Who would like a good-for-nothing otaku like Tomoya?" Eriri denied without even thinking, her voice firm, almost defensive. "I just have a little crush on him because I've known him for a long time."
Izumi Yu raised an eyebrow, his gaze still sharp, piercing through her attempt at casual indifference. "In that case, if Sawamura doesn't like him, why not just quit?"
Eriri's jaw tightened. She wanted to snap back, but his words had a subtle weight. "But that guy... he always looks so serious, saying things like the club can't go on without me, that he needs me to help him realize his dream. But he never says he likes me. It's just 'as a childhood sweetheart,' like I'm some tool for his dreams. And every time he begs me, it's so hard to refuse."
A flush crept over Eriri's face as she reluctantly admitted, "And... I don't know what I'm thinking. I don't like him, but when I see him with Kato or that annoying guy spending their time together, I feel so... uncomfortable."
Izumi Yu snapped his fingers as if an epiphany had struck him. "Seems like you probably still have feelings for him, huh? Because of your childhood together. You're just not willing to let him go easily."
Eriri blinked, her hand trembling slightly. His words dug deeper than she expected, but for some reason, they felt oddly liberating. A soft, almost imperceptible smile played at her lips. "Hmm... maybe you're right, Izumi-kun."
She glanced down, unsure of how to handle the swirling feelings within her. She didn't want to admit she might still have a connection to Tomoya, but his words made too much sense. She was afraid of losing to someone who had just come out of nowhere—especially when she, Eriri, had worked so hard to carve a name for herself.
"So, does Tomoya know how you feel about him?" Izumi Yu pressed, locking eyes with her. His voice softened, though it remained perceptive.
Eriri bit her lip, her gaze faltering. "I... I don't know. I don't know what he thinks. If he really knew..." She paused, letting out a shaky breath. "Maybe that would change everything."
Izumi Yu leaned back, his demeanor casual but knowing. "If Tomoya doesn't know, it's fine for him to keep asking for your help. He probably thinks it's just because you're childhood friends. But if he knows everything... well, that's different. It could be manipulation. Using your feelings to get what he wants." His words were cold, but thoughtful.
"Huh?! Is Tomoya really that scheming?!" Eriri stiffened, her face draining of color. She shook her head in disbelief. "No way... It can't be."
Izumi Yu's voice didn't waver. "Of course, it's all based on what I know, but it seems plausible. If he doesn't recognize your feelings, he might just be using you without realizing it. Or maybe he does know, and he's just taking advantage of you."
Eriri's heart sank, a painful knot forming in her chest. She hadn't wanted to believe it, but now she couldn't ignore the possibility. It wasn't the first time she had felt like Tomoya took her for granted, but hearing it laid out so plainly made her stomach twist. Could Izumi Yu be right?
She managed a small, forced smile. "I understand. Thank you for your concern, Izumi-kun." Her voice was distant, but she appreciated the honesty.
Izumi Yu looked at her with a mixture of understanding and amusement. "It's nothing, really. Besides, Ms. Kashiwagi helped me with such great illustrations. It's only fair I help you with your doubts."
A brief, genuine smile spread across Eriri's face. "It is my honor to draw for your novel. I'm looking forward to our next collaboration."
"Well, you are very cute when you're being honest, you know?" Izumi Yu grinned, amusement dancing in his eyes.
Eriri's cheeks flushed a deep crimson. "Huh?! What nonsense are you talking about!" she exclaimed, trying to deflect the praise with exaggerated indignation, but her smile betrayed her. She couldn't stop the warmth spreading through her.
[The girl in front of you is about to be taken by you after being dug by your hoe. Now you can take advantage of the victory and completely transform the girl into your shape! It's time to launch the final general attack. As long as you can penetrate the girl's heart, you can pour your shape into her heart. You only need to buy some blue pills to ensure that you penetrate the girl's heart.]
What is awesome? I call this salvation, do you understand? Do you understand the value of Pure Love God of War?!
And is this heart you are talking about the same heart that I understand?
Eriri broke the silence, her tone serious, yet determined. "Actually, there's one more thing I wanted to discuss with you, Mr. Izumi."
Izumi Yu raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Oh? What's that?"
"I want to be the first to see the follow-up content of your new work!" Eriri leaned forward, her eyes gleaming with anticipation.
Izumi Yu's lips quirked into a playful smile. "This? Of course, as the illustrator, you're entitled to see it first."
Eriri's eyes widened. "No! You don't understand! It's not just about being first! Your writing—it's like nothing else! It's a blend of subtlety and art that I've never seen before. It... it inspires me to create my own work! Your stories are the key to everything I've been searching for!"
Izumi Yu froze, suddenly aware of the intensity of her words. The other cafe patrons started noticing, and he felt the heat rise in his cheeks. "Kashiwagi-sensei, please, not so loud..." he urged, his face reddening as more eyes turned toward them.
For a brief second, he could almost feel the weight of the situation, the power of her words mixed with the embarrassment of being the center of attention.
But even as he felt that sting of awkwardness, a small part of him admired her unabashed passion.
[Oh wow! Looking at the girl in front of you, you feel the collision of the two of you souls! But it's not enough! Not enough! Far from enough! The two of you now urgently need a collision of the bodies! Only a double collision can bring you double happiness!]
Such a chuuni and shameful statement, rather than a soul clash, I just want to escape now!!
Don't give this seemingly high-sounding excuse to your mind full of color garbage!
Izumi Yu complained mercilessly in his heart.
"Hu...Hu...Hu..." Feeling the gazes of the people around her, Eriri took deep breaths, trying her best to calm her excited emotions.