"No… no, I just see you as a friend," Haruki said firmly.
Ryuko looked at him with a soft smile, unfazed by the answer.
She'd expected it. Even after confessing months ago, nothing had changed between them. Haruki never gave her hope, but he also never avoided her or showed discomfort.
That alone was enough for her to hold onto.
Maybe he didn't like her she couldn't be sure. But she knew he didn't dislike her either.
Suddenly, Ryuko coughed and tightened her arms around herself. Only then did Haruki notice she was still wearing the black dress from last night's party. Her arms, shoulders, and legs were bare.
It might've worked last night, but the morning chill was clearly getting to her.
Without a word, Haruki grabbed a jacket from his room and draped it over her shoulders.
"Here. You'll catch a cold."
"Thanks," Ryuko said, smiling as she zipped it up without hesitation.
Haruki stood there for a moment, then frowned.
Wait, what's going on here? I'm just being considerate, but… why does it feel like something more?
The room fell into an awkward silence. Ryuko stared out at the light rain falling outside. Haruki focused on his porridge. Neither said a word, yet both were completely aware of the other.
Then, the front door opened.
Naoya and Kenta walked in, arriving early to get a head start on the week's work. But the moment they stepped inside, they froze.
At the dining table sat Ryuko, wrapped in Haruki's oversized jacket, looking a little tired. Haruki sat beside her in rumpled clothes, eating breakfast like nothing was unusual.
The two assistants exchanged glances.
Half past seven isn't that early. Did she… stay over?
"Morning, boss," Naoya said cautiously.
Then, after a pause, he turned toward Ryuko. "Morning… boss."
Haruki nearly choked on his porridge.
Ryuko, meanwhile, couldn't suppress a quiet laugh.
"Well, I'll let you two get back to work," she said lightly, standing up. "Thanks for breakfast, Haruki. I'll borrow an umbrella, okay?"
Before he could respond, she was already heading out, her steps light.
Haruki slumped in his chair, rubbing his temples. Great. Now even they think something happened.
He gave up on thinking too hard about it and returned to his desk.
…
Ryuko, meanwhile, arrived at her dorm to find her roommates waiting like wolves.
"So? What happened last night?"
"You stayed over, didn't you?"
She sighed. "Nothing happened. I just helped him get home. He was drunk."
The three of them looked absolutely disappointed.
"What a waste. You stayed up all night looking after him?"
"I mean, he's a decent guy not dense beyond hope. If you'd made a move, it might've gone somewhere."
"Right? You act so bubbly all the time, but in the moment? Totally passive!"
Ryuko rolled her eyes. "Give me a break. Why did I end up with you three as roommates?"
"Because fate knew we needed to knock some sense into you," one of them shot back. "You're lucky no other girls have made a move yet. With Haruki's popularity, it's bound to happen sooner or later!"
Before Ryuko could respond, her phone rang.
"Hello? Yes, Ms. Ryuzaki?"
Her manager's excited voice crackled through the line. "Ryuko! You've been shortlisted by T-Bone Animation for into the Abyss! You're one of ten voice actors selected to audition for the lead! Final selection happens in three days!"
"Oh. That's great," Ryuko said with a smile, though her voice lacked enthusiasm.
"…You don't sound thrilled."
"I am," she replied quickly. "Just tired. I pulled an all-nighter."
But deep down, she knew the truth she would've been more excited if it were one of Haruki's projects.
"This is a big deal, Ryuko," her agent pressed. "The screenwriter is the same one behind The Devil's Journey last year's best animation. Way more influence than Mizushiro in the anime world. This is a step up for you!"
"I understand. I'll be there. Don't worry," Ryuko assured her, then hung up and collapsed onto her bed.
She needed sleep. Badly.
…
Meanwhile, Haruki's week wasn't getting any quieter.
Initial D had reached the long-awaited race between Takumi and Keisuke. Fans were glued to their screens, filling forums and social media with theories and hype.
But what really surprised Haruki was how much traction Natsume's Book of Friends had gained.
Thanks to its anime adaptation airing in April, manga volume sales had surged by over 200,000 copies per volume. New fans were subscribing to the Echo shroud 's Journal just to keep up with the latest chapters.
Natsume was now more popular than Initial D, even as the latter hit its most intense arc.
The latest magazine poll results were close:
Dream World: 2.13 million votes
Natsume's Book of Friends: 2.10 million votes
Initial D: 2.08 million votes
A razor-thin margin.
If Natsume held its lead next issue, Haruki would receive another system reward.
He was cautiously optimistic but that wasn't the only thing on his mind.
Kazuya's preparations for Puella Magi Madoka Magica were nearly done. Most of the original animation team had returned, and new industry talent had joined in.
Something big was coming. And Haruki could feel the pressure building.
Shout out to Majorence, JokersLaugh67 for joining my p-atreon! your support means everything to me.
(TL:- if you want even more content, check out p-atreon.com/Alioth23 for 60+ advanced chapters)