Chapter 31
As I lounged in the living room, half-watching the TV, my attention was caught by a familiar sight: a promotional video featuring Hoshino Ai and her B-komachi Idol group. The catchy tune and colorful visuals brought a fleeting smile to my face, but it also made me remember of something trivial. What was it again Oh right, that guy. With a nonchalant shrug, I realized that I still had unfinished business to attend to namely, dealing with Kamiki Hikaru. The thought of him lingered in the back of my mind, a reminder of a task that needed to be addressed sooner rather than late.
Despite the seriousness of the situation, I couldn't help but feel a sense of detachment. Killing Kamiki Hikaru was simply another item on my to-do list, no different from any other task that needed to be completed. There was no sense of urgency or excitement, just a matter-of-fact acceptance of what needed to be done.
With that thought in mind, I returned my attention to the TV, allowing myself to be swept away by the mindless entertainment unfolding before me. After all, there was no need to rush – Kamiki Hikaru would still be there when I was ready to deal with him.
I look at the arriving Yoruichi who is already in her new outfit but there's something wrong with it that I can't put my finger in it.
Yoruichi noticed my puzzled expression, she couldn't help but tease me with a smirk. "Is there something wrong with my outfit? Too good or too good?" she quipped, clearly amused by my confusion.
It took me a moment, but then it clicked. "Oh! I got it" I exclaimed, lightly hitting my palm with my fist as I realized the issue. I met Yoruichi's gaze and asked her, "Why are you wearing your shoes in the house?"
Yoruichi burst into laughter at my question, clearly amused by my seriousness. "I thought it's something serious" she replied between giggles, but I wasn't about to let it slide.
"Hey, that was serious business, alright?" I retorted, trying to maintain a straight face despite her laughter.
"Don't worry, don't worry" Yoruichi reassured me with a grin. "Tom will clean that later." However, seeing my deadpan expression, she relented. "Fine" she sighed, rolling her eyes playfully, "I'll do it myself later" she conceded, her tone laced with a hint of mock exasperation.
"Let's go then" I walk to the front door and use my Door authority to bring me to the store to buy tablet but with added effect to make it an interesting place.
---
In a certain electronic store.
A girl with her long blonde hair cascading down in soft waves, framing her delicate features, and her makeup kept simple and natural. The girl had a blue eyes and paled skin. She wearing a dressed in a fitted white blouse with delicate lace detailing along the neckline, she exuded a sense of grace and femininity. The blouse hugged her slender figure gently, while the lace added a touch of texture and elegance to the ensemble. Paired with the blouse were tailored black trousers that provided a polished silhouette without being overly formal. The trousers elongated her legs, adding to her statuesque appearance, while offering comfort and ease of movement.
Around her neck, she wore a thin, delicate scarf in a soft shade of blue, adding a subtle pop of color to her monochromatic outfit while also complementing her sky blue eyes. She also wore black ballet flats with a sleek and minimalist design. Completing her look were small stud earrings in a classic silver finish, adding a subtle touch of sparkle to her ensemble without overpowering the overall simplicity. In her hand, she carried a structured black leather handbag, its clean lines and minimal hardware adding a touch of sophistication to her outfit.
The girl stood before an array of drawing tablets, her expression serious as she weighed her options. With a furrowed brow, she muttered to herself, "Should I go for the expensive one or the cheap one?" The dilemma gnawed at her mind, each choice presenting its own set of pros and cons.
On one hand, choosing the expensive tablet seemed like the practical choice. It boasted the latest features and technology, promising top-notch performance. However, a nagging doubt crept into her mind would her pride accept that her drawings improved solely because she invested in the best equipment?
On the other hand, opting for the cheaper tablet held its own allure. It was more budget-friendly, saving her money while still allowing her to pursue her passion for art. Yet, she couldn't shake the fear of disappointment what if her artwork suffered because she chose a less advanced device?.
Lost in thought, the girl stood before the array of drawing tablets, her chin resting thoughtfully in her hand. Oblivious to the commotion around her, she paid no mind to the boys vying for her attention, drawn in by her striking appearance. Among them was a man with blonde hair and bronzed skin, adorned in a loud Hawaiian shirt that clashed with the seriousness of the moment.
As he departed, a sinister glint flashed in his eyes, and he muttered a vow under his breath, "I'll remember this." Little did he know, his words would soon ring hollow as fate intervened in a most unexpected way. Through unseen machinations, he found himself ensnared in a legal quagmire, his path irrevocably altered by forces beyond his control. The prison bars that now confined him were a stark reminder of the consequences of his actions ready to fuck in the ass by his fellow prisoner.
Yet, the ripple effect of his misfortune extended far beyond his own life. Unbeknownst to him, his incarceration would trigger a series of events that would impact the lives of countless others. Among them was a certain girl with glasses and twin braids, whose fate would be forever intertwined with the twists and turns of destiny..
Anyway, with a decisive nod, the girl reached for the expensive drawing tablet, her fingers wrapping around its sleek surface with determination. As she justified her choice, she shrugged off any concerns about pride or financial restraint. "Pride be damned" she declared, her voice firm with conviction. "As long as my fans are satisfied, it won't matter."
Her reasoning was simple yet resolute. She refused to compromise on the quality of her work, understanding that her fans deserved nothing less than the best. Besides, she reasoned, they would never know the details of her purchase, nor would they fault her for investing in her craft. Letting her fans down was not an option, regardless of the cost.
Moreover, the girl's family's wealth rendered financial considerations inconsequential. Money was not a concern for her, allowing her to make decisions based solely on her artistic aspirations.
Yet, as she reflected on her choice, a hint of annoyance crept into her thoughts. Why was she justifying her decision to herself? With a hint of exasperation, she chided herself for overthinking the matter. She had made her choice, and that was that.
Her mind then wandered to a certain individual, an annoying woman who seemed to have a penchant for drawing ero-manga. The thought of her rival's endeavors only fueled the girl's determination to excel in her own artistic pursuits. She will proved to that woman her novel writing is easier than drawing ero-manga though it may be harder than writing light novels, but she was ready to rise to the challenge.
However, as quickly as the thought arose, the girl dismissed it with a huff. "Wait, why am I thinking about that annoying woman?" she mused aloud, her tone tinged with irritation. Despite her denial, her internal monologue hinted at a reluctance to acknowledge any potential similarities between herself and her perceived rival. Perhaps she was more like Kaho than she cared to admit, a tsundere hiding behind a facade of indifference. But for now, that was a realization she was not quite ready to confront.
She turned away from the tablet display, a newfound resolve filled her heart. "Enough distractions" she muttered to herself.
But she still get distracted by a couple walking in her direction. The sight triggered a flood of memories, reminding her of a painful moment from her past. She recalled the day she mustered the courage to confess her feelings to her childhood friend, only to be met with rejection. "I only see you as a friend," her friend had said, crushing the girl's hopes and leaving her heartbroken.
Gritting her teeth in annoyance, the girl felt a surge of bitterness rise within her. The memory stung, reminding her of the pain she had once felt. But she quickly shook off the thought, refusing to dwell on past disappointments. She had long since moved on from that painful chapter of her life, determined to focus on her craft and her future.
With a deep breath, the girl pushed aside the lingering emotions and refocused her attention on the present. Her gaze returned to the drawing tablet in her hand, her determination renewed. She reminded herself that dwelling on past hurts would only hinder her progress. Instead, she resolved to channel her energy into her artistic pursuits, using her pain as fuel to drive her forward.
Just as she was about to refocus her attention, the couple stopped in their tracks, and the boy's voice rang out with a hint of recognition. "Is that you, Sawamura-san?".