Anime Crossover: Becoming Mangaka in Anime World

Meanwhile, Shiina Mahiru paid no attention to their banter.

Her calm voice carried a hint of sadness she couldn't hide.

"To be honest, I didn't realize Akifumi-kun and Sawamura-san were that close. Thinking back, maybe I was too impulsive."

"I should really apologize for causing trouble for both of you."

Shiina took a deep breath. "Starting from today—" 

"W-Wait!" Eriri cut her off, flustered.

"What do you mean by that kind of relationship?!"

Shiina blinked, confused. "Aren't you two dating?"

D-D-Dating!?

Boom!

Heat surged across Eriri's face, practically steaming from her head. She wobbled like a crab fresh out of a pot, barely able to keep her balance.

"Pfft ahahaha." Akifumi couldn't hold back his laughter.

"N-nope, we're not."

"We're just childhood friends. Not like what Shiina-san imagining."

"Ehh?" Shiina's eyes widened.

So... they're not a couple?!

Ahhhhhhhh! What kind of nonsense did I just blurt out!?

Recalling her words, Shiina's embarrassment hit her like a tidal wave.

Her toes curled awkwardly in her slippers as she stammered, "I-I'm really sorry, Sawamura-san. I jumped to conclusions."

Despite the apology, a flicker of relief bloomed in her chest.

'So… that means I can still stay close to Akifumi-kun, right?'

Immediately, guilt crept in.

'Ugh, what a horrible person I am!'

Eriri, now thoroughly overheated, remained frozen in place, her brain clearly fried.

Akifumi sniffed the air and frowned.

"Hey, Shiina, do you smell something burning?"

"Huh?" Shiina froze. Her face turned pale.

Without her usual grace, she bolted toward the kitchen.

Flipping the hamburger patty in the pan, her worst fears were confirmed—it was completely burnt.

"Ughhh," she whimpered, devastated.

At the dining table, Shiina sat slumped, disheartened. Eriri, still red-faced, seemed lost in thought.

Akifumi sat between them, amused by their expressions.

A few minutes passed before Shiina broke the silence. "I'm really sorry."

"I was planning to serve hamburg steak, but I messed it up and had to throw together some leftovers from the fridge."

Eriri glanced at the table in front of them: fried meatballs, cola chicken wings, mapo tofu, stir-fried vegetables, and a seaweed egg soup.

Wait… FIVE dishes for three people?! And if not for the burger mishap, there would've been six?!

That's leftovers?!

Where did this out-of-touch noble lady come from?!

Even I, the daughter of a diplomat, think this is extravagant!

"I think it's amazing," Eriri admitted.

"Yeah," Akifumi agreed.

"Besides, if we're being honest, part of this is on us, right, Eriri?"

"Hmph." She pouted but nodded reluctantly.

"Alright, dig in. The food's getting cold," Akifumi urged, picking up his chopsticks.

"Thank you for the meal!" The three of them said.

Eriri followed, grabbing a meatball.

"Wait... what was I even worried about just now?"

Shiina may be pretty, but I'm no pushover!

Her gaze drifted downward to Shiina's… ahem.

S-Seriously?!

How is she so well-developed for our age!?

Biting down on her chopsticks, Eriri refused to give in.

'No worries. Mugiho and I are childhood friends. Childhood friends are unbeatable!'

'There's no way some newcomer can just—wait, newcomer!?'

A metaphorical lightning bolt struck Eriri.

Her face turned completely ashen.

'N-No big deal. Just because she's new doesn't mean she wins! I, Eriri, fear nothing!'

'Besides, we have common interests. Just being good at cooking doesn't mean—'

Her thoughts were cut off as she took a bite of the meatball.

Her eyes lost all focus.

'S-So good… how can something made from such simple ingredients taste this incredible?!'

'I lost. I completely lost!'

'T-This is unfair,' she whimpered through tears.

Shiina blinked in shock.

"Eh Sawamura-san? Is something wrong?"

Akifumi chuckled. "She's just moved to tears by your amazing cooking."

"My cooking is that good?" Shiina mumbled to herself.

"Be confident— and drop the question mark!" Akifumi grinned.

After dinner, Eriri collapsed on the sofa, patting her now-rounded belly with a satisfied sigh.

"Am I in heaven? That was amazing!"

Akifumi flopped down beside her with a grumble. "How did you manage to eat so much? I barely got enough!"

Ignoring him, Eriri pouted. "Such a shame about the burgers."

"Those were supposed to be the star, and they went out in such a tragic way!"

Akifumi nodded solemnly.

For once, their opinions aligned perfectly.

Shiina, clearing the table, chuckled. "You two are too dramatic."

Still, seeing them enjoy her cooking filled her with joy.

"If you really want, I can make hamburg steak tomorrow night."

Eriri's eyes lit up, "Please let me come over for dinner again!"

Akifumi shot her a look but said nothing.

It wasn't like she'd listen if he said no.

Once they had recovered from their food comas, Akifumi asked, "By the way, it's been a while. What brings you here today?"

"Heh, guess what?"

"Finished your manuscript?"

"Tch."

So predictable—no satisfaction at all.

But Eriri nodded proudly. "That's right, all done!"

"Not bad. Let me see it."