manga artist Kirito

"I remember that's Fujiwara-senpai inside, but would the president... get this angry at Fujiwara-senpai?"

"Don't disbelieve me, what the president just yelled out was all about Fujiwara-senpai's lack of ambition... probably?"

"Stop speculating. Those who have things to do, get to work. Those who don't, find something to do too." Strawberry put down what she was holding, glanced at the office with the door tightly closed but the angry shouting continuing to come out, and although she was curious, she began to disperse the colleagues gathered outside to prevent the president's anger from spreading outside...

"No, sis."

"We're genuinely curious why the president would criticize Fujiwara-senpai like that after all this time he's back..."

"Uh, could it be that Fujiwara-senpai did something to offend the president?"

"Hmm... Could it be that there's some unspeakable secret between the president and Fujiwara-senpai?"

"I don't know about other things, but if you keep going like this, the president will lose his temper with you soon." Miss Strawberry's face was blank. Knowing Akane Kosaka as she did, those guys who were still gossiping about her were probably going to get a headache soon.

At the same time, Asuna and Shiina Mashiro, who were not far from Akane Kousaka's office, also looked over. They knew Kirito was inside, but they didn't know how things had suddenly turned out this way.

"Is this situation... common here?" Asuna narrowed her eyes slightly and asked Ayano Iida, whose expression was somewhat helpless.

"...It's not exactly common, after all, everyone holds Akane in high esteem. Most of the time, the lectures are just a few simple words, pointing out mistakes and how to correct them. It's quite rare to see her so angry now, especially since Akane has been in a very good mood since receiving the Sword Art Online manuscript." Even as an old classmate, Ayano Iida found it hard to guess Akane Kousaka's thoughts, just as she couldn't have guessed that Akane Kousaka would encounter such a situation back then.

“It’s strange.” Shiina Mashiro pursed her lips, as if she wanted to say something, but didn’t know what to say, and finally just uttered these three words.

“Well, given how much Akane values ​​Fujiwara, this situation… shouldn’t be a problem.” Ayano Iida smiled, then turned her attention back to the artwork that Mashiro Shiina had submitted. “But I really have to say, Mashiro, choosing to transfer here was definitely the right decision. It’s only been a short time since I last saw you, and you’ve grown so much…”

"It was Kazuto who taught me. It's not that Shiina Mashiro is being modest; she was just following Kirito's instructions."

“Kazuto…that is, Fujiwara?” Ayano Iida raised an eyebrow. “He’s quite a nice guy…”

…………

Do you know your current situation?

Akane Kousaka forcefully pressed Kirito down into the chair, their faces less than five centimeters apart. Her hot breath as she spoke directly onto Kirito's face, but Akane Kousaka didn't care and continued to scold him.

"You seem rather listless. The official publication of Sword Art Online didn't excite you at all. The reason you're so indifferent is certainly due to your self-confidence, but it also shows that you've lost your passion as a creator. Do you know what the consequences are for a work when a creator loses their passion for creation?"

"—Soul! The story seems to have lost its soul! How much of a ripple do you think a work without a soul can make in this melting pot? Wake up! You idiot wasting your talent!"

"Of course, you may have already figured out the direction of the story, or even how the ending should be! But if you lack creative passion, the drawings you produce are nothing more than blank canvases!"

"So, please pour your passion into your work, okay?"

As her voice gradually calmed down, Akane Kousaka stared at Kirito's unwavering eyes, feeling slightly upset and helpless.

Kirito paused for a moment, then said, "Your ventriloquism skills have improved recently..."

Akane Kosaka's eyebrows twitched incessantly. Had this guy not listened to a thing she said?

Perhaps because of disappointment, Akane Kosaka lost interest and sighed silently, giving up on continuing the conversation.

However, at that moment, a hand rested on her head and gently ruffled her hair...

Most women would blush or feel shy in this situation, while those who are more attracted to the touch would squint their eyes and quietly enjoy the caress. But for Akane Kosaka—hey, is this sarcasm?

“You’re absolutely right.” Kiritani nodded in agreement, but his eyes held a deeper meaning. “But this is like how men like pretty girls and women like sweet talk. Creators all have their lazy periods. Of course, it’s not quite right to call them lazy periods, since… you’ve always been very dissatisfied with people who waste their talent.”

"...Come to think of it, this is the first time you've ever gotten angry at me."

"What are you trying to say?" Akane Kousaka looked confused. What Kirito was saying now had absolutely nothing to do with what she had said before.

"To put it simply, some people think work is important, like you; some people think family is more important, like me. This is a clash of philosophies—I can admit that growth is too slow, and I understand why you're saying all this." Kirito said calmly, "I do have the passion for creation, but the predetermined story, direction, and even the ending... cannot be changed, cannot be changed, it's quite frustrating, isn't it?"

Kirito stroked Akane's delicate face with his slender fingers and smiled faintly, "Don't overthink it, I've always been right behind you."

Women are prone to loneliness... especially older women.

As Akane Kosaka's expression became subtle, Kiritani changed the subject, "Watermelon, you know, right? I've always had a keen sense of smell, and I can easily distinguish strange smells..."

Akane Kosaka was taken aback by what she heard, somewhat confused.

"I understand the lives of single women living alone quite well. They never seem to care too much about lifestyle, especially workaholics..."

"what do you want to say in the end?"

"The indoor air isn't circulating well. You don't like to open the windows, and you haven't even taken out the trash can full of ready-to-eat food." Kiritani chuckled lightly, then forcefully pushed Kosaka Akane's face away with the hand that was stroking her. "You didn't shower last night, you stink!"

P.S.: Please feed them, yes, you need to pat them!

170

[NO.168 A family of three?]

Humans are social creatures, and those who believe they can survive alone simply haven't fully grasped the cruelty of this world.

Loneliness, what a terrible emotion!

No one can understand your actions, no one knows what you're thinking, no one has ever had any contact with you...

Kiritani Kazuto has a unique perspective and understands the woman's heart before him...

If you want partners, just say it out loud! What's the point of beating around the bush?

…………

"I was just telling the truth, and you actually hit me... No wonder you're an old woman who can't get married."

Stepping out of the office, Kiritani rubbed his slightly bruised arm, pursing his lips in annoyance. "But this woman is really strong, her arm is all bruised... Could it be from practicing judo when she feels empty, lonely, and cold late at night?"

Fortunately, my handsome face wasn't hit, otherwise this woman would never be able to get married in her life.

While Kiritani-kun was rambling on, the guys working outside... or rather, pretending to work hard, immediately cast curious glances at him, seemingly eager to know what had happened inside, especially the commotion that followed.

Yes, they all thought a fight might have broken out inside.

That's the truth, but after Kirigaya took a slap from Akane Kosaka's arm, it became a one-sided annihilation of Akane by Kirigaya—you might not believe it, but if... there's no if.

In short, Akane Kosaka is definitely rubbing her breasts right now.

In fact, Kirito had a way to resolve Akane Kousaka's condition, and it wasn't that complicated. It's just that Kirito felt that things were already interesting enough, and there was no need to do anything unnecessary.

What is the purpose of love?

For the sake of getting married!

A librarian once said: "A relationship that is not based on marriage is just playing around!"

—You might not believe it, but I'm not a hooligan at all. I'm actually a very upright and promising high school boy. If you don't believe me, go ask Asuna. If it weren't for the age limit, I probably would have married Asuna long ago.

Akane Kosaka's problem clearly lies here.

Marriage is for the purpose of continuing the family line, which is true and very important.

However, Akane Kosaka didn't have anyone who liked her, only people who wanted to like her—in reality, marriage is just about finding solace for the soul and body, and it's not really sacred.

By the way, to correct this, Asuna and I are not included!

In short, Akane Kosaka is currently lacking in love. If possible, I would suggest that she look for someone suitable to raise in junior high school, since there's still a long road ahead.

But seriously, why does this kind of operation feel a little familiar...?

It seems that I first met this woman... back in middle school...

Uh, never mind, let's just pretend today is Akane Kosaka's period, even though the exact time probably hasn't arrived yet.

"What are you looking at? Have you all found girlfriends yet, you single dogs!" Kirito sneered. "I haven't seen you for two years and you're still single dogs. Don't you feel lonely? -- Look at you guys, your arms are getting thicker and thicker. Have you developed biceps?"

Kiritani looked down at the group of dogs with the highest posture, "Want me to share some resources with you?"

"Hey, Fujiwara-senpai, don't go too far!"

"Hey! Fujiwara-senpai, you're so arrogant, why didn't the president beat you to death just now?"

"Fujiwara-senpai, please be extra careful when walking alone at night..."

There were at least thirty people in this area, and everyone was glaring at Kirito, who had launched the taunt, with venomous eyes. The phrase "pointed at by ten thousand men" perfectly described the current situation. This kind of angry stare, as if someone would assassinate you at any moment... how interesting!

Kirito calmly pushed up his glasses, only to find they were nowhere to be found. However, he showed no embarrassment and continued calmly, "There are plenty of female sushi in the club, I really don't know why you guys are still using your 'Kirin Arms' every night—I hope you can understand your situation a little, you know… Ouch! Who's going to hit me!"

Before he could finish speaking, he was attacked on the back of the head. Feeling the gloating gazes, Kirito turned his head angrily, only to see a pretty face with no expression... Yes, that's right, it was Miss Yuuki Asuna, Mr. Kirito's girlfriend.

"Uh, hello beautiful, would you do me the honor of having dinner with me tonight?!"

"Shut up! Come with me..." Taking a deep breath, Asuna gave the angry single guys a slightly apologetic look, then grabbed Kirito by the collar and led him into the next office...

Well, although Asuna did express her apology, some quick-witted people saw it as adding fuel to the fire—it could be taken as a sweet, but subtly romantic, kind of thing.

…………

"Hello, Ms. Iida... let's consider this our first meeting." Seeing that Iida Ayano was indeed a member of the Saintess Alliance, a middle-aged woman, Kirito greeted her politely, "My name is Kirito Kazuto, pen name is unnecessary..."

"...Ahem, I know that." Even the seasoned Ayano Iida was subtly embarrassed; what kind of strange self-introduction was this...?

"Although you were no longer with me when I joined the club, I still often hear Akane talk about you, especially Shizuka who told me more about you later. Well, Mashiro has received a lot of care from you during this time."

Actually, you were worried about Mashiro, and you happened to know about me, so you went to ask them, right?

"Taking care of her...it really feels like raising a daughter." Kirito held Asuna's small hand tightly and gently ruffled Mashiro's hair, seemingly oblivious to Ayano Iida's increasingly sour mood. "Well, it feels pretty good to be a family of three..."

"Haha...right, not bad, right?" A stiff laugh, a face gradually losing its smile—Ayano Iida finally understood why this guy wasn't very popular in the club. This guy's really drawing aggro—can I hit him?

Oh right, I have a second-degree black belt in karate...

Asuna opened her mouth as if to speak...

Shiina Masashi's eyes darted around...

As if she had thought of something, Ayano Iida laughed heartily, "But to be honest, you're more like three sisters than a family of three..."

"..."

P.S.: The [i] key is just malfunctioning. Sometimes pressing it once will produce two or three i keys, and sometimes pressing it two or three times won't produce any i keys.

171

【NO.169 Waiting, and hoping】

awkward.

That was really embarrassing.

Being mistaken for a girl by someone you know, or deliberately treated as such, isn't something that's happened more than once or twice. But if it's the first time you've met someone... well, right now Kiritani-kun not only looks a little awkward, but he also seems to want to give her a try down there.

Yes, because this way the other party can more clearly understand that I, Kirito, am just a pretty boy, and that my long hair is a result of being tricked by Akane Kousaka and Hinokko, which makes me look even more handsome.

Seriously, there's no such thing as cute!

—Damn it, if anyone says I'm cute again, I'll make them swoon!

Of course, if what you see of me is—a very cute, literature-loving girl with long black hair, big eyes that seem a bit aloof when I speak, and a faint blush on my cheeks—then what you see must be a girl.

Because that's absolutely not me, absolutely not!

But to be honest, I always feel like this guy is doing it on purpose. Isn't he afraid I'll hit him? You know, I'm not the kind of hot-blooded kid who can't bring himself to hit a woman. If you don't believe me, just ask that mango loli in the club who's only 1.45 meters tall. I used to punch her in the head every time we met.

Speaking of which, neither that fake victory celebration banquet nor the fact that we didn't see Mango today...

Seeing the sudden silence, Ayano Iida blinked and then added, "Ahem, she really is quite cute."

I can fight her, right? Even if Shizuka and Akane are definitely on her side, with Asuna and me, we should be able to fight our way out of this place without any problem... I guess?

With this thought flashing through his mind, Kirito looked at Ayano Iida in front of him. His delicate face flushed slightly without any attempt to hide it. He touched his pretty face with his right hand and tilted his head slightly. "Hey, is this what you mean by cute?"

To be honest, the word "cute" actually has many meanings. There is the literal meaning, there is the cuteness of someone who is a good person, and there is also the verb meaning of "can," "may," "love," etc.

That's all the teacher can teach you; the rest depends on your comprehension.

"Uh..." Ayano Iida, her face flushed slightly, opened her mouth slightly, her gaze becoming somewhat unfocused... Yes, that's right, she really is cute, especially those big, watery eyes, I really want to hold her in my arms!!

"Eek!" Kiritani-kun sat back slightly, half of his body leaning behind Asuna, because Ayano Iida's eyes suddenly became very strange, and her face inexplicably started to turn red—are you older single women so prone to misunderstandings?

"...Don't do this with people, it feels so strange." Feeling increasingly conflicted, Asuna rubbed her forehead, completely unsure of what to say.

"Kirito, so cute." With a fluctuating tone in her voice, Shiina Mashiro stared intently at Kirito... Just as people are absolutely unable to resist cute creatures, Shiina Mashiro now felt a strong urge to rub her face against Kirito's.

However, in the end, this girl who knew nothing reached out and placed her hand on Kirito's head, gently rubbing it, and a faint smile appeared on her lips. Although the smile was fleeting, no one noticed it at all.

"...Please don't thank me like that!" Suddenly feeling embarrassed, Kiritani pulled Shiina Mashiro's hand away, tidied his messy hair, and looked at Iida Ayano with a serious expression. "Please forget about what just happened—well, let's get down to business!"

Seemingly realizing her own odd behavior, Ayano Iida took a deep breath, calmed herself down, and nodded in response, "Oh, okay."

Shiina Mashiro, feeling unfairly treated, pouted slightly, "Not being allowed to pat my head, not pleasant."

Are you Mirai Shiina?

Besides, it's really weird for a man to be touched on the head, you're not Asuna, it's not appropriate for you to touch him!

Just as he was about to speak, Kiritani-kun received a look from his dear girlfriend and calmly shut his mouth. Some people's roles are not to be taken away, especially those with already limited screen time, who seem more like a victor sitting on the throne of Tensou, Asuna's role.