Anime Crossover: Becoming Mangaka in Anime World

The soft glow of the streetlights filtered through the curtains of Akifumi's apartment as he unlocked the door, holding it open for Mahiru.

She stepped inside, her quiet giggle warm in the cozy entryway. The night air had a slight chill, and the faint hum of the city outside made the apartment feel like a secluded haven.

Already dressed in her favorite pastel pink pajamas, Mahiru's hair was slightly tousled from the long day.

She looked effortlessly adorable, and Akifumi couldn't help but smile as he closed the door behind them.

'The way she walks in so naturally... It almost feels like we're newlyweds.'

Perhaps Mahiru felt the same. Her cheeks flushed slightly as she slipped off her shoes, placing them neatly by the door.

"Th-This feels almost like we're married, doesn't it?" she stammered, voicing what was on both their minds.

Everything about her mannerisms reminded Akifumi of a bashful new bride.

Leaning against the wall with a playful smirk, he crossed his arms. "Well, maybe I should start greeting you with a kiss at the door. Or perhaps you'd like something more...?"

Mahiru's breath hitched. "Ah, u-um, I..." His sudden advance had clearly flustered her.

The longer he held her gaze, the redder her face became.

But when she realized he was teasing, she swatted his arm lightly, no real force behind it.

"You're mean," she muttered, though there was no real annoyance in her voice.

Akifumi stepped closer, his tone softening. "But you like me anyway, don't you?"

Mahiru looked up at him, her wide eyes still tinged pink. "I... yes." Her voice was barely above a whisper as she averted her gaze, her heart racing.

The air between them felt charged. For a moment, neither of them spoke. The faint ticking of the clock in the background only heightened the tension.

Akifumi reached out, brushing a strand of hair from her face. "You're cute when you're flustered, you know that?"

Mahiru's lips parted slightly, as if she wanted to say something. But before she could, Akifumi leaned in, their faces inches apart. Her eyes fluttered shut, and just as their lips were about to meet—

A loud, unmistakable rumble broke the silence.

"…."

"…."

"Pfft—" Mahiru clutched her sides, giggling. "Was that your stomach?"

Akifumi groaned, covering his face with his hands. "Of all the moments…"

Mahiru wiped a tear from her eye, still laughing. "When was the last time you ate?"

"Uh… lunch?" he admitted sheepishly, peeking at her through his fingers. "I got caught up with work and forgot about dinner."

Shaking her head, Mahiru sighed, though her smile was fond. "You're hopeless. Come on, let's get you some food before you pass out."

She grabbed his hand and pulled him toward the kitchen, her touch sending a warm jolt through him.

Akifumi followed obediently, watching as she tied her hair into a loose ponytail before slipping on an apron—a simple, light blue one with tiny white polka dots.

The sight made his heart skip a beat. There was something incredibly endearing about seeing her in pajamas and an apron, ready to cook for him.

"What are you making?" he asked, leaning against the counter as she rummaged through the fridge.

"Hmm… How about omurice? It's quick, and I know you love it."

His eyes lit up. "You're the best, Mahiru. Seriously."

She shot him a playful glance over her shoulder. "I know. But don't think this gets you out of cleaning up afterward."

As she chopped vegetables with practiced ease, Akifumi watched her, a soft smile tugging at his lips.

The way she moved around his kitchen, as if she belonged there—it was comforting.

"You know," he said after a moment, his voice quiet but sincere, "I meant what I said earlier."

Mahiru's hands stilled for a brief moment before she glanced at him, cheeks pink. "I also hope... I can be with you in the future too." Her voice was affectionate, laced with quiet certainty.

With a gentle smile, she turned back to the stove, flipping the omelet with ease. "Now sit down and stop distracting me. Dinner's almost ready."

Akifumi obeyed, taking a seat at the small kitchen table.

As she plated the food and brought it over, he couldn't help but think that maybe, just maybe, this was what happiness felt like.

They ate together, sharing soft laughter and quiet conversation. When he finished his meal, Akifumi leaned back in his chair with a satisfied sigh.

"Mahiru, I've said it before, but I'll say it again—your cooking is incredible."

Mahiru blushed, looking down at her hands. "I-It's really nothing special… It's just omurice."

"Just omurice?" Akifumi raised an eyebrow.

"Mahiru, your 'just omurice' is better than anything I've had at a restaurant. Eriri, Mashiro, and I are basically is a slaves to your cooking at this point."

She giggled, cheeks turning even pinker. "You're exaggerating. But… I'm glad you like it."

"I love it," he said sincerely. "And I love that you take care of me, even when I forget to eat like an idiot."

Mahiru's fingers traced the edge of her plate. "Well… I like taking care of you. It makes me happy."

Akifumi's expression softened, and he reached across the table to take her hand. "You're too good to me, you know that?"

She looked up at him, her gaze warm yet shy. "I-I just want to make sure you're okay."

He squeezed her hand gently before standing up and walking over to his bag.

"Speaking of taking care of me... I know I haven't done enough to take care of you lately. And to be honest... I even forgot your birthday when it passed."

"I got so caught up in drawing manga that I completely lost track of time. I feel terrible about it."

Mahiru's eyes widened as he pulled out a small, elegantly wrapped box.

"Mu-Mugiho-kun… You didn't have to get me anything."

"I wanted to." He placed the box in front of her. "Open it."

With trembling hands, Mahiru carefully unwrapped the box and lifted the lid.

Inside was a delicate silver necklace, its pendant a small, intricately designed star. The way it caught the light made it seem almost magical.

"Oh…" Her breath hitched. "It's beautiful…"

Akifumi smiled, relieved at her reaction.

"I saw it a few days ago and immediately thought of you. You're like a star, Mahiru—bright, beautiful, always guiding me."

Tears welled up in her eyes. "Mugiho… I don't know what to say…"

"You don't have to." He took the necklace from the box. "May I?"

She nodded, turning so he could fasten it around her neck.

His fingers brushed against her skin, sending a shiver down her spine.

When she turned back, her hand reached up to touch the pendant. "Thank you. I… I love it. And I love you."

Akifumi's smile widened as he pulled her into a warm embrace. "I love you too."

When they draw away, they look each other deep in the eyes for a moment.

The longer Akifumi look at her, the more he become aware of how precious she is…

"Mahiru... Can we….?"

"...Okay"