Anime Crossover: Becoming Mangaka in Anime World

Looking at the two girls in the house drawing manga and the one person working hard inside, a helpless smile appeared on Mahiru's face.

'Even though it's already the holidays, it feels like they're working harder than when they were in school'

While Mahiru understood that the three were striving for their dreams, she couldn't help but feel a bit of sympathy for them.

'I can't fall behind too much either!'

Though the only thing she could do was to manage their logistics and make sure everything went smoothly, she was determined to do her best.

As for her own dreams, just being able to continue being with them was enough.

With that thought, Mahiru smiled softly.

Time always flew by quickly when working. Before she knew it, it was already the afternoon of Christmas Eve.

"Mashiro, it's time to go."

Unlike usual, where Mahiru would wait inside Akifumi's place, today she waited outside.

As for Eriri, she was a step ahead and had gone inside to change clothes.

"Hold on a sec." Inside, they could hear Mashiro's slightly anxious voice.

A moment later, Mahiru stepped outside first.

"Mugiho-kun, it's impolite to rush a girl when she's changing clothes," she teased.

Shortly after, Mashiro came out. She looked slightly uneasy, her brows furrowed.

She looked... so strange.

She was wearing a pure white dress, her skin like freshly fallen snow, and she looked almost like an ethereal snow fairy.

Her long hair was styled elegantly behind her, adding a graceful touch, and her light makeup complemented her perfectly, making her even more beautiful.

She wore crystal 5cm high heels, and her pure, almost otherworldly aura made her look like a princess who had never encountered the real world.

There was no doubt that tonight, she would be the center of attention.

Akifumi blinked, slightly mesmerized at the sight.

"Mugi, did I captivate you?" Mashiro's voice was soft, tinged with shyness, and her pale face flushed with a faint pink hue.

Akifumi shook himself awake, smiling as he nodded, "Mashiro is so beautiful; it's only natural to be captivated."

Mashiro's face lit up with a genuine smile in response to the compliment.

But then a gust of cold wind blew, and her face turned pale again.

Mahiru sighed, draping her coat over Mashiro's shoulders.

"I told you it's cold outside. You should've worn it earlier, but now you can take it off once we get to the venue."

Mashiro stubbornly said, "I wanted Mugi to see it."

"I've already seen it. Don't catch a cold, okay?"

"Take good care of Mashiro, alright?" Mahiru said, looking at Akifumi.

Akifumi smiled and nodded, "Don't worry."

They left the house and got into the car. It was a car prepared by Shueisha, a privilege only Akifumi enjoyed as a newcomer.

The venue for the year-end party was at a high-end hotel, where the standard dining price was several tens of thousands of yen.

It was clear they had put a lot of effort into organizing the event.

By the time Akifumi and Mashiro arrived at the venue, many people had already gathered.

As a newcomer, Akifumi didn't recognize anyone and had no interest in socializing.

He simply grabbed some drinks and food, leading Mashiro to a quiet corner.

Despite this, some people couldn't help but glance their way, though no one approached them.

After all, not everyone in the manga industry was a shut-in; there were some social butterflies, but they were the minority. The majority preferred to keep to themselves.

Akifumi was more than happy with the peaceful corner.

Keeping an eye on the entrance, he quickly spotted Eriri.

He went over and pulled her to their corner, finally bringing the "Iron Triangle" together.

Eriri wore a yellow evening dress that showcased her beautiful figure perfectly.

"Relax," Akifumi said, handing her a glass of juice.

"I-I'm not nervous!" Eriri protested, but she almost spilled her drink as she turned the glass in her hands.

"You're a bit of a social anxiety case, huh?"

Akifumi chuckled.

Eriri touched her little tooth, taking a sip and finally starting to relax.

She glanced over at Mashiro, curious. "Mashiro, aren't you nervous?"

"Why would I be nervous?" Mashiro replied, puzzled.

Eriri blinked, then realized that was a silly question.

As one of the top oil painters in the world, Mashiro had attended many such events.

Her calm demeanor showed that she was used to these occasions.

Though Eriri herself had hosted plenty of parties, she felt this one, full of manga artists, was a little different.

Being a former artist of adult content, she couldn't help but feel nervous.

With that realization, she completely relaxed.

Soon, the event officially started, and Otosuna Mihari, the editor, came over.

She looked the most nervous among everyone as this was her first time attending such a gathering.

The evening's agenda was pretty standard: speeches, awards, and looking toward the future...

Akifumi was the only one among the three to receive any recognition: Best Newcomer Award, Most Popular Work Award, and Best Creative Award.

The two girls, on the other hand, focused on supporting him.

Once the formalities were done, under the guidance of Mihari, Akifumi met several senior professionals.

Finally, the event concluded.

Once back in the car, Eriri let out a sigh, reflecting on the evening.

"So tiring!"

"Mm," Mashiro nodded.

Akifumi sighed. "That's why I told you two not to come."

Eriri shot him an exasperated look but didn't voice her complaints.

Mashiro, on the other hand, honestly said, "I was curious because Mugi was coming."

Akifumi shook his head helplessly. He didn't continue the conversation but turned to Eriri.

"Are you free tomorrow on Christmas?"

"Nope," Eriri replied, sighing. "My dad specifically came back to spend the holiday."

"But tonight, I don't have to go back." She blushed slightly, shyly looking away.

Akifumi smiled and invited her, "Well then, do you want to stay over at my place tonight?"

After a moment's hesitation, Eriri nodded, "Okay, I'll stay with you tonight."

Not very straightforward, huh?

Half an hour later, the three of them got out of the car.

"Ugh, so cold!" Eriri exclaimed as she stepped out, feeling the cold air despite wearing a coat.

Mashiro didn't say anything but held onto Akifumi's hand a bit tighter.

"Let's hurry inside," Akifumi said, holding both girls' hands as they quickly entered the apartment.

While it was much warmer inside, it couldn't compare to the comfort of the car.

It wasn't until they reached home that they finally relaxed, basking in the warmth.

"Welcome back," Mahiru greeted them with a sweet smile.

"The water's already been prepared."

Akifumi urged the two girls, "Hurry and wash up."

Once it was just the two of them, Mahiru stepped forward and hugged Akifumi.

"It's a bit lonely being by myself," she said softly.

Akifumi gently patted her back. "We've been together this whole holiday."

"Mm!" Mahiru nodded, leaning into his embrace.

Outside, soft snowflakes drifted down, and the winter air thickened, adding to the festive mood of the New Year across Tokyo.