Why is my Isekai in the Slice of Life anime was become a Horror Story?

Chapter 8: The Tsundere Trying to Be Brave But...

The three of them eventually decided to stay in the room temporarily, observing whether anyone outside would make the first move.

The current situation outside was unclear, and taking action first at this moment wasn't a good idea. Therefore, Shinomiya Kaguya, with her sharp hearing, stayed in the hallway near the main door, always attentive to any movements outside.

Shijo Maki continued searching the room to see if any clues had been overlooked. Takakai assisted her in investigating everything within Apartment 208.

"Judging by the clothes, it seems like a young man lived here alone," Shijo Maki remarked, grimacing as she wiped her hands repeatedly after finding a few simple men's outfits in the closet.

"And the kind of guy who lives alone but is a slob," Takakai added, staring at the boxers and dirty socks, yellowed with stains and even growing mold, lying beside the bed. In the end, he couldn't bring himself to touch them and merely kicked them toward the wall with his foot.

"It's a pity there's no diary or any notes. It seems the last person who lived here didn't leave anything useful behind."

Shijo Maki appeared disappointed after finding nothing of value in her search. She lightly patted her chest—barely endowed—and sighed.

"Normally, people don't keep notes like that. Only elementary school students write daily diaries because their teachers make them. Once they're in middle or high school, nobody does that anymore," Takakai said as he opened the kitchen door, continuing the conversation.

"That just shows you don't understand the diversity of people. Many still have the habit of writing diaries, especially sensitive and reflective types. By the way, are you really a novelist? Aren't people like you usually into writing in your free time?"

Unwilling to touch the dirty clothes again, Shijo Maki used her foot to kick them toward the same spot where the boxers and socks were, mixing the piles together.

"I've always said I'm just a little arthor Webnovel. My job is essentially writing shallow stuff for people to relax with. How could I have the habits of serious literary writers?"

"The gas stove and water are still functional, and it seems like clean water too. This place looks rundown, but the electricity, water, and gas haven't been cut off. It's strange," Takakai said, testing the gas stove and faucet in the sink. He looked puzzled, and Shijo Maki, hearing this, also stepped into the kitchen. Seeing the blue flame burst forth from the gas stove, she seemed delighted.

"At least we can guarantee hot water now."

She glanced at a frying pan in the corner of the room. Made of stainless steel, it wasn't rusted but was covered in dust. With a good cleaning, it could be used to boil water or cook noodles.

Initially, Maki thought she'd have to endure days of makeshift meals, but now, knowing water and gas were still working, she felt genuinely relieved.

"Even though it's good news, the only food we have now is instant noodles and compressed biscuits. Hmm, it's still better than nothing."

Takakai, always in the "instant noodle camp," believed noodles should be made by pouring hot water, waiting for them to cook, and eating them without fuss. Usually, he only considered adding toppings if he was truly free. Thinking back, the reason he transmigrated was related to going out to buy eggs and sausages to cook noodles.

"Maintaining quality of life is vital no matter where you are. It's great for improving one's mood. Even with limited ingredients, now that we have water and gas, leave dinner to me. Don't think I'm just a rich girl who can't do anything," Shijo Maki said, shaking her head at Takakai's perspective. She lightly patted her chest with pride.

"Really? Though I've visited Shuchiin before, I don't know much about its students, nor do I know much about you (Lie). But I've heard that the Shinomiya and Shijo families are both incredibly powerful corporations."

"Mm, let me handle that fridge. A refrigerator that hasn't been opened for two years must be horrifying inside—not something you should open yourself."

Even though Takakai had read the entirety of Kaguya-sama: Love is War, he lied without hesitation. He stepped past Maki, intending to inspect the refrigerator tucked deep in the kitchen.

"Hah, what's this? Do you think my strength comes solely from my family's backing? Hmph, you really are ignorant. I am a true genius. No matter the circumstances, I can handle anything. The skills I've mastered are beyond what someone like you—a shut-in otaku—could ever imagine."

"Mathematics, martial arts, kendo, cooking, fine arts, foreign languages, and even everyday life skills—I surpass you in every way."

"Alright, step aside. It's just a refrigerator. Do you think I'd be scared or nauseated by rotten vegetables and spoiled meat? How insulting. Move over, I'll check it. While I'm at it, let me show you the Shijo family's way of doing things!"

Shijo Maki spoke rapidly, blocking Takakai with her hand while giving him a slightly disdainful look. She snorted before boldly stepping toward the fridge.

Based on her attitude and tone, one could say she wasn't cute at all. Anyone unfamiliar with her might genuinely believe Maki held Takakai in contempt.

In truth, however, Maki was worried that in this eerie place, the fridge might contain something dangerous, so she decided to check it herself to keep Takakai out of harm's way. That's why she intentionally spoke as she did.

Still, before her confident words were fully delivered, her small legs began trembling slightly as she stood before the fridge. Her hand, poised to open it, hesitated for a moment.

Could it be... there's really something that might jump out of this fridge?

Maki wasn't particularly brave, and now, faced with the unknown, she felt fear creeping in. Yet she tried hard to maintain her composure, unwilling to show weakness in front of others.

So that's how it is—this is the quintessential tsundere.

Noticing Maki's subtle movements, Takakai nodded slightly, stroking his chin as he marveled at the difference between real-life tsunderes and their anime counterparts.

In manga, tsunderes were instantly recognizable at a glance. But when faced with a real person, if he hadn't paid close attention to her small gestures, he might've genuinely thought she looked down on him.

Umu, umu. Indeed, tsunderes only become endearing once you truly understand them.

If I were to ask her about love right now, could I get her to say, "I'm a master of romance"? Ah, I suddenly want to hear her say that—it'd be hilarious.

Though Takakai's mind wandered as usual, his legs had already moved swiftly to stand beside Maki.

"The fridge still seems to have power. Be careful—who knows what's inside."

Takakai spoke as he stood next to Maki, reaching out a hand toward the refrigerator door.

"Hmph. As long as nothing jumps out to attack me, there's nothing to be afraid of. I've seen far worse things than you ever will," Maki retorted, frowning with annoyance at being underestimated. She placed her hand on the fridge door and pulled it open with a strong tug.

And after, to her utter shock, the frozen face of a man stared back at her.

"..."

"..."

In that instant, Takakai could feel the girl beside him go completely rigid, her entire body frozen as if paralyzed.

And as the refrigerator door fully opened, a man's corpse, curled up and completely frozen, came into view.

Though long dead, the man's face was etched with horror and despair, as if recounting the sheer terror he felt in his final moments, desperately trying to hide inside the fridge.

Takakai lowered his head to peer inside the fridge. Unfortunately, there was nothing like the "note beside the corpse" or "dying message etched on the surface" commonly seen in puzzle games. It was a reminder that games were just games, while finding clues in real life was far more difficult.

"Wearing just a tank top and shorts... Maybe he was sleeping and then something unexpected happened, so he chose to hide in the fridge?"

Feeling the bone-chilling cold emanating from the fridge, Takakai tried to analyze the man's final actions and situation but failed to uncover anything significant.

"H-ha… T-this isn't such a big deal… H-hmph… It's not scary at all. Wait a second—y-you're acting strange, aren't you? How can you stay so calm and analytical after seeing a dead body? Are you really a novelist?"

Shijo Maki, having just recovered from her fright, struggled to maintain her composure. She spouted a few excuses to save face, then frowned and glanced skeptically at Takakai.

"Maybe it's because, for research purposes, I've seen a lot of disturbing and unpleasant things before. Like documentaries about the world's worst atrocities or grotesque events..."

Takakai was mid-sentence, attempting to explain rationally, when footsteps interrupted him from behind.

Shinomiya Kaguya had silently entered the kitchen at some point. Only when she approached the two did she deliberately make a noise to signal her presence.

Without a word, her gaze flickered to the slightly open fridge behind Takakai and Maki, lingering momentarily on the frozen corpse inside. Then she gestured for the two of them to stay quiet and raised her phone.

[There's a problem outside. Don't make a sound. Come here.]

After showing them the brief message on her screen, Kaguya's eyes lingered for a moment at the corner of Maki's eyes—still moist from her earlier scare. Without commenting, she turned and led the way out.

The wall clock, now removed and held in Kaguya's hand, glinted under the dim light. Takakai and Maki didn't hesitate; they followed her immediately. The three moved carefully, silently, and deliberately.

Knock-knock-knock—

Crossing the living room, they reached the hallway.

Before they could approach the front door, Takakai heard steady knocking—neither loud nor soft—accompanied by a voice calling out.

"Takakai, Takakai, you're in there, right?"

"Why aren't you answering? It's me, Sun Dajun."

"Everyone's outside, and we're discussing what to do next. Why are you hiding in there? And those two girls with you—what are you all up to? Hey, hey, don't stay silent! Say something!"

It was the voice of the portly middle-aged man they'd heard not long ago.

His tone was calm, completely steady, and filled with curiosity. At the same time, faint voices of the black youth and the blonde woman could also be heard from outside.

The three voices intertwined with the rhythmic knocking, each sound echoing clearly into the ears of the three inside.

Knock-knock-knock—

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