What started as a minor alternate account incident turned into a long-running joke among netizens.
Although the clarification post the next day seemed somewhat misleading, causing some fans to second-guess themselves—
The more they thought about it, the less sense it made!
Chatting about illustrations late into the night was one thing, but how were they still perfectly synchronized the next morning?!
And how do you even mix up your phones?
Not to mention, both of them should have had lock screens.
Even if they somehow managed to unlock each other's phones, were they using the exact same model?!
Even if they were, how do you go an entire night without realizing the mistake, only to remember the next morning?
What, were they just having too much fun chatting and got drunk?
But wait—one of them is still in high school! No way they were drinking!
So, after the initial confusion, most fans quickly saw through the ruse.
Instead of feeling deceived, they were even more entertained.
As a result, fans from both sides started mingling, and eventually, they all bought the manga and light novel versions to check them out.
Sales skyrocketed!
Fans felt like they had hit the jackpot—not only did they uncover a hidden truth, but they also discovered just how talented their favorite creator was and found even more content to enjoy.
Akifumi felt like he had hit the jackpot, too.
His relationship with fans became even smoother, and the sales of his works saw a noticeable boost.
No one even cared about how many projects he had started without finishing.
After this incident, starting a new project wouldn't require any extra justification.
All in all, it was a win-win situation for both sides!
Days passed quickly, and the online buzz gradually died down.
As Christmas approached, the festive atmosphere at school became livelier.
The arrival of Christmas also meant that the second holiday break was near!
Though it was the shortest break among the three vacations—just a little over ten days—it was more than enough to make students happy.
Especially for the boys. Christmas was an incredibly rare opportunity for them!
What kind of opportunity? Well, if you know, you know. If you don't, don't ask. The waters run too deep!
"So, Kato, what are your plans for Christmas?"
Kato thought for a moment before answering, "My sister will be coming over, we'll probably just stay home as a family, have a meal together, and watch TV."
"That sounds nice." Akifumi couldn't help but feel a little envious.
Akifumi parents had been ridiculously busy since last year and hadn't come home recently.
If it weren't for the occasional phone call, he might've started wondering if something had happened to them.
Spending time together on a special day like this felt like a distant memory.
"Is it really that nice?" Kato blinked, her tone as calm as ever.
"Of course," Akifumi replied.
Mahiru also looked over with envy in her eyes, filled with longing.
If Akifumi hadn't experienced spending time with his parents for a few years, then Mahiru probably had never experienced it at all.
Seeing their envious gazes, Kato said, "It might sound a bit selfish, but I'd actually like to go out on Christmas."
"I heard a lot of places will be beautifully decorated."
Akifumi immediately protested, "Kato, you don't know how lucky you are!"
"Exactly!" Mahiru nodded earnestly. "There's nothing better than spending time with family!"
"Getting scolded like this…" Kato scratched her cheek helplessly. "But I never said it was bad."
"Just thinking about running around outside in the freezing cold is already a crime!"
"…." Kato fell silent for a moment before changing the subject. "What about you two? How are you spending Christmas?"
"Comfortably curled up under the kotatsu, playing games and watching TV."
Kato imagined the scene for a moment before commenting, "That's so like you, Akifumi."
"You're such a social butterfly, yet still a hardcore homebody. That contrast is pretty amusing."
"I don't want to hear that from you, Kato." Akifumi rolled his eyes. "Who else but you could say something like that with a straight face?"
"Is it really that funny?" It was clear Kato was a bit puzzled by this, but she quickly moved on.
"What about you, Shiina-san?" Mahiru thought for a moment and then replied, "Probably the same as Akifumi-kun."
Kato gave them a knowing look.
'Shiina-san family relationship isn't that great, huh?' After spending time observing her, Kato had already come to this conclusion.
This conversation only reinforced it.
"To think that none of us plan on going out on Christmas…"
What a trio!
The school day ended quickly, and as the final bell rang, students in clubs were full of energy, embracing their youth on the field.
As always, Akifumi walked toward the train station with Mahiru and Mashiro.
"Just a few months ago, even a T-shirt felt too hot. Now, even with a coat, it still feels kinda cold."
He sighed while looking at the two girls beside him, bundled up in warm clothes.
There was a slight sense of melancholy in his eyes.
Sure, their thick outfits made them look even cuter, but compared to the lively summer, something felt missing.
"No wonder winter is known as the season of sentimental thoughts." With the cold weather, unnecessary thoughts seemed to multiply.
"Well, it is winter, after all," Mahiru said with a smile.
Akifumi wasn't convinced. "Even if your stockings are lined with cashmere, wearing just one thin layer in this cold doesn't seem make any different at all!"
"It's warm," Mashiro said from the side. "Do you want to touch mine?"
Mahiru giggled, covering her mouth.
"…." Akifumi sighed and ruffled Mashiro's hair.
"Mugi, that's mean" Mashiro pouted at him with a hint of playful protest. "You messed up my hair."
"That's punishment for saying something so dirty."
"??" Mashiro blinked in confusion. "That was dirty?"
Ignoring her innocent expression, Akifumi turned to Mahiru. "Hey, are you free this weekend?"
Mahiru gave him a knowing look. "Why would you think I'm not?"
The unspoken meaning was clear—
Before asking, maybe consider what I usually do on weekends?
Akifumi chuckled. "Even if I already know, it's basic courtesy to ask."
Mahiru sighed. "Yes, I'm free."
"Then, do you want to go to the shopping district with me?"
"Hmm? Is this a date?" Mahiru stretched out the word playfully, her voice carrying a hint of laughter.
Beneath her teasing tone, however, was a nervousness she couldn't quite express.
Akifumi, completely oblivious, answered without hesitation, "Of course it's a date."
For a split second, Mahiru's heart skipped a beat.
Her cheeks, already pale from the cold, were now tinged with pink.
"What's a date?" Mashiro asked, her innocent eyes brimming with curiosity.
"A date is when two people agree on a time and place to do something together."
"Oh!" Mashiro nodded, completely accepting his explanation.
"Then, when and where did Mugi and Mahiru make plans to go do something together?"
Akifumi smiled and answered, "We'll be going this weekend, at a shopping district nearby."
"As for what exactly we're doing... that's a secret~"
"I want to know." Mashiro looked at Akifumi, her eyes full of expectation.
"If you find out ahead of time, it won't be a secret anymore."
"Oh." Her bright eyes were soon clouded with disappointment.
Mashiro lowered her head but then lifted it again, asking quietly, "Can I come along?"
Mahiru, who had been silent until now, suddenly spoke up. "Mashiro, aren't you supposed to be drawing a manga?"
"Didn't you have a pretty good idea for a story recently?"
Hearing this, Mahiro hesitated for a moment before nodding. "I need to draw a manga."
Looking into Mashiro's innocent eyes, Mahiru felt a strong pang of guilt.
"By the way, Mashiro, do you want some ring-shaped cake?"
"I do!" Mashiro's eyes lit up, but she looked at Mahiru shyly and added in a quiet voice,
"But I've already had three this week."
"As a reward for being a good house-sitter, I'm sure Mahiru wouldn't mind if you have one or two more."
"Really?" Mashiro asked, looking towards Mahiru.
Mahiru smiled helplessly. "I won't get mad."
"Then I'll have a ring-shaped cake, The last one can wait until I'm home alone next time."
"Alright." Akifumi answered with a laugh.
———————————————————————
Back at home,
Mahiru went to the kitchen to cook, while Mashiro went to another room to start drawing her manga.
After a brief hesitation, Akifumi entered the kitchen.
She found Mahiru standing at the counter, her gaze vacant as if lost in thought.
"Ah-hem."
Mahiru jumped slightly, noticing Akifumi standing behind her. She forced a smile. "Mugiho-kun, what are you doing here?"
"Well, I noticed you seemed a little off, so I came to check."
Mahiru fell silent for a moment, looking down. "I'm sorry."
"Why apologize? Is it because you think you made me worry?" Akifumi sighed. "In that case, don't do things that make me worry!"
Mahiru gave a bitter smile. "Hey, Mugi-kun, do you think I'm a very despicable woman?"
Because she wanted to be alone, she had used that excuse to make Mashiro give up.
Now, she was foolishly hoping to ease her pain with someone else's words.
"No."
"Really?" Mahiru's eyes were still confused.
"Even though Mahiru is 17, you're still far from being a woman, right?"
Mahiru gave Mugiho a helpless glance, the sadness in her heart nearly breaking through.
"You know that's not what I meant."
"Looks like your mood is getting better." Akifumi said seriously, "Everyone has their own selfish side. It's only natural to consider yourself."
"Just like the characters in 'Anohana,' each one of them had their own selfish reasons for what they did."
"If you think you're despicable for something like this, then I actually wish everyone in this world could be this despicable."
"That's not how you comfort people." Mahiru wiped away the tears in her eyes, and compared to her earlier sorrow, she seemed a little better now.
"Well, as long as it works, right?"
Akifumi didn't mind Mahiru's complaints and continued, "Besides, I'd rather go on a two-person date with you, Mahiru"
Mahiru's face turned red, and she shot Akifumi a glare.
"You just want me to go with you to buy presents, don't you? Stop pretending it's a date!"
"Eh, you figured it out?"
If only she could deny it right now.
Mahiru felt a sense of disappointment in her heart but kept a smile on her face.
"We were just talking about Christmas during class. With your personality, Mugiho-kun, how could you not have prepared a gift?"
"Then, when the time comes, I'll have to leave it to you~"
"Get out of here, I need to start making dinner."
"Okay, okay."
———————————————————————
The weekend arrived, and they were at the shopping mall.
"Do you think this is too childish for Hiratsuka-sensei?" Akifumi waved his hand.
"It might be small for kids, but for sensei, it's just right!"
With that, without hesitation, Akifumi went straight to the counter and bought a nearly life-sized plush toy of a beast that eats iron.
After paying, Mahiru, who had been standing nearby, spoke up, a little annoyed.
"Mugiho-kun, you're so decisive that it makes me feel like I'm not even needed here."
"I told you, the real reason I brought you along was so I could go on a date with you~"
"You're joking again." Mahiru muttered, her cheeks burning, her heart racing wildly.
That was the sound of her heart fluttering.
"Wait."
Akifumi looked puzzled as Mahiru jogged over to speak with a store clerk.
After a brief conversation, she quickly made her payment and returned to Akifumi's side.
With a glance at him, Mahiru said, "Well, this is such a rare opportunity, I also want to get some gifts for everyone!"
Akifumi nodded with a smile, and then they continued shopping.
Two hours later,
"Are you sure you don't need me to help carry some of these?"
Looking at the mountain of gifts that almost burying Akifumi,
Mahiru who is holding only a few bags, looked concerned.
"Is this all? Who do you think I am?"
"Don't push yourself, okay?"
"Don't worry."
Seeing this, Mahiru reluctantly nodded.
Just then, Mahiru's phone suddenly rang.
Upon seeing the caller ID, Mahiru's face showed a mixture of surprise, joy, and nervousness.
"Mugiho-kun..."
Seeing Mahiru not knowing how to speak, Akifumi waved his hand. "Go ahead."
"I'll be right here waiting for you."
"Thanks." Mahiru smiled gratefully and quickly ran off to answer the call.
"Is it from her family?"
It was the only thing that could make Mahiru show such a complex expression.
———————————————————————
Standing in place, ten minutes passed quickly.
'That's took longer than i expected.' Just as this thought crossed his mind, Mahiru hung up the phone and walked back to him.
Her expression was visibly sad.
"Didn't go well?"
Mahiru gave a bitter smile. "Mugiho-kun, do you know?"
"Well, just like you said a couple of days ago, I know almost everything you do every day. It's not hard to guess, is it?"
"Mugiho-kun, you really are smart." Mahiru shook her head. "Do you remember when we first met?"
"How could I forget?" Akifumi laughed. "That day, the rain was really heavy, Mahiru looked like a silly kid, sitting at the park all alone."
"Silly kid... I was really are an idiot, am I?" Mahiru sighed, a confused look in her eyes.
"Actually, that day, I had an argument with my family, so I ran out, I just sat there at the park, sulking."
"Do you regret it?"
"Isn't it obvious?" Originally sad, Mahiru suddenly flashed a bright smile. "If I hadn't run out, I wouldn't have met you, Mugiho-kun."
"So no matter how many times it happens, I'll still sit in the rain waiting for you to come and save me again."
'What if something happened, and I wasn't able to come?' Though he wanted to say that, looking into Mahiru's eyes, the words got stuck in his throat.
"Hey, Mugiho-kun."
"Yeah?"
"Am I not alone anymore?"
"What do you think?"
"True." Mahiru smiled, then closed her eyes and said softly, "Mugiho-kun, do you know? I don't even know when it happened, but I realized I've fallen completely for you!"