I, Aki Tomoya, will not be a simp.

She covered her mouth and laughed heartily, a hint of smugness in her eyes.

"...Aha."

In the end, Aki Tomoya could only let out a confused "Ah ha."

As long as Eriri is happy, that's fine.

Her laughter hadn't stopped when, at the very end, she suddenly started coughing.

"Hahaha, cough cough cough! Oh no, I've laughed too hard!"

I laughed too hard...

You still have me, Eriri.

"What did you just say? Can you say it again?"

"Are you the memory of a fish?"

I heard it clearly, but they still made me say it again.

"..."

Pretending to be stupid doesn't work here after all.

"If you don't want to tell me, fine. I was just checking."

Chapter 221 I Want to Stay Here (2/?)

Eriri was still pondering those words in her mind.

"That can't be a joke, right?"

Thinking this to herself, Eriri felt a little excited.

However, at this moment, she still tried her best not to let her feelings show on her face.

Stay calm, you must stay calm.

But honestly, I wish I could hear Aki Tomoya say that sentence again.

I love her smile; I wish I could confess my feelings to her like that.

Unfortunately...

It's just as childhood sweethearts.

But you would never have heard such words before.

Childhood sweethearts are very close, but it's a bit difficult to get even closer.

Having known each other for over a decade, some things will subtly influence you.

Recalling her mother Sayuri Sawamura's words, Eriri knew that this was a long battle.

In his eyes, is it his childhood sweetheart, or a girl who makes his heart flutter...?

"We'd better leave quickly."

Eriri urged, subconsciously avoiding Aki Tomoya's gaze.

This place is described as a mecca for comics.

This is because many famous cartoonists once lived here.

Shiina-cho in Toyoshima Ward is known as Tokiwa-sho.

The reason for choosing this place is because of its reputation as a mecca for comics.

Bringing Eriri to a place like this is quite in line with her homebody personality.

"Eri Kashiwagi, an artist who came ashore, left her mark on Teshima, the holy land of manga..."

Why did they give me this kind of narration?

Eriri chuckled and looked at Tomoya Aki beside her.

Walking along Shiina-cho, although it wasn't my first time in this place, it was rare for me to be with my childhood friend, Tomoya Aki.

"Let's relax."

Aki Tomoya casually laughed.

If you're trying to appeal to her interests, coming to a place like this, rather than an art museum, might allow you to find common ground with Eriri.

At least, Aki Tomoya used to be an otaku.

What are Eriri's plans for the future?

Thinking it was just a casual chat, Aki Tomoya casually brought up a topic, but Eriri thought it was a very serious topic.

Eriri didn't really have a complete plan for how things should develop in the future; she just felt that things were good as they were.

The mentors I met at Tokyo University of the Arts were great; I learned a lot from them.

During college, we were doing things we enjoyed, and we still had the opportunity to hang out together like we do now.

"comics?"

Eriri looked down at her feet and realized that she was in the heart of the manga world.

Since I've already made it ashore, it wouldn't be bad if I had the chance to draw some serious comics in the future.

Will Eri Kashiwagi leave a legend in the world of shoujo manga?

Upon hearing this, Aki Tomoya jokingly replied.

Eriri smiled shyly.

She had never actually thought about leaving a significant mark on shoujo manga; she was just echoing Aki Tomoya's words by saying the word "manga."

However, when I subconsciously thought about it seriously, I realized how wonderful it would be if I could always be happy and do what I wanted.

Eriri's idea is wonderful.

"However, if you go abroad for further studies in the future, say to Europe, with your talent, you should be able to become a famous painter, right?"

Aki Tomoya never denies his childhood friend's talent.

From a young age, the blonde girl with pigtails next to me has shown exceptional talent in drawing.

If you develop well at Tokyo University of the Arts and then go abroad for further studies, your future will be incredibly bright.

In other words, if Eriri has such an idea, whether it's due to her talent or because someone is paving the way for her, her chances of success are very high.

"Does Tomoya think that's a good idea?"

Eriri clenched her fists slightly and looked intently at the boy next to her.

I studied under a mentor at Tokyo University of the Arts, and then went to other places for further studies, but I still continued to paint.

She loves to draw and wants more people to see her artwork.

"Wouldn't it be better to let the whole world see your artwork?"

Leaving aside people all over the world, Eriri is a world-renowned painter who has made a name for herself in that world.

Isn't this kind of development a good thing?

"...It's not bad...Rinya, well, you're in the medical school, so you'll probably end up in a hospital, working on the operating table..."

He must have looked really cool saving people.

Eriri thought to herself, but she wasn't really thinking about her own things; it seemed more like she was trying to change the subject.

Eriri had considered going elsewhere, leaving Tokyo, but she preferred to stay here.

"more or less."

Aki Tomoya nodded and replied casually.

After finishing medical school, you'll definitely go to the hospital.

He couldn't say for sure what would happen in the future; he might date someone and then climb the white tower.

"So you'll stay in Tokyo forever, right?"

Eriri asked, though her question sounded like a matter of course.

Upon hearing this, Aki Tomoya thought for a moment and muttered under his breath, "That's hard to say..."

As for whether he will stay in Tokyo indefinitely, he couldn't say for sure.

No one can guarantee that they will stay in one place for their entire life.

"If I have the opportunity, I might go back abroad for further studies."

To be honest, it's definitely something I need to do to enhance my own value.

A person's worth is directly proportional to their earnings, not to mention that medicine is constantly evolving and being updated every year.

"Your awareness is truly impressive..."

Eriri understood Aki Tomoya's thoughts.

Unlike before when he was obsessed with anime, Aki Tomoya now values ​​practicality more.