Anime Crossover: Becoming Mangaka in Anime World

"Making others think that their are an idiot, that is really cruel, Akifumi."

If it were anyone else, they'd probably be crushed by that remark.

But Kato's expression remained calm as she said, "Maybe you're right, but... are you serious about the other thing?"

"Huh?"

"About you being unpopular."

"Eh? Could it be that I'm unexpectedly popular among the girls at school?"

Akifumi touched his chin, a little surprised.

He hadn't received love letters since the second half of his first year, nor had any girls come to talk to him.

So, to think that he was secretly popular?

He didn't mind this version of reality!

Kato gave him a rare deadpan look.

"Saying others are idiots... don't you look a bit like one yourself?"

"How could i even know that! I don't have any friends at school you know...."

No friends = no access to information, right?

Akifumi had his doubts.

Given her assassin-like abilities, she could probably learn everything— even the exam answers— with a little effort, right?!

"I feel like Akifumi is thinking some really rude about me..."

'Tch.'

She's so sharp.

"No, not at all!"

He quickly denied it, trying to steer the conversation back.

"So, what do you mean, Kato?"

"On the way here, didn't you also get approached by a lot of people? Doesn't that count as being popular?"

!!

How does she know about that?!

Is she stalking me from somewhere?!

Akifumi froze, staring at Kato in disbelief.

"It's kind of rude to stare a person like that, you know?"

"I'm sorry."

He quickly apologized, then added, "But those people were just interested in my body, not my popularity!"

"Really now~"

She stretched out her words, even though her expression didn't change, Akifumi could tell she wasn't convinced.

"We are here."

With a simple statement, Kato stopped in front of a clothing store.

"A men's clothing store?"

Akifumi raised an eyebrow, glancing at Kato, "Are you going to...?"

"I'm buying a gift for my father." Kato said it plainly.

"His birthday is coming up, and I wanted to get him something nice."

Akifumi sighed with relief.

If she'd wanted him to help her pick out clothes for some other man, that would have been trouble!

Her reason made sense, no need to question it.

She had no friends, so who else would she be buying gifts for but her family?

"Is it a suit set? What kind of style does your dad like?"

Kato thought for a moment and shook her head.

"Not necessarily a suit, and I don't know what kind of style he likes."

"He's always working and wears suits."

No clues to go on?

Akifumi nodded.

"Well, let's go in and take a look."

"Mm."

Kato nodded, agreeing.

"Good afternoon, how can I help you?"

"We'll just look around for now."

"Okay."

Ignoring the cheerful sales assistant, the two casually wandered around the store.

"This one, this one, and this one..."

Kato picked out clothes, trousers, and jackets in various styles.

Before long, she had so many items in her arms that she could barely hold them all.

"Why are you picking out so many clothes?" Akifumi asked, puzzled.

"Trying them on."

"Oh." He nodded instinctively, then widened his eyes.

"Who are you planning to try them on for?"

Kato blinked, confused.

"Didn't I say?"

"No!"

"Oh, well, then can you help me?"

She clasped her hands together, earnestly asking for his help.

"??"

Akifumi stared at the stack of clothes she was holding, now more than ten pieces.

"My dad and you have similar builds, could you help me?"

She used polite speech.

Akifumi sighed in resignation.

"Next time, if you don't explain, I'm never agreeing to this kind of thing again."

"Thank you for your help, Akifumi."

Kato's smile flashed, but Akifumi didn't catch it as he turned to leave the store.

Half an hour later, exhausted, Akifumi followed Kato out of the store.

"The next store is on the third floor."

??

Did she just say that in that cold voice?

We've been at this for half an hour nonstop!

Not even a break for water, not even a chance to catch my breath!

Not even a mule on a farm gets treated this way!!

Akifumi gave her a deadpan look.

"As a thank-you for helping me today, I've already prepared a gift. I'm sure you'll like it."

A gift?

Akifumi couldn't help but scan Kato up and down.

Her dress and jacket didn't have pockets, and the small purse she was carrying only had a phone and some cash inside.

"So... what's this gift you prepared for me?"

He was starting to get curious now.

"Let's go"

"Aren't you going to take a break?"

"No need"

She was more interested in the shopping than the gift itself!

...

"Thank you for helping today, Akifumi."

By this point, Akifumi was too tired to say much.

He just waved his hand weakly.

From a little past 10 AM to 5 PM, the only break they had was for lunch.

It wasn't even the physical exhaustion that was bothering him— it was more that he felt emotionally drained.

Luckily, Kato hadn't dragged him into more clothes fitting. Instead, they were now looking at other small items.

"This is your payment for today."

Kato handed him a bag with a small smile.

Akifumi froze, not reaching for it right away.

"Isn't this the gift you were buying for your father?"

"Nope." Kato shook her head.

"My dad's body shape has changed, so he's not like Akifumi."

"So...?"

"I tricked you."

"From the start, it was all to get a gift for you." She winked playfully.

 "Today's the main event for Akifumi, so it's only fair that you work a little for it, right?"

Thinking back, there were a lot of holes in her story, and if he dug deeper, he'd probably find the truth.

Akifumi laughed bitterly. "Your acting skills are pretty impressive."

"Thanks for the compliment."

"But why did you suddenly want to buy me a gift?"

"Why...?" Kato tilted her head, "Isn't tomorrow your birthday, Akifumi-kun?"

"Of course I should give a gift to a friend, right?"

Tomorrow's my birthday?

Akifumi blinked, then remembered the date— June 24th.

Wasn't tomorrow his birthday?

"You even forgot your own birthday... Akifumi, you're so careless."

Noticing his expression, Kato's tone softened a bit.

"Well, it's because I've been so busy lately."

Akifumi rolled his eyes but smiled.

"Dragging the birthday boy around to pick out his own gift... that's kind of excessive."

But...

"But thanks you, Kato!"

"This is definitely a gift that satisfies me."

It wasn't about what he got, but the thought behind it that meant the most.

Hearing that, Kato smiled faintly.

"I'm glad you like it, Akifumi."