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I just want to quietly draw manga Chapter 243
🕑 Added 2025-07-16 19:17:14 +0000 UTC“Maybe blur this shot slightly—it’ll help convey a better sense of speed,” Haruki suggested.
“Understood.”
“And in your character model sheet, I think Natsuki’s legs could be drawn a bit slimmer. Right now, her proportions feel off. She’s meant to be a slender, elegant character, but the way she’s drawn now makes her look a bit too youthful—almost baby-faced.”
“Got it.”
“Also, for Takeuchi’s voice... I think the current version sounds a little too smooth. He’s supposed to be the comic relief in the manga, right? Let the voice actor lean more into a playful, goofier tone. Right now, it sounds more like Fujiwara.”
“Alright, I’ll make that adjustment.”
And so it went, all morning. Haruki gave feedback, and Producer Saya—simply nodded and noted things down in a flat, distant tone.
Though Haruki’s intention was to help refine the Initial D anime, her detached responses gradually chipped away at his enthusiasm.
“Producer Saya...” Haruki finally frowned. “Did I do something to upset you?”
“No.” She brushed her bangs aside and met his eyes briefly.
“Are you not feeling well?”
“Not really.”
“Then why do you feel... off today? You’re not like your usual self.”
“I don’t think I’m acting any different.”
“It just seems like... you’re unusually cold toward me.”
“That’s your imagination.”
“Is it?” Haruki muttered, skeptical.
“It is,” she replied. Her tone was calm, but something in her eyes flashed.
Just then, a knock came at the office door.
“Come in,” she called.
The door cracked open and a familiar face peeked through.
“Ryuko?” Tachibana’s expression changed in an instant. Her cold, indifferent look melted into a smile so wide it looked cartoonish. The transformation was almost unsettling.
Haruki blinked in confusion. He’d always known Saya leaned toward a tomboyish aesthetic, but even so, her appearance still had an unmistakable charm. But now, that overly cheerful grin strangely exaggerated reminded him of one of those infamous ‘idol-mode’ expressions he’d seen online.
Still, it was the first time he’d seen such a stark shift in her demeanor.
“What brings you here? Don’t tell me you missed me that much?” Saya beamed as she rushed over to Ryuko, wrapping her arm around hers and leaning in far too close.
Haruki sat, stunned.
This was the Saya? The one who’d been giving him the cold shoulder all morning? And just how close were she and Ryuko?
Ryuko looked visibly awkward. She tried to back away, but with the doorway right behind her, she had nowhere to retreat.
After the night she had unexpectedly spent at Saya’s place a few days ago, Ryuko had started noticing strange changes in her behavior. During recording sessions, Saya would appear with throat-soothing drinks. At lunch, she’d wait outside to eat with her. Even at night, she’d message her casually—too casually.
At first, Ryuko had chalked it up to gratitude. But then whispers started spreading through the T-Bone Animation office rumors that Tachibana was interested in her.
Ever since then, Ryuko had tried to keep her distance.
If she hadn’t known Haruki would be visiting the studio today, she wouldn’t have come near the office.
“Producer Saya... could I just come in?” Ryuko gently pulled her arm free and stepped inside, offering a small nod toward Haruki.
Tachibana’s eyes followed her silently until they landed on Haruki. Her smile vanished.
Today, Ryuko was dressed quite differently. Gone were the usual sneakers and jeans. Instead, she wore a white pleated skirt and had taken time to do light makeup—just enough to accentuate her already clear skin and expressive eyes. Even her long hair, subtly styled with small braids, carried a fresh scent of shampoo.
Saya instantly understood. Ryuko had clearly gotten up early—very early. Hair wash, dry, style, light makeup, commute... probably woke up around 5 AM.
Just to see him?
A sharp pang of jealousy hit her.
“Ryuko? You came to see Producer Saya? I can step out if you need to talk,” Haruki offered.
“Ah, no! That’s not it!” Ryuko shook her head, flustered. “I just... I saw this recipe online for pressure cooker cakes, so I tried it this morning and brought some for Producer Saya. Since you’re here too... want to try?”
She lifted the bag in her hand with an awkward smile.
Saya stared at the bag and at her. Pressure cooker cakes? Those take time. Prep, mixing, cooking... another hour or two. Did she even sleep last night?
The bitterness in her chest deepened.
“Cake?” Haruki peered at the bag. “You made it yourself? That’s way too much trouble. If you want cake, I’ll just take you to a shop next time. You’ve helped me so much already—I owe you anyway.”
Ryuko gave a small smile, used to his bluntness by now.
Saya, however, was frozen.
You really had to say that out loud? Ryuko went through all that trouble, and you offer to just buy her something instead...
Still, the three of them sat down and tried the cake. Ryuko only picked at hers, but Haruki and Saya ate in silence. The tension between them remained thick.
“How is it?” Ryuko asked.
“It’s good,” Haruki said honestly, checking the time.
It was getting late, and Saya’s gaze hadn’t softened once. Instinct told him he shouldn’t linger.
“I’ll head out now. Thanks for the cake, Ryuko. Producer Saya.”
He nodded to them both and left the office.
As the door closed, Ryuko exhaled. She gathered her things and stood to leave as well.
“Hey, Ryuko... you’re not staying a bit longer?” Saya reached out, gently grabbing her hand.
“Sorry, Producer Saya. I’ve got some errands to run, so I should get going.”
Ryuko pulled her hand away politely, shot her a wary glance... and left.
Saya sat down heavily, the smile long gone.
Ever since that night, Ryuko had been on her mind constantly. She wasn’t like the shallow girls Saya used to flirt with. Those flings meant nothing.
This was different.
At first, she’d thought the whole damsel-in-distress thing was dumb—like something out of a teen romance drama. But after being saved by Ryuko, something inside her had shifted. Even though she was older, Ryuko gave off a sense of strength and calm like an older sister, but also... something more.
Saya had always thought she was the one who took charge in relationships. But with Ryuko... she realized maybe being the one protected wasn’t so bad.
She’d caught herself daydreaming lately about Ryuko hugging her, pulling her close, even...
Maybe this was what it felt like to fall for someone.
And if Ryuko and Haruki weren’t actually together like the rumors said... maybe there was a chance. No moral hang-ups. Just feelings.
But Ryuko was clearly keeping her distance. Between the company gossip and Saya’s reputation, it was no surprise.
Tch... this is frustrating.
If I don’t do something, she’ll keep avoiding me forever. All these feelings wasted.
Saya propped her chin on her hand, lost in thought.
