Life of A Mangaka, Erebus Sensei!

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The crisp chill of winter swept through the city, painting the streets with frost and filling the air with the scent of roasted chestnuts from nearby stalls. Kaoru Kagami, bundled up in a thick scarf and jacket, stared out his studio window at the first snowfall of the season.

"Winter.." he murmured, his breath fogging the glass. "A season of fleeting beauty, just like the ephemeral petals of cherry blossoms, only... colder."

Aya Takahashi's voice snapped him back to reality. "Stop monologuing to yourself. The manuscript isn't going to write itself."

Kaoru turned to his editor, who was seated cross-legged on his couch, a steaming cup of coffee in hand. Her cold, calculating eyes scanned the storyboard he'd been working on.

"I'll have you know, Takahashi-dono, that this new manga will redefine romance itself." Kaoru said, striking a dramatic pose. "It shall be a tale of passion, longing, and-"

"a lot of clichés if you keep this up," Aya interrupted, her tone flat.

Kaoru pouted. "You wound me, Takahashi-dono. But no matter! Erebus Kyrielight shall triumph once more!"

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Scene 1 Action!: Inspiration from the Cold

Kaoru had decided to take a bold new direction for his next project: a romance manga. It wasn't his usual genre, but he felt a strange pull toward the idea.

The story followed two childhood friends a shy, stoic girl and a dramatic, oblivious boy who navigated misunderstandings, heartfelt moments, and a budding love neither of them recognized.

As he drafted the first chapter, Kaoru couldn't help but notice odd parallels to his own life. The heroine's sharp wit and secret warmth reminded him of someone... but who..?

Aya, of course, had no idea she was the unintentional muse. She sat across from him, offering critique after critique.

"The dialogue's too corny," she said, pointing to a panel. "No one says, 'I'll protect you with my life' over a dropped scarf."

Kaoru grinned. "It's called romantic exaggeration, Takahashi-dono. Surely you understand the concept?"

Aya shot him a withering look. "Not when it's this ridiculous."

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Scene 2 Action!: The Deadline Looms

The week passed in a blur of sketching, scripting, and revising. Aya stayed late into the nights, ensuring Kaoru stayed on track. Despite their bickering, they made steady progress, and by the deadline, the first chapter was complete.

Kaoru leaned back in his chair, exhausted but satisfied. He held up the finished manuscript like a trophy. "Behold! The birth of a masterpiece!"

Aya took the pages from him, her critical eye scanning each one. After a long pause, she set them down and nodded. "It's... decent."

"Decent?!" Kaoru clutched his chest. "After pouring my soul into this? Surely you mean 'phenomenal.' Right..?"

"It's good." Aya said, smirking slightly. "But don't let it go to your head. You still have an entire series to write."

Kaoru sighed dramatically. "Ah, the life of a mangaka. No rest for the weary."

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Scene 3 Action!: A Snowy Break

The next morning, Kaoru decided he deserved a day off. As he lounged in his studio, sipping tea, his thoughts wandered to Aya.

"Hmm.." he muttered, pulling out his phone. "Should I invite Takahashi-dono out? After all, even editors need breaks."

He typed out a message:

Kaoru: Yooo Takahashi-dono! Wanna hang out? Maybe grab some coffee or check out the winter festival?

He stared at the screen for a moment, then hit send.

Aya's reply came almost instantly:

Aya: Why? Did you break something?

Kaoru laughed, quickly replying: Nope. Just thought you might enjoy some fresh air. You've been stuck in my studio for days.

There was a longer pause before Aya's next message appeared:

Aya: Fine. But don't make me regret it.

Kaoru grinned. "Victory!"

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Scene 4 Action!: Aya's Flustered Thoughts..?

On the other side of the city, Aya sat on her couch, staring at her phone. Her cheeks were faintly pink, though her expression remained stoic.

"Why is he like this?" she muttered, clutching the phone tightly. "It's just coffee. Nothing more.."

But as she prepared to leave, she couldn't help but glance at herself in the mirror, smoothing her hair and adjusting her scarf. It's just coffee, she reminded herself. Not a date.

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Kaoru stepping out into the snowy streets, his scarf fluttering in the wind as he waited for Aya.

"She'll probably scold me for something," he muttered to himself, grinning. "But that's just part of the charm."

As Aya approached, her breath visible in the cold air, Kaoru waved. "Over here, Takahashi-dono!!"

Aya sighed but couldn't stop a small smile from creeping onto her face. "Maybe this won't be so bad.." She thought.

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End of Chapter Five

"Ahh Yes.. Finally..!! Winter Break.." as the Narrator sips a hot choco after finally getting a break narrating them..