Life of A Mangaka, Erebus Sensei!

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The snowfall had grown heavier overnight, blanketing the city in white. Kaoru Kagami was back in his studio, the heater on full blast, as he stared at the storyboard for his new romance manga. His pen tapped rhythmically against the desk as he reviewed his latest ideas.

Aya Takahashi sat on the couch, sipping her coffee and flipping through the completed first chapter. Her usual cold expression betrayed no emotion, but Kaoru couldn't help noticing she seemed quieter than usual since their hangout.

"You're not going to say anything about how brilliant it is?" Kaoru teased, leaning back in his chair.

Aya glanced at him, setting the manuscript down. "It's fine. Maybe even… good."

Kaoru's eyes widened in mock shock. "A compliment? From Takahashi-dono? Truly, this is a sign that the gods favor me!"

Aya rolled her eyes. "Don't push it."

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Scene 1 Action!: An Visitor.

As they worked, a loud knock echoed from the front door of Kaoru's apartment.

Kaoru frowned. "Huh? I wasn't expecting anyone."

Aya raised an eyebrow. "A delivery?"

Kaoru stood and opened the door, only to be tackled by a blur of energy.

"Big bro!"

Kaoru stumbled backward as a petite girl clung to him, her long black hair tied in twin tails and her bright amber eyes sparkling with excitement.

"Kaede!" Kaoru exclaimed, struggling to stay upright.

Kaede Kagami, Kaoru's younger sister, pulled back slightly, her arms still around him. "What? Aren't you happy to see your adorable little sister??"

Kaoru sighed. "I'm happy, but what are you doing here? You didn't even call."

Kaede pouted. "Do I need a reason to visit my big brother? I missed you, that's all!"

Aya cleared her throat, drawing Kaede's attention.

Kaede's cheerful expression shifted instantly, her eyes narrowing as she glared at Aya. "Oh. It's you."

Aya blinked, caught off guard. "Me?"

Kaede released Kaoru and crossed her arms. "What are you doing here? Don't tell me you're leeching off my brother's talent."

Aya stiffened, her usual composure faltering. "I'm his editor. I'm here to make sure his work is polished and professional."

Kaede scoffed. "Sounds like an excuse to me." She turned to Kaoru, clinging to his arm. "Big broo, you don't need her. You're amazing all on your own!"

Kaoru scratched the back of his head, laughing nervously. "Kaede, she's just doing her job."

Aya glanced away, clearly hurt but trying not to show it. Why does she hate me so much? I haven't even done anything..

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Scene 2 Action!: A Sibling Bond with a Twist.

Kaede made herself at home, sitting on the couch where Aya had been and monopolizing Kaoru's attention. She asked about his work, his health, and even what he'd been eating, all while throwing subtle jabs at Aya whenever she could.

Aya eventually excused herself to the kitchen, pretending to check on something just to escape the tension. As she stood by the sink, she gripped the counter tightly. Why does this bother me so much?

Meanwhile, Kaede leaned closer to Kaoru. "You know, Big bro, you shouldn't trust people so easily. Some people are only nice to you because they want something."

Kaoru sighed. "Kaede, Aya isn't like that. She's been a huge help."

Kaede frowned. "Still, you don't need her. You're already amazing."

Kaoru ruffled her hair. "Thanks, but I don't think you understand how much work goes into making a manga. Aya's been pushing me to improve."

Kaede pouted but didn't argue further.

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Scene 3 Action!: Lore and World-Building.

Later that evening, as the snow continued to fall, Kaoru shared the outline for his new manga with Aya and Kaede.

"The story is set in a small coastal town during winter," Kaoru began. "The protagonist is a quiet, introverted artist who unexpectedly becomes friends with the most popular girl in school. She's bright, outgoing, and everything he isn't."

Aya listened intently, her expression softening slightly. "And what's the hook?"

Kaoru grinned. "The twist is that the town is cursed. Every winter, anyone who falls in love loses their memories of the person they love once the snow melts."

Kaede gasped. "That's so tragic! Big brother! you're a genius!"

Aya nodded thoughtfully. "It's a strong concept. The curse adds stakes to the romance. But you'll need to make sure the characters are compelling enough to carry it."

Kaoru smirked. "That's where you come in, Takahashi-dono."

Aya rolled her eyes but couldn't hide a small smile.

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Scene 4: Aya's Struggles..

As the night went on, Kaede continued to cling to Kaoru, making Aya feel increasingly out of place.

At one point, Kaede leaned over and whispered to Aya, "You don't belong here, you know."

Aya froze, her hands tightening around her coffee cup. She forced a calm tone. "I'm just here to do my job."

Kaede smirked. "Sure you are. But don't get too comfortable."

Aya excused herself, stepping outside to get some air. The cold wind bit at her cheeks, but she barely noticed. Why does her opinion matter so much?

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Scene 5 Action!: A Quiet Moment

"wish I got a moment to.." (Narrator)

Kaoru found Aya standing on the balcony, her arms wrapped around herself.

"Hey," he said softly. "You okay?"

Aya glanced at him, her usual cold mask slipping slightly. "I'm fine. Just needed some air."

Kaoru stepped closer, leaning on the railing beside her. "Kaede can be… intense. Don't take her too seriously."

Aya hesitated before speaking. "She really doesn't like me, does she?"

Kaoru laughed nervously. "She's just protective. Don't let it bother you."

Aya looked down at the snow-covered street, her voice barely above a whisper. "I wasn't trying to upset her. I just…" She trailed off, unable to finish.

Kaoru smiled gently. "You're doing fine, Takahashi-dono. Honestly, I couldn't do this without you."

Aya turned to him, surprised by the sincerity in his tone. For a moment, the cold seemed to fade, replaced by a warmth she couldn't quite place.

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The Chapter ended with Kaoru returning to his desk, Kaede curled up on the couch with a smug smile, and Aya quietly watching the snow fall outside. Meanwhile the Narrator in vacation enjoying the seas. Even though it's winter..

(All Credits of References I've made/did is to the authors who made these amazing mangas, light novels.)