WATASHI NO KAWAII KURAI KARE NO KOTO GA SUKI!!

The faint chime of the bell above the door rang as the latest customers meandered into Pixel Paradise, the vibrant gaming café that felt like a second home to Yuki. It was a place where the aroma of coffee intertwined with the sounds of joyful banter, shouts of victory, and the unmistakable clicking of game controllers. Yuki sat at her usual spot—a cozy corner table near the café's massive bookshelf filled with manga and light novels—an oasis amidst the vibrant chaos. With her sketchbook perched on her lap and a pencil lightly gliding across the page, she felt blissfully isolated from the clamor around her.Her current work was a sketch of a handsome protagonist sporting tousled hair, striking blue eyes, and a signature grin that could charm anyone—even if he was just a figment of her imagination. Yuki loved creating characters that transcended the pages, giving them lives far beyond what reality could offer.Suddenly, a shadow descended over her, blocking the soft glow from the café's fairy lights. She knew that shadow all too well."Yuki! Is that yet another brooding hero I'm seeing?"With barely disguised annoyance, Yuki glanced up to see Haruto's playful grin, his vibrant energy brittle as glass in stark contrast to her quiet world. He leaned over her table, trying to examine her artwork. His sandy blond hair fell into his eyes, and she had to resist the urge to reach out and push it away. "Yes," she replied curtly, "and he's not brooding. He's… introspective." Haruto laughed, a sound that rang through the café like a favorite song. "Right! Introspective. So, when's the last time you drew a smiley character?" He plopped into the chair opposite her, folding his arms. Yuki frowned, adjusting her glasses and returning to her sketch. "That's not the kind of story I want to tell. Besides," she added, "you wouldn't understand!""Why not? I read manga too! Just last week, I blasted through that shoujo you recommended. The one with the love triangle and the dragon?" His teasing smile widened when she shot him an incredulous look. "Okay, maybe I didn't read all of it—more like skimmed the pages with the cute drawings.""You're impossible," she sighed, a reluctant smirk breaking through her frown. The playful banter came naturally to them; it always had. Being at Pixel Paradise and spending time with Haruto felt easy, yet there was something more profound bubbling beneath their exchanges, a current of unspoken understanding mixed with mischief.Suddenly, a voice rang through the café's speakers, breaking Yuki's momentary reverie. "Attention, gamers! The Summer Tournament is coming up next week! Join us for a chance to win fabulous prizes and show off your skills!"Haruto's eyes immediately twinkled with excitement. "Oh, Yuki! We should totally sign up! You and me teaming up would be epic!" Yuki paused, her hand involuntarily halting on the paper. "Me? Team up? You must be kidding." The thought of facing a tournament filled with experienced gamers made her stomach churn. "Why not? You're great at strategy! We could crush everyone!" Haruto leaned forward, his enthusiasm infectious. She could feel the warmth of his gaze as he continued, "Plus, you need to experience the thrill of competition!""I'd rather experience the thrill of finishing my manga without interruptions… like your wild ideas!" She shook her head, a chuckle escaping her lips despite herself."Come on, please! It could be fun, and I promise I'll tone down the trash-talking," he said, holding up his hands in a mock surrender. "I'll even bring you your favorite matcha latte!"Yuki bit her lip, wavering. The idea of entering a tournament sounded terrifying, but being paired with Haruto was equally enticing. She found herself caught in his playful, infectious energy, and despite her instincts screaming to retreat to the safety of her art, the idea sparked something deep within her."Fine… but only if we can agree on a strategy!" she said, finally giving in to his enthusiasm. "Deal!" His smile widened, and he leaned back in his chair with the satisfaction of a victorious champion. As they laid out their strategy, Yuki felt her nerves slowly subside. Maybe stepping out of her comfort zone wouldn't be so daunting after all, especially with Haruto by her side. The thought was both thrilling and frightening—and utterly adventurous.And as the sounds of laughter filled the café, Yuki realized that perhaps the real story could be found not just on the pages of her sketchbook, but also in the unpredictable chaos of life. Little did she know, this would be the start of a new chapter for her—not just in her manga, but in her heart as well.