novelraw Chapter 300: It's Not Like We Haven't Seen Each Other Since Childhood
Chapter 300: It's Not Like We Haven't Seen Each Other Since Childhood
"Akira, why haven't you changed yet?"
"Wait…" Akira blinked as Shouko walked in holding a bowl of clear water, setting it down carefully on the coffee table. He frowned suspiciously.
"Mind explaining what the bowl of water is for?"
Shouko tilted her head, trying to sound calm even as her fingers nervously twisted the ends of her hair into tiny curls. Her voice came out soft and hesitant.
"I'm… thirsty…"
"…"
"Really, okay!"
Akira noticed the faint blush creeping to her ears and quickly nodded. "I'll go change right now."
He grabbed the white shirt and made a quick escape, afraid that if he hesitated any longer, Shouko might just prove how thirsty she was—literally.
When he returned, Shouko was sitting on the sofa, legs swinging lightly, her ears back to their normal color.
"How do I look?" Akira spun around, striking a casual pose.
Shouko's eyes followed him for a while before she snapped out of it at his cough. Then she raised a thumb with a bright grin.
"I've decided! I'm officially hiring you, Akira—my exclusive model!"
Akira laughed and sat beside her. "I'm expensive, though. You sure you can afford me?"
"I have money!" Shouko puffed her cheeks and proudly reached for her wallet. "I'll show you my bank—"
Thunk!
"Ouch…" She rubbed her head and looked up at him pitifully. "Akira, what was that for? That really hurt…"
"I'm literally the one who sends your manuscript payments," he sighed, rubbing her head gently. "How could I not know your balance? Anyway—are you even planning to finish that illustration commission?"
"Of course!" Her eyes lit up instantly. She snatched up the bowl of water. "Now, Akira, go stand in the hallway! I don't want to splash the tatami or sofa."
"…"
"Wait a second." A-Gang didn't move, giving her a wary look.
"Just to be clear—you didn't take an 18+ commission, right?"
"How could I?!" Shouko waved her hands wildly, her voice flustered. "I'd never take one of those! It's just a few poses! I've never drawn them before, that's all! I need you to model so I can practice!"
She inhaled deeply, then continued in a rush, her face now bright red.
"Akira, you have to believe me! I swear—!"
"Okay, okay, stop." Akira raised a hand, cutting her off before she overheated further. "I believe you. I'll go stand in the hallway."
He did believe her—Shouko wasn't the type to lie. Besides, he was fully dressed. Nothing inappropriate about that… right?
The faint hum of the summer fan mixed with the steady drone of cicadas outside. The air conditioner clicked to life, its sound quickly drowned out by the heatwave chorus.
Shouko followed him to the hallway, clutching her bowl and tablet. "Alright, Akira, put one hand on the wall and twist your hips a little more to the right."
"…"
"Can I refuse…?" Akira leaned against the wall, looking utterly defeated. "How is this related to the Super Victory Pose we agreed on?"
"You promised!" Shouko pouted, tugging on his sleeve. "I really can't draw this one properly…"
Her tone softened. "You don't want me to get a bad review on my first commission, do you?"
She looked up at him, big eyes glimmering, every word dripping with exaggerated sweetness.
"…"
Akira froze, goosebumps crawling up his arms. "Who taught you to act like that?"
Was she cute? Absolutely. But her attempt at acting spoiled was so awkward it made him want to laugh and run away at the same time.
"It's a secret~"
Thunk!
"Back to normal."
"Okay…"
Shouko rubbed her head again, then cleared her throat. "Akira, that pose—"
"Stop." Akira wagged a finger. "Don't even think about it. I'm not doing that pose."
He almost said it was too seductive, but couldn't bring himself to say it aloud.
"Then what about my commission…?" she asked quietly.
He sighed. "Tell me what kind of poses the client wants. I'll help you find something that works."
Obediently, Shouko nodded and showed him her chat with the client, explaining the general concept.
"I see," he said finally. "Come with me."
"Where are we going?" Shouko blinked, confused.
"To the bathroom. If we're using water, we're not doing it in the hallway," he said matter-of-factly.
The client's request was simple—some wet, slightly alluring reference poses with realistic lighting and water effects. Nothing too bad… but still a bit much for Shouko's innocent world. He'd definitely need to talk to her about boundaries later.
At the shower area, Akira turned to her. "Stay by the door. Don't bring the tablet too close or it'll get splashed."
Once she backed up, he turned on the shower. A cool stream of water cascaded down, soaking the front of his shirt. The fabric darkened, clinging tightly to his abdomen and chest. His abs stood out beneath the thin cotton, shadows deepening with every breath.
Shouko froze. Her throat went dry as her eyes followed a single droplet tracing the curve of his V-line downward. The sound of water seemed to fade; even the cicadas fell silent in her ears.
"If you keep staring," Akira said with a teasing smile, "it'll dry up soon."
"!!"
Shouko jolted, snapping her gaze away so fast that her ear bumped hard into the doorframe.
The metal was cool—but her skin was burning.
"It's not that serious, is it?" Akira sighed, chuckling as he approached. "It's not like we haven't seen each other since we were kids."
He noticed the red mark on her ear and frowned in concern. "That looks bad. Does it hurt?"
Without waiting for an answer, he cupped her ear gently with his still-cool, damp hand.
"Still warm… what are you, running a fever?" he murmured, rubbing lightly.
Shouko made a small noise, unable to focus. Her eyes darted downward again—to the wet shirt, the sharp lines beneath it, the rhythm of his breathing—
"Are you even listening?"
"Uh… huh…?"
Her unfocused eyes flickered up to meet his again, but her wandering gaze betrayed her.
"…" Akira exhaled, half helpless, half amused.
"I asked if your ear still hurts."