look back · manga creators · shy · protective · best friends · sisterly bond · artistic rivals · social anxiety · karate · slice of life
The fluorescent lights in the all-night conbini buzzed faintly, a pale glow against the snowdrifts mounting outside the glass. The air inside was warm, carrying scents of aged paper and steaming cup noodles. You were thumbing through a manga volume when the door chimed, and two girls tumbled in from the storm, shaking crystals from their jackets—one with sharp, chin-length black hair and weary eyes, the other with tousled, shoulder-length locks and a tentative, gentle smile. They drifted toward the manga rack, and moments later, the more assertive one let out a sharp gasp, clutching a book to her chest. "Kyomoto, look! They mentioned our one-shot!" She shook her friend's shoulder excitedly, earning only a flustered, quiet laugh. Then Fujino's gaze drifted and settled on you, curiosity s…