Ch 254. Eriri Starts Setting Flags

"Is it really just about the money..." Kasumigaoka muttered in slight surprise, then steadied her mindset and looked at Eriri. "Money is no problem, just give me a bank account number, and I'll transfer the funds later. Also, what's the latest I can expect the artwork?"

"You're rushing me, huh? Why are you in such a hurry? Doesn't it take time to draw?" Eriri grumbled softly.

She glanced at Kasumigaoka, whose expression hadn't changed, and sullenly replied, "I'll send you the artwork by noon tomorrow at the latest."

A flash of joy appeared in Kasumigaoka's eyes. "Great! It's settled then! Send me your bank account number, and I'll transfer the money once I get home!"

"My bank account?" Eriri asked in confusion, "Don't you already have my account number? Why are you asking for it again?"

"...," Kasumigaoka was at a loss for words. She glanced up and down at Eriri before saying quietly, "The publisher has your bank account, not me. The payment for 'The Strange Dream Chronicles' illustrations comes from the publisher, not me. How would I have your bank account details?"

"Ah..." Eriri's face stiffened in embarrassment. She tried to maintain her composure. "Of course I know that, I was just asking. I'll send you my account number in a bit."

"...," Kasumigaoka didn't say anything more. On a normal day, she would definitely seize on Eriri's slip-up and tease her for a while.

But today was different—she needed Eriri's help with something. If she teased her and Eriri decided to bail, that would be a problem.

Given Eriri's personality, this was a very real possibility...

"Alright, we've discussed everything. Let's each go our separate ways. I'm leaving now." Kasumigaoka picked up her bag and left without looking back.

Before leaving, she didn't forget to pay for the coffee.

As Kasumigaoka walked out of the café, Eriri pouted and leisurely began packing her things.

In truth, she hadn't initially wanted to agree to Kasumigaoka's request. However, considering Kasumigaoka's sincere "attitude" and the fact that they were classmates, she eventually agreed.

Besides, the "attitude" she referred to wasn't just superficial politeness, but also the real actions and value involved.

Kasumigaoka's offer to customize the plot for her doujinshi showed her sincerity—far more than her childhood friend, who would only ask for favors but never offer anything in return.

"Tch~," Eriri clicked her tongue in annoyance.

Damn it, why is there such a huge gap between people?

Moreover, though she didn't want to admit it, sometimes what Hoshimi said was true: money can indeed test someone's true character. The saying "poverty and hardship test a marriage" isn't just a joke.

"Tch~," Eriri clicked her tongue again, feeling increasingly annoyed at the thought of Hoshimi.

Originally, she had planned to sort things out with Tomoya before going to see Hoshimi.

But with Tomoya's current pace, who knows when this game will finally be done. When will she be able to settle things with Tomoya?

She had better start thinking about other solutions sooner rather than later. If she waits too long, Hoshimi might forget who she is entirely...

"Sigh~," Eriri sighed softly, picked up her bag, and quietly left the café.

...

Not long after, Eriri returned home and collapsed onto her bed.

Staring at the intricately patterned ceiling, Eriri emptied her mind, not thinking about anything.

Buzz—!

Just then, her phone vibrated twice.

"...," Snapping back to reality, Eriri picked up her phone to check. It was a message from Kasumigaoka.

"Why haven't you sent your bank account number yet? Also, stop lying around at home and get my artwork done. I need it urgently." — Kasumigaoka

"Damn it!" Eriri tossed her phone aside, grumbling in mild irritation, "She's rushing me! And how does she know I'm lying here at home?! I've only been here for a minute, and she's already texting me!"

At this moment, Eriri felt a tinge of regret.

She should've known better than to accept Kasumigaoka's request. Although Kasumigaoka was sincere, she was also relentless when it came to rushing things.

Buzz—!

Suddenly, her phone vibrated again.

Eriri grimaced and crawled over to pick it up.

"Eriri, you saw my message, didn't you? Send me your bank account number now! Start working! I need it urgently!" — Kasumigaoka

"Hiss..." Eriri took a deep breath, feeling her gums ache.

Kasumigaoka really must have installed cameras in her house!

For some reason, whenever Kasumigaoka rushed her like this, she couldn't help but feel as though she were dealing with Hoshimi again.

That bastard Hoshimi was like a worm inside her brain, always able to guess exactly what she was thinking.

Back when she was hanging out with Hoshimi, there were countless times he had seen right through her little schemes.

Even though she had never mentioned Tomoya before, Hoshimi not only guessed Tomoya's existence but also figured out that Tomoya was her childhood friend...

Compared to Hoshimi's near-telepathic ability, Kasumigaoka was far less skilled, but she was starting to develop the same tendencies...

She should definitely keep her distance from Kasumigaoka in the future. One Hoshimi was already more than enough—if she had to deal with both him and Kasumigaoka, she would lose her mind!

Buzz—!

Her phone vibrated once more.

"Please respond to my messages, Sawamura Spencer Eriri!" — Kasumigaoka

"Tch~," Eriri picked up her phone and replied irritably.

"Bank account number: 3573******. I'm working on the artwork! Please stop bothering me! Okay, Kasumigaoka Utaha!!" — Eriri

"Alright, you focus on your work. I won't disturb you." — Kasumigaoka

After waiting a bit longer and seeing that Kasumigaoka really didn't send any more messages, Eriri tossed her phone aside and lay back down on her bed, resuming her lazy position.

Work? No rush—it's just one outfit. At most, it'll take three to five hours to complete. She could start at midnight and still finish on time.

Besides, she was curious why Kasumigaoka was in such a rush. She wanted to ask but decided against it.

Kasumigaoka was notoriously tight-lipped. Even if she asked, it would probably be a waste of effort.

So, why bother? Was she bored?

And besides, Kasumigaoka's business had nothing to do with her. Why should she care?

Forget it, no need to think so much. Time to take a nap...

...

The next day at 11:00 a.m., Eriri, dressed in green sportswear, sat down at her desk with a look of urgency and began working.

There's still an hour left—if I rush, I can still make it!

Wait, noon typically means between 11 and 1, right? So I actually have two hours! I can still make it!

===

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