That Time My Anime Life Got Cursed by Outer Gods-Chapter 28 - 27: A Promise and a Call

The two sat chatting in the cozy living room as Sayuri busied herself preparing snacks. Eriri, who had stayed up late working on her manuscript, had not eaten lunch and was now starving. As soon as she saw her mother bring in the snacks, she didn't hesitate to grab one and devour it quickly.

"Uhhhhh!" Eriri suddenly choked, pounding her chest in an attempt to clear the obstruction, her face flushing red in embarrassment.

Shiro, always quick to react, handed her a glass of water just in time, helping her recover from her discomfort.

"Wow, you're alive," Shiro joked, offering a smile.

"Eat slowly, I won't steal your food," he added, trying to lighten the moment.

Eriri shot him a glance, aware that he had quite the appetite himself. She'd never forget the time she watched Shiro devour everything on the banquet table with ease—something she'd never imagined anyone could do.

By the way, I heard from Sister Sayuri that you're the ace of the art club at school?" Shiro inquired casually, changing the subject.

Eriri eyed him curiously. "So what?"

"I'm planning to try hand-painting soon. I was wondering if you could take me to buy some painting supplies?" Shiro continued, testing the waters.

Eriri's eyes lit up. If Shiro started learning to paint, they'd have more things in common, and maybe even sketch together. She was all for it, but true to form, her response was a typical tsundere one.

"Hmph, why should I help you?" she huffed, crossing her arms defiantly.

Sayuri, who had been pretending to arrange flowers nearby, rolled her eyes in exasperation. Her daughter would never change; always so stubborn.

Shiro grinned, sensing an opportunity. "Aren't we good friends? If you don't help me, I'll have to ask someone else."

Eriri immediately stiffened, her pride getting the better of her. "Who said I wouldn't agree? But if you want my help, you'll need to give me something in return."

"Nice, Eriri-chan! Go for it!" Sayuri cheered silently in her head, amused by the exchange.

Eriri, now caught in a slight dilemma, fiddled with a strand of her blonde hair, trying to think of a suitable reward. After a moment, she finally shrugged. "Next week is Tōtsuki Culinary Academy's residential training, right? I have two spots. You can come with me."

Shiro was taken aback by her sudden proposal. He hadn't expected her to suggest this. "Oh? What's this about?" he asked.

Eriri glanced away nonchalantly, though a slight blush tinged her cheeks. "My mother sent me an invitation this morning. Our family, as shareholders of Tōtsuki Culinary Academy, is invited to participate in the breakfast review of the residential training. My parents are too lazy to go, so they asked me to represent them. You can join me if you want."

She quickly added, "It's just that you looked so lonely, so I'm letting you come with me. Don't think anything else!"

Shiro couldn't help but chuckle. "Alright, I'll take you up on that offer."

Eriri's lips curled into a satisfied smile, but her prideful demeanor didn't change. "Hmph, just don't get any funny ideas!"

"Thanks, Eriri. You're really reliable," Shiro said as he lightly ruffled her hair, earning an immediate protest from her.

Eriri quickly swatted his hand away and huffed, turning her head in a way that made her blush even more. She was undeniably cute when she acted like this.

Just then, Shiro's phone buzzed in his pocket. He pulled it out, surprised to see a message from Yukinoshita Haruno.

This 𝓬ontent is taken from fгeewebnovёl.co𝙢.

Eriri leaned over curiously and scowled when she saw the name. "Ugh, it's that smirking girl. I didn't expect you two were close."

"I'll explain later," Shiro said, sensing there might be something urgent. He picked up the call, wondering what Haruno needed this time.

"Ara, junior-kun! You finally picked up. I had to wait for a while," came Haruno's voice from the other end, playful as always.

Shiro cut to the chase. "If you're calling just to chat, then this is the last time I'll pick up. I don't have time for small talk."

Eriri smirked, clearly enjoying Shiro's no-nonsense response. She crossed her arms in satisfaction, watching him put Haruno in her place.

After a brief silence, Haruno's tone shifted, losing its flippant edge. "Our family took on a project recently, but something went wrong during the demolition. Three people have died. I went to the site today, and the charm you gave me turned to ashes. I need you to come and check what happened."

Shiro's expression darkened as he processed the information. The charm he had given Haruno was meant to protect against attacks up to a certain level. If it had turned to ashes, the force behind the incident must have been much stronger than expected. It likely involved something related to curses, possibly at the higher end of the "madness" spectrum.

"How many people were there? When did this happen?" Shiro asked, his mind working quickly.

"I'm not sure of the exact details, but there were probably five or six people there. The deaths began three days ago," Haruno replied thoughtfully.

Shiro furrowed his brow. "There's a good chance you'll be safe tonight, but to be on the safe side, you should stay with Mrs. Hiratsuka tonight."

Haruno didn't hesitate. "Alright, I'll contact Little Shizuka. But what about those workers at the site?"

"Leave that to Mrs. Hiratsuka. She'll handle it," Shiro reassured her, before ending the call.

Eriri, who had been silently observing the exchange, couldn't help but feel a sense of concern for Shiro. "What's going on? It sounds serious."

Shiro's face was unreadable, but he didn't answer right away. He could feel the weight of the situation hanging over him. Whatever this was, it was far from ordinary.

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