In the eyes of others, Eriri was a radiant beauty, a young lady from a prestigious family, graceful and elegant, impossible to ignore. Yet in reality, she was a hardcore otaku. Within her circles, she was jokingly nicknamed "Otaku Eriri."
At home, she dressed casually—sometimes even sloppily. Even when her hair was messy, glasses thick, and she wore an unremarkable green tracksuit, her beauty and aura were undeniable.
No one would guess that this stunning girl had another identity: a doujinshi artist. Despite still being underage, she had already contributed to several adult works, some of which had sold like wildfire. Today, she was taking on a challenge: creating fan art of the so-called "Queen of Doujinshi," Isuzu Chitose.
"Her classic red-and-black uniform with white stockings… that's a must," Eriri murmured, biting her brush. "Which pose would look best… maybe from behind… no, wait… maybe the classic one is still the safest…"
Her mind raced with indecision. She had only completed half the drawing when she found herself unable to continue—her thoughts were scattered, flitting between Youichi Okita at the hospital and the current vote count for Attack of the Giants.
"Forget it. I'll go out for a bit and finish this later." She reluctantly paused her work, put away her brush, covered the canvas, and changed into a fresh pale-yellow dress. She styled her hair into her signature twin tails, swapped her thick glasses for contacts, and checked her reflection one last time before heading downstairs.
She planned to visit the hospital to see Youichi, to tell him that Attack of the Giants had been uploaded and entered into the contest. But as she reached the first floor, she was greeted by her parents and a group of relatives streaming into the living room—visitors who had come all the way from Nara.
Eriri froze, realizing her hospital trip would have to wait. In her family, hosting relatives was a sacred duty.
"Eriri, your uncle and aunt brought your cousins from Nara. Go greet them!" her mother, Sayuri, called.
Eriri nodded, walking over with a polite bow. "Hello, uncle, aunt!"
"Eriri, it's been a while! You've grown even more beautiful," her aunt said warmly.
After a few polite exchanges, two young cousins ran up to her, tugging at her sleeves. "Eriri, come play with us!"
"Eriri, entertain them for a while. Later, we'll go to a restaurant, visit Asakusa Shrine, and then the theater," her father added, outlining the day's packed schedule. It was clear—any attempt to sneak out was impossible.
"Understood…" Eriri replied with a resigned sigh and led the children into the garden to play.
Meanwhile, at the hospital, Youichi Okita woke up to the dimming light of evening. A vague sense of irritation gnawed at him—perhaps because Eriri hadn't visited.
He casually asked the nurse, who confirmed that she hadn't come today.
He let out a quiet sigh, thinking perhaps she was busy managing the publication and upload of his manga. "She's already doing so much for me… I can't ask for more," he mused. If he recovered, he'd have to thank her properly.
After a while, Youichi closed his eyes, entering his consciousness space. He opened the attribute panel to check his physical state and the progress of his task.
[Host: Youichi Okita][Remaining Lifespan: 5 days][Health: 5/100 (extra conscious time per day: 2 hours)][Task: Create and publish a manga within 5 days, reach 5,000 views to earn +5 days lifespan][Task Progress: None]
Seeing the progress as "None," Youichi frowned. "System, explain!"
Even if Eriri hadn't successfully published it yet, his manga was finished. Surely, the task should reflect that?
The system responded:
[Answer: A work must complete one full volume to be considered a complete manga.]
Youichi finally understood. In Japan, manga were typically published by volume. His Attack of the Giants had only three chapters, seventy-two pages—short of a complete volume. The original first volume contained four chapters, ninety-six pages.
"So, it has to be a full volume to count…" he muttered, frustration creeping in. Yesterday, he had wanted to finish the first volume but had been stopped by his attending physician, who confiscated the notebook and gave it to Eriri to take home.
He shook his head. "After today, only four days left… can we make it?"
He could do nothing now but place all his hope on Eriri.
Monday morning. Eriri had breakfast, changed into her school uniform, and headed to her private school, Toyosaki Academy, located in Chiyoda, Tokyo—relatively close to Youichi's hospital.
She explained to her classmates and club members that Youichi had cancer. Many were shocked and expressed their wish to visit him after school.
She did not mention Attack of the Giants, respecting Youichi's request for anonymity.
After school, Eriri, accompanied by seven or eight classmates, bought fruits and nutritional supplements and went to visit Youichi.
Outside his hospital room, a middle-aged couple was speaking quietly with the doctor, their faces etched with worry and exhaustion.
This middle-aged couple carried themselves with refinement and cultured elegance—clearly educated people.
By now, Eriri had a pretty good idea of their relationship to Youichi.
"They must be Youichi's parents!"
Eriri remembered that when Youichi had first transferred into their class and introduced himself at the podium, he'd mentioned that both his parents were university professors back in his home country.
So Youichi came from an academic family. While not quite on par with Eriri's own household, his family was solidly upper-middle class.
Youichi's father was a professor of Japanese language at a university back home, while his mother taught in the Art and Design department.
Growing up immersed in that environment, Youichi had learned Japanese from a young age and developed an interest in visual arts—which was why he'd decided to study abroad in Japan to pursue manga.
Seeing Youichi's parents deep in discussion with the attending physician, Eriri didn't want to interrupt.
She turned to the classmates behind her and reminded them of a few things to keep in mind when visiting the hospital room.
About a minute later, the familiar-looking nurse emerged from Youichi's room.
After exchanging a few words with the attending physician and Youichi's parents, the nurse walked toward Eriri.
Seeing Eriri and the seven or eight students in matching uniforms behind her, the nurse asked, "Are you all friends of the patient?"
Eriri nodded. "Excuse me, nurse—is Youichi awake?"
"He woke up not long ago," the nurse replied. "The doctor is running some tests right now. Please wait out here for a bit."
Eriri and her classmates nodded and moved to sit on nearby chairs.
Then the nurse stepped aside and gave Eriri a meaningful look.
Understanding, Eriri approached her. "Is something wrong?"
The nurse glanced at Youichi's parents, then leaned in close to whisper in Eriri's ear: "Your boyfriend's parents just arrived from overseas—aren't you going to say hello?"
Eriri froze. This nurse had completely misunderstood the situation.
She wasn't Youichi's girlfriend at all...
"Nurse, you've got it wrong. I'm not—"
Before Eriri could finish, Youichi's mother had already walked over, interrupting her conversation with the nurse.
Nanami Okita—Youichi's mother—had noticed the group of students earlier.
Seeing their Toyogasaki Academy uniforms, she knew they must be her son's classmates, here to visit.
"You must be Youichi's classmates?" Nanami said in reasonably fluent Japanese. "Hello, I'm Youichi's mother. Thank you so much for coming to visit him."
Several classmates stood and bowed in greeting.
Nanami then turned to face Eriri, a smile spreading across her face.
"You must be Youichi's girlfriend?" Nanami said gratefully. "Thank you so much for looking after him these past few days while we were away. You've worked so hard..."
Hearing this, Eriri's face went pale with shock.
She glanced frantically at the nurse beside her, her eyes carrying a hint of reproach.
That nurse must have spread this rumor!
Worried her classmates would get the wrong idea, Eriri quickly explained: "Ma'am, there's been a misunderstanding—we're just classmates."
"Oh? Really..." A flash of disappointment crossed Nanami's face, though she quickly recovered her composure.
Earlier, when the nurse had told her that her son had a beautiful girlfriend, she'd been so happy.
But now, hearing the truth from Eriri herself, she couldn't help feeling regretful and disappointed.
Nanami had long harbored a particular sorrow.
Her son Youichi was so young, facing the end of his life, and he'd never even been in love...
As a mother, she couldn't help but feel immense sadness and regret about this.
"Though perhaps it's for the best... If she were Youichi's girlfriend, having to say goodbye to someone she loved would be incredibly cruel for her."
Thinking this way, Nanami felt somewhat at peace.
Given Youichi's condition, she couldn't let him hold back a young woman's future.
The girl before her—Eriri—was elegant, refined, petite and adorable. Clearly a wonderful person, and a perfect match for Youichi.
It was just Youichi's terrible luck that he'd never have the chance...
Nanami sighed helplessly before regaining her composure.
Next, Eriri and several classmates introduced themselves to Nanami and gave her a brief overview of Youichi's situation at school, both in class and in his club activities.
Meanwhile, Youichi's father was still in discussion with the attending physician.
Reijun Okita, Youichi's father, was a professor of Japanese language who had studied abroad in Japan in his youth and spoke the language fluently.
Eriri focused her attention and caught the details of their conversation.
"Doctor, how much longer does my son have?"
"I'm very sorry, but the patient's condition continues to deteriorate. Our assessment is that he has another 3-4 days..."
"Doctor, please—you must do everything you can to save him, spare no effort to help him hold on a few more days! The targeted therapy drug we ordered will arrive soon!"
"You have a targeted therapy drug?"
"Yes! A year ago, we took him to America for treatment and had genetic matching done. Recently we received word that a gene-targeted experimental drug has been successfully developed."
"Really? That's wonderful news!"
"Because it's an unapproved experimental medication, importing it to Japan requires going through customs approval procedures, which will take a few days..."
"I see... I understand. We'll absolutely do everything in our power to help the patient hold on!"
"Thank you so much!"
...
Hearing the conversation between Reijun and the attending physician, Eriri's heart leapt.
Learning that Youichi still had hope of surviving, she couldn't contain her joy and excitement.
She couldn't help but rush forward, asking excitedly: "Sir, is that true? Does Youichi really still have a chance?"
Reijun looked at the girl before him, hesitated briefly, then nodded firmly.
He wasn't one hundred percent confident.
It was only an experimental drug, untested in clinical trials, with no guaranteed efficacy—just a probability of success.
But as long as there was even a sliver of hope, Reijun wouldn't give up on his son.
Right now, he could only pray that Youichi would hold on until the gene-targeted drug arrived.
After a while, the medical staff finished examining Youichi.
The nurse opened the hospital room door, allowing everyone to enter for their visit.
"You can all go in to see the patient now!"
Everyone entered the hospital room together.
Youichi lay in the hospital bed, his eyes now open.
A middle-aged couple entered first, their faces filled with worry as they looked at their son.
Through his memories, Youichi recognized them as his parents in this world.
Their names were the same as his parents from before—Reijun Okita and Nanami Okita.
A wave of familiarity and warmth rose in his heart.
"Dad, Mom!"
"Youichi!"
Reijun and Nanami rushed to his bedside.
Nanami clasped Youichi's hands tightly, saying gently, "Youichi, you've been through so much..."
Reijun remained silent, sadness evident on his face.
Youichi endured the pain wracking his body and said, "Mom, Dad, I'm okay. Please don't worry too much."
"Yes, you're going to get better!" Nanami wiped the tears from the corners of her eyes, then turned slightly. "Youichi, your classmates came to see you too."
Youichi looked over to find Eriri and several other familiar classmates had arrived.
"You all came..." Youichi gave them a weak smile.
The classmates approached one by one, taking turns expressing their concern and wishing him a speedy recovery.
Youichi felt deeply grateful and thanked each of them.
Witnessing this scene, Reijun and Nanami were moved, their eyes growing moist.
When Youichi had insisted on studying abroad in Japan alone, they'd strongly opposed it, worried he'd be lonely in a foreign country.
But it turned out he had made friends here after all.
These classmates seemed to have good relationships with him, especially that girl named Eriri.
It was just that shortly after arriving, his condition had suddenly deteriorated...
Nanami felt both comforted and heartbroken, tears streaming down her face uncontrollably.
Eriri placed a hand on Nanami's shoulder, consoling her. "Please don't be sad. I believe Youichi will get better!"
"Yes... thank you." Nanami wiped away her tears and thanked Eriri.
She had a very favorable impression of Eriri, finding her warm-hearted and understanding.
In the hospital room, Youichi chatted with his parents for a while, then with his classmates.
Finally, his gaze settled on Eriri's face. He seemed to want to say something but hesitated, his expression carrying a questioning look.
Eriri immediately understood—he wanted to ask about the manga submission.
She nodded with a smile and gave him an OK gesture.
Youichi understood and looked at her gratefully.
After about ten minutes, the classmates said their goodbyes and left the hospital.
Eriri didn't leave with them, choosing to stay behind.
She'd sensed from Youichi's expression that he had something important he wanted to tell her.
"Eriri, could you watch over Youichi for a bit? We need to take care of some things."
Reijun needed to check on the latest status of the gene-targeted drug, while Nanami had to handle Youichi's hospital admission paperwork.
They felt comfortable leaving Eriri to look after him for a while.
Eriri naturally didn't refuse.
So only Youichi and Eriri remained in the hospital room.
Eriri explained that she'd submitted Attack on Titan to the Weekly Shonen Magazine's online submission contest. The voting phase had already begun, and she'd do her best to promote his work and get more people to see it.
She also mentioned that she'd come up with a pen name for him.
Youichi really liked the pen name "Nagumo" and decided to use it for all his future published works.
This left Eriri feeling both flattered and inexplicably delighted.
Once the submission matter was settled, Youichi asked, "Sawamura, did you bring the manuscript? I want to finish the last chapter of Titan's first volume."
Hearing this, Eriri instinctively clutched her bag and said in a firm tone, "I did bring it, but the doctor said you can't draw anymore. You need to rest..."
Youichi pleaded, "Please let me draw! It's only about twenty pages. If I don't finish it, I won't be able to sleep tonight."
Seeing the hopeful look in Youichi's eyes, Eriri hesitated, her resolve softening.
But after a moment of wavering, she stuck to her decision.
"No. Your health comes first right now. You shouldn't be drawing!" Eriri steeled herself and firmly refused his request.
What mattered most to Eriri right now was Youichi's life and health.
He only had a few days left—if she let him draw, it would be like letting him burn through what little life he had remaining.
She understood his desire to draw.
But this wasn't the time for it. At least, he should wait until after taking the targeted drug and showing signs of improvement!
That's what Eriri thought.
If something happened to Youichi, she'd have no way to face his parents.
Youichi knew Eriri was just concerned about him.
But right now, the only thing that could save his life was drawing!
Only by completing the first volume would he be able to keep living!
Time was running out!
Seeing Eriri's reluctance, Youichi pleaded again. "Sawamura, please give me the manuscript. I have to finish the last chapter of Titan today!"
"No!" Eriri had her own stubborn streak, her tone becoming somewhat stern.
She absolutely wouldn't let him keep drawing.
Youichi felt increasingly anxious, knowing he couldn't waste any more time.
Just as he was thinking about what to do next, a surge of distress hit him. His entire body felt like it was being cut with knives, and intense pain flooded through him.
The agony within his body had returned to torment him.
"Cough, cough, cough..." Youichi coughed several times, his face growing even paler.
"Are you okay?!" Eriri panicked and quickly moved to support him.
She grabbed the oxygen mask hanging by the bed and placed it over his face, gently patting his back.
"Look at you—you're in this condition and still thinking about drawing!" Her voice carried a hint of reproach. "Once you're feeling better, you can draw then..."
"Cough, cough... Sawamura, I really can't wait. Please, just let me draw! I'll take full responsibility for whatever happens!"
Youichi couldn't worry about anything else anymore. Right now, all he wanted was to finish drawing what remained.
Just then, his mother Nanami entered the room.
"Youichi, what's wrong?"
Seeing her son's pained expression, Nanami ran forward with concern written all over her face.
"Mom, I want to draw!" Youichi said.
Nanami frowned slightly. "But the doctor said you need to rest."
"No!" Youichi said loudly. "This is my last chance!"
"Don't talk nonsense, sweetheart. You still have hope—you mustn't give up."