That Time My Anime Life Got Cursed by Outer Gods-Chapter 98 - 97: Do You Really Want This?

Shiro Sakamaki replied in the group chat:

[OK, then everyone will meet at 1:30 p.m.]

After setting his phone aside, he returned to practicing his painting.

Although his technical control—sharpened by extreme body discipline and precision—far exceeded that of most art students, his work still felt rigid.

Each stroke was too perfect, too calculated, lacking the spontaneity and emotion of life.

He didn't expect to paint like the masters or make hyper-realistic work, but he knew practice never hurt.

As time passed, the figure of a beautiful blonde girl slowly took shape on the canvas—it was Eriri.

The portrait looked clean and well-constructed, but Shiro frowned. Despite the polish, it lacked soul. The strokes were mechanical, like something from a printer—lifeless.

He sighed, set down the brush, cleaned his tools, and after grabbing a quick bite, headed out to meet everyone at the school gate.

---

"Shiro-kun! Over here!"

Ritsu called out as he arrived at the cold drink shop. Inside, Ritsu, Tsumugi, and Mio were already seated.

"Sorry, I lost track of time. I'm not late, am I?" Shiro glanced at the wall clock—he was still ten minutes early.

Tsumugi smiled warmly. "Not at all. I just wanted to try the snacks here, so we came early."

"We're still waiting on Yui," Ritsu added, sipping her drink.

Shiro took a seat and declined the waiter politely. He wasn't in the mood for anything sweet after eating.

---

Eventually, Yui Hirasawa dashed in, panting.

"Sorry, everyone! I'm late!"

"Mou~ we're here to help you buy a guitar, and you're the last to arrive," Ritsu teased.

"Hehe, my bad."

"Well, now that everyone's here—let's go!"

---

They took the tram to the city's commercial district. It was the weekend, and the streets were bustling with people.

As they walked, Mio leaned closer to Yui and asked, "Do you have enough money for the guitar?"

"I borrowed 50,000 yen from my mom... now I need to think carefully how to use it."

But even as she spoke, her attention drifted to a shop window displaying cute skirts. Her feet followed her gaze.

"Hey, Yui, you're here to buy a guitar!" Ritsu called out.

"It's fine, I'm just looking!"

Shiro sighed but followed them inside the boutique. Watching them try on dresses, snack, and play crane games, he felt like they were on a field trip instead of a mission.

Thanks to his ridiculously good (read: suspicious) crane game skills, everyone ended up with a plushie—yes, even Mio, who usually acted so serious.

---

"Wait... weren't we supposed to do something today?"

Yui tilted her head, trying to recall what they had forgotten.

"THE GUITAR!!" Mio nearly shouted.

Only then did Yui's eyes widen with realization.

---

They headed to the [10GIA] music shop, tucked into a quiet corner of the commercial center. Soft, ambient music drifted out from the entrance.

The lighting inside was warm, just enough to make the instruments glow under the spotlights.

There were guitars, basses, drums, and even a collection of CDs on display. The variety was overwhelming.

"Wow~ so many guitars!"

Yui was instantly starstruck, bouncing between models like a kid in a candy store.

As one of the largest music chain stores in the country, the shop didn't hold back in stock or style.

Eventually, she fell in love with a red-and-yellow guitar. Just as she was about to declare it her choice, she spotted the price tag—250,000 yen.

"So expensive...!"

Tsumugi crouched next to her and asked, "Do you really want this one?"

Yui nodded eagerly.

Mio and Ritsu tried to talk her into picking something more affordable, but Yui's eyes never left that guitar. It had some kind of pull.

"If you really want it," Shiro spoke up, "I can lend you the rest. You can pay me back whenever."

Yui's eyes sparkled with joy, but she quickly hesitated. "But that's a lot of money... I only have 70,000 yen with my pocket money included."

"It's fine. We've got time—and you'll improve. The rest will follow."

Ritsu suddenly grinned. "Then let's go bargain with them!"

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