My 2D anime story

Inside the Elevator

Su Yu held Yuigahama Yui's hand, waiting for the elevator to reach its destination.

From the moment they stepped into the animation company, Yuigahama had been tense—

Even though no one stopped them, she still felt out of place.

"It's like I'm intruding on everyone's work…"

Ding!

The elevator arrived on the third floor—where the Third Animation Studio was located.

Su Yu let go of Yuigahama's hand and stepped out.

She quickly followed behind him.

Inside the Studio

As they entered, several employees looked up at them.

Sitting with her back to the entrance, Yukinoshita Yukino was fully immersed in her work.

She was completely unaware that Su Yu and Yuigahama had arrived.

Su Yu stopped a few steps away and whispered something to Yuigahama.

She giggled and nodded excitedly.

Then, Su Yu walked up behind Yukino—

And suddenly covered her eyes with his hands.

"Guess who?"

Yuigahama chimed in playfully.

Yukino froze for a moment—

Then spoke in mild surprise.

"Yuigahama-san?"

"Nope, it's me."

Su Yu's voice brushed against her ear, as he finally released his hands.

Yukino turned around—

And saw both of them smiling at her.

"Yukino-chan, I brought you a snack!"

Yuigahama cheerfully handed over the bag of treats.

Yukino glanced at it before taking it gently.

"Thank you."

Her voice was softer than usual.

"Your job looks really complicated… It must be exhausting, right?"

Yuigahama glanced at Yukino's computer screen, filled with intricate background designs.

Yukino shook her head.

"It's not tiring at all. It's actually quite enjoyable."

"This is an important experience for me."

Her calm, confident tone left Yuigahama slightly awed.

"Can I Help?"

Yuigahama hesitated for a moment—

Then turned to Su Yu with bright eyes.

"Is there anything I can do to help?"

Yukino blinked in mild surprise and looked at Su Yu.

Yuigahama also turned toward him, looking hopeful.

Su Yu thought for a moment.

"Hmm… If I were working here, you could bring me coffee?"

"That's it?"

Yuigahama pouted, disappointed.

"Well… If I get tired, you could let me rest on your lap for a bit?"

Su Yu grinned mischievously.

"I can draw too…"

Yuigahama mumbled dejectedly.

"Is that so? Come with me."

Su Yu led her toward one of the young animators.

Yuigahama followed, determined to prove herself.

He approached a female animator and requested to see her previous work.

She excitedly complied, handing Su Yu a few sample sketches.

"Su Yu-kun, my drawing isn't the best… I hope it's okay."

The animator smiled shyly.

Su Yu glanced through the sketches—

Then showed them to Yuigahama.

Her eyes widened in shock.

"…"

The difference between her own drawings and these professional ones was…

Overwhelming.

"Understand now?"

Su Yu returned the sketches to the animator.

She smiled and resumed working.

Yuigahama hung her head, feeling small.

Yukino's Words of Comfort

"Yuigahama-san, don't be discouraged."

Yukino's voice was gentle.

"Even I couldn't surpass them in art."

Yuigahama looked up at her.

"But… I feel useless."

"I can't help Su Yu-kun at all…"

She spoke softly, eyes downcast.

Yukino turned toward Su Yu, her expression unreadable.

Su Yu sighed and ruffled her hair.

"Silly girl."

"Helping me isn't a requirement for me to like you."

"Look at Yukino—she works so hard, and even she hasn't won my heart."

Crunch!

Yukino stepped on his foot.

Yuigahama, watching, burst into laughter.

Time to Leave

Su Yu left to check on the work progress with Miyazumi Shi.

By the time he returned—

He saw Yuigahama happily drawing backgrounds beside Yukino.

"Su Yu-kun, I can do this job too!"

Yuigahama beamed proudly.

Yukino sat beside her, smiling faintly.

Su Yu rubbed his temples.

"That's just a beginner's task."

"Yukino's real job is monitoring the project's progress and reporting to me."

"Then she delegates tasks based on my feedback."

"Huh?"

Yuigahama blinked in confusion.

"Alright, you've seen Yukino, you've tried the work—now it's time to go home."

Su Yu reached out his hand.

"Okay…"

Yuigahama reluctantly stood up.

Yukino's Suggestion

"Yuigahama-san."

Yukino's voice stopped her.

"If you really want to help Su Yu-kun, you should focus on cooking."

"That way, you can save him time on meals and stay by his side."

Yuigahama lit up instantly.

"That's a great idea! Thanks, Yukino-chan!"

Yukino simply smiled gently.

"If you ever get exhausted, don't push yourself."

"Let Su Yu help you—don't be stubborn, okay?"

Yuigahama spoke seriously.

"I know."

Yukino glanced at Su Yu, smiling playfully.

"If I get tired, I won't hold back."

Su Yu rolled his eyes.

"Goodbye, Yukino."

She shot him a glare.

Yuigahama giggled, waving as they left.

On the Way Home

"Su Yu-kun, don't tease Yukino so much."

"She's actually really kind."

Yuigahama clung to his arm.

"She's taught me so much."

"She even said I should act jealous sometimes—so you'll treasure me more."

Su Yu listened silently.

Every sentence was praise for Yukino.

He stared at her.

"Yui… do you think she has dating experience?"

"Huh?"

"Yet you're taking love advice from her?"

"That makes no sense."

Yuigahama pouted.

"That's so mean, Su Yu-kun!"

"I'm just saying—don't listen to her too much."

"What if she actually likes me and is trying to push you away?"

"No way!"

"Yukino doesn't like you at all!"

Yuigahama shook her head firmly.

Su Yu smirked but didn't argue.

"People rarely believe the truth."

A Heavy Feeling

By the time Su Yu dropped her off—

The night had fallen completely.

Yuigahama watched his retreating figure.

Her smile faded—

Replaced by a feeling of loneliness.