Miss Kobayashi's Dragon Compendium

Manga Is Life! (And Ichigo Almost Loses His?!)

"Evening," God he sounds worse in real life. What a refreshing memory of those sleepless nights.

"Charming as ever Mr. Fafnir. Anyway I got the drawings in person. That 'Cursed Anthology' has a lot of characters thanks to you, so, I have to cut it down from 40 to 6 main protagonists," I sat down with him in an aisle. We both were at a diner, perfect for a bite and some discussion.

"Why?"

"Look, most readers won't be able to keep up with that many MCs. Trust me, ever heard of 'Yu Yang Pao'?"

"No?"

"Exactly. My biggest failure. See limiting the amount means more exposure. More exposure identifies the reader to the characters, meaning dollar bills ya'll, if we're using American lingo. So here, these are the design concepts for the 'Top Dog' as you described him," I showed him a few pictures. By a few, I mean a sketchbook filled with options.

"Hm...Option H's hairstyle is good, but the clothes are unsatisfactory in portraying the character's nature of blood lust,"

"Well, how about mixing it with the subtle designs of Option C or E?" I responded as he flipped through the drawings. Of course I didn't expect the smack in the back of the head. Turning, I was surprised to find her of all people; Miss Kobayashi.

"Wanna' explain why there is a bill on MY tab? Something about damages to a Candy Store? Ichigo?" She eyed me. I knew that she was very mad, yet something told me, this would smooth over. "You owe me 6000 Yen plus interest,"

Christ. I was wrong.

"Dammit, Kobayashi. I'm in the middle of a client meeting," I laughed, pointing at brood master F.

"Oh hey Fafnir," Huh?!

"Hello,"

"Wait you two know each other," I stared at both of them, completely shocked. They nodded, as I just facepalmed in embarrassment, a smirk on my face. "Small world...hehe,"

Another new surprise came in the form of a blonde bimbo. Cosplay? Maybe. But I had some prior knowledge of this maid from Iruru; Tohru.

"Miss Kobayashi~ Kanna is done with her meal. You sort of left when the...oh hi Fafnir," She waved, and slowly turned her gaze unto me. "Uh, Who is this?"

"Ichigo, an old friend," She casually explained. "We went to middle school together at one point,"

"Hehe, can't believe you remember that long ago," I responded, remembering those days. Of course I did feel an aura from the blonde female. Hostile.

"Yeah, still remember that day you confessed to me," Kobayashi, your killing me; the blonde is clearly there!

"C-Confess?" That sounded venomous. Better fix the scenario fast, before I end up dragon food.

"Yeah, she rejected me almost in record time," I laughed. It was true though; as soon I said 'I love you', I was just met with a condescending 'Not interested'. "Boy, you did not even try and be subtle. Just flat out NO,"

That at least tame Tohru's rage a bit. At least she was not going to murder me, effing yandere lesbian.

"Yeah. Like I'd go out with the boy known to cause trouble. Like the interest on that bill your paying for," Dammit. Mission objective failed; my debt has begun!

"Shit. Not even a break, huh?" I sighed as she only laughed a little.

"Nope," Blunt as ever, Eh Kobayashi?

"Well, he seems okay...I guess," Tohru grimaced, still very much hating me. Because again; effing yandere lesbians!

Of course, Fafnir stated to me that he was cutting the meeting short, now that Tohru was here. Didn't know why, seemed awfully odd. But at least I avoided the wrath of the raging dragon.