Chapter 56: And So She Became Interested
"As for the reason..."
Looking at Kasumigaoka Utaha's slightly serious expression, Aragaki Takiya began to give his answer.
"Because Utako Kasumi-sensei's work is currently only in a half-finished state, and as a reader, I want to see a complete work created by her, a work entirely crafted by her own hand. If I were to offer opinions now, it would go against my perspective as a reader and interrupt the author's story..."
"Huh? Is that your genuine thought?"
Having obtained the answer she was curious about, Kasumigaoka Utaha at this moment felt a shyness akin to a girl being confessed to. Even though the boy before her hadn't said anything of the sort, it inexplicably made her feel her face growing warm.
"Of course it's my genuine thought. After all, I'm Utako Kasumi's loyal fan."
Aragaki Takiya stretched lazily, not noticing the slightly flushed face of Kasumigaoka Utaha beside him. In his view, what he had said was merely a reader's honest perspective, not involving any other emotions. He had never even considered romantic feelings between them.
"Is that so?"
Hearing Aragaki Takiya's response, Kasumigaoka Utaha tried hard to calm the surging emotions within her heart. At the same time, a different kind of light sparkled in her eyes.
"So that's how it is? The male lead is drawn to the female lead because of her unique talent..."
The black-haired girl's mind was in the midst of a brainstorming storm. Combined with the lingering shyness that hadn't fully faded, she had now completely entered a mode of explosive inspiration.
"Scratch, scratch, scratch~"
The girl tirelessly wrote somewhat messy characters in her red notebook. As the pages gradually filled with her writing, the expression on her face grew increasingly radiant.
"Kasumigaoka Senpai? Are you okay..."
"I'm fine, I'm fine... I'm in great condition right now."
As the passion in her heart gradually subsided, Kasumigaoka Utaha returned to normal. However, at this moment, a different kind of emotion had taken root in her heart.
All along, Kasumigaoka Utaha had been the center of attention. Whether it was her appearance, figure, or intellect, her various advantages meant she never lacked suitors. Yet, those suitors never knew the most genuine thing buried deep within Kasumigaoka Utaha's heart.
She was a proud person, and in real life, she conducted herself accordingly in both words and actions. Whether it was academic dominance or being the unattainable flower in social interactions, what she truly sought was someone who could understand her.
Kasumigaoka Utaha's hidden identity was that of a light novel author. The reason it was hidden was that very few people knew about this identity; even her parents were unaware.
It was precisely through this identity that she could express her thoughts and fully showcase her talent. However, while imagination was rich, reality was stark.
The second volume of her light novel nearly faced cancellation! For someone as proud as her, this was completely unacceptable. But later, she met someone.
His name was Aki Tomoya, an otaku who faced discrimination in real life. Even so, Kasumigaoka Utaha held him in high regard.
Because he had helped her and understood her work. His words of praise were complete recognition of her talent as a light novel author—at least, that's what she believed.
But later, Kasumigaoka Utaha noticed that he had somewhat deviated from the course. He was her loyal reader, so why would he say such things at that time?
Regarding that incident, it naturally involved another key figure: Sawamura Spencer Eriri. Although Kasumigaoka Utaha often teased her and bickered with her, it was undeniable that she enjoyed interacting with her. Otherwise, she wouldn't deliberately choose to bicker with her.
Kasumigaoka Utaha knew about the relationship between Aki Tomoya and Eriri. How to put it? It was probably a rather special Childhood Sweetheart? Yes, that's it! Then, due to some unknown issue, Aki Tomoya said those words.
To have Hashima Izumi serve as the main illustrator.
Without a doubt, this was a betrayal for Eriri.
She had been invited to join the Game Club, doing unpaid volunteer work, yet Aki Tomoya's response was to replace her.
Kasumigaoka Utaha despised this kind of behavior because it contradicted the themes in her book.
So, she also made her own response.
It was one of the few times she gave Aki Tomoya the cold shoulder. To this day, she still had no intention of speaking to him. She didn't understand—how could someone who once understood her heart become like that?
But now, none of that mattered anymore, because Kasumigaoka Utaha's eyes had found someone who could understand her even better. This boy before her—Kasumigaoka Utaha was certain—he would definitely understand her talent.
The reason lay in their answers.
Regarding the ending of love metronome, Kasumigaoka Utaha had once placed her hopes on Aki Tomoya. She believed that since he could understand her book, he could naturally give her a perfect ending. But his answer was that he didn't know; he couldn't provide that kind of answer.
And what about Aragaki Takiya? Kasumigaoka Utaha still hadn't gotten an answer from him, but what she received was encouragement to write freely herself.
Not from any particular identity, but simply as a reader making a request of the author.
Of course, Kasumigaoka Utaha didn't fall for him just because she heard this answer. She wasn't that cheap.
What truly made her happy was that she had found a reader fan in the truest sense.
Not because of her figure or appearance, nor because of any complicated relationships, but simply the relationship between reader and author.
To be honest, Kasumigaoka had been searching for this kind of relationship for a long time.
"Thank you very much, Junior Aragaki. I've found the inspiration I needed..."
Having snapped out of her state, Kasumigaoka Utaha expressed her gratitude to Aragaki Takiya.
"?"
Looking at Kasumigaoka Utaha, who was inexplicably thanking him, Aragaki Takiya had no idea what she had experienced. It was just a simple conversation, so why was she expressing gratitude?
"Sorry, since class is about to start, I'll head back first. See you later~"
Immediately after, Kasumigaoka Utaha hurriedly left. However, her attitude as she departed left Aragaki Takiya somewhat puzzled. When had their relationship become this close?
Glancing at the time on his phone, there were less than ten minutes left until class. At this point, Aragaki Takiya didn't dwell on it further and simply returned to the classroom. "Huh? Who left this..."
Looking at the bread and milk on his desk, the boy couldn't help but feel puzzled.
"Since you didn't come back to the classroom for lunch, Aragaki, I went ahead and bought some for you..."
A gentle voice came from the desk in front of him.
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