After finalizing the weekend signing details, Machida paid the bill and stood to leave. Just as Utaha rose as well, Machida suddenly turned to her with a suggestion.
"Hey, Utaha-chan, since we still have time..."
"Want to go check out the event venue?"
Utaha thought it over for a moment, then nodded. "Sure."
"Then let's go! Let's roll!"
"Sigh... Can you try acting a bit more mature and composed, Editor Machida?"
"Alright, alright, come on, let's walk!"
"Stop pulling me, I can walk on my own!"
"..."
Amid their playful bickering, the two quickly arrived at their destination.
Just as they reached the bookstore entrance, before they could step inside, Machida suddenly reached out and stopped Utaha, who was still looking down at her music.
Meeting Utaha's puzzled gaze, Machida grinned mischievously and pointed a finger toward the interior of the shop.
Not knowing what scheme her editor was cooking up this time, Utaha instinctively followed her direction.
The next second, a boy's profile slowly came into her line of sight.
Who is he?
Is he... reading my novel?
Two questions flashed through her mind, one after the other.
Yet, inexplicably, within a single breath, those questions vanished without a trace.
All that remained in her heart was the boy's profile and silhouette.
Neat, jet-black hair—a style rarely seen on the streets these days.
On his slightly youthful face, the faint curve of a smile played at his lips, complemented by a perfectly proportioned nose.
But what captivated Utaha's gaze the most were his eyes—eyes that seemed to be smiling, with dark pupils that held a subtle, glimmering light.
This sunshine, gentle-looking young man was currently engrossed in reading her novel.
Thump... thump...
'I think... I can hear my own heartbeat.'
Subconsciously, she glanced down at her chest. A faint blush quietly brushed across her pale cheeks for just a moment.
Please don't misunderstand. This isn't love... it's embarrassment.
After all, seeing someone read her work so intently—and said reader being rather handsome to boot—gave her the distinct feeling that her embarrassing past work was being publicly dissected.
What she didn't know, however, was that the fleeting flush had been completely caught by Machida, whose eyes hadn't left her for a second.
The corners of Machida's mouth curled into a pleased smirk.
Quietly stepping closer to the still-distracted Utaha, she leaned in, her lips barely grazing the author's ear as she whispered:
"Hey, want to ask him for his thoughts?"
"Wah!"
Startled by the sudden whisper, Utaha let out a cute little gasp. Cheeks tinged pink, she covered one ear with her hand.
Stepping back like a frightened bird, she puffed her cheeks and glared at Machida. "Don't suddenly talk right next to my ear! It's incredibly rude, you completely etiquette-deficient editor!"
Utterly unfazed by the "fierce" scolding, Machida simply clasped her hands behind her back, grinned, and leaned in again. "So? Do you want to ask that handsome guy for his thoughts?"
"Look at him! He's reading your novel so seriously. Word by word."
The moment Machida's words landed, Utaha froze.
After a long silence, she lowered her head, letting her bangs hide her reddening cheeks. Quietly, she covered her burning face with her hands and murmured in a tiny voice:
"Please don't speak to me right now."
"Eh? So, are you asking or not? Hurry up, he looks like he's about to leave."
"Could you please just shut up for a second?"
What is this woman playing at? Every word feels like it's deliberately poking at me.
Wearing a smile that could only be described as "benevolent," Machida rested her warm palm against her cheek and chuckled. "Well then, I'll go ask him."
"Shut up."
"Oka~~y."
....
As expected.
It really was senpai's work.
"A love letter, huh."
"Excuse me, sorry to bother you, sir."
Hearing the voice, Miyahito slightly lowered the novel and looked toward the source.
Hmm? A corporate editor?
"Hello, I'm Machida Sonoko, an editor at Shinobu Publishing. May I ask your name?"
"Hello, Machida-san."
Still half-lost in the novel, Miyahito's expression was slightly dazed as he reached out and shook her offered hand.
After the handshake, he released it and replied.
"My name is Aragaki Miyahito."
"Is there something you need, Machida-san?"
Hearing his question, Machida smiled and pointed to the book in his hands... Love's Metronome Vol. 2.
"Actually, we're currently conducting a reader survey."
"Ah, nothing strange! We just want to hear readers' thoughts on our publisher's latest release."
Following her gaze, the realization finally dawned on Miyahito.
'Ah, that's why it felt so familiar. She's Senpai's editor.'
Finally remembering who this sharp, professional editor was, he nodded.
"Sure, I can do that."
"That's great."
Finished with her words, a mischievous, somewhat complex smile tugged at Machida's lips as she thought of something amusing.
Watching her, Miyahito suddenly felt a chill run straight up his spine.
"Hmm, it's a bit inconvenient to talk here. How about we chat at the café over there?"
"Ah... sure, okay."
"Then let's go."
"Wait, let me pay first."
"Alright."
After paying and buying a brand-new, sealed copy of Love's Metronome Vol. 2, Miyahito followed Machida out of the bookstore.
For some reason, watching her head down, tapping away on her phone as if texting someone...
Miyahito got a very subtle feeling.
It was almost like...
Someone had asked this editor to fish for information.
....
"Sir, here's your iced lemon tea."
"Thank you."
Watching the handsome, sunshine-like boy politely smile and thank the waiter...
Machida couldn't help but sigh inwardly.
What a gentle, well-mannered young man.
Having stood completely still reading for a while, Miyahito was thoroughly parched.
Despite his regular exercise keeping his legs from aching...
His throat felt like it was on fire. He took a huge gulp of the ice-cold, sweet-and-sour lemon tea.
Ah, refreshing!
Reading that clear message on his face, Machida chuckled.
Still a kid at heart. So easy to read.
Plus, by his age, he's probably about the same as Utaha-chan, right?
"Ahem." Pushing aside the sudden rosy daydreams, Machida adopted a serious expression and smiled.
"Aragaki-kun, let's begin the interview."
"Eh? I thought it was a survey?"
Ignoring his muttered "Since when does that work?" complaint, Machida readied her pen and paper, smiling lightly.
"Same difference. So, Aragaki-kun, how would you describe Love's Metronome?"
"Ah, well."
Instead of answering immediately, Miyahito pondered for a moment.
Then he looked up, smiling as he replied.
"A love letter."
"Eh?"
The answer caught Machida off guard.
Similarly, the long-haired girl sitting with her back to the editor was just as stunned.
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