Tokyo, Akihabara.
The Fushikawa Bunko Office Building.
Upon receiving Kasumigaoka Utaha’s call announcing her arrival, Machida Sonoko immediately set aside her trivial tasks and rushed out of the office, taking the elevator downstairs without delay.
Spotting the familiar figure standing at the entrance, Machida Sonoko walked over, her tone carrying a hint of complaint.
“…Utaha-chan, why didn’t you call me before coming?
What if I wasn’t at Fushikawa Bunko just now?
You would have made a wasted trip.” Actually, aside from the inconvenience, Machida Sonoko was more worried about Kasumigaoka Utaha being poached.
Light novel authors had the right to change editors, and the Fushikawa Bunko building was crawling with them.
If someone recognized Kasumigaoka Utaha and took advantage of Machida Sonoko’s absence to approach her, losing her wouldn’t be impossible.
Although doing such a thing was unethical, everyone worked as an editor for promotions and raises.
Who wouldn’t want more potential authors under their wing?
“Today is the signing event for my light novel.
As my editor, Machida-san, it is impossible for you not to be here.” Kasumigaoka Utaha crossed her arms, her expression calm.
She didn’t see anything wrong with arriving early.
“Anyway, next time you come, call me beforehand, Utaha-chan.
Don’t wait until you arrive like today.” Machida Sonoko pouted.
Even though she was technically an “older single woman.” her demeanor sometimes resembled that of a teenage girl.
Aside from a certain mature aura, time seemed to have left no mark on Machida Sonoko.
Seeing Machida Sonoko’s insistent attitude, Kasumigaoka Utaha replied helplessly, “Fine, fine, I understand.” Machida Sonoko nodded in satisfaction.
It was then that she noticed the figure standing beside Kasumigaoka Utaha.
She looked up instinctively at the person’s face, and a flicker of astonishment passed through her eyes.
What a handsome boy…
Even from this close distance, she couldn’t find a single flaw.
Every feature was perfect.
Seeing Machida Sonoko’s eyes practically glued to him, Kasumigaoka Utaha couldn’t help but cough to remind her.
“Ahem.” Thinking back to the first time she saw Yuen at the shrine, she realized she probably looked just as much like a lovestruck fool as Machida Sonoko did now.
Kasumigaoka Utaha’s ear tips were gradually dyed a rosy pink.
Snapping out of her trance, Machida Sonoko realized her impoliteness and laughed awkwardly.
“…Utaha-chan, is this your boyfriend?” Hearing this, Kasumigaoka Utaha felt a surge of shyness, but she controlled her emotions well, showing no outward sign of embarrassment.
“You misunderstand, Machida-san.
He is just a friend of mine who accompanied me to the signing event.” After their recent conversation, the resentment in Kasumigaoka Utaha’s heart had long since vanished.
“Friend?” A large question mark popped up over Machida Sonoko’s head.
“I’ve never heard of you having any male friends, Utaha-chan.” They had been working together for quite a few years now.
Machida Sonoko wouldn’t say she knew everything, but when it came to Kasumigaoka Utaha’s general social circle, she dared say no one knew better than her.
While other high school boys and girls went out shopping and playing during holidays, Kasumigaoka Utaha stayed home to sleep.
Every time Machida Sonoko visited, she successfully retrieved the manuscript.
If Kasumigaoka Utaha had friends, she certainly wouldn’t be holed up in her apartment every single holiday.
For Kasumigaoka Utaha, who didn’t even have female friends, to suddenly produce a handsome male friend…
it clearly didn’t fit reality.
Kasumigaoka Utaha spoke calmly.
“…I met him not long ago.
In fact, I mentioned him to you at the café last time, Machida-san.” Machida Sonoko paused.
Then, recalling her conversation with Kasumigaoka Utaha at the café, her eyes widened.
“…So, he is the ‘Kami-sama’ you mentioned before?” “Yes.” Kasumigaoka Utaha nodded slightly.
Machida Sonoko looked Yuen up and down suspiciously.
As a modern atheist, she naturally didn’t believe in gods.
Machida Sonoko wondered if this boy was using his handsome face to deceive Kasumigaoka Utaha.
Being stared at so intensely made Yuen feel a bit uncomfortable.
He extended his hand, trying to interrupt Machida Sonoko’s gaze.
“…Hello, I am Yuen.” “Hello, I am Machida Sonoko.” Machida Sonoko shook his hand politely with a smile, but the wariness in her eyes was unmistakable.
Yuen, Yuen Shrine…
She hadn’t expected him to go into such detail as to use the god’s name to make Kasumigaoka Utaha believe he was a deity.
Although her relationship with Kasumigaoka Utaha was professional, after working together for so long, she had come to see Kasumigaoka Utaha as a younger sister.
Facing something that could potentially harm Kasumigaoka Utaha, Machida Sonoko, as an “older sister.” couldn’t just stand by and watch.
Even if the boy in front of her was a one-in-a-million handsome guy.
“Excuse me for a moment.
I have some matters regarding the signing event to discuss with Utaha-chan.
We’ll be stepping away for a bit.” “Please, go ahead.” Yuen waved his hand, indicating he didn’t mind.
….
Meanwhile, inside the public women’s restroom.
Having been dragged here by Machida Sonoko, Kasumigaoka Utaha was puzzled.
“Machida-san, what is so important that we need to speak privately?” Ignoring her question, Machida Sonoko put on a rare serious expression.
“Utaha-chan, is that handsome guy outside really a god?” Kasumigaoka Utaha didn’t understand why Machida Sonoko was asking again, but she nodded anyway.
“Yes.
Didn’t I tell you that last time, Machida-san?” Looks like she’s been brainwashed quite thoroughly…
Machida Sonoko sighed inwardly.
She spoke earnestly, “Utaha-chan, there are no gods in this world.
Don’t be mesmerized just because he’s super handsome.
If he’s swindling you out of your money and body, you’ll be the one getting hurt.” “Machida-san thinks I’m being scammed?” Kasumigaoka Utaha was amused and couldn’t help rolling her eyes.
“As someone guaranteed admission to Waseda University, I have the basic ability to distinguish right from wrong.” “Besides, that Kami-sama is just a friend, not a boyfriend.
I know you care about me, Machida-san, but don’t worry too much.” Machida Sonoko was speechless.
Waseda University was one of the top three universities in Japan.
Without exceptional intelligence, it was hard enough to pass the entrance exam, let alone be guaranteed admission.
Could that handsome guy really be a god?
The thought rose in her mind, but she quickly shook her head.
Dammit, I must be crazy…