"The scene where she confessed to her on a snowy night... it was so beautiful~"
The moment Kotomi Izumi said those words, Tomoka Yuigahama subconsciously glanced out the window. Just moments ago, it had only been lightly snowing, but now the snow was falling harder and thicker.
What time was it now? Night.
What was the weather outside? Snowing.
Put together, what did that make? A snowy night.
As Kotomi's words echoed in her mind, Tomoka Yuigahama, though she had never written a novel or drawn manga before, had often illustrated light novels and games. She had read enough classic story scenes to understand what was happening.
For example, when the protagonist confesses to their beloved, they often begin by saying: I recently read a novel, or I watched a manga, or I saw a drama...
Then, the story they tell perfectly matches the time, place, and atmosphere of their current confession.
Maybe such a story really exists—or maybe it's just a setup the protagonist invents to softly lead into their confession.
But no matter what, these kinds of "I recently read a novel..." openings are always a way of hinting at their feelings.
After such a classic setup, one of two things happens: either the heroine senses the hidden meaning and the confession succeeds, or their hearts draw closer and love gradually blossoms until they become lovers.
Back when Tomoka Yuigahama saw such scenes in stories, she would always sigh softly and think: How romantic... when little feelings hidden in everyday words slowly build up over time.
And if the heroine failed to notice, she would complain aloud: Is her head made of wood?
But now, Tomoka found herself in that exact kind of classic scene—where Kotomi Izumi was the one hinting at her feelings.
If Kotomi truly was confessing to her in this roundabout, gentle way... should she pretend not to notice, or should she acknowledge it?
If she chose to notice and accept Kotomi's feelings, she'd have to respond—to either accept or reject them. But right now, Tomoka didn't even know what she wanted to do.
If she pretended not to notice, things might stay simple. But deep down, she felt as if another version of herself was whispering to her heart:
Respond to Kotomi's feelings. You won't regret it. Tomoka, you've worked so hard all these years—raising two daughters, running the cake shop by day and staying up late drawing illustrations by night. Haven't you ever wanted to love someone again? To let yourself feel happiness, even once? Even if that someone happens to be your daughter's girlfriend...
Those words in her heart carried such dangerous allure that she almost wanted to give in—to stop resisting, to look at Kotomi's feelings head-on, and let herself be drawn closer to her.
But just as she was about to lose control, the rational voice of a mother screamed within her:
Tomoka Yuigahama, you shameless woman! Think about your age difference! And don't you remember she's Yui's girlfriend? You keep saying you want both your daughters to find happiness—so how could you, when Yui's finally about to have hers, start having such thoughts about her girlfriend? You must stop! If you don't, you'll become an unworthy mother whom Yui will never forgive!
Though her reason always managed to pull her back from the edge, it couldn't erase that faint but undeniable warmth she felt toward Kotomi.
As Tomoka struggled silently with her heart, Kotomi Izumi spoke again:
"I'm fairly confident in my writing. If I used words, I could probably describe how beautiful that scene was—but I think the purpose of a novel's illustration is for the art and the text to complement one another."
"Words can paint a mood, drawing readers slowly into the story, while illustrations, once the readers are immersed, use images to directly convey the scene and emotions. They make readers sigh and think, 'So this is what the story looks like.'"
"I might include a similar 'snowy night confession' scene in my next novel. When I finish the draft, could I ask Aunt Tomoka to draw the illustration for it?"
"Although I haven't decided yet exactly how it should look—or what details to add—I feel that to make this illustration truly beautiful, the way I imagine it, we'll need to communicate a lot and revise it together over time."
As she spoke, Kotomi Izumi smiled softly and added:
"So, Aunt Tomoka, the reason I called today was partly to let you know we're safe—Yui, Yukino, and I are already on the train, so you don't need to worry.
"And partly because I wanted to say: our next illustration project might be a little tougher than usual. I haven't decided yet which novel the 'Snowy Night Confession' illustration will belong to, or what exact scene it'll portray... but once I've figured that out—where it fits and how to draw it—I'll be counting on your guidance, Aunt Tomoka~"
Kotomi's words, gentle and deliberate, gave Tomoka Yuigahama a way out. She could tell Tomoka had just been struggling with indecision, torn between her emotions and reason. Naturally, Kotomi knew when to stop—offering Tomoka a graceful step back from her hesitation.
Kotomi understood very well that feelings could never be rushed.
When it came to love, being too eager often led to the opposite result.
After all, her goal this time wasn't to make Tomoka face her feelings or force her to choose—she merely wanted to send a subtle signal. She hadn't expected Tomoka to be so perceptive, instantly understanding what she meant the moment she hinted at it.
Suddenly, Kotomi remembered something from her previous life as Ailun—something Xu Shaoxin had once said to her:
"Mature women are clever like foxes. It's one of the gifts that time gives them. Sometimes, before you even finish your sentence, they already know what you're going to say—and what you're thinking in your heart.
"But when a mature woman meets someone she truly loves, she's willing to tuck away that fox-like cleverness and become a silly, lovestruck girl beside the one she adores—a gentle, devoted partner.
"Don't think she's really become foolish. If the person she loves stays true and cherishes her, she'll happily stay that way forever. But if he stops loving her... she'll regain that fox-like sharpness in an instant."
Kotomi remembered Xu Shaoxin's words vividly. As the memory came back, the corners of her lips lifted slightly.
Back then, Xu Shaoxin had said it while sitting astride him after they had finished, sipping absinthe as she spoke. At the time, as Ailun, he'd thought she was just tipsy and rambling—after all, it wasn't wine she'd been drinking, but bitter absinthe.
Yet now, looking back, he realized how right she'd been.
Mature women really are as clever as foxes, Kotomi thought to herself with quiet amusement.
"Eh? I-Illustrations? Ah, sure, no problem! Leave it to me!"
Just moments ago, Tomoka Yuigahama had been torn and uncertain, not knowing how to respond. But after hearing Kotomi Izumi's words, she blinked in surprise—then let out a long sigh of relief.
So she had misunderstood again. Kotomi's call wasn't about anything deeper—she was just checking in safely and talking about illustration work.
But along with that sense of relief came an unexpected trace of disappointment...
Well, that's only natural, isn't it? she thought. Kotomi's so young—how could she possibly like someone like me? I'm an older woman, married once, with two daughters. Of course, she likes young, pretty girls... Wait—what am I thinking?! Why do I feel disappointed? The fact that Kotomi doesn't see me that way just proves how loyal she is to Yui. That should make me happy, shouldn't it?*
Tomoka set down her phone, switched it to speaker mode, and gave her own cheeks a light pinch—trying to snap herself out of it.
"Once the time comes, it might be a little tough," Kotomi said meaningfully, her tone carrying a soft, teasing lilt. "After all, when it comes to illustration work, I can get pretty... particular when I'm serious~"
"No problem! You can count on me," Tomoka replied confidently. "No matter how difficult the illustration, I'm sure I can draw something that matches your vision perfectly. After all, I'm the lead artist for your future game studio—Type-Moon Realm! I have to give my all to create something worthy of you!"
Tomoka didn't catch the deeper nuance in Kotomi's words—she simply took them at face value as a professional reminder to be prepared. Instead of making her anxious, Kotomi's encouragement reignited a fire that had long lain dormant in her heart.
In that moment, Tomoka remembered the woman she used to be—a spirited, competitive girl unafraid of challenges.
Marriage and the ordinary grind of daily life had slowly dulled that spark. The years of balancing housework, raising children, and running her cake shop had made her fighting spirit fall quiet, buried deep inside.
But Tomoka had never regretted it.
Some people chose careers. Others chose family. Neither path was better or worse—they were simply different.
Thinking of her two adorable, understanding daughters, Yui and Yuka, Tomoka felt no regret at all for choosing the latter.
The greatest fortune in her life, she thought, was having the chance to raise those two girls.
On the other end of the line, Kotomi Izumi smiled faintly as she listened to the renewed strength in Tomoka's voice. Her smile carried unspoken words—thoughts she held close to her heart. But she didn't intend to say them aloud now.
It wasn't that she didn't want to open her heart—in truth, if she could, Kotomi would tell Tomoka every feeling and thought she held for her.
But this was a phone call. Words of true affection were meant to be said face-to-face.
"Well then, Aunt Tomoka," Kotomi said softly, "I'll be looking forward to seeing your skills in action. Not that I ever doubted you~ It's getting late, so you should rest soon. With illustration work not too heavy right now—and since I already paid you a year's salary in advance—you don't have to push yourself like before. Try to go to bed around eleven and sleep until you wake up naturally."
Tomoka laughed gently. "I haven't stayed up late recently. I've been fixing my schedule, too. But for a mother, sleeping until I naturally wake up is a bit of a luxury. I still have to make breakfast, lunch, and dinner for Yui and little Yuka, then handle the housework.
"But it's not hard at all. It's fulfilling—and it makes me happy. Before, when I was running the cake shop and staying up late to finish illustrations, life was just one endless rush. I was always aware I wasn't spending enough time with my daughters, and when I finally stopped working, I was usually too tired to do anything but rest.
"Now that the shop's closed, and with the year's salary you advanced me, I don't have to worry about money for a while. Stepping away from all that busy chaos, I just want to focus on being a good mother—and make up for the time I lost with my girls."
"At the same time, I've been trying to improve my illustration skills—to make sure my work truly lives up to the title of Chief Artist of Type-Moon Realm."
Even though Kotomi Izumi's game studio, Type-Moon Realm, hadn't officially been established yet, Tomoka Yuigahama—its future lead artist—already felt that her skills still weren't quite up to the position's standards. So, she had been steadily working to improve her art these past few weeks.
When Kotomi found out, she didn't stop her, so long as Tomoka didn't stay up late drawing.
"I really support you working on your art," Kotomi said gently, "but make sure to watch the time when you practice. No staying up late, okay? Oh, and if possible—I'd like your art style to stay the same. I really love your style, Aunt Tomoka. It's so... sensual."
"Mm-hm, got it, I'll keep that in mind. And don't worry—my art style won't change. Actually, even if I wanted to change it, I couldn't. When I first started drawing illustrations, I didn't even know what my 'style' was. I just drew based on intuition. Then, after I uploaded one of my works to Pixiv... a few days later, it made it onto Pixiv's sensual illustration recommendation list."
"That just proves it's talent! Please keep it that way!"
"Okay!"
Tomoka was caught off guard by Kotomi's seriousness. Was Kotomi really that fond of her illustration style? Then she absolutely couldn't let her down!
After chatting a little longer, Kotomi told Tomoka goodnight and hung up the phone.
Kotomi was very satisfied with how the call had gone—from beginning to end, she had maintained complete control.
Leaving the restroom, Kotomi made her way back toward her seat. Halfway down the aisle, she came face to face with a train attendant pushing a beverage cart.
Kotomi's gaze lingered a little too long on the attendant's legs—those smooth, shapely legs under her sheer stockings. It wasn't intentional, but the moment she saw them, her eyes simply couldn't help but stick there.
Trying to cover up her wandering gaze, Kotomi cleared her throat and spoke in her soft, playful tone:
"Miss~ I'd like a Pepsi with ice, please. Could you bring it to my seat over there? Thank you, miss~"
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