She cautiously reached out and touched the glowing screen—
Her finger passed right through, just as she expected.
The unknown is always scary.
Especially when it comes in a way only you can see.
Mitsuha Miyamizu pressed her lips together and muttered to herself,
"Well… whatever this is, I'm not gonna be scared of it."
…
The venue for Kasumi Utako's new book launch.
The last excited fan finally got their signed copy and left, beaming with joy. The once noisy event hall gradually calmed down.
Staff moved in, efficiently packing everything up.
Backstage.
Kasumigaoka Utaha let out a long breath, finally feeling the tension from the whole afternoon start to lift. She rolled her shoulder and rubbed her sore neck.
Then, without hesitation, she took off her hat and mask, dropping the disguise and revealing a face so stunning, it could outshine any spotlight.
Now that she was out of the public eye, her wine-red eyes revealed real exhaustion… and a bit of anticipation.
She scanned the crowd and instantly locked eyes with the one person who'd been sitting quietly in the front row corner—Rei Ao.
She practically jogged over in heels, her skirt catching a graceful arc mid-stride, wearing an apologetic but familiar smile.
"Sorry to keep you waiting, Rei Ao-kun. Dealing with fans is way more exhausting than writing."
Rei Ao stood up, smiling gently, and naturally took her hat and mask from her.
"It wasn't that long," he replied. "But you…"
He reached into his pocket and smoothly pulled out a pack of tissues.
Tugging one free, he gently dabbed the sweat from her temple like it was the most normal thing in the world.
"You've had a tough day."
The warmth of his fingers through the tissue, and that calm, focused look in his eyes—Utaha felt her heart skip a beat.
Her cheeks flushed pink.
His fresh, clean scent was so close, it made her a little dizzy.
And that handsome face, those lips curled into a gentle smile, were right there…
A wave of emotion surged up.
She leaned in on her toes, red eyes shimmering, lips unconsciously drifting toward his—
But just before their moment could peak—
"Well, no wonder you bolted faster than a rabbit right after the signing! Didn't even say hi to me, your editor! You were in such a rush to plug into your little human power bank, huh?"
A snarky, teasing female voice rang out behind them, and the entire mood popped like a bubble.
Utaha jumped back like she'd been shocked, her face turning beet red.
"Ahem…"
She cleared her throat, flustered, and turned around.
It was her editor—Sonoko Machida—leaning casually against the doorframe with arms crossed, wearing the world's most smug "caught you in the act" smirk.
Her eyes flicked between Utaha and Rei Ao, absolutely eating up the scene.
"S‑Sonoko-san! What are you doing here?" Utaha asked, equal parts embarrassed and annoyed.
"What am I doing here?" Sonoko rolled her eyes dramatically and strolled in with flair, fixing Utaha with a mock-scolding glare.
"My dear bestselling author, you invited a total dreamboat like Rei Ao-kun to cheer you on and didn't even think to tell me?"
She turned to Rei Ao, her expression switching from stern to sparkly in a heartbeat, arms spreading like she was about to pounce.
"Rei Ao-kun! I want hugs and kisses and a piggyback too~!"
"Sonoko-san!!"
Utaha instantly jumped in front of Rei Ao like a cat guarding her food dish.
"Could you not?!"
"And FYI, I'm not that desperate!"
She was so embarrassed she wanted to dig a hole and hide.
Rei Ao just laughed at the chaos—one of them flustered and defensive, the other totally shameless.
With calm confidence, he reached out and casually wrapped an arm around each of their waists.
Both women froze.
"Okay, okay," he said with a soothing but firm tone. "The launch went great. It deserves a celebration. Sonoko, you worked hard too."
He looked at both of them, lips curled in a charming little smirk.
"If we're all free, then why wait? How about the three of us go on a date this afternoon?"
"A… a group date?!"
Both women practically shouted in sync, wide-eyed. Then they glanced at each other—and saw the same surprise and… weird awkwardness reflected back.
Utaha's thoughts: A date with Sonoko-san tagging along? That's seriously awkward. And what even is this supposed to be?
Sonoko's thoughts: A date with my author and her maybe-boyfriend? This situation is such a mess… But wow, Rei Ao-kun's arm around my waist? 10/10, would recommend.
Rei Ao didn't give them a chance to say no.
With a gentle but firm tug, he steered both women toward the exit.
"Let's get food first. There's a new French place nearby—heard it's great."
Utaha followed, still blushing furiously, casting him a glare.
But in the end, she sighed and muttered under her breath, "Such a control freak…"
Sonoko, meanwhile, bounced back fast.
Her trademark mischievous grin returned as she leaned in just a bit closer to Rei Ao and threw Utaha a cheeky look.
"Well, well, Utaha-chan~ Looks like your cozy little date just got hijacked. But don't worry, big sis will take very good care of Rei Ao-kun~"
Utaha: "..."
She had a sinking feeling that the chaos of this book launch day was far from over.
…
The golden evening sun stretched their shadows across the sidewalk.
Rei Ao walked in the center.
On his left—an elegant, cool, long-legged bestselling author in black tights.
On his right—a mature, flirtatious, top-tier editor with devilish charm.
The sight turned more than a few heads—
It was like something straight out of a romance movie.
And Rei Ao?
He looked completely at ease, like he was just taking two close friends out for a casual afternoon tea.
Only the playful glint buried deep in his eyes hinted at the truth:
He was absolutely in control of the game.