In front of his desk, Shiro Sakamaki powered on his computer and started sifting through the day's unread messages.
Unsurprisingly, the sender with the most messages was Machida Sonoko.
Most of her texts were about the novel's printing progress and early sales updates, but they were also laced with a clear sense of irritation.
Since submitting his manuscript, Shiro hadn't checked in once—fully immersed in his next project without even glancing at the novel's current performance.
As for the actual sales? He'd find out at the next settlement.
Machida Sonoko: [Teacher Sakamaki, can you please show a little more concern for your own work? What if it tanks?!]
Shiro casually rested his fingers on the keyboard and replied:
Shiro: [I trust you, Editor Machida. You wouldn't let me down, right?]
Machida Sonoko: [Of course not! Just so you know, I even managed to save Kasumigaoka Utaha's series when it was on the verge of being axed!]
There was undeniable pride in her words. Truth be told, it was partly her strategy that helped Kasumigaoka's novel avoid cancellation.
Machida Sonoko: [By the way, you left so fast the other night—both Kasumi and I were stunned.]
Shiro: [Let's not bring that up. Some things are better left unknown.]
Shiro: [If you're really curious, read my novel.]
Back in her apartment, Machida Sonoko froze mid-scroll.
Her gaze shifted to the freshly printed copy of Tenryuu Chronicles on her desk. A chill ran down her spine.
Was Shiro saying… that what he wrote actually happened?
It explained the eerily vivid emotions, the realism behind the horrors, the way the protagonist carried trauma like second skin…
Her hands trembled slightly as she held the book.
For a moment, a heavy unease filled her chest. If monsters like the ones in that book truly existed… was she even safe?
As if on cue, a cold gust of wind blew open her window. A chill swept through the room, and she shivered violently.
---
Back in Shiro's apartment, he was seated at his drawing desk, brush dancing across the page with practiced ease.
Paint flowed with control—until the sudden ring of the doorbell broke his focus.
The brush jerked, and paint smeared across the once-perfect canvas.
From the couch, Kanna Kamui didn't even look up from her game console.
"Typical," Shiro muttered, standing up and heading to the door.
Peering through the peephole, his eyes widened in surprise.
"Misaki-senpai?"
Outside stood the ever-energetic Misaki Kamiigusa, practically bouncing on her feet.
"Heeey~ Junior Shiro! I'm here to play! Let's pull an all-nighter!"
It was sudden—but not unwelcome.
"Come on in," he said, stepping aside.
As soon as she entered, her eyes landed on Kanna, still absorbed in God of War.
"Eh? Who's this little cutie? She wasn't here last time!"
Before Shiro could explain, Misaki squealed and darted toward Kanna.
"Kawaii! So cute!! Come here—let Onee-chan hug you!"
Kanna instantly dropped the controller and darted behind Shiro like a startled cat.
"Hooman. What are your intentions?" she asked warily, peeking from behind his back.
Misaki gasped. "A role-play game between humans and aliens?! This is amazing! I want in!"
She immediately gave chase, laughing all the way. But Kanna, despite her small size, was a dragon—fast, nimble, and impossible to catch.
After several failed attempts, Misaki slumped onto the couch, panting.
"Hahh… definitely not human… Her agility's off the charts! But I'm not giving up!"
"Okay, Misaki-senpai," Shiro interjected with a chuckle.
"Kanna's my cousin. She's just shy around strangers. Don't push her too hard."
"Cousin? That's not what I expected… Wait, she takes after your uncle then?"
"Exactly."
"Hmm… I see." Misaki's curiosity didn't fade, but she dropped the chase—for now.
"Anyway! Let's play some fighting games until morning!"
Without waiting for an answer, she dove into Shiro's game shelf and pulled out her favorite title.
"Kanna, want to join us?" Shiro offered gently.
The small dragon looked at Shiro, then at the bouncy woman still radiating chaotic energy, and hesitated.
"It's alright. Misaki-senpai is a great friend. You'll get along, promise."
After a moment's pause, Kanna gave a tiny nod.
"Then let's eat first!" Misaki announced, pulling out a bundle of rice balls she'd made earlier at Sakurasou.
Late-night rice balls weren't exactly normal—but with Misaki, nothing ever was.
"Ooh! I want some!"
Kanna's eyes sparkled as she smelled the warm snacks.
Within minutes, the pair were sitting together, Kanna happily munching on rice balls in Misaki's lap as the older girl fed her like a doting big sister.
As for the all-night gaming session? Completely forgotten.
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