Sato was around the same age as Kasumigaoka Utaha. Though he had debuted earlier, his personality was easygoing, never putting on the airs in front of anyone.
Over time, the two had naturally become friends.
"By the way, Kasumi-sensei, did you have gunpowder for breakfast today? Why are you so fired up?"
Sato raised an eyebrow, sensing something off, and asked Utaha.
Utaha leaned back against the sofa, one leg elegantly crossed over the other. The shapely thighs under her black stockings gleamed seductively under the warm lights.
Her wine-red eyes narrowed slowly.
"Tell me, Miyabi-sensei… do you have a bad memory?"
"Huh? What makes you say that all of a sudden?"
"If I'm not mistaken, you know that Tomoya Aki and I attend the same school, don't you?"
Utaha locked eyes with him.
Sato paused, his expression becoming slightly complicated.
"Ah… that? I had no idea."
"Heh. Would you mind controlling your facial expressions when you lie? And maybe put a little more conviction in your voice while you're at it?"
Utaha sighed, clearly losing interest.
"We go to the same school. But it's been nearly a month since the semester started and not once have you brought it up. When I saw you at school the other day, I thought I was hallucinating…"
"I really didn't know!"
Sato tried to keep a straight face. He would absolutely never admit the truth. Who knew what might happen if he got entangled with a sharp-tongued, black-hearted beauty?
Truth was, he did know Utaha went to the same private high school. But he had no intention of approaching her.
After all, Utaha was one of the school's most eye-catching figures. Wherever she went, she turned heads. If word got out that the two of them had any connection, Sato was sure the school would be abuzz with at least five versions of the story by lunchtime.
He preferred peace and quiet. Plus having some major otaku habits, it's a no.
Public attention? No thanks. The spotlight made him squirm.
He wasn't one of those people who thrived under a glaring light.
He hadn't even held a public book signing. In the eyes of most readers, he was still a mysterious author who'd never shown his face.
A few friends, games, and a fridge full of doctor pepper, wasn't that the good life?
Watching Sato's calm demeanor, Utaha started to doubt herself.
Maybe he really didn't know…?
"Hmm! Not bad!"
On the other side of the room, Machida Sonoko had just finished reviewing Kuroneko's manuscript and looked quite pleased.
"It's a solid draft. There are a few minor issues, but overall it's good. Just keep writing in this style. Once you've got enough for a full volume, submit it to me."
"I… I passed?"
Kuroneko blinked, stunned. Then a bright joy bloomed on her face. She had really passed?!
"Yes. Gokou Ruri, right? That's a lovely name. I think I'll just call you Little Ruri from now on."
Sonoko smiled warmly at her.
Kasumigaoka Utaha twitched at the corner of her mouth.
Why does Sonoko-san love calling people "little" something?
She herself was always referred to as Little Utaha...
And for a second-year high schooler, that nickname gave her goosebumps every time.
Could this be... a symptom of late-stage bachelorette syndrome?
Maybe adding "little" makes her feel younger, cutting down on that mid life crisis?
How childish.
Utaha's lips curled in amusement.
Completely unaware of these inner monologues, Sonoko continued speaking to Kuroneko.
"If you can keep up this quality, we might be able to officially sign you by next month. But let me ask, are you sure you want to sign with Fujikawa Shoten Publishing?"
"Yes!"
Kuroneko nodded without hesitation. Becoming a professional light novelist had always been her goal.
Fujikawa Shoten was one of the strongest publishers in the industry, known for both its strength and its excellent treatment of new authors. Plus, Miyabi-sensei was here too...
She stole a glance at Sato.
"You answered very confidently. That's good. Honestly, Fujikawa Shoten is one of the best choices."
"Wait here, I'll go get the contract proposal."
With that, Sonoko walked out.
As soon as she left, Sato smiled at Kuroneko.
"Congrats. From now on, you're officially a light novelist."
Kuroneko's cheeks flushed, and she lowered her head shyly.
"Senpai's teasing me… I haven't even published a single full work yet."
"That's just a matter of time. Still, congratulations."
Utaha chimed in from the side. Technically, since they were both from the same writing site, she counted as Kuroneko's senior too.
Not long after, Sonoko returned and handed a contract proposal to Kuroneko. Then she looked up at Sato.
"By the way, the anime proposal for Throne of Heroes just came in. Want to take a look?"
Throne of Heroes was Sato's own series.
"No need. You guys can handle it. Just make sure the payment arrives."
"Geez, you're really not worried it might get axed?"
"If it does, it'll be Fujikawa Shoten's name on the line, not mine. I'm not the one making the anime."
Sato grinned. He wasn't worried at all.
After all, Throne of Heroes was currently one of Fujikawa Shoten's flagship titles. The company wouldn't allow the anime adaptation to go sideways, it mattered more to them than to him.
"Miyabi-sensei's novel is getting an anime adaptation?"
Kuroneko's eyes widened as she overheard.
"Yup. Believe it or not, this guy's only been writing for about two years. A total prodigy."
"The only one who might compare is Chihiro Muramasa from Dengeki Bunko. These young talents lately are really something…"
Sonoko sighed with admiration.