Morning Light and Lingering Thoughts
The next morning—
Despite having said "Good night" the night before,
Kasumigaoka Utaha hadn't slept well.
Her outfit was as neat as ever, but faint dark circles shadowed her eyes.
Normally, her flawless skin concealed any signs of fatigue.
But today—
Even the slight discoloration hinted at how irregular her sleeping habits had been.
She hugged her tablet to her chest.
Today, she was headed to Fujikawa Shoten.
Even after staying up late, she had finally completed the long-delayed Volume 4 of The Metronome in Love.
—Thanks to someone.
As she made her way to the door, she glanced at the entrance.
Her gaze landed on the white slippers sitting on the shoe rack.
The price tags were still attached.
Size 37.
Kasumigaoka Utaha stared at them for a moment—
Then turned and left without another word.
A Café Meeting with a Veteran Editor
At a café on the ground floor of Fujikawa Shoten,
Machida Sonoko was already waiting.
Two cups of coffee sat on the table.
She had anticipated another round of excuses, another delay—
Yet, early this morning, Kasumi Utako-sensei had suddenly reported that Volume 4 was complete.
The news left Machida both thrilled and uneasy.
The history of The Metronome in Love had been tumultuous.
The first volume had been a sensation, selling over 1.3 million copies.
At this pace, the series could have easily continued to 10 volumes, breaking the 10 million mark in total sales.
It had all the makings of a best-seller.
But then—
Volume 2 had flopped.
Despite the strong promotional push, sales barely reached 200,000 copies.
A complete disaster.
The series had barely survived.
Volume 3 managed to do better but still lacked the impact of the first.
At this rate, Volume 5 would likely be the rushed conclusion of an unfinished dream.
A respectable accomplishment for a new author—
But Machida Sonoko knew Kasumi Utako could do much more than just this.
The door opened.
Machida snapped out of her thoughts.
Kasumigaoka Utaha had arrived.
"Shi-chan, over here!"
Kasumigaoka Utaha sat down, wordlessly sliding the printed manuscript toward her.
Then, resting her chin on her hand, she sighed.
Tired.
"I've told you before—don't call me that."
Seeing her mood, Machida decided not to tease her further.
"Alright, alright. Kasumi Utako-sensei, let me take a look at this…"
She picked up the manuscript.
The moment she flipped to the first page—
Her eyes widened.
She flipped faster.
Page after page.
Her initial worries vanished.
This…
This felt just like their very first meeting.
A manuscript that expands perspectives.
One that captures the reader's heart.
For the next half hour, the only sound between them was the rustling of pages.
Finally, Machida set the manuscript down.
And with genuine enthusiasm—
"This is wonderful, Kasumi Utako-sensei! This volume will turn the tides for the series!"
An Unexpected Reflection
Hearing such praise,
Kasumigaoka Utaha didn't react.
Instead, she simply traced circles on the table with her finger.
Her coffee sat untouched.
She had taken only one sip before setting it aside.
It tasted fine—
But compared to last night's coffee…
She couldn't drink it.
Machida Sonoko, oblivious to her distant expression, suddenly asked,
"Kasumi Utako-sensei, have you recently met someone who makes your heart flutter?"
The movement of her finger stopped.
She looked up.
"Why do you say that?"
Machida tapped the manuscript.
"A common issue with new authors—their first protagonist is always a reflection of themselves."
"But in this volume, 'Sayuka' has come alive. The emotions, the depth—it feels real."
"This kind of writing only happens when the author has poured their own emotions into it."
"It's sincere."
For a brief moment,
Kasumigaoka Utaha instinctively placed her hand over her chest.
…Is it that obvious?
A Small Change at Home
After discussing the final release details,
They agreed: Volume 4 would launch early next month.
Fujikawa Shoten would allocate promotional resources, and a launch event would be organized.
This was their chance.
If this volume truly stood out, the public perception of the series could be salvaged.
After parting ways, Kasumigaoka Utaha returned to her apartment.
The moment she stepped inside,
Her eyes drifted toward the white slippers on the shoe rack once again.
She stood there for a few seconds—
Then quietly removed her black leather shoes.
Instead of placing them randomly,
She neatly set them beside Yukima Azuma's.
Then—
She picked up the slippers.
Peeled off the tag.
Slipped them on.
…A perfect fit.
A Taste of Happiness
"Kasumigaoka-senpai, you're back! Can you help me bring out the dishes?"
A voice called from the kitchen.
Without hesitation, Kasumigaoka Utaha hurried inside.
The scent of freshly cooked food filled the air.
Yukima Azuma had prepared—
Stir-fried green peppers with meat
Mapo tofu
Tempura shrimp
The vibrant colors and rich aroma were irresistible.
As she carried out the plates,
She secretly grabbed a piece of tempura shrimp and popped it into her mouth.
Crispy coating.
Fresh, juicy shrimp.
Perfectly seasoned.
—Addictively good.
If not for her strong self-control,
There might have been no tempura shrimp left by the time Yukima Azuma sat down.
She snuck a glance toward the kitchen,
Watching as he skillfully cleaned up.
And then, without realizing it—
Her lips curled into a smile.
For some reason,
She felt… content.
Maybe—
Renting this place had been the best decision she ever made.
And the days ahead?
They were just beginning.