Under the guidance of the ever-efficient Machida Sonoko, the trio made their way to the second-floor event space. Time seemed to both crawl and sprint, and before they knew it, the clock's hands aligned at the pivotal hour—2:00 PM.
The atmosphere in the venue was a palpable hum of anticipation. Fans clutched their newly purchased volumes of Love Metronome, their eyes fixed on the modest stage adorned with promotional banners. After a brief introduction from the event's cheerful host, the moment arrived.
"And now, please give a warm welcome… the author of the sensational light novel Love Metronome… Kasumi Utako-sensei!"
From the wings, Kasumigaoka Utaha stepped into the spotlight.
A wave of silence crashed over the crowd for a heartbeat, followed by an eruption of murmured astonishment that quickly swelled into excited chatter.
"Th-That's… Kasumi Utako-sensei?""For real?! The sensei is this stunningly beautiful?!""A true beauty has indeed!""Winter-sensei… what incredible fortune you have!""Even as a loyal fan of Winter-sensei's art, I can't help but feel a spike of envy right now… what do I do?!""Too gorgeous! This is unfair!""..."
From his position just offstage, Kasumigaoka Touji watched with crossed arms, a proud, soft smile playing on his lips as he observed his sister's graceful, composed figure. Down on the main floor, seamlessly blending with the staff, Kani Nayuta raised her phone, quietly capturing the historic moment.
"Minna-san, konnichiwa. I am Kasumi Utako, the author of Love Metronome." Utaha's voice, clear and melodious, flowed smoothly through the microphone, instantly commanding attention. "Thank you all so much for taking time from your precious Golden Week to attend this signing event…"
She had prepared meticulously for this day. Her opening speech was polished, heartfelt, and delivered with the natural poise of a top student accustomed to addressing assemblies. The sea of dozens—perhaps now edging toward a hundred—eager faces below didn't intimidate her in the slightest.
In fact, seeing the substantial crowd and the orderly line beginning to form, a wave of relief washed over her. After all, a large turnout was thrilling; a sparse one would have been far more nerve-wracking!
"..."
"Thank you very much, Kasumi Utako-sensei, for your wonderful words!"
Soon, her speech concluded, and she handed the microphone back to the host with a slight bow. The experienced host, sensing the crowd's elevated energy, grinned and addressed the audience.
"Now, everyone… today, we have a very special surprise guest in store! A guest I believe all of you are intimately familiar with!" He paused for dramatic effect, watching the confusion and dawning excitement ripple through the crowd. "Next, please give a thunderous welcome to our… special guest!"
"A special guest? Who could it be?""Ooooh—! Could it possibly be…?!""No way! Really?!"
Anticipation crackled in the air. Then, from the same side stage, a young man emerged. He had a youthful, sunny handsomeness, with an easy confidence in his stride. He walked into the light, and a collective gasp swept through the venue.
"Th-That person… is that Winter-sensei?!""IT'S WINTER-SENSEI!!""..."
"Minna-san, konnichiwa. I am Touji," he began, his voice warm and steady as he accepted the microphone. He offered the crowd a gentle, familiar smile that seemed to calm the initial burst of frenzy into rapt attention. "I am the singer/song writer behind the song 'Kasumi Utako,' and I also served as the… ahem… real-life reference for Naoto, the male protagonist of Love Metronome. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for all your incredible love and support for this story."
His words were not merely an introduction; they were a confirmation, a key unlocking a new level of fan euphoria. The effect was instantaneous and explosive.
"KYAAAAAA—! I KNEW IT! IT HAD TO BE WINTER-SENSEI!""HE REALLY CAME!!""THIS SPECIAL GUEST IS THE ULTIMATE SURPRISE!""Just as I thought! Winter-sensei would never miss Kasumi Utako-sensei's first signing!""It's really him! The real Winter-sensei!""I'm so moved! I never dreamed I'd actually get to see Winter-sensei in person today!""Winter-sensei is so handsome! The art matches the artist!""This trip was worth it a thousand times over!""Winter-sensei and Kasumigaoka-sensei look so perfect standing together! I SHIP IT! OFFICIAL COUPLE VIBES!""WINTER-SENSEI! SING THE SONG 'KASUMI UTAKO' FOR US!""SING! SING! SING!""..."
Watching the scene from beside the autograph table, which was now buzzing with even more fervor than when she had taken the stage, Kasumigaoka Utaha pressed a hand to her cheek, a mock-complaint escaping in a mumble only she could hear.
"Somehow… this has turned into your fan event, Onii-chan."
The "special guest" was threatening to outshine the main attraction! Yet, even as she grumbled, her gaze remained fixed on the young man on stage, her eyes shining with unmistakable pride and affection.
Back on stage, Kasumigaoka Touji handled the riotous energy with practiced ease. He let the cheers wash over him before raising a hand with a good-natured, slightly bashful laugh.
"Hahaha, thank you, thank you for such a passionate welcome! But as for singing… I'm afraid that's a no-go today. I didn't bring my guitar, and a bookstore probably isn't the best place for an impromptu concert—we might disturb other customers!" H
is reasonable, considerate explanation drew understanding laughs.
"However!" he continued, his tone brightening, "I can do this: I'll take photos with everyone! And, if you'd like, a group photo with both Kasumi Utako-sensei and myself! How does that sound?"
"THEN WHAT ARE WE WAITING FOR?! LET'S START!!""YEAH! HURRY AND BEGIN THE SIGNING!""..."
The host, seizing the peak of excitement, swiftly took back the microphone. "Then, without further ado, let the autograph session for Love Metronome… BEGIN!"
As Kasumigaoka Touji stepped off the stage and made his way to the signing area, Kasumigaoka Utaha had already finished signing for the very first fan—a polite handshake exchanged—and was now waiting for him to join her for the promised photo. Seeing him approach, she instinctively raised a hand, her expression softening into a natural, unguarded smile.
"Onii-chan."
That single, familiar term of endearment, spoken so casually, was like a secret code being revealed live. The first fan in line, a young woman with intelligent eyes behind round-rimmed glasses, visibly lit up, her hand flying to her mouth in delighted shock.
Because in the novels, the heroine Saya addressed her beloved older brother Naoto with that exact same inflection…
"Eh?! Did you hear that?!""Mm-hmm! Clear as day!""She said 'Onii-chan'!""It's like Saya and Naoto have stepped right out of the pages and are talking right in front of us…!""I'm getting goosebumps! This is too magical!"
The excited whispers from the front of the line were a symphony of fan joy. Kasumigaoka Touji simply smiled and took his place beside his sister, positioning himself in front of the large standing poster that depicted the illustrated versions of Naoto and Saya in a sweet, casual pose. Utaha naturally stood before the image of Saya.
The fan with the round glasses stepped into the space between them, her face flushed with happiness. As the staff photographer raised the instant camera, she beamed, throwing up a slightly flustered but utterly genuine double peace sign.
Flash!
The Polaroid whirred to life, capturing a moment of pure, shared fandom bliss.
The other fans watching cooed and clapped, their excitement palpable. This wasn't just about getting a signature; it was about sharing a space with the very muses behind the world they adored. The visual treat of the stunning author and the handsome, talented illustrator was an undeniable bonus!
"Um… Winter-sensei?" The bespectacled fan, now holding her freshly signed book and the developing photo, gathered her courage. Her eyes shone with sincere admiration. "I'm… I'm also a huge fan of yours. I love your music videos and your cooking streams so much. Would it… would it be possible to get your autograph as well?"
Her voice was timid but hopeful.
"Eh?" Touji hesitated briefly, glancing at Utaha. Wouldn't this be stealing her thunder?
As if reading his mind, Kasumigaoka Utaha wordlessly picked up a fresh signing pen from the table and held it out to him, her expression one of complete approval and encouragement.
Seeing her consent, his hesitation vanished. A relaxed, charming smile returned to his face. "Of course! Where would you like it?"
"Here, please!" The fan quickly opened the first page of her Love Metronome Volume 2. Right there, graceful and elegant, was Kasumi Utako's signature. With a steady hand, Kasumigaoka Touji signed the character for "Winter" just below it, the two names now side-by-side on the pristine page—a tangible symbol of their collaboration.
From her post near the queue, wearing a temporary staff lanyard, Kani Nayuta watched the scene at the signing table. A complex, wistful longing filled her heart as she observed their easy synergy and the fans' adoration for them as a duo.
Would I ever have a chance to stand beside Winter-sensei like that, sharing a spotlight and a moment with our fans?
The thought fluttered through her mind.
Perhaps… perhaps I should write our story next?
A new, exciting possibility began to take root in her writer's soul, inspired by the beautiful, successful partnership unfolding before her eyes.