Among Aki Tomoya's peers, very few were as financially free as Hashima Iori.
From the time he generously took over his limited edition figures last year, saying that it would be tight if he took them all, Aki Tomoya knew that the saying 'Otaku are really rich' was simply the truth.
Inviting acquaintances to eat high-class cuisine lavishly on New Year's Day, it would be a waste if Aki Tomoya didn't take the opportunity to fleece him now.
In the morning, the three of them went to visit the shrine together, then played until sunset before heading to the restaurant Hashima Iori had booked.
"Ah, so you were together!"
Outside the restaurant, Hyodo Michiru and the other girls had already arrived.
Seeing that Aki Tomoya was with Hashima Iori, and there was also a girl with them, Hyodo Michiru's eyes were filled with resentment.
They were alone and helpless in Tokyo, while Aki Tomoya had abandoned them and was having a great time. As she walked over, Hyodo Michiru saw that he was laughing and talking.
"Since everyone is almost here, let's go in together. I've already booked a table."
Hashima Iori stepped forward and said.
He initiated this New Year's Day gathering, so now it's time to show his presence.
The group walked into the courtyard and were led to the reserved room by a server.
"Wow, someone actually treated us to high-class cuisine on New Year's Day. The friends A Lun knows are amazing."
Hyodo Michiru sat down on the tatami mat without any hesitation.
"Indeed, the people Aki Tomoya knows are extraordinary."
Even though he was the host this time, Hashima Iori echoed Hyodo Michiru's words, making Aki Tomoya the focus of everyone's attention.
"There's nothing I can do about knowing a rich friend like you. I said I'd welcome you when you had time, but half a year has passed, and I'm still relying on your care. Thank you."
Aki Tomoya had a smile on his face, already preparing to make Hashima Iori pay handsomely.
However, there was something else that Aki Tomoya was quite concerned about.
"When we were outside just now, you said everyone was almost here. Are there others?"
Aki Tomoya asked curiously at this moment.
Besides him and Hyodo Michiru's band, who else did Hashima Iori invite?
After all, Hashima Iori was now an industry insider, so he must know many people.
This refined egoist would never miss out on people who could help him demonstrate his value.
"Did Brother invite others?"
At this moment, even Izumi Hashima looked confused.
She had thought it was just the people present today.
Facing their questions, Hashima Iori nodded, and just as he was about to say something, the door was suddenly pulled open, and a voice with an apologetic tone sounded at the entrance.
"Sorry, I'm not late, am I?"
A mature-looking woman walked into the room sheepishly, while also glancing at the people inside.
Besides Izumi Hashima and Hyodo Michiru's group, she knew the other two people.
"Good evening, Izumi-kun, and... Taki?"
When the woman's gaze fixed on Aki Tomoya, her expression froze.
Before coming here, she had never expected to see Aki Tomoya here.
"Good evening, Machida Vice Editor. You can just call me Aki."
When Aki Tomoya noticed the arrival was Machida Sonoko, he frowned slightly, but it quickly relaxed.
He greeted Machida Sonoko politely. Even though there had been some unpleasantness before, there was no need to think about that now.
Machida Sonoko looked at Aki Tomoya with slight awkwardness: "Good evening..."
Meanwhile, Hashima Iori stood up and invited, "Please take your seats as soon as possible."
At Hashima Iori's invitation, Machida Sonoko sat down opposite Aki Tomoya. As their eyes met, the air became incredibly awkward.
Aki Tomoya turned his head and whispered to Hashima Iori, "You really don't do anything without profit, but are there no others?"
Hashima Iori chuckled, "Don't worry, with my methods, it took a lot of effort to invite Machida-san. Those two Teachers didn't give me any face at all."
As he spoke, he looked at the people present. One was his sister, who would undoubtedly shine with her abilities in time.
A friend with potential, then a band he could collaborate with, and finally, the Vice Editor of Fujikawa Bookstore.
Taking advantage of a day like New Year's Day to gather everyone together was about friendship and also about the future.
Hashima Iori's meticulous calculations made Aki Tomoya want to laugh, but he couldn't.
"But what surprised me was, is there some unpleasantness between you and Machida-san?"
Hashima Iori also asked with a troubled expression at this moment.
Even though Aki Tomoya had retired from being an otaku now, he had at least contributed to Fujikawa Bookstore for free before.
However, the atmosphere between this collaborator and that Vice Editor was unexpectedly awkward.
"You should have investigated this properly first, Hashima Iori."
Aki Tomoya's mouth curved up. The other party had almost messed things up.
Fortunately, between him and Machida Sonoko, neither of them had fallen out because of that past unpleasantness. Now, it was just awkwardness.
Seeing the mockery in his friend's eyes, Hashima Iori chuckled sheepishly, "Thanks for the reminder."
In the corridor across the door, footsteps could be heard. There were many guests here on New Year's Day.
Soon after the people in this room had all arrived, the rooms next door on both sides were already filled with people.
The door was pulled open again, and servers dressed in kimonos walked in carrying dishes.
Hashima Iori was really spending a lot of money today.
"Long time no see, Machida Vice Editor."
Aki Tomoya suddenly looked up and spoke to Machida Sonoko proactively. This awkward atmosphere between them felt a bit out of place on New Year's Day. If possible, he still hoped to dispel this awkwardness.
Moreover, the last unpleasantness had passed for so long, so the other party should have calmed down by now.
Machida Sonoko looked up at Aki Tomoya, looking hesitant to speak at this moment.
She probably remembered Aki Tomoya's words from last year.
"Aki-kun doesn't need to be so formal."
Machida Sonoko's eyes were somewhat complex at this moment.
Their last conversation was last year, and after that, Machida Sonoko had not thought about contacting Aki Tomoya again.
Indeed, if possible, she still hoped to take over that fan website, but the thought of the huge blow she received on it made Machida Sonoko give up.
Thinking about it now, it was impressive that the fan website could still last until now without Aki Tomoya's operation and maintenance.
"Aki-kun, are you selling the fan website for 'love metronome'?"
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