Kasumigaoka Utaha and Eriri, dressed in casual clothes, stood in the corridor, currently looking at Machida Sonoko at the door in surprise.
Neither side had expected to run into each other here.
Machida Sonoko first looked at Kasumigaoka Utaha and Eriri in surprise, then looked at Hongzaka Akane inside, her eyes seeming to understand something.
"Well, let's leave it at that..."
There was nothing wrong with this. In Machida Sonoko's opinion, Hongzaka Akane and her circle could indeed help them.
Without taking the wine glass Hongzaka Akane offered, Machida Sonoko returned to her seat and sat down. She pulled down her collar, her face already sweating slightly.
"Aki-kun, are you planning to leave?"
Machida Sonoko looked at Aki Tomoya curiously.
Now there was someone who wanted to take over as the host, and that wasn't the key. She was privy to the matter between Kasumi Shiko and her fan, Taki.
And that Kasumi Shiko was currently upstairs. From what Machida Sonoko understood, Kasumi Shiko had selectively forgotten about this fan and was unwilling to mention anything about him.
"It's such a coincidence we're all together. If I disturb your gathering because of me, I'll feel guilty."
"Tsk..."
When saying such things, at least put on the right expression and tone, Aki Tomoya thought to himself.
To be honest, if this New Year's Day gathering was disrupted, he would feel somewhat unhappy.
The atmosphere here was already good before Hongzaka Akane came in, but now because of this great figure, the New Year's Day atmosphere was completely gone.
"Eh, Aki Tomoya?!"
A small head poked out from the doorway. Eriri couldn't help but exclaim in surprise after seeing Aki Tomoya, while Kasumigaoka Utaha stood outside the door without moving.
Seeing a girl affectionately calling out "Aki Tomoya," Hyodo Michiru asked excitedly, "A Lun, who is that girl?"
"A Lun?"
"Aki Tomoya?"
Eriri and Hyodo Michiru's gazes met instantly.
And Aki Tomoya turned his head coldly and asked, "Staying, or leaving?"
"Wait, are you leaving?"
"You should stay. Try to promote your talent as much as possible. Hashima Iori will help you."
Aki Tomoya whispered in Hyodo Michiru's ear.
His friend Hashima Iori had told him that Hyodo Michiru had talent in music and would have the opportunity to collaborate with Hyodo Michiru's anime-style band.
Aki Tomoya was also impressed that they would stumble upon such a good opportunity.
But it was a good thing in any case. With someone who appreciated her talent and backing from a large group, if Hyodo Michiru still wanted to pursue her so-called music dream, she could at least avoid having to work part-time to support herself if she could earn some extra money.
However, whether she could achieve this source of funding still depended on Hongzaka Akane. Hashima Iori was, after all, just her subordinate.
Getting his appreciation wasn't enough; the main person was Hongzaka Akane.
Therefore, Aki Tomoya still felt that Hyodo Michiru and the others should stay. This was an opportunity.
"This is an opportunity. Those who can't seize opportunities only deserve to be eliminated."
He reminded Hyodo Michiru in a somewhat cruel tone.
Hyodo Michiru, who was originally concerned about Eriri, had a blank mind at this moment. She hadn't fully processed Aki Tomoya's words in a short time.
Aki Tomoya deliberately lowered his voice, not afraid that others would hear.
"Sorry, Hashima Iori, I'll be leaving first."
Aki Tomoya turned to Hashima Iori and said.
Outsiders naturally knew their place. Hongzaka Akane's arrival immediately took the lead, and the positions of superior and subordinate were clear at a glance.
"I should be the one saying sorry. Can I trouble you with Izumi?"
Hashima Iori responded awkwardly.
The development of events was completely beyond his expectations. It turning out like this was completely different from what he had imagined.
Even Aki Tomoya and Machida Sonoko, who had had unpleasant interactions, had become harmonious. Now, because of the arrival of Hongzaka Akane, the representative of the group, the nature of this gathering had completely changed.
It revolved around Kasumi Shiko and Kashiwagi Eri, Hongzaka Akane's group, and Machida Sonoko's Fujikawa Bookstore.
Those who could be called irrelevant, besides Aki Tomoya, were probably Izumi Hashima and Hyodo Michiru.
"Senior, are you leaving already?"
The junior Izumi Hashima looked at Aki Tomoya in confusion.
Their reunion after half a year ended too quickly.
"You shouldn't talk about work on New Year's Day."
Machida Sonoko also muttered somewhat gloomily.
She understood the reason for Aki Tomoya's departure. If the nature of the gathering changed, then there was no place for outsiders here.
"Hey, don't see me as a villain. I just came to say hello."
Hongzaka Akane sighed, pressing her forehead.
She came to say hello out of curiosity, but she was being treated as if she was going to claim this place as her territory. It was very troublesome for her.
However, Hongzaka Akane was indeed tempted.
Such a good opportunity, everyone was gathered at once. The main plan and alternative plans were all here. If she missed it, there wouldn't be a next chance.
"It's a rare New Year's Day. Everyone, please enjoy yourselves. See you another day, Eriri. Goodbye, Kasumigaoka-senpai."
"Excuse me, goodbye."
Aki Tomoya and Izumi Hashima walked out of the room.
Before Eriri could even try to stop him, Hyodo Michiru rushed out, planning to catch up to Aki Tomoya.
"Wait for me! What if you fall asleep when we go back?!"
"Just take the train home properly."
"No, no, no! All our things are still at your place! My family and A Lun's parents have already gone back to our hometown in Nagano!"
It suddenly occurred to him that he had heard something like this before. Aki Tomoya only remembered his parents' complete plan for New Year's Day at this moment.
"Yes, yes, yes..."
The group walked outside, and the previous room instantly became much quieter.
Machida Sonoko walked out and smiled, "Kasumi Shiko Teacher, and Kashiwagi Eri-sensei, I didn't expect you to be here too. Are you discussing the adaptation? There's no need to rush this matter at all. I'll help!"
Even though her face still showed traces of being flushed with alcohol, Machida Sonoko had already fully entered work mode at this moment.
She immediately guessed the reason why Kasumigaoka Utaha was meeting Hongzaka Akane here.
"It's not about the adaptation. I was just invited out."
Kasumigaoka Utaha explained with a normal expression, her peripheral vision still focused on the figures leaving.
Machida Sonoko's eyes narrowed, then she smiled helplessly, "Is that so? I understand."
At this moment, Machida Sonoko thought that Kasumigaoka Utaha was telling her not to interfere in this matter. She took a deep breath, a hint of fatigue flashed in her eyes, and finally, for some reason, she felt relieved.
"Understood... I think I remember having some work left before the New Year's Day. Excuse me, I'll be leaving first."