Kasumigaoka Utaha: Huh? Huh huh huh huh huh huh...
A bewildered and lost expression remained on that photo.
Yamada Elf, on the other hand, was overjoyed, holding Izumi Chihiro's arm, her smile as bright as a flower.
"Heh ~ Another golden-haired loser!"
Kasumigaoka Utaha held her phone, staring blankly at the photo shared from the group, letting out a soft, cold laugh.
...
A few days later, the week-long exchange conference finally drew to a close.
It could be said that all the participating light novelists were very satisfied, either because they gained experience for growth, or because they met someone they admired and expressed their feelings.
Everyone has a bright future!
Izumi Chihiro woke up early to make the last breakfast, with Yamada Elf helping him.
In the past few days, besides exchanging creative ideas, he and Elf had also significantly improved their cooking skills through numerous exchanges.
"Everyone, today our first Light Novel Exchange Conference concludes! While there were certainly many aspects that were not perfect, it was nonetheless a successful conclusion, and I believe everyone gained a lot during this time!"
Yamada Elf stood alone, speaking passionately.
The dissatisfaction, of course, referred to the criticism she received; everyone else had been praised unanimously.
"It is an honor for Black Cat to be able to interact with several renowned teachers," Gokou Ruri said, pressing her hand to her chest with an elegant posture.
The change in her self-reference to Black Cat was because it was more fitting, and others had also accepted this name.
"Indeed, being able to interact with the top three creators in the industry is a great opportunity for others," Kasumigaoka Utaha echoed.
"It's a wonderful thing to be able to communicate with everyone, and the exchange of ideas can spark even more creativity, leading to better work... which is good for both authors and readers," Izumi Chihiro stated, making his stance clear.
"Everyone here is a very talented creator. We've only offered minor suggestions. How far you go in the future still depends on yourselves. Keep up the good work~" Kani Nayuta said with a cheerful smile, cupping her cheeks, mimicking someone else's way of speaking.
"I hope you can create works that truly stand out," Senju Muramasa said, sweeping her gaze over everyone, subtly expressing her attitude, no longer displaying her previous arrogant demeanor.
"Well, it's time to go back now!" Yamada Elf clapped the table.
Mashiro remained expressionless beside her, having been an observer throughout.
Although she hadn't interacted with the others much these past few days, they had still gained some understanding of her, seeing her as an unknown but powerful threat.
However, after learning a bit about Mashiro's personality, they dropped their guard and treated her with a gentler attitude.
Mashiro's endearing charm could even win over other girls!
Taking the plane, they quickly returned to Tokyo.
Upon reaching the station, it was time for them to part ways.
"Chihiro, we'll meet again very soon! I will definitely make you understand my charm, and I will prove that we are truly soulmates," Senju Muramasa suddenly appeared before him with a swift step, grabbing his hands, her voice tender, like a loving young wife.
Without waiting for his reply, and not needing one, the girl turned and left, as free-spirited as the wind.
"Wait, that was a sneak attack! To casually engage in physical contact, I really underestimated you!" Kani Nayuta called out indignantly to the retreating figure.
She had thought the other person was a more reserved and shy individual.
"Chihiro, goodbye," Gokou Ruri bid him a solemn farewell.
"If you encounter any difficulties in writing, feel free to ask anytime. If I see it, I will reply promptly."
Izumi Chihiro nodded. "Mm."
Gokou Ruri left with a smile.
"Teacher, you've really found a new love and forgotten the old! You're so caring towards your junior apprentice, but you're usually much colder to your senior apprentice," Kasumigaoka Utaha said with a feigned unhappy expression, then in a somewhat petulant tone.
"Senior, please maintain your composure," Izumi Chihiro smiled faintly, prying her fingers one by one from his shoulder.
"Well, this trip has been quite fruitful. I've also extracted a lot of inspiration from Teacher. Now I need to savor it properly, so your apprentice cannot stay by your side for long..." Kasumigaoka Utaha quickly changed her expression, the corners of her red lips curving slightly.
"Senior calls Kasumigaoka Utaha'senior apprentice,' and Kasumigaoka Utaha calls Senior 'teacher'... This relationship is truly chaotic," Kani Nayuta muttered, staring at the other's graceful retreating figure, then turning her head.
"It's not important," he replied.
"True," Kani Nayuta wasn't interested in such matters either.
On the train.
"Senior, this is my stop! Goodbye!"
"Goodbye."
Kani Nayuta got off at an intermediate station, waving goodbye with a radiant smile.
The remaining four didn't need to say goodbye separately; they returned home together.
Yamada Elf merely dropped her luggage at home before rushing back to Izumi.
"You're back so soon?" Izumi Chihiro raised an eyebrow.
"I didn't come specifically for you, why are you so excited!" Miss Elf snorted, walking directly to the second floor, and even turned back to make a face at him.
"Meow~"
The door closed, and he chose to return to his room, but before he could even settle down, Mashiro pushed the door open.
"Chihiro, help me look at this manga."
Although Mashiro's words were a request, she didn't sound like she was asking for help at all, grabbing his arm and pulling him out.
Izumi Chihiro knew her stubborn nature, and also out of curiosity, he didn't resist and let her pull him along.
a very familiar impression, which was natural, as these characters were drawn referencing the members of μ's (Muse), perfectly matching their original personalities, even including annotations for their personalities and hobbies.
It must be said, it was a bit too detailed.
"These annotations are…?"
Izumi Chihiro asked, puzzled.
"I asked, and Maki told me," Mashiro replied without hesitation.
"Hmm, no wonder," he said as expected.
After their meeting that day, he had arranged for them to connect via their accounts so that he could learn μ's (Muse)'s story from Maki, using it as a basis to complete a more realistic school idol manga.
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💯 PS = 2 bonus chapter