manga artist Kirito

In fact, judging solely from their appearances, no one would possibly associate the two together—note that Kazuko-chan is more than ten times cuter than Aki Tomoya.

“In that case… that’s acceptable.” Kiritani nodded. “I’ll accept the glasses. I’ll give you something later.”

P.S.: Sanji lost so badly, I suddenly want him to join the battle. Also, Asuna seems to be in danger. Mash is really strong, she might really lose... Megumi is still pretty stable.

Wait a minute, why does this look like a stock market?

Please feed them, yes, you need to pat them!

205

[NO.203 I remain diligent]

"Giving a girl a visual novel game seems really weird, doesn't it?"

Looking at the item handed to her, Ms. Kato Megumi stared at Mr. Kiritani with a strange expression.

"Don't give me that look that says you don't know what to give a girl. It's true that you don't know what to give her, but I don't think those things are necessary for you. Besides, don't you think dating sims are perfect for you?" Kiritani-san said, holding a cup of milk tea—yes, just a cup of milk tea.

As for gifts, it's not like Kiritani-kun hasn't given gifts before. Asuna and Yoko go without saying, there's also Suigi and Haruno, plus the stockings that he gave to Kasumigaoka Utaha, which makes it five in total. That's quite a lot.

Furthermore, the recipients of the gifts were always happy to accept them, even if they felt a little uneasy after opening them. However, no one like Ms. Kato Megumi experienced this.

"...Is it suitable?" Kato Megumi tilted her head in confusion, her short ponytail swaying gently with the movement, looking quite energetic, but paired with her face that didn't even have a micro-expression, it felt very strange.

"It should suit... right? Probably?"

Ms. Kato Megumi doesn't quite understand what Kiritani-kun wants to do.

With a slight sigh, Kiritani took two steps forward. "While I think it's fine for you to stay as you are now, Kato, if you want to increase your presence, you must clearly express your feelings... Please take this."

"Oh~" Kato Megumi blinked as she took the milk tea from Kiritani-kun, but her expression quickly turned strange.

The culprit behind all this was Kiritani-kun's hands, which were pressing against that soft face, gently kneading it, causing Kato Megumi's delicate little face to be pinched into ugly, tearful expressions...

"I...I'm going to kick you, Kazuto-kun."

"Ahem, I don't really think this is funny either." Kiritani-kun withdrew his hands, then took the milk tea back from Kato Megumi and took a light sip. "Just like I told you before, you are the heroine of the story you want—a heroine always needs to have special shining points to attract people—of course, having a low presence is undoubtedly a characteristic, but it's not a shining point, after all, you're not some assassin master."

"The female lead should at least have an unexpected hobby—it's okay if she doesn't, it's like feelings, you can cultivate them slowly."

"What?!" Kato Megumi shook the water off her hands, puffing out her cheeks slightly.

"There has been progress. At least now it's not difficult to see your expression." With her long ponytail swaying behind her, Kiritani skipped along as if she were having an ADHD episode.

Kato Megumi said with slight dissatisfaction, "That's no excuse for you and Hito-kun to bully me!"

Selectively ignoring Kato Megumi's words, Kiritani looked at the bustling street and said, "For the time being... I guess I know. Kato's personality is frighteningly easygoing on the surface, but in reality, her inner emotions are also frighteningly rich. She's just not good at expressing them. So if you put yourself in the shoes of the heroine and break away from the attributes of an ordinary passerby, then your personality will become more distinct."

"For example, I might be seen as a shut-in and a pervert who keeps spouting dirty jokes by others, but who would have thought that I was once a kendo genius?"

“Yes, I’m really curious about what you’ve been through, Kato-kun.” Kato Megumi nodded in agreement, her anticipation growing.

However, even if this matter isn't exactly a dark history, those who need to know already know, and there's no need to bring up things that shouldn't be known...

"In short, now that the Galgame has been handed to you, all you have to do is play it and not overthink it... Hmm, maybe you could try to find out what the lives of the heroines in Galgames are like."

But honestly, Kato Megumi is definitely cuter now.

Don't forget, this child is also quite cunning. If she really learns the lifestyle of those scheming female protagonists, wouldn't the person she likes in the future be tricked to death?

Well, what Kiritani-kun is more worried about is whether this kid will use those tricks to scheme against him...

That's terrifying!

"By the way, this game is called 'Black Album.' The original book should be available at the nearby bookstore; you can check it out if you're interested." Suddenly, Kirito's expression turned serious. "But just so you know, don't mention any references to this game to me later!"

"...Imiwaga nai".

…………

At this moment, there is still a long queue in front of Shinazugawa Bookstore. These people are here because of the new volume of "Love Metronome", or rather, because of Kasumigaoka Utaha. The fact that there is still such a long queue in the late afternoon shows that the popularity of the work has not dropped too much due to the second volume.

Furthermore, a book signing event was also held this time, which will definitely boost the sales of the work by at least one level. However, given that Kasumigaoka Utaha originally did this out of interest and now only wants to write a good story about Sayuka, she is not particularly concerned about the sales of the work. After all, it is just a hobby, not a profession...

At least for now, Kasumigaoka Utaha doesn't want to continue with any more autograph sessions.

Yes, that's right. Our teacher, Shizuko Kasumi, who wholeheartedly wanted to write heartwarming stories, felt extremely desperate because of the sheer number of signatures and the endless queue.

To this, Kiritani-kun has only one thing to say—feel despair!

During the break, which could be described as a half-day shopping trip led by Kato Megumi, Kiritani finally arrived here. As soon as he entered the lounge, he felt a hostile gaze. For a moment, Kiritani thought that this woman had done something bad to him last night. But after thinking back carefully, he realized that it seemed that he was the one who had done those so-called bad things...

"What, feeling hopeless?" Kiritani-chan revealed her lazy side, leisurely sitting down opposite Kasumigaoka Utaha, watching her constantly stretch her arms. "But so what? -- First of all, don't say I can't help you, and then do you think I can't see through your intention to drag me down with you?"

Why do you think I played video games with Eriri until late at night? Why do you think I was so bored that I went shopping with Megumi Kato?

Of course, it's to avoid getting dragged into this, you idiot!

"Don't look at me like that. If looks could kill, I would have died countless times in my own dojo. You wouldn't stand a chance."

"I never expected you to be this kind of person, Kirito. We spent such a wonderful night together, but now you... you turn your back on me so heartlessly..." Kasumigaoka Utaha pursed her lips tightly, her eyes filled with the look of someone looking at a scumbag.

It's pretty much confirmed... no, it's absolutely certain now: Kasumigaoka Utaha is definitely a masochist.

Otherwise, after I beat her up all over last night, she still thinks it's wonderful... I really can't think of any other reason.

However, just as Kiritani was about to speak, he heard a sound that was enough to put the scene into a stalemate.

"So, what a wonderful night it must have been?" Asuna Yuuki, the goddess in the eyes of her classmates and Mr. Kiritani's girlfriend, sat down next to Mr. Kiritani with great interest, a faint smile on her pretty face.

...Kasumigaoka Utaha stared blankly at the girl with an aura that intimidated everyone, her expression gradually becoming strained.

But compared to Kasumigaoka Utaha, Kiritani-san's expression now is not just forced. If such a scene appeared in a light novel or manga, readers would definitely exclaim "a masterpiece is in the works," and it would have a slightly chaotic feel to it... even if this is not a chaotic scene at all.

Kato Megumi, seemingly ignored, turned her head to look around and found that Shiina Mashiro, who usually followed Asuna, was not there. A little curious, she also looked around the lounge. Then, in the awkward atmosphere, she calmly got up and walked to the innermost part of the lounge.

However, this is not a time for such tranquility, neither for Kasumigaoka Utaha nor for Mr. Kiritani Kazuto.

Kirigaya glared at Kasumigaoka Utaha, who seemed inexplicably guilty, and felt a pang of chest pain, like when Yoko had sent him to the hospital. Damn it, you idiot, you're really going to kill me!

To be honest, there are a lot of details to pay attention to in this kind of scene. For example, if Mr. Kiritani were to say something like, "Asuna, what brings you here?"

Domestic violence will most likely follow...

So how did I end up in this mess?

What on earth is going on here, with the wife discovering her husband's affair with his mistress?!

By the way, Kasumigaoka Utaha is indeed quite weak right now, but not as weak as Kiritani-sensei.

—Wait, this is not the same as that, don't smear my words.

"Asuna, quickly kill this woman who slandered my innocence for no reason." Mr. Kiritani's tone was unusually serious. "How dare she flirt with your lovely boyfriend in front of you. If you don't take action, I will personally send her back to the furnace for rework."

Going back to the drawing board... you probably understand the general idea, but it's so difficult that it's almost impossible to complete.

Based on my years of browsing various websites, even the most bizarre pictures I've seen only require me to rethink most of them – I was shocked at the time!

"Hey, that's going too far!" Kasumigaoka Utaha perfectly timed her white-stockinged thighs and retorted with obvious displeasure, "Using me as a punching bag last night is one thing..."

"Shut up, you masochistic freak!" With a look of disgust, Mr. Kirito shrank back closer to Asuna. "I've never seen such a perverted woman as you..."

Asuna opened her mouth slightly, "...Utaha-senpai isn't Mikasa-senpai, being a punching bag...that's really going too far."

Mikasa: That's really going too far!

P.S.: Ugh! Should we let Third Master join the battle?

By the way, I'd like to write a side story...

Please feed us, yes, please throw in razor blades!

206

【NO.204 Unexplained Developments】

how to say……

Humans have incredibly rich imaginations.

Besides drawing, which requires one hand and a rich imagination, there are other sports that also require imagination and one hand...

Well, what I really wanted to say was that just now, opening one's eyes was enough to conjure up all sorts of scenarios for what would happen next, and with my personal preferences added in—yes, a fresh short story was born.

Unfortunately, while this book lacks moral integrity, it also doesn't offer any side quests... at least not yet.

So there's no need for stomach medicine; dog food is enough, isn't it?

To be honest, if Kasumigaoka Utaha weren't involved and didn't feel inexplicably guilty, given her personal tragic view of love, she could probably write the outline for a angst-filled novel by now—oh my god!!!

However, this is of no use.

If you win from the start, how could you possibly lose later?

Asuna isn't brainless, and besides, she knows exactly what happened last night.

That's right, don't underestimate the power of Yui and Maid-chan's teamwork. Turning a computer into a security camera is a piece of cake...

But I'm still a little worried. Could it be that Shiyu-senpai has had some special switch turned on and really become a masochist?

...Ahem, Asuna really remembers that scene where Kirigaya-san hit Kasumigaoka with a pillow... Uh, Yui's shouts of "Kill her!" can be ignored, as can Mashiro's cheering...

As for the current situation...

Asuna was just there to discuss some things with her editor and incidentally turned down Nancy's brain-dead idea of ​​holding another book signing event—it must have been a real brain-dead thing for her to want to do it again after signing so many books that her hand broke, right?

To be honest, Asuna would rather spend a week helping out at her own company than hold any more autograph sessions. However, looking at Kasumigaoka's current expression of desperation, as if she were going to die if the autograph session didn't end soon, Asuna felt nothing at all, and even... had already started to smile.

I wouldn't call it gloating, but it's more like Kasumigaoka Utaha wanted to drag Kiritani-san into this mess—I don't mind if you take it as a source of amusement.

After all, seeing others suffer misfortune will inevitably evoke different emotions.

…………

"Please have some tea~"

Ms. Kato Megumi, who had been absent for a while, brought a teapot filled with tea and several disposable cups, appearing very serene.

"Eh, Kato-san is here too... cough, I'm so sorry I didn't notice!" Asuna looked at Kato Megumi who suddenly appeared, her feelings were a little complicated. Compared to Kasumigaoka Utaha and Eriri, Asuna couldn't quite figure out what this expressionless girl was thinking.

It's true! Even Shiina Mashiro, who has the same expressionless face, is easily seen through by Asuna, but Kato Megumi is the only one she can't see through.

It's really strange. She doesn't usually stand out, but Asuna always feels that this girl is particularly difficult to deal with... Oh right, Kato Megumi also has the attribute of being a childhood friend.

Kato Megumi pursed her lips slightly, "Eh, Yuuki-kun..."

Asuna rubbed her cheeks, looking a little embarrassed. "The situation was a bit strange just now, and... I was sitting in the corner, right? So, I didn't notice anything. I'm really sorry!"

With a slight puff of her cheeks, Kato Megumi began to make this expression more and more frequently.

"But speaking of which, it's really unexpected that Kato would come to attend Kasumiko-sensei's book signing event."

"Um... well, there are always some unexpected hobbies, you know. I've also read Yuuki-san's works~!"

"Huh, really?"

"Oh yeah, I actually bought the whole book at Yuuki-kun's last book signing event!"

"Ah, now that you mention it, I do remember seeing Kato-kun last time..."

The soft, cute voices spoke with the same gentle tone as always. Mr. Kiritani and Ms. Kasumigaoka, still feeling uneasy, exchanged a glance, finding the current situation strange, especially Ms. Kasumigaoka, who for some reason felt like she had lost... It was very subtle.

At that moment, the door to the lounge was pushed open, and the somewhat impatient editor, Machida, walked in. Before he could even speak, he was suddenly dragged out by Mr. Kiritani and Ms. Kasumigaoka, who also closed the door behind them.

A thoughtful look flashed across his eyes from time to time, but Kiritani-kun still couldn't figure it out, so he turned to look at the equally imaginative artsy young woman and asked, "So, what's going on?"

Kasumigaoka Utaha rolled her eyes. "How would I know!"

Yuuki-kun...

To be honest, her aura is really terrifying, especially when she says things that are extremely easy to cause misunderstandings.

At that time, Kasumigaoka didn't know what to say. If it weren't for her habitual rebuttal and the impression left by the past... she probably wouldn't have been able to explain it clearly.

Although no further explanation was offered, the topic was cleverly shifted using language.

"However, it seems your girlfriend and Kato don't get along?"

"How the hell would I know?" Kiritani rolled his eyes at her. Asuna was the epitome of gentleness and virtue... wait, Megumi...?

Okay, it couldn't be for that reason, but the conversation just took a turn for the worse, which made Kiritani-kun feel a little guilty for some reason.

"Let's leave that topic aside for now. You've been gone for so long, where did you go with Kato?... Oh? You even bought a pair of glasses, they're quite nice..."

"So, all of you are trying to steal my glasses? Also, please don't continue with this potentially misunderstood topic. Asuna's martial arts skills could easily beat ten of you..."

"I'm telling you, that's enough!" Machida, the editor whose hands were trapped, glared at him with dead fish eyes and looked extremely impatient. "If you don't let go of me, I'll really show you what a topic that's easy to misunderstand is."