People in Tokyo, the world is clear

"Actually, I try not to think that Sasagawa-san is my love rival."

It was actually a very confusing statement - especially after the girl denied having any intention of making fun of others.

But the next sentence that followed made Sasagawa Rimei freeze.

Because, the girl raised her head, raised her clear and lovely voice slightly, and uttered a strange outrage:

"After all, shouldn't people with similar interests become very good friends because of their shared interests?"

"?"

"But people are probably all like this. Just like how we admire celebrities and idols, it's because we can't see or touch them. When there's a chance to possess them, like-minded people become competitors. Even I can't escape this desire."

"Ito..."

Rio Sasagawa found that she was unable to keep up with the pace of the girl in front of her.

As if not wanting to give her time to react, she cast a straight gaze at her:

He started talking non-stop:

"But, no matter what, maybe it's just that I'm terrible. Even though I want to prevent Senpai from having any contact with you, I still want to treat you as a good friend."

"My good friend?" Sasakawa Rio murmured, "We've only just met for a short time, right?"

"But, I just feel that Sister Sasakawa is worthy of trust and friendship."

"Why? There must be a reason, right?"

"Because Senpai is a super idiot!"

"?"

"Superficial and frivolous, strong on the outside but weak on the inside, panicky and frivolous, pretending to be stupid. But even such a guy is actually very interesting at heart, so he always finds and attracts some equally interesting people. For example, you, Sister Sasakawa."

Ms. Ito continued her emotionally charged and outrageous remarks, "Sasagawa-san, do you believe in first-time acquaintances? We just met and talked for a few minutes, but I already felt you were a great person. I really wanted to have a good relationship with you. But now... it's all your fault!"

"..."

"Growing up, I've never had many friends."

The girl lowered her head. "Aside from my family, everyone around me either ignores me or thinks I'm a strange, invisible person. I've always longed to have a few friends I could talk to, confide in, and exchange ideas with."

"So... isn't the lover an enhanced version of that character?" said Sasagawa Rio.

However, the next second, she saw the girl in front of her suddenly look up and look at her with some grievance:

"That's what I thought!"

"But, that's not the case at all!"

"?"

"Sasagawa-san, are you willing to listen to me? There are some things I can't discuss with my seniors. If not handled properly, it will affect our relationship and even cause a rift. I really can't find the right person to talk to!"

The girl looked like a silly girl who would tell everything.

It also made Sasagawa Rimei's mood more complicated.

If you don't guard against others, you will obviously suffer a great loss!

If you trust your own judgment so easily, trust others casually, and expose private matters, what if you meet a bad person disguised as a friend? Wouldn’t you be cheated and have to help count the money?

"..."

But, but——

Do you want to listen?

After a moment's hesitation, Sasagawa Rio suddenly gritted her teeth.

Make up your mind and listen.

She didn't have any ill intentions, and she didn't want to take advantage of the situation to separate her and the man in front of her - she definitely didn't want to be a person who took advantage of others' misfortune.

It's just that...

She said she wanted to be friends with me.

In fact, I have always admired this child from what I have heard from him through his works and oral accounts, and then verified it in person when I met him.

Perhaps, the cracks that this silly girl mentioned are not a big problem.

From a third-party perspective, she can at least provide an objective evaluation, even if she can't help to enlighten the audience.

I definitely, definitely won't go out of my way to break up someone's relationship.

She, Sasagawa Rie, would never do such a thing.

But, that is to say, if what she said was really something big...

...

"If so, you can tell me about it if it's convenient."

Sasagawa Rio was somewhat unable to determine what underlying emotions and thoughts she had when she said this.

Maybe, it's just pure curiosity.

Despite being hypnotized like this, he couldn't help but prick up his ears and stare at the girl's somewhat limp body with bated breath.

Listen to her say the following with some shyness and self-blame:

"That's right, Senior's (drip drip drip drip drip), and his physical strength is also... I can't stand it."

"..."

"..."

"W-what?"

Sasagawa Rio opened her mouth in shock and almost stood up.

After finally calming down, a blush suddenly appeared on her cheeks:

"no..."

"I know this is a private topic. No, can't you continue?"

"It does feel a bit strange." Sasakawa Rio took several deep breaths to suppress her shock and shook her head. "But if you think it's okay, I can... try to listen."

"Then I'll continue."

Ito Nishika sighed again, reached out and grabbed the female editor's hand, like a drowning man grabbing a straw.

Then, the girl, whose rising body temperature was reflected in the temperature of her fingers and pulse, began to try to describe her recent private life.

Maybe it was because she was clumsy, but she would occasionally talk about some shocking details in a naive manner, which made Flamingo, who only had pitifully meager theoretical knowledge, feel frightened.

He didn't dare interrupt, so he could only stare at the distressed expression of the short-haired girl in front of him.

Listen to her reveal bit by bit:

"Well, how should I put it? Even though I was having a great time, I was completely exhausted and felt dizzy. A few times, I was so exhausted I almost passed out."

"But, Senior never seems to be satisfied. Every time, he ends up compromising."

"I also wanted to work hard and thought of other ways, but he obviously preferred the real deal... and in the end he always tried to hide his disappointment and gave up."

At the end, Miss Ito covered her face and made a strange whimpering sound:

"He must be feeling irritated, constantly reaching out to me. Sometimes, he'd even come at any time of day or night. But I was so... after a few times, it felt like he was suffering. I was actually a little worried that my body wouldn't be able to handle it, so I started to reject him a few times. Then, I slowly realized he was hiding some unhappiness. If this keeps going on, he's bound to be unhappy, Sasakawa-san."

"hiss."

"Sasakawa-san?"

"Well, then."

The female editor began to search hard for relevant passages described or mentioned in all the literary works in her memory.

Then, try to think about the conclusion of the export:

"I have to say...the quality and harmony of sleep at night is indeed a bond that maintains a relationship."

Then, she felt the girl's hand tightening:

"Yeah." Ms. Ito looked quite disappointed. "But I have a big problem in this regard. And, to make matters worse, I'm a little scared now. I keep thinking about hiding from my senior. This way, his unhappiness will continue to accumulate."

"...So, Ito, you're worried that this will affect your relationship in the end?"

"Yes."

"Uh."

Sasagawa Rio didn't know what to say for a moment.

It's a secretive and embarrassing, yet unexpectedly important question.

but--

"According to some biological theories, men in their twenties do tend to be more enthusiastic and energetic. However, it shouldn't be a big deal." After a moment's pause, Sasakawa Rio tried to offer her own perspective. "This kind of thing can probably be overcome if we talk it out and understand each other. Perhaps, as you get older, it will be a little... hmm."

It's crazy.

Obviously, they were rivals in love, yet they were discussing this kind of thing at this moment.

Even, I have to help comfort and popularize scientific knowledge?

How weird!

Sasagawa Rio was a little overwhelmed.

But the information received is real.

As a result, my thoughts couldn't help but twist in strange directions.

so--

That guy is really as Ito said...

...

"Cough, cough, cough!"

Then the flamingo jerked its head around and made a weird, hacking coughing sound.

He took another deep breath, and suddenly realized something, and pulled out his trembling hand:

"But, back to the beginning, suddenly bringing up the idea of ​​swapping accommodations, are you actually... trying to avoid him?"

"Yes."

Ms. Ito nodded. "The main reason is... when he's around, I can't refuse him. I even take the initiative... but I'm so bad at it, and every time I end up making everyone unhappy."

Novel Novel No. 0

"No..." Sasakawa Rio couldn't stand the weird and curious heart, "Really? That exaggerated? According to common sense..."

"It seems like it's not my fault. It's because Senpai is too good and too motivated. For example, he would..."

"Hiss, stop."

Sasagawa Rio raised a hand to prevent more blushing and heart-pounding details.

A long sigh:

"I understand. But... in that case, you could just move in directly. Why exchange? Are you trying to compensate me or thank me? That doesn't make sense."

"..."

While Ms. Ito remained silent, Rio Sasagawa found something was stuffed into her hand.

It was a small card. It looked like a business card, with a phone number printed on it and some strange photos in the background.

Rie Sasakawa read the words clearly:

"Inside the Undocumented Case"

"this!"

The legendary agency that provides indescribable services?

More importantly, if I read the address pointed to above correctly,

It seems that it is near the venue of a certain author's book signing event the day after tomorrow?

Shocked, the female editor raised her head and looked at the girl with an uneasy expression.