Chapter 417: A Kiss is Also Considered a Service
Watching Izumi Saori sitting at the front of the stall, Hachiman smirked.
With the popularity of "Sword Art Online," the value of Izumi Saori, the exclusive illustrator for this light novel, naturally soared.
In simple terms, this lady definitely wasn't lacking in money now.
Never did he expect to encounter her selling artbooks at the summer exhibition today.
Ero-manga-sensei...
Come to think of it, isn't "Ero-manga-sensei" a play on words for adult manga?
Could it be that drawing artbooks is actually this lady's main job, while being an illustrator is just a side gig?
With this thought, Hachiman's expression turned odd.
However, although it's called an artbook, it's actually just a collection of explicit illustrations. There aren't any actual scenes like that, and with its exquisite art style, it could easily pass as a collection of art prints.
Since Ebina wanted to buy one, the three naturally lined up.
As the line moved forward, they quickly reached the front of the stall.
"Eromanga Sensei, please give me a copy of your artbook," Ebina requested as she stood in front of the stall.
"No problem, that will be 1,800 yen. Thank you for your patronage," Saori's gentle voice replied.
Although 1,800 yen was already a bit pricey, as a renowned figure in the industry, her artbooks were definitely worth it.
With both parties exchanging money and goods, the transaction was quickly completed.
After Ebina left, it was Hachiman's turn next.
Looking at Saori behind the stall, Hachiman greeted her first, "Miss Izumi, it's been a while."
Surprised to hear someone calling her name, Saori raised her head and saw Hachiman standing in front of the stall, a smile on his face.
"Oh, it's Hikigaya-kun. It's been a while indeed."
Although the two had just discussed the illustrations for the first volume of the new book a few days ago, it was through emails and they hadn't met in person.
"Why is Miss Izumi selling artbooks here? Is it to supplement your income?"
After all, she was the illustrator for his novel, so Hachiman couldn't help but show some concern.
"Of course not, thanks to you, Hikigaya-kun, Sagiri and I are doing well now and don't lack money. As for drawing artbooks, it's just my hobby," Saori chuckled, picking up a book from the table and recommending it.
"By the way, would you like a copy too, Hikigaya-kun? I'm quite confident in my artwork."
Normally, one would feel embarrassed if recognized by acquaintances while selling their own artbooks. But this lady didn't seem to mind at all, instead enthusiastically recommending her work to Hachiman.
Seeing this scene, Hachiman smirked.
But after all, she was the exclusive illustrator for his novel, so it was only right to show some support.
"Well then, I'll take one."
"No problem, that will be 1,800 yen. Thank you for your patronage."
With another book sold, Saori naturally smiled happily.
For Hachiman, the money was inconsequential, so he handed over the 2,000 yen he had just earned.
Taking the change and the book, Hachiman nodded with a smile.
"In that case, I won't disturb you any longer, Miss Izumi. I wish you a prosperous day in business."
"Mhmm, goodbye, Hikigaya-kun," Saori smiled back.
"Buh-bye."
After bidding farewell to the lady, Hachiman turned and left the line.
As he returned to the two girls, Ebina looked at him with shining eyes, "I didn't expect it, Hachiman, you actually know Eromanga Sensei."
Yumiko couldn't help but feel a bit perplexed. How did Hachiman seem to know everyone they encountered?
"Well, it's just a coincidence. Miss Izumi happens to be the illustrator for my novel," Hachiman replied with a faint smile.
"Huh? Eromanga Sensei is the illustrator for your novel?"
Upon hearing this, both girls were surprised. It seemed too much of a coincidence.
Yumiko also had her doubts, "Since she's the illustrator for your novel, why is she still selling artbooks?"
Given the popularity of Hachiman's novel among the girls, logically, Saori, as the illustrator, shouldn't be short of money.
"Well, it's just her hobby, that's all. Let's not delve too deeply into it," Hachiman shrugged. "Anyway, we're done buying the books. Do you two want to buy anything else? If not, we can head home."
"Yeah, let's go back."
Both Ebina and Yumiko had no objections.
Exiting the cool venue, they were hit by a wave of heat. Checking the time, it was already past 11 o'clock, the hottest time of the day.
Glancing at the weather, Hachiman smiled, "Let's go. I'll treat you to some cold drinks."
Arriving at a roadside drink shop, each of them bought a drink.
Sipping on the cold beverages, it felt like the summer heat had diminished significantly.
Since it was already this time, Hachiman decided to treat them to lunch as well, as he wasn't short on money anyway.
After lunch, Ebina left on her own, while Hachiman escorted Yumiko home.
Soon, they arrived at the girl's doorstep.
Taking out her keys and opening the door, Yumiko offered, "Do you want to come in for a while?"
Hachiman thought for a moment and didn't refuse, "Sure."
After all, he didn't have much to do today, and the weather outside was still very hot. It wouldn't hurt to wait until it cooled down a bit before heading home.
"Then come in."
Seeing Hachiman nod, Yumiko went in first and fetched a pair of slippers from the entrance shoe cabinet, placing them by Hachiman's feet.
"Here, you can wear these. They're new."
After changing into the slippers, they entered the house and found that Mrs. Miura wasn't home.
"Mom might be out shopping. Let's sit on the sofa for a while," Yumiko turned on the TV. "I'll wash some fruit for us."
With that, she headed to the kitchen to wash some fruit to serve to Hachiman.
However, before the girl could turn around, Hachiman pulled her back, causing Yumiko to fall directly into his arms due to inertia.
"Hey, what are you doing all of a sudden? Let go of me."
"What's the rush? Do you need to be so polite to your boyfriend?" Hachiman chuckled and then hugged the girl tightly.
Hearing Hachiman's words, Yumiko snorted, "Hmph, stop talking nonsense. Who said you're my boyfriend, shameless."
Although she said that, she didn't seem to struggle at all.
"And besides, you shameless boyfriend of mine, you're not just mine, right?"
Hachiman couldn't help but find it amusing how jealous the girl was.
"Well, you're right about that, but right now, the only one by my side is you, Yumiko, isn't it?"
Seeing Hachiman being so straightforward without any pretense, Yumiko felt a bit angry, but before she could react, she heard Hachiman's voice again.
"And right now, what I want to taste more than fruits is you, Yumiko."
The next moment, the girl felt a familiar warmth on her lips as Hachiman kissed her, and all her annoyance melted away under his kiss.
Gradually, she wrapped her arms around Hachiman's neck, closed her eyes, and her long eyelashes trembled slightly.
After what felt like an eternity, their lips parted, and Yumiko looked at Hachiman's familiar face with a charming blush on her cheeks. She reached out and lightly tapped his chest.
"Hey, stop being so casual about kissing me."
Hearing this, Hachiman smirked, "I didn't kiss you casually. You agreed to it, Yumiko."
Seeing him blatantly lying with his eyes open, Yumiko pouted in annoyance.
"What nonsense! When did I agree to let you kiss me?"
"I'm not making it up. Remember the birthday gift you gave me?" Hachiman wagged his finger. "Yumiko, do you remember the gift vouchers you gave me?"
Yumiko was puzzled. "Birthday gift... You mean those vouchers?"
Of course, the girl remembered, and the idea for those vouchers was even suggested by Mrs. Miura.
"That's right, those vouchers," Hachiman nodded.
"Didn't you say those vouchers could be used for me to provide some services?"
"In my opinion, kissing could be considered a kind of service, you know."
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