Chapter 64: Similarities?
Yuta has become the star at the nail salon, experiencing firsthand what it feels like to be the top choice. Every customer who visits asks for Yuta specifically to do their nails.
The process of painting nails doesn't take too long, but some customers go through the trouble of removing fresh nail polish just to shake Yuta's hand. It's obvious that their goal is to have an excuse to interact with the handsome technician in a legitimate way.
After a busy stretch, Yuta finally managed to slip away from the crowd of enthusiastic aunts, sisters, and young women.
"Miss Machida, what brings you here?" Yuta asked when he chose to leave work early. He figured he could just talk to Kiriyama Aoi about it later, who hadn't minded Yuta leaving the salon since she learned he wasn't struggling financially.
She had also given up on the idea of him continuing to work there.
Sonoko joined Yuta as he left, having plenty to say after witnessing him in action.
"I didn't expect your range of skills to be so broad—laying tiles at construction sites, working in a printing factory, and now painting nails at a salon. You seem quite popular."
Since Sonoko wasn't swayed by looks or charm, she wasn't affected by Yuta's appearance even as she noted his poise when he worked diligently.
Yuta smiled and replied, "These are just simple tasks that anyone can do without much skill. Let me treat you to dinner this time."
Though Sonoko had already eaten, she didn't decline. She accompanied Yuta to a restaurant where she ordered only a dessert, using dieting as an excuse.
It seemed rather contradictory.
Yuta watched as Sonoko ate her cake, puzzled by her dieting strategy.
"The reason I reached out is to discuss your novel. I've previously published a similar romance light novel which sold over 500,000 copies across five volumes. If your work is well-promoted, it could do well, although it likely won't surpass that work."
Even though Sonoko saw potential in Yuta's work, she doubted it could outdo the sales of Utaha's books.
"Why not? I think the prologue is already great," Yuta questioned, not understanding Sonoko's skepticism about his novel.
Sonoko looked at him, confirming that he genuinely seemed clueless, and explained, "A similar work has already been published by the author I was with last time—her book, 'Metronome in Love,' has gained some success. And your story has some similarities in the plot. Have you not read Utako-sensei's works?"
She acknowledged Yuta's talent in writing youthful romance novels but pointed out the competitive market.
Their publisher had just released a successful work, and the market hadn't fully absorbed it yet, which might affect readers' purchasing enthusiasm for a similar new title.
"'Metronome in Love'? Can you tell me a bit about it? I haven't read that work," Yuta asked, curious about the similarities between his work and someone else's that Sonoko mentioned.
Sonoko nodded, understanding the need for clarification, especially since both authors were under her editorial supervision. She hoped to avoid any issues.
"'Metronome in Love' features a love triangle involving the protagonist and two female characters—Sayuka, who appears in the first volume, and Mayu, who is introduced in the second volume. The twist is that the protagonist ultimately chooses Mayu over the fated encounter with Sayuka."
Hearing this, Yuta felt relieved. Sonoko's impression was based solely on the prologue, and he knew that the two works diverged significantly in their full arcs.
"Don't worry. I haven't read 'Metronome in Love,' and I don't intend to until after my project is complete. As for sales, we'll let the market decide that," Yuta said confidently. Writing wasn't his main occupation, nor did he aim to become a full-time author. To him, income from writing was just a bonus.
If he earned a lot, he'd celebrate with a family meal. If not, it wouldn't concern him much.
Seeing Yuta's confidence, Sonoko grew curious about the eventual success of his story.
"That's great. Once you finish the first volume by next month, we'll proceed with publication and see how well it does to consider any adaptations," Sonoko planned.
Yuta nodded, aware that everything would ultimately rely on merit.
Sonoko smiled at Yuta. "I edit romance novels, and strangely, besides you, none of my authors have boyfriends. How about you, Yuta? Writing romance must mean you have plenty of experience? Is your girlfriend beautiful?"
Yuta laughed awkwardly. "I don't have a girlfriend and no experience to speak of—everything I write is just imagination. So if there are any unrealistic elements in my story, please help me correct them."
Suddenly, the atmosphere turned somber.
His admission hit a little too close to home—Sonoko herself didn't have a boyfriend. She looked at Yuta, then thought about her team, wondering how this could be.
Writers without romantic experiences crafting best-selling romance novels. And here she was, an editor of romance novels, offering advice despite lacking personal experience.
At 30 years old, still single. Despite her career advancements, still no romantic partner.
Despite this bleak reality, life had to go on.
With a sigh, Sonoko offered, "If you ever need advice on romance, feel free to ask. I'll share my 'precious experience' with you."
She faced life with a smile, but her eyes betrayed a deeper thoughtfulness.
Yuta, not overthinking her words, assumed she had expertise as an editor and gratefully said, "Thank you!"
Sonoko, noticing Yuta hadn't caught her joke, felt a bit downcast. Standing up, she waved her hand, "I need to get back to work. How many days do you think it will take to finish the book? When do you expect the first volume to be done?"
"Three days to finish the first volume, five days for the entire book." Yuta said, intentionally stretching the timeline a bit to make it seem like writing a novel wasn't too easy for him.
However...
Sonoko found herself at a loss for words regarding this young man.
"Why are you so prolific? If other authors found out about your writing speed, they'd be in tears!"
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