"Hiroshi."
Kuroneko poked Hiroshi lightly and whispered, "Later, I want to get signatures from two authors. Can you come with me to buy their original works?"
"Hmm???"
"Airi Kashiwagi-sensei and Shizuko Kasumi-sensei."
"One is a well-known doujin artist online, and the other is a genius light novel author in real life." Kuroneko continued, "I've read both of their works, and we might have the chance to meet them today. I want to be prepared for their autographs."
"Especially Airi Kashiwagi-sensei. She is one of my favorite manga artists!"
Hiroshi smiled and patted her head, nodding. "Alright, let's go buy them right away."
"Mm!" Kuroneko beamed, nodding enthusiastically. "I can't believe we might meet both senseis at Comiket this time."
"Kashiwagi-sensei used to have her parents sell her works on her behalf, and she never showed up in person. I missed Kasumi-sensei's signing event because I had to work, so this is such a rare opportunity!"
"Hehe, maybe we might even meet the elusive Eromanga-sensei this time too."
"Emmmm." Hiroshi looked at Kuroneko, who was smiling with excitement. He clicked his tongue and asked, "Why are your favorite artists always those R18 ones?"
"It's because they draw things in such a cute way!"
"Hiroshi, are you thinking of something inappropriate?!"
"No, no, you're mistaken\~"
---
Carrying a few books, Hiroshi held Kuroneko's hand as they followed behind Tomoya Aki. Throughout their walk, Tomoya passionately introduced every booth they passed to Hiroshi, recommending anything that he personally loved.
Hiroshi put a complete set of "Reincarnated Silver Wolf" into his bag. He then looked over at Tomoya, who was still busy selecting light novels, and shook his head with a smile.
"Tomoya, we need to get going. Remember, you were going to take us to your circle's booth?"
"Just a second, just a second!" Tomoya quickly grabbed the books he'd picked and hurried to Hiroshi, looking serious. "Hiroshi, you have to take Yamada Elf-sensei's complete set too!"
"Her writing style isn't that great, but her storytelling is fantastic. I highly recommend her works."
"No problem." Hiroshi nodded and turned to a stern-looking store employee wearing a white shirt. "Could you please give me all of Yamada Elf-sensei's series? One of each, please."
"Thank you for your patronage." Takumiji Takasu's eyes brightened, and he turned towards a taller bookshelf, shouting, "Taiga! Come out and help the customers! I need to fetch their requested books."
"Got it! Got it!" A book balanced atop her blonde hair, Taiga Aisaka emerged from behind the bookshelf, wearing her apron adorned with a cute roaring tiger. She took the book off her head, adjusted her hair, and bowed slightly to Hiroshi and the others.
"Welcome. Please wait a moment. Takumiji will bring the books you need. If there's anything else you want, let me know, and I'll try my best to find it."
"Can I take a picture with you?" Kuroneko asked expectantly, taking Hiroshi's camera from his neck.
Taiga hesitated, frowning, but just as she was about to refuse, she noticed Hiroshi holding up a sign behind Kuroneko.
[Say yes, and I'll buy out every book in the store today!]
After a moment of consideration, Taiga sighed and said, "Alright, but don't touch my head or hug me. And no calling me cute!"
"No problem, no problem!" Kuroneko happily stood beside Taiga, passing the camera to Hiroshi.
"Say cheese."
"Cheese!" x2
Crouching slightly, Kuroneko smiled happily while Taiga, standing beside her, gave a shy "V" sign. The photo slid out of the camera.
Hiroshi handed the photo to Taiga. "This is for you as a keepsake."
Takumiji then arrived, carrying a stack of books, and Hiroshi smiled apologetically at him. "Sorry for making you go through so much trouble."
"Huh?" Takumiji carefully set the books down and wiped the sweat off his forehead. "You don't need them anymore?"
"Oh, no, I do." Hiroshi pulled out his credit card and said, "I'd like to buy every book in this store. Could you pack them up for me, please?"
"Also, could you help find a truck to deliver all the books to this address?" Hiroshi jotted down Kuroneko's home address and his card's PIN, handing the note to Takumiji. "You can take the delivery and labor fee from the card. Can I count on you for that?"
"I-I can, but why are you buying so many books?" Takumiji looked bewildered, glancing at the card.
"And why are you giving me the PIN? Are you not coming with me to arrange everything?"
"Haha, it's alright." Hiroshi patted Takumiji's shoulder, smiling warmly. "I trust you. Your soul gives off a gentle glow."
Hiroshi took Kuroneko's hand, waved at Takumiji, and walked out of the bookstore with her.
Takumiji stood there, stunned, holding the card. He scratched his head, baffled. "What's going on here?"
He turned to look at Taiga, who held a photo close to her chest. Curious, Takumiji asked, "Taiga, where did you get that picture?"
Taiga quickly hid the photo away, looking at Takumiji. "Don't ask so many questions. Just finish getting the customer's books ready."
"Oh... Alright. I'll call the boss, then."
"Takumiji, remember—you owe me one."
"Huh?"
As Hiroshi and Kuroneko walked alongside Tomoya, Tomoya eyed Hiroshi, puzzled. "Hiroshi, why did you buy so many books?"
"Because I was bored." Hiroshi grinned at Tomoya's surprised face. "I'm often looking for something to do, and we were already in a bookstore. Plus, you recommended so many books to me."
"And judging by how enthusiastic you were, it meant the bookstore really had great selections, so I bought everything."
"Oh, I see." Tomoya nodded, finally understanding. "Honestly, I thought you bought everything because of Kuroneko's photo with Taiga."
"Well, that was one of the main reasons." Hiroshi laughed.
"What?!" Tomoya exclaimed.