Shaking her head, Utaha felt she was overthinking things.
There was no way such a cliché light novel setting could happen in real life.
Meanwhile, as Utaha was lost in thought, Haruto had finished placing their order. He also subtly signaled to the staff (Foundation personnel) that no alert was necessary.
"Senpai, shall we talk about literature?" Haruto asked.
Utaha snapped out of her thoughts and nodded.
She then pulled two light novels from her handbag. One was a currently popular romance light novel, and the other was titled Love Metronome.
"I'd like you to read these two books and compare them. Although you debuted as a manga artist, your strength lies more in storytelling rather than pure artwork, so I'd like to hear your thoughts on these two books."
He took the novels and began flipping through them.
Utaha rested her hands on the table, quietly waiting. Love Metronome was her own work. To be honest, Utaha considered herself fairly skilled in literature. She had poured a lot of effort into this debut novel.
She didn't expect it to become an instant hit—
But at the very least, she had hoped for some decent feedback. However, the sales had been unexpectedly dismal. It was a complete failure with no hope of a reprint.
Utaha had her own pride. She wasn't in denial but simply wanted to understand what went wrong.
Asking her editor felt a little embarrassing.
And coincidentally, she saw her Kouhai's work explode in popularity.
So she wanted to hear his opinion.
Haruto skimmed through both novels, reading the first three chapters.
Although he hadn't read them in their entirety, the first three chapters generally set the tone of a book. It was like catching a glimpse of a leopard through a narrow tube, just enough to make a judgment.
Closing the books, he thought for a moment and then looked at Utaha.
"Senpai, I've gone through the opening chapters of both books. My evaluation might not be entirely thorough, but please hear me out."
Utaha nodded, signaling she was all ears.
Haruto pushed forward the more popular light novel.
"The writing is decent, lighthearted, and humorous. The plot is a bit cliché but has its own fresh elements, which is why it's doing so well."
Utaha nodded.
His assessment matched her own thoughts.
"And this one." Haruto pushed Love Metronome forward.
Utaha immediately perked up.
"The writing is excellent—smooth, expressive, and filled with genuine emotion."
Utaha blinked.
That was too much praise. She wondered if Haruto knew she was the author and was just flattering her.
"But, it likely hit a wall in sales, right? It probably flopped badly."
He stated bluntly.
"Why?" Utaha asked immediately. "Kouhai, you rate this one higher, yet you think it failed?"
He shrugged helplessly.
"Because it's completely unconventional."
Utaha was stunned.
That was a reason?
"Senpai, writing with genuine emotion is great, but only if the readers take the time to immerse themselves in it. Clichés have their advantages; they quickly establish familiarity, allowing readers to effortlessly breeze through the story."
Haruto explained.
"I see," Utaha nodded. "That cleared things up for me. Thank you, Kouhai."
Haruto acknowledged with a nod and prepared to return the books. However, Utaha pushed Love Metronome back to him.
"As thanks, this one is for you."
She smiled, a hint of mischief in her eyes.
He looked at his senpai and suddenly asked, "Could this be your work, Senpai?"
Utaha: !
Being exposed so suddenly left her flustered.
"I see," Haruto said before she could deny it. He accepted the book. "I'll make sure to read it carefully."
Their desserts and coffee arrived.
Utaha quickly picked up her cup and took a sip, using the steam and the rim to hide her expression.
This junior... was way too smooth!
He was dangerously skilled.
Could it be that, despite his serious appearance, he was actually a playboy?
Was he secretly juggling multiple women, honing his techniques through experience?
Utaha, blushing, let her thoughts run wild.
After finishing their desserts, the two left "Umbrella" together.
Only after they were completely gone did the Foundation agents inside the shop finally breathe a sigh of relief.
Even though they had received orders to remain at ease—
That was still the President, after all.
Meanwhile—
"It's still early. Kouhai, do you have anything else to do?"
Utaha asked.
Haruto thought for a moment- there actually was something.
"Perfect timing, I'd like to ask for your help in picking out some girls' clothing. About this height, petite build."
He raised his hand to gesture Shiro's height and figure. Hearing this, Utaha immediately had an exclamation mark pop up over her head.
As expected, this Kouhai was a playboy. He was actually asking her to pick out clothes for another girl!
And...
Looking at the figure Haruto was describing, Utaha's eyes widened.
"Kouhai, could it be that you're a hopeless lolicon?"
Utaha showed a look of disdain, as if she were looking at a plankton.
Haruto: ?
"Where did you even get that conclusion?" He was bewildered.
Utaha mimicked Haruto's previous hand gestures.
"Senpai, its for my little sister!"
Haruto rolled his eyes.
"Ohhh..." Utaha finally realized that her thoughts had strayed far off track. As if to make up for it—
Utaha pulled him along through the shopping streets of Chiba. She seriously picked out several outfits that fit Shiro's petite frame, including casual and uniform styles.
And she even paid for them before he could.
Haruto didn't refuse.
Utaha didn't seem to lack the money. Accepting goodwill from others was also an important part of socializing.
Soon, Haruto was carrying a pile of large and small bags. Maybe it was just a natural instinct for women.
Even though it was him who had come to shop...
The one who had been asked for help, Utaha, was now the one fully enjoying the shopping spree.
Haruto could barely hold everything, yet Utaha was still going strong.
"Senpai, I think this should be enough."
Haruto spoke calmly.
He was exhausted.
Even with his current body, he actually felt tired from shopping.
Was this wear and tear!?
Hearing this, Utaha turned around to look at Haruto and finally realized she might have gone a bit overboard.
"Ahem, since Kouhai thinks this is enough, then let's stop here. Consider it my way of thanking you for enlightening me earlier."
Utaha did some self-reflection.
Since he said it was for his little sister...
She subconsciously associated it with the role of a younger sister in romance light novels, always acting as the supportive wingman. Able to provide subtle pushes at just the right moments.
So she got a little carried away and bought too much.
'Damn, what am I even thinking? I've only met this Kouhai twice.'
As Utaha was lost in thought, a woman hurriedly brushed past her. Seemingly unintentionally, she bumped into Utaha's shoulder.
The impact made Utaha stumble, her body tilting to the side.