June 9, Saturday

"He's... your rival?" I asked Keiyu with surprise seeping into my voice. The thought of someone being able to surpass Keiyu's talent seemed almost impossible to me.

"Yes," Keiyu responded. "Back when I was just starting out, trying to get Run With the Wind serialized, we were both competing for a spot. Despite Kei's superior talent, Run With the Wind was chosen."

"Wow," I murmured, trying to process this new information. "I really didn't know that there was someone that's just like you, Kurumizawa-san."

There was a soft chuckle from Keiyu's end. "I think so too, to be honest. And I didn't expect to win back then. Kei's work was just as incredible."

"Maybe," I offered. "Maybe you won because you really put your all into Run With the Wind. You brought it to life with your own words and emotions, and that's something truly special, Kurumizawa-san."

"Thanks, Imaizumi-san" he replied with a gentle tone. "I appreciate it."

Despite his reassurance, the disappointment still lingered. Rose of Vermillion... my first one-shot with Keiyu... had not made it. I could feel a heavy sigh pass through my lips, disappointed in my first loss in this industry.

"Kurumizawa-san, I..." My voice faltered as I spoke. "I feel like I didn't work hard enough on our one-shot."

"That's not true," Keiyu was quick to reassure me. "It's your first time, you did everything perfectly. If there's anyone to blame, it's me, the author."

"But... were we lacking something, Kurumizawa-san?" I then asked him.

"Honestly... even I don't know yet," Keiyu replied. I could almost hear the strain in his voice. "Let's not dwell on it too much right now. We still have Shinku. We can still make it."

"Yes," I nodded. "This time, Kurumizawa-san, you're going to win the New Writers competition. I'm sure of it."

Keiyu chuckled at my encouragement. "I hope so, Imaizumi-san. I really do. Anyways, I'll go do something on my end for now," he said. "I'll have to finish the call here."

"Okay, Kurumizawa-san," I replied, feeling the disappointment that was still making me lift a heavy weight in my chest. "I'll... I'll see you."

As I ended the call, I let out a heavy sigh. Suddenly, my phone pinged with a new message, breaking my silent mood. I picked it up and saw that it was a text from Yukari.

"Good morning Imaizumi-san! Could we meet again and hang out together? I have something that I want to ask you something too."

A surprised smile crossed my face. Given that it was my first time meeting up with Yukari again.

Quickly, I typed out a reply, agreeing to meet her. I then went about my morning routine and chose a cute, girly outfit for the day – a pastel pink blouse with a white, knee-length skirt and matching pink sandals. A perfect outfit that complements my pink twin tails.

I texted Yukari back, asking her where we were meeting. She replied that we could meet at the cafe near Hikari Suisei, which was perfect because I was familiar with it, Keiyu and I had been passing by and even eating there a few times already.

I then moved on and did a final check of my apartment, ensuring there were no hazards, before grabbing my keys and heading out, locking the door behind me.

I arrived at the café and chose a cozy table by the window, perfect for two. A waiter approached me with a friendly smile, ready to take my order. I shook my head, giving him a polite smile. "I'm waiting for someone," I explained, feeling a little shy. He nodded and left me to wait.

I scanned the café, watching as people moved in and out for a good few minutes. Then, finally, I saw her. Yukari walked into the café, looking as charming as ever in a stylish outdoor outfit, her silver hair shimmering under the café lights. Her green eyes, which were housed behind her black-rimmed glasses, scanned the café, then lit up when they found me.

She lightly waved at me with a smile. "Ah, Imaizumi-san," she called out as she was heading over to the table. "Sorry, I'm late. The walk was terrible."

I couldn't help but smile back. "That's okay, Yoshida-san," I said as she took a seat across from me. "I haven't been waiting that long."

Yukari flagged down a waiter and asked me what I wanted to order, "A tall cup of cold chocolate chip frappe, please," I responded, recalling one of the menu items that I took a glimpse of before taking a seat. Yukari then ordered a caramel macchiato for herself. The waiter nodded, scribbling down our orders before heading off to get them prepared.

As we waited for our drinks, Yukari turned to me with a serious look on her face, "How's Kurotsuki-sensei doing?" she asked. "I heard about the poll results... I hope he's not too upset."

I blinked in surprise, taken aback by her sudden concern for Keiyu, "Oh, um, he's doing just fine" I replied, trying to reassure her. "He was a little disappointed, but he's not too down about it. He believes that he still has a chance with the other one-shot he's writing for the New Writers competition."

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Yukari nodded and let out a relieved sigh, "That's good to hear," she said. "I was worried for him for a second there. Remember how I told you that I thought he would quit writing as well? That's how it feels."

I reassured her, "Kurotsuki-sensei is definitely stronger than we think, Yoshida-san. I'm sure we both know that he's not one to give up that easily."

Yukari nodded, a relieved smile lighting up her face, "I hope so. He's too talented to just quit."

Then, she changed the topic. "Oh, anyway. Are you going to be participating in the Hikari Monthly Artists competition?" she asked, her eyes glinting with interest. I nodded, confirming her question with a "yes".

Her eyes widened in surprise and excitement, "Really? That's great! I'll be participating too," she cheerfully responded. At the same time, I felt a chill run down my spine at her words. Reminding me that this was Yukari Yoshida, the very same person who had illustrated the previously best-selling romance light novel, Run With the Wind.

How could my artwork possibly compete with someone of her caliber?

She seemed to notice the worry on my face, because she quickly added, "Don't worry, Imaizumi-san. I'm just doing it for fun. I hope you are too."

I let out a breath I didn't know I was holding and managed to muster up a smile, "Y-Yes, I'm participating just to enjoy the experience as well, thank you, Yoshida-san."

As we continued to chat, our drinks finally arrived. The rich aroma of our respective beverages filled the air, causing both of us to let out satisfied sighs.

Yukari took a sip of her drink and her eyes immediately sparkled, "Wow, still as great as ever!" she exclaimed. I followed suit, taking a sip of my own chocolate chip frappe.

I had to agree with her, the drinks are so delicious. Though I rarely go out to treat myself like this, it really is so satisfying to do so every once in a while.

Feeling a bit more at ease, I decided to ask Yukari something I'd been curious about. "Yoshida-san, what was Kurotsuki-sensei like back when he first started writing?"

She took a moment to think, her eyes gazing off into the distance as she hummed to think, "Kurotsuki-sensei was... different," she began. "He was so quiet. He had this... aura about him. It was charismatic, yes, but intimidating at the same time. He would only speak when he needed something or when he had to comment on my artwork. I won't lie, it was a bit awkward at first. But as time went on, I got used to it."

I found myself smiling at her words, finding them all too relatable. "That sounds just like him," I agreed. "I guess some things never change. That, I'm glad for."

Yukari chuckled at my response before her gaze became a bit distant, "He was... difficult to work with at first. Strict, yes, but a good person. He just had high standards."

Hearing this, I couldn't help but ask another question. "Did you ever... start to like him? Like, in a romantic way?" The words spilled out before I could stop them, but Yukari didn't seem to mind. She just laughed lightly and shook her head.

"No, goodness no," she reassured me. "He may be handsome and smart, but he's not my type. Besides, working with him was enough."

I sighed in relief, feeling an inexplicable sense of calm wash over me, which felt odd. But then, Yukari's eyes twinkled mischievously as she turned the tables on me, "Ohoh~ Why do you ask, Imaizumi-san? Is this love I smell? You like him?"

I felt my cheeks begin heating up at the question, "W-What? No, of course not! I... I don't..." I stammered, avoiding eye contact. Yukari just laughed; a warm, friendly laugh that made me feel a bit less embarrassed.

"Aww, it's written all over your face, Imaizumi-san" she teased. "It's okay, I promise I won't tease you about it. Just be honest."

I sighed, knowing that there was no way out of this one, "Okay, okay..." I finally conceded, "Maybe I... I might... sort of... like him... just a little." I mumbled, almost as if I was completely unable to contain my face from burning with embarrassment.

But as I looked up to see Yukari's reaction, all I saw was a kind, understanding smile as she gave me an encouraging nod, "That's good, Imaizumi-san," she said gently. "You're exactly what Kurotsuki-sensei might need. Someone who genuinely cares for him."

Her words left me stunned, my blush deepening. I wanted to say something out of my flustered state, but I decided against it and didn't interrupt Yukari's impending words of advice.

"I may not know everything about him, despite working with him for a while," she continued. "But I know that he's the type of person who tends to care more for others than himself. And right now, he could use a bit of that care and concern in return. Especially after everything that's happened... you know what that is."

I nodded and looked down, unable to meet her gaze before saying, "I-I'm not sure if I'm the type he likes though."

Yukari seemed to sense my insecurity, so she responded with a much softer tone of voice, "It's not too late to become his high school sweetheart," she added, giving me a teasing wink that made me sputter. "You don't need to do anything big or grand to prove your worth to him. In fact, I'm sure you've already done more than enough."

I took a deep breath, trying to collect my thoughts again before speaking, "Yoshida-san," I began, my voice hesitating to let out a little. "There's something I feel guilty about..."

Yukari raised an eyebrow, curious, "Oh? What could that be?"

"I... I have this childhood friend," I explained, fiddling with the straw of my frappe. "He confessed his feelings to me not too long ago. But I... I couldn't reciprocate his feelings." I bit my lower lip, feeling a little worried for the next part. "I can't help but wonder... was it because of... of Kurotsuki-sensei?"

Yukari watched me for a moment, she once again hummed to think, and then, she shrugged, smiling lightly, "Imaizumi-san," she then said, leaning back in her chair, "I can't give you the perfect advice on this because I don't know you that well. But I'd love to get to know you better. Though honestly, whatever the full details may be, I think your feelings are fair and just."

I blinked, taken aback by her honesty. Then I chuckled lightly as I smiled, "I see... I'm glad."

A comfortable silence then enveloped us as we both finished our drinks. After a moment, Yukari checked her phone and sighed, "Ah, the time. I should get going," she said, standing up. "I have some work to finish at home. But I'm glad we could spend this time together, Imaizumi-san, I really enjoyed the chat."

"I'm happy to spend time with you as well, Yoshida-san," I replied, also getting up. "Looks like I have to go home as well."

We walked to the counter to pay for our drinks, exchanging pleasant small talk along the way. After we'd settled the bill, we stepped out of the cafe into the warm afternoon air.

"Let's hangout some other time, okay? See you next time, Imaizumi-san," Yukari said, giving me a warm smile. "Good luck with the competition!"

"Good luck to you too, Yoshida-san, thank you!" I responded, returning her smile.

I then looked up at the bright sky, and around the city around me, before smiling and whispering to myself a thought that made its way to my voice.

"Highschool sweethearts... huh?"