Nozomi's surprised expression made Kasumigaoka Utaha visibly displeased.
Under the table, her legs wrapped in elegant black stockings slid forward and delivered a swift, deliberate stomp to his foot.
"What do you mean by 'such a senior'? Nozomi-kun, you better think carefully before answering."
Nozomi, wincing a little but maintaining composure, glanced at her alluring legs under the table and replied in a calm tone:
"Since you're dressed so gorgeously just to meet with Miss Machida, I have reason to suspect... you might actually be a closet girl-lover, senpai."
Kasumigaoka Utaha narrowed her crimson eyes, a sharp glare accompanying the increased pressure of her heel.
"Heh... Baka Kouhai," she muttered through clenched teeth.
Across from them, Machida Sonoko couldn't help but let out a hearty laugh, clearly entertained by the banter.
"Oh? So it's true? Actually, Utaha-chan and I are in a relationship. Are you disappointed, Nozomi-kun?"
Nozomi smirked, unfazed. "Disappointed? Not at all. I fully support everyone's preferences. If senpai swings that way, I don't judge."
Machida Sonoko raised an eyebrow and leaned forward with interest. "So, if you don't dislike her... does that mean you like her?"
She delivered the line with a mischievous glint in her eyes, clearly serving as Utaha's wingwoman.
Nozomi gave the senpai a once-over, admiring her flawless skin and impeccable figure before responding with a grin:
"It'd be weird if I didn't like someone as beautiful and brilliant as Utaha-senpai."
Then, straightening his posture a little, he added with exaggerated sincerity:
"...But I already have a girlfriend, so senpai, please don't try to seduce me!"
Internally though, he added: If she does, I'm not resisting.
Machida Sonoko looked at Utaha in disbelief.
This guy has a girlfriend? But you said you were going to go for him—are you planning on being the side girl?!
Utaha rolled her eyes at Nozomi, her foot retreating from its assault position.
"Let's move on to business, Machida-san."
"Sure, sure." Machida Sonoko nodded, immediately shifting into her editor persona.
Although she was still extremely curious about their relationship, work always took precedence.
Nozomi, confident and composed, pulled a small USB from his bag and passed it to her.
"This is the manuscript of my light novel — Magical Girl Misaki."
The game adaptation had already built a solid reputation in niche circles, and the light novel was now riding that wave of momentum.
Machida Sonoko had even played the game, only to be left in emotional shambles by the tragic end of the game's heroine.
The light novel took that same foundation and expanded on it with richer narrative and detail — but the tragedy remained.
The senpai magical girl Misaki, beheaded with no redemption arc.
It had almost made Machida throw her controller across the room.
Yet as she read the first few pages of the manuscript, her expression softened.
It was good — really good.
So good that her editor instincts took over, and she didn't hesitate.
"Let's sign this. I'm recommending you for this month's Light Novel Newcomer Award. Your writing has serious potential."
Nozomi nodded without hesitation.
"Thank you, Machida-san. I'll follow your lead."
The conversation shifted to deadlines and marketing. Just as they were about to wrap up, Machida Sonoko narrowed her eyes and asked sharply:
"There is a second volume, right? Don't tell me that cruel ending is how you're really leaving things. I nearly cried from that scene!"
Nozomi laughed dryly and tried to explain himself.
"It's foreshadowing for the second volume, really. The beheaded senpai—she has to be saved."
He scratched his cheek sheepishly.
"I'm not into tragedies, you know? I just wanted the emotional payoff after the twist to hit harder. And I figured, the first batch of readers will be gamers—people who already know and love the characters from the game. They'll spread the word like wildfire. It's strategic... I swear."
Only then did Machida Sonoko let out a long sigh of relief.
"Then... you'll be using the pen name Healing Dawn? From now on, I'll call you Healing Dawn-sensei!"
She reached out to shake his hand more formally this time, a little sparkle in her eyes.
"I'll be in your care from now on! Now, about the second volume—when do you plan on delivering it?"
Nozomi grinned and took out another USB from his bag.
"Right now. I've actually finished the first three volumes already. I just haven't had time to polish all the details, but if there are any edits needed, just let me know. I'll revise them quickly."
Machida Sonoko blinked, then suddenly looked like she might cry.
She turned to Kasumigaoka Utaha and shouted dramatically:
"Utaha-chan, see this? Can you be more like Healing Dawn-sensei? So proactive and dependable!"
Kasumigaoka Utaha didn't miss a beat, rolling her eyes elegantly.
"Do you think everyone is a tentacle monster like him? Who writes that fast unless they have eight hands?"
"You just don't have enough motivation," Machida muttered before turning to Nozomi with a hopeful gleam in her eye.
"Healing Dawn-sensei, from now on, I'm entrusting Kasumi Utako-sensei to you! Please help her meet her deadlines! If you succeed... I'll send you a very rare photo of Utaha-chan~"
"Deal! Leave it to me!" Nozomi thumped his chest like a shonen protagonist.
Kasumigaoka Utaha narrowed her eyes and stepped on his foot again under the table.
"Baka!. You actually fell for that?"
Nozomi grinned and kept his mouth shut.
Machida watched their playful bickering and smirked.
"Well then... I'll take my leave. You two seem to have lots to discuss. Work hard~!"
With that, she made a swift, almost suspicious exit.
Nozomi looked at Kasumigaoka Utaha, then slowly stood up and moved to sit opposite her.
"Thanks, Senpai. Really."
"It's not a big deal. I just introduced my editor to you. No need to make a fuss."
"Still, I appreciate it. But more than that..."
Before he could finish, Utaha scooted over and boldly sat down beside him, her voice low and teasing.
"Don't you want to sit next to me, Kouhai?"
Nozomi blinked and stammered, "I-I do! I just didn't want you to think I was being pushy or anything."
A rare, sincere smile curved her lips.
"Then it's fine."
Without hesitation, she took his arm and leaned slightly against him. Nozomi stiffened, heart skipping a beat.
"So... about that proposal from earlier," she said with a soft, teasing tone.
"Proposal?" he echoed, trying to play dumb.
Her cheeks flushed just a bit, but her words remained firm.
"Of course I mean the idea of dating. Don't pretend you forgot. You do want to date me... don't you?"
Nozomi looked at her seriously for a moment, then spoke as gently as he could.
"Senpai... you said this was to help you write your love story, right? If it's for the sake of your novel, I'd be happy to help."
He wasn't delusional—he knew someone as incredible as Kasumigaoka Utaha wouldn't fall for someone like him at first glance. This had to be about gathering real-life experience for her characters.
Utaha didn't argue. She just smiled.
"Then from now on, please take care of me, boyfriend-kun. Until the second volume of Love Metronome is complete, you belong to me. Sound good?"
Nozomi gave a lopsided smile. "Best deal I've made all year."
He reached out and gently held her hand.
She flinched slightly, surprised, but didn't pull away.
"Since I'm your boyfriend now," he said with a smirk, "holding hands is totally allowed, right?"
Kasumigaoka Utaha didn't answer. She just leaned in a little closer, her hand softly squeezing his in return.