For a talented light novel author, having her work deemed "axed" by an editor was the ultimate form of rejection. At that time, Kasumigaoka Utaha had been unable to refute it. She had never been in love herself; the Love Metronome she wrote was initially just to satisfy her creative impulses and to express her longing for an ideal partner.
Much like Sayuri in the story, Kasumigaoka Utaha yearned for such an exceptional male protagonist to appear in her life—to experience a sweet romance and enjoy the care of a boyfriend.
Simultaneously, the success of the first volume had solidified her future path. She wanted to continue as a light novel author, to create even better works. If she could also earn a living this way, satisfying her inner needs while securing material comfort, it would be perfect.
During that low period of repeated revisions and rejections, Eriri Spencer Sawamura's words had brought her new possibilities. Through Eriri, she met Hozuki Nozomi. And from Hozuki Nozomi, she had gained fresh writing inspiration—ideas that flowed continuously. He had shown her the vast possibilities of light novel plots, bringing her a profound sense of shock.
Kasumigaoka Utaha was deeply moved at this moment. She had originally thought the second volume of Love Metronome was already perfect enough, that she would give it a satisfying conclusion and be done. But Hozuki Nozomi had told her she could write a third volume, a fourth… even more! She felt she had the hope of becoming a major figure in the light novel world, perhaps even leading its trends.
According to Hozuki Nozomi's vision, all she needed to do was maintain dramatic tension. She couldn't let the male and female leads get together so easily. Perhaps the male lead could get into an accident and lose his memory temporarily, then a new female character could appear and start dating him. Or later, the heroine could also lose her memory. The key was to be "fair" in the torment.
The most brilliant suggestion was the ending twist: just as they were about to marry, both sets of parents object, declaring the male and female leads to be biological siblings. Lovers become siblings. The relationship instantly transforms into a forbidden love.
Then, in the third volume, the story could continue to revolve around this forbidden love, creating new layers of tension—both physical and emotional torment. In short, they must never be allowed to get together easily until the very, very end. Then, introduce another twist, revealing they aren't siblings after all, allowing them to marry. A series of shocking reversals to astonish the readers!
At this moment, brimming with inspiration, Kasumigaoka Utaha was filled with admiration for Hozuki Nozomi's talent. She hugged his neck tightly, breathing in his scent like a spoiled child, her wine-red beautiful eyes revealing pure adoration.
Hozuki Nozomi, in turn, gently stroked the girl's soft, flowing hair, savoring the softness and fragrance of her body. His own mood became exceptionally pleasant.
Next, neither of them spoke. Their eyes met, and both of their bodies trembled slightly. Kasumigaoka Utaha's beauty and gentleness deeply attracted Hozuki Nozomi, and his handsomeness and exceptional talent equally captivated this beautiful, charming senior in black stockings.
So, the two moved closer in a tacit understanding.
And kissed.
......
The entire afternoon passed in this ambiguous, intimate atmosphere until the bell for the next class rang.
Kasumigaoka Utaha reluctantly pushed Hozuki Nozomi away, still wanting more. She looked at him with a hint of complaint. "Kohai-kun… you're too skilled at this."
"Ah, well… I practice hard to become skilled, all to give Utaha-senpai a better experience," he replied, earning an eye roll from her.
"You've probably said that to quite a few girls, haven't you? To say something so scummy with such righteous indignation… you really have nerve." Kasumigaoka Utaha grumbled, though there was no real dislike in her tone. Her cheeks flushed, she playfully pinched his cheek and smiled. "Alright, Scumbag-kun. It's time for class."
Though equally reluctant to end their intimacy, skipping class as an exchange student would be improper and bring discredit to her school.
Back in the classroom, Class 2-F had outdoor physical education this period. As the class representative, Hozuki Nozomi naturally had to help Shiina Mahiru with the equipment. Working together, male and female, made the task lighter.
Today's sport was volleyball. Hozuki Nozomi quickly found a practice partner.
Katou Megumi: "......"
The expressionless girl glanced at Eriri Spencer Sawamura, who kept shooting her sharp looks, then sighed helplessly as she looked at the boy she was about to practice volleyball with.
"Why me, Nozomi-kun?"
Facing Katou Megumi's question, Hozuki Nozomi smiled. "Because I thought you might get overlooked, so I proactively asked to team up with you. How about it? Touched?"
Katou Megumi bumped the volleyball back over the net and sighed. "It is quite touching, but it's unnecessary. Although I am often overlooked and forgotten, I still have some presence in a setting like this. Besides, Sawamura-san has been glaring at me with very intense eyes. Nozomi-kun, I think you should invite her to team up instead."
Hozuki Nozomi smiled and waved a hand, hitting the volleyball back with a gentle, controlled arc. "It's fine. At school, I think you, Megumi, need my attention more. As for Eriri, we see each other often. She comes to my place regularly, so it's not a big deal."
Katou Megumi raised an eyebrow, looking at him with speechless disbelief. "Is that something you can just tell me? You're not only involved with Kasumigaoka-senpai, but you've 'handled' Sawamura-san too?" She felt Hozuki Nozomi's brand of "care" came with a rather heavy price—one's virtue.
"How can I be a scumbag? I'm very serious with everyone! Besides, Eriri is actually a colleague at my game and animation studio. On top of being classmates, we're co-workers, so it's normal to meet often." He deftly returned the ball. "Speaking of which, Megumi, do you like playing games?"
Hearing this, Katou Megumi shook her head. "I have a cousin who really likes games. As for me… it's just so-so. I haven't really delved into them."
"That's perfect then. Let me show you the charm of games and animation, Megumi. Can you come to my place this weekend? I'd like to spend the day with you."
"Sure."
Katou Megumi readily agreed. After all, she didn't have many friends, and even fewer people consistently remembered her. So, even facing an invitation that might potentially cost her her "virtue," she still agreed.
Hozuki Nozomi received her reply, and a mischievous smile played at the corner of his mouth.