It wasn't until Ayumi met Akira's eyes that she realized she had just asked a very foolish question.
She had completely forgotten that Miyamura wasn't just a new author — he was also the heir to a company. His usual quiet, low-key personality made it far too easy to overlook that fact.
Without asking, no one would ever guess he carried both of those identities.
"So, how many copies are in the first print run?" Ayumi asked with a small laugh, trying to steer the conversation elsewhere.
Akira raised his hand and extended five fingers. "Since it's a debut novel, the initial print run is a conservative five thousand copies."
He and Fūno Jun (change name) had agreed on that number after some discussion, adjusting for a few unpredictable factors.
Still, Akira didn't think much of it. He had no idea whether this story — famous in his previous life — would perform the same way here. Even if five thousand wasn't much, they could always reprint later if sales went well. And if it sold out quickly, a little shortage would only help build some buzz.
"Miyamura, don't worry! I'll definitely buy a copy this Thursday to support you!" Nishikata declared proudly, his voice muffled by a mouthful of food.
Takagi and Ayumi both chimed in enthusiastically.
Akira waved a hand. "No need. The physical copies should be delivered to my house tomorrow anyway. I asked Fūno Jun for a few early print editions — I'll just give one to each of you."
Shouko nodded in agreement, closing her bento box. "That's right. Akira and I already have ours. His copy is number one, mine's number two. The ones we give you will probably have later serial numbers."
There was no helping it. The first printed copy had sentimental value — something you couldn't just give away.
Though the three tried to politely refuse, Shouko's firm tone left them no choice but to accept.
"Then… may I ask another slightly rude question, Miyamura?" Ayumi said hesitantly.
Akira blinked. "Go ahead."
"How much does your book cost at the bookstore?"
"One thousand five hundred yen," Akira replied casually.
"…"
"That's my entire month's allowance!!" Nishikata blurted out, nearly choking.
Takagi and Ayumi both froze for a second — to be fair, he wasn't exaggerating.
The average Japanese high schooler's monthly allowance wasn't much, maybe 2,000 yen if they were lucky, and some only got 500 or 1,000.
Nishikata quickly clasped his hands together and gave an apologetic smile to the nearby students who had turned to stare. He couldn't help it; the shock had just slipped out.
He had been perfectly ready to buy a copy a few seconds ago — but now that he knew the price, his wallet was crying.
"Miyamura, I have another question," Takagi said, raising her hand politely.
Akira sighed. "Just ask. There's no such thing as a rude question."
He was starting to wonder if the price was too high, but he hadn't set it — Futaba Publishing had.
"Miyamura, is your book… inlaid with gold?"
"…."
Shouko held up her phone, showing the search results she had just found. "Ayumi-chan, the first volume of Akira's book actually combines three volumes' worth of content, so the price is higher. But compared to others, it's already cheaper."
"…"
The three leaned in to check. Sure enough, a three-volume compilation usually cost around 1,800 yen — and those by famous authors were even pricier.
"Wait — first volume? Does that mean there's going to be a second one?" Nishikata asked, looking at Akira in disbelief.
By now, though, he was too used to being surprised by him.
If there really was a second volume, that would be two months of allowance gone in an instant — daylight robbery, but perfectly legal.
"Yes," Shouko answered for him with a proud smile. "But the second one depends on how well the first sells. If it does, the price might go up a bit…"
She paused before adding reassuringly, "But don't worry — the second book will only have two volumes' worth of content, so even if it's pricier, it won't exceed the first."
"…" Nishikata wasn't sure if that explanation made him feel better or worse.
The group chatted for a while longer before heading off to wash their bento boxes. The bell for the end of lunch break rang soon after, the faint scent of food still lingering in the classroom.
Akira leaned on his desk for a short nap, and when he woke up, the sun was already slanting through the windows, scattering golden dust across the chalkboard.
He could hear the Baseball Club running in the hallway. The student on cleaning duty was up on tiptoe, wiping the board. Shouko had already packed up, her uniform jacket draped loosely over her chair.
"Akira, school's over. Want to come with me to the Art Club?" Shouko asked with a teasing smile.
"Ah—"
Before he could answer, Ayumi tugged on Shouko's sleeve with a pout. "Shouko-chan, isn't it enough that you have me with you?"
Akira ignored their playful squabble, rubbed his eyes, and packed his bag.
They all said goodbye at the stairwell, going their separate ways. Takagi and Nishikata headed home early for personal reasons, skipping club activities that day.
Just as Akira was about to leave, a message from Fūno Jun popped up on his phone. Without hesitation, he got on his motorcycle and rode toward Futaba Publishing.
"Shouko-chan, did you ever figure out Miyamura's browser password?"
As they walked toward the Art Club room, Ayumi's gaze drifted back from the sports field to her friend's face.
Shouko shook her head, a little embarrassed. "No… I've tried so many times, but I still can't guess it."
For the past two weeks, she had secretly been trying to crack Akira's phone browser password — even keeping a small notebook to record every failed attempt.
So far, nothing had worked.
Only Takagi and Ayumi knew about it, and the three of them sometimes brainstormed password ideas together.
"If all else fails, why don't you just act cute and ask him directly?" Ayumi suggested, lifting her finger as if presenting a genius idea.
In truth, she had once searched the same question online out of curiosity — and the answers had nearly shattered her worldview.
Now she couldn't help but wonder what Akira Miyamura's "browser secrets" might look like.
Shouko sighed. "That probably won't work either…"
"But if you don't try, you'll never know! You can't just keep guessing forever," Ayumi said, still grinning.
They entered the Art Club classroom, greeted their seniors, and went back to their seats, chatting as they painted.
Two class periods passed in the blink of an eye. By the end of the session, Ayumi had successfully convinced Shouko to try her "act cute and ask" plan tonight.
After all, if she didn't… she really had no other way.
And during break, Miyagi Yuki also promised that she'd buy a copy of the novel to support both her and Akira.
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