『rouge.en.rouge』 is a top-tier doujin circle in the otaku world, represented by Hongzaka Akane, active in the industry as a top doujin circle.
And Hashima Iori is now a member of it.
"Speaking of which, Aki and I once said we would reach the peak of the otaku world together, right? You suddenly changed your goal alone, I'm very sad and lonely!"
Hashima Iori handed the business card to Aki Tomoya, the corners of his mouth slightly curled up with a hint of a smile.
Their past promise, did this middle school best friend still remember it?
Declaring that he would make a name for himself in the otaku world, Hashima Iori did it, but Aki Tomoya was leaving that world without hesitation at this moment.
This was something Hashima Iori couldn't understand.
He knew very well Aki Tomoya's past passion for two-dimensional culture.
"Hongzaka Akane's circle, well done, Hashima Iori, you're still the same as before."
Aki Tomoya glanced at the business card without a trace, a hint of mockery in his eyes.
He could probably imagine how this former best friend had climbed up. At this moment, being a member of a top-tier doujin circle, this guy was probably at his most confident.
"Playing both sides, fully utilizing your advantages, reasonably using your talents, a sophisticated egoist, it's still you, Hashima Iori."
Aki Tomoya was not very surprised by the business card in Hashima Iori's hand.
Precisely because he knew what kind of person Hashima Iori was, he understood that it was only natural for Hashima Iori to reach this point.
"So, are you showing off? In my impression, you shouldn't be such a childish person, right?"
Aki Tomoya's smile remained unchanged, but his gaze was incredibly cold.
Was his former best friend using something like this to show off in front of him?
He thought Hashima Iori's tolerance shouldn't be this small.
Thinking of showing off his assets in front of a friend with whom he had cut ties, if that were really the case, Aki Tomoya felt he should revise his evaluation of this person.
Hashima Iori's expression was a bit awkward. Aki Tomoya's cold reaction was beyond his expectation.
If it were Hongzaka Akane's circle, based on his understanding of Aki Tomoya, the other party should be shouting at this moment, right?
As a result, Aki Tomoya's coldness made him feel powerless.
"Hey, hey, hey, is this still the person who kept saying he would reach the peak of the otaku world with me?"
Hashima Iori's smile looked like it was difficult to maintain, and his momentum had subsided quite a bit at this moment.
And Aki Tomoya sighed at this moment: "Hashima Iori, we were never the same kind of people, don't you understand that even now?"
He said, shaking his head.
Aki Tomoya now understood this person, including some of his actions.
Nothing wrong, nothing bad. Perhaps he would be scorned by people who purely loved two-dimensional culture like he used to, but as a means of advancing in the otaku world, Hashima Iori was undoubtedly successful.
"As a former friend, and as a return for your care a while ago, let me remind you of something. No matter where it is, becoming a top performer is very cruel. Keep up this drive, and also keep your tail tucked in a little."
Aki Tomoya said with a smile.
How should he put it? Hashima Iori indeed had the capital to show off, and the same applied to showing off in front of him now.
But how to say it, because they were no longer in the same world, Aki Tomoya felt a bit awkward.
"Of course, that you can have your current achievements, as your friend from the past, I am very happy, sincerely."
Aki Tomoya showed a smile on his face.
In the otaku world, Hashima Iori had indeed achieved the declaration he made before, working hard to climb up.
Although he couldn't extract any motivation from this person, it was only right for Aki Tomuya, as his former best friend, to offer a few blessings, right?
"So, abandoning the power you've accumulated, abandoning your former ideals, what exactly are you thinking?"
Hashima Iori looked at Aki Tomoya in confusion.
"Starting to study from the second year of high school, and setting your goal at Tokyo University, I really don't know whether to say you're as naive as before, or that you're full of confidence. Is what you're pursuing now perhaps a bit unrealistic?"
Hashima Iori found Aki Tomoya's change difficult to understand.
With his unique advantages, he could completely fulfill the declaration he made before about reaching the peak of the otaku world, but abandoning these things to compete with those so-called social elites, had he really thought it through!
"You've really investigated me thoroughly, haven't you? But then again, if it's you, being able to find out that Kashiwagi Eri and Kasumi Shiko are both at my school is quite in line with your personality."
Aki Tomoya knew what Hashima Iori was talking about, but his words now sounded incredibly awkward to him.
"Why do I have to do those things according to your expectations of me?"
Immediately after, Aki Tomoya replied mercilessly.
Was he reminding himself from a friend's standpoint?
Perhaps a little, but what Aki Tomoya saw in his eyes was more unwillingness.
Deep down, the other party seemed to regard him as a fated rival, which made Aki Tomoya very troubled.
"I just can't understand."
Hashima Iori calmed down.
He had indeed investigated Aki Tomoya's current situation and his goal of aiming for a place like Tokyo University.
"I'm already approaching that peak, you clearly have the potential, why don't you come over?"
"I just chose a more stable path."
"Stable? The path of getting into Tokyo University, I don't see how that can be called stable at all!"
Hashima Iori couldn't help but retort.
In his eyes, the path Aki Tomoya wanted to take was even more brutal, and couldn't be called stable at all.
"See, this is the biggest difference between you and me now. Are you very afraid of the so-called elites? You're already considered an elite in the otaku world, aren't you?"
Aki Tomoya's tone carried a hint of teasing.
"...Then what do you think about Kashiwagi Eri and Kasumi Shiko collaborating? Anyway, I will win them over to our circle!"
"Changing the subject? Hashima Iori, you too... Tsk, never mind. Since you asked me what I think, I want to remind you to give up on that idea sooner rather than later. I'm not trying to discourage you, but the outcome is already decided. It might be possible if you get Hongzaka Akane to personally step in, but you're still too green right now."
Aki Tomoya shook his head and smiled.
Hashima Iori had the capital to impress many people, but his current capital was just enough to say he had a bit of standing.
The moment a look of confusion appeared on the other party's face, Aki Tomoya didn't intend to hide his current opinion: "Don't be unconvinced. Number one subordinate of Hongzaka Akane, keep your tail tucked in a little. You're still short on your trump cards. But having said that, I don't know how brutal your world is."
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