"Hoo~"
Kasumigaoka Utaha tilted her head back and exhaled, a white mist, then adjusted the scarf around her neck.
The winter break was over, but that didn't mean the temperature had dropped. It was clearly warmer indoors than out, but she was more accustomed to being here.
The rooftop was her and his secret base.
"To meet here in such cold weather, Kasumigaoka Utaha, you really know how to trouble people."
A moment later, the boy pushed open the door and walked over, complaining softly.
"Because, if you're going to have a secret rendezvous, you should choose a safe place. Don't you think the rooftop is a very suitable location?"
Kasumigaoka Utaha smiled playfully, her brows exuding a myriad of charms.
Unlike in anime and novels, rooftops are usually locked to prevent people from entering, but Kasumigaoka Utaha used her unique academic achievements to gain this privilege.
Otherwise, how could this be the place where Makoto once fought?
Izumi Chihiro subconsciously thought of these things.
However, he had high self-control and showed no unusual expression, sitting down beside her.
"Today, I brought your favorite yakisoba bread and milk."
He changed the subject, taking out the items he had just bought from the convenience store from a plastic bag.
"Thank you, Junior-kun."
Kasumigaoka Utaha said softly, taking them from his hand, and her finger inadvertently brushed against the back of his hand.
Intentional or unintentional, it was hard to tell.
"By the way, you always make me buy lunch. Kasumigaoka Utaha, do you really not starve to death at noon?"
Izumi Chihiro asked while taking out his bento box.
"Why are you suddenly concerned about my personal issues, could it be…"
Kasumigaoka Utaha wanted to tease him, but seeing that he was still serious, she explained, "During that time, I really did write day and night, often forgetting to eat. But Kasan would remind me about it later."
"So, you were doing it on purpose later on!"
Izumi Chihiro's eyes narrowed.
"This should be forgivable, right? Because, Junior-kun, things you give taste extra special."
Kasumigaoka Utaha poked her index fingers together, feigning an adorable, wronged expression.
She really knew how to do it.
"How about this? If Junior-kun is really unhappy, I can share my lunch with you, you know."
Her expression was very serious.
"That won't be necessary."
Izumi Chihiro waved his hand, refusing politely.
"By the way, Kasumigaoka Utaha, can you stop speaking in that high-pitched voice? It's disgusting."
"Hmmph, I heard you boys like that kind of tone, don't you?"
"If it's your natural voice, then it's fine, but what you're doing is completely mischievous."
"Is that so? So that's what you think, Junior-kun. Then I'll choose a more appropriate time in the future."
"…Never mind, it's not important."
Izumi Chihiro pouted.
Seeing him give up arguing and focus on his bento, Kasumigaoka Utaha chuckled to herself and picked up her bread and milk.
He's really too cute, the boy.
But your wish, I will never agree to!
Lunchtime ended.
Kasumigaoka Utaha licked the corner of her lips, removing the breadcrumbs, and stared at him, saying, "So, Junior-kun, what are your thoughts on my new work? I heard that the themes of Kuroko and Nayuta are closely related to you, right? You wouldn't show favoritism towards them over an outdated woman like me, would you?"
She could come up with ideas herself; she wrote an amazing first volume when she started her career, so there's no reason she couldn't come up with an even better work now.
It's just, if everyone else can have it, why can't she? Wouldn't that mean she's inferior to others?
I had thought about it before coming, but this kind of thing should first depend on Senpai's wishes. Once I know what kind of work you want to write next, I can offer more precise suggestions.
He replied.
"That's right. Actually, I've also thought of a little setting. For example, the female protagonist is a yandere, and the male protagonist is a scumbag who wants a harem and flirts everywhere. Then he gets locked in a dark room by the female protagonist, forced to write novels for her day and night. Junior-kun, isn't this setting quite interesting?"
Kasumigaoka Utaha asked with an inquiring look.
"Hmm, it sounds quite interesting, and it has a good marketing hook. But why do I feel an unknown malice from it? This protagonist's setting..."
Izumi Chihiro looked suspicious.
"That must be Junior-kun's misconception."
She smiled sweetly.
"However, I truly admire the female protagonist's idea."
"Hm?"
Izumi Chihiro's gaze became wary.
"What's wrong? Let's continue talking, Junior-kun. Don't mind such trivial matters."
Kasumigaoka Utaha said, puzzled.
"Does potential danger to one's person count as a trivial matter?"
He retorted.
"Don't worry, this is just because the female protagonist loves the male protagonist deeply. She won't do anything unnecessary to him. She just hopes he will be devoted to her wholeheartedly. After he's locked in the dark room, everything from food, safety, to sexual desire can be guaranteed."
Kasumigaoka Utaha described.
"Sexual desire... Then shouldn't the male protagonist be moved to tears and admit his mistakes?"
He looked strange.
"If it were really like that, the story would be too short. Although I want to write it that way, it's still too much trouble. So, the female protagonist still needs a certain process to conquer the male protagonist."
Kasumigaoka Utaha sighed, looking very disappointed.
"That sounds more reasonable then, hmm..."
After a moment of thought, he continued.
"I think this is pretty good. The story setting is quite interesting and should attract a lot of attention. My only concern is the scale of the writing. If it goes too far, it could lead to some unnecessary problems."
This was a serious opinion.
"Does Junior-kun approve of me that much? Should I be happy or sad? I had originally planned to drain you dry..."
Kasumigaoka Utaha pursed her rosy lips.
"Then let's talk about the character settings, shall we?"
Izumi Chihiro thought that the help he provided was indeed limited, so he proactively said.
"Okay, regarding character settings, I'd also like to hear your thoughts, Chihiro. I've already set up several characters: a tsundere blonde twin-tailed childhood friend, a clingy industry junior, and a beautiful artist girl who lives at home... Each is a captivating female protagonist. I'm sure their popularity will be maxed out, right?"
"Why so many? Can you even write all of them?"
"Since it's a harem, the more female protagonists, the better."
"In that case, why not add a stepsister too?"
"Hm!?"
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💯 PS = 2 bonus chapter