Sunday
Nichimai TV Station, Studio
"Hoo! Hoo!"
"Sound check—"
"Microphone connected. Okay."
"Good, the camera's adjusted too."
"Haruki-sensei, how are your preparations?"
"No problem."
"All right, then please follow the camera operator's direction when the program starts. There's no need to be nervous—just stay relaxed."
The program's stage manager spoke briskly, her tone efficient yet reassuring.
While the director finalized the setup on set, the assistant producer helped guide Haruki into the right mindset.
Haruki, however, remained calm.
He glanced toward the audience seats and spotted editor Asamiya Nanae and Eri Kisaki in the front row. Eri smiled and made a small cheering gesture with her hand.
Haruki returned a light smile.
Moments later, the director raised his hand.
With a firm cue—filming began.
"Good evening, everyone—"
"This week, we bring you another episode of 'All Japan Detective Agency Unit!' Tonight's explanation will be given by me, Matsuo Takashi."
After the opening, the host—neatly parted hair and an amiable smile—spoke with practiced energy.
Behind him stood the assistant host, a bright young woman who tapped her cheeks playfully with both index fingers.
"And I'm your assistant host, the always familiar Nagai Ayako!"
"All the difficult cases submitted by our viewers will be analyzed one by one," Matsuo Takashi continued, turning to the camera with a polished grin.
"For this, we've invited a very special guest tonight—
the mystery novelist who's written three consecutive bestsellers, Haruki-sensei!"
At Ayako's cue, the cameraman swung the lens toward Haruki.
"Hello, everyone."
Before the camera, a faint, dignified smile graced Haruki's sharp features.
Applause erupted instantly—some fans even screamed.
"Haruki-sensei is so handsome!!!"
Even Ayako gasped, half in jest but clearly sincere.
"Please, you have to become a regular guest! We'd crush the ratings!"
"You're not just thinking about ratings, Ayako," Matsuo Takashi chuckled.
"Why not both—good looks and top ratings?"
"But then," she teased, "the director might make you host from off-camera next time."
"That's right—Mr. Matsuo's voice would be enough!"
Laughter filled the studio.
Haruki couldn't help smiling. "I thought this program would be very serious."
"No, no—we always keep things light, Haruki-sensei," Matsuo replied.
"Yes," Ayako added with a laugh, "this is a very relaxed show."
Then, with a dramatic sigh, she placed a hand to her cheek. "But Haruki-sensei, you're truly too handsome! Especially up close—it's almost unfair! May I ask you a bold question?"
"You may," Haruki said, the corners of his mouth curving. "But it's not a confession, is it?"
Ayako's eyes sparkled. "Can I confess?"
"Please, by all means—don't."
"Ah!"
The audience burst into laughter again, though a few female fans pouted faintly.
Ayako quickly recovered, grinning. "Well then, I'll ask this instead—do you have a secret for keeping your skin so perfect? You're more refined than most women!"
Haruki chuckled softly. "Hmm… I don't really pay attention, but aside from sun protection, maybe it's bathing."
"Sun protection and bathing?"
"Yes. Prolonged UV exposure accelerates aging. And as for bathing—Ms. Nagai, when you soak in a hot spring, don't you sometimes feel your skin improves?"
"Ah, that's true!"
"So, proper hydration is key," Haruki concluded with a calm smile.
From the audience, Eri Kisaki watched quietly.
Seeing Haruki so composed—his gestures graceful, his voice smooth—brought a faint smile of relief to her face.
The host, however, felt slightly overshadowed as Ayako and Haruki's easy rapport charmed the audience. Clearing his throat, he shifted the topic.
"Speaking of which, I'm sure everyone's curious about a mystery novelist's daily routine. Haruki-sensei, could you tell us about that?"
"For a mystery writer, the first step is always the story," Haruki replied evenly. "Once the plot takes shape, I begin writing and revising along the way. There's not much more to say—it's quite straightforward."
"I see… But your novels feature such clever methods. How do you come up with them?" Matsuo asked, leaning forward.
"I've always been fascinated by detectives," Haruki said. "I research crime and deduction constantly. The more I study, the more ideas emerge. I also tend to write cases using reverse deduction."
"Reverse deduction?" Matsuo echoed.
"Yes—starting with the outcome: the victim's state, the cause of death, or the crime's trick. Once I have a compelling scene, I trace it backward—filling in the cause, process, and emotions. It's like shooting the arrow first, then drawing the target."
"So that's your method… fascinating." Matsuo nodded.
"Then tell us—what gives you the biggest headache when writing?"
Haruki smiled faintly. "Naming characters, without question."
As if slightly embarrassed, Haruki's gentle voice softened. He reached into his pocket and drew out a small, black notebook. Opening it, he spoke with a mild, unhurried tone:
"Since I'm terrible at naming things, I always carry this notebook with me. Whenever I meet someone interesting, I ask them to leave their name inside. Later, I use it as a reference when creating characters."
Nagai Ayako leaned forward, eyes wide. "Wow—there really are so many names in here!"
"Haruki-sensei, you're incredibly dedicated," Matsuo Takashi said admiringly. "I wonder… would I be honored enough to leave my name in it too?"
He laughed lightly, enthusiasm bubbling in his voice. "Haha, if my name ever became the inspiration for a character in one of your novels, I think that'd be fascinating!"
"Of course, Mr. Matsuo," Haruki replied with a serene smile, handing over the notebook and pen.
Under the bright studio lights, Matsuo Takashi leaned toward the notebook and neatly wrote his name.
Nagai Ayako, unwilling to miss out, immediately joined in with a playful grin. "Then I'll leave mine too! Maybe someday I'll show up as a beautiful detective—or a criminal!"
The audience chuckled.
It had to be said—both hosts were consummate professionals.
The collaboration between Futaba Publishing and the TV program had been carefully arranged to promote Haruki's upcoming release. From the very beginning of the broadcast until now, both hosts had subtly and skillfully steered the conversation toward his identity as a writer—and toward his mysterious new book.
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