"Speaking of which, Ryuya, what exactly did you come here for today? Don't tell me there's an author here that you like."
Blushing slightly as she looked at Ryuya, Eriri felt her heart was beating much faster than usual.
Constantly repeating in her mind that the man opposite was the older brother of her only friend, Yukino, and also her lover, Eriri tried hard to calm herself down.
"An author I like? I wouldn't say 'like', I just find it quite interesting."
Holding 'The Black Goat's Egg' in his hand, Ryuya asked Eriri, "Sawamura, what do you think of Takatsuki Sen?"
"Takatsuki Sen? So you're a fan of her books."
Hearing Takatsuki Sen's name, even the usually thick-skinned Eriri showed a look of admiration.
"Takatsuki Sen, currently the hottest new generation bestselling author globally. Rumor has it her identity is mysterious. She never appears at her book signings, instead choosing to have the publishing house editors sell a large number of her signed books."
"Although this person is elusive, the books she writes are very realistic, very beautiful, with a unique charm not seen in the real world."
"Plus, the worlds she creates are very bold, and the Ghouls in her books share similarities with many real-world urban legends, so she really has a lot of fans."
"To be honest, I'm a fan of hers too."
Telling Ryuya about Takatsuki Sen's identity, Eriri was clearly a bit excited.
"Never appeared, huh?"
Nodding at what Eriri said, Ryuya knew Takatsuki Sen's true identity. After all, he had seen the original Tokyo Ghoul series and naturally understood that the founder of the Aogiri Tree, Takatsuki Sen's real identity, was Yoshimura Eto, the One-Eyed Owl.
And her goal was simple: to create a world where humans and Ghouls could truly coexist peacefully.
"By the way, Ryuya, those Ghouls described in Takatsuki Sen's books... they aren't real, are they?"
Suddenly thinking of a possibility during her chat with Ryuya, the existence of supernatural Ghouls, Eriri asked a bit fearfully.
"They are real. Ghouls and mages, Cursed Spirits and Jujutsu Sorcerers, as well as Denizens of the Crimson Realm, all truly exist in this world."
Nodding, sensing a strange atmosphere in the milk tea shop, Ryuya didn't react much. He just continued telling Eriri about Ghouls.
"Ah? Ghouls are such terrifying creatures?"
Feeling a bit scared by the world described by Ryuya, looking at the people around, Eriri suddenly felt that any one of them could turn out to be a Ghoul attacking her at any moment.
But then it occurred to her: with a big shot like Ryuya right by her side, what did she have to fear?
Straightening her back with newfound courage, Eriri looked around arrogantly, as if ready to grab someone and give them a beating.
"???"
Not quite understanding Eriri's demeanor, Ryuya had asked Eriri to bring him to this signing event for no particular reason other than being influenced by Nia in the Date A Live World, and since Eriri was also Yukino's good friend, he figured he might as well advise the girl.
Thinking for a moment, he checked the time and suggested that since the lunch break was almost over, Eriri might as well head back to school now.
"Ah? Kicking me out already?"
Normally, being able to go back to school early would be something to be happy about, but for some reason, Eriri felt very displeased, extremely displeased. She snorted and left Ryuya with a very cool-looking back of her head.
"Hey, Ryuya."
"Hmm?"
"I'm coming to your place for dinner tonight!"
"Come on then. I just happen to be planning on cooking something tonight. You can just come back with Yuki-chan after school."
"Emmmmm... Fine, I get it."
Seeing Ryuya's relaxed attitude, Eriri felt her anger was somewhat inexplicable again. In the end, all her feelings turned into a cold snort. She flung her back view and her signature golden twin tails at Ryuya tsunderely.
After Eriri left…
"Handsome, had a fight with your girlfriend?"
A voice full of laughter came through. It was a girl with a rather amiable feel.
A girl dressed in casual clothes, looking quite cute, appeared and simply sat down opposite Ryuya. She was holding a cup of black coffee.
"Girlfriend? No, just a simple friend."
"Just a simple good friend? But that girl was so pretty, how could she just be an ordinary friend?"
"Not to be rude, young man, but when boys chase girls, they need to be bolder. I think that girl clearly likes you."
The speaking girl seemed very cheerful and outgoing. Wearing thick glasses, she could be called a standard 'otaku girl'.
She kept talking to Ryuya about this and that on her own. From her constant monologue, one could tell she was a female novelist who had come to the signing event to see the readers' genuine reactions to the books.
From her words, it wasn't hard to infer that her living conditions were good, but she seemed to have no friends or family, and was very much the image of an otaku.
So, to break out of her otaku shell and integrate more into society, she would sit in milk tea shops all day watching people come and go.
It seemed she had been attracted to Ryuya and Eriri ever since Ryuya started telling his story. It was only after Eriri left that the girl mustered the courage to approach Ryuya.
Apart from talking to Ryuya about Eriri, her greater interest was in hearing Ryuya continue the story from before.
Her proactive manner was like a lark. Analyzing the story's satisfying points, plot, climaxes, etc., with Ryuya non-stop, her breakdown of the book was professional.
As for Ryuya, he watched the girl without much reaction, seemingly appreciating her performance.
Finally, after three hours, the seemingly tired girl finally stopped talking.
On her fifth cup of black coffee, she looked at her watch and said she needed to go home, as she had things to do in the evening.
"Um... Although it's our first time meeting today, I see you're holding 'The Black Goat's Egg', so I guess we like the same kind of books, right?"
"I wonder if it's convenient for you to give me your contact information? If you're free, we can get in touch later and chat about novels."
Taking a deep breath, feeling her words sounded like those of a love-struck girl actively asking for someone's number, the girl knew speaking like this was a bit embarrassing. Her exquisite, cute face was tinged with a blush because of it.
Because her skin was very fair, it made her gray-green eyes seem like gemstones.
Her gaze shifted slightly, restlessly, and her fingers curled up. Even so, the girl desperately tried to explain.
Seeing Ryuya's impassive expression, she took a deep breath, "I'm genuinely interested in the story you told, not for any other purpose."
"Ah, right, I haven't introduced myself. Actually, I am the author of 'The Black Goat's Egg'. My name is Takatsu—"
"Takatsuki Sen."
A calm response sounded. Looking at Takatsuki Sen, Ryuya continued, "Although it's our first meeting, I do know the identity of the famous Takatsuki Sen, founder of the Aogiri Tree, Yoshimura Eto-san."
"Pleased to meet you. My name is Takami Ryuya. Nice to meet you."
Crack...
Hearing Ryuya mercilessly expose her, a crack finally appeared on the girl's perfect mask.