"What's life like in the mountains?" Kiyono asked, curious.
"Hm… it's pretty monotonous, I guess. There's nothing fun to do around there, so I just go for runs every day, catch fish by the river, and then play video games at home!" Lemon's tone was upbeat, as if she really enjoyed sharing her life.
"Sounds nice."
"What about you?" The girl looked up at him, then carefully asked, "Kiyono, are you still staying at the internet café?"
"It's a hotel now, recently."
"A sudden upgrade!?"
Yakishio Lemon let out a gasp. By her estimation, the boy should have been forced to stay at an internet café due to identity issues… Now that he'd moved to a hotel, did that mean the problem was solved? Then why did she bother running back to her hometown to ask her grandmother!
"Kiyono… you don't have an ID, do you?"
After a moment's hesitation, the girl stopped probing and spoke bravely—enthusiasm was her weapon, and Kiyono himself had told her that.
"No."
Lemon smiled, slowly extending her thumb, ready to tell him the good news—
"But I do now."
…Eh?
The girl's smile froze on her face.
Finally, Yakishio Lemon walked away reluctantly, muttering some nonsensical phrases like, "Why was this also snatched away from me?" and, "No, it's fine, I've already obtained valuable information in advance, and in the future, I'll definitely…"
Meanwhile, Kiyono sat leisurely in his seat, took out his phone, and chatted with his editor about the next volume's story.
At that moment, a message from the other party caught his attention.
"Remember to clear two days the weekend after next, for a signing event."
A signing event?
"No problem. When resources are poured in, I will suppress all 'moe pig' novels in the world! And conversations with different female fans have all been simulated! It's just… as a newbie with no fame or popularity, will anyone really come to this thing?"
The latter part revealed his conflicted inner thoughts.
If no one showed up, he'd be so embarrassed he'd want to die.
"Don't worry, the publishing house will promote you well, and you also have a certain level of popularity online, don't you? I estimate at least two hundred copies will be sold," the editor offered comfort.
"That's good, then…"
"You were the champion of the previous Newcomer Award, so you'll be scheduled for at least three signing events: Tokyo, Osaka, and Nagoya. Two events a day, so remember to rest in advance and get enough sleep."
"So I'll have to stay overnight in other cities, right…? Will travel expenses be reimbursed?"
The editor simply replied with, "Don't worry," and Kiyono quickly sent several cute emojis—all of which Yanami usually sent to him.
After discussing the details thoroughly, he put away his phone, propped his face with his hand, and turned to look at the summer street outside the window.
A signing event, huh?
This also meant the novel was officially going on sale. For light novels—benchmark products—sales represented everything.
—This was the final, deep hurdle, but his mood was surprisingly calm.
Seasons change.
He had taken another step toward his ideal.
That night, Kiyono lay on the hotel bed and informed his friends of the news.
First, Yanami.
"So, where can I buy your masterpiece? (Lots of stars) (Lots of hearts)"
Such a high-school-girl style of emoji… He chuckled and sent her the address.
"Hmph, I already have a unique collector's edition, so I won't go out of my way to buy another one. After all, it's so far away, and I'd have to queue in the hot weather."
Was that a bit much?
The message from Lemon was simple—he had proactively told the girl his identity; otherwise, if it were exposed in the future, it might affect both their identities. As for the sample book, he also asked for an extra copy for Lemon.
"Keep up the good work, Kiyono. This time, I'll definitely support you from the closest place! [Emoji][Emoji]"
Finally, there was Komari.
For some reason, when facing this online friend, he always carefully weighed his words, as if wanting to convey a certain emotion. He tried to explain the past month's events regarding the novel to her, in a detailed yet slightly flippant tone.
The message immediately showed as read; she seemed to be looking at her phone.
"You've taken another step forward."
A slightly gentle remark.
"This is a wonderful story—pure and beautiful, full of dreams and hope."
She seemed to be talking about the novel, yet also hinting at something else.
Kiyono picked up his phone, typed message after message, then slowly deleted them, finally sending only a short one: "Will you come?"
For a long time—no reply.
Kiyono smiled with a carefree air, set his phone on the nightstand, walked to the hotel window, and absentmindedly looked up at the night sky.
A huge and dazzling full moon hung high, adorned by the stars.
Could I also become that moon in the night sky?
In the dark room, Komari lay on her side on the bed, inadvertently pulling open the curtains.
The bright moonlight illuminated the words on her phone screen.
"Thank you very much for your liking. If my words can guide you to take a positive step forward… even if it's just a little, it would be my honor."
"Although I don't know why, on this internet, you always give me a sense of strength. This is probably your courageous heart for change."
"And I think you have already become a better version of yourself now. The moment you make up your mind, prepare yourself mentally, and take action, you have already started to change."
"Reaching out for what you aspire to is a very cool thing. It doesn't matter if you fail; that is proof of your continuous challenge."
"As for guidance… even though I am still just a new writer, if you are willing, I should still be able to tell you what the correct approach is."
"P.S. The novel will be officially published in a while, so remember to support it then!"
I'll buy it!
No matter how many copies, I'll buy them all!
The gloomy girl hugged her phone and giggled foolishly.
After a while, she snapped out of this strange state, stood up, turned on the light, and used a red pen to draw several circles around a certain date.
Then—
On the day of the signing event—
The boy woke on the large hotel bed.
A pristine white ceiling, clean furniture, ample air conditioning, and a spacious twenty-square-meter room… He had never had such a wonderful start!
Kiyono pressed the alarm he'd set, performed a graceful carp jump, and sprang from bed.
Next, he went to the private washroom, turned on the water heater, and rinsed his entire body with hot water from the shower.
The hair dryer emitted a low hum. After drying his hair, he took out a nail clipper and carefully trimmed and filed his nails round and neat, the clicking sounds falling in a steady rhythm. Then he chose a short-sleeved T-shirt whose price couldn't be discerned and put it on.
Finally, he stood before the mirror and styled his hair like an adult.
Perfect.
It just looked a bit too much like a host.
But… today he was going to serve every reader with the heart of a host—striving to make each of them buy three books on average!
After everything was prepared, Kiyono slung his sports bag over his left shoulder. The moment he stepped out of the hotel, a muggy, hot breeze hit his face.
—The journey to the stars was at his feet!
The signing location was a fairly large, three-story, medium-sized bookstore in Akihabara. When Kiyono arrived, it was just past 8:30 a.m.—the event was scheduled to start at 9:00.
At this time, the bookstore hadn't opened yet, and only a few scattered people stood at the entrance. Kiyono raised an eyebrow; usually, when a famous author held a signing, there would be quite a queue before opening. But these folks' relaxed demeanor made them look more like passersby coming to buy books, completely unlike signing attendees.
"Don't panic, it hasn't started yet."
Muttering softly, Kiyono went to the second floor—the editor was already waiting there, helping a staff member clear the area for the signing.
"I'll help too," he said with a smile, joining them.
After a while, the venue was set. Beside the signing table were cute character standees, stacks of books, cardboard boxes, and vases… The table itself was much simpler, with only two black pens and a stack of bunko books.
"Here—lozenges and wet wipes," the editor said with loving concern.
"Hm… not very tasty," Kiyono commented after trying one's slightly bitter flavor.
"I didn't tell you to eat them now! Those are for your break!" The editor crossed his arms, displeased.
"I was a little nervous just now… Is my outfit handsome enough? Does it meet my female fans' fantasies?" Kiyono stood and showed himself off.
"You should worry about other things!"
The editor shot him a speechless glance, but to be fair, his appearance was indeed outstanding among light-novel authors. He could probably attract many girls with just his face… These words, however, were best kept to himself—otherwise, the kid would get conceited again.
After a pause, the editor patiently reminded him of the upcoming particulars—how to deal with awkward silences, how to handle readers' special requests…
Kiyono hummed in response. The unopened bookstore was very quiet, empty and still. Before him were only ancient bookshelves and books, which inevitably made one feel lonely and isolated. But as he conversed with the editor, word by word, his heart gradually lightened.
…For some reason, he inexplicably thought of Yanami at this moment.
If—
If Yanami were his editor… what kind of scene would it be now?
She would probably hand him convenience-store candy, and he would complain, and then the girl would lecture, "Kiyono is just too serious— even eating candy has to be related to work…"
She would encourage him with a more emotional and gentle feeling than the current middle-aged editor.
As he imagined that scene, Kiyono smiled.
There were five minutes left until the bookstore opened.
The editor was checking the nearby bunko books. The silent space made time feel slow. In this world without a single sound, one's heart subconsciously grew anxious. Kiyono held his book, casually scanning the words on it.
Would the books sell out today? Would anyone rush here first thing?
Questions like these popped up from time to time. Even if he appeared confident on the surface, he was still somewhat nervous deep down.
The sound of the door opening suddenly echoed in his ears. The signing event officially began.
He could vaguely hear sounds from the first floor, but there was no clamor, which matched the deserted scene he'd seen earlier.
Kiyono showed a charming, handsome smile.
…And the first girl who came up to the second floor from the stairs merely looked at him with some surprise. Perhaps attracted by his looks, she paused for a moment, but only glanced a few more times before walking to a bookshelf on the side.
Kiyono's smile stiffened.
But just then, footsteps sounded.
Footsteps utterly unsuited for a library—filled with fervor, urgency, and liveliness.
The footsteps grew closer.