Kotomi was about to respond to Utaha’s invitation when, to her surprise, the senior playfully pinched her petite nose before she could utter a word.

“Utaha-senpai!”

Kotomi raised her small fists in protest. Why did everyone seem to love pinching her nose?

Unacceptable! The more I think about it, the angrier I get. I’m going home to pinch Aimi’s nose later!

Could her nose really be so irresistibly pinchable?

Realizing her teasing had gone too far, Utaha quickly released her mischievous hand. If they were outside of school, she might have continued, but in the middle of the school corridor, it was better to behave.

“Sorry, sorry,” Utaha admitted openly. “Faced with such an adorable underclassman, it’s hard to resist touching you.”

“That’s not the first time you’ve groped me, Senpai!” Kotomi puffed her cheeks indignantly.

“Well, I do enjoy tofu soup,” Utaha quipped with a shrug, her grin widening.

Kotomi froze for a moment, and then, as the meaning of Utaha’s words sank in, her face turned bright red. Senpai! Talking like that in the school hallway—do you even realize what you’re saying?!

And she said it with such a straight face!

This is outrageous! I’m your underclassman, for crying out loud!

Kotomi stomped her feet in frustration, her flustered expression making her seem even cuter. Seeing this, Utaha quickly steered the conversation back on track.

“Okay, okay, my bad. Lately, I’ve been reading a certain… book, and I might have gotten a bit carried away. I apologize. Anyway, about the invitation—what do you think? You like light novels, don’t you? The exhibition will also have a signing event.”

“A signing event?”

Kotomi thought for a moment, recalling that the Dengeki Exhibition did indeed host signing events as part of its tradition.

Still, it had little to do with her as a fledgling author whose first volume hadn’t even hit the shelves.

“I’m not interested,” Kotomi said, shaking her head. “I don’t really enjoy conventions. They’re fun to visit once out of curiosity, but then you realize they’re nothing like how they’re portrayed in anime, and you lose interest.”

“I see,” Utaha said, a glint of understanding in her eyes. “I feel the same way. Honestly, I wouldn’t go either, but Sonoko keeps inviting me. You know how it is with Sonoko Machida—she’s the deputy editor of Dengeki Bunko. Every year, she has to make an appearance, and she likes dragging me along.”

Utaha sighed in mild annoyance.

“So, I thought I’d bring you along this time. Even if the event turns out to be boring, having you there would make it fun.”

“Utaha-senpai,” Kotomi muttered, blushing. “Do you realize how much of a romantic line that just was? You could put that straight into a rom-com script!”

Hearing this, Utaha couldn’t help but smirk. She tilted Kotomi’s chin upward with her fingers, locking eyes with her.

“Really? Then… hearing such a line, have you fallen for me?”

As she spoke, Utaha’s soft lips moved imperceptibly closer to Kotomi’s.

Kotomi’s face flushed even redder. She quickly ducked to the side, avoiding the impending kiss.

“Senpai, please stop teasing me like that!” she stammered.

With her face burning, Kotomi spun around and dashed in the opposite direction, clutching the lunchbox she was carrying.

Left standing alone, Utaha sighed, regretful at having scared Kotomi away.

“Damn it. Why do I always go too far when I’m around her? How am I supposed to apologize now?”

But to her surprise, Kotomi suddenly sprinted back, her earlier embarrassment replaced by an inquisitive glint in her eyes.

“Senpai, earlier you mentioned a… ‘book.’ What’s its title?”

“Huh?” Utaha blinked in confusion, wondering if she had misheard.

“What’s the title of the book?” Kotomi repeated, her voice insistent.

Utaha stared at her, caught off guard.

“It’s, uh… called…”

After Utaha awkwardly revealed the title, Kotomi pulled out her phone and jotted it down in her notes.

“Got it! Thanks, Senpai. See you later!”

She flashed a bright smile before turning to leave.

“Wait, Kotomi!” Utaha called after her, finally managing to voice the apology she had been holding back. “I’m sorry if I scared you earlier.”

Kotomi tilted her head innocently, her expression puzzled.

“Huh? Oh, it’s okay. I wasn’t mad or anything. I just got nervous when you suddenly leaned in like that.”

Hearing this, Utaha exhaled in relief.

“So, about the Dengeki Exhibition…”

“I still don’t want to go,” Kotomi replied firmly. “I’d rather stay home and relax.”

“Uh, why do we think so much alike?” Utaha grumbled dramatically. “If Sonoko hadn’t invited me, I’d also want to stay home, blasting the air conditioning. Kotomi, could it be that we’re soulmates?”

“Who knows?” Kotomi replied playfully, flashing another sweet smile before heading off again.

As Utaha watched her retreating figure, a small smile tugged at her lips.

If Megumi really does have a crush on Kotomi, it wouldn’t be surprising. After all, I—

Before she could finish the thought, a voice interrupted her musings.

“Utaha!”

The voice was clear, melodious, and instantly recognizable.

Utaha turned to see a figure approaching—long black hair cascading to her waist, her proportions perfectly balanced. It was none other than Mai Sakurajima.

“Wow, I didn’t expect to run into the Mai Sakurajima at school! Am I dreaming?” Utaha teased, her tone deliberately exaggerated.

“Ha-ha, very funny,” Mai replied, rolling her eyes. “I come to school whenever I’m not busy, you know. I spotted you earlier, but you were talking to a first-year, so I didn’t want to interrupt.”

“She looked cute. A little sister type?”

Utaha chuckled wryly, inwardly sighing.

So she saw all that, huh?

No wonder Mai was giving her such an inquisitive, sparkling-eyed look.

If Mai had only caught a glimpse of someone’s back, Utaha felt she could have offered an explanation. Unfortunately, Mai had not only seen them but had also noticed that Kotomi’s school uniform was distinctly that of a first-year student.

At some high schools, all grades wear the same style of uniform, but at Sobu High School, the designs differ for first, second, and third-year students. Every time students advance a grade, they must purchase the corresponding new uniform.

Even though Mai and Utaha were now second-years, the differences between the uniforms were so well-known that even freshmen could easily distinguish them within a month of starting school.

Utaha sighed deeply. On any other occasion, she wouldn’t have cared much about being seen with Kotomi and might have simply introduced her junior to Mai. But Mai hadn’t just seen them chatting—she had likely witnessed the moment when Utaha nearly leaned in to kiss Kotomi.

Damn it! Next time I tease Kotomi, I need to find a secluded spot first! Utaha mentally cursed her carelessness.

“So, that cute first-year junior,” Mai began with a teasing smile, “you seem close. When did you two meet?”

“Not too long ago,” Utaha replied casually. “Her name’s Izumi Kotomi, and she’s in Class 1-F. She’s also the newest member of the art club. You know how Naegi was elected club president this year, right? Kotomi often meets with her, and sometimes they come to our classroom. That’s how I got to know her.

“She’s quite talented at painting, apparently. Even Kisara is trying to recruit her for the kendo club.”

“Already attracting attention from two different club presidents? This Izumi Kotomi doesn’t sound like an ordinary freshman,” Mai remarked with a laugh.

Her eyes flicked briefly to where Kotomi had disappeared. Though Mai had observed from a distance and hadn’t approached, what she saw left a strong impression.

Even from afar, the girl named Kotomi looked stunning. Her beauty was striking, her figure enviable. Mai, who was often regarded as having a perfect physique herself, found her confidence wavering as she recalled Kotomi’s proportions.

At least in one particular upper area, she had to admit defeat.

She’s absolutely massive!

Mai shook her head, pushing aside these thoughts. “When exactly did I catch you two?” she asked, her tone casual yet curious.

Please don’t say you saw the kiss attempt! Utaha silently prayed, a rare moment of unease clouding her usually composed demeanor.

Mai’s lips curved mischievously. “Of course, I caught the part where you said, ‘Kotomi, have you fallen for me? If you say yes, I’ll make sure the whole world knows that the skies above are yours to command on our wedding day.'”

Mai’s delivery was so seamless and dramatic that for a moment, Utaha felt like she was in the middle of a movie scene. It was no wonder Mai had won “Highest Grossing Actress of the Year” for three consecutive years. Even when joking, she could immerse herself in character effortlessly.

Utaha’s mouth twitched. “Please don’t rewrite my lines like that! Yes, I teased Kotomi, but I didn’t say anything nearly as embarrassing or ridiculous as that!”

Mai chuckled. “An actor’s job is to interpret and enhance their lines, you know. Sometimes, improvisation becomes the highlight of a scene. Did you know that many iconic moments in film history were created through unscripted improvisation?”

As she spoke about acting, Mai’s confidence radiated. Her smile was unwavering, her tone poised. Yet despite her pride in her craft, Mai’s arrogance was never directed at others—only at herself.

Mai often said that good acting was the foundation of an actor’s craft. During interviews, she had bluntly remarked, “If you can’t immerse yourself in a role quickly, you have no right to call yourself an actor.”

Her words, though seemingly a self-reflection, were sharp enough to make the many shallow “idol actors” in the industry squirm.

Unlike the prima donnas who grew inflated egos from the slightest praise, Mai remained humble and grounded. If anything, her unwavering dedication to authenticity made her stand out even more.

However, Utaha wasn’t in the mood to appreciate Mai’s wisdom right now. She sighed, crossing her arms. “Fine, fine. You win. But judging by your over-the-top parody, you did see what I almost did to Kotomi, didn’t you?”

Mai grinned mischievously. “Oh, I saw everything. But you didn’t actually kiss her, which was a shame. I was this close to stepping in as part of the ‘head-push team.'”

“Please don’t! Even if I’d appreciate the assist, you’d scare Kotomi half to death. She’s not that brave, you know. I once took her to see The Ring, and she practically glued herself to me in fear.”

Utaha’s voice held a mix of genuine concern and fond recollection. Mai, meanwhile, perked up.

“She’s watched The Ring? My Ring?!”

“Yes, and you scared her out of her wits,” Utaha confirmed.

Mai clapped her hands, her face lighting up with joy. “That’s perfect! Scaring viewers is exactly what we were going for. It’s just a shame I couldn’t see her reaction in person. Did you at least take a photo?”

“Of course not! At the time, she was clinging to me like her life depended on it. I was too busy comforting her to think about pulling out my phone.” Utaha smirked slyly. “But I have to admit, the way she hugged me… The feeling was absolutely divine.”

Mai’s mind instantly filled with vivid, slightly inappropriate images. She filed away this new information with interest: Kotomi gets scared watching horror movies… Perfect.

Seeing the time, Utaha decided to return to her classroom. She noticed Mai still standing in place, lost in thought.

“Mai, lunch break is almost over. Aren’t you heading back?”

“Huh? Oh, yeah, let’s go together,” Mai said, snapping out of her reverie.

“You seemed deep in thought. What were you thinking about?”

“I’ve decided something.”

“What’s that?” Utaha asked curiously.

Mai’s eyes sparkled with determination as she smiled. “The next movie I star in will be a horror film. And I’m inviting Kotomi to the premiere.”

Utaha’s jaw dropped. “Wow… That’s downright evil. Let me remind you, Kotomi is my pet. I’m protecting her!”

“Wait, what? Your pet? You two are already playing at that level?!”

Mai looked genuinely shocked, her imagination running wild. No wonder their relationship had seemed so ambiguous.

“Well, she is now. Problem?” Utaha tossed her hair with mock arrogance.

“Tch. I was hoping for a different answer.”

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Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep