Iruma-san wants to win the Akutagawa Prize

Hibiki Iruma was lost in thought about the events of "Kasuga Shadow".

And in the final analysis, if he were to respond to Shiina Riki's words on behalf of Toyokawa Shoko—

Is "Spring Shadow" finished? Shoko?

Until Takamatsu Deng's tag and question finally interrupted Iruma Hibiki's thoughts.

It seemed that he had to respond on behalf of Shoko Toyokawa.

Xiangzi had some personal matters to attend to last night, so "Spring Shadow" will be finished a little later, but the basic idea is already complete.

Iruma Hibiki responded to Takamatsu Tomo on behalf of Toyokawa Shoko.

Is it okay, Xiangzi?

【Why are you replying on behalf of that guy? 】

The response attitudes of Shiina Riki and Takamatsu Touma are completely opposite, one is a bit hard and the other is soft, which makes people imagine her cute appearance.

[It's okay, don't worry, Xiangzi is probably still sleeping now.]

【Because Xiangzi and I talked on the phone all night last night.】

When responding to Shiina Riki, a smile appeared on Iruma Hibiki's face. He then found his call records, took a screenshot and posted it in the group.

It's probably because they want to show off their relationship.

After releasing the flash bomb, Iruma Hibiki laughed, and he felt slightly happy and relieved.

only--

The group fell into silence as a result.

Neither Shiina Riki nor Nagasaki Motoyo appeared again, but Wakaba Mutsu came up after a long silence and responded tentatively.

[Xiang, can I come next time? Can we chat all night?]

However, after a while, Takamatsu Deng sent a private message to Iruma Hibiki.

Looking at Takamatsu Deng's private message, Iruma Hibiki smiled gently.

"Sure, but it's better not to stay up late. I felt a little uncomfortable this morning."

[Is it okay? ]

【perhaps. 】

Hibiki Iruma responded ambiguously.

If you have a cold, try this! I've tried it before and it works great.

After sending the message, Takamatsu Deng sent a bottle of classic kudzu root soup. When Iruma Hibiki was a child, his parents gave him this medicine several times when he had a cold. It was indeed very effective, but what actually made Iruma Hibiki more concerned was the background of this photo.

Behind the bottle of kudzu soup is a shelf filled with stones.

That's probably the Takamatsu Deng desk.

63 【Xiangzi’s affairs have nothing to do with me】

With the arrival of autumn's light rain, Iruma Hibiki also encountered his own new troubles.

At 8 o'clock in the morning, Machida Sonoko couldn't wait to call him to express her condolences.

"Iruma-sensei, regarding the new work—"

"Sorry, Editor Machida, I've been a little busy lately, so I haven't prepared anything yet."

"Has the release date for Master Lao Yi (Seven) Si Wu Jiu Si Jiu's new work been set?"

Editor Machida was not angry at Iruma Hibiki's reply, but instead asked patiently.

The mornings at the Fuzugawa Bunko were a bit noisy, mostly with the editors and readers arguing with each other. On the contrary, she was relaxed here, with nothing special happening. She even had the leisure to urge the entry.

"I plan to finish my new book before winter."

Iruma Hibiki spoke softly.

It's only two or three months away from winter, so time is a little tight, but—

Iruma Hibiki thought carefully, maybe after the performance of "Kasuga Shadow", Crychic would have some free time? He thought so for the time being.

"Then I will respectfully await your good news from the teacher."

[Sound? What happened?]

Iruma Hibiki, who was slightly distracted by the phone call, was naturally urged by Toyokawa Shoko.

[The editor just called to ask for the manuscript, but it's no problem, it's already been processed.]

[Are you asking for manuscripts? Ah, come to think of it, Xiang is also the author.]

The author or something...

Hibiki Iruma sighed slightly as he looked at Shoko Toyokawa's reply.

Soon, the train arrived at Shimokitazawa Station, and Hibiki Iruma walked out of the platform with her transparent umbrella.

【I have to go to school, Xiangzi. See you later. 】

So he took the initiative to end the chat with Toyokawa Shoko and set out on the road from the station to school. Because of the rain, he couldn't distract himself to check his mobile phone. He could only walk this not-too-long-nor-short distance while worrying about what to do next in the wind and rain.

When he arrived at school, Iruma Hibiki looked at his slightly wet trouser legs and sighed slightly.

He arrived at school a little late today; the bell would ring in five minutes.

Ijichi Hongka had already asked with some concern, and Iruma Hibiki did not have too much time to hesitate. He quickly replied to everyone's messages and walked towards the classroom.

Almost on time, Iruma's voice entered the classroom.

Then in the morning, the morning meeting of 1冷⑴⑦死屋九IV⑨紦靈梦 began.

In fact, Iruma Hibiki was a little distracted during the morning meeting, and Machida Sonoko's reminder actually made him feel a little uneasy.

After all—

If Crychic's activities continue, perhaps he should discuss with Machida Sonoko to adjust the interval and duration of work updates?

With such thoughts in mind, Iruma Hibiki fell into a dilemma.

At the end of his thinking, Hibiki Iruma realized that he couldn't find the answer to this question, so he naturally made a decision that only he could make at the moment -

【Let’s discuss this with Xiangzi later.】

If you are in love, it should be natural to talk about such topics, right?

With this thought in mind, Tuesday's class began.

But today, Hibiki Iruma seemed unable to concentrate on the lessons.

The urging of "Kasuga Shadow" and Machida's editor gave him some different concerns, not to mention——

"When will the performance of the jingle band be decided?"

When Iruma Hibiki first discussed this topic with Ijichi Nikka, he wasn't too surprised. He even responded happily:

"Probably this weekend."

There was something strange about Shoko Toyokawa last night.

But this morning, the lively, cute and somewhat eccentric Shoko Toyokawa has been resurrected.

She had promised to finish writing "Spring Shadow" today.

So, naturally, the time of the performance is also determined.

Unlike the end of the band's performance, Crychic's performance was only a single song arranged by Shoko Toyokawa, rather than the usual 2-3 songs of about 10 minutes.

According to Toyokawa Shoko,

Such a single performance, as a first appearance, can maintain the band's mystery.

Although Hibiki Iruma was a little confused about what the band's "mystery" was, he just had to believe in Shoko Toyokawa, at least that's what he thought.

Naturally, Iruma Hibiki then subconsciously asked back:

"Hongxia, what about you guys?"

When this topic was asked, Iruma Hibiki realized that something was wrong because the issue with Kita had not actually been resolved yet.

But it was obvious that Ijichi Hongxia would not get angry about such a topic.

"Pochi-chan is currently preparing for a new song with Ryo. I've also been practicing hard lately. As long as Kita comes back, the performance can continue."

She said it casually.

But more often than not, he looked at Iruma Hibiki in front of him with gentle eyes, as if with a hint of trust and expectation.

"That's it..."

At this moment, Iruma Hibiki actually felt like he was being seen through.

But it was obvious that Ijichi Hongxia wanted to keep such matters secret with him.

"As for Kita, he will be back to finish the band soon."

then--

Iruma Hibiki responded to Ijichi Nikka with these words.

Speaking of which, it seems he also needs to arrange some time to meet Kita?

When thinking about this, Iruma Hibiki had a subtle feeling that he was overwhelmed. The complicated situation made him sigh slightly.

The next class today was also very important, so Iruma Hibiki no longer had time to daydream and had to focus on the current class.

Until the end of the day's classes——

"Hibiki, do you want to go home with me?"

Ijichi Hongka invited Iruma Hibiki.

"We have a rehearsal today."

And Iruma Hibiki patted the guitar beside him.

Yes, today is the practice that Crychic agreed to do.

"Ah! That's right, I forgot about that. Then Liang and I will be leaving first. Come on, Hibiki."

"You too, Hongxia."

Then, just as Iruma Hibiki was about to eat the fried noodles and bread he had bought at noon and go to Crychic's rehearsal, Toyokawa Shoko suddenly sent a message in the group chat:

【Sorry everyone, today's rehearsal has been cancelled due to some things happening on my end.】

The ones who reacted the most were Tatsuki Shiina and Soyo Nagasaki.

Their chaotic replies pushed Toyokawa Shoko's notifications up a notch in just a few minutes.

Then came Takamatsu Deng’s reply.

[Xiangzi...is it okay?]

[It's okay, I just had some urgent family matters. I'm really sorry for notifying you just now.]

[However, I have already finished writing "Spring Shadow" and will be posting it soon. You can practice on your own first.]

[Xiang, why did Xiangzi cancel today's rehearsal? ]

While Toyokawa Shoko was explaining in the group, Nagasaki Suyo sent a question to Iruma Hibiki.

Just now, she was the one who reacted the most to the cancellation of the band's rehearsal.

[I don't know. Xiangzi didn't tell me. Speaking of which, isn't Sushi with Xiangzi?]

Before replying, Iruma Hibiki went to look through the chat history with Toyokawa Shoko, but sure enough, it was empty.

Xiangzi, it seems, left early this afternoon with Xiaomu... I thought today's rehearsal wouldn't be affected... But isn't Xiang Xiang Xiang's lover? Doesn't Xiang know either? Or can't she tell me?

……

Faced with Nagasaki Suyo's questioning, Iruma Hibiki remained silent for a moment.

[Well, I don't know. Xiangzi doesn't want to tell me what happened.]

【Eh? ! 】

Nagasaki Motoyo responded to Iruma Hibiki with a hint of surprise.