Iruma-san wants to win the Akutagawa Prize

Page 189

Faced with Toyokawa Shoko's question, Iruma Hibiki actually felt a little uncomfortable.

This is no ordinary conversation or chat.

Iruma Hibiki realized this in the past few days.

This was Shoko Toyokawa's test of him.

Frequent testing.

It seemed like she was worried that he would leave, as if she was worried that he would abandon Crychic.

But how is that possible.

[Compared to all this, being with Xiangzi is the most important thing to me.]

Iruma Hibiki said this for who knows how many times.

And every time he said this, he would frown and sigh.

He found excuses for Toyokawa Shoko in his heart.

【Maybe it’s because Xiangzi has been missing me recently.】

In fact, he also missed Shoko Toyokawa.

So he could understand why Shoko Toyokawa, who lacked a sense of security, was trying to gain a sense of security in this way.

But for Shoko Toyokawa.

Perhaps the dissatisfaction with Hibiki Iruma collaborating on new music with others has actually dissipated a lot.

She is a lover no matter what.

And [Guitar Hero] is just a friend who worked with Hibiki Iruma in the past.

Toyokawa Shoko actually didn't feel too uneasy about this matter.

unless--

"Xiang, can't you come today again?"

Wakaba Mutsu asked Toyokawa Shoko in the corridor after class.

"Yes, Xiao Mu, so today's rehearsal will still be up to you."

Toyokawa Shoko responded.

The changes in the Toyokawa family are becoming more and more terrifying. From the original simple disputes, they have gradually turned into the terrible conflicts today. A shaky feeling has even made Toyokawa Shoko, who does not understand these things, feel some bad premonitions.

Although she really wanted to cut off from these things.

But as the daughter of a big family, she could not remain immune to such changes.

especially--

The father who always protected her has become what he is now.

She has lost her most stable support.

"Well, I see."

Wakaba Mu nodded.

Looking at Toyokawa Shoko with some worry.

"Xiang, does Xiang know?"

Then she asked again—

"I haven't told Xiang yet, so I still need Xiao Mu to keep it a secret for me, okay?"

……

Faced with Toyokawa Shoko's request, Wakaba Mutsu remained silent for a long time.

"Well, I see."

Then she nodded, turned and left.

48 Toyokawa Shoko is no longer Toyokawa Shoko

Shoko Toyokawa stayed where she was, clenching her fists tightly, with a look of worry and distress on her face.

……

Is it possible for her to hold on to her relationship now?

When such a problem arises, the uneasiness in Toyokawa Showu's heart will gradually turn into a terrifying black hole spinning around.

And confessed to Hibiki Iruma—

In fact, Toyokawa Shoko really wanted to do this.

She really wanted to tell Hibiki Iruma that she was feeling terrible.

I don't want to stay in the Toyokawa family anymore.

However, her self-esteem did not allow her to do so, and she absolutely did not want to show such a miserable side of herself, at least in front of Hibiki Iruma.

【Xiangzi, I'm coming back. 】

When faced with such news from Iruma Hibiki, Toyokawa Shoko fell silent again.

For some reason, at this moment, she actually hoped that Iruma Hibiki could return to Tokyo later, so that perhaps they could survive the turbulent period of the Toyokawa family, and then -

Everything can be restored to its original state.

But this won’t work.

It's very hard for Hibiki Iruma in Kyoto, and every day she is filled with deep longing and resentment.

What kind of song is "Want to Be Your God"?

【Can't understand. 】

This was probably Shoko Toyokawa's first feeling.

It was a song that contained a message that she could not understand, as if it was from another world, as if it were really a work brought by aliens.

At least that's the case for Shoko Toyokawa.

She only listened to the song once.

Then I felt terror.

Second time.

She felt panic.

The third time——

When she found that she couldn't understand the lyrics but could feel Goto Ichiri's surging emotions, Toyokawa Shoko turned off the video.

Didn’t look again.

Not saved.

I even unfollowed Guitar Hero.

……

But no matter what, the helplessness, powerlessness, and the cry to save someone in the song have all reached Toyokawa Shoko's heart.

This made her understand a little bit, and Iruma Xiang's inner feelings.

Therefore, I feel sorry for what happened to Hibiki Iruma in Kyoto.

but--

What is the end of this heartache?

It was her current situation where she couldn't go to Kyoto, and even if she could go, she didn't have the courage. It was her panic and fear on the day she learned that Nagasaki Motoyo had gone.

Her worries and jealousy.

In reality, these things are nothing.

Hibiki Iruma is just her lover, her [alien composer].

but--

In this matter, she still has Guitar Hero in front of her.

Toyokawa Shoko felt distressed.

Her ego, pride and the drive to take action that always makes her ignore those around her but boast about it, have become like a blunt blade due to recent family matters.

It is no longer possible to accurately cut what is in front of you.

So I felt uneasy.

【Xiangzi, are you still sad? 】

The message sent by Iruma Hibiki appeared in front of Toyokawa Shoko.

【Um, no.】

Toyokawa Shoko tried to respond as usual.

But this response seems a bit strange no matter how you look at it.

Actually, if Xiangzi came to Narita to pick me up, I would be a little overwhelmed because I would be extremely embarrassed and would not be able to prepare for the meeting.

What Iruma Hibiki was talking about was probably what Toyokawa Shoko proposed yesterday.

She planned to pick up Hibiki Iruma at the airport on the day she returned to Tokyo.

After all, there are always airport scenes in love stories, right?

However, such a plan naturally could not keep up with the changes in the Toyokawa family.

Along with daily practice, it has become a bubble that is now impossible to achieve.

How about we meet again the next day after you finish school, Xiangzi?

[Of course, if you are very busy, Xiangzi, that's okay, we still have plenty of time.]

Iruma Hibiki continued.

Trying to calm Shoko Toyokawa's emotions at this moment.

But he felt that he was particularly clumsy in this matter.

Faced with Toyokawa Shoko's predicament, he couldn't even be the one to confide in.

……