Iruma-san wants to win the Akutagawa Prize

"That's not a big deal, because I usually get up pretty early."

Iruma Hibiki smiled at Ijichi Kouka beside him. Every time he went to Fanxing for his part-time job on the way home from school, he would feel extremely relaxed, and it was the same now.

"If you're busy tomorrow, it's okay for Iruma-san to come late here, Fanxing."

"I'll try my best to come, but if I'm too busy and late, then..."

Iruma Hibiki showed a hint of distress.

In fact, he didn't think it was necessary to check out the location in advance, but he heard from Machida Sonoko that the building where he was going to hold the autograph session seemed to have been hit by a satellite last summer, so she was a little worried about the situation on site, so she wanted to go and check it out.

Therefore, as the author and protagonist, Iruma Hibiki was completely unable to refuse such plans and proposals.

"Don't worry about it, the book signing is more important! Keep doing your best!"

The gentle Ijichi Kouka clenched her fists and placed them in front of her chest to cheer for Iruma Hibiki.

"but--"

Then, Ijichi Hongka turned her head and looked at Iruma Hibiki as she walked.

"It's really good to see you cheer up today, Iruma."

"Ok?"

Iruma Hibiki looked at Ijichi Kouka with a hint of confusion.

Because he didn't react immediately to what Yidizhi Hongxia was referring to.

"Ah, maybe I'm mistaken, but the past few days, Iruma, you've been a little listless since you walked back to Kasai from Ikebukuro. You've also been distracted in class from time to time, so I'm a little worried that something might have happened."

"Now that I see you so energetic, I feel relieved."

Ijichi Hongxia's walking posture gradually became childish, her legs kicked straight, and there was a hint of deep tenderness in her words. Gradually, her face also looked forward, in the direction of the setting sun on the way home from school.

"Well, some things did happen, but now I have figured it out."

Iruma Hibiki said softly.

"That's great. Are we going to have dinner at Fanxing later?"

"Um, okay."

"Today I specially asked my sister to prepare some very special side dishes."

"Then I'll look forward to it."

Iruma Hibiki smiled and then caught up with Ijichi Kouka, whose pace had slightly quickened.

When the two crossed this short distance and arrived at the stars, the busy night began -

After a busy Friday that lasted until late at night, Hibiki Iruma welcomed an even busier Saturday.

Nagasaki Suyo is very happy today.

Especially after Hibiki Iruma learned that Hibiki Ijichi was planning to perform before the summer, she suddenly had something to look forward to in her life besides her mother coming home.

[But speaking of which, we still have no idea about the band's new songs or lyrics.]

In the group, Ichichi Hongxia looked distressed.

【I will work hard on the arrangement part recently.】

Nagasaki Suyo then spoke seriously.

【Let’s cheer together! 】

Naturally, Ijichi Nijika had no intention of putting the burden of arrangement on Nagasaki Soyo alone.

As for lyrics, I’ve actually been writing some recently—

[Iruma should be checking out the location right now, is everything alright?]

【Scouting?】

After hearing Ijichi Kouka's reply, Nagasaki Suyo was a little confused.

"Yes, Iruma and his editor are going to check out the building where the book signing will be held tomorrow. That satellite crashing into the building was pretty scary! Luckily, there don't seem to be any casualties."

Ijichi Hongxia posted a news report from last year.

The address of the accident was the building where Hibiki Iruma's autograph session was held.

[I don’t know anything about this…]

Nagasaki Suyo didn't know whether she was talking about Iruma Hibiki's schedule for the day or the previous satellite crash, and there was a hint of hesitation in her tone.

[Actually, I'm quite free right now. Editor Machida is negotiating with the person in charge in the building, so I'll be able to go to Fanxing soon.]

Iruma Hibiki replied quickly and took a photo and sent it over.

The scene in the photo is the venue where the book signing event will be held tomorrow. On the side, banners and signs for the Fuzugawa Bunko and the new book release are already prepared.

Machida Sonoko and his nameplate were already in place on the seats.

It seems that because he is a newbie, Machida Sonoko will accompany him throughout the first autograph session——

Ultimately, this is also a safeguard to prevent the author from taking drastic actions due to poor results in the middle of the process.

[I was just wondering whether I should come to Fanxing earlier today.]

"Sure! But Fanxing's a bit busy right now! If Nagasaki-san comes, I might not be able to take care of things here. Oh, I'm not used to it without Iruma."

I am working hard on this.

Iruma Hibiki looked at the message in the group and responded with a smile.

Ijichi Hongka's jokes always make people feel warm and laugh at the same time.

84 The Runaway Guitarist

Hibiki Iruma arrived at Fanxing at about 10 o'clock, which was a little one or two hours later than the expected working hours. But no matter what, Hibiki Iruma was actually a very good employee in the eyes of the store manager, Ijichi Seika, so she didn't care too much about such a small matter. Instead, as soon as Hibiki Iruma entered the door, he saw Ijichi Seika leaning against the door waiting for him.

She seems to be in a good mood today, with a smile on her face.

"I heard you're going to have a book signing soon?"

"Yes, store manager."

"Congratulations, we'll all buy a copy of the novel when it comes out."

As Yidizhi Xingge spoke, he handed over a drink.

The advantage of working in Fanxingli is that the drinks in the store are unlimited and you can drink them as you like.

Iruma Hibiki likes this relaxed and free part-time job atmosphere.

"Thank you, is there anything I can do to help you?"

"Hongxia is busy preparing the performance hall. Could you please help check the equipment, Iruma-san?"

"no problem!"

After confirming his next goal, Hibiki Iruma quickly got to work.

Then, just after noon, after lunch, Nagasaki Suyo was the first to arrive at Fanxing.

"Good afternoon, Nagasaki-san!"

"Gui'an."

"Iruma is still busy in there. He's been really busy this morning."

Ijichi Nichinaka sat at the front desk and smiled at Nagasaki Suyo, then she guided Nagasaki Suyo to the rehearsal room for today to put down the piano.

"When did Xiang come?"

On the way, Nagasaki Suyo asked softly.

"It's ringing—"

But what she gained afterwards was Iljiu⊙儱沾潟一IIIK地知虹夏's motherly smile.

"what……"

Realizing that she had used the wrong name, Nagasaki Suyo felt a little embarrassed and her face turned slightly red.

"Iruma came around 10 o'clock, and he was halfway through checking out the schedule when Editor Machida thought he was in the way and kicked him out."

Ijichi Nikka explained to Iruma Hibiki.

"Doesn't it matter?"

Nagasaki Suyo put down her bass bag, leaned it gently against the seat, and then continued to ask.

"It doesn't seem to be a big deal. Iruma seems to have a good relationship with his editor."

Ijichi Nijika thought about Iruma Hibiki's expression at that time and explained to Nagasaki Motoyo.

"Iruma would have a quarrel with someone, and it seems like he has a bad relationship with someone. I can't imagine it at all."

"makes sense."

Nagasaki Suyo smiled softly in front of Ijichi Hongka.

Her tone sweetened a little.

"Speaking of which—is the manager of Fanxing Ijichi-san's sister?"

"Hmm? Yes?"

The sudden change of topic made Ijichi Hongxia a little uncomfortable, but she still answered quickly.

"Hey—so Fanxing is the Ijichi family's shop."

"Well, my sister and I are currently running the show, but she won't go easy on us when it comes to the performance, so if we don't prepare well, there's no chance of the show."

Ijichi Hongxia sighed.

Thinking of what happened when she and her sister discussed the performance arrangements before -

"Arrange a performance for you? I don't have such plans. Let's talk about this when you pass the exam."

Until now, Ijichi Hongxia can still remember her elder sister's cold expression at that time, and she feels a little angry in her heart.

However, she also agreed with what Ichichi Xingge said.

The stage is a serious place, and only talented bands can stand on it.

"Ijichi, the manager seemed to want to see you..."

"Good afternoon, Nagasaki-san."

Coincidentally, Hibiki Iruma opened the door to the rehearsal room at just the right moment.

"Hello, Iruma-san."

"There's no need to address you two like that."

Ijichi Hongxia complained slightly, looked at Iruma Hibiki and then at Nagasaki Motoyo, then walked out with a look of having a headache.

Afterwards, only Hibiki Iruma and Soyo Nagasaki were left in the rehearsal room.

Actually, since the date that day.

Even though Hibiki Iruma said "Any time is fine".

but.

He and Nagasaki Motoyo had not seen each other in the first few days of the week.

It’s not that I don’t want to.

It’s not because the date was unhappy.

But -

In fact, Iruma Hibiki couldn't describe his feelings at all. In fact, the date with Nagasaki Motoyo should be something he was looking forward to, right?

This should be what he has always dreamed of.

Just like now, looking at the little face of Nagasaki Suyo whom I haven’t seen for a few days, I can feel the security and happiness.

but--

Iruma Hibiki has not extended an invitation to Nagasaki Suyo in the past few days.

And Nagasaki Suyo did not invite Iruma Hibiki in return.