Only at the beginning did Homura say a few words; afterward, it was all brief expressions of gratitude, followed by signatures and handshakes.
Batch after batch, the crowd changed, and he found himself mechanically repeating the same process over and over again. Book signings were always monotonous, not only for the authors themselves but also for the fans.
The first group to leave proudly flaunted their obtained signatures on their social media.
Those who couldn't make it felt immense regret upon discovering that there were additional chibi illustrations of Sakura Chiyo. Oh, the regrets were endless!
Many students who couldn't come even shed tears of remorse.
"Why didn't I catch a cold even after taking a cold shower and sleeping without covering myself with a blanket all night?! How could I, a non-ill student, take a leave of absence from school?!"
"...Are students nowadays so ruthless towards themselves? It's truly frightening!"
"Damn it! I envy all of you who got the signatures!"
"Hehe! I never expected to have a day where I would be envied too! (Attached image)"
"+1 (Attached image)"
"+10086 (Attached image)"
"Ah!!! Jealousy has transformed me completely!!!"
"Jealousy has separated me from reality!!!"
"Goddammit, it's so salty!!!"
"The hell dude! Is that a lyric?!"
A wail echoed throughout the internet!
Some fans of Elf and Utaha even tagged both of them after receiving Homura's signatures to spread some salt! Who could endure such a thing?! Therefore...
Yamada Elf: "What's the big deal? Do you think you're the only one? (Attached image)"
Kasumi Utako: "Please rest assured! I have it too! (Attached image)"
Speaking of Elf, it's understandable, but shouldn't Utaha be in school?! What was she doing while still in the study session?!
The fans initially wanted to show off, but they ended up being taught a lesson!
Sharp-eyed fans suddenly noticed a problem...
"Why is that chibi illustration different from ours?!"
Once alerted by the observant individual, others looked closely and indeed found the difference.
"Is that... is that actually their own chibi version?!"
"Why are you all dumbfounded? It was expected since they have the privilege of insiders, you know!"
"It's another day of envy, jealousy, and salty!"
"Before envying others, first consider if you really deserve a chibi version of yourself! If you don't... then aren't you making it difficult for Minamiya-sensei?"
"Ahaha~ Being slapped in the face! This is just too funny!"
Laughter and banter filled the internet, and Elf occasionally showed off other things to her 'servants'.
During this time, there was also a little episode where Kosaka Yukiho and Ayase Alisa posted the signatures received by Honoka and Eli online!
Seeing completely different chibi illustrations inevitably sparked discussions, with netizens speculating whether Another Dimension had added new members or if there were other major movements.
Unexpectedly, it served as a prelude to Muse publicity! When Homura officially published the news of Muse, everyone would suddenly understand!
===
The manga book signing event continued, and soon three hours would pass.
Homura felt that there was nothing wrong with his body, but he was starting to feel a bit tired... mentally.
After all, he had been doing the same thing for three hours straight!
"Um... Minamiya... Sensei..." A voice that was tender and pleasant, yet filled with nervousness, reached his ears.
Instinctively, he stared at the person's face, and his smooth movements suddenly came to a halt!
Before him, stood a little girl, around the same age as Sagiri, with silver hair just like hers! However, her slightly trembling body revealed the nervousness in her heart.
He opened his mouth in astonishment, but no sound came out.
Although he knew that this world was full of surprises, he was still quite shocked to see her. Of course, what surprised him was not her identity but her age!
Because... she was Kani Nayuta, who looked like a typical thirteen or fourteen-year-old girl.
Homura looked at the increasingly uneasy girl and smiled gently. "Don't be nervous, I'm not some man-eating demon."
"I... like Minamiya-senpai..." she said, uttering words that surprised everyone at the venue! A public confession?!
"...Works." she quickly added.
Tsk! Nothing exciting to see here!
Her words surprised Homura as well, but what puzzled him was why Nayuta, at her age, would be so nervous?
However, after she finished speaking, Nayuta's visible distress worsened!
Her face turned pale, and she covered her mouth with her hand as if trying to prevent something.
"Homura!" Ayano also sensed that something was wrong. Was the girl feeling unwell?
The crowd behind them began to stir, and Homura swiftly moved away from the table and stood in front of Nayuta, grasping her shoulders.
"What's wrong? Are you feeling unwell? Should I take you to the hospital? Or should I contact--" Homura was cut off mid-sentence when she suddenly vomited all over him.
"!!!"
Homura: "..."
This was certainly a first for him. It seemed that Nayuta had become too overwhelmed with nervousness...
The people behind them quickly retreated. Helplessly, Homura bent down, gently supporting her back while also tucking her silver hair behind to prevent it from getting dirty.
As he performed these actions, he circled around, shielding her from those who wanted to take photos. He also signaled to Ayano to instruct the event staff not to take pictures or record... After all, if such photos were to circulate, it would cause great harm to the girl's life and image.
Ayano's eye twitched. What kind of situation was this?!
"Is there anyone here who knows her? Family or friends would do!" Ayano shouted.
A voice came from behind, "Umm... Me! But, I can't squeeze through!"
It was also a female voice, but it sounded mature.
"Everyone, please make way! Can you let that lady come through?"
The crowd quickly parted, and a person ran over, swiftly arriving beside Nayuta.
After glancing at the scene, she immediately apologized to Homura, bending down, "I'm truly sorry!"
Ayano glanced at her and she felt like recognized her somehow?
Homura waved his hand, "It's alright, it was all an accident. Now the most important thing is to quickly send her to the hospital or home."
"I'm really sorry for troubling you so much!"
Homura smiled bitterly, shaking his head, "It's nothing, really..."
"Ayano, get me a staff hat." He suddenly said.
'Should I say you're too gentle?' Ayano rolled her eyes at him and turned around, taking a hat and handing it to him.
Homura took it and directly put the hat on Nayuta's small head, then patted it.
"Alright! Hurry up and go! Whether it's to the hospital or home, I can't leave right now. Or else, I'll personally take you there personally." Homura said to the girl.
He picked up the manga book, signed it, and put it in her bag.
Then he leaned close to her ear and whispered, "Little one, when you leave, lower your head and cover your mouth. It wouldn't be good if someone takes your photo."
Pale-faced, she heard his words, her eyes brightened, and her heart filled with gratitude.
The woman beside her also heard it, looking at him with gratitude, thanking him while protecting Nayuta as they left...
===
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