Megumi Kato: Are You Afraid of Me?

"Ah, um... what is it, Auntie?" Izumi Kotomi was unsure why Tomoka Yuigahama had pulled her into the bedroom, so she just let herself be led without resistance.

As soon as they entered Tomoka's personal bedroom, a mature and soothing fragrance filled the air. The room wasn't large, most of the space occupied by a double bed, with a wardrobe on one side. In an inconspicuous corner, there was a small, raised platform behind a sliding door.

Upon opening the door, a few centimeters higher than the floor, lay a tatami mat. Hanging from the ceiling above it was a small warm-toned lamp, casting a cozy light over a low table. On the table was an older-looking computer monitor, a worn-out white membrane keyboard with faded keycaps, a graphics tablet, and a desk lamp. A simple legless chair was placed in front of the table, with the computer tower beside it to save space.

This compact space within the room served as Tomoka's work area, where she created her illustrations. The screen currently displayed the line art for her latest drawing.

"I just finished two illustrations. Come take a look," Tomoka said, pulling Kotomi closer and sitting her down in front of the computer before moving the mouse.

So she wanted me to check the illustrations, Kotomi thought, sighing in relief as she realized this wasn't going in the direction of the ridiculous scenarios that had briefly crossed her mind.

Typically, the process for approving light novel illustrations was that the artist would submit their work to the editor, who would then pass it on to the author. If the author had no changes, they'd approve it, or else they'd send notes for adjustments. This back-and-forth through the editor could be cumbersome, especially if many changes were needed, slowing the process and risking delays in the printing schedule.

For a famous author, delays might not be a big deal, but for someone like Kotomi, a debut author, such delays could seriously impact the sales of the first volume. Even though Kotomi had the advantage of a system, she still valued the importance of a timely release.

Tomoka, understanding this well as an illustrator, knew how significant timing could be for a first-time release like Sword Art Online. She dreaded the idea of delaying Kotomi's book and had made sure to finish the line art quickly.

As Kotomi reviewed the two illustrations on the screen, she couldn't help but feel satisfied. Tomoka's art style was just perfect for her!

However, there was one thing that needed tweaking.

"Tomoka-san, could you put Asuna in stockings in this illustration?" Kotomi said, pointing at the screen.

"Stockings, huh? I originally planned for Asuna to wear short boots and socks, but if you'd prefer stockings, that's fine. I'll just need to adjust her legs a bit. What color do you want?"

"White thigh-highs!" Kotomi answered without hesitation.

"White thigh-highs?" Tomoka jotted down the note on her pad, marking the change to be made later.

After writing it down, she asked, "Anything else that needs adjusting?"

"No, that's all." Kotomi shook her head, impressed at how well Tomoka always seemed to understand her preferences.

Seeing Kotomi's satisfied look, Tomoka smiled warmly. "Kotomi, do you really like girls who wear stockings?"

"Of course..." Kotomi instinctively began to respond before catching herself, blushing furiously as she quickly added, "I mean, it's just appreciation!"

"Oh? Just appreciation, huh? In that case, next time, why don't I wear some for you to 'appreciate'?" Tomoka teased, a rare mischievous gleam in her eyes.

It was odd—she had never joked like this before, but for some reason, around Kotomi, Tomoka always felt a playful urge to tease.

Only Kotomi brought out this side of her.

Realizing what she'd said, Tomoka blushed lightly herself, while Kotomi hastily steered the conversation back to the illustrations. After confirming there were no further changes, Kotomi stood up.

"Thank you, Tomoka-san. I'll leave the illustrations in your capable hands."

"Don't worry, it's in good hands. Be careful on your way home."

As Kotomi and Tomoka walked out of the room together, Yui was coming down the stairs, noticing Kotomi was getting ready to leave. She quickly spoke up to try to keep her friend a little longer.

"Kotomi, why don't you stay for dinner?"

Kotomi smiled and gently refused again, just as she had with Tomoka earlier. "Thanks, but I need to head home. Besides, you should focus on reviewing the things I taught you today. Tomorrow is Friday, and we've got one more session before the exam. I'll test you on both science and English then, okay?"

"A test!? Oh, that's nerve-wracking... but I'm excited to see how much I've learned!" Yui responded, feeling motivated.

"Good. Just make sure you study well. I'll see you tomorrow. Bye-bye."

"See you at school tomorrow! Oh, wait, isn't your bag still in my room?" Yui remembered.

"Right, I was about to grab it," Kotomi replied.

"I'll get it for you." Yui ran back upstairs and quickly returned with Kotomi's bag.

After grabbing her things and exchanging goodbyes, Kotomi finally left the house and headed home. As she walked, she mentally planned out Yui's tutoring for tomorrow.

The first session had been on math and science, and today they had tackled English. The pace they were making was faster than she had anticipated. When she initially agreed to tutor Yui, Kotomi had braced herself for a long, drawn-out process, expecting it would take a while for Yui to catch up.

But Yui had surprised her by being a quick learner despite her weak foundation. Kotomi was impressed by how fast Yui was picking things up once she put her mind to it.

As Kotomi pondered over Yui's progress and prepared the next lesson in her head, a familiar voice suddenly called out from behind her.

"Kotomi~"

"Wah!"

Hearing someone call her name unexpectedly while walking alone at night startled Kotomi, making her jump on the spot.

Had the voice not been so familiar—instantly recognizable as Megumi Kato—Kotomi might have run off in a panic. If it had been anyone else, Kotomi's slender legs, wrapped in white pantyhose, might have been spinning like windmills as she made her escape, kicking up dust in her haste.

As Megumi watched Kotomi's startled reaction, a mischievous grin spread across her face, a glint of amusement in her eyes as she teased, "What's this? Are you really that scared just from hearing my voice? Or... are you afraid of me?"