Chapter 16: Valentine’s Day Chaos & The Ultimate Reveal
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Scene 1 Action!: The Chuunibyo Charmer Returns
The grand hall of the Valentine's Day Manga Event was decorated with heart-shaped balloons, elegant banners, and a sea of pink and red. Love was in the air or at least, that's what the event planners wanted.
Kaoru adjusted his collar, glancing at his reflection in the restroom mirror.
"Alright.. Kaoru Kagami. Today is the day you charm the ladies again." he whispered to himself.
Aya stood behind him, arms crossed. "You're doing that thing again."
Kaoru nearly jumped out of his skin. "W-WHAT THING!?"
Aya deadpanned. "Trying to act cool to impress people."
Kaoru coughed. "I-I have no idea what you're talking about."
Aya sighed. "This is just the Manga Summit all over again.. You're gonna put on that fake 'suave' personality, aren't you?"
Kaoru adjusted his tie. "Listen, Aya, I have a reputation now. As Erebus-sensei. I must uphold an air of mystery and charm."
Aya rolled her eyes. "Sure.. 'mystery and charm.' More like 'embarrassment and cringe.'"
Kaoru ignored her and stepped out of the restroom, striking a dramatic pose.
He immediately tripped on the carpet.
Aya covered her mouth to stifle a laugh.
Kaoru quickly got up, brushing himself off. "No one saw that. No one."
From the corner of the hall. Kaede whispered to Takeshi. "He's so bad at this.."
Takeshi nodded. "It's honestly impressive."
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Scene 2 Action!: The Big Announcement & Familiar Faces
The event began with the host standing on stage, announcing special guests.
"And now, let's welcome our rising star, Erebus Kyrielight sensei! whose works Azure Nightfall Chronicles, Shadow Empress Ragnarok, and Blades of Eternity are all receiving anime adaptations!"
A round of applause echoed through the hall.
Kaoru walked onto the stage, giving a polite nod.
He was about to say something when the host continued.
"We also have legendary creators joining us! The queen of shoujo herself.... Hana Yukimura!"
Hana, a woman with long, wavy hair and an elegant aura, waved gracefully.
Kaoru gulped. I should probably learn from her… but romance manga is terrifying.
"And the mysterious creator of Dreams of Eternity, Sora Miyamoto!"
The crowd clapped as a tall, stylishly dressed figure stepped onto the stage. Sora always had a cool, reserved demeanor and was known for wearing a suit and keeping his dark hair tied back.
Aya leaned over to Kaoru. "You ever notice how no one's ever seen Sora outside of events?"
Kaoru shrugged. "I mean, some people are just private-"
"And, of course, let's welcome two more returning legends! The dark genius of seinen thrillers, Hiroshi Tanaka!"
Hiroshi, a man with a rugged look and a tired expression, gave a small nod.
"And the queen of comedy. Mari Aikawa!"
Mari, a petite woman with a bright smile, waved enthusiastically. "It's good to be back! everyone!"
Kaoru smiled. This is starting to feel like a class reunion…
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Scene 3 Action!: Kaoru's Eternal Suffering Begins!
After the introductions, the event moved to the main area, where manga creators could mingle.
Kaoru sighed in relief. "Alright, now I just have to survive until—"
"Erebus-sensei!!"
Kaoru turned to see Hana Yukimura approaching, her elegant presence overwhelming.
"I wanted to congratulate you personally. It's rare for three of someone's works to be adapted at once."
Kaoru felt sweat forming on his forehead. "T-Thank you. Yukimura-sensei. That means a lot coming from you."
Hana smiled. "No need to be so formal. We're colleagues. after all."
Kaoru nodded. Stay cool, stay cool.
Then another voice joined.
"Ah, Erebus-sensei. You've come a long way."
Kaoru turned to see Sora Miyamoto approaching with a calm expression.
Kaoru chuckled nervously. "Y-Yeah, I guess."
Sora smirked. "It's always entertaining to see how much of a nervous wreck you are."
Kaoru twitched. "That's uncalled for."
Aya and Kaede stood in the distance, watching.
Kaede smirked. "kaoru is sweating bullets."
Aya nodded. "It's kind of sad.honestly."
Then, out of nowhere, the event staff announced a special Valentine's Q&A.
Hana, Sora, Kaoru, and the others were all brought onto a panel.
A fan raised a hand. "Miyamoto-sensei, you always have a mysterious aura… but is there any personal secret you've never revealed?"
Sora chuckled. "Well.. I suppose it's time."
Kaoru raised an eyebrow. "Huh?"
Sora smirked and. without hesitation, removed their tie and pulled out a hairpin letting long, silky hair fall over their shoulders.
The entire room went silent.
Kaoru's brain short-circuited. "Wait… WHAT?!"
Hana gasped. "You're a girl?!"
Kaede and Aya's jaws dropped.
Sora smiled. "Surprise..."
The room exploded into chaos.
Kaoru stared in disbelief. "All this time… you've been dressing like a guy?"
Sora chuckled. "It's easier to avoid the drama of the industry that way."
Aya sighed. "Honestly.. I respect that."
Kaede was still laughing. "big bro. I think you just had your worldview shattered."
Kaoru rubbed his temples. "This event is too much."
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Scene 4 Action!: A Final Blow to Kaoru's Ego..
As the Q&A wrapped up, Kaoru leaned against a table. exhausted..
Takeshi walked up, grinning. "So… how's it feel knowing you got outplayed again?"
Kaoru groaned. "I don't want to talk about it."
Takeshi smirked. "Oh, by the way, did you know Hana and Sora got invited here without needing a partner?"
Kaoru nearly choked on his drink. "WHAT?!"
Hana tilted her head. "Oh? You needed a partner to enter?"
Kaoru felt his soul leaving his body. "WHY DID I HAVE TO BRING SOMEONE?!"
Aya smirked. "Because the universe likes to watch you suffer."
Kaede burst out laughing. "BAHAHA! Oh man.. this is great."
Kaoru sighed. "This whole day has been a disaster."
Then. the dreaded voice of the Narrator returned.
"Erebus-sensei once again finds himself in comedic misery. Will he ever recover from the betrayal? Will he survive the rest of this event? And most importantly… does he even know what true romance is? Find out next time!"
Kaoru groaned. "I hate you so much.."
"Don't worry.. I hate you and myself, and my job aswell.."
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End of Chapter Sixteen.