Chapter 17: An Evening of Absolute Nothingness Like That.

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The event had finally ended, and the grand hall was now emptying out as manga creators and industry professionals slowly made their way home. Takeshi stretched his arms and let out a satisfied sigh.

"Well, that was fun, but I gotta go before Emi kills me."

Kaoru blinked. "Wait... Emi is mad at you?"

Takeshi nodded. "Yeah. I told her I'd be home early. but uh… well.. things happened."

Kaede smirked. "You mean you got caught up in spying on big brother's complete and utter failure of a love life?"

Takeshi sighed. "Yeah. And now I'm gonna pay for it."

Kaoru waved him off. "Good luck. warrior."

Takeshi groaned. "If I die tell Emi I—"

Before he could finish, his phone buzzed. He glanced at the screen and immediately turned pale. Without another word, he dashed away at top speed.

Kaede chuckled, then turned to Kaoru with a teasing grin. "Well.. this was fun. but I'm heading home. Try not to mess up too badly, big bro kaoru."

Kaoru blinked. "Mess up what?"

Kaede's grin widened. "Oh.. you'll see."

With that, she turned and walked off, leaving Kaoru and Aya alone outside the event hall.

A cold breeze passed by.

Kaoru stared blankly at the night sky.

Aya shifted awkwardly.

The realization hit her like a truck.

They were alone.

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Scene 1 Action!: Meanwhile. The Narrator Watched in Disappointment..

"Ah.. the classic 'left alone after an event' trope. A perfect setup for romance… but alas. this fool remains as dense as a neutron star."

The Narrator sighed, shaking his head.

"I need a break. Wake me up when f***ing something actually romantic happens."

He leaned back, crossing his arms.

"This is even worse than that one anime where the protagonist had a harem but never chose anyone. Or that rom-com where the couple confessed in episode 12 and immediately forgot how to talk to each other. I could name at least five series like that."

"Normally this is where I'd make a grand speech about romance, destiny, and fate… but honestly.. this is just painful to watch."

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Scene 2 Action!: Back to the Two Clueless People Standing in Silence..

Aya shifted again stealing a glance at Kaoru.

The dim glow of the streetlights cast soft shadows across his face, his hair slightly tousled from the wind. If he weren't such a complete idiot, this might actually be a romantic moment.

She cleared her throat. "So… are we just going to stand here like idiots, or…?"

Kaoru blinked. "Huh? Oh. Right. I guess we should go home."

Aya exhaled. Unbelievable.

Another silence.

Kaoru suddenly clapped his hands together, his eyes lighting up. "Oh! I just got an idea for a new chapter in Petals Underneath the Moonlight!"

Aya's fingers twitched.

"Okay.." she said, trying to remain calm. "And what's it about?"

Kaoru grinned. "The protagonist gets left alone with the main heroine after a big event, and they have an awkward moment, but he doesn't notice it at all because he's too focused on his work! Genius, right?"

Aya stared at him.

Kaoru continued oblivious. "Oh, oh! And then, the heroine starts thinking about how she might actually have feelings for him, but she doesn't want to admit it. Classic slow-burn romance. The best kind!"

Aya took a deep breath.

A very… deep… breath.

"…Do you hear yourself?"

Kaoru blinked. "Yeah. I just explained it."

Aya massaged her temples. "Kaoru. That's literally what's happening right now."

Kaoru frowned. "What do you mean?"

Aya exhaled through her nose. "Never mind.."

She turned to walk away, but Kaoru called out to her.

"Wait!"

Aya stopped.

Kaoru rubbed the back of his head. "I mean… if you want, we could grab something to eat before heading home?"

Aya raised an eyebrow, secretly blushing. "Your... asking me on a date..?"

Kaoru tilted his head. "Huh? No, I was just thinking about food."

Aya sighed. "Of course you were."

She glanced at him for a moment, then shook her head. "Fine. Whatever. But I swear, if you start acting like a chuunibyo in public again, I'm leaving you there."

Kaoru grinned. "Deal."

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Scene 3 Action!: in the Shadows!

Kaede and Takeshi sat hidden behind a nearby tree, watching them.

Kaede sighed. "This is actually painful."

Takeshi nodded. "Yeah."

Kaede frowned. "Like, how does big brother not get it?!?!? He just described his own situation in real time."

Takeshi shrugged. "Some people are just born clueless."

Kaede crossed her arms. "You think they'll ever get together?"

Takeshi thought for a moment. "Maybe… in like, five years."

Kaede sighed. "That's optimistic."

Takeshi checked his phone. "Okay, I should really go before Emi—"

His phone vibrated again. He checked the screen.

It was a single message from Emi.

"Where are you?"

His soul left his body.

Kaede looked at him. "Yeah, you're dead."

Takeshi gulped. "Tell my story."

And with that he bolted.

Kaede chuckled before turning her attention back to the two idiots in the distance.

"Guess I'll keep watching for now."

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Scene 4 Action!: Back to the Food Situation!

Kaoru and Aya sat inside a small ramen shop.

Kaoru slurped his noodles loudly.

Aya sighed. "Can you eat like a normal person?"

Kaoru wiped his mouth. "Nope."

Aya shook her head. "Why do I even bother?"

Kaoru suddenly gasped. "Oh! I just got another idea for my manga!"

Aya's eye twitched.

Kaoru continued, excited. "What if the heroine realizes she actually likes the protagonist after they eat together?"

Aya set her chopsticks down.

Slowly.

Deliberately.

And took a deep breath.

"…Kaoru."

Kaoru looked at her, still smiling. "Yeah?"

Aya gave him a flat stare. "Shut up and eat your ramen."

Kaoru chuckled. "Yes. ma'am."

And so, the two continued their meal.

The Narrator. watching from above sighed.

"… holy sh** I give up."

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End of Chapter Seventeen.