[102] Signing Event [100 PS]

"I've already paid the bill. I still have some work to do, so I'll be heading out first."

After saying goodbye to Machida Sonoko, Kasumigaoka Utaha let out a quiet sigh.

"Am I really have to give it up?"

That thought crossed her mind, and in that moment, she couldn't help but recall why she started writing light novels in the first place.

Since she had always been at the top of her class, studying had never been a challenge for her.

Even at the beginning of her second year of high school, she had already finished learning all the coursework in advance.

The lessons in class felt redundant and meaningless.

Bored, she decided to challenge herself with something new—writing novels.

Traditional literature felt too difficult for someone with little life experience, so she turned to light novels instead.

And as it turned out, she actually had a talent for it.

Her first attempt at writing, editing, and submitting a manuscript resulted in winning a silver award.

But that was probably the peak of her career.

Since then, her sales had been steadily declining, and now her series was on the verge of being axed.

She couldn't quite describe how she felt.

Disappointment, sadness, frustration... probably all of the above.

Still, when the sales for the third volume came out, she had already braced herself for this outcome.

Yet, hearing it directly from her editor made the reality harder to accept.

'...Forget it.'

With a sigh, Utaha made up her mind.

Life isn't perfect.

There are ups and downs.

For a newcomer, she had already done more than enough.

'Just like that woman said, I still have the chance to write a bestseller!'

Even if her first work ended in failure, there was nothing she could do about it.

With that decision, the weight pressing on her chest finally lifted.

She felt a sense of relief, both mentally and physically.

At that moment, her gaze shifted to her phone screen, which had just lit up with a notification.

"A high school sophomore... a fresh new talent..."

Even though she admired the writer's work and was a fan, she couldn't help but feel a tinge of jealousy given her own circumstances.

"Must be nice..."

Her eyes then fell on the energetic and playful words on the screen:

"Hey everyone, it's been half a month! Did you miss me?"

"Have you bought the latest volume of Anohana? Do you love the pure, heartwarming friendships of the characters? If my story has touched even a little part of your heart, that makes me really happy!"

"Oh, and about yesterday—did you all receive the gift? What do you think?! You liked it, right? I put so much effort into it! I even lost a ton of hair while writing the lyrics for the new song!"

"Anyone who says they don't like it will be sentenced to hanging! Haha, just kidding~ Don't take it seriously!"

"Ahem, I know you guys didn't come here to listen to my ramblings, so let's get to the point."

"I know it hasn't been long since my last announcement, but I have some exciting news!"

"No, it's not about a new project—come on, I just finished two books! At least let me rest for a while."

"Though it's a little disappointing, there won't be a new work from me anytime soon~"

"So, what's the big news?!"

"That's right! After discussing with my editor, we've decided to hold a signing event for Madoka Magica on October 1st!"

"It was kind of a last-minute decision, so we don't have a location yet, but I'll update you all as soon as it's confirmed!"

"To be honest, I'm a little nervous. It's my first signing event, after all."

"Will anyone show up? How many people will come? Just thinking about it makes me anxious! If no one comes, I might just die of embarrassment on the spot!?"

"Okay, maybe not die. But I'd definitely lock myself in my room for days!"

"That's all for now! As soon as I have more details, I'll let you know right away!"

"Sorry for disturbing you, and thank you all for your support!!"

Even though the post had been up for less than ten minutes, the comments were already flooding in.

"Ohhh!! Finally, a signing event!! And it's for Madoka's Magica?! No matter what, I'm going, even if there's a typhoon!!"

"Okay, but if there's a typhoon, wouldn't it get canceled? Let's just hope for good weather on October 1st!"

"Ahhh!! I finally get to meet the author in person! I wonder what they look like? Since they're a high school student, maybe they're super cool!?"

"Come on, just because they're talented doesn't mean they're good-looking. They're probably just an average person!"

"Guys, the important thing is the author's work, not their looks!"

"Exactly! No matter what they look like, I'll always support them!!"

"Since it's a signing event, will there be a special edition of Madoka's Magica? Or exclusive merch and posters?!"

"Either way, I'm super excited for the event!"

Seeing the flood of enthusiastic comments, Utaha, as a fellow fan, couldn't help but smile.

"So this is what it feels like to be a fan…"

Without thinking, she typed a reply just like any other excited supporter:

"Yes!! I've been waiting for this signing event! Don't worry, I'll definitely be there!!"

.......

October 1st – The Day of the Signing Event

Standing next to the stylishly dressed Shiina Mahiru and Eriri, Akifumi couldn't help but sigh.

"...Do you two really have to do this?"

"Of course we do!" Eriri replied without hesitation.

"I'm a huge fan of the Warrior of Love and Hope-sensei! I've been following you since you entered the Tezuka Awards!!"

...Huh?

Did she really call 'doubting' me means 'following' me?

Perhaps sensing Akifumi's questioning gaze, Eriri's face turned slightly red, and she flicked her twin tails elegantly.

"Who says following has to mean liking? Doubting you is a form of attention too!"

"Sure, sure."

Akifumi gave a halfhearted nod.

"But if you really want a signature, you could've just brought a book and asked me to sign it?"

"It's not the same!"

Eriri argued passionately:

"It's like watching a concert at home versus being there in person! The experience and atmosphere are totally different!"

"Plus, they're selling a collector's edition of Madoka's Magica!!"

Her eyes sparkled at the thought.

Anything labeled "limited edition" or "collector's item" was bound to excite fans.

"I have to get my hands on it!!"

...Fine. Whatever makes you happy.

Akifumi gave up trying to reason with her and turned to Shiina Mahiru.

Before he could say anything, the gentle girl smiled warmly.

"I wasn't following you from the very beginning like Eriri, but I'm a fan now."

"As a fan, isn't it only natural to support your favorite author's first signing event?"

Her simple words carried an undeniable sincerity.

Akifumi sighed in defeat.

"...Fine. Do whatever you want."

Even if he tried to stop them now, they'd just meet him at the event later anyway.

No point in wasting his breath.

And with that, the three of them headed out together—toward a familiar location in Chiyoda, at a bookstore owned by Shueisha.

.............

[TL Note]

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