Aika!

Aika leaned back slightly in her chair, crossing one leg over the other with a graceful motion.

The soft glow of the ceiling lights cast a delicate sheen over her long, silky black hair, which cascaded down her shoulders like a midnight waterfall.

Each strand seemed to shimmer as she shifted, catching the light in a mesmerizing display. Her deep violet eyes, sharp yet alluring, held an air of authority and intelligence, giving her the presence of someone who was not only beautiful but also confident and highly capable.

Her facial features were the kind that left a lasting impression—perfectly sculpted, with high cheekbones, a refined jawline, and soft pink lips that curled into a natural teasing smile, betraying a hint of amusement.

Despite her composed exterior, there was an undeniable allure to her every movement, from the way she adjusted her glasses with a single, effortless touch to the way she tapped her fingers rhythmically against the desk.

She wore a fitted white blouse, its pristine fabric hugging her figure just right, emphasizing her curves without being unprofessional.

The subtle outline of lace underneath hinted at an elegant, feminine touch, adding to her already enchanting presence.

A sleek black pencil skirt complemented her attire, giving her a polished yet undeniably attractive look. Her sheer stockings added to her appeal, the dark fabric accentuating the smooth lines of her legs as she adjusted her seating position.

Renji took it all in with the same calm and collected demeanor he always carried. He wasn't the type to be flustered easily, and while he could acknowledge that Aika was undeniably stunning, he was more interested in the conversation than being caught up in appearances.

"So," Aika finally said, breaking the brief silence, "any preferences for your author nickname?"

Renji exhaled lightly, leaning his arm against the desk. "I have a few ideas, but I'd rather hear your thoughts first. You've been in this industry longer than I have, after all."

Aika raised an eyebrow, tapping her chin with a neatly manicured finger. "Flattering your editor, are we?"

"Just being practical," Renji replied smoothly.

Aika chuckled softly. "Well then, let's go over some potential choices. After all, your pen name will be your identity in the literary world."

Renji leaned back slightly, his fingers tapping idly against the armrest of his chair. He had already considered several names, but none of them felt quite right. Choosing a pen name wasn't just about picking something cool—it had to mean something to him.

Aika tilted her head, waiting patiently, her violet eyes studying him. "You're taking this seriously. That's good. A name holds weight in this industry, especially if you plan to make a lasting impact."

Renji exhaled lightly before speaking. "Yeah… I already have one in mind." He paused, his gaze drifting to a poster on the wall—one depicting an old anime he had loved as a child, one that had fueled his love for storytelling. "I'll go with Kurohane."

Aika blinked. "Kurohane?" She repeated the name, letting it roll off her tongue. "Black Feather… It has a nice ring to it."

Renji gave a faint smile. "It's from a story I used to write when I was younger. Something I never finished. But it stuck with me."

Aika crossed her legs, adjusting her glasses with a knowing smirk. "A personal touch, huh? That's good. Readers like names with a deeper meaning—it makes them feel connected to the author."

Renji nodded. He wasn't one for unnecessary sentimentality, but this name felt right. It was a part of his past, something that had shaped him. And now, in a way, he was reviving it.

Aika jotted it down before looking back up at him. "Alright then, Kurohane. Let's make sure your debut leaves a mark."

The weight of her words settled in, but Renji simply smirked. "That was the plan from the start."

"Let me treat you..." Just after Renji was ready to leave, his editor suggested who was going with him to send off out of the 15th floor.

"Eh! It's alright. You don't have to do it." He wanted to speak but was cut off by the lady as she put her finger on his lips to shut him with a playful grin on her lips. "It's alright, just let me. Also, you act way too mature for your age. Try to relax a bit; this childhood is very hard to come by in a lifetime, so enjoy it." It was a serious suggestion Aika made for the first time.

Renji blinked at Aika's unexpected gesture, his sharp gaze meeting her playful yet oddly serious expression. The soft touch of her finger against his lips was brief, but it carried an air of familiarity, as if she had already decided they were close enough for such gestures.

"You make it sound like I'm some old man," Renji remarked, his tone neutral, yet laced with amusement.

Aika chuckled as she withdrew her hand, adjusting her bag strap before stepping ahead of him. "Well, you do act like one. Always composed, never showing any excitement—seriously, you're like a seasoned writer who's been through decades of deadlines. Lighten up a little."

Renji sighed but didn't argue. He wasn't the type to get overly excited about things, but he understood where Aika was coming from.

As they walked toward the elevator, the soft hum of background chatter filled the hallway. The company's office was massive, boasting floor-to-ceiling windows that reflected the night lights of the city. Posters of best-selling light novels and anime adaptations decorated the walls, showcasing the scale of the industry Renji had stepped into.

Once inside the elevator, Aika pressed the button for the ground floor before leaning casually against the wall. She glanced at him, her lips curling into a smirk. "So, what do you do for fun, Kurohane?"

Renji raised an eyebrow. "I write."

Aika rolled her eyes. "Obviously. I mean outside of writing."

Renji thought for a moment before shrugging. "I read."

She sighed dramatically, shaking her head. "Unbelievable. A true bookworm through and through." Then, as if suddenly struck with an idea, she snapped her fingers. "Alright, I've decided. You're getting a treat from me, no complaints."

Renji narrowed his eyes slightly. "And what if I refuse?"

"You won't," she said confidently, stepping out of the elevator as the doors slid open.

Renji followed, shaking his head at her antics. Aika had an odd way of pushing people out of their comfort zones. He wasn't used to this kind of casual teasing, but he had to admit—it wasn't entirely unpleasant.

As they stepped out onto the lively streets, Aika turned to him with a grin. "So, what do you feel like eating? And don't say instant ramen. That's cheating."

Renji exhaled a quiet chuckle. "Fine… I'll leave it to you."

Aika nodded in satisfaction. "That's more like it."

And with that, they walked into the night, the city buzzing with energy around them.

As they stepped out onto the bustling evening streets, Renji pulled out his phone and dialed home. The call connected within seconds, and Rika's calm voice came through.

"Renji? What's up?"

"Don't wait for me. Eat without me," he said, keeping his voice even.

"Alright. Don't come back too late," Rika responded simply. "Did something come up?"

"Just handling something," he replied vaguely. "I'll be back later."

"Got it. Take care."

With that, the call ended. Renji slipped his phone back into his pocket and let out a small breath.

Beside him, Aika, who had been walking quietly, glanced his way. "Everything good?"

"Yeah. Just letting them know I'll be late," Renji replied.

Aika nodded. "Responsible. That's good."

She didn't say more, and neither did he. They simply continued walking, the sounds of the city filling the space between them. It was an unusual situation for Renji—he wasn't used to spending time with someone outside of his usual routine, let alone being invited out like this.

After a while, Aika spoke again. "Since I'm treating you, I might as well make it worth it. Know any good places around here?"

Renji thought for a moment. "There's a yakiniku place a few streets down. It's decent."

Aika grinned. "Perfect. Lead the way."

Without further words, they continued into the night, their pace steady and unhurried.