CH 65

Sayaka’s Point of View

I was wondering why I was to be summoned here on a weekday at the end of the school day…

”What? My work was in a special edition?”

Y-you mean my work is going to be in that famous comic magazine?

”Yes. You know that replacement piece you showed me the other day? I thought it would be fun to see the changes you made to it afterward, and after I read it through, I thought I’d give it a shot. Maybe you’ll even get a serialized version.”

No, really? But I don’t think she would lie to me like this.

”Well, I’ve been with you for a while now. You’ve changed a lot. Sayaka-chan.”

”Eh? I changed…?”

”Yes. You used to have such a piercing atmosphere, though you’re still not without thorns. I never thought you could have such a calm expression on your face. And your style wasn’t bad in the past, either. But now, you’ve become more interesting, or rather. You’ve become able to write works that are enjoyable to read. But you still have a scary look on your face more often than not.”

”I-I see. Thank you very much…”

”You have become good at drawing not only the main characters but also the psychological portrayal of the characters as a whole. Maybe you’ve made some friends at school?”

Friends…

I think so. There are kids who I can confidently say are my friends…

”Besides, the description of the romance part is much better. Huh, the heroine’s name and appearance are your alter ego. You’re actually in love. Sayaka. Good. That’s good. That’s what high school students do.”

”N-no, that, that is…”

”And that embarrassed expression. You’re really getting better. Sayaka. You are different from the stoic, icy woman you were when I first met you, who never smiled. You’re so cute! “

”Wait, just because you’re my boss. D-don’t make fun of me.”

”That’s a good reaction too. So cute. You’ve improved. Sayaka. That gap is great, too. I’m sure it’s all thanks to Kazama.”

”N-no, that too, that…”

”Geez, you don’t have to hide it anymore. With my eyes, it’s so obvious when you look like that. If you want, I can help you with that too.”

Indeed, if you ask me whether I have changed or not, I think I have changed…

And you’re also right. It’s all thanks to him.

Thanks to Kazama…

Since I met him, my values have changed in many ways. Or rather, I think he changed my values.

Well, technically, it wasn’t him at that time.

Well, he’s an extraordinary ordinary guy. Our encounters have been so unusual. It’s unbelievable, but I’m sure now. ‘He’ was definitely him.

”By the way, I’m serious. Would you like to show your face if it’s okay with you? If a beautiful high school girl like you were to draw a shonen romantic comedy manga for boys, I think it would be a huge hit.”

”What? A huge hit, is it?”

A huge hit…

”No, your work is also interesting, so there is no problem if you don’t do that. But if you are seriously considering making it a series, do you think you could consider doing so? Besides, if you are thinking of making a full-fledged professional debut, you cannot keep your parents in the dark about it. I don’t know. Sayaka. I won’t force you to do it. Don’t worry, though. It won’t stop the story from being published even if you turn me down.”

Showing my face…

That is… Oh, by the way.

That’s right. I’ve already done everything there anyway.

Yeah. I, Sayaka Saionji, am never half-hearted when doing things.

I get everything I want. No matter what it is.

”Err, I’m going to do it at my school’s festival…”