Editing Hyouka:Volume 6 4 (section)

=== 6. ===
 
 
 
It was Friday, May 18th. Although it was a date I used to look forward to, everything weighed far too heavily on my mind.
 
I forgot my handkerchief while leaving the house and ended up later to school than normal, and although Hani-san was in the classroom when I got there, she casually ignored me like I was a random passerby, even though our eyes met. I guess I could always grab her shoulders and shake her around, yelling, "Give me back my notebook!" but I decided to trust in Fuku-chan's advice. Besides, things would get even worse if I accidentally ended up hurting her, so I guess I'll sit still for now.
 
Telling Asanuma-san about my progress was even more nerve-racking than confronting Hani-san. Although I told her I'd decide whether or not I'd participate and how many pages I'd have by Friday, I wasn't able to make the deadline. I did have her email address, but you really got to do these kinds of things in person, so I waited until lunch and then headed to classroom 2-A to talk with her.
 
There, only around two or three students were still eating. The rest of them had already finished and were doing other things. It's kind of strange—even though it's not against the rules, I found it a bit uncomfortable to go to another classroom. While I hesitated at the door, a slim, pretty girl noticed I was there and called out to me, "Looking for someone?"
 
"Um, yeah. Asanuma-san."
 
"Oh yeah? I wonder if she's here."
 
The girl glanced back really quickly and found Asanuma-san sitting by the window. She walked over to her and started to talk about something. The girl pointed over to me, and was probably telling Asanuma-san how I was looking for her. The second she noticed me, Asanuma-san's expression darkened a little, and she started to walk over to me with heavy steps.
 
"What's up?"
 
Her voice was listless—she must also be in a terrible mood. It felt absolutely terrible to kick her while she was down like this. All it did was revive my anger towards the person who stole my notebook.
 
"I said I'd get back to you on Friday about my decision, right?"
 
"Yeah."
 
As she responded, Asanuma-san started to look furtively to her left and right. Maybe she was uncomfortable with talking about the manga in the classroom, or maybe she was just being cautious of anyone listening in after what happened when her plans were leaked. Seeing her like that made me speak in the same quiet volume.
 
"Sorry, but can you wait a little longer?"
 
Her eyebrows rose.
 
"What? What do you mean? Weren't you the one who told me it’d be today?"
 
I knew she wasn't going to be happy or anything, but I didn't expect her to react this strongly.
 
I'd already decided that, no matter what happened, I wouldn't tell her about Hani-san stealing my notebook. I didn't have any proof, and if the others learned that it was a possibility, it might fan the already raging flames of conflict between factions in the broken Manga Society. Of course, if I can't get the notebook in the end, I'll be pouring a gallon of gasoline on those flames, but for now, I'll stay quiet.
 
"I'm really, really sorry. I thought I could finish it by now, but the rough draft isn't finished and all..."
 
She sighed loudly and overtly.
 
"Okay. I hope you're not planning on jumping ship."
 
There was understandably a lot of venom in her voice.
 
"What do you mean?"
 
"Tai cried and ran away, and Nishiyama was the one who betrayed us and told everyone. And now here you are, telling me you want me to wait even longer. I think it's pretty natural for me to assume you might be trying to abandon the project too."
 
Although she started the whole thing, I guess I really did feel a little sorry for her. Everything aside, the fact of the matter was that I didn't keep our promise, and that was my fault. I lowered my head again.
 
"I'm sorry."
 
"Hey, you're going to do it with me, right?"
 
I understand why she's so desperate, but it's a little too much.
 
"I came here to apologize to you. Don't you trust me?"
 
She sighed once more, this time much more naturally.
 
"I'm sorry, I'm just a little on edge."
 
"Me too. It's okay."
 
"So, how long do you need?"
 
I was halfway through the rough draft already, so if I managed to get the notebook back by Monday, then I could probably finish it by Tuesday. If I wasn't able to retrieve it, though, then I'd have to start all the way back from writing the dialogue. If I worked on it over the weekend, assuming that I wouldn't be getting the notebook back...
 
"Wednesday... Yeah, next Wednesday."
 
Asanuma-san nodded, her eyes cast somewhat downwards. "Got it. Sorry Ibara. Sorry this all got so complicated..."
 
It's true she was the one that organized this all, but I was also happy when I first heard I'd get the chance to draw. There was no reason for her to apologize. Without saying any of that, though, I simply responded, "See you," and left the classroom.
 
When I got back to my own class, lunch break was almost over, and most of the students had already gotten back into their seats. Fifth period was PE. I walked back to my own desk, almost thankful that I'd be able to get some exercise, and suddenly noticed the sound of footsteps coming towards me. I turned around and saw Hani-san, not a shred of worry in her expression. She started talking in a cheery voice that was very much the same way.
 
"Maya-cchi, you free after school today?"
 
I wonder how I would've responded had I not prepared myself emotionally. Would I have yelled, "Don't mess with me!" at her, or would I have been afraid at what she meant by that? In reality, neither was the case; I was actually a bit happy that what Fuku-chan had predicted came true. Thanks to him, even I was able to remain calm as I responded, "I have library duty until 5:00. I'm free after then, if that's okay. Is something wrong?"
 
For a brief moment, Hani-san stared closely at me—maybe she thought I'd be more shaken up—but she quickly reverted back to her smile.
 
"Sorry, but could you come with me somewhere after school?"
 
I artificially tilted my head in thought, and said, "Umm, I'm not really feeling today. What's going on?"
 
"I wanted to return something, and I'd rather do it sooner than later."
 
I really wasn't good at all this feeling each other out stuff. With every hollow word, I felt my cheeks getting hotter and hotter, and I could only barely hold back my anger.
 
"You're right. Sooner the better. What do you want me to do then?"
 
Hani-san nodded satisfied. "Do you know that shop, Byron?"
 
"The cake shop next to the culture center?"
 
"Yeah, that one. That makes this quick. There's a small tea cafe section inside. You can sit there, even if you only order tea—did you know that? I wanted to meet you there at 5:30. Does that work for you?"
 
I could be wrong, but it sounded like she wanted to do some kind of hostage exchange with the notebook. She made it out to be some kind of equal-footed conversation, but in reality, I was completely powerless. I wanted painfully to turn it back on her and flat-out refuse, but I restrained myself and instead returned a smile.
 
"Of course! Can't wait."
 
"I know, right? See you at 5:30, then."
 
Although it was a date I used to look forward to, everything weighed far too heavily on my mind. The bell rang, and all the girls in class started heading towards the locker rooms to change.
 
 
 
I left the school grounds at 5:05, and as I walked briskly towards the shop, a lot of things circled around in my head.
 
First was about how Hani-san came to me first, just like Fuku-chan had predicted. He'd told me to wait for a while, but all it took was a single day for the situation to change again. What on earth was she trying to do? Did she steal my notebook to use it as bait and make me meet with her? I doubt it. We weren't especially close, but if she did want to talk, I would've agreed without making a scene. There'd be no reason to steal anything.
 
Maybe she wanted to look inside, to see exactly what kind of manga Asanuma-san was making? If Hani-san had asked me to let her look at my notebook, I probably would've found some reason or another to refuse. I mean it's embarrassing. Wouldn't stealing it be the only way for her to do so?
 
No, I don't think that's likely either. Just because I was certain I'd be stubborn and refuse doesn't mean Hani-san would be as well. For her, it'd make more sense to ask first. There'd be no reason to use such a heavy handed tactic from the very start.
 
It's started to feel more and more like I was trapped in box, trying to figure out what Hani-san wanted, so I decided to try and think about something else. I'll probably end up feeling really terrible by the time I eventually sit down and talk with her at Byron.
 
Actually, now that I think about it, there's no guarantee that it'll only be the two of us. I have no idea how many people will be there. What should I do if I go there and I find the rest of the reading faction waiting for me with nailed-in bats, saying, "So ya did come. Guess we can congratulate ya for yer balls before we bash yer head in!" Well, probably not.
 
If they wanted to gang up on me, then doing so at school would probably be easier, so that probably wasn't it. The fact that it wasn't limited to Hani-san alone was still possible, though. I wish I could go with someone else, like maybe Fuku-chan, Chi-chan, or Asanuma-san. No, this is my problem, so I'd like to do as much as I can by myself.
 
Because the time we agreed on was thirty minutes after my library duty ended, I couldn't stop by the book store on the way. I'd been excited—or rather anxious—for this day for a while now, but I couldn't really ask anyone else to do it.
 
I did genuinely want to do this as soon as possible, but 5:30 in the evening was a bit rough for me. My mom wouldn't say anything, even if I was late, but she always makes such a disappointed face. I sent her a message saying I might be late because of library duty and a club meeting, but I really wanted to get home before dinner, if at all possible.
 
I also didn't like the fact that she chose Byron at all. Kamiyama's a small city, so there aren't really a lot of western sweets shops. Byron's considered one of the only ones, and its cakes are always the talk of the town. When I was in elementary school, my parents would get me a Byron cake for my birthday every year without fail, and the stuff we brought to Chi-chan's house the other day was also from the same shop. It was difficult for me to think up a shop that both Hani-san and I knew and was good for high school students to hang out in in the heat of the moment, but I didn't want to have such a depressing conversation in a place I only had fond memories of.
 
But I guess there was no avoiding it. In the time that I spent thinking about those things, I ended up in front of the white walls and nary roof tiles that distinguished Byron. I looked at my watch, and saw the time was 5:27. Barely made it. As I got here kind of fast, my breathing was a little ragged and it felt like I was also sweating a bit. I took a couple of deep breaths and dabbed my forehead and neck with my handkerchief.
 
Well then, now that I've come this far, there's no point in getting worked up. I don't care if there are lions or tigers waiting for me. I'll beat them up, get my notebook back, and then be on my way home. I lightly slapped my cheeks and walked inside.
 
Colorful cakes were lined up inside the shop's refrigerated cases. It was the time of year for peach, and almost that for cherry blossoms. My eyes wandered over the strawberry and chocolate cakes, but I couldn't feel excited. The shop assistant's uniform was a solid black dress, save for a white trim along the collar, and a matching black hat, and she almost looked something like a nun. With a relaxed voice and smile, she said, "Welcome."
 
"Umm, I wanted to use the cafe."
 
"Of course. It's further inside."
 
I'd never gone this far back in Byron before. I continued to walk through a narrow, dimly lit hallway in the direction she pointed at, and then suddenly found myself in a large space.
 
The ceiling was high and the windows wide, and there was a large grandfather clock sitting by the wall over the room's wooden floor. Hani-san called it a small section, but it felt more like an event hall. I figured it was a bit late for tea since there was hardly anyone there. There was only one customer—a girl in a sailor uniform with her back turned to me. She slowly turned around, maybe hearing my footsteps.
 
"Glad to see you came, Ibara."
 
My entire body froze. I couldn't say a thing.
 
I said I didn't care if there were lions or tigers, but I had no idea this one would show up. It was the Kamiyama high school senior, the former Manga Research Society member, Ayako Kouchi.
 
She smiled softly and continued, "Don't be so scared. Didn't Hani tell you anything? Oh, don't worry about this. I'll cover the bill—I'm your upperclassman after all!"
 
The conflict between the reading and drawing factions in the Manga Society first started during last year's culture festival, but things really took a turn for the worse when Kouchi-senpai, the de-facto leader of the reading faction, decided to quit the club earlier than the rest of the seniors. Once they lost the person who acted as a lid on the conflict, the club began to tear apart.
 
That very person was here right now, mentioning Hani. I couldn't make sense of anything, and I was suddenly seized by the desire to turn right around and make a break for the door. Kouchi-senpai beckoned me over with her hand.
 
"Don't just stand there with your mouth open. Come over and sit down already."
 
Her words were calm, but it felt like there was a bit of tension in her voice. It didn't seem like she was picking a fight, but I couldn't figure out what was making her sound like that as I cautiously approached her table.
 
In front of her was a cup full of black tea, a teapot decorated with flowers, and a single notebook. On the empty seat next to her was a paper bag with something the thickness of a manga magazine resting inside. There were no menus on top of the round table, but the nun-like shop assistant from earlier came by and gave one to each of us.
 
I didn't have an appetite, so I ordered black tea.
 
Once she returned back through the hallway, Kouchi-senpai and I were the only ones left in the room. I suddenly remembered what Fuku-chan had said earlier about my situation being similar to Oreki's book report. The report itself hinted at the person pulling the strings not being the king, and it looked like in my case, there was a puppeteer behind Hani-san as well. Though, I did know the two of them were close friends.
 
Kouchi-senpai brought the cup of tea to her lips and then returned it to the saucer with a small clink.
 
"So? How's everything been with the Manga Society recently?"
 
"Terrible."
 
Maybe she wanted to start off with a little small talk, but I couldn't help but blurt out the truth. How long had it been weighing on my mind?
 
"Everyone's insulting and harassing at each other. I'm absolutely sick of it. Why did you quit, senpai?"
 
Had Kouchi-senpai only put off quitting for a little while longer, the club may have been able to recover before it turned out like this. I don't hate her for it; everyone should be free to join or quit their club whenever they want. It's just that I can't help but think it was because she left that all of this happened.
 
"Yeah, well... yeah..."
 
She drew out her response, and then picked her teacup up to refill it with black tea, looking as if she were trying the avoid the subject.
 
Soon after, the shop assistant came out again and brought me my own black tea. "I recommend waiting two minutes before you drink it. Would you like sugar?" she asked.
 
Normally I did prefer sugar with my coffee and tea, but this time I felt like drinking something bitter.
 
"No, thank you."
 
The assistant left the room one more time. I couldn't stand the silence, so I was the first one to start talking.
 
"Did you have my notebook stolen, senpai?"
 
Her eyes were fixed on her teacup, she responded, "Yeah, pretty much."
 
I was on the verge of asking her why, but there was something else I needed to do first.
 
"Give it back."
 
Before anything else, I refuse to talk with her any longer until I get my notebook back. Her expression looked strange, as if forcing a small smile, and she responded, "Of course," before placing her hand on top of the notebook. "But don't go running off the second you get it."
 
"Are you going to force me by taking that hostage?"
 
"I guess you're mad after all. Well, it's not like I can blame you." She let go of the teacup and then slowly bowed in front of me. "I'm sorry. It was all my fault. I really want you to hear me out, though."
 
I wasn't planning on forgiving her. Although, that said, I knew basically nothing about what it was I wasn't going to forgive. I hardened my voice, and said, "Alright. I'm not exactly happy yet, but I'll listen."
 
"Thanks." She pushed the notebook over to my side of the table and continued, "I didn't look inside."
 
As soon as the notebook was in my hands, I subconsciously brought and held it close to my chest. I wanted to check if everything was okay inside, but doing so would probably look like I didn't trust what Kouchi-senpai said about not looking, so I decided to hold off for now. In it was nothing more than a couple notes—nothing that couldn't be replaced—but the second I placed it in my bag, the fact that I had gotten it back finally became real to me, and I could feel the tension draining from my body. I have to tell Fuku-chan I got it back when I get home so he doesn't have to worry.
 
I poured some tea into my cup and took a sip. I slowly gulped, the warm tea filling my stomach with strength, and then looked directly at Kouchi-senpai.
 
"So? What did you want to talk about?"
 
"Yeah." Her eyes regained their original intensity as she returned my stare. "Ibara."
 
"Yes?"
 
"Quit the Manga Society."
 
So it came to that.
 
I paused for several seconds and then responded.
 
"So you stole my notebook to threaten me like that?"
 
"A threat, huh? I'm the one in the wrong here, so I guess I can't really argue with that." She sighed and her head dropped slightly, a faint smile appearing on her lips. "You're overthinking it. That's not what this is."
 
I didn't respond. She looked up once more.
 
"I heard what happened with Asanuma. One of the girls she asked chickened out and told Hani everything. Hani asked me for advice, so that's why I know what went down, more or less. She also told me that Asanuma asked you to join as well. You seemed to be pretty on board."
 
I wouldn't say "on board" was the best way to describe it...
 
"As long as I can draw manga..."
 
"Then you don't care where? You should care, for heaven's sake."
 
I stayed silent at her firm disapproval. Kouchi-senpai brought her right arm on top of the table and leaned forward a little.
 
"Do you really have enough time to be playing around with that kind of pointless stuff? All Asanuma wants is to fight over control of the club—you do realize this, right?"
 
I wanted to argue that Asanuma-san really did care about manga in her own way, but I couldn't bring myself to do it. I had never read her manga, nor did I even know what kind of manga she liked. Now that I think about it, I don't think I've ever even had a proper discussion with her about manga in the first place. Her wording really bugs me, though.
 
"Why don't I have enough time, then? Is there something else I should be doing instead?"
 
"You need to be improving your own manga. If you go along with Asanuma's plan and work on some dumb project, you're basically wasting time, right?"
 
I was shocked. I don't think any of it showed on my face, but Kouchi-senpai continued passionately, as if she could tell how I felt. "Nothing good will come of it if you continue working on that."
 
"..."
 
"The Manga Society's just holding you back."
 
Of course I'm aware of what's going on. There had been times when I'd fantasized about all the interesting stories we could've made had everyone not been at each other's throats—no, I'd be lying if I said I didn't imagine that possibility at every second I was in the club. But even after admitting that, I definitely don't think they are holding me back in any way.
 
And yet, my response was so pathetically weak.
 
"That's... not true."
 
Kouchi-senpai noticed it as well.
 
"Are you trying to stick up for your friends? Or is it that you feel like quitting now would mean you're giving up halfway? Then let me add this: just like the club's not doing any good for you, you aren't doing any good for the club. You might not be the whole reason all this happened, but you're definitely part of it."
 
She was probably talking about when I had the dirty water spilled on me during the cultural festival, the result of our argument. I mean, sure it further divided both of the factions, but it was an accident, and there was nothing I could've done about that.
 
"You don't have a clue what I'm talking about, do you. Our baseball team's pretty weak. Don't you agree?"
 
The topic suddenly switched, and for a moment, I was speechless.
 
"Yeah... I guess I heard something like that."
 
"It's no surprise, really. Kamiyama High's just a feeder school, so it makes sense that our baseball team is on that level too. This kind of situation is pretty typical. So now, what if a once-in-a-generation athletic genius—the kind that would rise to the top, even in powerhouse schools—joined our team? What do you think would happen then?"
 
She gave me a second to consider it, and then continued.
 
"The rest of the team would be inspired to practice more and more until they finally became stronger? Yeah right. That kind of thing only happens in manga. Nine times out of ten, they'll be all too aware of their limits, and the most they'll amount to is a thorn in the genius' side."
 
I guess she was talking about the current Kamiyama High School Manga Society.
 
"I'm..." I started with difficulty, "I'm nowhere near a once-in-a-generation genius."
 
"Yeah, I agree calling you that is going overboard," Kouchi-senpai immediately agreed. She quickly added, however, "But the thing is, you have the smallest trace, the tiniest smidge of genius in you. At the very least, you're as talented as I am."
 
I'd read Kouchi-senpai's manga before.
 
It was called "Bodytalk." I thought it was good. <i>Really</i> good.
 
"You're much better than I am," I said.
 
"Well, that's because I'm your upperclassman. Listen, being humble is fine and all, but you've got to start looking at yourself objectively."
 
She brought the teacup to her lips and made a soft noise as she gazed down at the tea. The cup shook slightly as she held it up, and she spoke as if whispering, "I... want to become a professional. I suck now, but I really want to get better."
 
Hearing the words "I suck" come out of Kouchi-senpai like that made me lose my mental composure. A lot had happened between her and I, but that never caused me to enjoy her manga any less. She has an incredible sense of humor, and whenever I read it during tough times, it always puts a smile on my face, while if I read it when I'm happy, it can even make me feel sad.
 
"I wasn't able to quit the Manga Society," she said, "And just like you, I wasn't able to draw manga while surrounded by all of the fighting. I couldn't stop myself from wanting to stay, for God knows what reason. I couldn't leave any of it behind."
 
She looked directly into my eyes, as if trying to convince me of something.
 
"I really regret it. I used up two of my three years at high school in that place."
 
In the silence that followed, she seemed to be drilling it in that I'd also used up one of mine.
 
Her hand clenched into a fist.
 
"I needed to be drawing more. That's why I quit. I also have talent in me—it might be a tiny, near-worthless scrap of it, but I needed to hold it sacred regardless."
 
To hold your talent sacred...
 
It's so difficult, though, senpai. It's so incredibly scary to turn your back on your friends like that and start placing all your trust in this unreliable talent of yours. Is that what she's doing? Is that what she wants me to do?
 
Suddenly, Kouchi-senpai's voice became strangely cheerful.
 
"You should quit too, Ibara."
 
"But..."
 
"Quit the Manga Society, and work with me."
 
I was speechless. Did I hear that correctly? She continued on without repeating herself.
 
"You remember 'A Corpse by Evening,' right?"
 
There was no way I could forget. I bought it when I visited the Kamiyama High culture festival as a middle school student; it was really important to me. The realization that a high school student could create something incredible like that made me change fundamentally, and I joined the Manga Society without a second thought right after I entered high school as a result. I realize now, of course, that I should've given it a second thought after all, as the author of "A Corpse by Evening" wasn't actually in the club.
 
As she brought it up, Kouchi-senpai's expression seemed to darken slightly.
 
"It was legendary. I couldn't even read it, and it blew you away too. Now it's my turn. Mine... and yours."
 
A chill ran down my spine.
 
She raised a single finger.
 
"Two things will come out of this. First, unlike going along with Asanuma's plan, this will give the both of us valuable experience. From what I've seen, your dialogue tends to get pretty bogged down because you try to say everything. As for me—how can I put this—my manga doesn't really excite people. I have some pretty bad habits. The both of us will definitely be able to gain something from this."
 
Then she raised a second finger.
 
"Plus, just like 'A Corpse by Evening' did, it'll inspire new students for years to come. The Manga Society is in a miserable state right now, but we'll be the ones to pass down its tradition."
 
Is she serious?
 
"You're going to sell it at the culture festival?"
 
She nodded. "That's right."
 
Doing that was probably against school rules, but there was an even bigger problem.
 
"Won't everyone in the club hate us if we do that?!"
 
I didn't hear anything about there being trouble with the author of "A Corpse by Evening" not being from the Manga Society, however if I not only quit the club, but also sold my own manga at the culture festival, then I'd be basically picking a fight with every book sold.
 
She kept her composure.
 
"That's why I'm saying you should quit—if you keep on trying to look out for them, you'll never be able to draw what you want. Of course they'll hate us. So what? It's not like they're going to beat us up or anything. Actually... you think they might? Oh well, one punch shouldn't be too bad."
 
"All I want to do is draw manga, though."
 
"It's a little too late for that. Just by wanting to draw manga, you're already the odd one out, and lots of people already can't stand you. If you don't like that, then you have to choose one of two options: either you give up drawing or you get better and shut them all up."
 
It's not like I didn't understand; it's just that it's difficult to hear it so blunt like that.
 
"And honestly speaking," she continued, "no one in that club even read any of the manga you put your heart and soul into in the first place. It's fine. It's fine. If we just ask someone to sell it for us, no one will find out."
 
Now that she mentioned it, in the Manga Society, there was a bunch of fan works going around. There were four months until the culture festival, and if I worked with Kouchi-senpai on it, the design would probably be pretty different than what I normally did too, so I guess... it might be okay?
 
I drank some tea to calm my nerves. "But that means I have to tell Asanuma-san I won't help her... I don't know if..."
 
"If you can? I hate to break it to you, but when she was trying to recruit people for her project, she was telling them you were going to be the one to compile it all."
 
That's news to me.
 
"Listen, you're just being used. Are you still going to be loyal to Asanuma after all that?"
 
I guess I'd also known vaguely that was the case, but thinking back to today at lunch, I couldn't just turn my back on her.
 
"I asked Asanuma-san to wait for me. I absolutely can't quit the club and refuse to work with her after doing that."
 
She let out a deep sigh.
 
"I guess there's nothing I can do about that. You did four pages for the culture festival last year, didn't you? You did it for the anthology that we ended up not making because of what happened."
 
I did, actually, now that she mentioned it. I did some four panel strips that introduced the Manga Research Society, under no real obligation to do so, but the anthology was scrapped soon after because of a disagreement, so I stored it away.
 
"Just give her that," she continued, "Even if you tell her you wrote it last year, I'm sure she wouldn't complain."
 
I see... I'm surprised she remembered that—even I forgot.
 
Before I give her my answer, there's something I need to ask.
 
Maybe Kouchi-senpai was helping me out because I was so entangled in what was happening in the club. Or maybe she just wanted to make manga with her barely capable underclassman. Either would've made me happy, but at this point, I still haven't found anything that made me want to forgive her.
 
I refilled the now-empty teacup to the brim and let it sit for a moment before taking a sip. Taking a deep breath, I looked up at her. "Okay, I understand. Just one question, senpai."
 
"Hm?"
 
"Why did you steal my notebook, then?"
 
When I imagined all of the grief and anger this person put me through yesterday after school, I lost my ability to trust and work with her more and more.
 
Kouchi-senpai's eyes darkened.
 
"I heard you were on the fence when Asanuma asked you to help make her manga, so I got a little worried. If you ended up agreeing to help, I would've lost my chance to convince you. You're so stubborn like that. You would've refused to quit the club, and you wouldn't have teamed up with me. That's why I asked Hani to do something to stop you from giving your answer by Friday evening."
 
She sighed a little and then continued.
 
"Please don't hate Hani. She only did it since I asked her to. If it's any consolation, I had no idea she'd do something like that either. If I had explained the situation better to her, then she might've done something less drastic, but a lot of it is difficult to tell her..."
 
I'm guessing she didn't tell Hani-san anything about wanting to pair up with me to release a manga for the culture festival. If we were going to do this, we'd have to be sneaky about it. The less people she told the better.
 
I followed Kouchi-senpai's explanation well enough, but there was still one thing that didn't fully make sense.
 
"Why by Friday evening?"
 
She probably heard that I was going to give my answer to Asanuma-san on Friday after school, so the only way she could buy time was by messing with my rough draft. Putting aside how I felt about that, her reasoning at least made sense. What I didn't understand was why she wanted to delay it until that evening.
 
"That's because, well..."
 
Kouchi-senpai blinked several times, looking at me like I'd just asked her the most obvious thing in the world. She then muttered, "Oh, that's right," under her breath and went to grab what was inside the paper bag on the empty seat next to her.
 
In that instant, my entire body stiffened. In her hand was the June issue of the monthly manga magazine, <i>La Shin,</i> the cover of which was illustrated by Yutaka Niiro.
 
"Because today's the release day."
 
It's true today was May 18th, the day when <i>La Shin</i> hits the shelves. Not only that, but the June issue was the one that had the results of the New World Prize. Because I was so motivated by last time's results, I also submitted another one this time around, so I was really looking forward to getting it today. And yet, why was I looking at it now?
 
A small, teasing smile showed on her lips—she probably enjoyed seeing me flustered like this—and she said, "Congrats on your participation award last time, Kazuru Ihara."
 
I accidentally let out a small yelp. She continued, almost sounding fed up with me.
 
"Don't be so surprised. How many times have you submitted stuff under this name? You even did it at that event in Ohsu, didn't you? I also read <i>La Shin</i>, you know. Of course I'd notice."
 
Who could've imagined she figured it out.
 
Kouchi-senpai stared at the cover of <i>La Shin</i>.
 
"I saw your name come up in the March issue, and it made me ask myself what the heck I've been doing with my life. Well, everyone in the club started going at it the second I left, so I guess you could say I was pretty important in keeping the peace in my own way, but I didn't have the time to be doing things like that. The second I realized it, I quit."
 
She placed her hand on top of the magazine.
 
"Because I saw that 'good luck on your next submission' in your evaluation, it dawned on me that you've probably been sending in submissions for a long time now. So, I was thinking—though, honestly, I figured the chances were slim—that if you'd managed to get the top prize in this issue, then there was no reason for you to waste your time pairing up with me. Of course you should try and go pro as soon as you can. That's why I wanted to wait until the release day to talk with you about it. If we agreed to be partners earlier on, and it turned out that you got the award, I figured you'd probably try to stick with me out of obligation."
 
My eyes were glued to the June issue of "La Shin" in front of me. I barely heard anything I was being told. She smiled slightly, and pushed the magazine towards me.
 
"I guess you're pretty curious. Want to read it?"
 
"Yes, please."
 
"I've already seen it."
 
"H-how was it?"
 
She smiled silently back. I picked up the copy of "La Shin" and flipped to the last page to check the table of contents. Not even able to pretend I was relaxed, I opened it to the page that announced the winners.
 
15th New World Prize winner: "The Strange Tale of the Cold Sea" by Enma Haru
 
I looked for my name in the runner-ups... and there was nothing.
 
I looked under the participation awards, and...
 
I wordlessly placed the magazine back down.
 
"It's tough. I know," she said in in a soft voice, the kind that only someone who had gone through the same experience before could manage, "So, will you team up with me?"
 
"...Yeah."
 
"Good."
 
Ayako Kouchi-senpai nodded firmly.
 
"Ibara, we're going to create a legend. A legendary volume that will continue on in Kamiyama High School. And then..."
 
"We'll get even better. Right?"
 
The smile that appeared on her face was the best one she had ever showed me.
 
 
 
I quit the Manga Research Society.

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=== Translator's Notes and References ===
<references/>

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