In a towering office building in Chiyoda ward, Tokyo, even though it was still the New Year holiday, a few diligent figures were still hard at work.
Machida Sonoko, the ace editor of Fujikawa Bookstore, was drumming her fingers on her desk with some restlessness, her gaze drifting for the umpteenth time to the mobile phone screen that remained stubbornly silent.
"Little Utaha... what on earth is going on?" the elite career woman muttered to herself, her brows furrowed tight.
The "Little Utaha" she referred to was the most talented, yet also the most worrisome university student author under her wing—Kasumigaoka Utaha.
The sales Waterloo of the third volume of Love Metronome weighed like a giant boulder on the young author's heart, and it worried Machida Sonoko endlessly as well.
She knew Kasumigaoka Utaha's temperament—seemingly sharp-tongued and tough, but actually sensitive and fiercely competitive. In times like this, she was prone to spiraling into a dead end, perhaps even resorting to some unhealthy, extreme methods to push herself.
Since yesterday, Machida Sonoko had been trying to contact her to discuss the outline for the fourth volume, but her calls went unanswered, and the emails she sent sank like stones into the sea.
This was extremely unusual.
Although Kasumigaoka Utaha would occasionally throw a small tantrum or turn her day and night upside down to meet a deadline, she had never gone completely off the grid like this.
An ominous premonition gradually expanded in Machida Sonoko's heart.
Did she lock herself away because the pressure was too great?
Was she sick?
Or had some accident occurred?
Thinking of that beautiful girl's recently haggard appearance and her desperate drive, the latter possibility made Machida sit on pins and needles.
"No, I can't wait any longer."
The characteristically capable female editor stood up abruptly, grabbing her coat and handbag from the back of her chair; she had already made her decision.
She knew Kasumigaoka Utaha's apartment address; she had to confirm things personally to feel at ease.
The engine roared as her sedan quickly left the city center. Machida Sonoko drove toward the high-end apartment complex where Kasumigaoka Utaha lived. Along the way, her thoughts were chaotic, hoping she was just overthinking things, yet fearing she might actually encounter a situation she didn't want to see.
Arriving downstairs, she parked the car and took the elevator up.
Standing before that familiar door, Machida Sonoko took a deep breath and rang the doorbell.
After the bell rang, there seemed to be some faint movement inside, but the door didn't open immediately.
Consequently, Machida Sonoko became even more worried, and she pressed it two more times in succession.
Just then, with a click, the door lock was disengaged from the inside.
However, the figure that appeared behind the door caused Machida Sonoko's eyes to widen instantly, her face filled with incredulous shock.
The person opening the door wasn't the disheveled Kasumigaoka Utaha she had expected, but a tall, handsome young man with black hair. He was wearing a simple off-white sweater and lounge pants, his sleeves rolled up to his elbows, revealing the fluid lines of his forearms.
There seemed to be a trace of fatigue in his expression, but more so a kind of... caught-off-guard helplessness?
"Michiya... Michiya-sensei?!"
After seeing the other person's face clearly, Machida Sonoko couldn't help but cry out, her brain nearly crashing.
She certainly recognized the young man before her. The previous publishing collaboration for Love Letter had not only made Kodansha and Fujikawa Bookstore a fortune but also introduced her to this cutting-edge young author.
He wasn't just an author; he was now also the "Wolf" in the smash-hit variety show Love is a Required Course in Life and the lead actor in Alice in Borderland. Machida Sonoko saw discussions about him on Twitter every day, so her impression of Michiya Gōshin was extremely deep.
But... why would he appear early in the morning at the home of an author she managed—and a female author at that?
Although she had heard Kasumigaoka Utaha mention that she knew Michiya Gōshin.
Hiss... could it be that these two were already cohabiting???
Michiya Gōshin was obviously stunned to see Machida Sonoko as well, but a complicated, wry smile quickly appeared on his face as he turned sideways to clear the path.
"Editor Machida... good morning. The reason why I'm here is a bit complicated. Anyway, please come in first."
His reaction only deepened Machida Sonoko's confusion and the premonition of some secret "huge scoop," leading her to walk into the apartment full of doubts.
The apartment was fairly tidy, but the air was permeated with the faint smell of medicine and a stifling sense of sickness.
On the coffee table in the living room lay an opened box of fever reducers, a small basin of water, and several towels.
Michiya Gōshin guided Machida Sonoko toward the bedroom, lowering his voice to explain.
"Editor Machida, here's what happened... I originally intended to visit my neighbor today. I didn't know before that Kasumigaoka-sensei was actually living next door to me."
He pointed to an exquisite paper bag on the living room floor that had been dropped and picked back up.
"As it turned out, I rang the doorbell, and found it was Kasumigaoka-sensei who opened the door. But she looked terrible, and before we could say two words, she suddenly fainted."
Michiya Gōshin's tone was somewhat helpless.
"I had to help her inside first, then checked her body temperature—it had already spiked to 38 degrees. I gave her some fever medicine and used ice wrapped in wet towels to physically cool her down... I was just thinking about whether I should contact her family or friends when you rushed over."
His explanation was clear and logical, and his tone was sincere—after all, these were the facts.
Opposite him, Machida Sonoko breathed a sigh of relief after listening—at least nothing more serious had happened to Utaha; she had just fainted from illness.
Immediately, the two walked into the bedroom together.
Kasumigaoka Utaha was lying quietly on the large bed with gray sheets. Her cheeks still held an unnatural flush, and her breathing was slightly heavy.
"I've applied ice several times; the fever has gone down."
Michiya Gōshin leaned over to take the thermometer out of the girl's mouth. It was 37 degrees; the fever had successfully broken.
Just as Machida Sonoko felt slightly relieved, she suddenly noticed something else.
Although Kasumigaoka Utaha's eyes were closed, as soon as Michiya Gōshin got close, her small hand immediately gripped his wrist. Like a drowning person clutching the only piece of driftwood, she held on with utter dependence, refusing to let go.
Michiya Gōshin moved his arm gently, trying to pull it out, but Kasumigaoka Utaha seemed to sense it and gripped even tighter, even letting out a vague murmur as if in protest.
"As for this... it's been like this since I carried her in."
Michiya Gōshin was indeed a bit awkward. He and Kasumigaoka Utaha were only friends; they certainly didn't have a more intimate relationship.
"Every time I get close or change the towel, Kasumigaoka-sensei immediately grabs my hand. Perhaps it's a subconscious action."
Watching this scene, the editor's soul and gossip soul deep within Machida Sonoko began to burn furiously!
The worry she felt before arriving was instantly replaced by a playful "spectator's delight." Of course, as a professional, she still strove to maintain a concerned expression on the surface.
To be honest, when facing Kasumigaoka Utaha, Machida Sonoko often adopted an "old mother" mentality.
Kasumigaoka Utaha had been solitary from high school through university. Although she was a shut-in author, her features were exquisite and her figure tall and slender; her external conditions were enough to attract any man's gaze. Someone like that should have many suitors.
Ideally, she should have a perfect partner to take care of her life so that situations like suddenly falling ill wouldn't happen.
The man before her happened to fit that condition perfectly.
The fusion of a genius author and a handsome actor—his appearance and physique were impeccable. He would absolutely be a perfect match for Kasumigaoka Utaha!
Moreover, according to Michiya Gōshin, a scenario of a hero saving a beauty (?) and caring for her in sickness had played out today. Utaha wouldn't even let go of him while unconscious!
This was truly a plot to draw people closer, just like in a novel!
Machida Sonoko felt her brain suddenly getting excited. Her gaze toward Michiya Gōshin was filled with inquiry and the thrill of "I seem to have discovered something incredible."
"So that's how it is... thank you so much, Michiya-sensei!"
Machida Sonoko put on an expression of immense gratitude. "If you hadn't happened to come over, and Little Utaha had fainted alone at home, the consequences would have been unimaginable! You really helped a lot!"
As she spoke, she glanced at the thermometer in Michiya Gōshin's hand. "Michiya-sensei handled it very promptly. The fever medicine and physical cooling were the correct measures."
She looked again at Kasumigaoka Utaha's small hand clutching Michiya Gōshin and smiled meaningfully. "It seems Little Utaha is subconsciously very dependent on you. In that case... could I trouble you for a while longer?"
"..."
"When Little Utaha wakes up, I'll make sure she thanks you properly."
"Alright. I don't have anything else going on today anyway."
Michiya Gōshin didn't refuse; he might as well see it through to the end.
Time passed in a slightly wondrous atmosphere. Machida Sonoko skillfully helped change the ice towel and went to the kitchen to pour some warm water for later. Meanwhile, Michiya Gōshin could only maintain a somewhat awkward posture, sitting on the chair by the bed, allowing the sleeping Kasumigaoka Utaha to hold his wrist.
About half an hour later, under the dual effects of the fever medicine and physical cooling, Kasumigaoka Utaha's body temperature became increasingly normal, and her breathing gradually steadied.
Her eyelashes fluttered a few times, and finally, she slowly opened her eyes.
Those wine-red eyes were initially filled with confusion and haze. It took a good while for them to focus and make out the pattern of the ceiling, and then the upright figure sitting by the bed.
When her gaze finally landed on Michiya Gōshin's face, those beautiful eyes widened instantly, confusion quickly replaced by shock and disbelief.
She even subconsciously tried to sit up abruptly, but fell back due to weakness and dizziness.
"Michiya-sensei? You..."
Her voice was hoarse and weak, carrying immense confusion.
"Wasn't I dreaming earlier? I seemed... to see you, Michiya-sensei, appear at my door."
Kasumigaoka Utaha clearly remembered seemingly fainting at the door and then... falling into a warm, reliable embrace?
Could it be... none of those were hallucinations?
Seeing her wake up, Michiya Gōshin finally breathed a sigh of relief and tried to rescue his wrist from her hand.
Only then did Kasumigaoka Utaha realize she had been holding onto his arm the whole time. She released her hand as if electrocuted, a flush of embarrassment instantly rising on her pale face as her eyes darted away in panic.
"Kasumigaoka-sensei, it's good that you're awake."
Michiya Gōshin tried to keep his tone sounding natural and peaceful, and he briefly repeated the explanation he had given Machida Sonoko to her.
"In short... that's the situation. Editor Machida was also worried about you and happened to come over."
Kasumigaoka Utaha then noticed Machida Sonoko standing at the foot of the bed, looking at them with a "benevolent" yet strangely smiling expression.
She instantly felt even more embarrassed, wishing she could bury herself under the covers.
In her most wretched moment, not only did she trouble Michiya Gōshin to take care of her, but her editor also witnessed such a scene!
"Little Utaha, how are you feeling now? You don't know how worried I was this morning..."
Machida Sonoko immediately stepped forward and touched her forehead with concern. "Luckily Michiya-sensei happened to come over, otherwise the consequences would have been unimaginable! You must thank him properly."
Kasumigaoka Utaha pursed her pale lips, her gaze flickering as she looked at Michiya Gōshin, her voice as thin as a mosquito's: "...Thank you. I really troubled Michiya-sensei today."
"It was no trouble at all. I also only found out today that Kasumigaoka-sensei and I are neighbors. We can visit each other more often in the future."
Michiya Gōshin responded politely with a smile.
Confirming that Kasumigaoka Utaha was conscious and her temperature was dropping, Machida Sonoko finally let go of her worries completely.
Once relieved, the emotion of an "old mother" eager to find a partner for her daughter bubbled up in her heart again.
Machida Sonoko suddenly clapped her hands and said with a beaming smile.
"Oh my, seeing that Little Utaha is okay makes me feel at ease. I see that Michiya-sensei is very careful and thorough in taking care of people. Since Little Utaha is awake, I'm going back to the company; I still have to work overtime today!"
Saying this, she picked up her bag and made to leave, even winking at Kasumigaoka Utaha and silently mouthing a sentence.
"Good luck~ Little Utaha."
Kasumigaoka Utaha: "???"
The girl couldn't help but want to call out to stop her, but Machida Sonoko had already slipped out of the bedroom with light steps, and very "thoughtfully" closed the door for them, leaving the two inside in an even more subtle silence.
After a while, Kasumigaoka Utaha's phone vibrated. She picked it up to look; it was a text message from Machida Sonoko.
[Little Utaha, rest well and be sure to seize the opportunity! Michiya-sensei is a high-quality stock that countless people are eyeing! Go for it, go for it! (•̀ω•́)✧]
Looking at this message, Kasumigaoka Utaha's face turned red and white; she simply didn't know whether to laugh or cry.
She stole a glance at Michiya Gōshin and found that after Machida Sonoko left, he immediately stood up.
"Kasumigaoka-sensei, since you're awake, I'll just..."
"Wait a moment."
Kasumigaoka Utaha suddenly called out to stop him. She seemed to struggle for a moment, then looked up, her eyes regaining some of their usual seriousness despite her weakness.
"Michiya-sensei, are you really my neighbor?"
"Yes, it's just that coincidental."
Michiya Gōshin nodded. "I moved in not long ago. I was busy before, and then I was hospitalized... I never had the chance to visit my neighbors, so I wanted to take advantage of the New Year holiday to say hello today."
Kasumigaoka Utaha fell silent, seemingly thinking about something.
Then, as if she had made up her mind, she spoke with a tone carrying a hint of self-mockery and exhaustion.
"I let Michiya-sensei see something laughable. This time... it's because of the new book. The sales of the third volume of Love Metronome weren't good, putting me under a bit of pressure... and then I caught a cold."
Michiya Gōshin nodded to show his understanding.
"It's normal to encounter bottlenecks in creation. Kasumigaoka-sensei shouldn't be too hard on yourself. The body is the most important asset; you must rest well."
Perhaps people are particularly fragile when sick, or perhaps Michiya Gōshin's steady and gentle temperament made people unconsciously want to confide in him.
Kasumigaoka Utaha didn't arm herself with her sharp tongue. Instead, she sighed. "Everyone understands the logic... but sometimes you just can't shake that anxiety. I'm not satisfied with the opening of the fourth volume no matter how I change it..."
Knowing that the young man before her was also an author, the girl subconsciously began to talk about her thoughts on the story.
She subconsciously began to recount the difficulties she faced, regarding the turning points of character emotions, regarding the grasp of narrative tension... Actually, Kasumigaoka Utaha didn't expect Michiya Gōshin to provide a solution right then and there; it was more like an emotional vent.
However, Michiya Gōshin listened very seriously.
Occasionally, he would ask a question or two, or offer some very pertinent suggestions regarding emotional buildup and pacing control from the perspectives of both a reader and a creator.
Because he possessed the [Junior Novelist (Green)] entry, Michiya Gōshin's insights were quite unique and could always spark some inspiration.
Kasumigaoka Utaha was somewhat surprised to find that his few sentences unexpectedly hit upon certain points she was struggling with, bringing a sense of sudden enlightenment.
The two of them actually discussed creative issues quite congenially for over half an hour.
"Perhaps you don't need to rush to have the protagonist make a decision. Instead, through some daily, seemingly insignificant trifles, slowly accumulate the weight of that emotion and the inevitability of the choice?"
Michiya Gōshin concluded, "If you want to pursue greater drama, you can also add some new characters to trigger more conflicts."
Kasumigaoka Utaha nodded thoughtfully. "New characters?"
"Kasumigaoka-sensei can consider it. I believe you can go even further."
Michiya Gōshin nodded. In fact, this conversation had also triggered his own thinking.
After the script for We Made a Beautiful Bouquet was completed, the [Tireless Writer] entry was just a little short of completion. To synthesize better entries, he needed to continue acquiring experience.
[Production Queue 2: Tireless Writer]
[Experience: 78/100]
The direction of the new book had to be put on the agenda as soon as possible, and after this conversation today, Michiya Gōshin felt he had captured a direction.
About emotion and growth, about the brilliance of life—it immediately reminded Michiya Gōshin of a very good story.
Perhaps seeing Kasumigaoka Utaha weak from illness caused a certain idea to surface directly.
Michiya Gōshin's eyes lit up instantly, immersed in a sudden creative excitement, even temporarily forgetting the current setting and Kasumigaoka Utaha who was still ill.
Kasumigaoka Utaha also keenly perceived the subtle change in his aura—it was the spirited look of being focused on a certain thought without distraction.
She couldn't help but be curious: "Michiya-sensei? Did you think of something?"
Michiya Gōshin came back to his senses and looked at Kasumigaoka Utaha, the smile on his face becoming more genuine and bright. "Yes, I just thought of a very good idea, perfect for my next book."
"Really?"
A smile immediately appeared on Kasumigaoka Utaha's face. She was a loyal fan of Love Letter, so if Michiya Gōshin was creating a new story, that was naturally wonderful news.
"That's right. This story will definitely be very moving."
"Moving?"
Kasumigaoka Utaha paused slightly, then asked, "Don't tell me... Michiya-sensei is going to write about regret and missed chances again?"
"Pretty much, but the theme is an exploration of life."
Michiya Gōshin thought of the content of that story—viewing the process of a lover gradually withering under the torture of tuberculosis from the first-person perspective of "I."
The brushstrokes were clean, yet every word held emotion.
The swaying white birches, the mist in the mountains, the flowing light of summer—the more tranquil and beautiful nature was, the more it contrasted with the cruelty and silence of life passing away.
"Is that so."
Kasumigaoka Utaha thought for a moment and looked at his handsome profile. "Has Michiya-sensei thought of a title?"
"Hmm..."
"Just call it The Wind Rises."
________________________________________
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