Ichiri finally realized she had misunderstood.
"I'm not exaggerating! I've seen stories online about entire bands doing… really inappropriate things to male fans."
"When you get down to it, what's a band but smoking, drinking, and messing around with guys? Shin, you shouldn't have any weird fantasies about bands."
Ichiri warned him earnestly.
"I'm asking you—don't you want to join a band?"
Shin knew Ichiri meant well, so he didn't press further.
Besides, she had a point. Being caught in a… "sword fight" with a group of women sounded utterly excruciating.
"Someone like me… probably couldn't join a band anyway…"
Ichiri muttered weakly.
"Don't sell yourself short. I'll help you."
Shin patted her shoulder, a rough plan already forming in his mind.
It was simple. All he had to do was take Ichiri to find Hitori and Ryo. Everything else would fall into place.
The band's atmosphere was relaxed, and its members were friendly—probably the most suitable group for Ichiri.
That's how it was supposed to go in the story, so there shouldn't be any major issues.
With a little development, some improved individual skills, and the interesting songs he could provide, the band Kessoku would undoubtedly become popular.
After this, I have to meet my editor about the cancellation. Maybe I can also try to get in touch with the band members?
The thought of novels sparked a new idea.
Could he use his special ability to dramatically improve his writing?
Then he could make more money "borrowing" stories.
With the economy slumping and the Apathy spreading, another crisis was looming.
Making money was essential for a secure, happy future. Shin was always on guard, a constant sense of urgency gnawing at him.
When classes ended that afternoon, Shin told Ichiri to head home first—he had some business to attend to.
He'd arranged to meet his editor at a café.
"The cancellation was inevitable. Go back and write the final volume. The print run won't be large, so just wrap it up as you see fit."
"Then, you can start brainstorming ideas for your next series."
Editor Machida Sonoko was all business. After concluding her official remarks, she gave the boy across from her a long, deep look.
He wasn't the stunning rose type. He always wore a serene expression, like an easygoing, well-behaved kid next door.
Sonoko, a single woman in her thirties, met Shin's gaze.
Her heart began to race.
"Honestly, I still think the 'Pretty Boy Writer' promotion plan is the way to go. Books like that sell like hotcakes."
Her expression was professional, but her tone was unusually gentle, as if afraid of offending him.
Under the table, her long, slender legs pressed tightly together, rubbing against each other unconsciously.
Shin shook his head. His stance hadn't changed: staying behind the scenes was best.
Whether "borrowing" novels or music, he tried to avoid the spotlight as much as possible.
The women in this world were terrifying. He wasn't cut out to be stared at by so many.
"But I do have a favor to ask. As an editor, Ms. Sonoko, you oversee other authors, right?"
"Could you find a senior colleague to mentor me?"
"If my writing improves, my work should be able to become a hit."
Shin made his request, a sly glint flashing briefly in his eyes.
Find a female writer, get to know her a little… I might just absorb her skills for free.
But the real question was… how close did he need to get?
"There are already few men, and even fewer male writers. Where am I supposed to find you a senior?"
"Even the male writers in the industry… they can be quite difficult to get along with."
Waaah, but a gentle boy like Shin is a rare treasure these days.
After all, with a 20-to-1 ratio and women feeling repressed, men had changed too. Those who were doted on often grew spoiled.
Most men in this world were "little princes," or even worse variants.
Shin's constant gentleness and tolerance were precisely what made him so captivating.
"You may not be a classic pretty boy, but with your personality and demeanor, you'd definitely become a heartthrob."
"Please, just go with the plan."
"It's the fastest route."
Sonoko pleaded, unable to comprehend why the boy refused to take the easy path.
"Taking the long way is my shortcut. A female writer is fine too. Please introduce me; I don't mind."
Shin's voice was like wind chimes, stirring countless ripples in the listener's heart.
"Alright… I'll arrange it for you."
Sonoko stared intently at Shin, managing to keep her expression composed, but a surge of emotion swelled inside her, threatening to spill over.
How can this boy be so sweet…?
Tonight… I'll just have to use his memory as a side dish.
"Thank you, Ms. Sonoko."
Shin extended his hand. Sonoko shook it, trying to contain her excitement.
I touched his hand! Don't wash it yet. Gotta go home and… well, relieve some stress first.
On the other hand, finding him a senior writer mentor required caution.
A wealthy senior was definitely out of the question.
What if some rich author tempts Shin with money and he stops writing? I'd suffer a huge loss!
The ideal candidate would be a younger, less-established writer, preferably someone who'd also experienced failure but could still offer solid guidance.
After a moment's thought, Machida Sonoko had an answer.
She took out her phone and sent Shin the contact info for a certain author.
At the same time, she messaged the other party, asking her to take good care of this cute, adorable boy.
With that settled, Shin took to the streets.
Following his phone's navigation, he headed toward the "Starry" live house, where he knew Hitori and Ryo would be.
This concerned Ichiri's future, so Shin felt he had to take it seriously.
He arrived quickly. After paying the cover charge, he entered without issue.
But the moment he stepped inside, he felt uneasy.
The place was packed—almost entirely with women. He, a lone boy, stuck out like a sore thumb.
Covetous eyes lingered on him from all directions.
"The show's about to start!"
The crowd began to shift, jostling and pushing toward the stage.
Shin was swept along, his brow furrowing. Hemmed in on all sides, he saw several predatory hands reaching out to grope him.
Just as he was about to be taken advantage of, someone pulled him free from the crush.
He stumbled, bumping into something soft. Looking up, he saw a cowlick that resembled a potato chip.
"Honestly, those people are insane."
"You're a boy; you need to be careful. It's not that you can't come, but you should at least bring someone with you."
The speaker was Ichi Ikuyo, manager of the Starry live house, who immediately began to chide him.
At that moment, Shin's head was pressed against her chest.
It was surprisingly substantial—soft, heavy, and carrying a faint, pleasant scent.