novelraw Chapter 298: My Friend’s Book
Chapter 298: My Friend’s Book
After confirming several times that Akira wouldn't take back his promise, Shouko happily changed the topic.
From shopping with Takagi a few days ago to the trivial matter of Nishimiya Yuzuru getting scolded yesterday, she cheerfully shared everything that had happened.
"Akira, will Auntie be going shopping tomorrow?" Shouko asked casually as the evening quieted down.
"If Auntie Yaeko's off tomorrow, she'll probably go out in the afternoon," Akira replied automatically before blinking in confusion. "Why do you ask?"
"Nothing, just curious."
Shouko smiled faintly, saved her work on the tablet, and stood up. "Good night," she said softly before humming an upbeat little tune as she left.
"How strange…"
Akira watched through the window until she safely returned home, then turned back to his computer. Whatever she'd said moments ago slipped from his mind as he tried recalling the plot of One Liter of Tears—until a LINE notification interrupted his thoughts.
Nishikata: "Miyamura, want to go to the bookstore together tomorrow?"
Thinking about the relentless thirty-degree heat outside, Akira immediately replied,
"No way."
Nishikata: "I asked the manager at the sushi place for half a day off!"
"…"
They chatted on and off for half an hour before Akira finally said he was going to take a shower. After plugging in his phone to charge, he lay down, whispered a good night to the ceiling, and drifted off to sleep.
The Next Day
The midsummer sun was merciless. Heat shimmered off the asphalt, stray dogs sprawled under trees with tongues hanging out, and even the metal letters on road signs looked ready to melt.
Ding dong—ding dong—!
"Coming, coming."
Rubbing his messy hair, Akira stumbled from the sofa toward the door. "Who would visit on a day this hot…?"
Click—
"Miyamura-sensei! Please sign this for us!"
"…"
The door hadn't even opened halfway before three excited voices burst out in unison. For a moment, Akira seriously considered closing it again.
"Why are you guys here?" he asked blankly, ignoring the three identical copies of Anohana: The Flower We Saw That Day held up before him.
"Of course—to get your autograph—"
"Come in first," Akira interrupted, noticing the sweat on their foreheads. He stepped aside quickly.
"Excuse us!" x2
"Excuse me."
"No need to shout; I'm the only one home."
Akira shut the door behind them, blocking out the scorching wind.
"Is Shouko not here?" Ayumi asked, glancing around. "I wanted to surprise her."
"She went grocery shopping with my mom. They should be on their way back," Akira said, stepping onto the wooden corridor. "What do you guys want to drink?"
"Iced malt tea!"
"Iced cola!"
"Anything iced is fine!"
Akira sighed. "None of those."
"…"
"Then… what do you have?" Ayumi asked cautiously.
"Papaya milk. Unlimited refills."
Without waiting for objections, Akira disappeared into the kitchen. The trio exchanged looks of despair before removing their shoes and stepping into the living room.
The moment they entered, a rush of cold air from the air conditioner washed over them. The heat evaporated instantly, and all three collapsed on the tatami with sighs of relief.
Akira returned a moment later with chilled drinks. The three eagerly reached for them.
"Here."
"Arigatou!" x3
Nishikata took a huge gulp of the iced milk, exhaling dramatically. "Ahh—! That hits better than air conditioning!"
"Miyamura, you have no idea," Ayumi said after setting her cup down, a faint white mustache on her lip. "If we'd come any later, we might not have been able to buy this second volume!"
Akira raised an eyebrow.
"It's true!" Nishikata nodded. "The clerk was so busy she could barely keep up!"
He sighed, lowering his cup. "I wish my friend's book could be this popular someday…"
"Your friend's book?" Akira repeated, narrowing his eyes.
Three pairs of eyes turned toward Nishikata, who suddenly looked nervous.
"Come on, tell us about it," Akira said, smirking. "I'll check if it's publishable."
Since Shouko wasn't back yet, listening to Nishikata's "friend's" story might be amusing. He didn't believe that excuse for a second.
Seeing Nishikata hesitate, Takagi leaned forward, smiling. "Yeah, Nishikata. With Miyamura-sensei's help, your friend's story might even get approved."
Her tone was light, but her grin gave her away—she was clearly enjoying this too much.
"Hehe…" Takagi tried hard not to laugh.
After squirming awkwardly, Nishikata finally said, "It's… a pure love story."
"Pure love?" Akira echoed skeptically.
"Yeah," Nishikata nodded. "A short story about a boy with superpowers."
The three leaned forward, intrigued. Takagi even subtly started recording on her phone.
"The boy's problem is… he can't stop uncontrollably pooping."
"…Hold it."
Akira slowly scooted a few inches away. "I already regret asking."
Ayumi and Takagi instinctively did the same.
"This would never pass a review," Akira muttered flatly.
"I know," Nishikata said seriously. "My friend wrote it on impulse. It's not meant to be uploaded."
"Keep going," Takagi urged, trying her best not to laugh.
Both Akira and Ayumi turned to her in disbelief.
Ayumi frowned. What on earth does this girl find entertaining about this…?
Nishikata hesitated, but continued, "Because of this power, the boy is isolated by his classmates and friends."
Akira already had a bad feeling.
"Then, one night, he hears a cry for help and rushes toward it—only to find a burly man harassing a shrine maiden. Without thinking, he… throws poop at the man's face to save her."
"Good thing we weren't eating," Ayumi murmured.
"I actually feel bad for that shrine maiden…" Akira muttered, rubbing his forehead.
Nishikata pressed on earnestly, "Under the faint moonlight, the boy sees the shrine maiden's face—and realizes she's his classmate. From that day, she looks at him with gratitude and admiration, becoming his only friend."
"…Is that shrine maiden a pervert?"
"Gross," Ayumi added flatly.
Takagi, meanwhile, sat perfectly still—her phone still recording—doing her best not to burst out laughing.