Chapter 2

*Snap!*

Kasumigaoka Utaha felt something inexplicably snap in her mind, and for the first time in sixteen years, she had the urge to hit someone.

It was one thing to start a performance during a self-introduction, but to be interrupted halfway through, as if not wanting to learn more about her, was just despicable. What a jerk, with such a terrible personality.

She, Kasumigaoka Utaha, decided to leave immediately. Who would bother with such a despicable jerk…

"Let's start by talking about the strengths of this novel." However, before Kasumigaoka Utaha could turn around, Totsuka Sougo's voice slowly echoed over.

"St-strengths, huh…" Utaha stopped her steps and stared at Totsuka Sougo on the rooftop with her wine-red eyes.

"It's clear that although the author is a newcomer, the writing is indeed superior to most light novelists. In the author's hands, the second volume continues the style of the first, with the relationship between Sayaka and Naoto developing in daily life, giving a warm feeling…"

Hearing this, the corners of Kasumigaoka Utaha's mouth lifted into a beautiful smile. Indeed, her writing wasn't bad, but why wasn't it popular?

"However…"

The turning point came, and Totsuka Sougo gave an evil smile.

"What the hell is this Makoto? Why does a third party suddenly appear when the two are having a good romance? And why does she like the protagonist just because he looks 'yasashii'? Can you even tell that? Besides, the author describes Makoto too well. Hey, is she from some fantasy planet?!"

Faced with Totsuka Sougo's criticism, Kasumigaoka Utaha involuntarily took two steps back, muttering, "There are many reasons, editor… brainwaves and such…"

"…In summary, Makoto's appearance is probably the novel's biggest flaw."

Kasumigaoka Utaha was silent.

"If I'm not mistaken, this novel is probably facing a mid-series cut, right…"

Kasumigaoka Utaha felt a heavy blow.

Watching this scene, the boy's smile grew even brighter. He, Totsuka, the抖S, Sougo, was not just a name.

"But!" He changed the subject again, "This novel isn't beyond saving…"

"What do you mean?" Kasumigaoka Utaha slightly raised her head, which had just drooped.

"Because when I look at it from a different angle, Makoto is a goddess in the eyes of hardcore otakus and light otakus. With the author's skillful writing, it can firmly satisfy that group. In other words, this book has the potential to become a hit in the otaku community…"

"Huh? Potential to become a hit…" Kasumigaoka Utaha involuntarily covered her mouth, looking somewhat disbelieving.

Watching the girl's changing expressions, Totsuka Sougo seemed quite pleased. Then, it was time for the punchline.

"However, I've been paying attention to recent novel promotions. In the otaku community, this novel hasn't even been mentioned, and it's only occasionally displayed in bookstores…"

"But bookstores mainly cater to light otakus and literary girls, making Makoto a major flaw."

"However, this is normal in the industry. Novels that don't perform well don't get recommended. Currently, the best the industry can do is to have the author hold a signing event to save the novel."

Listening to Totsuka Sougo's analysis, Kasumigaoka Utaha was stunned. She hadn't expected that a random reader at school would know so much about the industry, even predicting the signing event.

She had only received the notice from her editor, Machida Sonoko, today to hold a signing event!

"So, Teacher Kasumigaoka, when is your signing event scheduled?" Before Kasumigaoka Utaha could finish her shock, Totsuka Sougo's teasing voice rang out again.

The rooftop of Hoshizaki High School seemed to fall silent for a moment.

Kasumigaoka Utaha slowly raised her head, and at that moment, something dark seemed to attach to her.

"You already knew?"

"Well, it was too obvious… Hehe."

"So, is it fun to tease a girl who has been beaten down in every way, Mr. Self-Proclaimed Scum?" Looking at the sunny-faced Totsuka Sougo, Kasumigaoka Utaha suddenly switched modes: "Especially when this girl is about to sell herself, you still tease her first. Could it be that Mr. Scum wants to take advantage of the situation…"

At this, Kasumigaoka Utaha covered her mouth with one hand: "Wow, as expected of Mr. Scum, such a bold idea, especially now that the rooftop is empty…"

"Stop!" Totsuka Sougo held up a hand: "No need to show off your sharp tongue here…"

As he spoke, he jumped down from the rooftop: "Now that the serious talk is over, could you, Teacher Kasumigaoka, sign this for me?"

"Ah…" Kasumigaoka Utaha was stunned by this sudden request.

The rhythm was once again in Totsuka Sougo's hands.

"If possible, please write, 'To UMR, although you introduce your brother as a抖S scum, Teacher Kasumigaoka can see that your brother is a gentle person.' " Facing the stunned girl, Totsuka Sougo didn't hesitate. He typed on his phone while handing over the book.

Kasumigaoka Utaha: "…"

After a while,

She looked at Totsuka Sougo with a conflicted expression: "Hey, hey, how thick-skinned do you have to be to make such a request? Forget the signature, but the inscription clearly goes against your true feelings…"

"Huh, does it?" Totsuka Sougo replied with a slightly surprised tone, but he didn't look up, focusing on typing something into his phone, showing no sincerity.

"You…" Kasumigaoka Utaha couldn't hold back: "When you ask someone for something, can't you at least look at them?!"