Chapter 199

The Student Council President's eyes widened, sensing something was wrong.

If this continues, they might start exchanging insults or even coming to blows.

If such a scene were to appear here, the consequences would be unimaginable.

"Ahem, since neither of you is willing to back down, let's ask our 'male lead'."

When he spoke, everyone realized that the most important person had been silent all along, as if his presence had vanished.

"Quan, what do you think?"

"Hasegawa-kun, who do you think is more suitable?"

Eriri and Shinomiya Kaguya's eyes held a heavy pressure, so heavy it felt like it was about to crush them.

Has someone finally asked for my opinion?

Hasegawa Izumi, who was playing on her phone, looked up.

"I haven't even agreed to act yet."

He said it in a languid tone.

"Ah?"

Everyone looked surprised.

Eriri and Shinomiya Kaguya's expressions changed drastically.

What were they doing just now?

Wouldn't that be a waste of Mental Power?

"Uh, I didn't refuse."

Seeing that the girl looked like she was about to cry, he immediately added.

Eriri's eyes held a hint of resentment. Suppressing the urge to punch him, her eyes trembled slightly as she maintained her smile and asked, "So, who will Izumi choose?"

"Why do we have to choose? There shouldn't be any need to choose."

He countered with a question, his gaze frank.

Eriri found it hard to believe.

Could it be that the bond between them isn't stronger than that between the Shinomiya?

Shinomiya Kaguya was also in a bad mood.

She believed herself to be more charming than Sawamura.

"If you want to act, then you can all act together. Since this is a promotional video for Shuchiin, it shouldn't be limited to just the male and female leads acting, right?"

Hasegawa Izumi's next sentence sparked even more speculation among the crowd.

The lack of bias could mean that he treats both Young Lady the same and is unable to choose, or it could be for promotional purposes, or it could be an even more far-fetched idea...

In short, after making such a proposal, the two Young Lady had no way out.

We can't just back out here and let the other party have their way, can we?

"That's true. Shuchiin should be built by everyone; I can't represent everyone alone."

"There's really no way around it; I don't have the confidence to do a better job on my own."

They quickly regained control of their expressions, showing no trace of the tension they had just displayed.

"Then it's decided. The promotional video will feature all three of them."

Seeing that the two had given up, the Student Council President made the final decision.

"And then about the script..."

"Can you give it to me? I happen to have an idea that I want to implement."

Hasegawa Izumi suddenly raised her hand, a smile of amusement on her face.

The meeting ended, and everyone left.

"Wait, Hasegawa-kun, I'd like to talk to you."

Hasegawa Izumi headed alone toward the Far East Magic Society when suddenly a voice called out to stop her from behind.

It was a pleasant female voice, one he recognized very well, as he had heard it just moments before.

Turning around, I saw that it was indeed the tall, slender Second-year Senpai, wearing a white headband and black stockings that encased her shapely, voluptuous legs—quite alluring.

"What does Kasumigaoka-senpai want with me?"

He looked back.

"It's truly an honor that the renowned Hasegawa-kun knows me."

Kasumigaoka Utaha's lips curled slightly upwards, and she scrutinized him with her eyes, as if trying to see through his heart.

"Senior sister just spoke, and my memory isn't that bad. Besides, this isn't our first meeting."

He said calmly.

"Oh?"

Kasumigaoka Utaha's eyes flickered as she recalled that day not long after the start of the school year when she had given the chuunibyou duo a playful look.

Looking back now, it was indeed a case of being immature and juvenile, but I don't seem to have the right to look down on others.

"Is my senior really interested in me? She even wrote me into her novel."

Then the other person said again.

Her eyes widened in surprise.

"How did you know? I haven't told anyone this."

"Because your senior mentioned 'novels' back then, and considering your name is linked to the author of <Love Metronome>, the answer becomes obvious, doesn't it?"

He opened his eyes, his expression bright and alert.

"Impressive, even a little scary."

Kasumigaoka Utaha couldn't help but clap her hands, then brushed a strand of hair behind her ear, her smile radiant.

"I don't even remember saying that myself, how could Hasegawa-kun remember it? Is it because you have a good memory? Or... Hmph, but what I'm more concerned about is that you said 'Love Metronome,' right?"

The character "Hasegawa" in her novel is a supporting character who appears in the second volume. The fact that the other party knows this speaks volumes.

You should know that the name Hasegawa is renowned even in places like Shuchiin; he's practically an idol to the elite...

Having a reader like that is simply amazing!

The Story of K-On! (1987)

That's right.

He affirmed.

"Could it be that Hasegawa-kun is actually a fan of mine?"

Kasumigaoka Utaha felt a sense of pleasure.

"I wouldn't call myself a fan. My senior's writing is alright, but that's all. Even if a character is based on me, it can't hide its monotonous nature. If you want me to be satisfied, it has to be a famous light novel in the seasonal genre."

He shook his head.

Kasumigaoka Utaha was somewhat disappointed by this answer, but it was also within her expectations.

Her novel is far from satisfying everyone, let alone someone as outstanding as her.

However, it can be confirmed that the other party has indeed read my work in depth, which can be considered a form of recognition.

"Hmm~"

She hesitated for a moment, then her beautiful, captivating eyes regained their radiant brilliance as she stared at the young man.

"Since I've been found out, I don't need to explain anymore. Yes, I am Kasishiko, the author of <Love Metronome>. I'm truly sorry about using a junior as a model for the character."

"This kind of thing is nothing in the creative process, as long as it's not about deliberately exaggerating or making up baseless stories to vilify the character."

"So, what do you think of my portrayal of you, younger generation?"

She asked curiously.

"Very interesting."

"Hasegawa Izumi thought for a moment and said..."

Seeing yourself through someone else's lens creates a unique feeling due to the contrast between the two.

"It's great that you can satisfy the younger generation, so can I go a little further?"

Kasumigaoka Utaha rested her left hand on her right elbow, with a few fingers of her right hand propping up her chin, her eyes smiling.

Before he could answer, the senior continued, "Just as the younger generation commented, I ran into trouble with the creation of <Love Metronome>. It became empty and dull after the first volume. The editor told me it was because I lacked experience, especially in matters of love, so she suggested I have a passionate romance..."

Kasumigaoka Utaha paused, seemingly anticipating a change in someone's expression, but continued speaking after finding that the person remained calm.

"I want to change this. <Love Metronome> is my first novel, and I don't want to give up like this. So I desperately need inspiration. That's when I thought of you, my junior, who has experience as a 'light novel protagonist.' I'm sure your advice can help make my novel more interesting."

These words were indeed spoken with deep feeling.

Hasegawa Izumi could also feel the burning flame in her senior's heart.

This passion for novels is beyond question.

"I also enjoy reading your novels, and if they continue to decline like this, it's really a headache..."

"Daga, Koukouwalu".

Upon hearing the first half of the sentence, Kasumigaoka Utaha initially thought there was hope, but upon hearing the second half, her face immediately darkened.

"Senior, you're writing romance novels, which I'm not good at, so I suggest you forget about it."

He explained his reasons, and the senior student's expression softened slightly.

"I don't need to think about all that. All I need is a different perspective, and the inspiration that comes with it."

"If that's the case, then I'll offer a few suggestions."

Hasegawa Izumi remembered that Eriri was a big fan of "Love Metronome," and she felt sorry for her.

Ten minutes later.

"Club President, why are you so late? The meeting should have ended long ago, right?"

Natsukawa Masuzu, who was reading a book, put down her comic, moved closer, and pretended to sniff it with the tip of her nose.

"Hey, Club President, I think I smell another woman's scent. Could it be that you're not satisfied with us and are already looking for someone else?"

She lowered her head slightly, holding her other wrist in one hand and placing it against her chest, looking quite hurt.

"Are you still playing this game? You never get tired of it."

Hasegawa Izumi leisurely walked to her assigned seat and sat down.

He certainly wouldn't have the scent of another woman on him. It's not that he intentionally tried to erase it, but since they hadn't done anything intimate, there was no way he would leave any scent. So, this statement was clearly the girl's own speculation, which she considered highly probable.

Hmm... you guessed right.

"It is indeed very boring, but who can Seeker of Truth, for having such good luck with women?"

Nibuya Morika's voice drifted over softly.

"My sixth sense tells me that this could indeed be true."

With a figure-eight gesture at her chin, Takanashi Rikka's expression hardened.

"Ugh."

Dekomori Sanae covered her mouth with her hand to avoid joining the others in uttering words that disrespected what she considered sacred.

Seeing their confident expressions, Hasegawa Izumi sighed and said, "I did talk to a second-year student just now..."

He briefly described the contents.

"So that's how it is. It was that person. You truly deserve to be Sage. You see the big picture from small details and are incredibly meticulous. You were able to deduce the truth from such a clue alone."

After being reminded, Takanashi Rikka suddenly remembered the senior she had met once before.