Going Home

"I only found out because I happened to run into Yukino."

"Well then, happy birthday, Yui."

"Happy birthday, Yuigahama."

"Happy birthday."

"We'll make up for your birthday present later."

The girls from the Light Music Club all offered Yui Yuigahama their birthday wishes.

"Everyone... thank you so much!" Yui Yuigahama said emotionally.

"Yuigahama, consider this a thank-you." Yukino Yukinoshita handed Yui Yuigahama the apron she had bought.

"Ahh, Little Yukino~" Yui Yuigahama immediately hugged Yukino Yukinoshita.

The orange momentum was looking great! The orange momentum was looking great!

I just loved watching pretty girls get all cuddly! Cuddle away, as much as you wanted!

"It wasn't just me who prepared a gift."

The others turned to look at the only person present who had yet to make any gesture.

Seeing this, Hachiman Hikigaya also took a gift out of his schoolbag.

"I never thought Little Hachiman would prepare a gift for me too. Because of what happened before... it's a little awkward."

Was he about to confess? Luo Yu picked up his teacup and strategically took a sip.

"Sorry, but this isn't because it's your birthday."

"Hm?" Yui Yuigahama froze for a moment.

Hachiman Hikigaya continued, "How should I put this? Let's call it even from now on. Me saving your dog, and you deliberately showing concern for me because of it—let's call all of that even."

I can't listen to this anymore! Luo Yu stood up and headed for the door.

"Luo Yu, where are you going?" Ritsu Tainaka asked Luo Yu as he rose.

"I'm going to the bathroom."

With that, Luo Yu left the clubroom.

Once outside, Luo Yu leaned directly against the doorway.

He knew Hachiman loved blowing himself up, but hearing that speech still made him feel uncomfortable.

For once, Luo Yu, a man who lived for entertainment, didn't stay to watch the show.

Not long afterward, the clubroom door opened, and Yukino Yukinoshita walked out.

"I didn't expect Yukino-senpai to be the first one out."

The sudden voice startled Yukino Yukinoshita. When she turned around, she found Luo Yu leaning against the door.

Yukino Yukinoshita let out a breath and said, "Luo Yu, what are you doing?"

"It was too stuffy in there, so I came out for some fresh air." Luo Yu came up with the excuse effortlessly.

"Is that so? Then I won't disturb you."

With that, Yukino Yukinoshita turned around and prepared to leave.

"Is this really okay?"

Hearing that, Yukino Yukinoshita stopped. "What are you trying to say?"

"Yukino-senpai was involved too, wasn't she?"

"How did you know?"

Yukino Yukinoshita looked at Luo Yu in disbelief.

Luo Yu smiled faintly. "After all, I was there at the time, and my eyesight is just a tiny bit better." In truth, he hadn't seen anything. He only knew the answer beforehand.

"Never mind that for now. Yukino-senpai, is this really okay?"

"What exactly are you trying to say?"

"You finally have two close friends. Are you going to keep hiding it from them? Judging by how you came out, Hachiman and Dumpling should have cleared up their misunderstanding, right?"

"If that's all you wanted to say, then excuse me."

With that, Yukino Yukinoshita started walking again.

"If you keep putting it off, things will only become more complicated."

Yukino Yukinoshita didn't respond. She merely quickened her pace as she left.

She was running away. Watching Yukino's rapidly retreating back, Luo Yu sighed. Just as expected of Yukino the Runner.

Crash!

The clubroom door opened again.

"Huh? Little Luo." Yui Yuigahama came out. "Why are you standing at the door?"

"I just went to the bathroom. Are you heading home?" Luo Yu lied without changing expression.

"Yeah. See you tomorrow, Little Luo." With that, Yui Yuigahama waved goodbye to Luo Yu and disappeared around the corner.

Luo Yu pushed open the door and entered the clubroom. The girls were still discussing what had just happened, while Hachiman Hikigaya stood alone by the window.

Luo Yu walked over and patted Hachiman Hikigaya on the shoulder. "So, did you solve the problem?"

"I've already cleared things up with Yuigahama." Hachiman Hikigaya didn't move, merely gazing out the window as he spoke.

"Just Dumpling?" Luo Yu said softly.

Hm? What was that? Luo Yu noticed something in Hachiman Hikigaya's hand. Looking closely, he saw that it was the book Yukino Yukinoshita usually read.

So it wasn't like he had noticed nothing at all.

How would the relationship between those three develop in the future? He was really looking forward to it.

"Handle it properly yourself."

With that, Luo Yu returned to his seat.

"Luo Yu, you're back. Let me tell you..." Seeing Luo Yu return, Ritsu Tainaka began talking to him. "Hachiman got into a car accident at the start of school because he saved Yui's dog."

Luo Yu said, "I know. I was there at the time."

"You were there? It's been so long, and you never told us!"

Looking at the somewhat agitated Ritsu Tainaka, Luo Yu merely replied calmly, "You never asked."

"Mio! Look at him." Ritsu Tainaka threw herself into Mio Akiyama's arms.

"Ritsu, don't do this. It's embarrassing." Mio Akiyama blushed as she pushed at Ritsu Tainaka, who was hugging her.

Luo Yu drank his tea while watching the girls fool around.

Today was another peaceful day.

But for the Service Club...

The beginning between him and her had finally ended. Yet the other her was still hesitating.

That night, Luo Yu was chatting with his editor on Penguin.

Luo Yu:

Sonoko, I've already sent you Volume Three.

Machida Sonoko:

I've received it here. Thank you for your hard work, Teacher Meng Yu.

Luo Yu:

At this point, is Volume Three planned for release during Golden Week?

Machida Sonoko:

That's what the publishing house has planned. Students will be on break for May Day Golden Week too, so sales should see a major boost.

Luo Yu:

Other people will definitely be releasing books during Golden Week too, right?

Machida Sonoko:

Who on the market can still compete with you now, Teacher Meng Yu?

That was true. After all, he was now number one in the light novel world.

Luo Yu:

Is there anything else? If not, I'll log off first.

Machida Sonoko:

Wait, Teacher Meng Yu. There really is something I need your help with.

Luo Yu:

Go ahead.

Machida Sonoko:

I wonder if Teacher Meng Yu knows the light novel "Love Metronome"?

"Love Metronome," written by Utaha Kasumigaoka? Luo Yu had bought it out of curiosity and read it before. But how should he put it? Luo Yu felt it was merely average—not a masterpiece, not even an outstanding work. In his eyes, it was just an ordinary light novel. Its only saving grace was the writing itself.

Chapter 49: Going Home

Luo Yu:

I've read a little of it before. What's wrong?

Machida Sonoko:

Actually, the author of "Love Metronome," Utako Kasumi, is also under my care. Recently, Little Utaha's "Love Metronome" has been facing cancellation. I was wondering whether Teacher Meng Yu could do me a small favor?

Luo Yu:

You want me to help promote it?

Machida Sonoko:

Please, Teacher Meng Yu.

Luo Yu:

Sure, I agree. Although I don't think it's that great, the novel's quality is still decent. But if it's about to be canceled, that means it has problems, right? I can't guarantee that my promotion will save it.

Machida Sonoko:

That will be enough.

Luo Yu then logged into his Twitter account and posted: Recently, I found a pretty good light novel called "Love Metronome." You can check it out.

After finishing her conversation with Luo Yu, Machida Sonoko hurriedly called Utaha Kasumigaoka.

"Good evening, Little Utaha. I have some good news. Do you want to hear it?"

On the other end of the phone, the black-haired, straight-haired girl was irritably shaking her leg.

Utaha Kasumigaoka had just deleted five thousand words she had written. She was deeply dissatisfied with what she had just produced.

Hearing Machida Sonoko still keeping her in suspense, Utaha Kasumigaoka had no intention of indulging her and said bluntly, "If you have something to say, say it. Otherwise, I'm hanging up."

"Teacher Meng Yu promoted you, actually." Machida Sonoko stopped beating around the bush as well.

"The one who writes Flame Chasers?"

"That's right. With his promotion, perhaps your novel won't have to be canceled after all."

"I understand. If there's nothing else, let's hang up."