Kono Monogatari O Kimi Ni Sasagu - Volume 1 Chapter 2.7

Frankly speaking, it felt a bit embarrassing to admit it, so Yuto answered that way.

“A high school student aspiring to be an editor, recognized by you, Hiiragi-kun? She must be something special.”

“Yeah, you could say that, in many ways…”

Yuto muttered, recalling all the times Kotoha had caused chaos in his life.

“I bet she’ll actually become an editor someday.”

Given that the high school he attended was a prestigious one, most of his classmates were focused solely on the immediate goal of university entrance exams. He hadn’t met anyone like Kotoha who had a clear vision of their future career and acted on it. He naturally felt that someone like her would achieve her dreams.

After what felt like a long silence, Inamura quietly muttered, “I see.”

“Maybe one day, I’ll get the chance to work with her.”

Then Inamura let out a small sigh.

“Well, that’s enough for today. Sorry for bothering you when you’re busy.”

“It’s fine, but what did you need?”

“Well, call it a hunch. I just felt like checking in. And when I called, sure enough, you were writing again.”

“You really are persistent…”

Inamura didn’t seem like the type to act on whims, but Yuto let it slide. Kotoha might be calling to discuss the script now.

Yuto exchanged a few more words with Inamura and ended the call.

Immediately, his phone rang again.

Checking the caller ID this time, he answered.

“How was the script?”

He asked as soon as the call connected. There was an air of dissatisfaction from the other end.

“The first thing you say after finally connecting is that? What am I to you, Senpai? Just a convenience?”

“No, you’re my editor.”

After a moment of silence, Kotoha let out a soft giggle.

“You just wanted me to say that, huh.”

“What’s making you so happy?” Yuto sighed.

“N-no, that’s not it! By the way, who were you talking to? I wanted to discuss the script.”

“A friend from middle school.”

“Hmm… was it a girl?”

Kotoha’s tone seemed to cool, but he wasn’t lying.

“What does it matter?”

“Well… it doesn’t, really…”

Kotoha stammered, unusually flustered.

“Let’s talk about the script. We don’t have much time.”

“…Yeah, you’re right.”

Though she sounded a bit discontented, Kotoha seemed to realize now wasn’t the time for such a conversation.

“The points we discussed yesterday were perfectly addressed in the second draft. The story and characters are much better than the first draft. But…”

“But?”

Kotoha paused, choosing her words.

“I’m not entirely sure yet, but we might need more alignment with the drama club.”

“Are the actors and characters not matching?”

Kotoha fell silent, seemingly pondering, which surprised Yuto.

In their meetings, Kotoha had always voiced her opinions clearly. This was the first time she seemed uncertain.

“Maybe… but I’m not confident. After reading it so many times, I might have lost objectivity.”

Kotoha murmured an apology.

“No need to apologize,” Yuto replied.

“But…”

“I get what you’re saying. It’s better than staying silent. If we’re unsure, we can figure it out together. That’s what writers and editors do, right?”

Yuto realized he might’ve spoken out of turn. Kotoha didn’t know he had once been a professional writer.

But on the other end, he heard a soft laugh.

“What?”

“It’s just surprising to see you being considerate, Senpai. I thought it might rain.”

He was relieved she took it that way, and he let out an exaggerated sigh.

“Back to the point, I agree on aligning with the drama club. Ideally, I’d let the manuscript sit and revise with a fresh mind, but we don’t have that luxury. The drama club has only read the first draft, so they’ll have a more objective view of the second draft than you or I.”

Once they decided on that, things moved quickly.

Kotoha messaged Watanabe, the drama club president, explaining the situation. From the next day, Yuto and Kotoha attended the drama club’s readings, direction meetings, and rehearsals.

Before they joined, Kotoha had said,

“Don’t make changes based on the members’ feedback. Focus on observing them.”

She intended to sort through the feedback herself and only keep what was truly necessary.

Yuto was surprised. He had thought aligning meant incorporating their feedback.

“Is this about editorial pride?”

“No,” Kotoha answered immediately. “If we listen to everyone, the work will become ‘safe.’ I know it might sound unconvincing after saying I’m not confident… But I want to see a work written with your unique touch, Senpai. Even if we created a great script based on the drama club’s feedback, that’s not what I want. It’s not just about being good.”

“You sound pretty self-centered as an editor.”

Yuto felt flustered, glad this was over the phone.

“But then again, you’ve always been self-centered, Natsume. I forgot.”

“Isn’t that a bit harsh? When was I ever self-centered?”

“Well, you barged into my classroom demanding I write a novel, showed up at my house unannounced, fell into a rice field, jumped off a bridge into a river…”

“What…?”

“Wait, did you not realize you were being self-centered?”

A silence hung over the line, and then Kotoha cleared her throat theatrically.

“Anyway, you don’t need to worry about anyone. Don’t listen to anyone else’s opinions.”

“Not even yours?”

“If you can’t trust it, discard it. If not having me around helps you create better work, that’s fine.”

“That’s—”

Yuto was about to say it seemed irresponsible but stopped.

He could hear Kotoha’s shaky breathing.

She was supposed to be gaining experience to become a professional editor, seeking out writers. She shouldn’t withdraw now. But Kotoha said it was okay to be discarded. Despite her passion for creation.

“Understood. But I trust you as my editor, Natsume.”

Yuto said, and,

“Okay.”

Kotoha’s genuinely happy voice echoed in his ears.