Kono Monogatari O Kimi Ni Sasagu - Volume 1 Chapter 2.9

Yuto bit back the words he was about to say. He thought it would be easier if he just told her. Maybe if Kotoha knew about what happened three years ago, she’d give up. But,

“It’s nothing significant.”

Kotoha’s eyebrows furrowed with sadness at Yuto’s reply.

“…You won’t tell me.”

She didn’t press further.

The Ferris wheel descended slowly under the heavy clouds.

***

“Huh? Natsume-san?”

Someone called out as they were silently walking side by side toward the park exit after getting off the Ferris wheel.

Both Yuto and Kotoha turned to see a girl about their age standing there. She wore a short denim skirt and had makeup with well-defined eyeliner, giving off a slightly flashy impression.

“Oh, it is you, Natsume-san.”

“Tanaka-san…”

It seemed Kotoha knew her, but her expression was somewhat gloomy.

Yuto found it surprising. Despite their earlier exchange on the Ferris wheel, Kotoha wasn’t the type to show a sad face to someone else.

“Wow, it’s been a while! You’re better now?”

“Oh, yeah, well…”

“That’s good. We came from Nagoya today too.”

Although she said “that’s good,” there wasn’t much emotion in her voice. Kotoha looked away awkwardly, glancing at Yuto.

Tanaka’s gaze followed, landing on Yuto.

“So, is he your boyfriend?”

“What? No, he’s… just a senpai…”

The “just a senpai” part implied he was more than that, and Tanaka seemed to pick up on it, scrutinizing Yuto.

“Really? I didn’t think you were into romance, Natsume-san. I thought you only cared about books.”

“That’s not true…”

“Isn’t it hard being her boyfriend? Natsume-san used to just read books all the time in middle school.”

Apparently, this Tanaka girl knew Kotoha from middle school.

“He’s not my boyfriend. But, wow, Natsume, you were a bookworm, huh.”

“What? So, you didn’t know? Is she different now than in middle school?”

Yuto’s comment was meant as an observation, but Tanaka interpreted it differently.

“So, you gave up on that, huh.”

“Gave up on what?”

“Becoming a novel editor. Natsume-san used to always say that in middle school. But everyone advised her to give it up because she was so weak. You know, being an editor is tough, with all-nighters and stuff.”

Tanaka seemed quite satisfied with herself, and Yuto felt a faint sense of disgust. The way she spoke about others’ dreams without care and the relief she felt at someone else giving up—whether she realized it or not—struck a chord with him.

Then he looked at Kotoha and saw she was clearly hurt, staring down at nothing with a hardened expression.

Yuto was confused.

Kotoha usually shrugged off such petty remarks, so why did these words from Tanaka hurt her?

To Yuto, Kotoha was a strong, radiant person with an endless reservoir of energy, someone who could easily brush off words like Tanaka’s.

But then he realized.

She had looked sad in the Ferris wheel when Yuto rejected her.

Of course.

She was more sensitive to others’ careless words because he had just hurt her.

“That’s none of your business.”

He found himself speaking. His voice was cold and firm. Kotoha looked at him, eyes wide with surprise.

Tanaka hesitated but quickly countered Yuto.

“H-how is it none of my business? I care about her…”

“That’s just peer pressure. You didn’t like that Natsume, who has less stamina than you, had a clearer goal and was working hard for it. Don’t hide behind ‘everyone.’ It’s your own inferiority complex.”

Maybe it was too late to protect her now.

But he couldn’t just leave it alone.

“Wha…”

“And Natsume becoming a novel editor isn’t just a dream anymore.”

Yuto paused before saying,

“It’s a plan. It’s not a vague dream.”

He wasn’t just saying it to protect Kotoha—it was his genuine belief.

Kotoha had spotted a writer who had given up, inspired him to write a script for a play. Her methods were forceful, but her passion made it possible.

But it wasn’t just passion. Her knowledge and intuitive guidance for creating stories were on par with professional editors. That’s what made the script possible.

“If Natsume gets hands-on editorial experience, she’ll become an excellent editor in a year. She already has that level of talent.”

That was remarkable. Editorial skills are different from writing novels. Considering the readers, shaping the story, analyzing and guiding the manuscript, refining it into a “product,” and figuring out how to deliver it to readers—these are producer skills. It takes a broad knowledge base and perspective, not just an enjoyment of stories or even writing them.

“How do you know that?”

“Because I’m a professional novelist.”

He said it.

Almost impulsively. But he didn’t regret it. He couldn’t bear to hurt anyone again, especially not Kotoha. She looked up at him, mouth agape.

Tanaka was stunned, unable to process that the nondescript boy with Kotoha was a professional writer.

“Yuki, what are you doing?”

A voice called from a distance, and Tanaka seemed relieved as she turned. A group of her friends was watching.

“Oh, sorry, nothing! I’m coming!”

She turned back to Kotoha, looking slightly embarrassed.

“I didn’t mean to… well…”

Tanaka started to speak but stopped.

She looked down, thought for a moment, then looked at Kotoha again.

“No, he’s right. I probably did feel some relief thinking you had given up. I’m sorry…”

Kotoha stared back at her, somewhat dazed.

“Tanaka-san…”

“Sorry for making you feel bad. See you.”

Tanaka began to walk away.

“Ah.”

Kotoha’s voice made Tanaka stop.

“…What?”

Hesitating, Kotoha looked determined as she spoke.

“I will publish a book someday. I’ll be the editor. When that happens, I’ll let you know. Please read it.”

Tanaka widened her eyes in surprise, then glanced at Yuto before nodding slightly.

“…Alright. See you.”

Tanaka took a few steps, then turned back.

“I’ll look forward to it.”

Kotoha raised her eyebrows in surprise but quickly smiled and nodded. Tanaka scratched her cheek, blushing, and walked back to her friends.

“…Senpai.”

tln : nah i’d win moment