I really didn’t want to lead Ultra Star astray -
Chapter 20 - Scumbag
Chapter 20 – Scumbag
“If you truly want to thank me, then why not refine the concept of your light novel? I’ve read your work too. If you persevere, getting an anime adaptation won’t be out of reach.”
The arrival of Kirishima Tōka caused Luo Yun to steer the conversation in a new direction.
But those words came from a sincere place.
Becoming a bestselling light novelist was Kasumigaoka Utaha’s dream. He once had the same dream, but was eventually crushed by reality.
So, when he encountered others still chasing their dreams, he offered advice whenever he could.
“Huh? You’re a fan of Love…Metronome too?”
Kasumigaoka Utaha, who had been observing Luo Yun, slightly curled her lips into a smile upon hearing those words, and a look of delight surfaced on her cheeks.
As a writer, it was truly a joy to meet one’s fan.
Even more so when that fan held a special meaning to her.
Her black eyes darted quickly, gaze like water, gathering on Luo Yun.
“It’s quite a good way to pass the time, Kasumi-sensei.”
Luo Yun set down the convenience store bag.
“You’re leagues above a beginner like me.”
Sword Art Online was just something he had transported over—there was none of his own creative input in it.
Before he crossed over, he had only been an amateur hack writer. Hundreds of thousands of words online, barely any subscriptions—a bottom-feeder among bottom-feeders.
So, he truly admired someone like Kasumigaoka Utaha, who had steadfastly pursued her dream.
Of course, certain people like that Ruen guy who freeloaded off others’ game development didn’t count.
But, in this world, that person seemingly didn’t exist.
“Didn’t expect you to read light novels too.”
Sakurajima Mai sized up Luo Yun.
“I’m human too, you know.”
Luo Yun chuckled bitterly.
“Who are you talking to?”
Kasumigaoka Utaha wanted to respond, but sensed that Luo Yun’s words carried a deeper implication.
“Eh? Who’s this beside me?”
Only then did she suddenly notice that a black-haired girl had, at some point, seated herself beside her.
She was very beautiful—and oddly familiar.
“Looks like you’re becoming visible to others.”
Luo Yun remarked.
“How strange… Has the syndrome disappeared? This morning when I came here, people still couldn’t see me.”
Sakurajima Mai also realised something was off.
Unable to find a reason, the girl turned her gaze to Luo Yun, directly facing him.
Her hair fluttered in the breeze, swaying gently. Her expression grew sharp, with a hint of certainty in her eyes.
So it really was because of him.
“Staying close to you was the right choice.”
Sakurajima Mai slowly pushed herself upright. This favourable development gave her hope, and the corners of her lips curved upwards.
If she were still in that bunny suit right now, Luo Yun might already be receiving a face full of foamy cleanser.
To her, those words were merely a way to solve her invisibility issue—but to the two girls nearby, that was clearly not how it sounded.
Kirishima Tōka’s eyes sharpened instantly.
She clearly remembered that the girl with this man during the day was someone else entirely.
Now, there were two more girls around him.
She had thought they were just ordinary friends, but now it seemed there was more to it.
Scumbag. Juggling several women at once.
The thought alone made the free pudding that came with the promotional event feel heavy as she set it down on the table.
“Sir, this is a complimentary pudding from our shop.”
After a moment’s thought, Kirishima Tōka decided she couldn’t just let it slide.
She reminded him, deliberately saying: “By the way, the girl who was with you earlier today—where is she? Our shop is currently offering a couples’ membership card, with a 50% discount.”
Even a fool could hear the malice in her tone.
Rotating through three female companions in one day—it was no wonder Kirishima Tōka couldn’t stand it.
Yet, the truth was far from what she imagined.
“Didn’t expect you to be so popular.”
Kasumigaoka Utaha returned to her usual self.
She wore a gentle smile on her face.
Though, within that smile, there was a certain hard-to-describe undertone.
“Hey, if you’re open to it, how about considering me, Luo Yun-kun?”
Just like Sakurajima Mai, Kasumigaoka Utaha leaned forward slightly, bringing her body closer to Luo Yun, the corners of her lips curving into a dangerous arc.
At the same time, all three girls—each of whom he’d only met once—closed in on him.
But this wasn’t a battlefield of love rivals.
This was just a bunch of girls from different timelines gossiping in the same chatroom.
Kasumigaoka Utaha, in particular, was clearly just stirring the pot. She was only teasing him.
After all, even though he had saved her once, Kasumigaoka Utaha—mature and composed as she appeared—wouldn’t become anyone’s fangirl just because of a single rescue, especially not toward a junior younger than herself.
“It’s getting late—you should all head home now.”
Luo Yun looked out the window. Dusk was beginning to fall.
Night-time on Itogami Island was never peaceful—especially not for girls without the means to defend themselves.
“Hmph! You could at least play along a little.”
Kasumigaoka Utaha let out a dissatisfied little hum.
“And about your situation—I’ll try to come up with something. But my current advice would be: if you ever get the chance to return to the stage, then go for it. You’ve got more than enough ability to prove yourself.”
As their time together drew to an end, Luo Yun figured he should leave her with some encouragement.
What she lacked, in truth, was confidence—and the courage to prove herself.
Upon hearing that, Sakurajima Mai—who had been smiling—sat back down again.
Then, without a word, she stood back up.
“I’m heading off.”
Mai grabbed her bag and stood.
“Oh? Leaving already?”
Kasumigaoka Utaha asked with a smile.
“Right, give me your phone number.”
Clicking back toward him on her heels, Sakurajima Mai asked for Luo Yun’s contact.
Helpless, Luo Yun scribbled it down on a nearby sticky note.
Kirishima Tōka looked confused—why would anyone ask for the contact of a man like that?
Now would’ve been the perfect moment to throw a hot coffee in his face.
But just as the girl was preparing to leave, the door opened.
The short-haired girl responded out of habit: “Welcome. May I—”
Upon seeing who was standing in the doorway, Kirishima Tōka’s expression instantly darkened.
If you find any errors (non-standard content, ads redirect, broken links, etc..), Please let us know so we can fix it as soon as possible.
Report