Don’t Look Back, Megumi Kato [21]

Tokyo
Rokutenma Mall
Café

A blonde, twin-tailed girl sat by the window, a laptop open in front of her. On the screen was a chat box.

At the top, the contact’s nickname stood out clearly—Aki Tomoya.

Tomoya’s avatar jumped, a message popping up.

[Huh?! Eriri, you’re actually going to meet an online friend you’ve never even seen before?!]

Sawamura Spencer Eriri shook her head and rapidly typed out a line.

[Strictly speaking, he’s not exactly an online friend, more like the author whose novel illustrations I’m drawing]

[Even so, meeting a stranger you know nothing about is still dangerous! What if he turns out to be a creep?]

[It’s not like we’re doing anything sketchy. We’re meeting in a mall café, surrounded by people. What could possibly happen?]

[It’s still dangerous! Meeting up with a total stranger on a whim—just thinking about it creeps me out!]

A hint of annoyance flashed across Eriri’s face, as if recalling something deeply irritating.

[Didn’t you do the exact same thing, meeting someone as an online friend not too long ago? Why wasn’t she worried about danger then?]

[That’s totally different! Kasumigaoka-senpai and I had been in contact for ages as reader and author before we ever met!]

[Well, Izumi-sensei and I are also author and illustrator, aren’t we? But wow, the things they write are really blush-inducing...]

As Eriri typed, her cheeks flushed a little—whether out of embarrassment or excitement, even she couldn’t tell.

[Izumi-sensei?! Wait, they have the same surname as that guy?!]

Tomoya’s reaction was instant, clearly rattled.

[Probably not the same person. Come to think of it, I never paid attention to their pen name. But with writing that polished and stories that… explicit, there’s no way it’s a high school student.]

Resting her chin on her hand, Eriri typed out her thoughts.

[Huh?! That makes it even sketchier! What if it’s some greasy, pervy old man who gets ideas once he finds out you’re a high school girl?!]

[Okay, okay! Tomoya, enough already! If you’re so worried they’re dangerous, why don’t you come check yourself? Also, why do you care so much about my safety anyway?]

Flicking her twin tails in irritation, Eriri’s reply was sharp—though a faint smugness flickered in her heart.

He’s so worried about my safety… is it because he actually cares?

After sending the message, a sliver of hope shimmered in Eriri’s sapphire-blue eyes as she stared at the chat window.

She watched as the “typing” indicator appeared under his name—then, after a moment, it switched to “online.” A little later, it showed “typing” again, but once more returned to “online.” This cycle repeated several times before a new line finally popped up.

[But… I’ve got some really important things I can’t get out of right now. And anyway, we’re childhood friends, and we’re both in the same club—I’m obviously going to worry about your safety! Either way, if anything does happen, make sure to contact me right away, okay?]

[I’m not in the mood to chat! Go deal with your “important things!”]

Seeing Tomoya’s reply, Eriri’s pale, delicate face clouded with anger, her eyes glinting with disappointment. She hammered out a response and slammed the chat window shut.

“Tomoya, you idiot!” Eriri muttered, thoroughly vexed. Her good mood had soured.

So it’s just because we’re childhood friends? Because we’re in the same club? Her gaze dimmed, a heaviness settling in her chest. All he ever talks about is the club—is it really that important? Is making some ‘amazing’ otaku game really the only thing that matters to him?!

And… he’s probably going on a date, right? I heard he’s out gathering reference material with Kato-san.

The thought that Tomoya considered research with Megumi Kato more important than her own safety left Eriri feeling deeply let down.

A chill draft from the café’s air conditioning swept over her, cold as midwinter.

She reflexively shrank into herself.

Speaking of which… I wonder what kind of person Izumi-sensei actually is. With such delicate, romantic prose—even when writing those racy scenes, it all feels so innocent and warm. There’s no way someone like that could be some sleazy old creep, right? Trying to shift her mood, Eriri couldn’t help looking forward to the meeting.

After reading “The Hero Abin” from Dengeki Bunko, Eriri had been completely swept away by Izumi-sensei’s writing—even forgetting that her own sworn rival was also a Dengeki author. Without hesitation, she’d volunteered to illustrate the novel.

Unfortunately, between her other doujin work and club activities, Eriri could only handle part of the illustration load—the rest was passed to another artist.

Normally, a light novel only had one illustrator.

Even bestselling titles rarely had two artists working together.

...

Eriri opened the chat window and typed a quick message.

[Izumi-sensei, are you here yet? The meeting time’s almost up!]

[On my way—almost there!]

The reply came back instantly.

[I’m by the window in the café. Blonde hair—the prettiest girl here, that’s me!]

Eriri wrote, not even bothering to hide her pride.

[Who’d ever guess that the famous doujin illustrator is actually a genius, beautiful high school girl?]

Eriri could already picture the look of shock on their face when they saw her—she couldn’t wait!

[Got it! By the way, sensei… you’re not one of those delinquent gyaru types, are you?]

[Excuse me?! My blonde hair is 100% natural, okay? I’m not some cheap-dye delinquent! Do you have any idea what it means to be a real half-blood?]

[Hahaha, just kidding! Of course, I know all about the one and only genius, beautiful illustrator, Sensei. I’m really looking forward to meeting you. See you soon!]

Seeing such a quick and playful reply, Eriri’s irritation faded a little.

As long as I don’t think about that idiot Tomoya, my good mood’s safe!

Hehe~ Once Izumi-sensei sees me, they’ll be so blown away by my genius and fall for my charm—no question! Puffing up her modest but proud chest, Eriri thought with supreme confidence.

Seconds and minutes ticked by as Eriri waited, bored out of her mind.

Just as the meeting time approached, she caught sight of a tall, vaguely familiar figure in casual light-colored clothes passing the window, heading straight for the café door.

That guy looks familiar… Didn’t I just see him yesterday?

No way. Impossible!

A ridiculous thought flashed through Eriri’s mind.

“Nice to meet you, I’m Izumi Yuu. You must be Sensei, right?” A gentle, pleasant voice spoke from behind her.

Mechanically, Eriri turned her head—and her mind simply short-circuited.

No, no, no, no, no! It really is him?!

Staring at the handsome boy’s face, Eriri felt as if her whole world went dark.

[Looking at the girl in front of you—seemingly broken by shock—an evil idea occurs to you. You could totally use the fact that she’s an R18 doujin artist as leverage. If you say, “Eriri-sensei, you wouldn’t want everyone at school to find out you’re Eriri Kashiwagi, would you?”… Absolute checkmate! With that, she’d be at your mercy.]

As the mischievous narrator’s voice echoed in his head, Izumi Yuu couldn’t help but fall deep in thought.

How many days do I have left before this damn meta narrator gets me in trouble?

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This is a fan translation of 加藤惠别回头，我是伦也君 by 故人归 All rights to the original work belong to the creator. Please support them by exploring their original work or sharing it with others if you can. Thank you for reading and supporting my efforts to bring this story to a wider audience!