Don’t Look Back, Megumi Kato [18]

“Izumi-sensei, you’re finally here! I couldn’t get in touch with you at all—I was starting to think something might’ve happened.”

Kagurazaka Ayame sat on the couch, visibly relieved as she looked at Izumi Yuu across from her.

Ever since Yuu submitted his manuscript to their label, the only formal step they’d taken was signing the initial publication contract.

And then… he’d basically vanished.

If he hadn’t shown up today, Ayame had been ready to storm his house in person.

“Sorry. Between juggling a part-time job and taking care of my sister, things have been a little hectic,” Yuu said, offering a slightly apologetic smile.

He glanced at her attire—neatly pressed office-wear, her short chestnut hair framing a sharp, composed face. Every bit the driven career woman. She radiated the aura of a high-functioning, no-nonsense professional.

Yup, definitely the textbook definition of a beautiful workaholic editor.

That had been Yuu’s impression of Kagurazaka Ayame from day one.

“I see. That makes sense. But you don’t have to worry, Izumi-sensei—once this book goes out, you’ll be able to quit that part-time job for good. Then you can devote yourself entirely to writing!”

Ayame’s expression lit up with excitement.

“I managed to secure the largest first print run possible, and I’ve brought in two of our best in-house illustrators to support the release. The entire editorial department has full confidence in you, Izumi-sensei. Some even believe you’ll surpass even Kasumigaoka-sensei in popularity!”

[Looking at the beautiful editor who’s been running around nonstop to support you, your deeply grateful soul knows there’s only one way to repay her properly—offering up your body. And you’re aware she’s single. Having spent your previous life as a tireless workhorse, you now choose to become one for her. It’s a noble trade—for your shining future and in gratitude for her efforts. All you need to prepare is a bottle of blue pills, some wax, a whip, and a luxury “toy ball”…]

Excuse me?! She has… kinks like that?!

Why else would wax and whips be on the checklist?!

No! Focus! This is NOT the time for that!

Yuu mentally shut the narrator up and ignored the obscene train of thought.

“Thank you, really. I appreciate the support—from both you and the director,” Yuu said with a composed expression. “By the way, I heard that Kashiwagi Eiri-sensei wanted to meet me in person to discuss the illustration work?”

Yuu had full confidence that The Hero A Bin would skyrocket him into bestseller status under Dengeki Bunko.

As for Kasumigaoka or that shut-in otaku Aki Tomoya, their “success” only came from narrowly dodging a cancellation. They were still far from true bestsellers.

But that wasn’t his main concern today.

His goal was someone else—Kashiwagi Eiri.

Also known as… Sawamura Eriri.

“That’s right,” Ayame nodded seriously.

“A few days ago, Kashiwagi-sensei mentioned that due to the complexity of the work, she’d prefer to discuss illustration concepts face-to-face. Even with Eromanga-sensei co-illustrating, there’s still a heavy workload. Apparently the two of them are pretty fired up to see who can outdo the other on this project.”

“If you’re willing to meet in person, I’ll send you both illustrators’ contact info.”

“Of course. Please do.” Yuu nodded with a smile.

“I’ll email Kashiwagi-sensei’s contact to you shortly.” Ayame returned the smile.

“If that’s all, I’ll be heading out.” Yuu stood, satisfied—he’d achieved exactly what he came here for.

“Everything else has already been handled. I’ve got other meetings to attend, so I won’t see you off. Take care, Izumi-sensei!” Ayame waved lightly as she stood.

“Until next time.” Yuu waved back and turned to leave the building.

As he stepped out of the elevator, he noticed a familiar small figure standing at the entrance.

It was none other than Yamada Elf.

“Huh? Elf-sensei, you’ve been waiting here this whole time?”

Yuu raised an eyebrow in mild surprise.

Clearly, she’d stayed the entire time while he was upstairs with Ayame.

As he stepped into the elevator, he pressed the button, and—

“Damn right I have! I want to see what makes you so special that Eromanga-sensei chose you!”

Yamada Elf stomped in after him, glaring with barely-contained frustration.

“I assume you heard what Kagurazaka-sensei said just now?” Yuu replied, expression flat as he looked at her like a child who’d just missed the point.

“Eromanga-sensei didn’t even read my manuscript. She saw my pen name and photo and was so taken that she decided to work with me on the spot. Classic love at first sight.”

Yamada Elf turned to look at him, brows knit in frustration. As absurd as his words sounded… given how attractive he was, she couldn’t completely dismiss the possibility.

Still, she refused to back down.

“Hah?! No way! Eromanga-sensei would never fall for someone like you that easily! Her style—her sense of line and mine are soulmates! We’re destined to be the ultimate light novel duo! There’s no way she’d choose you just because of your face! That’s ridiculous!”

“Sure, sure.”

Yuu didn’t bother arguing. Dealing with this kind of girl head-on was more exhausting than worthwhile.

[You look at the girl in front of you and can’t help but laugh. A ‘meeting of souls’? How does that compare to a meeting of bodies? You decide to let her experience firsthand what true collision means. And since the two of you are now in a closed elevator—and everyone in the building has gone home except your editor—you can freely “collide” with her however you like…]

Did you just say “souls are shallow and boring” compared to physical collisions?!

Are you high?!

Though… Yuu did glance over at her finely sculpted features and slim, snow-pale figure.

He had to admit—he might just be starting to agree.

---

T/N: hes already getting corrupted :skull:

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!